airdrielife fall 2017

FALL 2017

A dancer, a singer

& a filmmaker: Ones to Watch

CENTRE STAGE LOCAL THEATRE

IS THRIVING!

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Life FALL 2017 | airdrielife.com

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PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Sherry Shaw-Froggatt

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Vanessa Peterelli

DESIGN DIRECTOR

Kim Williams

CONTRIBUTORS

Sergei Belski, Matt Carre, Sara Chamberlain, Ayesha Clough, Charlene Codio, Raphael Codio, Kim Crisanti, Naomi Keane, Sara Lester-Vanderheide, Cat Nantel, Vanessa Peterelli, Kim Purvis, Kristy Reimer, Jolene Rudisuela, Kent Rupert, Claudia Sasse, Sherry Shaw-Froggatt, Dawn Smith, Christa Temple, Mario Toneguzzi, Wyatt Tremblay, Meghan West, Kathryn Zondag Stock images by iStock/Getty Images

SALES DIRECTOR

Wendy Pratt

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

CONTACT US

Sharie Tanner

PRINTING Transcontinental

EDITORIAL sherry@frogmediainc.ca ADVERTISING wendy@frogmediainc.ca

WHERE TO FIND US airdrielife is also available at more than 100 locations around the city. You can also find airdrielife in every showhome in the city, CrossIron Mills 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 14, NUMBER 3 | ISSN 1916-355X

Contents copyright 2017 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.

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 sherry@frogmediainc.ca

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airdrielife.com | FALL 2017

Contributors Sergei Belski “I love my job and any time I get to spend with my camera taking photographs is great! One of my favourite photo shoots for this issue was when I got to photograph Chris Reid. It was great to hang out a bit with a creative videographer and try to capture some interesting images.”

Cat Nantel Cat is a freelance writer and marketing and public relations specialist. “I love the opportunity freelance writing provides to meet people I might never encounter in my everyday life! I enjoy learning about their interests, how they got where they are and helping them share their story,” says Cat. “My farm-to-table article this issue allowed me to meet numerous restaurant owners and producers, and was a great reminder of the passionate people and hard work that go into feeding us all.”

Kristy Reimer Kristy loves working with individuals or corporate marketing departments to achieve the visual impact needed for advertising. A freelance photographer since 2003 with a bachelor of fine arts in photography, Kristy specializes in studio or onsite headshots, commercial photography for business websites, magazine editorials, and corporate events. “I loved photographing Wendy Bates-Wiebe’s yard because it was so inspiring. ‘The Shed’ wine bar is such a unique element, focal point and conversation starter!” says Kristy. “Also, the yard is set up so well for connecting with friends. From the privacy of an enclosed gazebo with a gas fire pit, to a dining table for dinner, sitting on the high stools at The Shed bar, or the large seating area around the wood fire pit, great outdoor memories are made.”

Dawn Smith Dawn is a writer, communicator and former editor who has been telling the stories of Airdrians for nearly a decade. Dawn’s connection to the community is strong: she and her husband have raised their two children in Airdrie for the past 17 years. In this issue, Dawn was thrilled to learn more about getting her garden ready for the winter from Rosa West, the president of the Airdrie Horticultural Society and an avid gardener.

West’s Airdrie garden, which is chock-full of Dawn’s favourite flowers, roses, was an inspiration.

Mario Toneguzzi Mario has worked as a full-time journalist in the daily newspaper industry for 38 years – 35 of them with the Calgary Herald. During his career, he has been a writer, a columnist and an editor. He has written about business, sports, health, crime, politics, faith and breaking news. He has also been a freelance writer for a number of publications locally and nationally. “The recession of 2015-2016 hit Albertans and companies quite hard. Many businesses were forced to close. So I found it quite interesting and inspiring to speak with Ron Patterson, of Spira Systems, which chose the recession as an opportunistic time to start their business,” says Mario. “The reasons made sense and now the company is a successful one with growth and expansion on its horizon.”

Wyatt Tremblay “A lifetime ago, I attended elementary school in Waterton, where I was encouraged by my Grade 6 teacher to become a storyteller, something I have done my entire life in art and word,” says Wyatt. “Teachers can have that kind of impact. Here in Airdrie, a handful of W.H Croxford High School teachers imagined that learning could be different. Thinking outside traditional lines, where students ‘jump through hoops until they leave,’ they’ve fashioned a Fine Arts Academy where youthful creativity is mentored and guided towards a career beyond school. One can only imagine the impact these teachers will have.”

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T

editor’s note

his issue is exploding with arts and culture. The Bert Church Theatre has more than 30 shows booked this season; Airdrie has two very active community theatre groups; a local film festival; a major songwriting competition; a full slate of activities at our library; AND we celebrate Alberta Culture Days with the return of a full 23 days of arts activities with ARTember!

At airdrielife we talk about culture as how it permeates all aspects of our lives; how we dress, what we eat, how we decorate our homes and offices, our streetscapes, our parks, how we spend our free time, the classes and courses and hobbies we take up and even the careers we pursue.

A sign of a city with a maturing sense of culture is one with plenty of spaces and opportunities for creative industries to flourish and I am not just talking about theatres and libraries, but independent restaurants, coffee shops, studios and funky retail shops.

I am very excited that our first pop-up art gallery and market opens for October/November featuring the artists of the Airdrie Regional Arts Society.

The local cultural industry is more than paints and brushes as you will discover in this issue. Celebrate our up-and-coming citizens who are making the arts their vocation in Ones to Watch and learn more about farm-to-table goodness. Watch for a special feature on Airdrie’s flourishing writing scene in our winter issue.

I have had the privilege of sitting on the steering committee for the City of Airdrie Cultural Master Plan. At some point all of the information we have culled, reviewed, discussed and debated will be presented to the community for their input and then to council with our recommendations. It is my deepest wish that we stop talking about arts and culture and start DOING. If we continue at our growth rate we will be a city of more than 100,000 by 2027. We need to start acting like that city, not only on the arts front but across the entire spectrum of needs for a city that size.

This summer we launched the Anne Beaty Memorial Scholarship for Journalism and Communications. We are pleased to celebrate Anne’s legacy through this opportunity for students pursuing post-secondary education and encourage those planning to or currently attending to apply for the $1,000 scholarship before Sept. 30 at airdrielife.com Special thanks to Airdrie artist Erin Brekke Conn for creating our cover – a celebration of our arts scene taking centre stage.

Where it should be.

Sherry Shaw-Froggatt Editor and Publisher

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airdrielife.com | FALL 2017

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24 SLICE OF LIFE 24 Throwing Clay 26 Music Man

On the Cover Airdrie artist Erin Brekke Conn was commissioned to create this original work of art to celebrate our arts and culture issue. With so many live performances bursting onto the calendar this year, we thought this cover would (ahem) set the stage for a great issue!

See more of Erin’s work at airdrielife.com PHOTO BY KRISTY REIMER

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30 Setting the Stage 32 Fall Trends 34 ARTember 36 Fall Calendar 40 Farm to Table 42 Vinelife 44 TASTE Airdrie 46 In the Kitchen 48 Healthylife 50 Parentlife 52 Petlife

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HOME LIFE 62 Backyard Bliss 66 Make it Midtown 68 McKee Magic 70 Showhomes 72 Gardenlife 74 Designlife 77 Homelife

WORK LIFE 80 Businesslife 81 Global Spin 83 Stitching Sisters 86 Creative Industry 88 Smart Starts 94 Financiallife

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LOCAL LIFE 98 BCT Q&A 102 Ones to Watch 105 Dance Ambitions 106 School of Arts 108 Collaboration 110 40 Years of Caring 112 Family First 114 4-H Memories

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he staff at West Airdrie Dental aim to improve their patients’ quality of life and confidence with dental implants.

Implants have several applications, which include securing and stabilizing loose dentures without the use of adhesives, and replacing single or multiple missing teeth.

Advantages of implants over other toothreplacement options are improved appearance (dental implants look and feel like your own teeth), improved comfort, easier eating, improved confidence and longevity. In many cases implants last a lifetime.

West Airdrie Dental’s Dr. Justin Bhullar enjoys restoring people’s freedom to eat their favourite meals and smile boldly!

“It helps improve confidence,” says Bhullar. “It’s the most natural tooth replacement option that exists out there. No one would be able to tell the difference between that and their natural teeth.

“Many of our patients that have dentures tell us they wish they got implants years ago. It would have saved them from embarrassing moments when the dentures came loose at a party or dinner with friends. They could eat the foods they enjoy, like corn on the cob or steak, and they could finally stop using those annoying adhesives to glue their dentures in.”

Dental implants also help improve speech for those that are missing multiple front teeth or currently wearing dentures. Implants become a part of your jaw and mouth, so they won’t slide around causing wet, slippery speech.

There are many reasons why a tooth can be lost: decay (cavities), periodontal disease (bone loss in the mouth) or trauma (accident or injury). Regardless of the reason for tooth loss, it is important to replace the missing tooth after it is lost to prevent complications associated with tooth loss. Some of the problems include further bone loss, jaw joint issues or sunken cheeks (appearance of early aging).

Bhullar says a client’s journey starts with a free initial assessment to understand their concern and assess if the person is a good candidate for dental implants.

“The principal objective is to determine what they want and reverse-engineer the process to develop a roadmap to get them to their goal,” he says.

One of West Airdrie Dental’s many satisfied patients wrote a review on Google after he had three dental implants installed.

“They were done so well; painlessly and in a most time-efficient manner,” said the patient. “At all times I was kept informed on the surgical procedures to be performed by the highly skilled dentist … I’m already looking forward to my future visit with the hygienist.”

If you are considering implants to replace a bad tooth, secure your dentures or to fill in the empty spot in your smile, contact the West Airdrie office for a free consultation by calling (587) 600-2127.

West Airdrie Dental is also hosting a free seminar at their office in November at 5103, 35 MacKenzie Way SW. The one-hour evening event with snacks and beverages will further explain what implants are, their benefits and how the process works.

“It’s going to be an open discussion for them to ask any questions they have on the topic,” says Bhullar, who will lead the presentation.

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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

24 Throwing Clay • 26 Making Tracks • 40 Farm to Table

SLICE OF LIFE ARTIST PROFILE

All fired up

STORY BY AYESHA CLOUGH | PHOTOS BY SERGEI BELSKI

Form meets function in Kelly Proulx’s pottery studio

I

t’s beautiful and sunny out, but Airdrie potter Kelly Proulx is hidden away in her basement, putting the finishing touches on her latest teapot. It’s like something you’d find in a Disney movie – the pot itself is diamond-shaped, with diamond quilting on the outside, and spots all the way up the spout.

It may be funky and fanciful, but it’s also useful – and that’s important to Proulx.

“I make work that uses a lot of texture and pattern, that’s functional and beautiful; something you can use on a day-to-day basis – not something’s that’s going to get put away in a cupboard somewhere and never seen,” says Proulx, the creative force behind Airdrie’s Shining Studio Pottery.

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There was never any doubt for the Calgary-born artist that she would work in the arts. As a child, she remembers her father, an engineer, handcrafting his fly fishing rods. And her mother loved to crochet. Her own love affair with clay started some 20 years ago when she was a student at Alberta College of Art and Design (ACAD).

But it was her love affair with another artist, wood carver Eric Proulx, that drew the couple to Airdrie 10 years ago, when their young family outgrew their two-bedroom condo in Bridgeland.

Since then, she’s spent hours in the basement of their home in Meadowbrook, carving, sculpting, wheel-throwing and hand-building beautiful pieces out of clay.

“For me, it always comes back to the clay,” Kelly says. “Being able to take it from the earth in its soft state, sculpt it with your hands, make something that’s usable, and then through the heating process, you’re making it permanent and functional.”

She used to hand-carve everything at first, but transitioned into making stamps, texture plates and templates.

“That opened up a whole new world for me with different designs,” says the potter.

Nature is her greatest inspiration. Kelly is an avid gardener, hiker and camper, who loves spending time outdoors with Eric and their two children.

She divides her time between her home studio, teaching at the Airdrie Koinonia Christian School, and Eric’s store, Truecraft Furniture Finishing on East Lake Boulevard. It is here that Kelly has set up her pottery wheel and perhaps her most prized possession, a Skutt kiln, where the magic happens and the clay transforms into ceramics, and the glazes fire into life.

Proulx started out working with terracotta, but soon switched to a white-bodied porcelain clay from Medicine Hat, called M370, to allow her glazes to pop.

“It was like night and day.”

Her work now features four signature “colour stories” – blue-green, orange-red, smoke and wrought iron, and a denim-birch that shows up as light blue and tan.

“This is a whole world of chemistry in and of itself,” she laughs. “It’s sampling things and trying out different combinations. It’s not something you pick up overnight.”

Kelly’s top-selling item is a French butter bell, which flies off the shelves at craft shows and festivals in Airdrie and Calgary. Spring and fall are her busiest times, with many of her pieces ending up under the Christmas tree in homes across Alberta.

She’s now turning her efforts to sets – whether it’s a tea service, or plates and bowls with matching serving trays.

“One idea is always leading into another. It just continues to grow, so you’re never done. There’s always more to learn.”

It’s this endless possibility and gentle connection to the earth that fires this local artist’s passion for pottery. life Kelly Proulx will be teaching a class at Airdrie Public Library Sept. 16. She also offers group and private lessons. Visit shiningstudiopottery.weebly.com

“One idea is always leading into another. It just continues to grow, so you’re never done. There’s always more to learn.”

FALL 2017 | airdrielife.com

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SLICE OF LIFE MUSICIAN PROFILE

IN THE

STORY BY SARA LESTER-VANDERHEIDE PHOTOS BY SERGEI BELSKI

KEY OF B

Anthony Burbidge shares his love of music 26

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A

nthony Burbidge is an awardwinning singer and songwriter who has been teaching in Airdrie since 2010.

“I have been teaching on and off since the early 2000s,” says Burbidge. “I’m hoping to give the music education that I never got and the experiences I always longed for.”

His students are fortunate indeed. The musical trailblazer, who originally hails from Nova Scotia, first began making music as an 11-year-old in his small town band program. At the time, not everyone was impressed by his musicality.

SLICE OF LIFE MUSICIAN PROFILE

“I’m teaching music, but I am also hoping I am teaching the kids to be better people” “I played for one year in band, and at the end of that year my music teacher had my mother and I come in for a sit-down in his office.”

“He said, ‘Mrs. Burbidge and Anthony, I have been watching you play over the past year, and I think, to be honest, music isn’t your thing.’”

“In my 11-year-old mind, I heard this adult saying you’re not good enough and you can’t do this,” he says.

“And nobody was going to tell me I couldn’t.”

Burbidge continued with a variety of classical music lessons, but it was in his teenage years that he discovered his love for popular music, and learning to play by ear, rather than reading music from the page.

Burbidge attended Mount Allison University in Sackville, N.B., where he found his talent in the recording studio. By the time 1993 rolled around, he had recorded his first CD. Among his distinctions, Burbidge received an honourable mention in the 17th Annual Billboard World Song Contest, is a 2009 Indie International Songwriting Contest winner, and a Positive Music Award nominee.

In February of this year, he became a Positive Music Award Music Video of the Year winner for his song Us and Them.

These days, Burbidge’s focus is on teaching, hoping to inspire the next generation of musicians. “In the beginning, I thought I would run [Airdrie Music Lessons] part time, but when my daughter was born my focus changed.”

“When I said yes to teaching, one thing led to another, and my small group has been growing,” he says. “I didn’t want to turn it into a business, but it turned out to be my thing.”

Airdrie Music Lessons is located at Burbidge’s home music studio.

“I’ve had a recording studio in one form or another since 2005. Twoand-a-half years ago we moved to our current home in Baysprings, and I built a new studio.”

Before Burbidge starts with his formal lessons, which run from September through to June, he hosts ‘meet and greet’ sessions.

“It’s a chance for the parents to see ‘what is his teaching style,’ ‘how is he relating to my kid,’ and ‘how is my child relating to him.’”

“It’s also my chance to observe the child and see if this is something that they want to do.”

Once the students pick between singing, guitar, piano and rock band classes, that’s when the fun begins.

In the fall each of Burbidge’s students receives a binder, and through the months sheet music is added to their repertoire.

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Each lesson is taught in a small group, with students ranging from age six to 70. Two concerts are put on, one in January and one in June, for the parents to see their child’s progress.

“They play with me, they play on their own and they play together,” he says. “There is this whole circle of creativity going on, and I find students’ progress much faster in a group than when I used to teach one on one, or even during my education.”

Another way Burbidge’s methods differ is in the way he teaches music.

“When I teach piano, for instance, I don’t teach just learning how to play the notes on the page.

“The kids are learning how to play chords and how to make up an accompaniment to go with the melody.”

One thing Burbidge notices of his repeat students is that once they are confident in their particular musical field, they tend to branch out to other things.

“It’s interesting to watch these kids over the months and years develop into wanting to take different classes.

“What I love is when kids have the commitment and passion to gather the skills and do rock band classes,” he says.

“It’s a dream for a lot of teenagers to be in a band.”

The classes themselves typically run for about an hour and at the end of each class a practice video is created for the following week.

The video is ‘produced’ by the student who shows the most progression from the week before.

Then, the videos are put on YouTube for the students to use during their 15 minutes of practice a day.

“Music can teach them so much in terms of goal setting, work ethic and persistence,” says Burbidge.

“I’m teaching music, but I am also hoping I am teaching the kids to be better people.”

As for those who think they could never make it as a musician, Burbidge has some advice.

“I don’t think anybody is hopeless.”

“There is technically something called being tone deaf, but a lot of it is psychological and once they get over it nine out of 10 people can hit that note,” he explains.

“The one thing that has the power to make us better at anything in life is practice.” life

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SLICE OF LIFE SET TING THE STAGE

ROLE CALL PHOTO BY SERGEI BELSKI

TORCHLIGHT THEATRE SEPT. 30 SH-EH-KSPEARE: A CANADIAN FOLLY Nose Creek Park Written by local playwright Kim Cheel, this is the story of an eager director looking to hoser up the bard in honour of Canada’s 150 birthday. The one-act play is being performed as part of Alberta Art & Culture Days.

NOV. 9-11 NOT ON THIS NIGHT Airdrie Victory Church It’s Christmas Eve 1944 when three very different worlds collide. Can determination and goodwill prevent a tragic end?

LEFT TO RIGHT: CHELSEA RESTALL Torchlight Theatre Artistic Director (Producer, Actor, Writer)

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AMANDA FROST Nose Creek Players Secretary, Set Designer, Actor

airdrielife.com | FALL 2017

DEC. 7- 9 ONE WINTER’S NIGHT Airdrie Victory Church An evening of Christmas tales to remind us of the reason for the season. Featuring two one-act plays sure to have you smiling.

