A New Ex rience in Airdrie Life.
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A New Ex rience in Airdrie Life.
PUBLISHER/ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Sherry Shaw-Froggatt
DIGITAL MANAGER Katie Dudek
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Vanessa Peterelli
DESIGN DIRECTOR Kim Williams
EDITOR Stacie Gaetz
CONTRIBUTORS Sergei Belski, Veronica Funk, Shane Groarke, Jennifer Harbour, Laura Hudson, Britton Ledingham, Carl Patzel, Kim Purvis, Megan Stewart, Kristy Reimer, Shilo Storey, Wyatt Tremblay, Jessica Williamson Stock photography by istock. SALES
The fall edition of airdrielife is once again filled with the vibrant activity of the arts and culture scene in our city.
As the long, drawn-out pandemic has shown us, the arts matter immensely to our mental health. In this election year, its vital we let those running for Airdrie’s City Hall know that making arts a priority is about making its citizens’ well-being a priority.
The lifting of COVID-19 restrictions seems to have breathed new life into the community and everyone we talked to for this issue was bursting with excitement and craving the return of events, entertainment and going out to eat.
Learn how the Polaris Centre for the Performing Arts is combining Broadway-style entertainment with small-venue intimacy in a builder that is unlike anything else in the region.
Then continue to satiate your theatre thirst by diving into our article on Bert Church Theatre’s upcoming season. The curtain has been down for too long and Airdrie is ready to Get Live!
If your kids are needing a creative outlet, read about Zanni Performing Arts, a theatre, dance and voice company that takes a unique approach to teaching, where students learn to discover their own performer from the inside.
Did you know we have local DJ with a massive global following? Trevor Gordon may seem like your average husband and father by day, but his tracks are on more than 10 international labels including Russia, Spain and the U.K.
And speaking of global, we sent Carl Patzel on an international journey to several of Airdrie’s restaurants who are serving up meals from Canada’s East Coast, Japan, South Korea, the Mediterranean, Vietnam, India, Mexico, Italy and France.
Our creative futures are in good hands as you will learn when you read about 10 up-and-coming artists in our Ones to Watch feature.
Julia Bleichert, on the cover, is a Ones to Watch alumni, now becoming a YouTube sensation and we see a really great future for her.
It’s time to let the creative energy flow, so start reading!
And be sure to join our a-list to get exclusive chances to win tickets to concerts and more this fall.
Stacie Gaetz
Parkside living in Airdrie. Chinook Gate was a community designed to provide the greatest access to Airdrie’s best park! Chinook Winds Park gives you a healthy excuse to get outdoors year-round. It’s a shared backyard with two km of pathways, three playgrounds, skate park, rink, splash park, tennis courts, toboggan hill, beach volleyball courts and ball diamonds. Neighbourhood paths wind through prairie landscapes, in a tightknit community where neighbours are close – as is shopping and entertainment.
“Lola was a casualty of both the pandemic and the polar vortex, so her survival, recovery and growth is a feel-good story that people can celebrate and get a daily laugh from”
Asituation involving an unlucky baby goat and a polar vortex that could have ended in tragedy unpredictably resulted in an opportunity to raise money for a worthy local cause.
Lola the Goat (as she was later named) and her brother Sad Gary were found orphaned on Feb. 3, 2021, near the stable where Sharon Shuttleworth and her husband Wayne board their horse.
When she heard of the orphaned and freezing animal, Shuttleworth knew she could use her farming knowledge to give it the best chance of survival by bringing it to her home in Balzac.
The members of Studio 52 developed The Lola Project by creating pieces of art depicting Lola, which they will sell, donating all proceeds to the AHF.
There will also be a number of other items up for sale including a children’s book, greeting cards, coffee mugs, T-shirts and more.
“We have sourced local suppliers to help spread the business around yet keep it in our own community,” says Shuttleworth.
Chandra Hoffman, marketing and communications co-ordinator with AHF, says she is excited for the organization to be the recipient of money raised through this unique initiative.
“Lola has been making quite an impact on people and lifting spirits of those she meets,” says Hoffman.
“So many other local supporters have jumped on board due to seeing the videos and social posts, or meeting Lola out in the community.”
She adds that the funds will fittingly assist mothers and other “kids” as the money will be used for the AHF’s Pregnancy & Beyond Program that supports more than 100 high-risk mothers each year to help them gain resiliency, foster healthy early child development, and teach postpartum coping skills.
“The Airdrie Health Foundation continues to advocate for enhanced health care to meet our highest priority needs in Airdrie and the smaller surrounding communities,” says AHF board chair Ryan Thompson.
Cindy Zampa, founding member of Studio 52, says AHF is an incredibly valuable resource, which provides support to the community by addressing urgent health needs.
“The pandemic has stressed many people in multiple ways, including health, finances, emotional and mental well-being. We’d like to assist in whatever way we can to help the Airdrie Health Foundation do what they do best which, in turn, strengthens our community.”
She adds their goal is to raise $1,000 for the organization but she hopes they can raise even more.
“Lola was a casualty of both the pandemic and the polar vortex, so her survival, recovery and growth is a feel-good story that people can celebrate and get a daily laugh from,” says Zampa.
“I thought we were prepared in that way to do all that we could, so we took the tiniest, coldest baby goat because we honestly felt her best chance might be with us. Plus, we were prepared that she might not make it,” says Shuttleworth.
“We just lost our beloved dog, and that day I didn’t think I’d be able to laugh for a very long time. Lola had us in stitches that very afternoon.”
It turns out the feisty goat brought joy to many people, not just those who took her in.
Shuttleworth is a member of Studio 52, a grassroots Airdrie artist group comprised of four visual artists and a writer, and she realized she could use Lola’s popularity to raise money for the Airdrie Health Foundation (AHF), which supports mental health and other urgent needs in the community.
“Right from the day we brought her home, I’ve made daily Facebook posts about her,” says Shuttleworth.
“She had between 50 and 70 people reading her story every day. Increasingly, they started commenting about how much she was helping them deal with a pandemic.”
“I think her followers quickly became vested in her progress because they saw an ‘underdog’ fighting to survive. She makes people smile and brightens their day. Lola has overcome so many obstacles to be where she is at today. Many people have overcome obstacles and struggled during this pandemic, whether it be physically, emotionally, financially, mentally…. Lola is a little sunny, funny ray of joy, and is brightening her followers’ days with her antics.”
Lola’s brother Sad Gary now lives with Shuttleworth (who says he’s not actually sad, he just sounds heartbroken when he bleats) and she adds the two are a handful.
“They are bonded very closely and where one goes, the other goes,” she adds.
“They are mischievous and get into all sorts of trouble – we have to be pretty on-the-ball to stay ahead of their shenanigans!”
The Lola Project will run until December and Shuttleworth says that the group is always looking for other organizations to partner with to raise funds in unique ways. life
For more information, visit the Lola the Little Goat Facebook page
Airdrie
recently participated in a beautification project at Luxstone Senior Living. The project included designing and sketching out a mural on a 20-foot by nine-foot construction trailer. The goal of the project was to involve as many members from the community as possible to help paint the artwork that Funk designed.
Community projects are so important, especially in times like these. It is heartwarming to work in the community with others to add beauty to our surroundings and to contribute in a meaningful way.
When I was initially approached about contributing to the local seniors’ community, I thought of The Grandmothers project that I had completed at the end of 2020 and knew that honouring our seniors in this way was extremely important.
The Grandmothers consisted of painting 52 portraits of the women who came before us, over 52 weeks, and sharing their stories and photographs.
After feeling isolated and disconnected from my community and after all the hardships the seniors had faced over the past year, I knew this project would be important, not only for them but for me.
When Jennifer Harbour, community relations co-ordinator for Luxstone, reached out to the local arts community about the possibility of creating a mural, I immediately knew I wanted to help out.
After meeting with her and viewing the possible options to beautify the appearance of a dilapidated old trailer in the courtyard, we discussed the fact that the residents come from across Canada.
I knew I wanted to create an image that encompassed the landscape from the West Coast to the East Coast and include the flow-
ers that represent each province and territory across the country along the bottom.
I also wanted to simplify the drawing to create the semblance of a large colouring book page so that everyone, despite age or ability, could be involved in its painting. It became a wonderful, collaborative community project.
After the structure was primed by a community volunteer, I transferred the initial image onto the 45-foot trailer using orange paint and a paint brush.
After drying for 24 hours, other volunteers stepped up to fill the trailer with vibrant colours.
As the colour blocking was completed, I continued to adjust and add details as required.
Like so many, this past year left me feeling a little disconnected from others in my community, and this project helped to remind me of why I chose Airdrie to be my home so many years ago. In spite of the pandemic, I remembered the people that I have had the honour of meeting and seeing how they band together; they are the cornerstone of this community.
I am grateful to be able to contribute in this small way, through sharing my love of art, knowing it does make a difference. life
For more information on the Coast-to-Coast project, visit airdrielife.com/ lifenow/community-art-project-celebrates-seniors/
“It is heartwarming to work in the community with others to add beauty to our surroundings and to contribute in a meaningful way”
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“I don’t like being labelled just a dancer, or a singer, or an actor; I like being a triple threat”
Julia Bleichert, 19, is a graduate of W.H. Croxford High School, but she’s not wondering what to do with the rest of her life. Bleichert has been charting a career in dance, acting and singing from the age of three.
“I like not being just one thing, but a whole bunch of things,” says Bleichert, who lives in Airdrie with her parents and four sisters.
While she was confident as a dancer, she was originally timid about singing publicly.
“I would sing in my garage after school, and just let it all out. That was my way of doing it since I was so shy.”
Bleichert overcame this fear while attending the StoryBook Theatre program in Calgary, where she landed a lead role in a musical, which boosted her confidence. “Something in me just grew, and I knew I could do this.”
She continued developing her dance skills at the Alberta Ballet School but transferred to Croxford in Grade 10 to focus on singing and acting.
“I wanted to be more versatile,” she says. “I don’t like being labelled just a dancer, or a singer, or an actor; I like being a triple threat.”
Inspired by the likes of Lady Gaga, Pink, and “anything Broadway,” Bleichert saw the future as hers to seize. She trained with the Stampede’s Young Canadians during Grade 12, and the year after graduation began auditioning for musical theatre roles on cruise ship lines. She had made it through call-back rounds and was feeling excited, when suddenly, “It was COVID, COVID, COVID.”
The pandemic shut down live venues, and Bleichert hit the pause button on her dreams. “As an artist I felt really drained. I couldn’t audition, I couldn’t do anything.”
In 2020, she found part-time work at a dance studio in Calgary, where she met Eugenio Hipolito, a local producer, dancer, videographer and singer. After hearing her vocals, Hipolito approached Bleichert about working together to record covers they could post to YouTube.
The chance to work again, and with a seasoned artist like Hipolito, gave her hope, she says. However, due to the pandemic, they could not physically record their first project together. Instead, they filmed their parts separately, and Hipolito pieced it together in postproduction. The result is a version of Oh Come All Ye Faithful that is fitting to the times; a duet presented through two cell phone screens, side by side.
Since then, they have produced several cover songs, mostly ballads, earning them tens of thousands of views on YouTube. Hipolito arranges the music and plays all the instruments.
Their duets are interesting visually, musically and vocally. With clear storytelling, skillful arrangements, and the exquisite quality of their two voices, Bleichert a mezzo soprano and Hipolito a tenor, they are a talent worth paying attention to.
Their cover of British singer Calum Scott’s agonizingly beautiful hit You Are The Reason showcases their talent. Filmed on a dark stage with Hipolito’s reverent arrangement of Scott’s music, they present a version of this mega-hit that holds its own against the original.
In true Bleichert style, though, there’s more to come. “We started doing covers to build an audience, but now we’re writing our own stuff, and we’re going to add dance; that’s really exciting.”
Bleichert’s plans may have been interrupted by COVID, but the future is still hers.
“Just being able to do what I love – singing, acting, dancing – as long as I’m in that realm, I’ll be happy.” life
At first glance, Airdrie’s Trevor Gordon appears to be an ordinary husband and father with a house and a yard, and he’s OK with that.
However, Gordon, a print technician, is also a DJ/house music producer, and while you’ve probably never seen his face – he covers it with his logo, a self-caricature for promotional photos – the genre of music he makes has a massive global following.
“One of the reasons I like house music so much is that it has a mix of electronic and actual (sampled) instruments. It touches a lot of people,” he says.
Made for night clubs and festivals, house music (HM) is booming and hypnotic. Using keyboards, drum machines and sampling, producers create rhythmic dance tracks.
“Rhythm, base, drums; that’s the signature soul of house music,” Gordon explains.
The term is attributed to a ’70s Chicago underground club called The Warehouse, Gordon explains. HM legend Frankie Knuckles was a Warehouse DJ who was instrumental in creating sets that mixed underground disco, independent soul and European electronic disco records.
Today, tracks are produced in a studio combined into mixes by DJs, and performed using professional hardware, a laptop, and software specific to DJing.
Gordon discovered HM in the late ’90s when he heard the Daft Punk single, Musique. The French electronic dance music duo is one of his top influences, he says.
“I listened to this and was like, ‘Wow, this is amazing.’”
He immersed himself in the genre, eventually buying equipment to produce his own tracks.
