2020 summer airdrielife by airdrielife magazine

SUMMER 2020

Prairies to Paris First Nations model Sam Lecuyer

COOL GUYS

EDITION HOW THE CITY OF AIRDRIE IS MANAGING THE PANDEMIC airdrielife.com

FRONTLINE HEROES Full of video extras!

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PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Sherry Shaw-Froggatt

ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER

Katie Dudek

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Vanessa Peterelli

DESIGN DIRECTOR

Kim Williams

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Stacie Gaetz

CONTRIBUTORS

Sergei Belski, Jacey Conway, Laurie Harvey, Jill Iverson, Britton Ledingham, Tara Levick, Kristy Reimer, Wyatt Tremblay Stock photography by istock

AD DESIGN/PRODUCTION

Lia Golemba

SALES DIRECTOR

Wendy Pratt

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER PRINTING

Sharie Tanner Transcontinental

sherry@frogmediainc.ca wendy@frogmediainc.ca katie@frogmediainc.ca

WHERE TO FIND US airdrielife is published quarterly by Frog Media Inc. with the co-operation of the City of Airdrie Economic Development Department.

VOLUME 17, NUMBER 2 | ISSN 1916-355X

Contents copyright 2020 by Frog Media Inc. May not be reproduced without permission. The publisher does not assume any responsibility for the contents of any advertisement, and all representations of warranties made in such advertising are those of the advertiser and not of the publisher.

403-948-6684

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EDITORIAL POLICY airdrielife editorial is not for sale. Editorial is completely independent from advertising, and no special editorial consideration or commitment of any kind can form any part of the advertising agreement. All editorial inquiries must be directed toward the editor. airdrielife does not accept unsolicited submissions. Freelance writers and photographers interested in assignments are asked to send an inquiry, with published samples, to sherry@frogmediainc.ca

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S U M M E R 2020

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contributors

SUMMER 2020

Britton Ledingham, writer, photographer, videographer Britton loves identifying people’s narratives and sharing their stories through photo and video content, his work over the last decade since graduating from photojournalism at SAIT. He moved to Airdrie when he married his wife, Jocelyn, in 2013. They have one son, Ari (3.5), and another baby on the way, which makes for a lovely, full life while balancing his business, iEvolve Media. ievolve.media What did you miss most about life pre-COVID-19? I missed meeting people face to face without feeling like we’re a couple of magnets set to the same polarity. I look forward to leaning in to interviews in person without a mask on. Returning to the “new normal” what will you miss about your life while we stayed home? Haha, I work from home, so there have been days where nothing seems to have changed. That said, not sending our boy to the dayhome has meant we get about 40 extra hours together per month. That’s been a burden and a blessing, but I wouldn’t trade those moments together for anything.

Kristy Reimer, photographer After a 14-year career photographing mostly weddings, Kristy transitioned her photography business to 100 per cent commercial photography in 2016. What is commercial photography? Basically, creating imagery needed for business advertising. This includes professionally lit headshots in studio or in their business environment, “in-action” office scenarios, and product that businesses are trying to sell. kristyreimer.com What did you miss about life pre-COVID-19? I missed the daily interactions with clients, seeing friends and family, and those little outings like taking my toddler to the grocery store and to library programs. I also missed out on turning a decade older in Maui with my extended family. Returning to the “new normal” what will you miss most about your life while we stayed home? I will miss not needing to know what day of the week it is. :)

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S U M M E R 2020

Sergei Belski, photographer Sergei is a professional freelance photographer originally from Belarus and now based out of Airdrie. He’s married to wife Tracy, and has a seven-year-old son, Oliver. “Over the years, working with airdrielife has been amazing for me; I’ve met so many wonderful people in our city! I started my journey in photography in June of 2005 and have been loving it ever since. I’m excited for what is to come in the future.” sergeibelski.com What did you miss most about life pre-COVID-19? I love travelling and long road trips. I think this is what I missed the most…. Returning to the “new normal” what will you miss about your life while we stayed home? Other than very fashionable face masks and a nice smell of Lysol after wiping all the groceries, I can’t really think of anything. :)

Jacey Conway, writer, photographer Jacey is an Airdrie-based writer, photographer and communications specialist. A recent graduate of SAIT’s journalism program, Conway is currently building her own communications freelance business with a focus on community projects. jaceyconway.com What did you miss most about life pre-COVID-19? The thing I missed most was being engaged with my community, whether that be my weekly trip to the local coffee shop or seeing my friends and family on a regular basis. I am an extrovert and people person and I look forward to getting reconnected with my community. Returning to the “new normal” what will you miss about your life while we stayed home? One thing I will miss will be the quiet moments I had throughout the day to sit and enjoy the little things, like a fresh cup of coffee, a phone call with a friend, or journaling.

HUSTLE & BUSTLE Life looks better from the po rch.

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FROM THE

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FROM THE

360s

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Experience the simple life.

vistacrossing.ca Discover Crossfield MCKEE HOMES | HOMES BY DREAM 129 Amery Crescent, Crossﬁeld, Alberta 201 Vista Drive, Crossﬁeld, Alberta

Prices and speciﬁcations are subject to change without notice. E. & O.E.

IT’S NICE TO SEE YOU AGAIN

The relationships we build are just as important to us as our homes and communities.

SALES CENTRE 907 WINDSONG DRIVE Airdrie, AB 403-980-8765

sls_southwinds@mattamycorp.com

We’re happy to be back helping you start your next chapter with a process that’s as easy, safe, and stressfree as possible.

Today in Southwinds, we invite you to take a virtual walk through our two new Showhomes. Whether you’re relaxing on the couch or in bed – we make it easy to take in our thoughtfully designed homes in Southwinds. Connect with us online or book an in-person appointment to discover incredible Towns and Single Family living in our established and highly inviting Airdrie community.

Single Family Home, The Mission Showhome

Single Family Home, The Pearl Showhome

Townhomes From The Upper $200s

Single Family Homes From The Mid $300s

Learn More At https://ca.mattamyhomes.com/Southwinds

Homes are subject to availability. All illustrations are artist’s concept. All dimensions are approximate. Prices, speciﬁcations, terms and conditions subject to change without notice. E.&O.E.

greatlife 18 20 24 25 26 28 30 34 36 37 42 44

For a good beer call Changing tune COVID creations Say howdy Emergency reading Tasty tacos Camp cuisine The show must go on Summer events reimagined Summer style Parentlife Seniorlife

homelife 48 50 51 52 54 55

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Growing Market analysis Showhome map Get zen Make a move In the middle

worklife 58 60 62 64 66 68 71 74

Businesslife This business delivers On the fly Superstar vet Best of business Winning soap Pivot for profit Game changers

citylife 80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 95 97 98 99 100 101 102 104

Role model Willy Snypes Littlest cowpoke Ice generations Scout’s honour Airdrie’s original cool guys From the frontlines Managing chaos Hardworking heroes Airdrie helps Volunteer, feel good COVID abroad Grooming for relaunch City challenges Learning curve Scholarship smarts

On the Cover

First Nations model Sam Lecuyer PHOTO BY KRISTY REIMER

Note from the Editor

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S U M M E R 2020

ello, I am Stacie Gaetz, airdrielife’s new contributing editor. You may recognize my name as I have been a freelance writer for airdrielife for the past year-and-a-half, and I could not be more thrilled to take on a more involved role in this fantastic publication! I have been sharing Airdrie’s exceptional stories with the community for the past 12 years and it is my honour to now be creating and uploading content to ensure airdrielife continues to be the polished publication that readers know and love. OK, enough about me, let’s get to the summer 2020 issue: you are currently reading a history-making publication. In the 17 years of airdrielife magazine, this is the first online-only edition. The COVID-19 pandemic forced us to look at the way we do things and make some changes (sound familiar?). Through all of the uncertainty, one newly coined term has stood out for me – the “new normal.” Working on this amazing online version full of incredible stories of strength, perseverance, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation has solidified for me the fact that Airdrie’s new normal will be bigger, better and stronger than ever. From business owners who have completely innovated the way they create and distribute products, to the frontline workers who are keeping us safe, to parents who have taken on the role of teacher and learned a little something along the way, we are chronicling the extraordinary things Airdrie residents are doing to not only get through but thrive during this unprecedented time. Although this edition may look a little different, we will still have all of the incredible features you have come to love. Our insightful interviews with three former residents who now live abroad will explore what the COVID-19 pandemic looked like in Spain, Germany and China and share advice for those of us “back home.” Our feature on Sam Lecuyer, the triple-threat actor, model, musician who is walking runways in Paris and New York, will demonstrate that Airdrians can do anything they set their minds to. This edition also features a dozen local businesses (including winner of the 2020 Airdrie Made Award, Lamb’s Soapworks) and non-profits who continue to provide exceptional products and services to the community during this difficult time to make us stronger, not weaker, in the face of adversity. With all that and more, one thing is for sure – you will not be disappointed that you took the time to read the first-ever online-only version of airdrielife magazine. life