MARCH 15-17 THE MOUSETRAP Airdrie Victory Church One of theatre’s longest-running plays, The Mousetrap is the story of a group of strangers trapped in a blizzard at a newly opened boarding house and one of them is a murderer. With the help of a clever young detective, will they figure out the murderer’s identity in time?

WARREN JONES Nose Creek Players & Torchlight Theatre For TLT: Actor, Stage Manager, Carpenter, Backstage For NCP: Member at Large, Actor, Stage Manager, Carpenter

MANDI FUSARO-SMITH Nose Creek Players & Torchlight Theatre For TLT: Actress, Head of Props, Backstage For NCP: Vice President, Director, Actor

MAY 3-5 THE SECRET GARDEN Airdrie Victory Church A young orphan girl, Mary, arrives at the home of her uncle, left bitter by the loss of his wife. Left to her own devices, Mary soon discovers there are many secrets to this new home of hers.

JULY 18-21 MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING Nose Creek Amphitheatre Young lovers Hero and Claudio, soon to wed, conspire to get verbal sparring partners and confirmed singles Benedick and Beatrice to wed as well. This is the first in a new series Torchlight is offering called “Shakespeare on the Nose,” and will be performed in Nose Creek Park.

ROBIN MCKITTRICK Nose Creek Players President, Director, Actor

KIM CHEEL Kim Cheel Creations & Torchlight Theatre For TLT: Director for TLT’s SPARK Youth Program, Stage Manager, Actor, Writer For KCC: Writer, Producer, Actor

We gathered some of Airdrie’s most prolific stage performers and directors for a photo shoot to celebrate the city’s growing live theatre scene. Both Torchlight Theatre and Nose Creek Players have a healthy roster of shows for the 2017-2018 season.

(all shows at Bert Church Live Theatre) OCT. 26-27 CALENDAR GIRLS The news of a charitable venture of women in a small English village posing nude for an “alternative calendar” spreads like wildfire and everyone has to deal with the newfound fame.

FEB. 10 AIRDRIE ONE-ACT PLAY FESTIVAL Established in 2013, the Airdrie Original One-Act Play Festival is the community theatre festival for playwrights and actors where people perform both one-act plays that are original as well as previously published plays. All plays will be reviewed by a panel of adjudicators.

​​

AVA FERGUSON Torchlight Theatre’s SPARK Youth Program Actress & Student

MIRANDA PETERS Nose Creek Players Treasurer, Actress

WYATT PETKAU Torchlight Theatre’s SPARK Youth Program Actor & Student

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MAY 24-26 JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH The story of Roald Dahl’s classic tale is faithfully told by James himself and the insect characters – Miss Spider, Old-GreenGrasshopper, Centipede, Ladybird and Earthworm. The play begins at the end of the story, when James and his friends are living in the giant peach stone in Central Park, NY. ​

LOGAN KRAHN Torchlight Theatre’s SPARK Youth Program Actor & Student

COLTEN PETKAU Torchlight Theatre’s SPARK Youth Program Actor & Student

CHELSEA MORRELL Torchlight Theatre’s SPARK Youth Program Actor & Student

Costumes from prior-season shows: Robin Hood with the SPARK program (Torchlight Theatre), Reign of Power with Kim Cheel Creations/Torchlight and Haphazardly Ever After with Nose Creek Players

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NOSE CREEK PLAYERS

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SLICE OF LIFE FASHION Leather jacket: Goldie $175 Top: Soaked $89 Jeans: E.D.C $70 Purse: High Fashion $189.99 Hat: Simi $20

Dress: Frank Lyman $235 Clutch: Sondra Roberts $119.90 Shoes: Kiss Kiss $100

M “Put down your pumpkinspice lattes and pick up a pen because this year, fall fashion has a lot to offer”

Fall in love with fresh looks

STORY BY LAUREN BECHARD, AMY LEONARD AND BRANDON CHAISSON

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ost Airdrians, and Canadians in general, want to hang on to every last drop of summer. The last things on everyone’s mind are changing leaves, darker skies and chilly weather. On the bright side, though, these mean that fall fashion is in full swing! We’re going to take a look at the hottest fall 2017 trends and must-haves, to help you fall for fall in every way, shape and form. So put down your pumpkin-spice lattes and pick up a pen because this year, fall fashion has a lot to offer.

This season, you will be seeing red everywhere.

Whether it’s in your makeup palette or in your wardrobe, red is the official colour of fall. However, if the colour red isn’t really for you, don’t fret. Jewel tones in rich plums and emeralds are going to be in abundance in the form of velvets and dark romantic florals.

If casual style is calling your name, great news. Denim is BACK and it’s bringing friends. Embroidered denim is taking the streets in the form of jackets, pants and skirts.

Most of what you will see plays off of the floral trend with a Beauty-and-the-Beast inspired rose. Classic denim is also a great option when paired with neutral plaids or a contrasting leather.

When it comes to outerwear, the thought of pulling out that 10-year-old puffy parka is enough to make everyone want to pack up and move to Hawaii tomorrow.

But don’t donate that old parka just yet. Oversized jackets are making a comeback in a huge way. Just be sure to balance out the over-exaggerated top half with a more fitted, sleek bottom half, like a cute pair of leather pants.

The best part about the oversized trend is that this jacket will carry you seamlessly into winter without a second thought. If the weather decides to come in like a lamb, a classic trench coat is a staple piece everyone should have in all shapes and styles. life Lauren Bechard, Amy Leonard and Brandon Chaisson are fashion experts at The Store Upstairs

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Sept. 9 - 23, 2017 City-wide celebration of Arts & Culture AIRDRIE PUBLIC LIBRARY:

AIRDRIE & DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY:

SEPT. 23 ART OF THE HARVEST Airdrie Ag Park The Airdrie and District Agricultural Society (ADAS) is proud to host this annual harvest event. Horse teams and vintage equipment will be used to harvest the grain planted in spring. This informational demo and event offers something for the very small to the very tall, from the city dweller to those with rural roots. Located 3 kilometres west of Airdrie on Big Hill Springs Road. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Weather dependent – check website before event.

AIRDRIE FILM SOCIETY:

SEPT. 23 1st ANNUAL AIRDRIE FILM FESTIVAL Town and Country Centre The newly formed Airdrie Film Society is excited to present their Canadian-themed Airdrie Film Festival, which features family friendly fares in the afternoon and an Airdrie Film Festival After Dark, which will include a cash bar and snacks for patrons.

AIRDRIE FOOD BANK:

SEPT. 23 11th Annual Empty Bowls Arts Festival Fun for the whole family! Enjoy a free soup lunch, music, pottery demos, kid’s activities, silent auction and more. Pottery bowls available for a suggested $20 donation. All proceeds support Airdrie Food Bank. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. emptybowlsairdrie.com

ART IN THE LIBRARY SEPT. 5-OCT. 31 In the Mainspace: Colour Radiance, Bev Kelly In this vivid collection, Airdrie-based artist Kelly presents whimsical women, birds and wildlife of Alberta. By blending natural forms with illustrative and abstracted design, Kelly captures her personal memories of travel, adventure, people and places.

Her consistent use of vibrant colour and texture are inspired by the beauty of the natural world around her.

In The Den: Starting Points - Photography by W.H. Croxford High School Students Students represent Airdrie youth by sharing their unique perspectives through photography.

In the McCall Room: Voice & Vision 2017: A Collaborative Project - Inspirations In May 2017, 14 visual artists were randomly paired up with 14 writers, each submitting a piece of work to inspire the other. Over the summer, participants created a piece in response to the artwork or writing they were given, all to be unveiled and read at the final event on Oct. 1. This exhibit displays the initial inspirations.

SEPT. 16 HAND-BUILDING WITH CLAY: PRESS-MOLD TURTLES WITH KELLY PROULX ACAD graduate and local artist and educator Kelly Proulx teaches students how to hand-build with clay.

Two classes; one for juniors, one for adults.

Junior Artists (1-2:30 p.m.)

Ages 8-12; $4 materials fee; APL membership required, register in advance at the library. Limited to 15 participants.

Adult Artists (3-4:30 p.m.)

Teens also welcome! $4 materials fee; APL membership required; register in advance at the library.

Limited to 15 participants.

SEPT. 20 WRITER’S WORKSHOP: HOW TO FIND YOUR AUTHOR VOICE WITH AUTHOR NANCY MARIE BELL Join local established author Nancy Marie Bell for a free workshop on how to find your own unique writing voice. For beginner and established writers alike!

7-8 p.m. RSVP online at airdriepubliclibrary.ca SEPT. 28 THUNDERING NATIONS PERFORMANCES APL presents authentic First Nations dancers for three upbeat, interactive performances. 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. Free

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SEPT. 29 TWEEN ZONE: HOW TO MAKE ZINES FOR TWEENS Learn how to make your own zines! Create an original tiny magazine and photocopy it to share and distribute. Be a part of the zine world of artists, writers and activists and share your unique voice!

Ages 8-12. 3-4 p.m. Free SEPT. 29 TEEN ARTISTS: BE A PART OF PUBLIC ART WITH LIA GOLEMBA Join APL in a public art project! Learn about creating public art installations and paint your own work of art to be included in an outdoor group public art project. Ages 13-18. Register in advance at the library. Limited to 15 participants. $4 materials fee; APL membership required (free for teens). 6-8 p.m.

SEPT. 30 APL AUTHOR SERIES: FEATURING GARRY RYAN AND TANNER JAMES An evening of celebrating the arts! Featuring an author reading and intimate discussion with Calgary-based mystery novelist Garry Ryan, a live performance by travelling Alberta musician and Canadian storyteller Tanner James, refreshments, and a prize draw. 7-9 p.m. Free. RSVP online at airdriepubliclibrary.ca OCT. 1 VOICE & VISION 2017: AN EVENT CELEBRATING INSPIRATION AND COLLABORATION An annual collaborative project in which local visual artists and writers exchange work in the name of inspiration. Join APL in celebrating and sharing the conclusion of this project through readings of the written work, unveiling of the visual artwork, intimate discussions with the project creatives, and interactive activities designed to inspire your own voice and vision. Featuring live music by blues-rock artist Mitch Belot, refreshments and a prize draw.

6:30-9 p.m. Free. The Response artwork and written work will be on display until Oct. 31

AIRDRIE REGIONAL ARTS SOCIETY:

SEPT. 9 AIRDRIEFEST ATB Parking Lot 404 Main Street, south, next to City of Airdrie. Artists showcase their works for the community.

11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free

More info available at creativeairdrie.ca CANADA 150 MOSAIC PROJECT:

SEPT. 12 HOW TO BECOME MORE PROFESSIONAL IN YOUR ART PRACTICE Bert Church Live Theatre Chris Carson, with Visual Arts Alberta, will host a talk that addresses pricing artwork, where to show and exhibit, where to look for opportunities, when artists should get paid, what to expect from an art career, and more. Visit carfac.ca for more information. Open to all. 7 p.m. Free SEPT. 30-OCT. 1 “OPEN AIR GALLERY” EVENT Nose Creek Park Airdrie Regional Arts Society will be hosting a number of artists, under their ARTS canopies at the park. Hanging artworks will include oil, water colours, acrylics, photography and much more. Held in conjunction with Creative Airdrie’s Mosaic 150 launch party on Oct. 1. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free

BERT CHURCH THEATRE:

SEPT. 13 GENERATION HOPE: AN EVENING WITH JIMMY BELABRE FROM HAITI The award-winning documentary, Generation Hope, features stories of children who grew up in extreme poverty but were able to better their lives by staying in school, thanks to help from Mary’s Meals, a global charity that provides a daily meal in a place of education to more than 1.2 million children. Meet Jimmy Belabre, one child who received Mary’s Meals growing up in Cité Soleil, a place the UN once declared as “the most dangerous place on Earth.” All ticket proceeds to support Mary’s Meals. 7:30 p.m. $10 SEPT. 23 THE SPARK: A HERO TAKES CHARGE Accidental Humour CO. It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s ... full-blown super heroics on an epic scale. Mild-mannered Maddy Martin is a brilliant electrical engineer desperate to prove herself when a freak accident gives her the incredible power of static electricity. Follow Maddy on her adventure in this hilarious, action-packed thrill ride through a world of superheroes, villains and ridiculous characters. 7:30 p.m. $20 SEPT. 29-OCT. 1 STORY BOOK THEATRE PRESENTS PINKALICIOUS THE MUSICAL Based on the popular book Pinkalicious, written

by Victoria and Elizabeth Kann, this story follows Pinkalicious, a young girl who can’t stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor’s office with “Pinkititis,” a dream come true for this pink-loving enthusiast. But when things go too far, only Pinkalicious can figure out a way to get out of this pink predicament. Sept. 29 - 6:30 p.m.; Sept. 30 - 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.; Oct. 1 - 12 p.m. $15

SEPT. 26-27: TILE PAINTING Oct. 1: Launch Party at Nose Creek Park Communities across Canada are coming together to create a mural that will connect Canada through art. Airdrie will create a section of the mural made up of 400 individual 4x4-inch tiles. Using brushes and paint, 330 local participants will be leaving their mark. Every painting will be a story and will become a piece of a much bigger story. The resulting legacy artwork will become a standalone mural showcased in Nose Creek Park; part of a visual time capsule for this national unified project of more than 80,000 tiles. The deadline for submissions is Sept.

15. Participation is free thanks to the generosity of Creative Airdrie and the Alberta government. More information at creativeairdrie.ca SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER VISUAL ARTS CLASSES Sept. 16: Yoga and Painting Workshop With Theresa Cochran (yoga) and Veronica Funk (artist). A combination yoga-and-painting class. Not a technical painting lesson, but rather a chance to harness the artistic and spiritual energy that comes from practicing yoga. No prior experience necessary.

Snacks and art supplies included. Please bring a yoga matt. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. $55 Sept. 18-Oct. 30: Visual Arts Combo (6 weeks – no class Oct. 9) With artist Veronica Funk. Learn various art techniques that will help you wind down at the end of your day and stretch your creativity with painting, drawing, mixed media, bookbinding or sculpture.

All supplies and tools are included to make amazing, one-of-a-kind, exciting art. This class is suitable for all levels. 7-9 p.m. Ages 16+ $125 FASHION AND COSTUME DESIGN CLASSES SEPT. 20-OCT. 11: HALLOWEEN HOWL COSTUME DESIGN CLASS (4 CLASSES) Learn how to design your own Halloween creature from scratch and showcase it at the Musical Masquerade Halloween Howl. You will learn how to develop your own Halloween creature, the process of creating a backstory, and determine where your creature is from.

6-7 p.m. $45 (includes one ticket to the Musical Masquerade Halloween Howl at BCT Oct. 17) Ages 8 -12 SEPT. 20-OCT. 18: CREATURE DESIGN CLASS (5 CLASSES) Learn how to design your very own creature, from development, to the process of creating a backstory, critically thinking about where your monster is from and how they would’ve grown up in this environment. In addition, determine how to execute this character for both theatre and film and the different needs of both platforms. Supplies included. 7:159:15 p.m. Ages 13+ $95

SLAM (SUPPORTING LOCAL AREA MUSICIANS):

SEPT. 16 SLAM ON AIR FINALE CONCERT Bert Church Theatre Don’t miss the live concert that wraps up this great original songwriting/performing competition. Prior to the concert, contest entries are reviewed by a judging panel of music industry professionals. The judges then select their top picks to perform live on stage and compete to win a prize package. 7 p.m.

TORCHLIGHT THEATRE:

SEPT. 30 SH-EH-KSPEARE: A CANADIAN FOLLY Nose Creek Park (amphitheatre) An eager director looking to hoser up the bard in honour of Canada’s 150 birthday. An original short comedy by Kim Cheel Creations. 1-3 p.m. on the hour. Free

TWO-WHEEL TASTE TOUR 2.0 Sept. 23 Back by popular demand! airdrielife and Bike Airdrie want you to get your bicycle and take a tasting tour of some of Airdrie’s best restaurants. 2-5 p.m. Only 20 tickets available online at airdrielife.com

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A FULL FALL CALENDAR

SLICE OF LIFE EVENTS

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER CANADA 150 EXHIBIT Nose Creek Valley Museum This exhibit explores Canada through a popculture eye, focusing on famous people (actors, actresses, scientists, inventors, etc.), on the food that is only available or made in Canada, and fun and weird and, sometimes, unknown facts about Canada.

SEPT.6-OCT. 4 AIRDRIE FARMERS MARKET Plainsmen Arena Open Wednesdays from 3:30 to 7 p.m., rain or shine. Enjoy the adjacent park space, which includes amenities for children.

SEPT. 7-28 CROSSFIELD FARMERS MARKET Banta Park (Crossfield) Open Thursdays from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., this outdoor market focuses on fresh, local and handmade ingredients and products. Many market favourites returning for 2017 plus several exciting new vendors.

SEPT. 9 AIRDRIEFEST City Hall (outside) Join in the fun as local non-profit organizations and businesses showcase their services and products at this outdoor festival. Enjoy free family fun, live entertainment by SLAM, children’s activities, recreational activities and community registrations. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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SEPT. 9 ANNUAL AIRDRIE BIKE FESTIVAL City Hall (outside) Held in conjunction with AirdrieFEST, this free event promotes safe riding practices to children and youth who ride independently.

Topics include helmet adjustment, bicycle check, straight-line riding, shoulder checking, signalling and braking. Participants must have an approved bike helmet, and a bicycle in good working order. Parents must remain on site with their children. Session #1 runs 11 a.m.12:30 p.m.; session #2 runs 2-3:30 p.m.

SEPT. 9 DESONUS 2017 CANADIANA Bert Church Theatre A charity event that tackles philanthropy in a different way. DeSonus is dedicated to humanity and takes on two different causes every year. The concert is second to none with a full spread of professional musicians from all walks of life. Artists will join in a unique group collaboration of great cover songs anywhere from Elvis Presley to Ed Sheeran.

Tickets $40. 7 p.m.

SEPT. 9-10 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. Visitors can also enjoy an impressive collection of internal combustion engines. Early settlers used these stationary engines to pump water, lift grain in elevators, operate blacksmith and woodworking shops, produce electricity and perform a host of other tasks.

SEPT. 16 CITY-WIDE FOOD DRIVE Around Airdrie The Airdrie Latter-Day Saints community will be collecting food for the Airdrie Food Bank. This is Airdrie’s largest food drive of the year and provides much-needed food for the winter season. Starts at 10 a.m. Details at airdriefoodbank.com

SEPT. 30 LIGHT UP THE NIGHT ‘DIAMONDS AND ICE’ Town and Country Centre Black-tie fundraising gala featuring a fun money casino, 50/50, live and silent auction, entertainment and more. Cocktails 5:30, dinner 6:30 p.m. Tickets available online.