“I did a lot of this in my spare time, but I wasn’t really serious about it.”
He took a break from producing in 2003, wanting to focus on work and life. However, in 2014, Gordon remembered a promise he had made years earlier.
“I want to do this,” Gordon had said as a teen. “I want to make something of myself with this music. I love it so much.”
He’s experimented with different genres, such as Down Tempo and Breakbeat, but settled on Deep House, which is characterized by drum pads, chord structures, muted baselines and a repetitive fouron-the-floor beat with a tempo of 110 to 120 beats per minute.
Gordon DJs for the occasional podcast or radio show but prefers working in the studio. “I’m an introvert,” he says, “I like life working in the studio.”
His energetic tracks emerge from a place of calm, he says. “I love the Prairies. I draw inspiration from my daily walks and hikes.”
By 2017, he was getting signed to HM labels. The labels sell tracks through platforms like Traxsource, which sell to DJs and stream on services like Spotify. Gordon is now on more than 10 international labels, including in Russia, Spain and the U.K.
“I recently signed to (California’s) Salted Music,” he adds, “which is run by Miguel Migs, one of the top Deep House producers in the world.”
Gordon’s latest EP, Night Train, has been featured on four different charts for Beatport, an online store for DJs, taking the No. 1 spot on the Deep House chart. Another of his tracks, If You See Love, was recently featured on Data Transmission, a top dance music website.
He does regular guest mixes for S.W’s Urban Night Grooves, an Amsterdam podcast, which features DJ mixes. The program is broadcast in Europe on radio and via the Internet. He also enjoys collaborating with fellow producers and DJs from around the world.
Gordon says he keeps a balance between family, nature and working in the studio. “It all brings me joy and direction in my life.” life
“One of the reasons I like house music so much is that it has a mix of electronic and actual instruments. It touches a lot of people.”
Giovanni Macagnino and his wife Karen moved from the U.K. to Airdrie in 2006 with the goal of bringing their love of performing arts to the city.
Fifteen years later, they are doing just that with their own theatre, dance and voice company.
“After researching the whole of Canada, we landed on Alberta as a destination, then Airdrie came to the top as a small-enough place to be a community, but big enough to offer what we needed for our family,” says Macagnino.
“It still feels small, and the facilities are excellent.”
It is that love for the city that made the couple want to open Zanni Performing Arts about a year ago.
“We felt we had a lot to offer as professional performers,” says Macagnino (or Mr. Zanni as he is affectionately known to his students).
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• Inspiring citizen engagement
In the U.K., Macagnino received his bachelor of arts (BA) in theatre studies from St. Mary’s University in London and performed as part of a comedy double act, as well as having a number of solo shows, while also acting on stage, on TV and in film, in both comedy and drama.
Karen is a dance teacher with international teaching and performance experience. She has her BA in theatre from the University of York and has performed all over the world.
Macagnino says Zanni Performing Arts takes a unique approach to teaching theatre and dance, where students learn to discover their own performer from the inside.
“Being allowed to express yourself, instead of having to do exactly what the teacher tells you because of a pre-determined syllabus, makes a huge difference.
“It allows personal expression, which so many extra-curricular activities don’t allow,” he says. “Discovering these new skills is always an exciting journey, especially when they are realized by the student themselves.
Macagnino adds artistic expression is healthy for the individual and the group and brings communities together.
“Our motto is ‘to excite and express,’” he says.
“We want kids who are excited to learn performing, and we allow them to express themselves. The main thing about our teachers is that we all love imparting our knowledge and passion for our specialities.”
Macagnino says that he also feels it is important for local businesses to give back to the communities that support them.
“We have a student on a free full scholarship from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area, and we have just aligned with Tails to Tell Animal Rescue Centre to help them raise funds,” he says.
“Some children never get the chance to take classes due to financial considerations, and that’s sad, and animals have no defence to human ignorance or cruelty,” says Macagnino of why he chose these charities. life Did
Staff at Bert Church Live Theatre (BCLT) are inviting residents to Get Live this season with an exciting lineup of about 20 shows that will have people trading their Netflix for front-row seats.
The season promises to be uplifting, funny and adventurous. It’s all of the things that we haven’t had for more than a year.
Many of the acts from this year’s lineup were set to perform during the 2020/21 season that was cancelled because of COVID-19.
Due to the continued unpredictability of the pandemic, the theatre is doing things a bit differently this year and keeping the details of many shows and the ticket sales under wraps until about four weeks before each performance.
Here are a few details on the upcoming shows this season.
The 2021/22 lineup kicks off on Sept. 25 with MAC DADDY. This is a Fleetwood Mac live experience that pays homage to the classic lineup of the band, with respect for its artistry and influence on popular music and culture.
Next comes a whimsical family-friendly adventure with castles, knights and magic.
The third preview comes down to three well-known names: Sinatra, Martin and Davis Jr.
This act is followed by one of today’s hottest Canadian country trios.
Residents can then get excited about another adventure from the legendary Wingfield Farms.
Next up is an interactive movie experience that will have the hills singing. The movie musical is set to include dressing up, audience interaction, prizes and more.
In December, BCLT starts an exciting new family holiday tradition.
Many of the performances this season appeal to young families, while still offering date-night options and other entertainment that will not disappoint.
The theatre promises enough variety so both loyal patrons who have
purchased tickets for years, and new patrons who have never attended a BCLT show, will not be disappointed.
The New Year kicks off with a puppet extravaganza with a very hungry insect, followed by random acts of winter kindness for the whole family from a Calgary theatre group.
Then residents are in for a shock with an electric take on a classic fable from one of America’s Got Talent semi-finalists.
Next, Airdrie is visited by one of Alberta’s greatest folk singer/songwriters and an annual foot-stomping, hand-clapping good time.
The following act, hailed as the next Ed Sheeran, features an artist accompanied by an orchestra.
If your kids are into stories, you won’t want to miss the show coined as “Hi-Ho Hi-Ho, a family fairy-tale show.”
Whether you are from out East or not, three musical sisters from Newfoundland are sure to entertain when they make their stop in our city.
Up next is a unique show by one actor who has performed his work off-Broadway and for audiences across North America. With the taglines of One Man in a Galaxy Far, Far Away and One Man, One Ring to Rule Them All describing the shows, you don’t want to miss them.
BCLT will round off the season with the made-in-Airdrie musical by Nose Creek Players described as: Oh! The Places You’ll Go with this big Broadway show!
The season may also include a number of other additions such as a comedic acapella quartet and other local rising stars.
Shows will be accessible to everyone as we all deserve to Get Live again after the pandemic.
The theatre aims to keep admission affordable with tickets ranging from $20 to $60. life
For the most up-to-date information on upcoming shows and to buy tickets, visit BCLT’s new online ticket portal at tickets.airdrie.ca
The Polaris Centre for the Performing Arts is an expertly designed facility that offers large-venue convenience with small-venue intimacy.
According to Carlos Foggin, manager of the venue and musical director of Rocky Mountain Symphony Orchestra (RMSO), the centre was purposely built outside an urban centre and is intended to make the performing arts equally accessible to people who live in town and those who choose to live in the country.
“It’s quite simple – there’s nothing like this in the region,” says Foggin.
“We’ve taken the audience experience of a small club and combined that with the lighting, sound and backstage amenities of a Broadway-style theatre. The artists are delighted with the production options, and the audience enjoys the no-expense-spared club experience, including local beers, hand-crafted cocktails and a world-class wine cellar.”
The structure was constructed in 2018 and has been undergoing extensive renovations and an expansion since 2019. Occupancy for the building was granted in April of this year.
“The building was essentially a commercial shell,” says Foggin.
“We had to build everything inside. We’ve put in a stage, technical booth, stage drapery, backstage amenities, dressing rooms,
lighting, sound system, HVAC, public washrooms, a lobby and a fantastic bar.”
He adds that the project has cost more than $6 million and all of the funding has been sourced privately.
Much care and attention has been put into the seating and all seats are no farther than 50 feet from the stage, giving the venue an intimate feel. The maximum venue capacity is 256 and Foggin says they can remove and rearrange seating as necessary depending on the show and the desired layout. It also includes a blend of small VIP tables with a centre section of theatre-style seating (chairs in rows).
“If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that there’s no substitute for live entertainment,” says Foggin.
He adds that the space was purpose-built for music.
“The acoustics are top-notch, which means acoustic concerts are particularly excellent. A purpose-built acoustic music venue on a small scale is not just an important addition to the local arts and culture scene, but also regionally. There’s nothing like this in Calgary, either.”
Before the pandemic and renovations, the Polaris Centre for Performing Arts hosted a variety of concerts, and future programming includes local and touring country, jazz, pop/rock and classical acts.
“We firmly believe that folks who choose to live outside the big city shouldn’t get short-changed on great arts and culture opportunities”
“We also have world-class recording and broadcast facilities – so artists can choose to record and broadcast their shows,” Foggin says, adding that RMSO has used these during the pandemic to create content and keep in touch with their patrons.
The Symphony was founded in 2016 and ranges from 20 to 60 members depending on the concert.
He adds it is said that a city can’t claim to have an ‘arts and culture scene’ without an orchestra. The RMSO is a touring orchestra, but always plays at least one concert of each tour at the Polaris Centre for Performing Arts.
“This is a unique opportunity for folks in Airdrie and North/Central Rocky View County to see the concert the orchestra plays,” he adds.
“The symphony experience might be a bit daunting. There is a misconception that it is an elite art form for rich people only. We try to make our concerts fun, accessible and we always try to prepare you for the experience with pre-concert materials which help to explain the music and give you an idea of what to expect.”
Foggin adds Airdrie and the surrounding area should be proud to have an orchestra of their very own and use it as an opportunity to “get out on the town.”
“There aren’t many opportunities to ‘make a night of it’ anymore, and we hope you’ll take the plunge – break out the stylish duds, make a reservation at a nice restaurant, and experience the thrilling power of a small army of musicians playing with power and precision,” he says.
Foggin adds it is clear to him now that things are opening up that great music and a fantastic audience experience are what people want.
“We firmly believe that folks who choose to live outside the big city shouldn’t get short-changed on great arts and culture opportunities,” he says.
“It is our hope that folks will not think ‘I wonder if there’s anything on at the Polaris Centre’ and instead think, ‘What’s on at the Polaris Centre this weekend?’” life
For more information on the Polaris Centre for the Performing Arts, visit polariscentre.ca
To learn more about the RMSO, visit rockymountainsymphony.ca
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Camile Ellis came up with the idea to create a children’s book that teaches kids about nouns while watching her friend struggle to impart the concept to her young son.
“He didn’t seem to really understand, and I thought, ‘Why not do a children’s book about the parts of speech?’ Nouns with Glitch uses storytelling to teach the concept of nouns in a very basic way,” says Ellis.
“I believe parents are the first teachers children will ever have and this book is ideal for use in guided reading. The vocabulary is simple with a few complex words to build children’s repertoire of words and to spark curiosity, which I hope will lead to discovery.”
She says after reading Nouns with Glitch, children will learn about nouns and how they are used in the book and will also be able to identify nouns both in written and spoken language.
The protagonist, a cat name Glitch, is Ellis’ pet in real life. “The characters and events are real,” she says.
“I am happy I decided to use Glitch as the main character. He came into our lives during the pandemic and he has been a wonderful addition to our family. It was almost therapeutic when he joined us.”
She adds that Nouns with Glitch is written for children between the ages of five and seven but can be beneficial for older children as well.
Ellis started writing the 26-page book in late January and it became available on Amazon in May. The book is the first in a series of eight that will cover the parts of speech in the English language.
“I plan to publish verbs and adjectives together,” says Ellis.
“The one on verbs will be Scratch, Purr and Roll – A Book About Verbs and the one on adjectives will be Glitch’s World. I haven’t settled on the topics for the other five.”
Ellis has lived in Airdrie since 2019 when her family moved to Canada from the Caribbean. She has an 11-yearold son named Tyler. She currently works in childcare and says she has been writing for years but Nouns with Glitch is her first published piece. She is also an experienced teacher with a specialty in literacy and elementary math.
Ellis worked with an illustrator from India who she met through Fiverr, an online freelance services marketplace. She says every picture was carefully created to give young readers the best visual appeal so that they can get some context to the vocabulary and also have fun.
“I believe the illustrator did a superb job,” Ellis adds. “I believe his drawings will create wonder in my readers, which is what I want to achieve ultimately.”
She recommends parents use the book in guided reading and says it is designed so children can read it themselves.
“I believe storytelling is a great way to help children learn whatever you want them to learn,” she says.
“Storytelling helps them make connections while learning concepts in real-life situations.” life
“Storytelling helps (children) make connections while learning concepts in real-life situations”BY STACIE GAETZ
Five Airdrie champions pitched their book selection to local judges, and one was crowned this year’s Airdrie Reads winner.
C.J. Lavigne won for her book In Veritas, which explores the nature of truth and the complexities of human communication.
“I am thrilled and flattered (to have won Airdrie Reads),” says Lavigne.
“I think … the fact that every (character) has a different but equally needed role to play is what appealed. The book really questions language and the notion of absolute truth, which I think is timely in our fake news age; one of the things that In Veritas highlights is the ways in which other people’s realities can be so difficult to parse.”
