editor’s note

One of the great joys of I have had from my years in media has been meeting so many incredible people through my work. From the ‘man on the street’ to the government official to the business owner to the academic to the stay-at-home parent – all have really interesting stories to tell and each of their lives is worth celebrating.

Many years ago, I was speaking with a friend who was characterizing his life as ‘average.’ I later found out that he had been provincial white-water kayaking champion three years running in his home province in Eastern Canada. That’s not average! The same holds true for the people of Airdrie and area. Everyone’s life is unique and special and it is our pleasure at airdrielife to be able to showcase these members of our community.

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Where to find us airdrielife is delivered by Canada post to all homes in Airdrie and surrounding areas. If you do not receive an issue in your mailbox please email distribution@airdrielife.com airdrielife is also available at more than 50 locations around the city including the Airdrie Calgary Co-op. you can also find airdrielife in every show home in the city and at more than 100 locations in Calgary. airdrielife is published quarterly by Frog Media Inc. with the co-operation of the City of Airdrie Economic Development Department.

VOLUME 6, NUMBER 3

ISSN 1916-355X

Contents copyright 2010 by Frog Media Inc. May not be reproduced without permission. The publisher does not assume any responsibility for the contents of any advertisement, and all representations of warranties made in such advertising are those of the advertiser and not of the publisher.

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airdrielife editorial is not for sale. Editorial is completely independent from advertising, and no special editorial consideration or commitment of any kind can form any part of the advertising agreement. All editorial inquiries must be directed toward the editor. A copy of Frog Media Inc. Writers’ Guidelines can be downloaded from the editorial page on our website.

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Our cover story (page 89) is a perfect example of the fascinating people you find right next door. Joe Messina happens to be my neighbour and I think our readers will enjoy getting to know him, too. The Hansons, who are showcased in our Rural Roots section (page 54), have been part of the local scene for decades and the family is an integral part of the community’s history. It’s no surprise that Airdrie is chock-full of people who dedicate their time to others. The city’s Volunteers of the Year (page 43) are exemplary citizens who know what it takes to make their community a better place to live.

This issue is also salute to summer (and I devoutly hope that the snow is gone for at least a couple of months) and all this wonderful season brings with it – from fabulous food (our own Carl Patzel demonstrates his ‘King of the Barbecue’ skills on page 22) to outdoor activities for the whole family (fishing aficionados, take note, page 57) to soothing and restful outdoor spaces (page 64).

Airdrie is truly an awesome place to call home, filled with wonderful people and stories. With that in mind, I hope you get as much enjoyment out of this issue of airdrielife as we did putting it together. For myself, I plan to try every single recipe, as I relax in my small but sweet outdoor sanctuary and dream of casting the perfect fly.

Anne Beaty, EDITOR