OCT. 6-30 AIRDRIE’S GHOST WALK City Hall (stage) Dates: Oct. 6, 8, 13, 15, 19, 22, 29, 30, 7:30 and 8 p.m. A haunted guide to our past, in its inaugural year. Dress appropriately for the weather! Tickets $10, available through Eventbrite.

OCT. 7 BCT PRESENTS: GERRY MADIGAN Bert Church Theatre See the BCT insert in the centre of this magazine for full details. Tickets $29. 7:30 p.m.

OCT. 13-15, 18-22, 25-30 AIRSCARES HAUNTED ATTRACTION 805 Main Street, SW (Old Fire Hall) Presented by the Boys and Girls Club of Airdrie (with all proceeds directly supporting the club).

An annual haunted attraction, offering new tricks and frights for 2017 that are sure to scare!

NOTE: not for young children. Admission $10; group rates also available. Ticket information online.

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SLICE OF LIFE EVENTS OCT. 14 AIRDRIE OKTOBERFEST Town and Country Centre Enjoy a live band, authentic Oktoberfest food (included in ticket price) and a cash bar serving a selection of beer. Doors open 6 p.m., meal served 7-9 p.m., band plays 9 p.m. to midnight.

Presented by the Airdrie Columbus Society (ACS), which raises funds for donation to community groups. Tickets available online.

OCT. 15 BCT PRESENTS: MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL Bert Church Theatre See the BCT insert in the centre of this magazine for full details. Tickets $63. 7 p.m.

OCT. 17 BCT PRESENTS: MUSICAL MASQUERADE HALLOWEEN HOWL WITH THE R.J. HAWKEY CHILDREN’S CHOIR Bert Church Theatre See the BCT insert in the centre of this magazine for full details. Tickets $19. 7 p.m.

OCT. 19 19TH ANNUAL AIRDRIE BUSINESS AWARDS GALA Bert Church Theatre Enjoy an evening of celebration, sharing success stories of business in Airdrie.

Details and tickets online. 7-11 p.m.

OCT. 20 BCT PRESENTS: PORT CITIES Bert Church Theatre See the BCT insert in the centre of this magazine for full details. Tickets $28. 7:30 p.m.

OCT. 24 BCT PRESENTS: FUBUKI DAIKO JAPANESE DRUMMING Bert Church Theatre See the BCT insert in the centre of this magazine for full details. Tickets $22. 7:30 p.m.

OCT. 27-28 CALENDAR GIRLS Nose Creek Players Presented by Nose Creek Players and Ladies Out, special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. Mature subject matter. Tickets $22 plus ticket pro fee.

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NOV. 2 BCT PRESENTS: DOUBLE-DOUBLE DUO Bert Church Theatre See the BCT insert in the centre of this magazine for full details. Tickets $26. 7:30 p.m.

NOV. 3 BCT PRESENTS: MEGAN LANE Bert Church Theatre See the BCT insert in the centre of this magazine for full details. Tickets $25. 7:30 p.m.

NOV. 3-4 AIRDRIE CHRISTMAS SHOW Town and Country Centre Hosted by Airdrie Farmers Market. Open Friday 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

NOV. 4 LOUISIANA HAYRIDE SHOW Bert Church Theatre Now in its eighth year of touring. Based on the historical radio show on which artists such as Hank Williams, Roy Orbison and Patsy Cline performed. A magical evening of entertainment where you’ll believe you really are at a concert featuring these superstars, enjoying their wonderful music from years gone by. With special appearance by “Shania Twain” and “Garth Brooks” to connect the old and new! 7:30 p.m.

NOV. 4 CHRISTMAS MARKET Crossfield Community Centre Hosted by the Crossfield Farmers Market with a focus on fresh, local and handmade ingredients and products, this market features seasonal vendors and product as well as regulars from the summer season. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

NOV. 4-5 AIRDRIE CHRISTMAS SHOW Town and Country Centre Regular farmers market vendors as well as baked goods and holiday-themed crafts and gifts.

NOV. 9-11 NOT ON THIS NIGHT Torchlight Theatre

By Evelyn Jones. The setting is 1944, and the Battle of the Bulge rages near the French border. Alone on Christmas Eve, 18-year-old Jacqueline is startled by the sudden appearance of two lost soldiers, one German and the other American, who confront each other in her farmhouse kitchen. Violence is averted by the plucky teenager’s determination and goodwill, and the humanity of the desperate young soldiers emerges in a lively and nostalgic celebration scene. Three shows over the Remembrance Day weekend.

NOV. 10-JAN. 10 SENSE OF CHRISTMAS DISPLAY Nose Creek Valley Museum An exhibit that celebrates the essence of Christmas, exploring how the five senses can influence one’s memories and that a simple sight, smell, taste or touch can foster comfort and enjoyment of the season.

NOV. 17 BCT PRESENTS: THIS IS THAT LIVE Bert Church Theatre See the BCT insert in the centre of this magazine for full details. Tickets $35. 7:30 p.m.

NOV. 18 BCT PRESENTS: THE PAPERBOYS Bert Church Theatre See the BCT insert in the centre of this magazine for full details. Tickets $34. 7:30 p.m.

NOV. 17-19 MRS. CLAUS’ SHOP HOLIDAY MARKET Town and Country Centre See what more than 50 local crafters, bakers, artisans and small businesses have to offer over the holiday season. Something for everyone on your holiday list. Presented by SvB Events.

Details at mrsclausshop.ca NOV. 25-26 RANCHO VIGNOLA HARVEST SALE Town and Country Centre Enjoy new-crop (2017) dried fruit and nuts.

See and taste samples before you buy. Pack sizes of 455 g (1 lb), 910 g (2 lb) and 2.275 kg (5 lb). Enjoy a great selection of gourmet gifts and tasty Christmas gift-giving ideas. Saturday 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

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SLICE OF LIFE CUISINE

FARM to TABLE STORY BY CAT NANTEL

A

irdrie’s restaurants are starting to embrace the farm-to-table movement, and their commitment to locally sourced ingredients have our mouths watering with each bite.

Not only do they have an appreciation for the farmers that provide their ingredients, but they remind us of the importance of the food we put in our bodies, and the impact our choices have on the local economy.

Hayloft, one of Airdrie’s foodie hot spots, is located in a small strip mall nestled between condo complexes in Creekside Village. Its exterior is simple and demure but walk into the restaurant itself, and you’re transported to a rustic farmhouse. Vinyl records line front shelves and an open-concept kitchen gives patrons a great view of the culinary magic.

Hayloft is owned and operated by James Hoan Nguyen and at the helm of the kitchen is Chef Jason Barton-Browne.

On the menu tonight? A grilled beef sirloin served with roasted carrots and mushrooms, sea asparagus, nostrala cheese pomme puree, lovage leaves and a finish of red wine jus.

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Most of the ingredients in this dish and on the Hayloft menu are from local farmers, typically from no more than 30 minutes away.

“My vision for Hayloft is to provide a gathering space where diners are encouraged to think about what they are eating,” explains Nguyen. “I want to give our guests an opportunity to do more than eat for the sake of eating. I want them to openly question where their meal came from and appreciate the farmer who provided each ingredient.”

Hayloft’s chicken and duck comes from Carstairs, its pork from Irricana, its beef from Airdrie, its garlic from Didsbury and produce like nettles and lovage from Leduc.

“We make a concerted effort to get the majority of our ingredients seasonally and locally,” says Nguyen. “Our suppliers deliver their produce to Hayloft and it typically ends up on the customer’s plate that evening.”

Meanwhile, in downtown Airdrie, Michael Frayne – chef de cuisine at First & Vine – is preparing his heirloom tomato salad with fresh mozzarella.

“For some folks, a tomato will always just be a tomato,” explains Frayne. “It’s my job as a chef to educate people about how good local food can taste and how local foods can really enhance their eating experience.”

Hayloft’s Grilled Beef Sirloin: Beef: Wayne and Rhonda Hanson, Your Local Ranch Ltd., Airdrie, AB Mushrooms: Pennybun’s Mushrooms, Calgary, AB Sea Asparagus: Season’s Harvest, Okanagan, BC Nostrala Cheese Pomme Puree: Potatoes, Poplar Bluff Organics, Strathmore, AB; Nostrala cheese, Kootenay Alpine Cheese Co., Kootenay, BC Lovage Leaves: Heritage Isle Farms, Leduc, AB

Opened in October 2016 in Airdrie’s oldest remaining house, First & Vine looks to source locally whenever possible.

“By sourcing locally, I’m able to support my community,” says Frayne. “In turn, these individuals may decide to eat at First & Vine. I appreciate the relationship and reciprocity that is created by sourcing foods from producers I know by name.”

Frayne’s pork comes from Bear and the Flower Farm in Irricana, his bison from Glengary Bison in Airdrie, his beef is from Pine Haven Colony in Wetaskiwin and his honey and mead (an alcoholic beverage made of fermented honey) from Fallentimber Meadery in Water Valley.

He also makes a point of visiting the Airdrie Farmers Market on Wednesdays during the summer. There he often buys local produce such as berries from Pearson’s Berry Farm in Bowden and various vegetables from Shirley’s Greenhouse in Didsbury.

Hayloft and First & Vine may be leaders in the farm-to-table movement in Airdrie but Sorso Espresso & Wine Bar may very well have been the first establishment to embrace the movement.

“I want to give our guests an opportunity to do more than eat for the sake of eating”

First & Vine’s Heirloom Tomato Salad: Tomatoes: Mans Organics, Coaldale, AB Mozzarella: Levant Mediterranean Foods, Calgary, AB Canola Oil: Mountainview Farming, Strathmore, AB

Dmitri Martini opened Sorso, which means ‘sip’ in Italian, in Bayside in 2015.

“I opened Sorso because I felt there were very few options for fresh, wholesome food in Airdrie,” says Martini. “There didn’t seem to be establishments that supported local farmers and brewers.”

Sorso’s coffee and teas come from top Canadian roasters and merchants. The eggs served during breakfast and brunch come from the Tschetter Hutterite Colony in Irricana, AB. All pastries are made in-house with real butter and local organic honey. Kombucha, a fermented tea, also appears on Sorso’s menu. Happy Belly Kombucha, a small Calgary brewery, handcrafts each small batch with organic ingredients.

Over the years, Sorso’s menu has expanded beyond coffee, tea and pastries to include a wide variety of menu options.

Martini continues to diligently source the items in each in order to provide his clients with healthy, local and ethically sourced foods.

Thanks to restaurants like Hayloft, First & Vine and Sorso Espresso & Wine Bar, we are reminded to think differently about food, which doesn’t have to come at the expense of taste.

“That vegetable or herb came out of the ground yesterday and it’s on a plate that evening,” explains Frayne. “You just can’t beat that kind of flavour.” life FALL 2017 | airdrielife.com

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SLICE OF LIFE COLUMN

vinelife

WITH KATHRYN ZONDAG

PHOTO BY KRISTY REIMER

The basics of food and wine pairing

O

ften the prospect of trying to pair the perfect wine with a meal can feel like a daunting task. But making delicious choices can become second nature with a little food and wine education, and some fun trial and error!

What many people do not realize is that the basic structural elements of your food and wine will either make or break your choice. It is important to understand how the elements of acidity, sweetness, bitterness, umami and chili heat interact with wine in order to make great pairing choices.

Acidity in food increases the perception of body and sweetness in wines.

On the flip side, acidity in wine can act as a refreshing way to ‘cut through’ a food’s richness. Foods that are high in acid should be paired with wines that are also high in acid, or risk a sweet wine tasting cloyingly sweet.

Sweetness in food increases the perception of bitterness and acidity in wine – but decreases the perception of sweetness and fruitiness. Therefore the rule of thumb goes that sweet foods need to be matched with wines that are sweeter than the food – or risk your wine tasting sour. Because of this, desserts like chocolate love sweet red wines like Port.

Bitterness in food increases any bitter tastes one may find in wine.

With foods that are bitter ‘wine killers’ – like asparagus, or leafy greens, it is important to pick wines that are fruity and light in style.

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Umami is the savoury characteristic found in foods. It increases the perception of bitterness in wine, and decreases fruitiness. Dishes that are high in umami need to be paired with wines that are more fruity than tannic. It is this reason why mushrooms pair so well with light, fruity and earthy Pinot Noir.

Chili heat needs sweet! Sadly chili heat can throw a curve ball into most wine interactions. Chili heat not only intensifies alcohol burn, increases bitterness, and acidity, but decreases richness, sweetness and fruitiness in wine. Talk about a devastating blow! The best way to combat this effect is to pick a wine that has some sweetness to it, is low in alcohol, and fruity. It is this reason why light fruity wines like Riesling and Gewurztraminer are a great match for spicy Asian cuisine.

The best way to learn how these elements interact with one another is to play with them firsthand, and learn which wines are high in acid, fruitiness, tannin, etc! The road to perfect wine pairings involves a journey – one through grapes, bottles and a vast variety of foods in order to experience interactions – to help you make better-educated decisions on your next bottle.

And the journey is more than half of the fun! life Kathryn Zondag is a certified sommelier, and holds the advanced certificate in wine and spirits from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) in London, England

Behind the Vine

IRI

TH

E

#sharejoy

SP

airdrieangel.ca

GI FT

airdrielife: Give a brief description of your career before becoming a sommelier.

Kathryn Zondag: My previous career was in real estate – specifically new home sales and service. I had the pleasure of selling high-end estate housing, where I was often helping my customers design custom wine cellar spaces.

Many conversations in that business revolved around entertaining and wine as I learned how people intended to ‘live’ in their homes.

AL: When did you decide to become a sommelier?

KZ: I had always been passionate about wine, and at first I pursued the training so that I could have better conversations with customers and colleagues who were very passionate about the subject. Then one day a few years ago I was watching the movie Somm on Netflix. In it they document sommeliers preparing for the Master Sommelier exams. At this point and time there are only 236 people in the world who have earned the title. Something about the process of advanced education drew me in….

Then I fell in love with it all … the challenge, the fact that wine is so much more than a drink; it is entrenched in history, science, art and at its core – agriculture. I began living and breathing the knowledge obsessively, and when you get to that point – when you find something you love that much – you know it is time for a change.

AL: Describe your perfect wine day.

KZ: I have had the pleasure of meeting some incredible winemakers, and I would love nothing more than to sit down with some of them – in their cellars – and explore some of their back vintages. These are the bottles they have personally held on to. The best experience is in watching them blow the dust off of something that was special to them. Where firsthand they can then tell me themselves about the trials and tribulations of the vintage. To me that is more important than the “brand,” review or the perfect year; I want to know all of the nitty gritty that went into it.

AL: If you were stranded on a desert island with only one wine, which would it be: red or white?

KZ: I am hoping this is a tropical desert island.

In the heat, I would want something refreshing.

If I could rig up some type of a buoy system to store/chill the wine in the ocean – I would want to be stuck with whites! life

T

We thought it would be fun to learn more about our columnist

HEAR T, E H T M O FR

T LIF T

O

TheCarreGroup.ca Our Office

328-B 1st Ave NW, Airdrie, AB

Main Office

540 2nd Ave NW, Airdrie, AB

Rocky View Real Estate Each office is independently owned and operated

We care about the community where we do business, so we created the Airdrie Angel program to help Airdrie residents who are going through tough times. As of January 2017, over 46 families have been helped and over $86,000 in cash and gifts has been donated.

FALL 2017 | airdrielife.com

43

SLICE OF LIFE TASTE

Stop waffling over who has the best brunch...

Noteworthy tastes A round up of what’s new and happening with our TASTEairdrie partners

Book NOW for our Thanksgiving Insanely Delicious Dinner Buffet Oct 8

Sorso Espresso & Wine Bar is harvesting the best of fall with chef-prepared flatbreads, soups and salads with locally sourced products that will pair quite nicely with their wine selection. Or be sure to sample their famous homemade pumpkin-spice latte. (Another reason why fall is the favourite season for foodies.)

Early fall still offers good patio weather to take advantage of Sorso’s southwest exposure. If you’re on the run, you can also get most of their menu items via drive-thru.

Need a new venue for your meetings or parties of up to 35 people? Why not book out the entire Abe’s Restaurant for a change of pace? Abe’s would love to host your staff or friends and create a custom event just for you. Great for the Two-Wheel Taste Tour 2.0 Get on your bicycle for a gourmet tour around Airdrie Sept. 23! Guide James Ash of Bike Airdrie will take you for stops for sips and sampling at some of our favourite places including Hayloft, Sorso, First & Vine, Thumbprint and On Tap. Only 20 tickets available so don’t delay – order yours at airdrielife.com

Every Night is Date Night

Nominated for enRoute Magazine’s Best New Restaurant in Canada!

Wine Bar & Bistro

Lunch & Dinner. Reservations Recommended: 403.980.WINE

136 1st Ave NE Airdrie

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airdrielife.com | FALL 2017

firstandvine.ca

firstandvine

Now pouring... the freshest and finest office – instead of being stuck in a meeting room with four beige walls, think of all the nat100% extra virgin olive oils and ural light and natural goodness of team bonding over kale power salads and slow-roasted aged balsamic vinegars. pulled-chicken sandwiches or throw your own birthday party and order up Naan grilled cheese with smoked bacon for everyone!

Chef Michael Frayne loves brunch food so First & Vine is now serving up a decadent brunch menu featuring eggs benedict with a fresh-herb hollandaise, Alberta potato hash and your choice of back bacon, avocado or house-smoked trout. The lunch and dinner menu is always evolving with the seasons so expect Frayne to whip up his eclectic flatbreads and shareable dishes that will pair perfectly with the wine menu.

A nomination for best new restaurant by enRoute magazine is just another of the feathers in Chef Jason Barton-Browne’s cap over at Hayloft. Airdrie foodies know why this nomination is so deserved. The menu changes often in keeping with what is available, and is sourced as locally as possible. For fall think handmade pastas, rustic and hearty chicken and beef dishes and fall’s best vegetable harvest creatively prepared for your plate.

Oils | Vinegars | Olives | Gifts Thumbprint Craft Beer Market, the first of its kind in Alberta, is a boutique beer store 6116 403 MacKenzie Way SW, Airdrie with 400 varieties of beer, from IPAs to stouts, all sourced from small breweries, many of (across from Sobey’s parking lot) which are situated in the region.

OnTapOV.ca Right next door to Thumbprint is another great sipping experience. On Tap Oil & Vinegar is a new addiOnTap.indd 1 2017-08-14 Breakfast Brunch Lunch Dinner Late Night Nibbles tion to the TASTE scene and thank goodness! On Tap has an exceptional inventory of Drive-Thru the freshest 100 per cent exNow Open! tra virgin olive oils and aged balsamic vinegars that you can sip and sample before purchasing. Row upon row of shiny steel canisters hold the magic elixirs that add flavour to everything from Wine bar Beer Cocktails salads to pastas. Pick your and yes...coffee flavours (we love the Cham- Book out our entire restaurant for your parties or meetings up to 35 with freshly prepared food. pagne Balsamic) and get ESPRESSO WINE BAR Think out of the box... come to Abe’s! them bottled in your choice Mon 11 - 4 | Tues-Fri 11 - 8 | Sat 9 - 8 | Sun 9 -4 of sizes; you’ll become adBayside (8th and Yankee) abesfood.ca | Brunch, Lunch & Dinner | 101 30 Market Blvd dicted. This is a great spot to grab a hostess gift or two while shopping for your own kitchen.