Combining the passion for books with the drama of reality TV, the online contest was designed to inspire the city to read more and promote Alberta authors, according to the co-creator of the contest and founder of Big Sky Author Services, Tammy Plunkett.
“
In Veritas was not the book I would have chosen; it was a bit of a dark horse, but it was beautifully presented and the perfect choice for a winner,” she says.
Daniel Nelles, voice actor and City of Airdrie library board chair, championed In Veritas and says the message of the book was one he wanted to share with the community.
“I am so pleased that In Veritas has won Airdrie Reads because the message of the story is really that no matter your capacities, no matter your abilities, everybody has the capacity for leadership and everybody deserves the ability to have empathy with others and be able to experience contributing to society,” says Nelles.
“You really have the opportunity to experience life through what someone who is not normally abled is going through. Anybody who picks this book up will find something to love about it.” life
For more information on Airdrie Reads, visit airdriereads.ca
STORY AND PHOTOS BY CARL PATZEL
For an island hopper with travel and gastronome running through their veins a venture around the world in 80 meals would be the ultimate thrill.
While that isn’t necessarily practical, or even possible during a lengthy pandemic, grabbing some international cuisine is just blocks away or available right on your doorstep.
When you have a beef with bizarre roller-coaster restrictions, you jump on comfort food like a starving hyena. From shawarma to sushi to curry, Airdrie doesn’t disappoint when it comes to global flavours, and no eight-hour flight required. Here’s just a sample of what our restaurant-rich community has to offer.
While I was born in Ontario, those eastern nuances never became ingrained as we migrated to Alberta while I was still filling diapers. But I consider myself an honorary East Coaster having lived in “Newfoundland’s second-largest city,” Fort McMurray, for a couple of decades.
So having the chance to taste Atlantic cuisine, I jumped at the opportunity.
No Jiggs dinner or cod-kissing initiation required (ask your Newfoundland neighbour). This is straight-up pub food with a bit of East-meets-West deep-fried pickles, fisherman’s platter, lobster roll, seafood chowder, Halifax original donair and plenty of fries.
Being serenaded by a touch of Irish rock and accordion tunes, I dug into a plate full of cod pieces and fries. The nuggets were crispy on the outside and provided a warm and tender inside, served with a spiced coleslaw and a vinegar duo for the fries.
With plenty on tap and ample televisions to watch a football match, kilts are optional. But you’re a man in my book if you take a twirl on the dance floor decked out in a traditional Scottish Highlands tartan garb.
Travelling through Japan and South Korea several decades ago two local delicacies brought slight dietary trepidation. As a meat-eating Albertan the thought of noshing on raw fish and fermented, spicy kimchi wasn’t exactly high on my list.
Tromping around downtown Osaka and the small town of Seoul (only nine million people at the time) there wasn’t much choice. As my palate stretched it was easy to become enamoured with sashimi and the marinated beef of Korean barbecue of Bulgogi.
So, with the opportunity to revisit both cultures’ cooking, Bistro Zenbu, Japanese & Korean Cuisine, hit the spot.
All meals start with a healthy bowl of cubed tofu, a touch of onion and seaweed in a fermented soybean miso broth. This slightly salty soup is guaranteed to reach the depths of the soul on a chilly winter day.
The Beebeem Bob is a one-dish Korean specialty with sliced beef, julienne carrots and cucumber, sautéed spinach and a fried egg all served over rice. Kimchi, a spiced fermented cabbage, traditionally buried underground in a clay pot, can be had on the side. Think cabbage rolls without the filling and mom encouraging you to eat more.
A short hop southwest, Japan offers an entirely different bite for the taste buds from soups to tempura, sashimi, sushi and rolls. A major component, seaweed, for the uninitiated, sports a unique essence that can be loved or hated.
The popular rolls are a work of art with little gems of colour weaving across a white plate with sauces snaking alongside.
The Jumbo Dynamite Roll combines prawn, yam tempura, cucumber, avocado,
crab and tobiko (fish roe) with a drizzle of spiced teriyaki sauce. This may be the equivalent of the Japanese kitchen sink, but much tastier.
First daters be advised: unless you want to impress someone with your squirrel-like cheeks, this is not a one-bite morsel.
On the other hand, the smaller Crispy California Roll with crab meat, avocado, cucumber and sesame seed is more manageable. (Can’t guarantee you won’t have something in your teeth. Ask your date.)
A little wasabi for bite, and slice of pickled ginger for a palate cleanser, and you’re ready for more.
My initiation into Mediterranean food fare came on a sun-soaked Greek island, where greeted by an ancient local I was encouraged to down a full glass of Ouzo with a resounding “Ya Mas!” – our version of cheers!
A good night’s sleep later, I dove mouth first into Greek salads, feta cheese and an all-time favourite, Moussaka dish.
Hoping to replicate some of those flavourful experiences, minus the hangover, I took a shorter journey to Moody’s Mediterranean. Combining several food styles of Greece, Turkey, Morocco and several other countries encircling the
Mediterranean Sea, this quaint tuckedaway café will satisfy your inland sea taste buds.
An aromatic journey begins immediately when entering this restaurant where proteins are cooked to order on a flat griddle for all to see. Several platters, wrapped or stuffed pitas, moods bowls and salads are offered with either beef (skewer or donair), chicken, lamb and fish proteins.
Wrapping up my choice, the large, warm pita bread was loaded with skewered beef, lettuce, pickle and tomato. The traditional experience was made complete with a salty pickled turnip as well as spicy jalapenos.
With plenty of options, what’s a Mediterranean meal without a touch of hummus, some garlic sauce and a portion of the tart cucumber yogurt tzatziki to sweep you away to an oceanside bistro?
Vietnamese restaurants are usually small, clean environments with emphasis on plenty of savoury food.
Airdrie hosts several of these Southeast Asian-origin eateries, but after a few coin flips the spacious Tony’s Vietnamese Restaurant took the call pho this late lunch.
While plenty of appetizer options, it is pretty much a given that the traditional spring roll is going to be decorating one of your plates at a Vietnamese establishment. Tony’s spiced things up nicely with tangy sriracha, hoisin and fish sauces. But be warned, some of these have a nice kick.
With over 90 dinner choices, the variety is almost endless with several proteins, rice, noodles, soups, curries and vegetarian options, as well as Chef’s recommendations
of ginger beef, Hawaiian fried rice, wonton and other Chinese-style dishes.
I cruised to the vermicelli noodle section and special combo of grilled beef, grilled chicken, shrimp and spring rolls (Bun Tom Thit Nuong Cha Gio) as well as a stir-fried vegetable and tofu dish on crispy noodles.
Both meals utilized a large combination of hot and cold very fresh veggies, noodles, lettuce and meats accumulating in a unique texture combination of soft and crunchy. A refreshing, welcoming sweet-and-sour palate, this meal was anything but bitter and left the door open for many more journeys to the land of Vietnamese cuisine.
Yes, spice is your friend. Whether you like it mild, medium, hot or a tongue-screaming burn, the East Indian culture leads the way with the multi-mix blend of spices that make up traditional curry.
Fragrant and inviting, Golden Cinnamon Indian Cuisine offers a bevy of fabulous aromatic curry-style dishes laced with traditional tomato, onion sauce drenched in mouth-watering creams found throughout the southern European country of India.
Serving them in small sharing bowls, Golden Cinnamon produces several curries from popular creamy butter chicken, cashew cream korma, vinegar and potato vindaloo, and Tikka Masala.
The latter boneless chicken masala dish unites a creamy mix of onion and fresh tomato sauce with coriander seeds, cumin seeds, turmeric powder and several other spices giving any tomato-based sauce a run for their money.
For the vegetarian crowd most dishes, like the Jal Frazie with deep-fried tofu, colourful peppers and onions can be converted to meatless or a cottage-cheese paneer.
No Indian meal is complete without a sweet-smelling, coconut rice and a couple of slices of fresh, warm, buttery naan bread (in this case the garlic variety).
Mild or hot, this Indian fare will warm up the insides whether summer, fall or winter and maybe even give the health metre a little boost.
Sitting on the Tequila and Tacos patio overlooking the canals one can easily emulate that “I’m-on-holiday” vibe.
Combine that with the spicy, meaty aromas coming from the kitchen and you have a near-perfect evening meal location.
Pushing the margarita aside for just a second, a good portion of guacamole was required to test the authenticity of this Mexican delight.
Chunky, fresh pieces of avocado, tomato, onion, jalapeno pepper and cilantro united to help pass the genuineness test of this green goodness. Surrounded by corn tortilla chips, this isn’t your supermarket, jarred, whipped guacamole; this could come straight from the streets of Mexico City.
Enjoyable, knowledgeable servers pointed towards several veggie options on their flexible menu. A just-right spiced fajitas dish brimming with tomatoes, mushrooms, onions and sweet peppers was an excellent choice, also served with good portions of guacamole and rice.
Smothered in a mild, slightly smoky red sauce and stuffed with a good portion of chicken, the Enchiladas Verde soft tortilla dish added more legitimacy to this legitimate Mexican cuisine.
A couple more margaritas and there’s no need to fly anywhere for a South American-style satisfying meal.
Like stepping into a Disney Lady and the Tramp movie, Airdrie’s Il Forno Fusion restaurant is a perfect setting for a romantic dinner or family gathering. Customary redand-white checker table clothes complete the Italian-themed dining room.
But the plot payoff comes with the time-honoured, high-class Italian menu brimming with fresh steamed mussels, cured salmon, pastas, lasagna, veal scallopini and of course pizza.
While a good amount of bread and cheese pies have probably been consumed during the pandemic, there’s no beating a soft, chewy delight delivered to your table straight out of a bricked pizza oven.
The Casalinga pizza produced just that.
Slices of Italian sausage coalesced with fresh onions and peppers and a very large amount of Bocconcini-style mozzarella cheese which evoked a small streetside café in Rome.
Emulating a large pull-apart cheese string, plenty of the melted milk product required a bit of knife work between each slice. But that’s the kind of labour that keeps a hungry pizza lover going back for more.
The gravy (yes, I got that from The Sopranos) tomato sauce promoted a nice blend of spices and flavours. And just when you try to think you’re out, they pull you back in with Caesar salad and a large, vegetable-chunked fettuccine primavera (recommended by amusing, pleasant staff) fresher than your garden.
Romantic spaghetti scene optional, this meal would be worth an eight-hour flight to the tomato-vine country. Thankfully, it’s just around the corner.
After a long day of walking around Calais with only two French phrases in your pocket, “please where’s the toilettes” and “where can I manger,” not necessarily in that order, a little sweet at the end of the day always hit the spot.
What would any meal be without a little confection, the sweet bonne bouche, that
tidbit sugary indulgence that signals the taste buds that the eating day has come to another glorious end?
Of course I speak of dessert and, as some would argue, French culture may rise to the top like a creamy concoction when it comes to confectionery satisfaction.
Touting haute cuisine of the patisserie scene, La Table Pastry offers several sweet desserts for the finishing touch. The crème brûlée is one of their upscale, candy-coated treats.
As the name suggests a delicate flame caramelizes the sweet candy-like crust that, on breaking through with a dessert spoon, satisfies like bursting an air-filled packing peanut. Underneath the topping is an appetizing cream, with a delicate sweetness that hits the taste buds with a smooth, clean flavour.
Licking the little red tin clean is optional but recommended.
The apple-caramel-cinnamon cream cheese-filled pastry is both flaky and buttery. And of course everything is better with a sweet cream cheese.
A nicely layered banana chocolate sticky square, Suisse brioche garnished with chocolate chips and a croissant aux almonds rounded off the meal-ending finale. The latter trio could, and in this case, did also make a fine addition to breakfast with a touch of butter. life
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That slice of nourishing soft, warm, chewy delight is not only a scrumptious treat but a necessity.
Walking into Cobs Bread bakery you are immediately hit with a wave of delicious, aromatic essence of yeast, flour, butter and other fine ingredients that only fresh baked goods can offer.
“Cobs mills our own flour. Most of that flour comes from Alberta, and Alberta breed wheat,” says Cobs Bread bakery owner/operator, Alma-Lousie Norris. “The quality is way better flour then what you can buy in a store. It’s very, very high quality ingredients.”
Morning, noon or night, the Towerlane Mall bakery has the answer for every meal whether it’s a comforting breakfast, a sweet real fruit and custard danish, a savoury lunch or a compliment to the evening dinner.
“There’s something for everyone. We have some really great pizzas with mushroom and spinach, prosciutto and chorizo sausage and ham and pineapple. So those are great to pick up bites for lunch,” says Norris who has run Cobs Bread for 10 years. “Of course our most popular item which is cinnamon buns, freshly baked that morning.”
A pure local product, Norris and Cobs Bread staff all reside in Airdrie and are heavily involved in charity supplying several outreach organizations through their End of Days program.
“That’s why there’s nothing left at the end of day, it goes to charity, and we start fresh every morning,” Norris says. “It’s a nice win win on both fronts.”Even though we’re a franchise brand, it’s local people baking here.”
Grabbing your daily bread will earn rewards through the new Cobs Club app, replacing stamp cards, where patrons will receive two ‘crumbs’ for every dollar spent on any product not just bread loafs.