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Check out our showhome and quick possession virtual tours today! BAYSIDE 403-948-7881 CHINOOK GATE 403-980-9005 COOPERS CROSSING 403-948-4635 KINGS HEIGHTS 403-980-2191 LANARK LANDING 403-980-2191 RAVENSWOOD 403-980-1092 VISTA CROSSING in Crossfield 403-941-1115 16 mckeehomesairdrie airdrielife.com

S U M M E R 2020

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greatlife

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

THE BREWERY CALLS

BOOK WRITER 26 | TASTE OF MEXICO 28 | CAMPING RECIPES 30

948 G R E AT L I F E | TAST E S

Brewing Company: Local beer brewed right

STORY BY STACIE GAETZ | PHOTOS BY SERGEI BELSKI

irdrie’s newest brewery is owned by two homegrown boys who wanted to make great beer and pay homage to the city in which they grew up. Many fellow Airdrie residents will remember the days when all phone numbers started with 948. “948 represents Airdrie and reflects on how it was and how it has grown today,” says Kyle Wudrich, co-owner of 948 Brewing Company. “We look forward to adding our story to Airdrie’s timeline and with our hometown roots, we decided 948 would be the perfect name. We wanted to share our connection with Airdrie as we grew up here and continue to make our homes here. We think that 948 is the perfect tribute to that past, present and future.” Wudrich and his business partner David Schroter have been homebrewing beer for more than 10 years and they followed the success of a number of other small breweries in Calgary before deciding to start their own. “It really showed us that no matter how big or small, it was possible to start our own brewery in Alberta,” says Wudrich.

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S U M M E R 2020

Kyle Wudrich (left) and David Schroter

When the duo took a bit longer than planned to find the right place for their permanent brewery in Airdrie, they started contract brewing at Red Bison Brewery in Calgary in June 2018 before collaborating with The Dandy Brewing Company to use and then purchase their former brew system. Another brewery in Airdrie also lent tank space to 948 when Fitzsimmons Brewing allowed them to brew their now-established recipes in their location, allowing them to reach a larger market across Alberta. “Contract brewing was amazing!” says Wudrich. “The people and the breweries we worked with were super helpful. They took care to produce our beers to the utmost quality. We learned so much from all of them.”

BACK HOME

948 moved into their permanent home in Airdrie, located on Kingsview Way SE, in June of 2019. Renovations, upgrades and the final licenses took until February 2020 to complete. The new space is about 3,500 square feet with a cozy 400-sq.-ft. taproom that seats 20 people. The eight-tap draft system allows for a range of beers to be poured year round. 948 offers a variety of beer styles with everything from light to dark, sweet to sour and approachable to hop forward. The most popular seller is the Patio Krusher Kolsch, a light and easy drinking beer that is refreshing and crushable. However, it is a much more unique flavour that often brings people into the brewery. “Our most requested that we brew is the California Sunburn; it’s such an interesting balance of hot and cool that people love it,” says Wudrich. 948 infuses the intriguing pale ale with jalapeno so the drinker gets a nice aromatic pepper and finishes with a mild spicy bite. Some other beers in the lineup include: Extra Terrestrial Bitter - The first beer that they brewed commercially. A true English bitter, malty up front with a bitter finish. Lord Grey’s Stout - The stout Wudrich suggests when people tell him they don’t drink stouts. It’s dark in colour, light in alcohol and

high in flavour. It is infused with the house blend Earl Grey tea from Airdrie’s own Sorso Lounge. Rail Crossing Red - A brand new release for the summer. A roasty red ale with a mild bitter finish. Named for the pesky rail crossing that all Airdrie residents can identify with. Wudrich says the community he grew up in has embraced 948 with open arms. “The Airdrie community has been great. It’s nice to finally visit with people that stop by to pick up their beers, the folks that already knew about us and the ones that are just discovering us,” says Wudrich. “They’ve definitely shown us that they like variety and trying something new. We hope to help grow the craft beer community here with the varieties that we can offer.”

ONLINE ORDERING

Like most businesses, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought challenges to 948 Brewing Company, but they have adapted to fill the need and get their brews into craft beer lovers’ hands. They have added an online store with pick-up and delivery options. They also allow for customers to create mix packs of their own creation. The brewery recently decided to turn the pandemic into something positive by collaborating with other local businesspeople in the creation of online tasting sessions. “In the tasting package, we include two of our brews and a snack that pairs with those,” says Wudrich. “For all of our snacks, we try to use a local Airdrie food business and one of their products that pairs with our beer. These tastings make it fun to engage with our friends and neighbours. There are so many local makers whose food pairs perfectly.” So far Cookies by Jen, Maxi Foods and La Table Haute Pastry have been involved and the brewery plans to continue to expand the pairings. life For more information on 948 Brewing Company, visit 948-brewing-company.square.site

S U M M E R 2020

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G R E AT L I F E | M U S I C

laysher has been entertaining its loyal fan base since 2008, when this energetic Airdrie rock band took the city by storm. Known as Airdrie’s party band, brothers Brad and Ryan Fleischer and friend Brandon Alberts have performed hundreds of shows everywhere, from parades, to backyard weddings, to the Coke stage at the Calgary Stampede. Packing a hit-list of popular covers and a few of their own songs, and a well-received 2016 EP of original music, Flaysher has built a well-deserved reputation as a hard-working professional band. But now, 12 years later, the trio is charting a new course. “The last while has been a huge developmental process for us,” says Brad, the band’s lead vocalist and guitarist. “We’ve experienced a lot of changes.” After years of playing covers, and not finding enough time between day jobs, gigs, and practising to write more of their own music, they decided, “To pause, and take a step back,” Brad says. “In 2018, Ryan and I went to Toronto for the Artist Entrepreneur program that CMI (Canada’s Music Incubator) puts on, and that sparked a shift in how we saw our future,” he explains.

“Our fans have been great from the very beginning. They’re our friends, and it has always been a special thing to perform for them.” “Yeah, CMI was a big part of that,” agrees Ryan, who plays bass and sings. “It all became clearer after that; everything starts with the song. If you’re doing all these shows, that’s great, but it’s going to lead your focus towards doing more covers, and we’ve always wanted to write more of our own songs.” The time at CMI also helped the brothers clarify something else. “We noticed our songwriting naturally pulled more and more towards a new country flavour,” Brad says, adding that drummer Brandon (who was not present for the interview) was onside with the new direction. “We grew up blue collar,” Ryan adds. “It’s where we connect with people.” The goal now, his brother explains, is to write and perform more of their own music for their fans. It’s the longtime fans and the band’s connection to them through social media and live events that has kept them going. “We just love people. Our fans have been great from the very beginning. They’re 360˚forVIRTUAL our friends, and it has always been a special thing to perform them,” he says. TOUR

360˚ VIRTUAL TOUR WATCH VIDEO

PODCAST

MUSICIANS

VIEW PHOTOS

Flaysher takes a new direction BY WYATT TREMBLAY

VIEW PHOTOS

WATCH VIDEO

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S U M M E R 2020

Brad (left) and Ryan Fleischer

S U M M E R 2020

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A community worth sharing You can choose to live anywhere, but wouldn’t you want to move your family somewhere where the focus is about creating a sense of belonging?

Small Town, Big Opportunities

A True Original

Here, neighbours naturally become friends and leave the chaos of city life behind without sacrificing amenities, recreation or convenience.

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A Connected Community Whether it’s a summer BBQ in the park or a winter hockey game, Chinook Gate offers unbeatable access to the best backyard: Chinook Winds Park.

new lots released Townhomes & Duplex homes from the high $200s

Rear garage homes from the low $300s

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G R E AT L I F E | A R T I ST

Creating during COVID-19 Airdrie artists found solace, inspiration and sometimes a new passion during the slower pace of the lockdown months. We invited artists to share 360˚during VIRTUAL TOUR work they created this time. Here are a few examples. WATCH VIDEO

READ MORE S U M M E R 2020

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GREATLIFE | STYLE

Summer fashion trends 2020

hile summer might ‘feel’ a bit different this year, it can still look like it. Everything from fancy Bermuda shorts to split prints, this summer is going to bring a few trends back from the past. Bermuda shorts are having a BIG moment this season. Fancy, satin, baggy and even linen Bermuda shorts are popping up all over, and why shouldn’t they? These shorts keep you cool and look amazing with something more formal, or with a casual top to go for a socially distanced walk. This summer is also an excellent time to show your chartrue-self by bringing this unique yellow-green colour into your wardrobe. Skirts, shorts, tops and dresses – everything works as long as the colour is there. Sticking to ah-mah-zing colours, let’s inject some pink and orange colour combos. If finding a dress designed with these two colours proves difficult, this trend can be easily achieved by simply pairing these colours in tops and bottoms. One trend popping up is simply ‘tie-dye’ for! That’s right; the ’90s look is back in a big way. Combining comfy and trendy, this look is done in soft sweatshirt material. Add a matching pair of sweatpants or shorts to pull it all together. One style trend that has us intrigued is adding a sheer overlay. Pick out and put on your outfit, then add a sheer dress overtop. We know, it sounds a little eccentric, but the effect is chic, chic, chic. Finally, something ‘wicker’ this way comes, just in time for summer 2020. Not to be outdone by the fashion, handbags are also making fun, bold statements. Wicker handbags are popping up all over, giving us picnic-basket vibes – suitable for any summer look. Trapezoid shapes, knotted handles and totes with funky graphics are also great paired with all the latest wild trends. life Brandon Chaisson, manager, The Store Upstairs

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S U M M E R 2020

A IR D R I E’S S H OP P I NG DE S TI NATI O N

CHECK OUT OUR VIDEO TO SEE MORE OF WHAT’S NEW!