The Woods is famous for their Sunday brunch buffet and the new waffle station is making everyone smile with a crazy amount of topping options from savoury to sweet. And speaking of savory – why not let the crew at The Woods do all the heavy lifting for Thanksgiving dinner? Turkey and all the trimmings and your favourite side dishes plus a table laden with dessert?

Yep, you don’t have to do a thing except make a 6112 Railway Ave SW, Airdrie, AB reservation. life

Elevate your expectations

7:11 PM

Feed Your Crowd!

HOME OF WESTERN

CANADA'S FIRST DEDICATED CRAFT BEER

STORE

MACRO BEERS

thumbprint craft beer MARKET

FALL 2017 | airdrielife.com

45

Let’s get cooking!

SLICE OF LIFE AIRDRIE FOOD BANK

Freezer Meals 101

Let’s roll up our sleeves together to stock up on popular family dishes!

Participants will prepare a selection of dishes to take away

Gather at the Table Come together with others in the community over multiple weeks through a love of food. Share a recipe or food skill that will be put to use preparing a meal for the group to enjoy together.

Seasonal Favourites Join us to explore fun and easy recipes featuring seasonal produce.

Participants will take home what they make!

Classes are updated and scheduled on an ongoing basis, check out our website!

airdriefoodbank.com/kitchen

In the Kitchen with

MEGHAN WEST

PHOTOS BY KRISTY REIMER

ON-THE-GO BURRITOS I like to keep a few burritos tucked away in the freezer for busy nights or hectic mornings to ensure I have a quick, healthy option on hand.

Saving salsa or sour cream for when you serve the burritos ensures they won’t get soggy while thawing them to enjoy.

Ingredients: 6 large tortillas or wraps 1 14-oz can black beans, rinsed 1 14-oz can refried beans 1.5 cups shredded cheese 1.5 cups chopped bell pepper Salsa and sour cream for serving Chop bell pepper into small, bitesize pieces. Shred cheese. Combine black beans and refried beans in small bowl, mix well.

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airdrielife.com | FALL 2017

TIME AND ENERGY SAVERS

presents

Here are five ways to get into the swing of back-to-school food planning and meal prep this fall. These are flexible tips to keep in mind while working within your budget, time and skills.

Plan ahead: It can be really tough to find the time to plan ahead, but 30 minutes to sort out your shopping and meals for the week can save hours later by avoiding extra errands and stress. Planning ahead also reduces the amount of last-minute money you’ll spend on takeout.

Helping hands: If you’re planning an event or hosting friends for dinner and they offer to bring something, take them up on it! Even better, instead of saying “oh, bring whatever you like,” request something you know you’ll be pressed for time to make, or a dish of theirs that you really love.

Lay out tortilla shell on counter and place ½ cup bean mix, ¼ cup shredded cheese and ¼ cup chopped pepper into the middle of the tortilla.

Fold the left- and right-hand sides of the tortilla into the centre of the filling. Roll tightly from bottom to top while tucking in the filling and sides so they stay in place.

Place burritos in individual snack bags to grab on the go, or freeze for later. To eat from frozen, microwave on a plate 3 minutes, flipping halfway through. Careful, they will be hot!

Makes approximately 6 mediumsized burritos.

For hearty breakfast burritos: trade out bean mix for 8 scrambled eggs, then add ½ cup scrambled eggs to each burrito. life

Creative lunches: There is a lot of pressure to make really spunky or creative lunches these days. While they can be fun, packing food that will be eaten and provides the fuel needed for the day is the ultimate goal. Ask the kids to help you come up with items they’re willing to eat every day, sometimes, and not at all. If you’re working with a picky eater to expand their food horizons, focus on it at home to make sure food dollars don’t go to waste on lunch items that won’t be eaten.

Grab-and-go snacks: Keep a stash of highprotein breakfast bars or frozen muffins tucked away for when you’re in a rush. Look for higher-fibre, lower-sugar choices to fill you up.

Easy dinners: If you know that you have a busy week ahead, give yourself permission to include simpler dishes in your plan. Instead of chopping and prepping veggies when pressed for time try swapping them out for frozen precut veggies. If picking up a pre-made salad pack is what will get you to eat greens, pick one up instead of debating about whether or not to whip one up from veggies in your crisper. Always try to have one option in the freezer for a rainy day when your schedule or menu doesn’t work out as planned.

SATURDAY, JAN 27TH, 2018

BERT CHURCH THEATRE Airdrie’s Premiere ARTS Showcase We cordially invite you to help us recognize and thank our city’s creative contributors in an evening of fun, live performances and awards!

Get your tickets now!

ETS $40 TICKIORS $25 SENRO.CA TICKETP

amnaawards.com FALL 2017 | airdrielife.com

47

SLICE OF LIFE COLUMN

healthylife

CREATIVE WAYS TO STAY ACTIVE

WITH NAOMI KEANE

W

NEW

SEMI DETACHED

showhomes

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airdrielife.com | FALL 2017

340s

$

hen getting in shape or tackling a new fitness routine, starting can be the toughest part. Like anything new, there is an initial learning curve.

You can make an enormous impact on your overall health and well-being with a bit of creativity and planning.

Set yourself up for success Know what makes you tick! If you’re a morning person, plan for some movement in the first part of your day. If you prefer exercising later, try scheduling your favourite activity immediately after work. Maybe try a new exercise outfit, a new running water belt, or your favourite music mix to keep you energized. Perhaps you need a workout buddy or a personal trainer to keep you accountable. If you thrive on scheduling and planning, set up your workouts one week in advance. Know what you are going to do so you can make the most of your time.

Group fitness dates Most of us have busy schedules and a lot on the go. Many of us are balancing multiple roles as spouse, parent, worker, caretaker, volunteer, friend, etc. It’s a challenge to squeeze in physical activity, let alone find time to visit and socialize with our friends and family.

Workout dates are my favourite way to stay active, nurture relationships, and do something great for our bodies. Rock out to a fun POUND class followed by dinner, choose a relaxing yoga class and a coffee date, or grab a group of your girlfriends and hit up a barre class and some post-workout rosé!

Group fitness classes are a perfect way to blend your social time and your sweat time. Get active with your family. Turn play time into your active time. Go for a walk with the kids; if their pace is too slow carry them, add in some lunges, squats, jumping jacks or running high knees on the spot. You know what they say, “those who sweat together stay together.”

Set goals and track your progress Setting small, easily attainable goals is a terrific way to keep you motivated. Track your progress; sometimes we get discouraged and forget to reflect on how far we’ve come. Try a monthly

calendar tracker, or fitness tracker. Write your goals down somewhere you will see them often, make sure they are measurable, and share them with your friends and family to help keep you on track.

Nutrient density I am passionate about nutrition and a firm believer that it’s not what we put in our bodies that is the issue, but rather, what we DON’T put in our bodies. Stop focusing on eliminating junk food from your diet. Focus on incorporating as many nutrient-dense foods instead! Increase water intake and eat as much fresh, whole food as you can. Over time your body will crave healthier options and you will see better results from your sweaty workouts.

Move and shake every chance you get!

Every tiny bit counts! Small actions add up over time and will make a huge impact on your goals.

Take the stairs every chance you get; park farther away and walk; stretch, squat and lunge when talking on the phone; walk briskly through the mall; etc.

Morning movement There are so many benefits to working out in the morning. Your body will continue to burn calories after your workout is done. You will likely have better long-lasting effects, increased productivity, elevated mood, and an easier time choosing ‘good-for-you foods’ throughout your day. Thirty to 45 minutes of cardio and strength training is recommended, but even 10 minutes will get that blood pumping and get you set to rock your day.

Sleep and relaxation Suffering from chronic low-grade stress and lack of sleep will decrease your energy, hamper your mood and motivation, and lead to elevated levels of unwanted stress hormones in your body.

Downtime is just as important as being active and eating nutrient-dense foods. Guided meditations and restorative yoga classes are a great way to relax and calm your nervous system. Ensure you get enough sleep to help you achieve hormone balance, burn more fat, and heal and repair your body after physical activity. Perhaps set a goal of increasing your sleep by 30 minutes per night for one week and see how you feel.

Fun, fun, fun and variety Most importantly do what you LOVE. Keep it simple, choose activities you enjoy, and make sure you have fun! life

Naomi Keane, owner of Oranj Fitness Airdrie, has a background in education, dance, fitness and nutrition

FALL 2017 | airdrielife.com

49

SLICE OF LIFE COLUMN

One-to-One Tutoring

WORKS

for Back to School 2017

parentlife

SINGING MUSIC’S PRAISES

WITH CLAUDIA SASSE

Private,one-to-one tutoring for all grades and subjects CALL 403-289-5298 hometutorscalgary.com

M Register today!

Piano Drums Guitar Keyboard Bass Theory Concerts Exams Ages 5 thru adult All experience levels Locations in Airdrie & Calgary 102 2903 Kingsview Blvd. SE Airdrie 403-398-3951 info@skylinemusic.ca

skylinemusic.ca

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airdrielife.com | FALL 2017

usic is an important part of our children’s development, and it is also a great learning tool.

Just play a song in any room filled with children and they will move along with the beat! They will not care if their dance moves aren’t the best; they will just dance and have fun.

How we wish we could be like that too. Just like that famous quote goes: “Dance like nobody’s watching; sing like nobody’s listening.”

Well, we certainly can help our children to enjoy music, learn from it and have this feeling that nobody is “watching.”

When I was pregnant with my daughter, I used to listen to a children’s country music CD several times a day while working on my chores around the house. I never thought much of it, until she was born and I played that CD again… I can’t remember exactly how old she was, but she was not even a year old when I played that CD again and she started to dance to the songs and “sing” to the lyrics. Of course, it was just a “mumble jumble,” but she was really into it. My daughter is now 18 years old and she still loves that CD, even though she is not a big fan of country music.

So, dear parents, if you want your children to appreciate music, perhaps your own musical style, start early.

As a teacher, I can also tell you some benefits that music can have on children’s learning development. Children can learn so much through music. I teach a Grade 2 class in a Spanish bilingual program. We use music to learn new vocabulary, learn how to count, have fun and relax.

It all depends on the style of music we play, the volume that we choose, and the amount of times we repeat the songs.

Music can also support children with movement and balance.

When I teach my gym classes I try to incorporate some songs to the activities we play and it is amazing to see how the children

presents

Not Just Another Concert

Soundscapes of Canada Sept 9 Bert Church Theatre

Supporting Creative Impact Foundation & The Tip of the Toes Foundation Tickets on sale: desonus.ca/events

respond to it. (You can try this at home, if you haven’t yet.) Play a calm song and the games will have a nice flow; play a very upbeat song, and the activity can get wild, very quickly….

Throughout my teaching career, I have read so many studies that attribute to music several benefits in a child’s life, such as: music can improve literacy skills; music can inspire and create a positive mood; music can boost confidence; etc. However, what I have seen above all is that music can be a special part of our lives by bringing back old memories and creating new ones.

My advice to parents, as a mom and as a teacher: listen to music with your children.

Sing to them, and let them sing to you. Teach them songs from your childhood, learn the songs that your children are singing at school, and sing along with them. Take your children to a concert, to the park, sing and dance with them. Let them sing in the shower; sing in the shower too! Enjoy all the benefits that music can bring to your life. life

Be the hero of your office and book your Christmas party with us.

Great meeting space too!

Claudia Sasse is a mom and teacher, with a master’s degree in elementary education.

Born in Brazil, Sasse has lived in Airdrie with her husband and daughter since 2009.

FALL 2017 | airdrielife.com

51

SLICE OF LIFE COLUMN

CARING FOR SENIOR PETS petlife

WITH DR. KIM CRISANTI

‘SENIOR’ PETS – Defined as cats and most dogs older than seven years of age, senior pets have a different set of health care requirements than puppies, kittens and young adult animals. Giant breed dogs are classified as seniors at an even younger age, most of them around age five.

The vaccine schedules of our seniors may be different; and they may have a metabolic or endocrine disease like diabetes or an over- or under-active thyroid that requires daily medications.

One of the most common ailments of senior pets is osteoarthritis. Arthritis may need to be managed with prescription-strength pain medications, nutraceutical supplements or with alternative pain modalities like lasers or magnets or a combination of modalities.

It is often recommended that bi-annual health exams be performed. A complete physical exam from nose to tail will evaluate all body systems such as oral health, heart rate and rhythm, eyes, ears, etc. Also recommended are annual blood panels to check for anemia, inflammation, clotting ability, as well as evaluation of major organ function including liver, kidneys, pancreas and thyroid. If, with these exams and diagnostics, a problem is uncovered, it is best to be proactive and potentially start early medical intervention.

By intervening early a better prognosis and quality of life may be afforded to our senior pets. Since osteoarthritis is a frequent finding in both senior dogs and cats it is important to determine a pain management regimen to help keep them comfortable to maintain their family interactions and overall good quality of life.

Contact your veterinarian to determine the best course of action for your senior pet. Remember, they have been loyal and valuable family members for many years, most of them requiring only a yearly exam, vaccines and routine preventative care.

It is important to note that we need to adjust our focus towards our senior pets at home and in the clinic. We will need to pay closer attention to their needs and know that there are different health care options and treatments that they may require. life Dr. Kim Crisanti is a vet with Airdrie Animal Health Centre

“It is important to note that we need to adjust our focus towards our senior pets at home and in the clinic”

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airdrielife.com | FALL 2017

A wonderful day for the whole family

to 2 pm 17 from 11 mber 23, 20 ie te dr ep ir S , A ay of est Saturd ark. 3KM w . 14 .R R d Airdrie Ag P an d Springs Roa on Big Hill ment Farm Equip arvest Old Tyme H on ti ra Demonst

s & Antique Horse Team Displays Farm Safety Interactive lay sp Di ir Fa Fall itors ble Sale Fresh Vegeta e first 300 vis a Bun for th FREE Beef on

ieags www.airdr

ociety.com

Is your pet cover worthy?

Send us a picture of your pet and we will create your very own airdrielife cover!

We’ll post all the entries online and readers will vote for the best cover and you could win a

$250 Pet Gift Package Made with love; a gift basket for your canine or feline companion filled with toys, treats and a snuggable bed, complete with a wellness exam from one of the great veterinarians at Airdrie Animal Health Centre

Good Dog!

Contest closes Oct. 15, 2017 Enter online at airdrielife.com woof FALL 2017 | airdrielife.com

53

What is an Awesome Airdrie Kid? Airdrie is home to hundreds of awesome kids from all walks of life who inspire community members with their determination, spirit, compassion and leadership. Awesome Airdrie Kids are between the ages of 6 and 14 and are role models for their generation.

How do I nominate an Awesome Kid? It’s easy! Go to airdrielife.com for instructions and the nomination form.

The deadline to submit is Sept. 30, 2017.

What happens next?

Up to 10 recipients will be selected from the submitted nominations. Up to ďŹ ve from each age group (6-9 and 10-14). Each recipient will be featured in the winter issue of airdrielife and will also receive recognition at a special event.

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airdrielife.com | FALL 2017

Celebrating your life moments for 30 years

summerhillorist.com #4, 2145 Summerď€ eld Blvd. Airdrie

CHBA -

CHBA -

Calgary

Calgary

from the mid

$360's

from the low

$500's

403.948.4422

Nominations close Oct 30, 2017 Go to airdrielife.com to complete nomination form

Unique, Stylish & Fresh Designs

You know an amazing woman. Nominate her.

Summerhill Florist

Region

Region

2014

2013

FALL 2017 | airdrielife.com

55

7 Studios 4 Locations

Voted

Calgary’s Top

One Price

YOGA STUDIO 2015 - 2016 - 2017

Airdrie

McKenzie Towne

Avenida Nolan Hill

Over 195 hot & non-heated drop-in classes per week!

PLUS registered programs, workshops & wellness services* *additional fees apply

Visit www.breathehotyoga.ca to view the full schedule ~ Nolan Hill 412-8 Nolan Hill Blvd NW (403) 475-9642

Airdrie 309-800 Yankee Valley Blvd SW (403) 945-9642

For our 50th Anniversary we are celebrating YOU, Calgary!

A MUST-SEE UNIQUELY CALGARIAN PL AY

Blow Wind High Water

by Sharon Pollock September 5 to 30

Tickets start at $35 403-294-7447 theatrecalgary.com #tcBlowWind Arts Commons Max Bell Theatre P H OTO O F S T E P H E N H A I R BY DAV I D CO O P E R

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airdrielife.com | FALL 2017

HOME LIFE COOL SPACES

A NEIGHBOURHOOD TO LOVE A COMMUNITY TO

grow in

We moved from a small town, so it was so refreshing to see the same small town feel here in Airdrie.

Ravenswood has better quality of life – that’s what kept us here...This is our forever home.

Jennavieve & Jordan Homeowners since 2013

New Showhomes Now Open & New Lots Released

1.

Backyard Bliss

Wendy Bates-Wiebe’s fantastic yard has four separate lounging spaces, giving friends the opportunity to spread out and have more intimate conversations. There are two areas on the upper deck, and two areas in the lower yard. The entire yard is lawn free, so there is very little maintenance, allowing more time for outdoor fun.

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airdrielife.com | FALL 2017

DUPLEXES

LANED HOMES

FROM THE

FROM THE

FROM THE

$ A I R D R I E

BY KRISTY REIMER

TOWNHOMES

FRONT GARAGE FROM THE

SEMI-ESTATE FROM THE

250’S $320’S $340’S $440’S $500’S

NuVista Homes | Broadview Homes | McKee Homes | Pacesetter Homes | ZEN by Avalon MB

Small Town Charm, Big City Amenities We love that Ravenswood is so close to schools and all the parks & open spaces.

It’s a quiet, easy going, relaxed place. Ravenswood is a great place to settle down and raise a family.

Located in Southeast Airdrie, also easy commute to Calgary and close access to downtown Airdrie's dining and shopping. Ravenswood has welcoming streets, parks and pathways, larger lots, and with new lower pricing, maybe it's time for you to discover the value of Ravenswood.

Please contact your favourite builder for more info, or visit qualicocommunities.com/ravenswood

Qualico Communities are built with one thing in mind - you. Our thoughtfully master-planned spaces are built with an intuitive sense of community that nurtures individuals, families and friendships.