“This program means every dollar will count whether you’re buying a croissant or cinnamon bun. There will be a five dollar credit to spend on anything when you get to 200 points. That’s super nice,” Norris added.
A list of ingredients of all products can be found in the store and on the Cobs Bread website, including the fall Family Fave artisan sour dough breads and buns – garlic and herb, flax, and plain -still prepared with the original culture from San Francisco.
FOR MANY, OBTAINING OUR DAILY BREAD IS ENGRAINED INTO EVERYDAY LIFE.
Fall is the time to experience the energy of vibrant style! The comfy-casual staples in our closets pair well with chic pieces adding colour, sparkle, ruffles and shine to give us that touch of glamour we need right now.
It is a mash-up of joyful clothing and the perfect remedy to the comfort we have been wrapped up in this last year. The energy and optimism of a new season brings a new look and fashion is ready to help you express yourself!
– Allison Anhorn, ZIVA&EM Boutique
Fall is an exciting season and trending this year we’re seeing a continued desire for comfort and cozy, with soft oversized coats (a.k.a. the shacket), blazers, quilted puffers and chunky knits. Also watch for the return of the sweater vest, as well as oversized cardigans and printed knits. Anything easily layered will take you right though the season. Mixing feminine styles like a pretty printed skirt with a chunky sweater and edgier pieces such as a band tee, combat boots and a hat adds loads of interest to any outfit. We love juxtaposing pieces you may not have expected to see together; experiment with your layers!
While the skinny jean will always be a classic, we are seeing so many other choices in denim styles. Everything from the “mom” jean, to wider legged and high waisted, we’re in a unique season where there are so many options. We would encourage you to step outside your comfort zone and try something new with your jeans, too.
We’re excited to see all the ways we can pull together our fall looks.
– Erin Hardy, co-owner, Seven Saints
This year we learned that we need each other more than ever so what better way to run our challenge this fall than with a teammate. We have three teams each bringing their own compelling reasons to participate and cheer each other on. In this issue we introduce you to our challengers and get an assessment of their starting status as we get ready to cheer them on for the next 12 weeks. The challenge begins Sept. 6; follow us online as we check in on their progress, and watch for the final results in our spring issue.
Our partners, Orangetheory Fitness, The Yoga Junction and Simply For Life will be working with each team closely providing them with expert guidance, support and encouragement. Each participant on the winning team will receive a three-month nutrition program at Simply For Life and a $150 gift card for the Natural Market. Winners will also receive a free one-month membership to both Orangetheory Fitness and The Yoga Junction plus swag valued at $200.
“I am super pumped about participating in this challenge. This will be the kick in the behind that I so desperately need. I hope to not only achieve better health but a better understanding of how I can fuel my body in a way that will make my weight manageable instead of a constant yoyo battle.”
“I am excited to do this challenge with my wife, Patricia. We’re both extremely competitive people so we are also in a challenge with each other, too. I’m hoping to achieve the means to gain a better lifestyle and hopefully a beach bod so I can take my wife to Mexico to celebrate and show it off.”
Weight 261.4 lbs Chest 45”
Upper Ab 40”
Belly Button 44.5” Hips 54”
RYAN STARTING STATS
Weight 238.8 lbs Chest 45”
Upper Ab 43.25”
Belly Button 42.5” Hips 56.25”
Starting stats as of Aug 13, 2021
“I’m feeling motivated and excited to get started with this year’s challenge. I hope to develop the skills and knowledge to positively impact my life beyond the challenge.”
“I’m very excited to participate! And a little nervous. I can’t wait to get started and go on this adventure! I really want to achieve a more ideal body weight, through learning better eating habits, as well as building a strong and toned body. I want to finally feel comfortable in the skin I’m in, as that has been a lifelong struggle for me.”
CHAS
STARTING STATS
Weight 134.6 lbs
Chest 36”
Upper Ab 32.25”
Belly Button 34.25” Hips 37.25”
STARTING STATS
Weight 176.2 lbs
Chest 39”
Upper Ab 32.5”
Belly Button 33” Hips 44”
“I am feeling excited and a bit nervous to start this challenge. I hope to achieve body confidence, strength and overall healthy lifestyle changes that will be sustainable going forward.”
“To be completely honest, I am feeling anxious and thrilled all at the same time. I am looking forward to being a part of a team and having that accountability to each other. I look forward to having these amazing resources to help guide me through this stage of my life and I hope to achieve a sustainable healthy lifestyle that balances family, work and self.”
Welcome to Vista Crossing, where life is simplified in a most sophisticated way. This is the place where you can unplug and reconnect with what really matters, and life revolves around family and neighbours. For those that appreciate the smaller moments in life and friendly hellos from the front steps, you’ve found home in Crossfield.
Airdrians love Halloween and last year everyone upped their game to give kids (and kids at heart) an escape from reality. Last fall we sent photographer Sergei Belski out to explore and his (then) eight-year-old son Oliver provided us with some good insight.
This year watch for the most decked-out Halloween homes by checking our interactive Halloween map at airdrielife.com and following our social feeds! If you have a spooktacular home we should feature, email katie@frogmediainc.ca
“This was a really cool place. I loved how they had a lot of bones, some in cages like there was a story to tell. I loved how they had so many pirate jewels and gold, like they were robbers. I loved that they had a full pirate ship and they all dressed up as pirates, too. The dungeon feel with pretend flames looked really cool. And the different lighting in different areas made it all look great. Definitely amazing place to go see!”
Editor’s note: The Windsong Pirate House owners sold their home in early 2021 and moved to California, but fear not, all the pirate decor was purchased by the McGillivray family on Reunion Boulevard and they are adding it to their big display. Last year the pirate attraction reported 532 kids on Halloween night and they collected more than 400 lbs of food for the Airdrie Food Bank. The McGillivrays spend months preparing and also take donations for the Airdrie Food Bank.
“This haunted house was pretty cool. The talking witch out front was really scary; we really thought it was going to give us nightmares. The tent and maze walkway was really neat. There was a mix of pretend people and real people dressed up, and you never knew which; they just came up out of nowhere! I loved the light-up cauldron and spells books, and the mirror that could change. The fog machine really added to the cool lights and sounds. I loved how all the fake witches all moved and lit up. I definitely recommend people go and visit this haunted house … I went through a few times and it was just as much fun, and I saw more details the second and third times! “
Owner of the Haunted House Erin Huta has always loved Halloween, but she took it to the next level in 2020 as a way to bring some much-needed fun to local kids’ lives.
“The last couple of years were so hard for kids; they missed out on so much because of COVID during the pandemic and we had to cancel a long-awaited family vacation, so we redirected that money into Halloween,” she says.
It took her and a friend a month to set up the terrifying tents in her backyard that included everything from a coffin and cauldron to a magic mirror.
The huge Haunted Horror House included demonic displays in three tents, Huta’s garage, the front yard and porch.
The tortuous tours of the alarming attraction started four days before Halloween and the family welcomed more than 1,700 visitors into their creepy chambers.
Huta says she is currently working on figuring out a theme for this year’s spooky spectacle but hopes it will be even more ghoulish and ghastly. life
“I loved how they had a lot of bones, some in cages like there was a story to tell”
Important and considerable changes to our federal and provincial family law legislation in Alberta have recently occurred.
The Divorce Act changed on March 1, 2021. As a result of these changes, legal parenting concepts of “custody” and “access” have been repealed and replaced with alternative concepts of “decision-making responsibility,” “parenting time” and “contact.” An agreement or court order about custody and access made before March 1, 2021, is still valid; however, the new Divorce Act applies if you have to go to court to change your agreement or order after February 2021.
As a further result of these changes, “any person” who has decision-making responsibility, parenting or contact with the child(ren) of the marriage, who intends to relocate or change their residence, is now legally required to give written notice to any other person who has decision-making responsibility, parenting or contact with said child(ren). This new requirement extends not only to divorced parents but also to any third parties, such as grandparents or any other person standing in the place of a parent. This written notification should be given in the form prescribed by the regulations to the new Divorce Act.
Further still, the “best interests of the child” test, which is the legal test for determining parenting disputes in Family Court, has been expanded to include several enumerated factors such as the child’s views and preferences (depending on age and maturity) and any instances of family violence. This latter criteria of “family violence” has now been defined for the first time in the new Divorce Act, and includes any physical, sexual, psychological and financial abuse, as well as harassment and any harm, or threats of harm, to person(s), property or pet. It is
important to consider these changes prior to commencing, or responding to, a Divorce Application.
In addition to the Divorce Act, the Matrimonial Property Act changed and was renamed the Family Property Act on January 1, 2020. These changes have extended to common law spouses the same statutory entitlements and obligations regarding family property division as married spouses in the event of separation. Common law spouses in Alberta are legally defined as two people who live together in a relationship of interdependence: for at least three years; of some permanence (and less than three years) if the couple has a child; or, who have entered into an adult interdependent partner agreement.
Be aware of these changes if you are considering moving in with your partner or have already been living together for some time and are not married. A common law couple residing together for three years, even without any child(ren), are now subject to the same property division and support claims at law as married couples who have lived together for 30+ years. A formal Cohabitation Agreement is the best option to proactively protect parties from any future and often unforeseen disagreement(s) arising over these issues.
These changes have wide-ranging and potentially drastic legal implications for married and unmarried couples considering or experiencing a separation. It is highly encouraged that you consult with an experienced family law practitioner on how to best navigate these changes, and to explore informed options for resolution. life
Although we are all thrilled with the prospect of “getting back to normal” after a year-and-a-half of COVIDinduced lockdowns and uncertainty, the end of restrictions creates another kind of stress and anxiety for us all. Children are no exception. In fact, the addition of even more change on top of everything else they have been through since March 2020 may hit them harder.
It is not always as simple as reassuring our kids that “everything is going to be OK” or that “COVID is over.”
Unfortunately, preparing them for what is to come and how to handle it when even we don’t know is a fine balancing act.
Alberta’s Minister of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw remarked on the fact that although there will no longer be enforced provincial restrictions, returning to a sense of normalcy will look different for each family.
“It means moving at the pace that is right for you,” she said at a press conference just before restrictions lifted on July 1.
“If you are not ready to do something or want to take extra precautions, that’s perfectly OK and if all of us can approach others with compassion in this time of transition, it will make a critical difference in the next week and months.”
I agree and feel that there are two very important factors that we need to keep in mind during this time: communication and compassion.
It is critical that you make the best choices for your family and then tell your children about them. Let them know why you have decided to continue to wear a mask at the grocery store or mall when other people may not be. Let them in on the decision to go to the zoo and Heritage Park but hold off on Calaway Park this year.
Teach your children to be caring towards others and not to judge them for their choices. Let them know that all families are different; what may work for their friends may not be the best choice for you and explain why (in an age-appropriate way).
After months of isolation and being apart, the last thing we need is for a time that should be bringing us together to further divide us.
Do what’s right for your family and let your children be a part of the process. Because we all feel a bit more at ease when we are included in the conversation. life
Footprint of simple, carefree senior living
LIKE IT OR NOT, WINTER IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER. Are you ready for another winter in your current home?
Too many times the thought of moving is too overwhelming and outweighs the fear of living through another winter.
Think of it this way: having control and choosing where you live, this is the best-case scenario. When the worry of home maintenance and upkeep and the implication to health consumes your enjoyment of living, this is a good time to get serious about downsizing. Remember, not all retirement living is long-term care. There are great communities ready to welcome you into the world of maintenance-free, no-snow-removal-required, independent senior living.
Surprisingly, those who think of every excuse as to why they aren’t ready to move are often the first to admit they should have done it months ago!
This is not an easy decision by any means. But it will be worth it. The best advice to offer? Keep it simple! You may be moving out of a home you have lived in for more than 50 years. Or maybe you are moving from a home to which you downsized.
Here are some tips to make the decision less overwhelming: 1. How much space do you physically use in your current home? Think about your footprint. Determine how much square footage you need based on what you actually use. 2. Eliminate the clutter. Don’t think of the big picture. Keep it simple. Go room by room. Take your time. What can’t you live without? Remember your footprint; you can’t keep everything! Sort your contents into items you want to give to family or friends or even donate. Then there is always the garbage pile, too. Take time to relive the happy memories as you sort through the contents of your home. Feel the emotion, cherish the memories. 3. You aren’t alone. Ask for help. Family or friends would be more than happy to help you. There are also businesses who specialize in downsizing. There are volunteers in the community to help.
Here are some contacts to consider:
Airdrie Community Links – nrvcl.ca
Boomer Movers – boomermovers.ca
Senior Downsizing – seniorsdownsizing.ca
Aging is full of many milestones and an array of emotional ups and downs. More often than not, the idea of selling a family home and moving into a retirement community represents defeat or loss of independence. Change this mindset; look forward to the golden age of retirement. This should be celebrated and embraced. It is time to enjoy carefree living, dreaming and reflecting on the ups and downs while enjoying the opportunity to be pampered. Do your research. Not all independent living communities are the same.
Dream big! Independent, supportive living means no more cooking, cleaning, home maintenance and no more snow shovelling. What hobbies have you always dreamed of? This is your time to enjoy the simple things life has to offer. life
superiorhearingsolutions.com
Locally
Hey, Airdrie junior dog walkers, we see you walking with your puppies and rescues, helping your parents and being responsible. It’s refreshing to see such good handlers in the making. Here are some tips!