THE STORE UPSTAIRS 209 CENTRE AVE SW AIRDRIE

The Store Upstairs Boutique

@thestoreupstairs

thestoreupstairs.com

G R E AT L I F E | ST Y L E

Hungry? We’ve got all Airdrie’s restaurants, breweries and food purveyors all in one handy location.

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Floral power

“We’re looking for anything to lift our mood and the light and cheery vibes that are happening this season in fashion are just what we need” 38

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S U M M E R 2020

ell what a few months it has been! I don’t know about you, but it’s finally feeling like we might see a glimpse of normal again, or, maybe we’re just getting used to this new normal. Either way, we can say for sure that the lazy hot days of summer are calling. That means summer fashion is here, and we can’t be more ready for it! I feel like we’re looking for anything to lift our mood and the light and cheery vibes that are happening this season in fashion are just what we need. Let’s talk about PRINTS. If you haven’t noticed, prints are everywhere. Whether you go soft and feminine or big and bright (the latter is strongly encouraged), prints are where it’s at this summer. Whether on a blouse, some fun trousers, or an amazing skirt, try mixing things up with a colourful print and push yourself out of your box a little. And we’re not just talking the traditional florals; we’re seeing everything from fruit, to insects, even to retro synchronized swimmers! The bolder the better. Speaking of skirts, this is another huge trend that is not going anywhere. Gone are the days when wearing a skirt was considered dressing up. Try thinking of skirts as you would a pair of shorts. Throw on a midi or maxi skirt with a graphic tee or a tank, along with your favourite sandals or sneakers and you’re good to go! Along the same vein are dresses. You’re about to discover a whole new world of comfort. There are a ton of incredibly comfortable dresses meant for everyday wear. From T-shirt dresses, to floral maxis, to incredibly flattering wrap dresses, it’s all about a great casual dress that’s easy to throw on. Dresses are such an effortless way to always look put together. Infuse some cheer into your wardrobe this summer! life Erin Hardy, co-owner, Seven Saints

Airdrie’s shopping scene just got a makeover

NOW OPEN

Visit our new Boutique, In Cooperstown Promenade

OR SHOP ONLINE

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Bleach, please! #KEEPINGAIRDRIEBEAUTIFUL

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S U M M E R 2020

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You know an amazing woman. Nominate her today. 2021 Amazing Airdrie Women Awards

Online nominations only: airdrielife.com

FITNESS FOR

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Our philosophy reflects our commitment to building beautiful custom homes for the families who live in them.

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2018

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S U M M E R 2020

ENTER BEFORE JULY 30, 2020 Contest is open to Airdrie and area residents18 years and older. Three contestants will be selected to compete from Sept. - Dec. 2020. Successful contestants must complete the full program and consent to full body length photography before, during, and after the competition.

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S U M M E R 2020

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G R E AT L I F E | C O L U M N

The “new normal”

f you told me that the column I would write for our summer 2020 edition would involve child-sized face masks, homeschooling and FaceTime playdates, I would have thought you were crazy. None of us could have imagined what the past few months had in store. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed so many things. It has made us talk about topics we never thought we would with our children. parentlife WITH STACIE GAETZ I’ve had to explain how people can die from a cold to my five-year-old daughter and repeatedly remind my three-yearold son not to touch … well, pretty much everything. Kids couldn’t go to school, see grandma and grandpa, visit friends or even play on playgrounds. Even now, almost everything is different in some way. That is why it is so important that we try to maintain some sense of “normal” through it all, for our kids’ sake. I was recently talking with a local mental health professional who told me that the pandemic will increase anxiety in most children who are old enough to comprehend even a little bit about what is going on. This hit me hard. My immediate response was “What can I do to help my kids?” It turns out one answer is rather simple. Like most of us, children thrive in a routine and when so many things are uncertain and even the adults in their lives don’t have the answers to many of their questions, consistency is key. No one knows what the big-picture “new normal” will look like but we do know what the norms are in our homes. Those little things that haven’t changed even though everything else has. Morning cartoons, schoolwork after breakfast (albeit at home now), lunch, outdoor time, dinner, bath before bed, mom reading the same story every night (seemingly since the dawn of time).… These small, routine actions are comforting and grounding for children and can “Small, routine actions are comforting go a long way when everything else seems unsettled and scary. We can’t control the pandemic or the virus, but we can help our children feel and grounding for children and like they are safe. It may seem insignificant, but pouring the same bowl of Cheecan go a long way when everything rios every morning and singing You Are My Sunshine every night may play a bigger role than you think in maintaining your child’s mental health. life else seems unsettled and scary”

Offering Preschool, Full-Day Jr.K, Kindergarten and Grades 1-8 in Airdrie ● Small Class Sizes ● Private & Accredited ● Alberta Education Certiﬁed ● Hockey & Sports Training ● Before & After School Care ● Life Skills Classes ● Summer Camps/Childcare V I E W I M AG E GA L L E RY H E R E

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403.945.0300

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I M AG E S BYJ OA N N E .CO M

S U M M E R 2020

PHONE: EMAIL: WEB

403-912-1133 enrolment@atlaslearningacademy.com atlaslearningacademy.com

While the doors to Genesis Place were closed, staff took advantage of the unique opportunity to give the entire facility a facelift and ensure you come back to a facility that is even better than it was before.

S U M M E R 2020

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G R E AT L I F E | C O L U M N

seniorlife

WITH MEGAN SKARSEN

CHECK √ YOUR HEARING YES

Do people seem to mumble or speak in softer voices than they used to? Do you feel tired or irritable after a long conversation? Do you miss key words or ask people to repeat themselves? When you are in a group or a crowded restaurant is it hard for you to follow the conversation? Do you often need to turn the volume up on the tv or radio? Do you find it difficult to hear the doorbell or the telephone ring?

HOW DID YOU DO?

If you answered YES to any of these questions you might be experiencing some hearing loss and should have your hearing evaluated.

Proven Hearing Care from experienced providers. Locally Owned & Operated

403 980 4327

SuperiorHearingSolutions.com 103 – 44 Gateway Drive, Airdrie

Should you sleep wearing your dentures?

s a recommendation, dentures should always be taken out at some point to give your gums a rest. This does not need to be at night; select a more accommodating time throughout the day as long as you make time to let your gums rest. Sleeping without dentures may not be for everyone. This information is intended to help you decide whether you should sleep with them out or why you may need to keep them in.

Circulation Like all soft tissue in our body, circulation is vital for health. If the denture is in all the time, circulation is restricted causing lack of fresh blood with nutrients and oxygen which can cause gum irritation and accelerate ridge resorption. Imagine a long day with your socks. When you take them off you can see the grooves on your ankle. The socks restrict circulation just like your dentures do in your mouth. Sleeping with them out allows your gums to breath while replenishing blood flow and nutrients overnight.

Bacteria The saliva underneath your dentures all night creates the perfect environment for bacteria to harbour and can cause gum irritation and halitosis (bad breath). Studies have shown that seniors with poor oral hygiene who sleep with dentures in have a higher risk of pneumonia.

Clenching or Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) Clenching and grinding while wearing your dentures to sleep can be very hard on your teeth, dentures and your gums underneath. This causes accelerated wear to teeth and gums and increases the possibility of denture breakage. Sleeping with dentures out may help or hinder your jaw, so if sleeping with your dentures reduces the pain in your jaw be sure to look into a mouth guard to protect your dentures. Clenching and grinding may also be from a denture that is loose or too worn down. Your 360˚ VIRTUAL TOUR mouth will clench to keep dentures in place. If you decide to sleep with your dentures in, there are some guidelines to keep your mouth and WATCH VIDEO gums healthy.

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W O R K L I F E | C O O L G U YS

CODY CREELMAN,

COW VET BY BRITTON LEDINGHAM

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S U M M E R 2020

r. Cody Creelman has an infectious passion for veterinary medicine. With the intent of using digital media to market his business, he’s made a personal brand: Cody Creelman, Cow Vet. The 35-year-old built up a social media following (including about 93,000 followers on Facebook, and 47,000 YouTube subscribers) over the last nine years. He did that while being a partner with Veterinary Agri-Health Services in Airdrie between 2011 until the fall of 2019, and a multi-practice business, Mosaic Veterinary Partners, from 2016 to 2019. “I wanted my name to be synonymous with my profession from a marketing standpoint,” says Creelman. “Cody Creelman, Cow Vet has been a fun brand creation, and ... it’s allowed me to do a lot of things that I would have not been able to do [otherwise].” When Creelman stepped out of practice ownership last year, he smoothly transitioned into a life of travelling the U.S. with his wife, Diana, and three kids under six years old, for paid speaking engagements, online consulting and some family time. The time away from an Alberta winter was cherished, but kept the family’s roots planted in Airdrie, where the Alberta-raised couple moved in 2011. “I remember having ... an epiphany moment as we were travelling around thinking about, you know, do we want to be in Airdrie? Do we want to be in Alberta? Is there somewhere else that’s calling us?” recalls Creelman. “And as we’re driving around trying to find that, I realized everything that I was looking for was within 360˚ the four walls of that pickup truck as we’re driving VIRTUAL TOUR across the desert, or through the Grand Canyon or WATCH VIDEO down the coast.”