Lorinde & Patrick Homeowners since 2016

Ravenswood's parkland, green corridors and playgrounds have been strategically placed throughout the community, creating an idyllic setting that invites residents to stroll, cycle or just relax and enjoy the scenery. With quick access to Highway 2, residents can easily commute to Calgary, Cross Iron Mills or the airport.

NuVista Homes

Broadview Homes

McKee Homes

Pacesetter Homes

ZEN by Avalon MB

403.980.9525

403.980.8581

403.980.1092

403.980.8625

403.805.0423

Please contact your favourite builder for more info, or visit qualicocommunities.com/ravenswood Qualico Communities are built with one thing in mind - you. Our thoughtfully master-planned spaces are built with an intuitive sense of community that nurtures individuals, families and friendships.

A I R D R I E

homelife

IDEAS AND ADVICE FOR YOUR HOME, INSIDE AND OUT A I R D R I E

New Showhomes Now Open & New Lots Released

YOUR FUTURE

Neighbours

TOWNHOMES FROM THE

LOVE RAVENSWOOD, AND YOU WILL TOO

DUPLEXES FROM THE

LANED HOMES

$

250’S

$

320’S

$

340’S

$

440’S

FROM THE

When you leave the city, you take a deep breath and relax as you come into Airdrie. everyday you come home.

VISIT OUR SHOWHOMES TODAY

FRONT GARAGE FROM THE

• NuVista Homes 403.980.9525

We absolutely love our neighbours. In Ravenswood, we always feel safe and a sense of community.

Jeremy & Shauna Homeowners since 2015

• Broadview Homes 403.980.8581 • McKee Homes 403.980.1092

SEMI-ESTATE

• Pacesetter Homes 403.980.8625

FROM THE

• ZEN by Avalon MB 403.805.0423

$

500’S

Addresses: 361 to 373 Ravenstern Link.

Mon - Thurs: 2PM - 8PM, Fri: Closed, Sat and Sun: 12PM - 5PM

Qualico Communities are built with one thing in mind - you. Our thoughtfully master-planned spaces are built with an intuitive sense of community that nurtures individuals, families and friendships.

62 Backyard Bliss • 70 Show Home Envy • 74 Designer Advice qualicocommunities.com/ravenswood

homelife

IDEAS AND ADVICE FOR YOUR HOME, INSIDE AND OUT A I R D R I E

New Showhomes Now Open & New Lots Released

YOUR FUTURE

Neighbours

TOWNHOMES FROM THE

LOVE RAVENSWOOD, AND YOU WILL TOO

DUPLEXES FROM THE

LANED HOMES

$

250’S

$

320’S

$

340’S

$

440’S

FROM THE

When you leave the city, you take a deep breath and relax as you come into Airdrie. everyday you come home.

VISIT OUR SHOWHOMES TODAY

FRONT GARAGE FROM THE

• NuVista Homes 403.980.9525

We absolutely love our neighbours. In Ravenswood, we always feel safe and a sense of community.

Jeremy & Shauna Homeowners since 2015

• Broadview Homes 403.980.8581 • McKee Homes 403.980.1092

SEMI-ESTATE

• Pacesetter Homes 403.980.8625

FROM THE

• ZEN by Avalon MB 403.805.0423

$

500’S

Addresses: 361 to 373 Ravenstern Link.

Mon - Thurs: 2PM - 8PM, Fri: Closed, Sat and Sun: 12PM - 5PM

Qualico Communities are built with one thing in mind - you. Our thoughtfully master-planned spaces are built with an intuitive sense of community that nurtures individuals, families and friendships.

62 Backyard Bliss • 70 Show Home Envy • 74 Designer Advice qualicocommunities.com/ravenswood

HOME LIFE COOL SPACES

A NEIGHBOURHOOD TO LOVE A COMMUNITY TO

grow in

We moved from a small town, so it was so refreshing to see the same small town feel here in Airdrie.

Ravenswood has better quality of life – that’s what kept us here...This is our forever home.

Jennavieve & Jordan Homeowners since 2013

New Showhomes Now Open & New Lots Released

1.

Backyard Bliss

Wendy Bates-Wiebe’s fantastic yard has four separate lounging spaces, giving friends the opportunity to spread out and have more intimate conversations. There are two areas on the upper deck, and two areas in the lower yard. The entire yard is lawn free, so there is very little maintenance, allowing more time for outdoor fun.

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DUPLEXES

LANED HOMES

FROM THE

FROM THE

FROM THE

$ A I R D R I E

BY KRISTY REIMER

TOWNHOMES

FRONT GARAGE FROM THE

SEMI-ESTATE FROM THE

250’S $320’S $340’S $440’S $500’S

NuVista Homes | Broadview Homes | McKee Homes | Pacesetter Homes | ZEN by Avalon MB

Small Town Charm, Big City Amenities We love that Ravenswood is so close to schools and all the parks & open spaces.

It’s a quiet, easy going, relaxed place. Ravenswood is a great place to settle down and raise a family.

Located in Southeast Airdrie, also easy commute to Calgary and close access to downtown Airdrie's dining and shopping. Ravenswood has welcoming streets, parks and pathways, larger lots, and with new lower pricing, maybe it's time for you to discover the value of Ravenswood.

Please contact your favourite builder for more info, or visit qualicocommunities.com/ravenswood

Qualico Communities are built with one thing in mind - you. Our thoughtfully master-planned spaces are built with an intuitive sense of community that nurtures individuals, families and friendships.

Lorinde & Patrick Homeowners since 2016

Ravenswood's parkland, green corridors and playgrounds have been strategically placed throughout the community, creating an idyllic setting that invites residents to stroll, cycle or just relax and enjoy the scenery. With quick access to Highway 2, residents can easily commute to Calgary, Cross Iron Mills or the airport.

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Please contact your favourite builder for more info, or visit qualicocommunities.com/ravenswood Qualico Communities are built with one thing in mind - you. Our thoughtfully master-planned spaces are built with an intuitive sense of community that nurtures individuals, families and friendships.

A I R D R I E

1. The Shed A brilliant idea of turning a backyard shed into a wine bar! Friends can hang out on the tall bar stools with their drinks while watching the game or a movie on TV. Inside the shed there is more seating and ample room for a bartender, plus storage for glassware, drinks and media equipment.

FALL 2017 | airdrielife.com

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HOME LIFE COOL SPACES

2.

3.

4.

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Corporate Tax | Corporate Year Ends Personal Tax | Business Consulting

LINE-UPS

2. The Firepit Area

A private pergola surrounds the patio table for outdoor dinners. As the sun goes down the lighting gives this area a nice ambience.

4. The Outdoor Living Room An après-dinner lounging space is great for cooler evenings. A gas firepit gives off lots of cozy heat, and a gazebo surrounds the area for lots of privacy and shade. When the drapes are open, lovely trees separate it from the neighbours; when the drapes are drawn, the sun makes shadows of the trees on the drapes like a painting. life

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3. The Dining Area

Laned homes

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The largest yard space is the firepit area.

With ample seating, larger groups can chill and make s’mores while playing tunes on guitars with friends.

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MCKEE HOMES REIDBUILT HOMES HOMES BY DREAM

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HOME LIFE DEVELOPER PROFILE

MOVE TO MIDTOWN STORY BY MARIO TONEGUZZI

T

he Midtown residential development in Airdrie has been designed around a central pond which has been a great selling feature to potential homebuyers.

“That’s the main focus. It’s the major amenity. We’ve also built a bridge going across the pond to connect it from a pedestrian perspective,” says Brenden Montgomery, general manager of land development for Wenzel Developments. “All product type is there. We have duplexes, townhomes, single-family homes.

“We’ve had a really positive response from people in general, especially at all the events we’ve done so far,” says Montgomery. “Because everything’s built up around Midtown, you have all your amenities already there. There’s a grocery store up the street.

“Anything you can’t get inside Midtown from a commercial/retail perspective … it’s already built very close within walking distance and that’s not common for a new community. Usually you have to wait a number of years for those amenities to happen.”

Midtown is a joint venture between Trico Homes, Excel Homes and Shane Homes. It is being managed by Wenzel Developments and Apex.

It is a 90-acre site with a mix of different kinds of residential offerings and a commercial site in the northwest corner. Located on Eighth

Street just north of Yankee Valley Boulevard, it is directly north of the community of Luxstone. Retail space will be about 20,500 square feet.

The commercial site is three acres with the biggest use a Coop gas bar, convenience store, liquor store and car wash. A Tim Hortons has already opened. There will be a number of other stores as well.

Construction on the project started in 2015 with sales beginning in 2016. Two initial phases have already been built.

Montgomery says the project will consist of approximately 600 homes, with an anticipated three- to four-year build out.

On the west side of the pond is a large plaza, a community gathering space where people can hold events. All the different parks throughout the community are connected to the central plaza through pathway systems and sidewalks.

Montgomery says Midtown, an urban oasis in the heart of Airdrie, is designed so homeowners can experience the village charm that brings family and friendships home.

Midtown’s philosophy is to create remarkable residential opportunities defined by architectural integrity and craftsmanship, building connections between people and their community. life

“Anything you can’t get inside Midtown from a commercial/ retail perspective … it’s already built very close within walking distance, and that’s not common for a new community”

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FALL 2017 | airdrielife.com

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MAKE MINE A

HOME LIFE BUILDER PROFILE

STORY BY MARIO TONEGUZZI

MCKEE M

cKee Homes has not only watched the explosive growth of Airdrie over the past 30 years, but it has also been an integral part of it.

“It’s wonderful to see how Airdrie has grown and worked really hard to try to meet the needs of all the people who live here and love it,” says Elaine McKee Doel, president of McKee Homes.

“When we first started building in Airdrie, I think Airdrie’s population was probably around 10,000. Today of course our population is approaching 65,000.”

Airdrie continues to be one of the fastest growing communities in Canada. Over the past five years it experienced an average annual growth rate of 7.48 per cent. From 2011 to 2016, the city has grown by a stunning 42.3 per cent.

Martin McKee, founder of McKee Homes and McKee Doel’s father, started building homes in Airdrie in 1987.

Daughter Grace McKee is the company’s executive vice-president and Rob Doel, Elaine’s husband, is vice-president of land and sales.

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Hair that turns heads...

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403.948.7091 maneimage.ca

McKee Homes has helped Airdrie grow to its current status, building about 3,000 homes in the community in the past three decades – in both the single-family and multi-family sectors. Its business is primarily in Airdrie.

“We just made a decision early on in our business that Airdrie was going to be our core business focus. It’s our backyard. It’s nice to be able to see the community grow and flourish,” says McKee Doel.

“I’m definitely noticing a trend in the marketplace which looks like things are starting to turn around a little bit again.”

“We’re so fortunate in Airdrie because the geography has situated us very nicely,” adds McKee Doel. “We’re close to the mountains.

We’re close to the Calgary International Airport. We’re close to a major job centre in the city of Calgary. Any resource you would want really is available to us living in Airdrie.”

The company is currently building in six communities: Ravenswood; King’s Heights; Bayside; Cooper’s Crossing; Hillcrest and Vista Crossing in Crossfield. It has about 50 to 60 homes under construction.

Most of the multi-family home construction is done by Emerald New Homes which is another company with the same ownership group as McKee Homes.

Its product line is across the board ranging from the low-to-mid $300,000s to estate homes.

“That’s a part of our business model because we want to be the most highly soughtafter homebuilder in our market,” says McKee Doel. “We really try to be able to offer a variety of product.”

The company’s mission statement, she adds, is to bring the highest possible degree of craftsmanship and service to each home it builds. And the company does that through a passion for customer service. life

Looking for Retirement or Investment advice?

Talk to me today.

Carman Thiessen, CFP Financial Planner 403-462-7727 carman.thiessen@rbc.com

Chris Friesen, CFP Financial Planner 403-807-3010 chris.friesen@rbc.com

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.

36425 (11/2016) ® / ™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. © Royal Bank of Canada, 2016. VPS98671

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HOME LIFE SHOWHOMES

PACESETTER HOMES

Architecturally Stunning Ravenswood’s newest showhomes highlight a gorgeous community

With small-town charm and big-city access, Ravenswood is Airdrie’s most eastern community, making a commute to Calgary easy. Ravenswood is a community where you truly know your neighbours, and in which you can take pride living. It features many parks and green corridors, and playgrounds have been strategically placed throughout, creating an idyllic setting that invites residents to stroll, cycle or just relax and enjoy the scenery. With new lots released and a newly opened showhome parade featuring four excellent builders, it’s time you see why you should call Ravenswood home.

NUVISTA HOMES

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MCKEE HOMES

BROADVIEW HOMES

FALL FALL2017 2017 || airdrielife.com airdrielife.com

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HOME LIFE COLUMN

FALL GARDEN CARE gardenlife

“If your plants and trees still have leaves, you need to keep watering them”

WITH DAWN SMITH

I

T’S FALL IN THE GARDEN: summer’s blooms have faded and leaves are taking on their painterly hues.

But it’s not quite time to put away your garden gloves; there are still some chores that need to be done to prepare for the long prairie winter.

Rosa West, president of the Airdrie Horticultural Society, says the best way to prepare your trees, shrubs, roses and perennials for winter is by keeping them well watered all season.

“The rule of thumb is that your garden needs one inch per week,” says West, explaining although you can cut that amount down slightly as the weather cools, it is critical plants go into hibernation well watered.

“If your plants and trees still have leaves, you need to keep watering them,” adds West, noting well-watered roots give plants the best chance of making it through the cold season and the Chinooks our region experiences, which can be tough on the garden.

She recommends deep-root watering trees, especially within the first three years of planting them.

West, who sells roses at the Airdrie Farmers Market through her company Rose’s West, says it’s also important that perennials and trees aren’t given nitrogen – which stimulates new growth – after July 31.

She advises gardeners to use a 0-10-10 on any newly transplanted plants in late summer and fall to help them establish their root system, and for overall health.

West, who earned a horticulture certificate from Olds College, says garden clean-up doesn’t have to be a lot of work. In fact, she recommends

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against cutting perennials back before winter.

“We want to keep anything that might come back next year,” she says, explaining sometimes roses and other perennials can sprout from the previous year’s growth. “And the perennial greenery provides extra protection for plants and traps the snow, which helps insulate.”

West advises Airdrie gardeners to also leave fallen organic matter on flowerbeds. Doing so provides insulation, adds nutrients to the soil and provides a place for ladybugs, which are predators for many harmful bugs, to overwinter.

The one exception to leaving organic matter on the garden is under lilies to avoid the overwintering of Japanese lily beetles, which can decimate lilies in just days.

West, whose stunning Airdrie garden is pesticide and herbicide free and contains plants – such as zone five roses, wisteria, grapes, and a tri-coloured beech – that many consider too tender to grow in Airdrie, also spreads peat moss on the soil and grass where, like the leaves, it decomposes and improves the soil over the winter.

She also recommends gardeners “snow farm” over the winter months to help protect plants. The practice involves moving snow onto flowerbeds and over the roots of trees.

The best advice West has for gardeners preparing for winter is to not worry too much.

“A lot of people get stressed out about the rules; then they don’t garden,” she says. “Don’t be [stressed]; you will learn as you go.” life

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED, AIRDRIE. Airdrie and area’s trusted source of news for 42 years and counting.

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HOME LIFE COLUMN

Transforming with texture decorlife

I

WITH KIM PURVIS

“Pillows are an especially great way to add texture, because you can combine patterns, materials and sizes to create dimension” 74

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s a pop of colour what your room really needs? If I could have a penny for every time someone said “I think I just need a pop of colour,” I’d be rich. So often I hear clients say they’ve bought pillows, or artwork or a rug to add some colour and it’s just not working.

I’d like to suggest that rarely is a “pop of colour” the answer, but rather adding and layering texture will likely pull the room together beautifully. Sometimes that texture also manages to introduce pops of colour. Texture can be different products, finishes or patterns.

It’s always great to start a room with an inspiration piece to dictate the rest of the room’s decor, but once you have your inspiration piece how do you add texture?

THROW BLANKETS, PILLOWS, CURTAINS AND RUGS Not only do these items add texture, but they’ll go a long way to making the room feel warm and welcoming.

Pillows are an especially great way to add texture, because you can combine patterns, materials and sizes to create dimension.

Don’t be afraid to add curtains, even to a window with a view. Just because you’re adding fabric to the window doesn’t mean the curtains ever need to be closed. Think of them as a beautiful frame for the view. If there isn’t a view, consider layering the curtains with sheers behind, or a natural bamboo shade.

There are so many beautiful shade and blind options now that allow light to filter into the room and still allow for complete privacy in your space.

DRESS UP THE WALLS Wallpaper has been big in recent years, and by now you know that wallpaper today is not the awful “never-coming-off-I’m-stuck-with-it-forever” stuff of the past. There’s always the recently popular shiplap look that can be done very inexpensively and then stained or painted over. A favourite solution of mine is to create a faux-panelled wall look (wainscoting) with 1x4 baseboards and then painting it out in the wall colour.

Finally, a very cost-effective solution is taping out simple geometric patterns and painting – even 12” horizontal stripes add a huge impact for wall texture.

106 3 Kingsview Road SE, Airdrie 403.909.6511 plushhomestaging.com

SAY NO TO COMPLETE FURNITURE SETS Combining finishes creates a much more interesting room. Get two identical sofas, but pair them with a co-ordinating set of chairs and unique coffee tables. Within your preferred style and taste select a variety of leather, fabric, stained or painted wood, glass, metal or concrete furniture.

ACCESSORIES SHOULD ENHANCE THE SPACE It’s always nice to keep the accessories simple and have a common theme, but combining finishes really does create the texture you want. Try layering a glass vase with a rustic piece, or white porcelain with antique china.

Colour is a beautiful thing, but without texture the room will lack the personality that you’re trying to achieve. life

Decorator Kim Purvis, owner of Aurora Decor, is pursuing her lifelong passion of creating beautiful home spaces

Residential Property Management

587-296-3880

blackthornoakestates.ca FALL 2017 | airdrielife.com

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

Bayside Pier 11 by Genesis Developments featuring Genesis Homes and McKee Homes See ad page 7 Bayview by Genesis Developments featuring Genesis Homes. See ad page 39 Canals by Slokker See ad page 3 COMING SOON! Chinook Gate by Brookfield Residential featuring McKee Homes see ad page 17 Coopers Crossing by Westmark featuring Harder Homes, Emerald Homes and McKee Homes See ad page 118 Georgetown at Reunion by Slokker featuring Reidbuilt Homes See ad page 3 Hillcrest by Apex featuring McKee Homes, Shane Homes and Mattamy Homes See ad page 5 Kings Heights by Melcor featuring Jayman Homes and McKee Homes See ad page 48

Midtown by Wenzel Developments and Apex featuring Shane Homes See ad page 15 Ravenswood by Qualico featuring McKee Homes See ad page 57 Southwinds by Mattamy Homes See ad page 6 Vista Crossing by Dream Developments featuring Homes by Dream, McKee Homes & ReidBuilt Homes See ad page 65

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Check out the interactive version of this map online!