Your parents are smart to not send you out alone with your dog if they have high drive, reactivity or physically outpower you. This sets you both up to fail. Use a wellfitted front-clip harness and head-halter combo (even a muzzle) and desensitize your dog so they like wearing it. Encourage your family to invest in a trainer with positive, choice-based methods and together be a part of creating solutions to walk safely. When leash walking locally, even the most experienced dog handlers find themselves in challenging predicaments at the best of times, so be prepared!
Let’s all agree to keep a safe distance from our neighbours walking their own dogs. Space not only reinforces your dog’s good choices, but it also makes them feel safe. Dogs work for pay! Pay equals treats. Bring lots with you! Find creative ways to get your dog to look at you and practice the check-in. Use a squeaker toy as well as drop and hide treats on the ground under a bush to find as fun enrichment.
Be confident. Stay close to home and practice being a good neighbours. Stick to spaces and paths where you can see everything around you. Avoid getting forced into a tight spot with another dog. Don’t be embarrassed to speak up for your dog’s needs. Stop and change your direction. Walk off the path to stand behind a bush or mailbox. Choose to keep your dog calm with some yummy treats so they can make the right decision.
You are creating foundations with every walk. Remember to keep it fun with your friend! life
BY STACIE GAETZ
The community also boasts two new front-drive showhomes that start in the high $400,000s.
Castellano Custom Homes’ Braemar Farmhouse comes in at 2,330 square feet and includes a cutting-edge modern design inside and out.
With a glass demising wall between the heart of the home and the office, open-concept kitchen, nook and family room design as well as a “secret room,” this house is built to amaze.
Whether you’re gaining square footage or downsizing your living space, you’ll be levelling up and living your biggest lifestyle in Lanark Landing.
Located in Airdrie’s southeast, this community is well designed to accommodate an active outdoor lifestyle.
“Kilometres of pathways connect the community to ponds, pergolas, parks, playgrounds, picnic areas, firepits and even an outdoor amphitheater,” says Alan Boucher, regional manager with Melcor Developments.
“Residents enjoy baseball diamonds, basketball courts and multiple soccer fields. The pathways connect to the regional path network.”
Boucher adds that the team is pleased to announce plans for the development of a pump track within the community. A pump track is a circuit of rollers, banks and turns for bicycle riders to ride through, ‘pumping’ along the hills to gain momentum.
“It’s similar to a skate park but it’s specifically designed for bikes,” says Boucher.
“It’s a fun feature that we think will add value and will be particularly enjoyed by the youth within the community.”
Construction of the pump track has not yet started but Melcor is hoping it will be ride ready by 2022. The track area is 2,015 square metres and may include a community garden. The length of the main track is 155 metres and the beginner track is 45 metres for a total of 200 metres.
Homes by Avi’s Jefferson is 2,343 square feet and features a beautiful gourmet kitchen, a stunning master suite with a five-piece spa-like ensuite, and a large central bonus room, perfect for family nights in. It also includes a developed basement adding a fourth bedroom and third full bathroom.
Lanark Landing offers you more for your hard-earned money. More space, more amenities make it the perfect place for your family to land.
“Melcor plans communities for a lifetime with emphasis on building not only a subdivision of houses but building a community designed for aging in place,” says Boucher.
“This means there is a variety of product and price points available so no matter at what age or stage in life, you can stay in the community you plant your roots into.”
From starter home to move-up to downsizers there is something for everyone.
The community is also located within walking distance of Kingsview Market, or with a quick trip to the nearby Sierra Springs Shopping Centre or Yankee Valley Crossing.
“Airdrie has always had a unique sense of tight community bond you typically find in a small town, paired with every amenity you could imagine,” says Boucher.
“The perfect blend of amenities and close-knit community.”
He adds that Lanark Landing will soon be serviced by the interchange at 40th Avenue and Highway 2, providing some of the most convenient access to and from Calgary in Airdrie. life
If someone told you that your backyard could include more than 55 acres of parkland, two kilometres of pathways, three playgrounds, a skate park, a splash park, tennis courts, a tobogganing hill, beach volleyball courts and eight baseball diamonds, would you believe them?
It’s true; if you buy in Airdrie’s new community of Chinook Gate, all of the incredible amenities of Chinook Winds Regional Park will be just steps from your door.
“Chinook Gate is where neighbours come together. There is a real sense of community and belonging,” says Kristina Plank, marketing manager with Excel Homes.
“It is a wonderful community where the homeowners and families come together to play and celebrate events. Brookfield Residential has done a wonderful job in creating a community that really comes together.”
Located in southwest Airdrie, Chinook Gate is a family-friendly community with homes for everyone, including duplexes, laned and front-drive homes.
Phase three of Excel Homes community is now selling and it includes four new showhomes that truly offer something for all lifestyles.
From the 1,214-square-foot Willow duplex to the 2,274-squarefoot Newbrook, Excel offers a diverse range in size and price.
“Whether you are just starting out and looking for your first home or looking to move up and make room for your growing family, Excel Homes has a model to fit your needs and lifestyle,” says Plank.
“Three out of the four models are new and just released this year. They were designed with the customer in mind. They feature open-concept layouts that are designed for family life.”
Plank says Excel Homes staff is very excited about the release of the Newbrook model.
“It has been designed with every detail in mind,” she adds.
“Elegance meets hospitality with this model. A spacious main floor layout allows for the perfect area to entertain, featuring a gourmet kitchen opening into the great room for all to gather.
“Moving up to the second floor, your private oasis awaits in your luxurious master bedroom filled with natural sunshine. Unique to the second floor is an opening to the main floor foyer below, adding dramatic architectural design to your front walkway. Downstairs offers a full basement development option with one or two bedrooms to create a tranquil getaway for guests or family members.”
Excel Homes has spent more than 30 years refining and simplifying their process, so you get the home you want.
“Our new showhomes are no exception – you’ll love the smart floor plans, stylish designs and intuitive features,” she says.
“You can either experience our showhomes in person or virtually with our 360-degree showhome tours – whichever provides you the most comfort. Come visit us today and see for yourself!”
Excel Homes strives to make the home buying process as easy as possible, which is why they are proud to offer their Easy Home Essentials, says Plank.
“This includes access to our designer-curated selections, our move-in concierge service, free legal fees (when using our legal partners), a ‘Build Your Home’ tool on the Excel website and more.” The brand-new showhome parade opens fall 2021 in Chinook Gate. life
“It is a wonderful community where the homeowners and families come together to play and celebrate events”
If preservation of natural land and breathing in fresh air on long walks are important in your life, Southwinds is the community for you.
The neighbourhood combines attractive natural elements such as a reconstructed wetland with a desirable community layout – including several parks and pathways – and distinct home designs with impressive architectural details.
“Prior to construction of the stormwater pond, thousands of the existing natural plant species were harvested and grown in a greenhouse while construction activities were ongoing,” says Mathew Simmons, manager of land development with Mattamy Homes.
“When construction was complete, those species were then strategically re-planted into the area to simulate the original natural environment and restore those habitats.”
More than 3.5 acres of the greater storm pond area are wetlands, dedicated as an Environmental Reserve area. Mattamy will also be preserving an additional 12.5 acres of the Dry Creek wetland corridor in their expansion to ensure the community continues growing in an environmentally sustainable way.
Southwinds is Mattamy Homes’ second community in southwest Airdrie, building off the success of Windsong. The community is located just west of Eighth Street and south of 40th Avenue.
With development of the original 144 acres approaching full buildout in the coming years, Mattamy recently purchased an additional 154 acres that will allow Southwinds to expand west towards 24th Street with development of the new area expected to begin in 2022.
“Southwinds has been thoughtfully designed to ensure pedestrians and cyclists can safely and easily get from one destination to the next, through a network of pathways and sidewalks,” says Simmons.
“Regarding walkability, we believe that neighbourhoods become walkable when attractive pathways lead to important destinations. The Southwinds plan caters to local residents by providing great pathway connectivity, promoting active transportation modes like walking and biking.”
Full buildout of Southwinds will have approximately 1,800 homes and is expected to be completed in 2027.
“Southwinds has it all – from natural amenities, parks and pathways, two future school sites, close proximity to all your local shopping needs (at Cooper’s Town Promenade), and easy access in and out of the community,” adds Simmons.
“It’s already a great place to live and we have exciting plans for our expansion. We will build on our existing amenities by adding a bike skills pump track, dog park, more regional pathways and a local commercial area. Additionally, there will be a 43-acre site that will be the future home of a Rocky View School’s high school and a City of Airdrie recreation centre.” life
“We believe that neighbourhoods become walkable when attractive pathways lead to important destinations”
McKee’s newest showhome, The Kingscourt, can be found in nearby Crossfield in the sought-after Vista Crossing neighbourhood. This magnificent bungalow, at 1,433 square feet, allows light to pour through the large rear water-facing windows onto the natural wood interior. The home features a primary suite and 1.5 bathrooms with all of life’s amenities on the main floor, accompanied by a massive triple-car garage. The optional basement development has room for two more bedrooms, a full bathroom and a family room. Find it at 126 Amery Crescent, Crossfield.
In the design and decor world, yellow is generally seen as an everpopular, gender-neutral nursery choice.
However, in nature, the sun, lemons, bees and sunflowers are all symbols of beautiful seasons. It’s a cheerful colour; fun and exciting, which may be why harvest yellows are a strong trend in fashion and home decor right now.
Colour psychology suggests that the colour yellow is an extrovert’s colour and it’s not surprising that the bold colour would be a polarizing choice.
When I’m designing a room, I’m typically more concerned about the completed space; taking into account how all the colours and textures will meld together to create the right balance.
It’s rarely just about featuring one colour individually. Yellow, a primary colour, packs a punch and is sure to make a statement in the smallest application.
As with any other colour, a shade variation could take a room from blah to perfection.
Yellow can transition from a bright beautiful mid-summer sun to the deep golden sunsets of fall.
Knowing when and how much to incorporate is the trick.
Painting a front door a deep moody yellow is just the right pop of cheerfulness. Accent pillows and area rugs with hints of yellow add a touch of fun.
Afraid to incorporate such a bold colour? Consider layering it with a deep rusty orange or moody blue/greens. These colours are close to yellow on the colour wheel and allow it to shine without overpowering the room.
Feeling a bit bolder and considering painting your walls yellow? As with any paint colour choice, pick up a sample and try it out on several walls with and without direct sunlight to see how you feel about it.
Colour has the ability to boost our mood, calm us down, energize us, represent our favourite sport teams, and completely transform a room or an outfit with flair.
It is great for guest spaces and entrances; maybe not the best choice for a bedroom, where you hope to relax and unwind.
Then again it always comes down to what works for you. life
Decorator Kim Purvis, owner of Aurora Decor, is pursuing her lifelong passion of creating beautiful home spaces
“Knowing when and how much to incorporate is the trick”
realestatelife WITH SHILO STOREY
We create VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES to address community needs and to INSPIRE YOUTH for a lifetime commitment to service. Join us weekly for projects that will make POSITIVE CHANGE.
Who isn’t interested in real estate right now?! In all that is going on in our world, it is very interesting to see where we are at today versus the beginning of the year. After the first quarter of 2021, Airdrie was sitting at an average sale price of $401,934; after the second quarter, $416,703. That is a 14.1 per cent year-overyear increase. Airdrie has not seen that growth since the first quarter of 2013 and has never seen these average prices.
When we look at the number of sales, we look back to our record year in 2014 which was 1,695 sales, and to date we have surpassed that already in 2021. Airdrie continues to appeal to people looking to get out of the city, because of affordability, new flexible schedules at work and the amenities that Airdrie provides, without the big-city feel. Migration from other provinces is also happening this year, which we didn’t see as much in 2020.
The summer months typically slow down with sales, and this year is no different. Families are
“Airdrie continues to appeal to people looking to get out of the city, because of affordability, new flexible schedules at work and the amenities that Airdrie provides, without the big-city feel”
taking holidays that are long overdue, and family and friends were getting together more with the ease of restrictions; however, don’t let it fool you. The fall market is upon us, and sales are still happening at record intervals, especially with the detached homes. With interest rates staying low, people who said they wouldn’t ever buy real estate are buying real estate.
What are buyers looking for? More space inside for a home office or home gym, and to be closer to family and friends. Some are also focused on outdoor space to enjoy, whether that is in their own yard or the parks and pathways throughout all our great neighbourhoods.
Looking to change up something in your home? Paint and furniture are two of the easiest items we can do to change our space. And the other fun thing about this time of the year is the fall decor… Pumpkins and hot chocolate, anyone? life
Shilo Storey is a Realtor with The Real Estate Storey at RE/MAX First
WHILE THE PANDEMIC CONTINUED THROUGH THE FIRST HALF OF 2021, ALL WAS NOT QUIET IN AIRDRIE’S DOWNTOWN.
Visitors and residents frequenting the area may have noticed a number of new businesses while longtime favourites proved their resiliency during these uncertain times.
In early 2021, Shell Canada completed a significant rebuild on Centre Avenue. The investment includes a new touchless car wash, expanded and reorientated convenience store and an increased number of fuel pumps. Kamal and Jiwan, who operate this location, would be pleased to serve you next time you are in the downtown.