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W O R K L I F E | AWA R D S

AIRDRIE BUSINESS AWARDS C E L E B R AT E E X C E L L E N C E I N U N P R E C E D E N T E D T I M E S BY STACIE GAETZ

“We love Airdrie business, and we want people to share their stories, their victories and their perspective while celebrating small business in Airdrie and recognizing the cream of the crop”

t may be more important than ever to recognize a local business for doing an exceptional job. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on local businesses has been devastating with many struggling to stay afloat and others losing the battle. Those that pulled through have shown incredible tenacity, resourcefulness and ingenuity to keep their staff employed and customers happy. The Airdrie Chamber of Commerce invites the public to recognize, celebrate and support businesses’ hard work and resulting success by nominating a local business for the 2020 Airdrie Business Awards (ABA). “Businesses truly are the backbone of a healthy community,” says Marilyne Aalhus, executive director of the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce. “When businesses struggle a community struggles, when businesses succeed a community succeeds. COVID-19 has damaged our economy and many local businesses have suffered. We need to work together to support those businesses any way we can. The ABAs are just a small way to say thank you and to celebrate all that businesses do for Airdrie, now more than ever.” The awards are in their 22nd year and offer seven award categories. This year will feature a new adjudication process that allows the community to vote on the finalists once they are announced this September. According to Aalhus, a third-party adjudicator will narrow down the finalists by reviewing their online submissions. They will also vote on the winners, which will consist of 50 per cent of the total vote. Finalists will be announced on Sept. 8 and the community will have an opportunity to vote for one month on the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce website (airdriechamber.ab.ca). The community vote will be worth the other 50 per cent. “We love Airdrie business, and we want people to share their stories, their victories and their perspective while celebrating small business in Airdrie and recognizing the cream of the crop,” says Aalhus. “The Airdrie Chamber of Commerce is pleased to host this premier business event, held during Small Business Week, and will look forward to celebrating local business at the awards gala.” All winners will be announced at the awards gala, at either the Bert Church Theatre or through a virtual event on Oct. 23. Tickets will be available for purchase in early September. “This is your way to say thank you to our local businesses. Nominating a business only takes a few minutes and it truly is a wonderful way to recognize the work that they do in our community,” says Aalhus.

2020 AIRDRIE BUSINESS AWARD CATEGORIES INCLUDE:

Business of the Year Award - Awarded to a business that has been operating for at least three years; that best exhibits outstanding achievement in innovative practices, customer service and growth; and actively participates in the community. Airdrie Business Leader Award Christelle Hitimana Uwamahoro, Business Innovation Award 2019 Business Innovation Award winner. Emerging Business Award courtesy ofTOUR ABA 360˚ Photo VIRTUAL Employer Excellence Award Franchise Business Award WATCH VIDEOLegacy Business Award

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2020 STORY BY TARA LEVICK ILLUSTRATIONS BY LIA GOLEMBA The COVID-19 pandemic has made it more important than ever for local entrepreneurs to work together and learn from each other to be successful. The SMARTstart program was designed by City of Airdrie Economic Development, Community Futures Centre West and Bow Valley College to provide real-world business skills and access to tailor-made advice. Its goal is to increase the chance of new businesses surviving those first crucial years. Studies show that only 35 per cent of new businesses survive their first five years. It’s also proven that business owners with education in entrepreneurship have an 80 to 90 per cent chance of success. In the past six years, SMARTstart has seen more than 100 entrepreneurs complete the program. The 2020 program has 12 businesses (13 entrepreneurs) with 15 mentors. SMARTstart is delivered over eight months where entrepreneurs take part in online learning, workshops and mentorship. Each entrepreneur walks away from SMARTstart with a plan (feasibility, business or strategic) they have created to set their business up for success.

One of the unanticipated successes of SMARTstart has been the community building within each cohort. Entrepreneurs say that developing a relationship with a group of people that are going through the same challenges is very important. COVID-19 has made the isolation many entrepreneurs feel worse and the SMARTstart community support has become more important than ever. The pandemic has also meant a few changes to the program as all learning is now being done virtually. SMARTstart not only gives entrepreneurs tools for their business, it helps create a business community. It is more important than ever to equip entrepreneurs with training and support. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SMART START PROGRAM HERE

FOR THE ENTREPRENEUR

FOR THE MENTOR

What is the inspiration for your business?

What is the No. 1 quality an entrepreneur needs to have to be successful?

What are you most excited about learning?

What is your favourite aspect of being an entrepreneur?

GT PRO MOT

IONS

OWN ERS Danny and K im b e rl y G o ri n g

MENT OR We n d y B a te s

—

The Ha ir Lounge

RIVAL AXE THROWING LTD. The inspiration for starting Rival Axe Throwing was the heart for community and family. Creating a place people can come and experience a fantastic new sport while building friendships. We are excited about being part of SMARTstart at this very moment. This is giving us the opportunity to learn how to diversify and be sustainable during economic challenges. Times like these have also allowed us to press on with our mentors and the tools to grow into strong entrepreneurs. MICHELLE CARRE: I believe entrepreneurs need a drive and desire that runs to through their core. It take a lot of determination to get through the challenges of entrepreneurship. I love that things are always changing and there are new things to learn all of the time.

GT PROMOTIONS We feel we can bring new approaches and techniques to the everdeveloping world of marketing material. We really enjoy working with people, and the promotions industry has provided an amazing array of new technologies we are eager to learn. There is never a dull moment in our business. It is always a great feeling to create new and exciting products for individuals and businesses. We are excited to learn proper accounting techniques, forecasting, and approaches to sales and marketing. It is our intention to hire workers; any knowledge related to human resources and staffing would be of great benefit. WENDY BATES Set goals, work hard and always enjoy what you are doing. The support of all the amazing people in my life.

Meet Danny and Kimberly!

XE R I VA L A ING THROW ER OWN le y a D Jo n i

OR MENT e C a rr e M ic h e ll

—

m C a rr e. co M ic h el le e G ro u p rr a C e & Th

Meet Joni!

S U M M E R 2020

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FUNKY PETALS The ability to deliver product that brings joy, love, thoughtfulness and of course my love of flowers is the inspiration of my business. I am most excited about learning new contemporary designs to give my customers a different choice of flower buying.

F U N K Y P E TA LS

OWNER Pa tty Du gg an

HEATHER COWIE Resilience. Being an entrepreneur has allowed me to make a bigger positive difference to my community than I would have been able to do on my own, and I love that.

Meet Patty!

MENTOR He at he r Co wi e

—

Ai rd rie Fa m ily Ey e Do ct or s

THE LITTLE BLIND COMPANY LTD. I was inspired by my dad to become an entrepreneur. I watched him successfully run his local business, Airdrie Windshield & Glass, for the last 30 years and from that I truly found my passion for serving our community. After an opportunity arose with a window covering company back in 2016, I started to think more about starting my own window covering company, which goes hand in hand with all the window work my dad does. He was the one who inspired me and gave me the push that I needed to make that dream and reality.

E ITTL NY L E T H O M PA C LIND R NE OW ger e la H Sha

I’m excited to learn more about the financial side of running a business through the SMARTstart program. Sure, it seems like running your own business would be all rainbows and roses, until you are forced to sit down and crunch the numbers. HEATHER HARKE The ability to creatively adapt. Everything else can be taught. That I get to set the tone of our work environment to be positive and collaborative with our team and customers.

Meet Shala!

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S U M M E R 2020

OR NT ke ME Har ther a e H

— plift Deals Sho ed t Limi

COMM U ART S NITY PA C E OWN ER Ta n n is S m it h

COMMUNITY ART SPACE I love the idea of a space for artists to come together; to share, teach and inspire all artists at heart! As well, a place for kids to make a mess while exploring what art has to offer them. I am most excited about connecting with other community members that share in my passion for art and collaboration! NADINE WOITT I would say the No.1 quality needed for me would be patience and perseverance. And the best thing would be the amazing people you meet along the way.

Meet Tannis!

MEN TOR N a d in e Wo it t

—

Mezz a n in e H a ir S tu d io

CHILDREN EMPOWERMENT WORKSHOPS I am a passionate learning experience designer for adult learners, and younger students. The inspiration for facilitating children’s workshops began after discovering that I was not alone in worrying about raising children in a dynamic world, where it seemed like half the time I was trying to catch up. As an adult I have easy access to self-development programs to help me successfully handle many social situations, but what resources are available to our children outside of the classroom? I would love to provide fun experiential learning to children. Penya means shine in the Shona language. I want to help empower and nurture young minds to be their best selves and shine! Invaluable mentorship, including how to market my business, and how to develop business partnerships.