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Front Garage

online

Estate

HOME LIFE COLUMN

Showing our strength

T homelife

WITH MATT CARRE

he best word to describe the Airdrie real estate market is resilient. Why? Because whatever is thrown at us, we just won’t break.

At the start of 2015 there was report after report that our housing market was going to collapse. In the fall of 2016, the federal government, almost overnight, implemented a major change to how much of a mortgage buyers could qualify for. In 2017, the changes continue as Ottawa tries to slow down the exploding Toronto and Vancouver markets. In the end, though, we have persevered and our market has not collapsed despite the grim predictions.

Let’s look at the numbers. Through July of 2014, the average sale price of an Airdrie home was $388,917. Through the same time period this year, the average was $377,759. When you consider that we are now into the third year of a weaker economy, a 2.86 per cent drop in value is certainly not as bad as what was forecasted back in 2015. If you take out condos and attached homes and just look at detached properties, things are even stronger, with only a 2.18 per cent drop. Pretty resilient if you ask me.

While 2014 was certainly a great year, it was a far cry from what we saw in 2006 when we had a 44 per cent increase in home values compared to 2005. Why such a dramatic increase? Simply put: affordability, especially compared to other metropolitan areas of Canada. With more affordable homes, the demand increased and thus prices also increased.

While I am not expecting a 44 per cent increase in housing prices in 2018, I do have great optimism. There are many factors that contribute to significant increases; however, when you consider the increase in home prices in major markets such as Toronto and Vancouver, there is certainly some writing on the walls.

So what can we expect here for the rest of 2017? I think we are going to see much of what we have seen over the last few months. A decent market but certainly no significant increase in values. Homes will continue to take about 40 to 60 days to sell which, really, is normal. Sellers who are truly motivated to sell are going to have to be hyper-realistic about the value of their property, and buyers will have to realize most sellers aren’t in a position where they have to fire-sale their home. If a home is priced well and there is value at that price, it will sell.

As our economy improves we should see average sale prices return to 2014 levels and increase from there. No matter what, I believe Airdrie is positioned to grow and will maintain good value. life

Matt Carre is a real estate professional with The Carre Group

Anne Beaty

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MEET THE MOVERS, SHAKERS AND BUSINESS MAKERS

83 Crochet Crafters • 86 Creative Industry • 88 Getting Smarter

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businesslife

WITH KENT RUPERT

STAY AFLOAT WITH GOAL SETTING

T

his summer I decided to set a personal goal: to swim across Lake Okanagan. With a bit of encouragement, I decided that this year was the year to do it. This was a goal I have always had and talked about for a number of years. Six weeks out I started the training and while there were days that I just didn’t want to hit the pool or lake, I knew I had a goal to meet.

Many of us set goals in our lives whether it’s planning for a trip, new car or even a house.

We are taught as children that we should always have goals and are encouraged to reach them throughout our lives.

How many businesses set goals? When a new business starts their operations there are many goals that are set to be successful and stay in business. But how many businesses set goals on a weekly, monthly or even yearly basis? In my years of working with businesses, the ones that continue to grow and be successful are the ones that have strong business plans and are continuously goal setting. Too often businesses, like individuals and families, get so caught up in the day-to-day activities of just keeping their heads above water that they forget about goal setting.

Goals are powerful as they can focus our attention on the outcomes we desire. The main desirable outcome and measure of success for most business would be profitability. Goals set around probability would include looking at your sales and possibly your accounts receivables. In some cases when businesses get in trouble the first area an accountant will look at is their receivables.

No one likes to ask for money owed to them but these numbers are just as important as your overall total sales. So while setting sales goals be sure to set goals on how to collect those receivables. Other goals for businesses may include new products and services to expand the business, or maybe it’s how to get your business known better in the community through events and marketing.

Whatever the goals, just like in our personal lives, we need to continue to set them and reset them. As humans, we are naturally competitive, either with ourselves or with others. Setting goals gives us the energy and excitement to try to do better or try something new. Whether the goals we set are for business or provide motivation for ourselves, always be sure that they are SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely).

I’m happy to say that Ogopogo didn’t eat me, and I didn’t end up on the bottom of the lake with the fish. What I am proud to say is I reached the goal I set and had an amazing journey doing it. Sometimes setting goals will take you out of your comfort zone but as anyone who continuously does will tell you: it will create excitement and motivation for your business, and life, and will keep you moving forward and afloat. life

“Setting goals gives us the energy and excitement to try to do better or try something new”

WORK LIFE GLOBAL PROFILE

Finding Opportunity in a Downturn M STORY BY MARIO TONEGUZZI | PHOTOS BY SERGEI BELSKI

ost businesses struggle during a recession, but Ron Patterson took the recent economic downturn in Alberta as an opportunity to start his enterprise.

Airdrie-based Spira Systems was established in July 2015 but became operational at the beginning of this year and today has nine employees. And it’s growing. Its corporate headquarters and manufacturing facility are located in about 25,000 square feet of space.

“It’s a drilling tool manufacturing company that focuses on directional drilling equipment and primarily power sections,” says Patterson, who is well-experienced, along with his partners, in the power section and drilling motor industry with combined experienced of about 100 years.

“Essentially the products that we make, they power the drill bit for both oil and gas and utility drilling.”

The partners decided they were going to start their own company several years ago.

Patterson says the recession that spanned two years in Alberta in 2015 and 2016 was the trigger point to start off the business.

“We’ve been waiting for a downturn. With the oil and gas industry being in such a big boom, it inflates costs. It inflates availability of people.

Inflates from capital equipment to people to facilities at a premium,” he says. “With a downturn coming we knew that facilities would become available.... We were able to get people. We were able to capitalize equipment at a fraction of what it would have been in an upturn. And personnel, we were able to secure some very quality people with knowledge in the industry who otherwise we wouldn’t be able to get. “(Opening during) the downturn was fully intentional. High risk.

But the oil and gas industry has always been cyclical and it will always recover,” says Patterson.

Establishing the business in Airdrie was also opportunistic. The type of facility the company was looking for was hard to find in Calgary even with the downturn. It needed yard space, overhead room for cranes, good clean offices and lots of parking.

Precision Drilling was the previous tenant of Spira’s space in Airdrie at 22 East Lake Crescent N.E. “We got word that the building was available before it even hit the market. And Airdrie, too, has been quite business friendly. Not having any business tax here, they’ve been quite engaged in helping us get established here,” says Patterson.

FALL 2017 | airdrielife.com

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WORK LIFE GLOBAL PROFILE

“(Opening during) the downturn was fully intentional. High risk. But the oil and gas industry has always been cyclical and it will always recover.”

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Spira Systems is a privately-owned manufacturing company, supplying the oil and gas drilling industry with premium quality products and superior customer service.

Spira Systems combines the operational expertise of a North American power section manufacturing team with Artemis, a German engineering company.

“Together we are committed to delivering exceptional quality stators, rotors and relines to the North American drilling motor industry,” says Patterson, who has been involved in the downhole drilling tool and drilling motor industries for more than 25 years.

“Essentially at the very basic level we’re a rubber moulding company and machine company.

We are joint venture with a German company out of Hanover. They’re a family run, quite large rubber manufacturing company specializing in oil and gas and agricultural rubber products,” says Patterson.

Artemis produces all of the company’s rubber compounding and mixing. It was looking to expand into North America and it knew of Patterson and his partners’ reputation in this environment.

Patterson says Spira’s technology gives it the ability to make a more robust power section than conventional power sections.

Over his career he has held positions of president and chief executive officer of Wenzel Downhole Tools Ltd, vice-president of Dyna-Drill Technologies Canada, global vice-president of Drilling Motor Technologies for National Oilwell Varco (NOV), and vice-president of NOV Downhole Tools Canada.

Chris Thomson is the company’s vice-president and Majid Delpassand serves as its vice-president in the United States.

Business has been good since Spira started with clients primarily in Canada and the United States. It has been doing some business with international clients as well.

Plans for growth include “future expansion into the U.S., if we can,” says Patterson. “Product line expansion will be another growth. We’ll probably diversify into comparable product lines. That may be outside the oil and gas industry as well.” life

Stitching Sisters WORK LIFE CREATIVE PARTNERS

STORY BY DAWN SMITH | PHOTOS BY CODIO PHOTOGRAPHY

Alana (left) and Megan Looke

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“It’s super rewarding to see the smile a homemade item can bring to someone’s face” airdrielife: Tell us about your childhood.

Megan: We grew up in New Germany, a small village in Nova Scotia. Being just two school grades apart, we were pretty close growing up. Not only were we friends with one another, but were also gymnasts who competed through our late teens and travelled internationally with a performance team, so we remained close until our college and university years. Alana moved to the region 11 years ago to work as a WestJet flight attendant, and I ended up staying after visiting her five-and-a-half years ago.

We posed some questions to crafty sisters Megan and Alana Looke to find out what keeps this duo in stitches. The sisters are the creative minds behind Megan and Alana’s Crochet Creations, a local business that specializes in handcrafted wearable items, which can be purchased at the Airdrie Farmers Market every Wednesday until Thanksgiving.

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AL: What’s life like now?

Alana: Both of us live in Airdrie and neither of us have kids. We are both in our early 30s, and, in addition to running our business, we work full time.

AL: Tell us how you learned to crochet and why you love it so much.

Megan: My mom taught me when I was around 10 years old. For me, crocheting is like therapy: it’s stress relieving and something I enjoy while relaxing on the couch watching a movie. It’s also super rewarding to see the smile a homemade item can bring to someone’s face.

Alana: My sister’s love of crochet piqued my interest in the craft about three years ago. I got started by watching online tutorials. My sister taught me some of the trickier

stitches and gave me some tips on sizing. I enjoy designing and creating hats – when I see a new ball of yarn, my imagination goes crazy with the possibilities.

AL: How did you turn your hobby into a business?

Megan: Getting going with the business was kind of a fluke. I posted pictures of a baby blanket and hat-and-bootie set created for a relative’s baby on social media and someone commented that I should sell items at a farmers market. I thought it was a good idea, so I started going to markets and selling items under the name Megan’s Crochet Creations. It was successful, and in 2014 Alana and I decided to join forces. We started out attending just a few markets, but have expanded. Now we attend the Airdrie and Bearspaw farmers markets throughout the season and also sell our items at several Christmas markets.

AL: What items do you specialize in?

Alana: Our hats are our most popular item, and we create all sorts, from a messy bun hat to lamb, owl and minion hats, but we also stitch mermaid-tail blankets, kitchen towels, dish scrubbies and dishcloths. Creating baby items is a real love, and the items have become popular newborn photo props and baby shower gifts. Currently, Megan’s signature item is her non-slip flip-flop slippers.

AL: How much time do you spend crocheting every day?

Megan: I crochet a minimum of two hours a day, and up to eight. The hats and such don’t create themselves!

Alana: I usually crochet a few hours every day, but I do it because I want to, not because I have to. Sometimes life gets busy, or I have to work and the crocheting has to wait.

AL: Tell us about working with your sister.

Megan: I am so glad I get to spend as much time as I do with my sister. The best part is the quality time and the laughter we share. My sister is super creative and has an amazing knack for colours and colour combinations.

It’s so awesome to be able to bring together our unique ideas and turn them into something great.

Alana: I like working with my sister. She is organized, dependable, creative and has great ideas about how to display our creations at markets. We are a great team! life

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WORK LIFE CREATIVE BUSINESSES

QUILTS & CANDLES STORY BY MARIO TONEGUZZI | PHOTOS BY SERGEI BELSKI

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STITCHING SALES

A passion for sewing and crafting led Cathy Forsyth and Lori Gordon-Cooper to open their Pinheads Quilting store in Airdrie earlier this year.

“We supply notions, fabric and sewing machines for quilting.

Notions are scissors, rulers, cutting blades, pins, zippers, thread, buttons, quilting templates,” says Forsyth, who took her first quilting class about 30 years ago.

“I have loved sewing all my life, since I was a young teenager. Lori and I decided that should the occasion ever arrive that she and I were laid off at the same time, or unemployed at the same time, that we would consider opening a quilting store.”

Gordon-Cooper was an accountant with a former printing company that went into receivership in 2016 and Forsyth worked for an oil and gas company that went into bankruptcy in 2016.

Says Forsyth: “Lori said ‘are we going to do it or are we not?”

The store opened in February this year at 6124 Creekside Village, 403 MacKenzie Way S.W., in Airdrie. The store is about 1,264 square feet.

“Lori has an excellent talent for putting together colours and so with her talent for colours and my skills at sewing, we seem to make a very good team,” says Forsyth.

She adds the typical customer is more than 40 years old with some disposable income, and established in their career and lifestyle.

“Although, I am very surprised and very delighted that we have a lot of young, newbie sewers and we have a lot of males coming in the store.”

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The homebased Design’r Flames business began about 26 years ago and today has made a name for itself in the marketplace by manufacturing high-end quality candles.

“We’re a wholesale company mostly. So we sell to other customers who re-sell the product to mostly gift stores,” says Jodie Lucy, owner of the Airdrie business.

The business began with candles being made for craft fairs, and within six months Design’r Flames was at wholesale trade shows and selling to Canada Safeway, including exporting to seven states in the United States.

“They’re like inner-burning candles that burn through the centre, and they give a beautiful glow and have product on the outside,” says Lucy. “Very designer and high end.”

Prices for the candles range from $2 to $150. The average price point is in the $10-20 range.

Lucy loves to see the smiles on people’s faces when they receive a candle.

“We have a long-term customer we [have sold] to for over 20 years in Banff: Original Gifts on Banff Avenue. They have almost an entire store filled with our product. They have every product that we do sell in their store,” says Lucy. life

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Getting Smarter

WORK LIFE ENTREPRENEURS

STORY COMPILED BY SARA CHAMBERLAIN, AIRDRIE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | PHOTOS BY KRISTY REIMER

A continuation of our spotlight on the entrepreneurs and mentors currently involved in Airdrie’s SMARTstart program.

The non-profit program is designed and delivered by Airdrie Chamber of Commerce, City of Airdrie Economic Development and Community Futures Centre West, and offers tools, training, mentorship and business planning for new and prospective business owners.

Ashley

Drucilla Wendy

Entrepreneur: Deborah Proskow (See photo page 79) Age: 58 Business: Abstract Digital Paintings Business idea: Custom digital abstract paintings for home and business Years in business (if applicable): Idea stage What business or business leader inspires you most: Deepak Chopra (generosity and sharing) In five years I see my business: as a network of Airdrie artists, designers, photographers, printers and framers proving custom digital drawings and paintings for homes and businesses in Airdrie.

Mentor: Gary Armstrong (See photo page 79) Age: 58 Business: Empowered Employee Education Years in business: 7 What I wish I knew then that I know now: Sales drive business. Sales is not necessarily selling. It is, without question though, serving.

Entrepreneurs: Ashley Williams, Drucilla Heighton Age: 33, 24 Business: Byoode Bar Years in business: Opened April 2017, bringing together SugarWink Eyelash Extensions and BrowPro. What business or business leader inspires you most: Ashley: Gianna of BrowsByG who got me into the ‘brow’ business. She encouraged and believed in me right from the beginning. She is passionate and dedicated and one of the hardest working women I know.

Drucilla: Jessica Lapuz at Outlash Extensions Inc. In five years we see our business: Booming! With multiple locations, and teaching and offering more services.

Mentor: Wendy Bates-Wiebe Age: 45 Business: The Hair Lounge Years in business: 8 What I wish I knew then that I know now: Business is not built on your craft alone, it takes learning something new every day to run a healthy business. Lead by example, be true to yourself and those who surround you. Work hard and never give up on your dreams.

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Sid

Margo

Jacqueline Ashton

Entrepreneur: Margo Drever Age: 56 Business: Cumberland Accounting & Bookkeeping Consulting Ltd. Years in business: 1 year in Airdrie What business or business leader inspires you most: Multiple Airdrie business owners have inspired and impressed me with their generosity, community involvement, marketing ideas and superb customer service.

Outside Airdrie, Manjit Minhas because of what she has accomplished.

In five years I see my business: As a well-established and respected business with employees and office space in Airdrie.

Mentor: Sid Van der Meer Age: 60 Business: Retired owner of Northwest Equipment Ltd. Years in business: 31 What I wish I knew then that I know now: That there is a lot more to running a successful business then just being a good salesman. Many businesses start out doing what they do best and end up doing what they are not good at “running a business.”

Entrepreneur: Ashton Bennett Age: I’d rather not say Business: Lace & Locket Photography Years in business: 1 What business or business leader inspires you most: I don’t have any yet!

In five years I see my business: Growing to all of Alberta, holding workshops to help teach other budding photographers how to photograph babies, and being asked to photograph babies all over the province and country.

Mentor: Jacqueline Boyd Age: 41 Business: Access Chiropractic and Wellness Centres Years in business: 13 What I wish I knew then that I know now: Integrity, commitment to a service/product and building customer relations will see you through the darkest times. Believe in yourself.

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WORK LIFE ENTREPRENEURS

Joan Lorelei

Kerri

Robyn

Dana

Entrepreneur: Kerri Kuefler Age: 48 Business: Made in the Shade Blinds & More Years in business: 3 What business or business leader inspires you most: My dad inspires me most as he semi-retired at age 35.

In five years I see my business: paid for, running with a sales team and me working less on sales and possibly four days a week.

Mentor: Lorelei Talbot Age: 44 Business: Astoria Asset Management Ltd. Years in business: 12 What I wish I knew then that I know now: nothing, because I had to go through it then to know what I know now. Growth, everyone has to go through that whether personal or other.

Entrepreneur: Dana Remillard Age: 47 Business: Mosaic Learning Solutions Years in business (if applicable): 2 months What business or business leader inspires you most: I am inspired by the work of Jane Anderson and the Magic Mountain Development Centres and Footprints for Learning Preschool. I love how this business is a grassroots Airdrie-based business that has expanded and grown to be a great success while caring for our city’s youth.

In five years I see my business: Becoming an established and trusted support for diverse learners and their families in Airdrie and surrounding area.

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Barbara

Mentor: Robyn Pearson Age: 47 Business: A Friend Indeed Years in business: 7 What I wish I knew then that I know now: Just relax and enjoy the process. Your need to know everything and its “why” right now will interfere with the fun, and the whole thing will just take longer.

Enjoy it, uncovering as you go. Yes, you can still plan but don’t paint yourself into a corner and miss out on the extraordinary.

Braces

aren’t just a part of what we do, it’s all we do.