Business partners Jess and Katie also made an early 2021 addition to downtown Airdrie with a full-service, luxury hair salon. Mane & Layne, in pursuit of being a ‘different kind of salon,’ brings a unique business model to Airdrie. Their chair rentals allow stylists to dictate their own hours and clientele; luxurious retail offerings are also available. Their beautiful new salon is located between Centre and First Avenue on Main Street.
Just in time for the final stage of Alberta’s Open for Summer Plan, What’s Pop’n Pop Shop held a lively grand opening in mid-July. Owner Barbara was inspired to open the storefront after visiting a friend’s shop in Cardston – she couldn’t stop thinking about how awesome it was! Located on Main Street, this fun new hot spot is offering specialty fizzy drinks and treats. Pick your favourite pop and add some delicious flavours and creamers, or test out their popcorn, soft-serve ice cream, hot chocolate, Pop’n Dogs or sugar cookies. Make this shop a pit stop on your family’s next trip into downtown.
One of the more recent new businesses to invest in the downtown is Oodle Noodle. The franchise plans to open an authentic Asian noodle restaurant at the corner of First Avenue and Main Street, its first location outside the Edmonton area. This Alberta-based, homegrown business prides itself on providing quality fresh-made food, produced by founder Sonny. Once open, you’ll want to stop in to try one of their signature dishes like the Tokyo Glaze.
Several longtime Main Street businesses took advantage of the City’s temporary patio and retail space program, allowing avid community supporters to continue their patronage through COVID restrictions. Main Street Beer & BBQ opened a beautiful temporary patio to offer their famous Texas-style barbecue and plentiful beer selection, while Paros on Main activated their patio for the first time, serving up exceptional Greek cuisine packed full of authentic, homemade flavour.
Whether you’re a downtown regular or just passing through, you won’t be disappointed with the unique offerings and small-town feel in the area. Our business community encourages you to bring your friends and family and reacquaint yourself.
The revitalization of Airdrie’s downtown is one of City council’s strategic priorities. Earlier this year, a draft Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan was presented to council and the community for feedback. The final Downtown Plan will be presented to council in late 2021. Learn more at airdrie.ca/downtown life
Jessie Heron has taken her business, Airdrie Furniture Revival, to new heights in the last few months since moving into a commercial space.
Since the pandemic, custom orders for furniture projects have quadrupled, and she started thinking about an acreage or commercial space. On Dec. 26, 2020, Heron saw a bay in King’s Heights go on the market, and she signed the lease in days. By March 20, she opened Airdrie Furniture Revival in the beautiful
space with floor-to-ceiling east-facing windows in her storefront, and a large bay in the back to work in.
“Taking this step to move into a big space is scary, but there are ways to make it work,” says Heron, noting the extra cost was a challenge.
She had a renter who needed some of the back bay arranged to offset some of the cost of moving out of her home base. She ended up having to give that renter notice in May to regain some space
needed for her burgeoning business. She evaluated she needed the production space more than the cushion of rent revenue, and other creators have since approached her to use the space for making their wares.
“I’ve become like this little co-operative of allowing local makers to come in, sublease a small space … and then they sell their stuff in the store,” says Heron, noting this was unplanned, but has helped her business survive and thrive.
The artist has been creative with her business model. She has some local makers selling out of her store on consignment, and a couple creating in the back. She carries other handmade items in the store, including wares from her mom and brother, and is regularly reaching out to other small makers she wants to sell for, whether wholesale or on a consignment basis. Some local vendors work eight hours a week in the store in exchange for a reduced commission rate.
Heron built up a large customer base and social media following to support her since opening her homebased business in 2014.
“There’s no way I would have done this if I didn’t have such a following,” says Heron.
Her family moved into their second home about five years ago in Ravenswood, motivated by needing more space for the business. She was steadily rolling out rejuvenated furniture projects, custom pieces from her clients, orders picked from her inventory, or simply spec creations.
On May 1, she stopped offering orders from her inventory to allow more time to fulfill custom orders.
Customers have been giving Heron great feedback on Airdrie Furniture Revival, loving that the storefront changes stock and layout weekly.
Her biggest advice for other makers is to charge what they’re worth.
“When it comes to pricing and my makers ... I am super fiercely defensive of their pricing and what they make,” says Heron.
She works hard and is content.
“I actually really, really love what I do, so it’s hard to tear me away from it,” says Heron. “Whether it’s opening the store, whether it’s painting in the back, whether it’s reorganizing … I enjoy it.” life
SMARTstart is an entrepreneurial training program offering TOOLS, MENTORSHIP & BUSINESS PLANNING, designed & delivered right here in Airdrie.
It is for people with a business idea and owners who have been in business for less than three years.
The owner of Bubble Tea Brewers prides herself on providing “more than just tea.”
Elma Morales is a health-care worker with Alberta Health Services by trade but has found her passion in bubble tea.
She brought her business to Airdrie in September 2020 and formulates her own drink recipes, offering exclusive and unique milk tea flavours, which guarantee a taste that cannot be found anywhere else.
“We have been in the bubble tea business for a while, since 2014,” she says.
“We owned three bubble tea stores in Calgary, which was Quickly Bubble Tea, with locations in Chinatown, Kensington and Pacific Place Mall. Now, we have our own homegrown brand with Bubble Tea Brewers.”
With fresh, unique and high-quality ingredients, Bubble Tea Brewers features milk teas, smoothies, fresh fruit teas and more.
“We were looking forward to sharing our drinks with the community since there aren’t any standalone bubble tea shops in Airdrie yet,” says Morales.
“We are very grateful opening in such a wonderful and supportive community.”
According to Morales, bubble tea is a Taiwanese delicacy consisting of tea and jellies.
“We offer many kinds of bubble tea from teas, to milk teas and smoothie drinks with pearls or jelly,” she adds.
Boba, also called tea bubbles or tapioca pearls, are tapioca flour balls cooked in a sugary syrup and found at the bottom of the tea.
She says the biggest misconception about the unique drink is that all bubble tea stores are the same.
“The bubble tea industry has exploded throughout Canada,
allowing different branches to expand throughout the country,” she says.
“However, each brand has something unique to offer.”
So, what is Bubble Tea Brewers bringing to the table? “Our teas are brewed fresh daily,” says Morales.
“Our pearls are crafted and cooked multiple times throughout the day. We always have fresh fruits in our drinks, and products imported from Taiwan to offer the freshest ingredients.”
“Bubble Tea Brewers is a homegrown, Alberta-based brand built from the ground up,” says Morales.
“We take pride in the freshness of our drinks; from the fresh fruits (a key ingredient) and the different kinds of teas such as red tea, jasmine green tea, sun moon lake tea and many more. We are hoping these drinks will bring joy to Albertans, allowing them to discover a whole new taste palette.”
She says whether you have been drinking bubble tea for years or are trying it for the first time, Bubble Tea Brewers has something for you.
“We have different kinds of tea from Taiwan for our fresh fruit teas, milk teas and smoothies,” she says.
“You have the choice to add any pearls or jelly that you’d like.”
She adds that although tea is their passion, the store offers a variety of Asian-style snacks as well.
“We serve bubble waffles, street food snacks, Korean corn dogs and fishballs,” she says.
Morales says that they are thrilled with the support her Airdrie and Cochrane locations have received since opening.
“We can’t wait to continue serving you with the best drinks, with many more new drinks to come,” she adds.
“Bubble Tea Brewers is all about innovating and creating new drinks for everyone to try. We are looking forward to meeting more of the community.” life
“We are hoping these drinks will bring joy to Albertans, allowing them to discover a whole new taste palette”
“Please, be kind to studios when you see prices increasing; costs have increased hugely”
The local tattoo industry has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, but businesses aren’t letting that get under their skin.
With three government-regulated closures, stringent re-opening procedures and drastically increased operating costs, the pandemic has taken its toll on owners of Airdrie tattoo shops.
However, the ones we talked to say the hardships have made them thankful for those who continue to trust them with their ink.
According to the City, Airdrie is home to about 11 registered establishments that provide tattooing services.
Here, we talk to the owners of two Airdrie shops that provide very different services to hear the ups and downs of the past yearand-a-half.
Courtney Rose, owner of Rose Gold Body Piercing & Tattoo, has been piercing since 2006 and tattooing since 2019.
She has a background in anatomy and physiology and originally wanted to follow in her father’s footsteps as a paramedic.
“I decided to focus on piercing instead,” she says.
“We focus on paramedical and cosmetic tattooing, which is scar covering or camouflage, areola reconstruction after breast loss or mastectomy and rehabilitation tattooing.
We truly love providing cosmetic services as well, making each and every person feel beautiful.”
Rose Gold opened in Airdrie in 2017 and currently has two tattoo artists and three piercers. According to Gold, they are the only members of the Association of Professional Piercers in Southern Alberta.
Gold says is has been difficult to close down three times due to the COVID-19 restrictions.
“(Closing down has) created huge losses in income and issues for clients who need regular care or downsizes of jewelry,” she says.
“We have always operated at the highest level of sterilization and sanitation. We now have reduced our client appointments to one person, per piercer, per hour.”
She adds that the pandemic has made her appreciate her regular clients who have decided to support and shop local.
“(The tattoo industry has) fallen under some of the most stringent reopening procedures and undergone almost a 175 per cent increase in our costs for personal protective equipment,” she adds.
“Please, be kind to studios when you see prices increasing; costs have increased hugely.”
She adds that Rose Gold is unlike any other tattoo studio because of the specific services they provide.
“Getting a tattoo at Rose Gold is like finding someone to confide in; you can always come to us with your skin concerns (and) insecurities, and we will support you through your tattooing journey,” Gold says.
Colin Ditchfield, owner of Addictive Ink, has been tattooing for 14 years and opened his own shop in Airdrie in 2010.
“I have always been artistically gifted, since I was a young kid,” he says.
“When I got older, I started my career out as a dental technician and used my artistic talents to make dentures. My boss had tattoos at this time and introduced me to (his artist), who took me on as an apprentice, eventually leading to me opening my own studio here in Airdrie.”
Addictive Ink has four artists and one employee, including Ditchfield’s wife Cass, who was the shop’s first apprentice.
“Our artists are very dedicated to the trade,” says Ditchfield. “Our whole lives revolve around art and tattooing. When we are not in the shop, we are drawing, painting and constantly improving our skills to be the best artists we can be.”
Ditchfield says the pandemic has presented a number of challenges for his business.
“It has been quite hard,” he says. “Every time we are forced to enter lockdown, we have to reschedule anywhere between four- and sixmonths’ worth of clients in order to make up for the lost time.
“We appreciate (our clients’ patience) and want to say thank you to all of them that have stood by us during these months. We love all of you and we can’t wait to see you all in the chair again.” life
Action through Connection: If you own a business, or are a business leader, you have a tremendous impact on the growth and wellbeing of our community. The Airdrie Chamber of Commerce recognizes that by working together and championing local business, we will build a stronger Airdrie. The Airdrie Chamber (AC) is a dynamic, professional organization that provides value to our members and is an advocate for all business. Not only do we create worthwhile connections between our members, we connect members to new clients, and business to government. The Chamber works together with our members to improve the economic, civic, and cultural wellbeing of our community.
When the Government of Alberta launched their Open for Summer Plan, the Airdrie Chamber was thrilled to start planning in person events again! We hosted our 20th Annual Golf Classic on August 13th complete with a banquet. It was such a treat to see so many smiling faces on the course, networking and supporting one another. We are also pleased to announce that the Airdrie Business Awards Gala is back and scheduled for October 21st. The community voting component for the awards is from early September to October, and we encourage all of you to vote for the amazing finalists. We will also be planning a picnic in the park and hosting other inspiring speakers at luncheons and workshops throughout the fall, all with the goal to reconnect and boost our business community.
We are also super excited to be partnering with the Alberta Chambers of Commerce to launch an e-commerce platform Chambermarket.ca, that will support local businesses and encourage spending in our community instead of foreign e-commerce stores such as Amazon. This platform will be available for all businesses, with or without existing e-commerce capability. Individuals will be able to shop with multiple vendors across the platform and even purchase a mall-like gift card that our community has been asking for for years, and it will be the first available in our community! Our chamber will be hosting a Shop Local Chambermarket.ca launch party to kick off this fantastic new offer for our community.
As always, the safety and wellbeing of our community, and the vitality and strength of our businesses are the Airdrie Chamber’s top priorities. We encourage all business, big and small to join your local chamber to benefit from our efforts and to support your business community as a whole.
Your Airdrie Chamber of Commerce www.airdriechamber.ab.ca
Sometimes a bud of an idea takes root and blooms into a beautiful business.
That seems to be the case with Sweet Joan Co., a locally owned and operated tropical plant store located in King’s Heights.
The store was created by owner Angela Lutz, who was inspired by her love of tropical plants and her desire to share that love with the community of Airdrie and surrounding area.
“Joan was the name of my grandmother; she really imparted her love of nature and plants to me from a young age, so the store name is an homage to her,” says Lutz.
Lutz has lived in Airdrie for 16 years and has always filled her home with flora, so she says it was a natural extension for her to share her passion for plants with others.
“An opportunity arose to open a plant shop and I took the leap to open up in the midst of the pandemic,” she says.