TRACY GOODBRAND Any entrepreneur has to be totally passionate about their business! That allencompassing passion along with grit and determination will take them through the rough spots, especially when there isn’t much time for their home life and personal interests and hobbies.

C H IL D R E N NT EMPOWERME S WORKSHOP OWNER o Te nd ai Do ng

MENTOR Tr ac y Go od br an d

—

Irr ica na el Ko un tr y Ke nn

I love that I can pursue something that I am so passionate about! Running my own business allows me to take a deep dive into the industry and effect change for the better.

Meet Tendai!

S U M M E R 2020

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Do you know an awesome kid?

Nominate him or her today for the

2021 Awesome Airdrie Kids Awards! Deadline Sept 30, 2020

Nomination forms here

Get connect with services and programs for your family. The July-December Guide is now available! Click here to read! 78

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citylife

A C LO S E R LO O K AT YO U R C O M M U N I T Y

MEDICAL HEROES

ROLE MODEL 80 | AIRDRIE HELPS 97 | LEARNING AT HOME 102

C I T Y L I F E | C OV E R

“One person can do so much and be successful at it…. And that’s what I’m trying to accomplish with acting, music production, modelling, everything.”

Role Model STORY BY BRITTON LEDINGHAM | PHOTOS BY KRISTY REIMER

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S U M M E R 2020

SAM LECUYER HAS ALL HIS IRONS IN THE FIRE. The 2019 graduate of École francophone d›Airdrie is looking to be a role model for his First Nations community, and the world at large, as he follows his acting, modelling and music passions. “I do understand that being a role model comes with responsibility,” says Lecuyer. “So I hope to set a clear example for everyone.” His modelling career is soaring. Not even a year since his first walk down a runway, he appeared in both the New York and Paris Fashion Weeks in February and March, 2020. “It was super fun because it’s kind of like something out of a movie at that point,” says Lecuyer of walking for Alicia Perrillo and Hamon. “Your brain just doesn’t really process it until the moment, but you just walk out and you do your best.” From those trips, the 19-year-old’s standout memory is holding his Day Star First Nation flag under the Eiffel Tower. “That was a really empowering moment for my community, I believe,” says Lecuyer. “It’s like, if you want to be a model, you can do it ... whatever you want to do in life, you can do it.” Raised proud of his Cree, Saulteaux and French heritage, Lecuyer took an interest in movies at a young age. He would watch movies with his dad, Peter Holford, and got an iPad for Christmas in Grade 5. His first movie was a zombie thriller. “I would always play the zombie ... I would hold the iPad just running around chasing my friends, and that’s what we thought was a horror movie back then,” he recalls. “I would always go over scenes for movies in my head or in the shower.” The old iPad is gone, but the hours of filming, acting and editing in iMovie planted a seed. In the summer of 2019 Lecuyer went to a casting call in Calgary for a First Nations movie. With some encouragement from the casting director that he could make a career in the industry, he signed with Calgary-based modelling and talent agency Patti Falconer Agencies two weeks later, and “everything has been going up since.” Lecuyer has done extra roles so far for acting, and is seeking speaking roles. His modelling opportunities began with the 2019 Western Canadian Fashion Week in Edmonton in September. “I remember I almost threw up the first time walking but my friends calmed me down and I walked perfectly,” says Lecuyer, joking that he looked like the Terminator with his shoulders too high. But he was hooked. “It was like the best rush in my life.” He then walked in Western Canada Fashion Week in Calgary and another show in Vancouver before getting the call for New York and Paris. His love for music was fostered in high school by his English and music teacher, Cory Roberts. “He always saw the creative side in me,” says Lecuyer. He played the violin, learned to DJ, and now produces music. He is collaborating on a song with a San Diego based artist he is being tight-lipped about, and wants to collaborate with more local and international artists. Lecuyer also looks up to his George McDougall High School Mustangs football coaches, Chris Glass and Willy Snypes (real name Willie Williams), calling them “local heroes.” Snypes was featured in the summer 2018 edition of airdrielife, and is similarly multi-talented, with endeavours in firefighting, music production and football coaching. “One person can do so much and be successful at it,” says Lecuyer. “And that’s what I’m trying to accomplish with acting, music production, modelling, everything.” He finished upgrading his high school math virtually through Aboriginal Futures in Calgary during COVID-19. He’s accepted into SAIT’s welding program in Calgary for September, with plans to pursue music production education in the future. “I learned from my parents, because if Plan A doesn’t go according to plan, what are you gonna do?” says Lecuyer, giving a nod to his mom, Shannon Sunshine. “You always have Plan B, C and D right after to fall back on. And it doesn’t mean it’s done forever; it just means you got to work equally as hard.” life

360˚ VIRTUAL Watch for what Lecuyer will do next. You can find him on Instagram at @SamThomasLecuyer

TOUR

WATCH VIDEO 360˚ VIRTUAL TOUR

LISTEN TO OUR READWITH MORE WATCH VIDEO PODCAST SAM LECUYER READ MORE PODCAST PODCAST MUSICIANS MUSICIANS VIEW PHOTOS

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CITYLIFE | PEOPLE

A conversation with STORY BY SHERRY SHAW-FROGGATT | PHOTO BY KRISTY REIMER

Willy Snypes

“We just need to come to a better understanding of each other … what we are about, and how we can help each other out” 82

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S U M M E R 2020

airdrielife is committed to publishing stories that celebrate the diverse community that makes up our city. From Pride to BIPOC, we believe in an inclusive community. We want the pages of our magazine to reflect that. If you would like to share your story please email stacie@frogmediainc.ca

A CONVERSATION WITH WILLY SNYPES

Willy Snypes is a musician, father, football coach and as of fall 2018, a proud City of Calgary firefighter. He was the cover story of our 2017 summer issue, which focused on his work as a rapper, DJ and owner of CornerBoy Music Enterprises. He is in the process of re-doing his latest album project, since joining the fire department, as he says “more eyes are on him” and he takes it quite seriously. Re-recording songs, changing wording and language because he discovered he is gaining quite a youth following, Snypes is making his music more family friendly. He even blended his firefighter and rap personas with the song MayDay last fall, followed by the Calgary Fire Department holiday safety music video that went viral this past winter. He’s dropping a track this summer called Dear Momma – an ode to his mom. “She dealt with all the rough stuff we went through and took the time to build me and my brothers up to the men we are today.” A second song, Political Soup recorded in 2018, seems even timelier in light of recent events in the U.S. “It’s a song about looking at the world with an outside view. People see what they want to see and build their own story based on that view.” He promises a feel-good song late this summer as well, “Something everyone can enjoy after what we’ve all been through these past few months.” Even with music and firefighting duties Snypes still plans to come back this fall when he can to coach the George Mac football team (assuming pandemic restrictions allow play). Snypes was open to discuss anti-racism and police brutality issues when we caught up in early June. Born in New York and growing up in Florida, Snypes and his family lived with racism all around them. When he was four, living with his mom, older brother and grandparents in Tampa, Fla., they woke up in the night to a burning cross in the front yard of his grandparent’s home. Shortly after that his mom moved with her boys to Fort Lauderdale, but visits to Tampa to see the grandparents was always fraught with tension as Snypes found it less friendly to Black people. “There was a white boy on my grandparent’s street we would always play with during the day when his parents were at work. But when they came home, he was told to get inside; they didn’t want him playing with us.” Fort Lauderdale proved to be generally more accepting as they settled into a larger Black community and Snypes attended a culturally diverse high school where he excelled in

all sports. This was the area Snypes felt racism rear its ugly head. “Everybody played football, basketball, wrestling, but baseball – it was another story.” And Snypes loved baseball the most – envisioning playing at the college level, so every year he tried out as the only Black kid. “I outran every guy on the field. I ran hard, I threw hard, played hard and I’d make it to the final cut only to be told “there’s no room for you.” This went on for three years. It got to the point where I understood why it was happening, but I wasn’t letting it stop me.” Before Snypes moved to Canada in 2007 he says he would get pulled over at least once a month by police “for a random check.” He says he let a lot of the racist actions brush off. He was not letting it define who he was. So is it better in Canada? “There is racism everywhere no question, but Canada is more welcoming in general.” He says people do a good job of “masking their racism.” “It’s more subtle here; in the U.S. it’s more in your face. They will let you know. What I see here is nothing compared to what I experienced as a kid in the States.” He gives another example that when playing football against the ‘rich’ (primarily white) schools, their players would always be triggering his team at the line of scrimmage with verbal abuse. “‘You fn N-word. You Black monkey.’ We would have to block it out to play the game.” The kids he coaches in Airdrie all get along, never having experienced the extreme traumas Snypes did. “At the end of the day we all bleed the same, sweat the same and go through the same thing once we get the field. If I look across the line at you, you’re my teammate, you’re my brother; that’s not going to change once we leave the field. Team sports build you up as a person for the future. And it begins on the field.” Snypes and his family, wife Cheryl and daughter Jada (8) and son Adonis (2), enjoy their Prairie Springs neighbourhood and feel connected with their friends and neighbours. And he can say since moving to Airdrie he has not had racism directed at him. “Our street is very friendly – we all look out for each other, from shoveling snow to just sitting in the driveways and chatting. I feel lucky to be where I am at in life. I put a lot of time and effort into getting me and my family to where we are now.” His children at their young age are sheltered from the current world events, but sadly he and Cheryl had to have the race talk with Jada when she was four. She came home visibly upset from an Airdrie daycare after being told by a classmate “only light-skinned kids” could come to her birthday party.” “Why can’t I have blonde hair,” was Jada’s confused response. “We had to talk to her about how everyone is different and everyone is unique, and when people don’t like you, whether it is for your colour, (that) you’re a better athlete or student, not to let it hold you down. This is telling you that 360˚ VIRTUAL that person is jealous. If they don’t like you because ofTOUR who you are or what you do, they are a jealous. Just embrace it WATCH VIDEO and move on.