Entrepreneur: Barbara Brown Age: not important Business: My Myo Smiles Inc. Years in business: 18 months What business or business leader(s) inspires you most: There have been several up-to-date dentist and dental specialists in Airdrie , Calgary and Chestermere that have inspired me to follow my path in orofacial myology, believing that it is a genuine missing link to comprehensive patient care. People that care inspire me.

In five years I see my business: Thriving, succeeding, but more important, educating the public and impacting lives.

Mentor: Joan Bell Age: 60 Business: Retired owner of Airdrie Yoga Studio Years in business: 10 What I wish I knew then that I know now: According to Buddha: what you think, you become, what you feel, you attract, what you imagine, you create.

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WORK LIFE ENTREPRENEURS Danielle

Paula

Jacqui Kara

Entrepreneur: Paula Collett Age: 52 Business idea: Organic Market and Wellness Centre Years in business (if applicable): Idea stage What business or business leader inspires you most: PachaMama Eco Village in Costa Rica In five years I see my business: Becoming the No. 1 place for people to go to for healing of the body, mind and soul.

Mentor: Danielle Kot Age: 38 Business: Simply For Life Years in business: 12 What I wish I knew then that I know now: How to create work/life boundaries

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Entrepreneur: Kara Fulton Age: 36 Business: Thumbprint Craft Beer Market Years in business: Opened January 2017 What business or business leader inspires you most: Janine Hartsook from PUSH Cycling Studio – she’s always positive and thinking outside the box In five years I see my business: Possibly opening another location in a smaller city like Cochrane or Okotoks Mentor: Jacqui Jepson Age: 39 Business: The Pink Wand Cleaning Services Ltd. Years in business: 8 What I wish I knew then that I know now: Every bump in the road of business that sets you back really, in the long run, helps you grow!

Entrepreneur: Emily Fleming Age: 38 Business idea: The Art of Steel Years in business (if applicable): Idea stage What business or business leader inspires you most: Arlene Dickenson because she started later in her thirties as a single mom and knew very little about business but took a risk and went for it. I also admire my grandfather who was in business and lead with generosity and compassion for his community.

In five years I see my business: As a sought-after leader in ornamental design fabrication for residential and commercial applications in southern Alberta. We will be known for our creativity and our contributions to the community through fostering arts and beautifying spaces.

Emily

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Mentor: Danielle Coulter Age: 58 Business: Tutor Doctor Years in business: 7 What I wish I knew then that I know now: Before starting you must have some financial plan in place. Understand your commitment of time is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, selling, providing customer service, managing staff for payroll, collecting from clients and paying bills for a few years! You’ve got to be passionate about your service/product.

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WORK LIFE COLUMN

financiallife

WITH CHRISTA TEMPLE

Understanding investment property T

here are many reasons a homeowner may decide to rent their home – to set out on a travel adventure, move for an exciting new job opportunity or to rightsize for their current lifestyle.

Whatever the reason, if this applies to you, now is the time to shift your perspective. This is no longer your home; it is your investment property, and you are now operating a business.

The choices you make now are not based on your personal preferences such as wall colour; but rather the marketability of the wall colour. Choosing attractive, durable flooring or cost-effective appliances with consideration for the type of tenant you wish to attract are all part of the balance of running your business.

Preparing your home can save you time and money securing quality tenants while easing the adjustment period.

As homeowners, we tend to look past some deficiencies to

use your mouse to

which we’ve become blind; a new tenant expects to move into a fully functioning home. So, attach that loose baseboard and fix that leaky faucet before your tenant moves in.

Remember that you set the standard for the property that will be returned to you.

Determining the market rental rate can frustrate first timers; the monthly expenses incurred do not reflect the market rate of your property. Simply put: the current rental value is determined by what a tenant is willing to pay, not your mortgage payment. If you have hired a professional property manager, they will recommend a rate based on actual rents achieved, market conditions, competing properties and experience. If you are doing this research on your own begin by looking at comparable properties listed on reputable rental websites such as Rentfaster.ca. Take an aggregate of the listed properties and determine what is reasonable based on that information and be prepared to negotiate.

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“The current rental value is determined by what a tenant is willing to pay, not your mortgage payment” Now that you have determined the market rental rate, create a business plan, compile all the expenses related to your property and factor a bad debt/vacancy contingency of 10 per cent. Don’t forget a maintenance contingency for any repairs and upgrades based on the age and condition of your property. Speak with a professional tax accountant and explore all the tax benefits available to your investment business.

An investment property can be a great passive income business. While building equity in your asset, take care of your investment and your tenants or hire a professional property manager and reap the rewards for years to come. life

Christa Temple is the owner of Blackthorn Oak Estates, a full-service property management and consulting firm

is pleased to welcome Becky Salmond to the Frog Media family.

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September 26, 2017 6 pm - 9 pm

Apple Creek Golf Course 11064 Township Road 275 Rockyview, AB Tickets on sale now. $25 for members $30 for non-members Includes appetizers and complimentary coffee and tea. Guest speakers, door prizes, cash bar and more. Seats are limited. Preregistration is required. Visit airdriewomen.ca. Proceeds will be donated to Airdrie P.O.W.E.R

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Music of the

“Patsy Cline” “Roy Orbison”

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See legends come to life before your eyes!

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LOCAL LIFE BERT CHURCH THEATRE

ENTER STAGE RIGHT Bert Church Live Theatre has a new lead player Theresa Cochran is the new team lead of the Bert Church Theatre (BCT). We asked her to introduce herself, talk about the upcoming season and tell us why live performances matter.

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“

Live performance

takes you to a new place, one that is fascinating and beyond your

”

day-to-day life

airdrielife: For starters, please give us a quick synopsis of your background and what led you to the BCT. Theresa Cochran: My background is varied, with 20 years experience working in a municipal government environment. Within my time at the City of Calgary I had the chance to work in four great departments including 10 years with Calgary Recreation. I have varied education that ranges from being a certified holistic nutritionist and fitness instructor to having a master’s degree in business. Although I don’t have any specific arts and culture training my children are both very active in the arts world, with my daughter finishing her last year in a degree in fine arts with a major in ceramics and my son taking a degree in musical theatre and performance.

What led me to BCT, well, I was looking for a fun job that was far beyond anything I had done. I wanted to have more ability to influence arts in Airdrie and was excited at the prospect of becoming more involved in the community.

AL: Favourite live performance ever?

TC: The Lion King Musical is one of my absolute favourites. The costumes, the music, the dancing….

Amazing show.

AL: What show coming to BCT has you most excited and why?

TC: I am really excited about this entire season. Really there are so many shows to see and enjoy; however, I am very excited about the Anastasia Ballet, the Rainbow Dance Theatre’s presentation of Selfie, the Olate Dogs will be sure to make me laugh, and I am very excited to see Gerry Madigan live on stage with a spectacular 10-piece band. Really, I could go on and on as I am excited about every show on our performance roster.

AL: What is the biggest challenge of running the theatre?

TC: One of the biggest challenges is getting our programming information out to the community. We have such a beautiful theatre; however, there are still so many people in Airdrie and beyond that don’t even know we exist. Our goal this year is to get out into the community to ensure we have a sell-out for every show! The more community support we have, the more shows we will be able to present. We want our citizens to not have to drive to Calgary for their date night or their family weekend events when we have so much to offer right here in Airdrie.

AL: What show should every child see?

TC: We have so many great family and children’s shows this season, with Pinkalicious the Musical, Charlie Brown’s Christmas, The Halloween Howl Masquerade ball, The Purple Pirate Ship, Cinderella, James and the Giant Peach, and of course the winners of America’s Got Talent – the Olate Dogs. I hope the children in Airdrie get a chance to see them all.

AL: Best place to sit in the theatre?

TC: We are so lucky that with a smaller theatre, every seat is a good seat, but I love right in the middle of the theatre. You get a great view of everything.

AL: Why does live performance matter so much in this digital age?

TC: Live performance takes you to a new place, one that is fascinating and beyond your day-to-day life. During each show you get to be up close and personal with the performers and for a few lovely hours nothing else matters. I have been to so many shows where I am mesmerized and so enthralled with the performance and those on stage. This is a feeling that can never be replicated with technology!

AL: You’ve booked more than 30 performances this season, everything from classical symphony to comedy. What was your philosophy in planning such an impressive listing?

TC: We are looking to ensure that there is something for everyone in the community. Further, as suggested above, we want the citizens of Airdrie to be able to go to amazing live shows right in their own city. The theatre is easy to get to, parking is free, and as I said every seat’s a great seat! Lastly, exposing more people to theatre and live performance through the amazing talent that is booked here this season will enhance support and continued growth in arts and culture in the city.

AL: If your life was a Broadway show – what would it be called?

TC: Some days if feels an awful lot like Groundhog Day! But wouldn’t it be cool if was more like Come From Away? life

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W I N BIG with

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LOCAL LIFE UP AND COMING

ONES TO WATCH STORY BY WYATT TREMBLAY

THE FILMMAKER Chris Reid believes his passion for filmmaking began with a childhood love of Hot Wheels cars.

“I had a bucket of those filled to the brim; that’s where my passion for cars started. Then it was like, ‘why can’t I go out and make cool videos of cars?’”

That’s how it started, this 25-year-old says, and now he has his own company, Vital Productions.

However, this backstory has a second chapter; one where Reid enrols in the video arts program at Bert Church High School.

“It was there I learned to write a script and to light a scene,” he says, adding that he also saw how filmmaking was a team effort. “A group of people go out, have some fun and they shoot a five-minute video.”

Reid prefers the role of cinematographer, though.

“I enjoy being the guy behind the camera. Figuring out if the scene is lit properly, the frame rate, the aspect ratio, all of that.”

As his skills grew, he began making videos of his friends’ custom vehicles, which has led to contracts for local car companies.

Reid also graduated last spring from the film and video production program at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT).

“They further instilled the purpose of story, and especially how all the

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parts come together to make a whole,” he says, “and that’s what I really enjoy about filmmaking.”

He continues to do contract video for corporations and even weddings, but it’s not enough to go full time – yet.

Reid also works for Mercedes Benz in Calgary as an internet sales co-ordinator, photographing and videoing lot inventory.

“It’s my first job out of college. I can’t complain; it’s pretty good.”

The goal, however, is full-time filmmaking, which means, he says, “You never say no to an opportunity.”

Reid’s submitted a five-minute short film, The Caretaker, to the annual Airdrie Film Festival.

It was a group project he made while at SAIT, where he was the writer and cinematographer.

He’s also working on a project with Mitchell George, owner of Airdrie’s award-winning Crooked Cinema Productions.

“I can’t talk about it yet,” he laughs.

The two were both in the video arts program at Bert Church, and have stayed in touch.

“We teamed up on projects in school. He’s a great guy.”

Reid admits that building a career in filmmaking takes time, but he’s OK with that.

“Right now, it’s baby steps.”

Meet three talented Airdrians making their mark THE SINGER Not many 18-year-olds can say they know what their calling in life is, but Izaha Cochran isn’t your typical young man.

This confident Airdrian is about to begin his second year at Toronto’s prestigious Sheridan College, in its musical theatre program.

“That was always my calling. When I tried to figure out what I wanted to pursue, there was really no other option but to do that,” he says, laughing.

His introduction to musical theatre was through George McDougall High School, but he graduated from Central Memorial High School in Calgary, taking advantage of its specialized theatre arts program.

Cochran says he’s always loved performing in front of a crowd; singing in Grade 4, show choirs in Grade 6, and then musicals in Grade 9 at McDougall. “It all started with singing, but moving to musical theater really freed me.”

It allows him, through song and acting, to convey a message to the audience. “When you watch (musical theatre), you say, ‘oh, they made me sad, they made me think, they made me ponder.’ I feel there’s a lot of power in that.”

He gives the example of West Side Story, which he performed at the University of Calgary when he was in Grade 10.

“The music is fantastic, but (the story) touches on a lot of issues that people don’t want to talk about, like racism, sexual assault, and class differences.”

Choosing Sheridan College was not difficult.

Cochran did his research, and found that the college was considered better than most comparable ones in the U.S. However, leaving his family was hard.

“I’m young, and it was challenging … I couldn’t just have my parents come out and help me.”

As for his future, Cochran is his confident self.

“I plan on working in musical theater and doing shows.”

PHOTO BY KRISTY REIMER

“It all started with singing, but moving to musical theater really freed me”

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LOCAL LIFE UP AND COMING

THE DANCER

Jillian Frederick, 17, is always moving, on stage and off. The George McDougall Grade 12 student took a few moments to tell us about her love of dance. airdrielife: What’s your earliest memory of dancing?

Jillian Frederick: I was on stage at four years doing the bird dance and I kept moving out of line to go stand with my friend. Knowing those were not the rules, she kept telling me to go back to my spot in the line while we were on stage performing.

AL: What is your most embarrassing dance moment?

JF: I was performing my first-ever solo and I had a section of turns that travelled across the stage. I underestimated the depth of the stage and ending up turning into the back curtain. I got all tangled in the backdrop and missed a chunk of my solo trying to get myself untangled.

AL: What is your most cherished dance moment?

JF: The moment I cherish the most was being offered a duet with my big sister Andie. It was my first duet ever and I am so lucky that I got to experience that with her. She is my biggest role model and I am so blessed to have shared that sentimental time with her onstage.

PHOTO BY CHARLENE AND RAPHAEL CODIO

AL: Was there a costume you absolutely disliked?

JF: Absolutely! There have been more than one, but every choreographer has their vision and they know more than I do so I trust they would never put me on stage looking ridiculous.

AL: What has been your favourite teaching moment?

JF: There are so many it’s hard to choose one specific moment. I love being able to connect with the kids through something I am so passionate about. I love when the students achieve their goals and I get to be a part of that with them.

AL: Favourite dance movie?

JF: My favourite dance movie is actually a documentary about the Youth American Grand Prix which is an international ballet competition. The documentary is called First Position and follows different dancers as they prepare for the competition.

AL: How many hours a week do you dance?

JF: I spend seven hours and 45 minutes at the studio in strictly training classes working on technique and preparing for exams. That does not include my competition rehearsals and any hours spent teaching.

AL: Favourite dance style to perform?

JF: I do all styles of dance and I love performing them all, for different reasons. If I had to pick a favourite it might be lyrical. It’s a fusion of both ballet and jazz techniques with the addition of emotion. It always feels so good after I come offstage after performing lyrical.

AL: When did you start teaching?

JF: I joined the Teacher’s Assistant Program at Ambition Performing Arts (APA) five years ago. Through that I was in the classrooms as an assistant learning how to handle my own classes. Last year I was offered opportunities subbing classes and taking over some of the classes I assisted. This year will be my first year with my very own set of classes to teach and I couldn’t be more excited.

AL: Do you plan to dance after high school? If so, what are your goals/plans?

JF: There is nothing I want more. My biggest aspiration in dance would either be to be part of a Broadway show, or to dance in one of the opening numbers for an award show. I think I want to move to Vancouver to train at Harbour Dance Centre to start my career and then we’ll see where I go from there. life

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Dancing with Ambition T STORY BY JOLENE RUDISUELA

hree days a week, eight-year-old Ceilidh MacDonald walks into the Ambition Performing Arts (APA) studio, puts on her dancing shoes and waits with her friends for class to begin.

With tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop, acro and musical theatre, MacDonald spends a lot of time at the studio but she doesn’t mind. She has been dancing for almost her entire life – seven years – and says she was just “born to do it.”

MacDonald is just one of 530 students that walk in and out of the APA doors every week; each one learning to find their passion for dance and their place within the studio.

For Tara Pickford, APA has always been about more than just dancing. Since opening the studio 11 years ago, Pickford and her team have worked hard to provide an environment for young dancers to not only learn proper technique and skills, but to grow as people.

Says Pickford: “Dance is a passion; it’s a physical outlet, it’s an emotional outlet, it’s a creative outlet. The studio is a place where kids can go and be physically active.

“They can use their creativity. It is a place where they can interact with other people without screen time. It’s a second place to be loved; it’s a second home.”

Dance continues to be very popular for youth – especially young girls – and Pickford attributes this popularity to media coverage. TV shows like Dancing with the Stars and World of Dance bring the sport into the limelight; however, Pickford adds, this prominence has contributed to the ever-rising standards.

“It is so easily consumed by the mass media and the mass public; it’s definitely growing,” she says. “The result of that is that what’s required of students at a young age has absolutely changed and it’s maybe not for the better because not everybody is ready to do those advanced moves when they’re younger. That’s when we see the burnout, we see the injuries and we see families and kids being done with their sport really early.”

Pickford brings her background in kinesiology to APA to ensure the studio is always teaching dance techniques in a way that is developmentally appropriate. She and her staff are also continuously taking courses and learning to bring the newest methods into their classrooms.

Rachel Viner has been teaching with APA for 11 years and says the studio stays on top of industry trends and research to ensure students get the best dance experience.

“The dance world is consistently evolving,” she says. “It is completely different from when even I was a dancer so it’s really important as a staff for us to continue growing and educating ourselves to keep up with the standard that’s being held in the dance world today.”

Pickford says APA’s goal is to set students up to succeed, whether that be as a professional dancer or in any other pursuits. She says several of her students have gone on to perform in Vancouver for various dance companies, but all of her students go on to become major forces in their communities.

Jillian Frederick (see story at left) has been dancing for 13 years and as she enters her final year of high school, attributes many of her successes to her time in dance.

“They try to teach a lot of lessons in life like perseverance and working for what you want,” she says. “I wasn’t just learning how to dance, I was learning how to be a great human after I graduate and even how to get a job.

Even though it’s just dance training, you learn so much more.”

Frederick adds that the studio is like a second family and she would not be able to do what she does without their continuous support.

For Viner, it is watching these friendships form and the culture of the studio grow that makes her feel like she has succeeded as a teacher.

“Of course we put a lot of thought and effort into seeing the kids grow as dancers but it means so much more to see them grow and create friendships and just find themselves as people.” life FALL 2017 | airdrielife.com

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LOCAL LIFE EDUCATION

School of Arts!

FINE ARTS ACADEMY COMES TO W.H. CROXFORD STORY BY WYATT TREMBLAY | PHOTO BY KRISTY REIMER

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here’s a new way of learning at Airdrie’s W.H. Croxford High School, and it comes with the distinguished title of Fine Arts Academy.

The academy is made up of the Cavalier Music Academy (CMA), Visual Arts and Media (VAM) Academy, the Drama and Performing Arts Academy, and the Mechatronics/Robotics Academy (MRA).

“It is a rethink of how school is done,” says music teacher Luke Sandham, who took the initial step in 2016 of forming the CMA. “Ever since I started teaching, I had it in mind that there might be a different way to do music education than what has been typical.”

Sandham, who lives in Calgary and has taught for 14 years, says he struggled with the dichotomy between the music the kids listen to, soloists and small bands, and large ensembles at school.