“I wanted to bring a bit of the beauty of the outdoors into people’s homes and spaces, especially now, considering the increased amount of time spent indoors. Plants are truly rewarding to care for.”
Sweet Joan Co. opened in March of this year. A website enabling customers to order plants online and pick them up in store will also be launched soon.
“Airdrie doesn’t have a plant shop dedicated to tropical plants. It’s long overdue to bring something like this to the community,” adds Lutz.
“There’s something fun about coming in and being surrounded by lush greenery!”
Lutz says that she hopes people get plants that make them happy, no matter where they get them from. Her shop offers a small-town, laid-back experience where all are welcome.
“We are a cozy shop and I really love connecting with people
and have quite a few regulars that pop in,” she says.
“I am appreciative and thankful for the support Airdrie has given to my small business.”
She also makes it clear that you don’t have to come equipped with a green thumb to step into her store.
“There’s a plant for every person out there; it’s about figuring out if you want a low maintenance versus high maintenance (one), balancing what your home environment is able to provide for the plant, and finding that match,” she says, adding she has killed a few plants in her time.
“There are always trial and errors that you get with experience of knowing what works and modifications that need to be made to optimize plant happiness.”
She adds that the benefits of having plant life in your home far outweigh any fears you may have of not being able to care for them properly.
“The plant community is rewarding,” Lutz adds.
“Plants are great for myriad reasons, from mental health, to helping purify air or even using them as home decor. What’s not to love?” asks Lutz.
She adds that in the interest of sharing her love of plants she has set up a propagation station in the shop where residents can bring a clipping of a plant they love and someone else can pick it up and bring it home.
“It’s similar to a leave a penny, take a penny situation,” says Lutz.
“The intent is for the community to be able to share their love of plants with one another. There is no obligation to bring a plant cutting; we want them to be accessible to people and love how the community has been participating and sharing with one another. It’s rewarding seeing people happy about trading cuttings!” life
“There’s a plant for every person out there”STORY BY TARA LEVICK ILLUSTRATIONS BY LIA GOLEMBA
Airdrie’s award-winning SMARTstart program has been pairing entrepreneurs with business mentors since 2014.
More than 100 people have completed the program. Entrepreneurs have opened businesses, grown their businesses and improved their business practices. Some participants also determine that their idea is not viable or that they don’t have what it takes to be an entrepreneur. SMARTstart also considers this a success. SMARTstart is all about helping entrepreneurs realize their potential. Meet six of the program’s current entrepreneurs and their mentors.
SMARTstart also has three mentors at large. They are not paired with an entrepreneur this year; instead they work with any and all as needed!
Name: Elissa Breakenridge
WHAT IS THE NO. 1 QUALITY AN ENTREPRENEUR NEEDS TO HAVE IN ORDER TO BE SUCCESSFUL?
Andrew Bennett (The I.T. Company): Persistence/ tenaciousness about achieving their objectives.
Joan Traub (retired, former owner of Airdrie Yoga Studio): Passion. They need to believe in their product or service and their ability to outshine their competition.
Business: As I have been working with children and families in Airdrie for more than 16 years, I have enjoyed watching this community grow. My education and experience in early childhood development has given me a passion and understanding of the impact the first five years of a child’s life has on their overall health, resilience, happiness and later success in school. My experience working with parents, as well as my own parenting journey, has helped me realize firsthand that the parenting adventure is both rewarding and challenging and those challenges are a lot more manageable when a parent has supportive relationships and is equipped with valuable tools and information. I envision our business, Ready Set Soar!, to be a welcoming place in Airdrie where parents and children can connect, learn and grow together while engaging in a variety of high-quality, interactive, evidence-based Early Childhood programs and workshops.
Jo-Anne Yau (Masuch Law): An entrepreneur must be able to read the market – know where consumer demand is, where it’s going, and how to fit into the market.
The SMARTstart program, running since 2014, has assisted more than 120 entrepreneurs with the skills to set their business up for success.
The initiative is designed with entrepreneurs in mind to provide them with real-world business skills and access to tailor-made advice. The goal of the program is to increase the chance of new businesses surviving those first crucial years.
SMARTstart is delivered over eight months and connects the participants with online learning, workshops and mentorship. Each entrepreneur walks away with a completed plan – either feasibility, business or strategic – and connections to the Airdrie business community.
This issue, we continue our feature on smart entrepreneurs.
My biggest challenge: Currently, my biggest challenge is balancing a full-time job while trying to start a business.
I want to be an entrepreneur because: I love the idea of creating something that is my own, in an industry I’m passionate about, while having a positive impact on the young families living in my community.
Business: Having lived in Airdrie for over 20 years, I have seen the city grow in so many ways. Young families make up a large portion of Airdrie and as such, the demand for more quality infant and preschool-aged programming has grown. Being a parent of three kids and having worked in early childhood development and parent education for the past 16 years, I know how exciting, and deflating, and frustrating, and challenging, and rewarding, and proud being a parent can make us feel. Ready Set Soar! will offer high-quality, evidence-based interactive classes that can help ensure that Airdrie’s parents can build strong, meaningful relationships with their children while benefitting from positive social interactions, valuable developmental information and confidence-building strategies. The little ones will learn social skills, build their brains and bodies, and have a fun adventure in every class. Parents with young children can partake in educational classes, one-on-one support sessions, as well as participate in social activities designed for the ongoing development of their children and relationships.
My biggest challenge: I sometimes tend to get in my own way. I want to know everything about a process and then can get swamped down by the details. I am confident in my business partner and this business idea and need to be OK with taking some steps forward without being sure of the outcome.
I want to be an entrepreneur because: It is important to me that my kids know that at no point is it too late to make a change and take a chance. We are not tied down to a job just because we have put so much time into it or went to school for it. I will follow my passion and find ways to create success – and I get to decide what that looks like for me.
Business: Tiel Virtual Solutions is a freelance business that provides coaches, course creators and entrepreneurs with tech-savvy support for their online marketing and online course/virtual event needs. I love to help coaches and course creators reclaim their time by providing online marketing support that removes the overwhelm of needing to learn “all the tech.” In five years, I hope to have built a team of virtual assistants that will allow me to expand on the services offered as well as increase the available roster of clients. I want to help more entrepreneurs thrive with their online courses and marketing!
My biggest challenge is: Time! Prioritizing the importance of working on my business, and not just in my business, and blocking out the time to market and grow so I am not merely surviving but setting up to grow and thrive. I hope SMARTstart, and my mentor, will provide the accountability and advice needed to create a strong foundation to grow.
I want to be an entrepreneur because: I love the freedom that owning my own business provides my family and I – the freedom to be a stay-at-home-mom (or work-at-home mom). I enjoy providing stability for my family, as well as supporting my clients in their businesses by removing the feelings of overwhelm and helping them to spend more time doing what they love to do.
Business: Tartan’ Sweet is a business idea based on making fun with kids easier. When I was a full-time working mom I wanted to do fun things and create memories with my kids but rarely had the time or energy to make it happen. I want to make fun easy for busy parents by providing themed and seasonal survival kits containing everything parents need to create these memories, as well as customizable gift solutions to make every celebration easier. Through SMARTstart I am hoping to learn the basics of running a business that can easily adapt to the ever-changing environment. My biggest challenge: Myself; I need to gain focus and build confidence to put myself out there as an entrepreneur and business owner.
I want to be an entrepreneur because: It’s always been my dream to own a business and work for myself, to have a true passion for what I do every day and show my kids that anything is possible if you work hard for it.
Name: Liz HolmanBusiness: As a new mom I spent hours trying to get my little one to sleep; I survived in a constant fog of sleeplessness. Little Sleep Coach was born from the idea of helping other moms who are also struggling during these trying years. I am here to support families in creating a healthy, well rested and loving family. I help babies and toddlers get the sleep they need not just to grow and develop but to thrive. My goal for SMARTstart is to create a foundation and framework to grow my business over the next five years.
My biggest challenge: Educating families on the many different methods of sleep training and finding a method that works best for their parenting style. It is never too late to improve sleep and never too early to start.
I want to be an entrepreneur because: I was where my clients are; the struggles, and isolation and sometimes shame that can come with wanting more sleep. I want to share my knowledge with parents and let them know that it is possible to have good sleep for everyone in the home.
Read more in-depth interviews at airdrielife.com
It’s a municipal election year in Alberta and as the big day approaches for us here in Airdrie, there are a few things each voter must keep in mind before they head to the polls.
Who can vote?
You are eligible to vote in Airdrie if you are at least 18 years old, a Canadian citizen and you reside in Airdrie on election day.
Every elector who attends a voting station or applies for a special ballot must produce the following identification to be permitted to vote:
• One piece of photo identification (issued by a Canadian government, whether federal, provincial or local, or an agency of that government, that contains your photograph, name, current address and age)
OR
• Two pieces of identification authorized by the Chief Electoral Officer that contain your name and current address, with one of those containing your date of birth.
A complete list of all acceptable forms of identification is available at airdrie.ca/voterID
Airdrie Elections makes it easy to vote with several advance voting opportunities leading up to election day.
Any eligible voter is allowed (and encouraged!) to vote in an advance poll. There will be four advance polls at Genesis Place and the Town and Country Centre on the Saturdays and Wednesdays leading up to election day on Oct. 18.
Advance polls begin at 10 a.m. or noon and are open until 8 p.m. to allow as many voters as possible to cast their ballots.
Special ballots are available for electors who are unable to vote in advance or at their designated voting station on election day, due to physical disability, being away from Airdrie on election day, or if they are an election worker. A special ballot must be applied for in advance and will be sent to applicants after the close of nominations.
Institutional voting stations will also be set up in designated nursing homes, long-term care and similar facilities to allow a convenient opportunity for those residents to vote.
On Oct. 18, voting stations are open from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Voting station information, including a map to “Find my voting station,” candidate information and complete election details are available at airdrie.ca/election life
The Circle for Indigenous Relations, Airdrie & Area (CFIRAirdrie) is a grassroots community-driven initiative that is bringing Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples together.
The group aims to gather residents of all backgrounds in peace and friendship, to build relationships, learn the truth, increase awareness and work towards genuine reconciliation in the Airdrie area.
CFIRAirdrie was organized by a team of dedicated volunteers in the summer of 2020 when conversations were held between interested community members and the City of Airdrie.
CFIRAirdrie is participating in the Da-giiwewaat “so they can go home” Moccasin Project (sotheycangohome.com). The group is making baby moccasins as part of a national campaign to raise awareness about the apprehension of Indigenous children in Canada, with the goal of eradicating racism and bringing children home to their families and communities.
If you would like to participate in the making of moccasins, please contact CFIRAirdrie via Facebook or CFIRAirdrie@gmail. com for details. No experience necessary.
Sue Methuen is an ally and organizing member of the volunteer-run organization and she says the events and gatherings CFIRAirdrie organizes “provide a means to grow friendships, share culture, learn the truth of our history and current realities and work towards genuine reconciliation activities in our city and area.”
According to Methuen, Indigenous people (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) make up 4.9 per cent of the total population in Canada (2016) and five per cent of the population in Airdrie.
The first official gathering of the group was held in March 2021 when 18 Indigenous and non-Indigenous people came together via Zoom.
CFIRAirdrie has organized a virtual event that included Lawrence Gervais, president of the Métis Nation of Alberta (Region 3) speaking on Métis Nation and Métis history in the Airdrie area.
They also celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day with an informal gathering for the purpose of sharing stories and knowledge about Treaty 7 Territory, its heritage and the people who lived here in the past and who live here now.
Vern Frank is Kainai First Nation and has been an Airdrie resident for 14 years. He says he has been a victim of racism and been accosted because of his heritage right here in the city he calls home.
“It is all about education and bringing awareness to our culture and who we are,” says Frank.
“People are afraid of and lash out at what they don’t know. Knowledge really is power. We just want understanding and to put a stop to all of these misconceptions about First Nations. Let’s work towards meeting on common ground.”
Victoria Scattergood, who is Métis and CFIRAirdrie’s graphic designer, agrees with Frank, saying she wants to help educate those who don’t know better, so her son doesn’t have to go through the challenges she has.
“We need something like this in this city to help educate,” she says.
“It’s OK to change the way you think. You’re not being a hypocrite; you’re learning. Know better, do better.”
Adrian Pruden, who is Métis and an Airdrie resident, says his passion to bring attention to the continuous challenges and racism experienced by the Indigenous population and the recent discovery of mass graves at residential schools in Canada inspired him to take part in CFIRAirdrie.
“There are no quick and easy solutions to correct the horrifying mistakes made over these past generations,” says Pruden.
“The only path forward is to agree on where we want to be in the future and work today to curtail the residual effects experienced and make a concerted effort to move forward in a positive manner for future generations.”
Methuen says future CFIRAirdrie gatherings will include speakers, films, walks, circle talks, educational opportunities, children and youth activities, culture sharing, learning about the land and sacred places, becoming aware of history and current realties.
“We will engage with business, industry and governments to initiate meaningful changes,” Methuen adds.
She says CFIRAirdrie welcomes all people to join them at gatherings and special events regardless of where you are from.
“What I would like people to know about CFIR is that it is open to anyone,” says Ashley Barclay, who is Métis and has lived in Airdrie for four years.