READ MORE S U M M E R 2020

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CITYLIFE | RODEO

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GAVIN ROSE, BULL RIDER BY JACEY CONWAY

rom the young age of three, Gavin Rose has been in love with the rodeo and has allowed it to shape his young career as a bull rider. The now-nine-year-old began his journey as a bull rider in 2015 when he became involved with mutton busting, an event similar to bull riding but for a younger age group riding sheep instead of bulls. Rose continued riding sheep for two years before moving onto riding miniature broncs bareback. After riding mini broncs for a year, he began riding mini bulls and fell in love with the sport even more. “That is where his heart really is,” says Nikki Rose, Gavin’s mother. In 2014, Gavin was diagnosed with autism but he’s found mini bull riding to be a coping mechanism. It has given him an opportunity to find his voice. His mother remembers when her son was shy to talk with others and lacked motivation to go anywhere or do anything. Since becoming involved with the rodeo, Gavin has become a confident young man who is surrounded by a supportive group of friends and sponsors that encourage his exciting lifestyle. “Rodeo has been the greatest thing in our life,” says Nikki. Gavin has achieved great things so far; one of his highlights is making the first-ever Mini Global Cup as part of Team Canada in 2019. In addition to this great achievement Gavin has made his mark in the sport across North America and has travelled to several different states to compete. In 2018, Gavin finished in first place in the peewee division for bulls and broncs and travelled to Oklahoma to compete in the International Miniature Bullriding Association (IMBA) World Finals. Placing in 18th, Gavin qualified for the IMBA World Finals again and continued to join seven other young men in the Mini Global Cup as a part of Team Canada. He is planning to continue his journey as a bull rider and working toward making the Junior World Finals in bareback and bulls. One day Gavin would love to claim the title ‘First Canadian Miniature Riding World Champion.’ There are many reasons why he loves bull riding but one great reason why Gavin continues is the family he has built in the last several years. “No matter what, everyone is there to help you,” he says. Gavin looks forward to the hard work it will take to continue his bull riding career and the upcoming travels to competitions. Look out world, here comes Gavin Rose, bull rider extraordinaire. life S U M M E R 2020

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C I T Y L I F E | S P O R TS D A D

PASSING THE PUCK … TO A NEW GENERATION BY BRITTON LEDINGHAM

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S U M M E R 2020

360˚

LISTEN TO OUR PODCAST WITH DARCY CAMPBELL

arcy Campbell’s love of hockey has him at the rink more than ever. Airdrie’s first hockey player to hit the ice in an NHL arena finished his globe-trotting pro career in 2014. He’s since settled in Airdrie with his wife, Kristina, and two kids, Gavyn, 8, and Rylum, 7. Now 35 years old, Campbell’s at the rink as an assistant coach for his sons whenever he can. “I could live at the rink if I had a bed there,” he says while sitting on a bench at Explosive Edge, his kids nearby in a training session. “This is like a second home to us.” Raised in Airdrie, Campbell played his minor hockey years here before moving to Strathmore for AAA play with the Bisons in 2000-2002. His Junior A seasons were played in Canmore and Olds before he took a scholarship to Fairbanks, Alaska, for three years and signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2007, playing one game with the NHL team. He spent the next seven seasons with the Syracuse Crunch (American Hockey League), Lake Erie Monsters (AHL), teams in Finland and the Czech Republic, back to the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees (Texas, Central Hockey League), the Chicago Express (ECHL), and wrapped up his pro career in Germany and Italy in 2012-2014. Gavyn was born in Calgary right before the family moved to Chicago; they then moved to Germany where Rylum was born, and spent the next year in Italy. Campbell met Kristina in high school and they were married in 2009. “Everywhere we went to play hockey, she was there,” says Campbell, who retired from professional play at 30 and moved back to Airdrie. “I can’t really picture myself living somewhere else.” He’s pleased with the experiences he’s had, and how they aided him in achieving his career of four years with the Calgary Police Service (CPS). “They really look for life experience.... Without hockey I wouldn’t have even gotten this job,” says Campbell, a constable with CPS. He and his wife didn’t lace up skates on their boys at three or four years old for the sake of tradition. “You surround your kids with good people, and for me, good people come from the hockey community,” says Campbell. They have the upstairs bonus room of their home devoted to being the “hockey spot” where the boys can “work on their shooting or snipe goals on one another.” “They love it,” says Campbell with a smile, noting they VIRTUAL TOURdon’t live at the arena; the family enjoys other sports and recreation during the hockey off season. WATCH VIDEO He still gets on the ice himself, playing weekly games in the Airdrie Recreational Hockey League’s A division with the READ MORE Beavers, and with CPS teams. “It’s good fun, I enjoy it still,” says Campbell. “We’re in a good place now with our family and I don’t know if there’s a PODCAST whole lot I would change at this point.” life

MUSICIANS

S U M M E R 2020

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CITYLIFE | CLUBS

The Scouting Way BY JACEY CONWAY

he scouting movement is alive and thriving in Airdrie, and looking to expand their reach. Scouts are a significant part of Airdrie history, with photos dating back to the early 1930s and groups as old as 1910. The reason why scouting has remained prevalent in Airdrie for almost 100 years is because of the selfless volunteers that keep the groups flourishing. Rob Noble has been a volunteer for the 1st Airdrie Scouts for four years. He first joined the organization to be with his daughter who joined, and stayed to see his second daughter also join. “It develops well-rounded youth,” says Noble. “I have seen it foster friendship, community and service.” The non-profit organization caters to both girls and boys aged five to 18 through weekly meet-ups and several events throughout the year that teach the children a variety of life and outdoor skills.

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From camping, to canoeing, to outdoor survival, to community initiatives, scouting sets members to be successful in many areas of life. “We have this laundry list of adventures,” says Noble. Scouting is divided by age groups, so the children are carrying out activities suitable for their age. They work through each level as they grow older and earn badges and awards to mark their success. All children are welcome to join, regardless of their previous scout experience. Parents are encouraged to join their children and volunteer to help in the fun adventures offered. “A large community has been built within scouting,” says Noble. There are currently three scout groups in Airdrie: 1st, 2nd and 5th. The different groups have been created to cater to the high number of children signing up each year.

“We are creating a program to make better humans”

Noël Cosgrove has been scouting for nine years and is celebrating her third year with the Airdrie 2nd Scouts. She has seen the difference scouting has made in several young children’s and teens’ lives and celebrates the skills taught. “We are creating a program to make better humans,” says Cosgrove. “We put in a ton of time teaching these kids really cool skills they just don’t learn (elsewhere) anymore.” Because of the big focus on outdoor activities such as camping, hiking and survival, Cosgrove has seen the positive results of the children spending less time behind a screen. Scouting creates a chance for children to learn how to be better outdoorsmen and women, but also gives them a sense of community, says Cosgrove. “A lot of kids who first join the program aren’t friends, but it brings them together,” she adds. The Scouts see many children who struggle with mental health or physical disabilities join the team and be welcomed with no hesitation. “If I had to use one word, it would be inclusivity,” says Cosgrove. As a volunteer, she says she’s learned so much about the outdoors and what it means to be a good person. As a leader, a simple thank you goes a long way, says Cosgrove, encouraging scout parents to thank volunteers via the online thank-you button on the Scouts Canada web page.

“It makes a difference to hear a thank you,” says Cosgrove. Both Noble and Cosgrove look forward to the many events that reoccur within the scouting community, including Jamborees all over the world and outdoor travel trips. These trips create a goal after a year’s hard work of learning outdoor skills, fundraising and community service events. “It is very rewarding,” Noble says. life

S U M M E R 2020

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C I T Y L I F E | H I STO RY

Airdrie’s Original

“Cool Guys” BY LAURIE HARVEY

irdrie pioneers all had one thing in common. They had a desire to make their own way and carve a place for themselves out of the sparsely populated West. They came to this area, knowing that there was not much but open prairies and opportunity. Most of them came here alone, leaving their wives and children behind, so they could scope out their new space and make a few first steps before bringing their families here. The first settlers to come to the Airdrie area were William Croxford and A.E. Bowers, in 1901. They were brothers-in-law and left their families in Innisfail (known as Poplar Grove at the time) to 90

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S U M M E R 2020

await word on when they could come. Croxford and Bowers built the first barn and house in Airdrie; barn first and then house. They built Croxford’s house next. A.E. Bowers took over the postal service from the Stevenson Stopping House and owned the first general store. Croxford donated part of his land to build the first church in Airdrie, after having the services in his home for a while. Bowers built and owned the first grist mill and many stock feeders came to get their grain ground up. Bower sold the hardware section of his general store to Robert Thorburn and he also started the first lumber yard with Thomas Fletcher.