It troubled him to see students with a passion for music quit playing once they left.

He wondered if there was a way to create music education that equipped students for a life of music independent of their school-band experience.

Sandham, who also has a music degree, says when he joined Croxford he found an administration open to his ideas.

Those ideas also fit with a province-wide initiative called High School Redesign, which focuses on a more personalized and flexible learning environment.

How the music academy works is based in part, Sandham says, on Rocky View Schools’ Building Futures, a yearlong immersion program offered to Grade 10 students from several Rocky View high schools, which anchors the entire curriculum around house construction.

Using this model with Grade 10 music students, Sandham anchored the curriculum upon two core subjects, physical education, and Career and Life Management (CALM), and focused on the creation of an album of original material.

The program was “real world,” meaning his students, individually or in small ensembles, used the morning block throughout the school year to write, budget, market, produce and eventually release their own work.

There was a learning curve, Sandham says, but “there’ve been some real magical moments where you go, ‘Wow, that’s just incredible.’”

By last spring, teachers in visual arts, dance, drama and what would become Mechatronics worked with Sandham to form a larger academy.

Croxford’s Visual Arts and Media teacher Vern Gray says there had been discussions about the academy the previous fall, but he wanted to see how it would evolve.

“I watched what (Luke) was doing and I thought, ‘I’d like to try this.’”

Gray, who lives in Didsbury and is also a visual artist, has been teaching for 23 years.

English teacher Shelley Cunningham, who started the drama program, says she came to Croxford because of its openness to new ways of teaching.

“Some kids learn traditionally, and that’s OK, but we have to offer space for kids who don’t.”

Cunningham, who lives in Calgary, has a background in drama and has been teaching for eight years.

Marcy Lannan, a working actor and new to Croxford, is taking over the drama and dance academy, allowing Cunningham to be full-time English support.

While MRA, led by Croxford teacher John RemusEveritt, does not truly meet the Fine Arts definition, Cunningham explains, there are elements of electronics and robotics that do.

How it works

The academy is currently only available to Grade 10 students, who must apply the preceding spring.

“It’s just easier to do this in Grade 10 because the timetable is fairly consistent for them,” Sandham explains.

With English and CALM as core subjects, the academies students, around 100, will have the mornings blocked off for the entire year.

“That was our biggest challenge,” Sandham says, “Getting the timetable to work so none of the kids lagged behind in other subjects.”

Projects will be completely student driven, whether individually or in groups.

“It’ll be their ideas. They’re going to create real websites, real e-portfolios … that will follow them beyond school,” Gray explains.

There will also be opportunities for the academies to work together.

For instance, if there is a guest speaker, all students will attend, and then write about it in Cunningham’s English class.

The schedule also keeps students together, so academies can focus completely on one project if necessary.

All three teachers agree the process is more a mentorship than the traditional “stand-and-deliver” model.

“We’re hoping that they’ll understand how real artists work,” Gray says, “and take that with them after school.”

For Cunningham, she’s excited about how “it all seamlessly slides into English.”

Fine Arts, she laughs, also requires the proper use of grammar and punctuation.

Sandham, with a year of experience under his belt, is looking forward to the larger academy’s impact.

“School can be different. I wanted to create an environment where students could come to school and work on something they’d be inspired by, rather than jump through hoops until they leave.

“In a nut shell, this is what we’re trying to do.” life FALL 2017 | airdrielife.com

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LOCAL LIFE VIDEO

n o i t a r o b a l l o C e v i t Crea age s s e m a h t i w

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SERGEI BEL PHOTOS BY | Y LA B EM YATT TR STORY BY W

hey’re not sure whose idea it was, but these two Airdrians teamed up, made an award-winning music video, and have released a second powerful project over the summer.

Jay Stoudt, guitarist for the cover band Steady The Wheel, and Paul Hurst, owner of Chirping Bird Films, both work for the City of Airdrie – but those are just their day jobs.

The magic between them happens where their individual passions cross.

“We collaborate professionally and maybe as hobbyists,” Hurst says.

“Paul is able to interpret and read between the lines,” Stoudt says, “and create visuals that show what I’m saying.”

The two became friends while working for the City, where Stoudt is manager of IT, and Hurst is network engineer, but they’ve had their own artistic journeys.

Stoudt’s band was featured in airdrielife in 2011, and they’re still making music.

“We have enough gigs now that we work just as much as we want,” Stoudt laughs.

A father of two, he began writing his own lyrics in 2006.

It was his song, Behind A Mask, about first impressions not always being accurate, which led to the collaboration with his friend.

Hurst, who recently became a first-time father, began filmmaking in 2011.

“I liked watching movies, but the mystery behind it? I never really thought about it.”

But after working on a film, he was hooked.

“I realized then that I had a natural tendency for telling stories.”

Dead End, a horror flick he shot in 2015, was Hurst’s first attempt at producing a movie.

“It was a great collaborative experience. When you work with good people, it all comes together really well.”

Since then, he’s filmed 11 more projects, “some with cheese, and some with not so much cheese.”

Hurst also prefers using local actors and crew.

“There’s more than enough talented people right here.”

It only seemed natural that the two friends would eventually collaborate on a project.

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SKI

Behind A Mask, directed by Hurst and produced by Stoudt, earned Steady the Wheel a Best Music Video award for the month of October (2016) in IndieWise’s popular online competition.

“All of my songs have a story that means something to me,” Stoudt says, “but they’re open to interpretation.”

A music video, he explains, allows whoever sees it to view it the way the songwriter imagined it.

When Stoudt wrote Ready, a song about bullying that came out of his own childhood experiences, Hurst was on board.

Shot in locations around Airdrie, they employed Stoudt’s 19-year-old son, Ashton, as the lead, along with four of his son’s friends, all first-time actors.

“They were incredible,” says Hurst. “It was a collaboration with them, and they helped make the issue real.”

Stoudt admits watching his son portray the bullied teen was difficult. “It’s my story and my kid; you’re connected to it.”

Hurst’s visual interpretation of the lyrics is honest, not shying away from the issues of bullying and teen suicide.

Steady the Wheel’s solid classic rock sound and Stoudt’s poignant lyrics add tension as the story heads toward an inevitable conclusion.

It’s the effect they wanted, but after sharing the video with family and receiving feedback, they made a change.

“We adjusted the ending to be more of a choice, with a positive message for help,” Stoudt says.

Hurst agrees: “We had to ask ourselves, ‘What are we trying to say?’”

“Paul captured my vision,” Stoudt explains, “and if it saves the life of just one person, I’ve accomplished what I wanted to achieve.”

“It’s a great song,” Hurst says. “We made something special.”

Ready can be seen on YouTube and at the Chirping Bird Films website. life

READY

LYRICS BY JAY STOUDT

Not today maybe someday Not sure where we’ll see But I’ll know it when I’m ready

I just can’t take the pressure It’s driving me insane In a letter to my family It’s not easy to explain I’ve reach out for assistance You keep ignoring me Living life is not that easy Only wish that you could see

Yes I’ll know it when I’ll know it when, I’m ready

FALL 2017 | airdrielife.com

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LOCAL LIFE GIVING BACK

40 Years of Caring AIRDRIE LIONESS ROLE MODELS FOR COMMUNITY

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STORY BY DAWN SMITH | PHOTO BY KRISTY REIMER

embers of the Airdrie Lioness Club are gearing up for a milestone celebration.

The club, which was formed in 1977, will be celebrating 40 years this September, and members couldn’t be happier.

The Lioness originally consisted of 29 local women, including the late Dolly Dunne, who was behind the founding of the club.

From its inception, members exhibited the spirit of volunteerism that still permeates the club and keeps members involved – some for decades.

“We exist to give back,” said Donelda Johnson, who has been a club member for nearly 10 years. “Everyone has the mentality of wanting to give back, to help other people.”

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The impact of the volunteer efforts of Lioness Club members can be seen across Airdrie. In fact, the scope of what the club has accomplished may be surprising.

Some community facilities the members have sponsored include pool space at Airdrie’s Genesis Place; the birthday room at Iron Horse Park; the fireplace insert in the entrance of Bethany Care Centre; and two early literacy stations and the teen’s room at Airdrie Public Library.

Members have also contributed to school libraries, playgrounds, park benches, the Boys & Girls Club of Airdrie, Community Links and numerous initiatives at Airdrie Food Bank, such as the Snack Attack and breakfast programs. The club has also purchased new equipment for the food bank.

“Our goal is to help wherever we can” The club has even contributed to charities outside of Airdrie, such as the Alberta Children’s Hospital and the Children’s Cottage, through the Blankets 4 Kids Program.

One of its largest contributions to the community is the annual Lioness Hamper program, which gives out hundreds of Christmas hampers each year, containing everything from gifts to groceries, including all the fixings necessary for a holiday feast, to needy families.

“Our goal is to help wherever we can,” says Johnson, noting the Airdrie Lioness often start new programs to fill a void within the community.

The club is able to give back due to the hard work of its members, who raise money through many ways, such as raffles and casinos.

But the club also offers companionship as its members spend many hours together planning, taking part in fun activities, and volunteering.

For example, over the past 40 years, members have spent countless hours making thousands of pies to raise money for their programs. That team-building tradition continues today, and the pies are a hot item at the annual Airdrie Home & Lifestyle Show, where approximately 225 are sold each year.

“Being a member of the club is fun,” says vice-president Cindy Savitsky. “The club is great for women of all ages.”

Savitsky says the club is also a great place to meet other ladies, noting there is no minimum time commitment required to join the club.

She also wants to destroy the myth that Lioness members have to have a husband involved in the Lions Club.

“We are now completely independent from the Lions Club,” Savitsky says.

Thanks to the efforts of current members, who continue to spread the word about the fun and rewarding club, the future of the Lioness in Airdrie looks bright.

The club is open to women ages 18 and over who have the desire to give back to the community while spending time with likeminded members. life If you want to be part of the next 40 years of the Airdrie Lioness Club, visit Facebook, or contact the group at airdrielioness@gmail.com or 403-660-1669

FALL 2017 | airdrielife.com

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LOCAL LIFE COMMUNIT Y LINKS SPECIAL FEATURE

Family First STORY BY DAWN SMITH PHOTO BY KRISTY REIMER

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orth Rocky View Community Links has recently settled into its new location in Airdrie and staff members are excited to continue offering quality programs and services from the new site.

People of all ages, from newborns to seniors, can benefit from the agency’s programs and services, which were created to meet Community Links’ mission of strengthening individuals, families and communities.

The agency’s many children and youth programs are key in meeting this goal.

Barb Gross, manager of Family Resource Services at Community Links, says the agency – which is one of 55 Parent Link centres in Alberta – offers about 70 programs for parents and caregivers, including everything from group sessions for youngsters that focus on learning through play, to one-one-one parent coaching sessions.

“Parents have a critical role in preparing their kids for school and life, [yet] no one comes into this job with all the answers,” says Gross, noting Community Links offers about 22 early childhood development pro-

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grams each week, both onsite and at locations such as Airdrie Public Library. “We are here to answer questions and help.”

Gross says the agency’s Family Child Care program is a key part of its offerings for children ages newborn to 12. Gross says child care providers involved in the program meet or exceed provincial regulations and work to enhance the emotional, mental and physical health of the children.

Another meaningful program is Roots of Empathy, now 10 years old. It brings a mom and her infant into a Grade 1 classroom for several months to nurture empathy within the school children.

Sue Der Stepanian, coordinator of volunteer services at Community Links, explains that as students observe how the mom treats her infant and watch the baby develop, they gain empathy and are less likely to bully others.

Der Stepanian also highlights children’s volunteer opportunities – such as helping fill backpacks with school supplies as part of the Supplies for Success program – as a way of instilling empathy and the values of giving and caring.

She notes volunteering “reminds kids of how lucky they are and creates the understanding that we need to help the community.”

Der Stepanian also encourages caregivers to check out Community Links’ Toy and Resource Library as an economical way of offering new stimulation for kids as they progress through the developmental stages.

Another key area of focus for Community Links is bullying prevention.

Laurie Jacob-Toews, development services manager at Community Links, says the agency offers several programs for youth, such as Beyond the Hurt, Girls Circle and Boys Circle, and Healthy Youth Relationships.

These programs are designed to help kids gain self esteem, learn how to have healthy relationships and to deal with everyday issues.

Community Links staff work with children and youth on the issues of bullying, friendships, healthy relationships and self-esteem, both one-on-one and in group settings – a huge asset to the community.

During the 2015-16 school year, 127 individuals were assisted, and more than 600 took part in various groups and presentations offered around the community.

The many programs assisting children and youth are possible in part because of Community Links’ community partners, such as FortisAlberta, which has donated more than $20,000 annually to the agency for the last five years.

Alana Antonelli, FortisAlberta’s communications manager, says the company believes it is their responsibility to give back to the community.

“We believe that only together can we build healthy, vibrant communities and as a business with strong ties to Airdrie and Rocky View County, we have a responsibility to do our part to support where we can,” says Antonelli.

“A community is only as strong as the families within it and Community Links is an organization that does a wonderful job of supporting families in ways that they need it most.” life

“We believe that only together can we build healthy, vibrant communities”

FALL 2017 | airdrielife.com

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AIRDRIELIFE ARCHIVE

LOCAL LIFE RURAL ROOTS

ers who l 4-H memb atured loca fe Rudisuela e ne w , le 09 Jo In 20 the field.” in g in nd k then – ta ac were ‘outs urnalism b terest in jo one day! in r us r he fo ed show ld be writing ou w e sh who knew

100 Years OF ALBERTA 4-H STORY BY JOLENE RUDISUELA

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was seven years old the first time I heard the 4-H pledge. At the time, I was too young to join the program, but was still shuttled around to meetings, competitions, and project days along with my older brother.

Two years later, I was finally old enough to join the Airdrie Helping Hands 4-H Multi Club. Since then, the words and the meaning of the pledge have been engrained into my mind.

For 100 years, 4-H members across the province have been “learning to do by doing.”

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In 1917, just 63 kilometres up the road from Airdrie, one of Canada’s largest youth organizations came to Alberta in the form of Olds Junior Pig Club. The program has since grown to include over 350 clubs in the province with 6,000 members.

“I don’t think I can choose just one part of 4-H that I loved the most,” says Brennan Munro, a former 4-H member and ambassador. “The program just has so much to offer and I think there is something for everyone and something everyone will enjoy.”

LOCAL LIFE RURAL ROOTS

I pledge my Head to clearer thinking, my Heart to greater loyalty, my Hands to larger service, and my Health to better living. For my club, my community, and my country.

Growing up on a farm just west of Airdrie, Munro was a part of the Irricana 4-H Beef and Multi Club for 10 years, participating in sheep and horse projects. In 2015, she was selected as an ambassador for the Calgary region at the annual Selections program and also represented 4-H Alberta as the 2015 Premier’s Award Recipient.

“You can branch off into all the different opportunities such as 4-H camps, public speaking, volunteer work, large shows and scholarships.

It just expands from a project into this massive web of activities and learning opportunities.”

Each year, 4-H members complete a record book and diary, teaching them to learn the importance of record keeping and being organized from a young age. Public speaking is also a large part of the program where members must get up in front of the club and give a timed speech or presentation. Winners move on to compete against other members in their area, district, region and then province.

However, throughout the whole year, the biggest focus of 4-H is on the projects.

“Members can have whatever project they want as long as there is a purpose,” says Munro.

Airdrie 4-H Beef Club has been part of the community for 67 years, with its club members attending their first beef show in 1950

Beef, horse, sheep, and dairy are common 4-H projects, but there are also many more options. Though 4-H is well known for its livestock aspect, it has expanded well beyond its rural roots. Multi clubs are quickly growing in popularity, giving members the opportunity to turn almost anything into a project. In fact, many livestock clubs are adding multi club components to attract more members. Kids can participate in anything from sewing to archery to small engines.

Though 4-H in Alberta started with swine, 4-H in this area started with beef.

In 1933, the program came to Rocky View County in the form of Balzac 4-H Beef Club. Since then, members have focused on raising steers and heifers and have participated in all 4-H has to offer.

Almost 20 years later, another prominent club took shape. In 1950, five families came together to form the Airdrie Junior Beef Calf Club, now known as the Airdrie 4-H Beef and Sheep Club. In the club’s first year, it had 30 members.

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The Hanson family was one of the club’s founders and is also one of the few that has been involved in local 4-H for four generations.

Andrea Hanson joined 4-H in 1974 and has not looked back since.

While her family already had strong 4-H roots, she recalls why she joined: “‘How would you like to join a 4-H club?’ Dad asked me one day as we sat around the kitchen table. ‘I don’t know, I guess?” I replied. That was the start of a lifelong career that has caused me to bleed green ever since.”

After years of being a member of horse and beef 4-H clubs, she went on to work as the Calgary Regional 4-H Specialist for a total of seven years, until 2015.

“I’d say the 4-H program is second to none for developing our leaders of the future.”

Once her two kids, Colton and Cailey Church, were old enough, they each joined the Balzac 4-H Beef Club.

“The project might have been why they got into 4-H but it was much more that keeps them engaged,” says Hanson, who was also co-leader of the club for four years.

Other clubs in the area include Crossfield-Madden 4-H Beef Club, Irricana 4-H Beef and Multi Club, Midnight Express 4-H Club, Golden Rod 4-H Multi Club and Airdrie Helping Hands 4-H Multi Club.

Airdrie’s diverse mixture of livestock and life skills clubs allow anyone the opportunity to get involved in 4-H and try something new.

“I like to see the expansion of projects that aren’t necessarily agriculture related,” says Munro. “We can use our agriculture background and knowledge to educate the urban group, but we’ve also seen a rise of clubs in Airdrie with non-agricultural projects. I think that’s an interesting thing that will be explored in the coming years of 4-H.” I have never lived on a farm, but I found my own place in 4-H. I started out as an unbearably shy nine-year-old, but thanks to my time in the program, I ventured outside of my shell.

I remember being terrified the first time I had to get up on stage to compete in public speaking. I shook for the entire three minutes as I delivered my speech about cats. In my last year, I confidently spoke about the effects of technology on society and advanced to regionals – the furthest I’d ever gotten.

I went from attending camps as a delegate to counselling summer camps and acting as a role model for younger members. I volunteered in my community, acted as club treasurer, learned to run meetings, and made lifelong friendships. I spent nine years as a member and am now starting my second summer working as a communications assistant with 4-H Alberta.

I don’t know where I would be without 4-H, but what I do know is that my 4-H career is far from over.

A lot has changed in the 100 years that 4-H has been in Alberta, however, the program is still driven by the same basic principles.

4-H encourages youth to become involved in their community, teaches them valuable life skills and, perhaps most importantly, gives them an opportunity to “learn to do by doing.”

Using their head, heart, health and hands, 4-Hers will continue to learn and grow for the next 100 years. life