“You don’t necessarily have to be from Airdrie; as long as you’re willing to come with an open mind and an open heart, we will welcome you.”
She adds that the group is always looking to connect with speakers, volunteers and leaders. life
For more information on CFIRAirdrie, visit their Facebook page
“It is all about education and bringing awareness to our culture and who we are”BY
“Chickens were a pet that was friendly enough to still be fun to watch and for the kids to play with, while still providing good flexibility”
The answer to the age-old question of which came first, the chicken or the egg, may be closer at hand than you think. After a successful Urban Agriculture Pilot Project (UAPP) project, Airdrie City council recently approved a bylaw to allow residents to keep hens in their backyard and residents are fowling in love with the idea.
James DuMont is a King’s Heights resident who has housed chickens in his yard for about a year.
He says he wanted to keep hens because they are low-maintenance pets that also provide eggcellent benefits.
“With the proper setup, you can leave your chickens for a few days on their own, so this was a great fit for being able to go camping or on trips without too much issue,” he adds.
“Chickens were a pet that was friendly enough to still be fun to watch and for the kids to play with, while still providing good flexibility.”
DuMont has built a space-efficient coop under the family’s back deck stairs that includes two levels, windows, hatches for access to the eggs, a feeding and watering dispenser, temperature-controlled heaters and even a webcam.
“The webcam was a great escape for a bunch of our friends during the pandemic because they would login and see what the chickens were up to,” says DuMont.
Sarah Stilborn also decided to keep four chickens in her Hillcrest yard during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are all home due to COVID, so we thought, why not have fresh eggs?” she says.
Her three girls, ages eight, 11 and 13, were the main driving force behind the decision and Stilborn says she was surprised by how social chickens are.
“They really are quite friendly, smart and they get excited when you come outside,” she says.
“They are also not noisy at all and the cost to keep them is minimal.”
DuMont and Stilborn agree that the biggest benefit of having chickens is the fresh eggs, but DuMont adds that they are also fun to watch and depending on the yard/garden setup the chickens can do a good job cleaning out the bugs and slugs.
“The chickens also will eat pretty much anything, so you can send a lot of your leftover fruits and veggies to them as snacks, and poof – turn them into eggs!” he jokes.
The City of Airdrie Urban Agriculture/Hens Regulations Bylaw sets the minimum number of hens allowed at two and the maximum number at four, dependent on the lot size of the house.
“The Urban Agriculture Pilot Project (UAPP) represents the City’s continued effort to provide opportunities for residents to learn and explore various options for integrating local food and urban agriculture,” according to Gail Gibeau, senior planner at the City of Airdrie.
“It was created in response to a public engagement process that was conducted to determine what urban agriculture activities residents were interested in supporting and/or pursuing within city limits.”
The bylaw also includes regulations around enclosures for the animals. Both the henhouse and the run area shall be fully enclosed (i.e., fencing, chicken wire, roof covering) to provide hens secure access to exercise, sunlight, earth and vegetation when unsupervised during the day. It shall be constructed to prevent the hens’ escape and prevent entry by intruders or predators.
The maximum size of the henhouse and the run is 4.65 square metres each.
Backyard hens are only allowed on single-family residential lots and roosters are not permitted. life
For more information on this egg-citing opportunity, visit the City of Airdrie website or email urbanhens@airdrie.ca
This year our annual Ones to Watch feature focuses on 10 young adults excelling in the arts. Nominated by their teachers, they are ready to take the world by storm through their music, acting, films, illustrations and so much more.
Age: 17
High school and year graduated: St. Martin De Porres, 2021
Art form/discipline: Filmmaker
Future plans: I plan to further my career in filmmaking at SAIT’s film and media program in the fall.
“Aha” moment: I had made little videos for fun with my buddies at school and one day my friend Josh Wade sent me a post for the Airdrie Film Festival. The post was talking about how the youth category for that year’s festival had a challenge of using just your phone to film. So I entered not expecting I would win the youth category for that year. After that I saw how much filming meant to me and took things more seriously.
Age: 18
High school and year graduated: Bert Church, 2021
Art form/discipline: Acting and singing, primarily in a musical theatre setting.
Future plans: After high school I plan to go to university for musical theatre and hopefully pursue it as a full-time career. “Aha” moment: I remember in elementary school we would always go on field trips to see the local high schools’ musicals and it was the thing I most looked forward to every year! Once I hit middle school I was able to do my first show (Legally Blonde Jr) and I absolutely fell in love with musical theatre. Performing on the stage, becoming someone new, expressing a story and such intense emotion through song, I loved everything about it.
NAME:
Age: 18
HOPE BROWNHigh school and year graduated: Bert Church, 2021
Art form/discipline: Visual arts and writing
Future plans: I plan to attend Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) with the intention of earning my bachelor’s in graphic design. Later, I plan on publishing books and continuing to create in order to build a successful life for myself.
“Aha” moment: Throughout my entire life, I have always found joy in drawing and creating characters and stories. When I was very young, I found art to be a fantastic way to tell the stories I had in my brain as I had not yet learned how to write properly. I remember one day, when I was about 10 years old, I was sitting at my kitchen table and sketching away on a sheet of printer paper. Of course, being 10, the sketch was mediocre, but I was so proud of what I had created. I think it was at that moment where art had become less of a hobby and more of a passion as I realized that I could tell and create incredible stories through a visual medium. From there on out, I’ve been drawing constantly and eagerly expanding my skills.
NAME: KACEY REICHERTAge: 17
High school and year graduated: George McDougall, 2021
Your art form/discipline: I primarily focus on creating 2-D physical artworks through mixed media, often served through both realism and my take on a fantastical/storybook style. However, recently I have been experimenting more with a larger variety of materials and mediums, such as even returning to some 3-D figures and attempting completely new background techniques!
Future plans: This has always been hard for me to determine. I have never necessarily had a clear vision of the future and how it will affect me through what it brings/how it unfolds, but I have definitely been encouraged and interested in a career within the arts. I have taken art courses since kindergarten and it has been one of my hobbies/ passions for as long as I can remember. Although I am taking a gap year, I was accepted into the University of Alberta for their general Art and Design program. I applied to a post-secondary education in order to both strengthen my skills and abilities, whilst also giving myself career opportunities in the future. Recently, I have been debating becoming a tattoo artist in order to express my artistic creativity while also experiencing a career in which I could help add something to others’ lives. But nothing is set in stone, and I’m glad to be taking a gap year to aid in this self-discovery journey!
“Aha” moment: Throughout my entire life I have been interested and passionate about the arts and how I could improve myself through the evolution of my physical artwork. But I’d say the moment when I truly realized that this could be something to legitimately pursue and something that was truly possible, was when I completed my Advanced Placement art course this (senior) year. It was single handedly the newfound and unique challenge that forced me to evolve and increase both my confidence and capabilities. It allowed my mind to be solely concentrated on how I could improve my ideas and execution, how to expand my thought process and just overall understanding of what I enjoy doing. By just doing art. Something I have done all my life but not in such a complex and extensive sense. Being the only AP student in my school’s grad year was stressful at first, but towards the end I truly do think it was entirely worth it, as I was able to unlock more information about myself than I ever have in past years, and create a series of paradoxical artworks that I am 100 per cent proud of.
Age: 18
High school and year graduated: George McDougall, 2021
Art form/discipline: I especially love to work with chalk pastels, pencil crayons and pencils. I think incorporating colours into art makes the image much more appealing; it really brings whatever I’m working on to life because of the meanings we tend to associate with colour.
Future plans: Next June, I will be diversifying my art disciplines while studying Film Production at the Vancouver Film School (VFS). After I graduate from VFS, I plan on working as a director/writer, making movies with beautiful cinematography that tell compelling stories related to the human condition. I plan on continuing to draw and create artwork while working as a director.
“Aha” moment: When I was about 13 years old, I decided I wanted to become an actress. I took classes, went to camps, was in drama and studied movie and television scenes so I could re-enact them. This love for acting translated into a love for directing when I was about 15 and realized the amazing ability directors have to tell stories. Throughout the year as I discussed career paths with many adults in my life, I ended up hearing the same thing over and over: most people weren’t happy with their jobs. However, the moment that really cemented this decision for me was during English class when we were reading The Road Not Taken, by Robert Frost. It suddenly clicked for me: The Road Not Taken was about life regrets, it was about the path in life that you decide not to take, it was about the “what if’s” of long-lost opportunities. It was at that moment that I realized I could not take “the road more travelled” simply because of the security it provided me. I had to take the “road less travelled” and give my passions a shot or else I’d regret it for the rest of my life, never knowing what could have been.
NAME: MACKENZIE SMITH
Age: 18
High school and year graduated: George McDougall, 2021 Art form/discipline: Musician/cellist
Future plans: This year it was exciting to open up Smith Cello Studios in Airdrie, to teach beginner cellists. My hope is to continue to grow the studio, and to further my music education as I continue to work with world-renowned cellist Morag Northey. Currently, I am enrolled at the University of Calgary and will be working towards my bachelor of education. I am excited to see where music takes me and hope to continually grow. Music is one of my passions and I hope to share my love with others.
“Aha” moment: While I was planning out my future and post-secondary, I realized that I can’t leave music behind. It is a way to express, to refresh and to inspire myself. It is a way of life and once you experience its magic, you can never go back.
Age: 18
High school and year graduated: Bert Church, 2021
Art form/discipline: Musical theatre
Future plans: I am attending the University of Lethbridge in the fall, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in both fine arts and education. I hope to teach musical theatre in the future and continue to perform live whenever theatres reopen!
“Aha” moment: I began acting at age 12. I was the shy, silent, can’t-hold-eye-contact-for-mylife type, so my interest in theatre came as a big surprise to my parents. They reluctantly put me in acting classes at Torchlight Theatre. Through the classes, I grew more confident in both my acting ability and in myself. Eventually, I was asked to audition for their upcoming production of Robin Hood and was cast as Maid Marian. I had never been in a show before, let alone a leading lady! It was thrilling. I knew that nothing could compare to how I felt performing. As soon as I reached high school, I made sure to audition for every show. I was first cast as Alice in The Addams Family, then the next year as Ariel in The Little Mermaid. These roles ignited a burning passion inside me and led me to pursue theatre in Calgary. I became completely devoted to the theatre department and made sure to involve myself wherever I could. I had initially considered theatre a hobby, but my experience at Bert Church solidified my future plans and made me ultimately realize that theatre would be my career path.
NAME: MARK WADEAge: 18
High school and year graduated: Bert Church, 2021
Art form/discipline: I mostly specialize in digital illustration, and sometimes I like to make small animations or video clips. For all of that I use Clip Studio Paint EX, and a Huion GT-191 graphics tablet. I do use traditional mediums like watercolour or acrylics sometimes too. I like to focus a lot on character art and design, and a lot of my illustrations are of characters I’ve developed myself, which I post on most social medias under ‘Record Pigeon.’
Future plans: I’m planning to go into art school to better sharpen my skills, and to do a little bit of networking. Once I have my degree I’m hoping that I’ll be able to focus on doing art as a full-time job, either as a freelance artist online, or working as a concept or comic artist. Currently, I’m working on developing and illustrating my own webcomic, which I hope to start posting in the near future!
“Aha” moment: When I started getting really into designing and developing my own characters for comics and worlds I’d build in my head, which acted as a really big motivator for me to work on bettering my skills and learning new techniques to improve my artwork. The more I focused on doing that, and seeing my art improve by leaps and bounds, and the characters I was making feel more and more like they fit in the worlds they resided in, it hit me how much I’d love to do something like that for a living. Illustrating worlds, stories and characters that leap off the pages or screen and feel alive.
Age: 18
High school and year graduated: W.H Croxford, 2021
Art form/discipline: I am primarily a digital illustrator and graphic designer, though I share passions in character, story and tattoo design.
Future plans: In the future I plan to pursue a career in tattooing. Eventually after pursuing an art education at AUArts in Calgary, I’d love to create both animated and live action feature-length films along with graphic novels. Telling stories through art is something I am very passionate about.
“Aha” moment: I never really had an “aha” moment per say. Rather, I gradually found myself falling deeper in love with art as I grew from appreciating its beauty to respecting its principles. I am driven by the excitement that comes with starting a new project or the moment that I realize that something is going to turn out really cool. I’ve always been drawn to storytelling through art, I’ve always loved the stories and films I grew up with, so in some way I always knew that this is something I wanted to do.
Age: 17
High school and year graduated: George McDougall, 2021
Art form/discipline: The tenor saxophone is my main instrument, but I love playing and learning all kinds of different instruments.
Future plans: I want to become a music teacher and inspire the next generation of musicians. My biggest inspiration is definitely Mr. Harris; I strive to be as amazing a teacher as he is. I want to share my passion for music and encourage kids to always do their best, just like him.
“Aha” moment: I started playing saxophone in Grade 9, and I fell in love with it right away. I started practicing for hours almost every day and I wanted to be the best that I could. Throughout high school, I was always super involved in our band program. I was a part of all four ensembles and really, really enjoyed playing in all of them and I’ve always wanted to be a teacher as well so around Grade 11 I put them both together and decided that I want to be a music teacher. I think every kid should have a chance to try out some instruments and learn how to play because music is just so awesome!