“They came to this area, knowing that there was not much but open prairies and opportunity” R. A. McDonald bought a building from a nearby farmer and moved it to a corner of Croxford’s land and used it for a boarding house; this was the beginning of the ‘Old Hotel’ on Main Street. J. Chisholm and son Finlay built a general store northwest of the old grain elevator site. They believed their location was where most of the building would take place. Instead, they found themselves underwater as Nose Creek flooded; eventually they sold their building to Farr and Jenkins and it was moved to Main Street. Dr. W.F. Edwards came to Airdrie in 1907 and decided to settle here. Airdrie did not have a doctor at the time. Edwards wired his father in Ontario, who sent him $200. Edwards bought himself some medical equipment, a horse and buggy (he named the horse ‘Old Pilot’) and rented a building on Main Street. He was the only doctor from Irricana to Cochrane and north of Calgary, so he was a remarkably busy man. He met and married Anna McCracken, who was a school teacher at Dry Creek school. In 1918-1919 during the influenza epidemic, the doctor and his nurse, M. Kinniburgh, used the Airdrie Hotel as a hospital and treated patients there, only losing one in all the area. Edwards also owned the first ice cream and soda fountain parlour, as well as selling stationary, china and school supplies. He also owned a small dispensary with his medical practice. Dr. Edwards was Airdrie’s doctor until 1940, when he passed away from an infection.

R.J. Hawkey was the first school teacher in Airdrie. In 1906, Hawkey and his students decided to raise some money for the school. They held a concert and a box social and a large crowd showed up. The bachelors of the community were hoping to buy lunch from a young lady and many ending up eating lunch with an incredibly young student. It was with these funds raised that R.J. Hawkey ordered the school bell, which was used from 1907 until 1957. The bell now sits in the Nose Creek Valley Museum (NCVM). At the end of the First World War, Hawkey opened a bake shop, the first in Airdrie. Until 1950, R.J. Hawkey ran a dairy, was the mayor of Airdrie, worked with the school board and was the treasurer for the United Church. The men who laid the groundwork for the city that we now live in were brave, adventurous and risk takers. They came out west to make their mark, and battled harsh climates, hard work and loneliness. They survived by collaboration with each other, relying on their families and welcoming strangers. They built a hamlet, then a village; they got involved in local events and organizations. These men held many jobs in their lifetime, one day a dairy farmer, the next day a general store owner, but what they never did was give up. We live within their footprints every day. Visit the NCVM to learn more about Airdrie’s history! life Laurie Harvey is curator at Nose Creek Valley Museum

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C I T Y L I F E | C OV I D H E R O E S Geraldine Sanregret

Joan Feener

On the front line A look into the lives of the people who get you your goods BY STACIE GAETZ

he food in your fridge, the clothing on your back, the furniture in your house and the medicine in your cabinet; almost everything you own has been delivered by truck drivers and sold to you by frontline workers at local stores.

Greg Fair

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The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a number of problems for local frontline employees, but they have risen to the challenge, found new ways to do things and continued to show up allowing the rest of us to stay safe at home during this difficult time. Geraldine Sanregret has worked at Save-On-Foods in Airdrie for four years and she says when the pandemic began, coming to work was a bit scary. “As time goes on, people are educating themselves and we are seeing more kindness in the store,” she says. Joan Feener has worked at Save-On-Foods in Airdrie for six-anda-half years and she has never had so many people thank her for what she does. “I have customers thanking me every day for just doing my job and that really helps to make it all worth it,” she says. Measures and procedures that Save-On-Foods has put into place to keep staff and customers safe from the virus include plexiglass barriers at the register, increased cleaning and sanitation measures,

“There’s nothing special or better about us working through the pandemic. I continue doing this for everyone, because that’s my job.” Rob Pirzek

His usual deliveries include items for big box stores, supply arrows on the floor to indicate flow of traffic and an early open chains, mall runs, residential, industrial and specialty supply stores. time for seniors. “Honestly, I’m just doing my job,” says Pirzek. “Most people are appreciative of the measures we are taking,” “I’ve always liked what I do, so this is the same, with some new says Sanregret. “It is a learning experience for both us and the customers, but we challenges. I’m humbled that I’m able to do my deliveries so people can stay healthy and safe and get the essential goods they need. really just want to serve you and keep doing our job.” “But it can be scary that I am exposed and I could be bringing Greg Fair, manager of Save-On-Foods West, says the store has seen a huge increase in online orders for pickup and deliveries and something home to my family.” has hired new workers to keep up with360˚ demand.VIRTUAL TOUR He says the biggest change he has seen personally to his job as a “The team has done a wonderful job at maintaining our high result of the COVID-19 pandemic is the move from 7 a.m. to 3 standard of customer service even through unprecedented num- p.m. shifts to irregular hours. WATCH VIDEO “For the most part, it’s all supply and demand in our deliveries. bers of orders,” he says. Items come in and they need to get out ASAP,” he says. READ MORE He adds another challenge is the fact that every warehouse may have drastically different restrictions and protocols, which can lead PODCAST to long delays when loading and unloading. TRANSPORTATION “I can spend one day sitting in my cab for 11 hours waiting for EMPLOYEES my turn to deliver to a major supply chain and then the next day, I MUSICIANS Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, transportation employees push through 40-plus deliveries in one shift,” he says. have tirelessly delivered goods to ensure the majority of people are In the beginning of the pandemic, he also had trouble finding able to stay home and safe while accessing necessities. VIEW PHOTOS somewhere to get a coffee, food or use 360˚ a washroom along his routes. VIRTUAL Airdrie resident Rob Pirzek has been driving transport trucks “It was great when the restaurant industry recognized theseTOUR chalfor 22 years. lenges, and came to the call for us truckers,” he adds. WATCH VIDEO He currently drives pickup and delivery in Calgary and the surrounding area, which includes anywhere from Red Deer to Medicine Hat. READ MORE S U M M E R 2020

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PODCAST

CITYLIFE | EMERGENCY

Keeping Airdrie safe AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT THE ROLE OF CITY DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT BY STACIE GAETZ

As the DEM, Laface works closely with City departments, provincial and federal agencies, and other key stakeholders to co-ordinate all emergency services and resources required during a major incident. She enforced the Municipal Emergency Management Plan in response to the COVID-19 pandemic on March 17. The implementation of the plan allows the City to reduce all public and private facility capacity including but not limited to bars, restaurants, lounges and halls as well as close and cancel other City facilities and programs. “We would ask ourselves, ‘What problems are we facing and what do we need to do to overcome them?’” says Laface. She also activated the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) at a level two. This meant the members of the Emergency Management Department met virtually every day to review the situation as information was provided from the provincial operations centre. Laface says that Alberta Health Services (AHS) is the lead agency for the pandemic, meaning the City receives information from AHS and then determines the best course of action for Airdrie. “The biggest aspect of what we have been doing is contingency planning around COVID and the business continuity planning,” says Laface. She adds the quick pace at which rules and regulations change has been a challenge. Another tricky part of navigating the pandemic is the fact that the situation is not linear. “It doesn’t follow any sort of rules,” says Laface. “We have one foot in response and one in recovery as we know at any time we could slip back and need to put restrictions back in place.” She says they have been working on a Resumption of Services Plan that has included subject matter experts and leaders in a number of fields. “I see Airdrie as resilient and being open to change,” says Laface.

GETTING HER START

f you thought your job was stressful during the COVID-19 pandemic, imagine being the Director of Emergency Management (DEM) for the City of Airdrie. Lorri Laface has been the DEM, in a shared role with City Manager Paul Schulz and Fire Chief Kevin Weinberger, since 2009. “The three of us can fill the position and act under a state of local emergency for a shorter-term disaster but for a long-term, slower moving, high-impact situation like a pandemic, one person generally takes the reins.”

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If it sounds like Laface knows what she’s doing, she does. She is currently taking her Masters in Emergency Management from Royal Roads University and has been involved in the field of emergency management for 24 years. In fact, when she started more than two decades ago, emergency management wasn’t even a field. “I was a paid on-call firefighter in Rocky View County and I was sort of voluntold to take on these duties even though there wasn’t a 360˚ been very interestTOUR department for it,” she says, adding she has alwaysVIRTUAL ed in the planning and preparing aspect of emergency management.

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CITYLIFE | FRONTLINE

Hardworking heroes BY STACIE GAETZ

What it’s like to be a medical professional during a pandemic

f one good thing has come out of the COVID-19 pandemic, it may be the fact that we are starting to give health care professionals the credit and respect they deserve. We spoke to three Airdrie residents who are putting their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. The most astonishing thing about this story? They are thanking us. RN Morgan Hopman is a local health professional who fought to be on the front line to help patients during the pandemic. When the COVID-19 virus started to circulate in Alberta, Hopman was three weeks away from graduating from the nursing program at Bow Valley College and finishing her final preceptorship at Airdrie Urgent Care. She was disheartened when she was told her practicum would be cancelled until after the pandemic. “When I decided to be a nurse, it was without hesitation, knowing I would have to face tough situations such as infectious diseases,” she says. “Having my practicum cancelled due to COVID-19 broke my heart, knowing I was so close to being able to help in a larger capacity, but not being allowed. “Being three weeks away from graduating, and receiving exceptional preceptorship evaluations, I knew that [my classmates and I] were competent in our nursing skills and knowledge,” she adds.

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CITYLIFE | FRONTLINE

“I knew that in these hard times, hospitals and facilities were going to need nurses more than ever and we had a large pool of nurses who were willing to help.” Not willing to sit around with nothing to do, Hopman wrote to Premier Jason Kenney and Health Minister Tyler Shandro asking them to fast-track the graduating process. She also started an online petition calling on the College of Licensed Practical Nurses to reconsider the decision to cancel the practicum, and allow the nurses to graduate. Although she is not sure if it is the result of the work that she did, in early May, she received word from the college that she would be graduating.

She is now working at the Bethany Care Society as a licensed practical nurse. “It feels great to be working in the long-term living facilities, helping people who are at the highest risk of contracting COVID-19,” she says. “It’s a very scary time for a lot of the residents, and because of restrictions they are not able to see family in the same capacity as before. Besides keeping residents safe from the virus, I feel so TOUR bless360˚ VIRTUAL ed to be the person that puts a smile on their face and keeps them company in these times where it’s so easy to feelWATCH alone.” VIDEO

PHOTO BY SERGEI BELSKI

PODCAST

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S U M M E R 2020

Trey Elkins and Rachael Jones both work in the medical field. MUSICIANS Elkins is a George McDougall High School graduate who is currently working as an advanced care paramedic with Calgary EMS, covering areas of VIEWthePHOTOS Airdrie, Cochrane, Olds and Okotoks. Jones is also a graduate of George Mac and works as a full-time RN on the Intensive Palliative Care Unit at Foothills Medical Centre. “When the pandemic hit, I was nervous and curious,” says Jones. “I wondered what the coronavirus was and how it was going to impact the world around me. I have family members with asthma so I couldn’t help but worry about them and of course our immunocompromised patient population on the unit.” Elkins shared Jones’ concerns and says as a social person, the aspect he misses most about his job before the pandemic is shaking hands with the people he meets. He adds that the biggest changes to the way he does his job day to day have been keeping distance from patients if possible, doing more detailed verbal assessments, wearing surgical masks throughout the day and even social distancing from the partner he works with. Jones says the visitor restrictions at the hospital have been the hardest part of the pandemic for her. Her patients are only allowed one visitor and only at end of life. However, Elkins says it hasn’t been all bad and the most positive thing he has seen come out of the pandemic is the fact that Alberta and the rest of Canada has stepped up. “We’ve done incredibly well,” he says. “The support of the community has been overwhelming. It gives me chills. I can’t thank the com360˚ VIRTUAL TOUR munity enough.”

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CITYLIFE | SUPPLIES

PROVIDING PPE TO THOSE IN NEED BY STACIE GAETZ

“I personally wanted to do something positive and supportive for people whose job puts them at risk while they try to keep others safe and healthy”

irdrie is known as a community that comes together to help those who need it and the COVID-19 pandemic has given residents a chance to prove that true once again. Whether they are using their sewing skills, technological know-how, organizational capabilities or just their generous spirit, the people of this city have stepped up during this difficult time.

ABUNDANCE OF BAGS

A local woman and her mom could have never imagined that the Facebook page they would create to make cloth bags for frontline workers would grow to include 300 volunteers and more than 7,800 bags. Nicole Proseilo started the social media group Bags for the Frontlines (Calgary and area) with her mom Janet in April after seeing local nurse Janette Rees reach out on Facebook asking if anyone made the item. “It’s crazy!” she says. “I didn’t think it would ever get this big – I mean, 300-plus volunteers. It’s so wonderful to see people who want to give back and help out like this.” The bags are a simple rectangle of fabric with a drawstring, de-

signed for workers to put their scrubs in when they are done a shift and bring them home safely to wash, so their family members aren’t exposed. Every bag includes a thank-you note made by local residents and a headband, ear saver or face mask. “I’ve had health care professionals make a big difference in my life so I wanted to give back to them and help out in any small way that I could,” says Proseilo. “You have no idea how much it impacts the doctors and nurses. I have been interacting with them a bit and they all want to give money or re-pay us in some way. I tell them that this is from the heart and we just want them and their staff to stay safe.” One of the volunteers, Cathy Perrotta, is Proseilo’s former teacher at George McDougall High School. “I personally wanted to do something positive and supportive for people whose job puts them at risk while they try to keep others 360˚ VIRTUAL TOUR safe and healthy,” says Perrotta. “It was actually very therapeutic and gave structure to my day. I had a quota I sewed each day. It became a newWATCH routine for VIDEO me.”

READ MORE S U M M E R 2020

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PODCAST

CITYLIFE | CARING

AIRDRIE VOLUNTEERS STEP UP IN TIME OF NEED BY STACIE GAETZ

rue to the community spirit for which Airdrie is known, residents has grown rapidly in the past few months with 775 volunteers, up from came out in force looking for ways to lend a hand during the 660 in December 2019. “We have been impressed with some of the grassroots initiatives that we COVID-19 pandemic and Volunteer Airdrie answered the call. “Volunteer Airdrie set up its Airdrie COVID-19 Response cat- have seen so far, with several new Facebook groups launched to provide support to those that need it most,” he says. egory on our Better Impact volunteering app in response to the “We hope that people new to volunteering and especially virtual volnumerous requests we were receiving from residents, groups and people unteering will find that they enjoy helping others and want to continue in from outside of Airdrie who expressed a desire to help out during the crisome way after the crisis is over.” sis,” says Dave Maffitt, chair of the Volunteer Airdrie Society. Volunteer Airdrie is working with the City of Airdrie’s Social Planning He added many of the local non-profit agencies were also receiving inquiries from new volunteers or existing volunteers (seniors and vulnerable and Community Development groups to plan for the post-crisis recovery, which will include strategies to re-engage volunteers that have been on the people) who could no longer donate their time in the same way. sidelines for the past few months. The volunteering opportunities Maffitt says his team encouravailable through Volunteer Aird“Volunteering helps keep people ages residents to volunteer during rie’s website and Better Impact active both physically and mentally and and after the crisis, as long as it is volunteering app are “virtual voldone as safely as possible. unteering” activities that people gives each day a purpose, not only to get out “We know people want to help can do safely from the comfort of of bed, but be part of history” others but may not know how to go their homes. about doing so safely,” he says. For example, volunteers can “Volunteering helps keep people active both physically and menmake face masks for use by residents of the Mustard Seed. Another initiative is to sew tote bags for frontline health care workers to use when tally and gives each day a purpose, not only to get out of bed, but be part of history.” transporting their work uniforms home safely to be washed. Premier of Alberta Jason Kenney and Chief Medical Officer Dee“We have seen a lot of interest in writing cards and letters to our senior residents at the Bethany Care Airdrie facility to help them deal with isola- na Hinshaw have also encouraged Albertans to do their part in helping others get through this challenging situation by volunteering tion from their family and friends who are no longer able to visit them in their time. person,” says Maffitt. Residents interested in volunteering can sign up free of charge Volunteer Airdrie has also been supporting the Calgary Drop-In & Refor the Better Impact app available on the App Store or learn more hab Centre with donations of linens, blankets, towels and wash cloths for about available opportunities through volunteerairdrie.ca, social methe 500 emergency beds that were opened in March. dia channels @volunteerairdrie, by phone at 403-993-5034 or by Maffitt says the response to the app has been even more positive than he could have imagined. The organization’s membership in Better Impact email info@volunteerairdrie.ca

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S U M M E R 2020

C I T Y L I F E | C OV I D C H R O N I C L E S

In this intriguing mini-series, airdrielife speaks with three former Airdrie residents, who are now living in countries around the world, to get a firsthand look at the COVID-19 pandemic in China, Germany and Spain. Here’s what they told us in late May about their situation.

Life abroad during COVID-19:

GERMANY

A glimpse into the pandemic from Airdrie residents living in three different countries BY STACIE GAETZ

360˚ VIRTUAL TOUR

GERMANY Former airdrielife publisher assistant Sarah Schulz is currently living in Munich, Germany. The country’s first case was reported in January and with her office just minutes from the local hospital, Schulz was a bit nervous. The impacts of the early pandemic on her included friends cancelling a trip to visit her from Canada and a cancelled trip to Prague. “The impact of COVID-19 is bigger than all of us and it truly makes you take time to reflect on how important it is to stand together when times get tough.”

CHINA WATCH VIDEO

2020 summer airdrielife

Articles inside

Scholarship smarts On the Cover First Nations model Sam Lecuyer

Grooming for relaunch

Learning curve

COVID abroad

Volunteer, feel good

Airdrie helps

Hardworking heroes

Managing chaos

Airdrie’s original cool guys

Ice generations

Littlest cowpoke

Scout’s honour

Willy Snypes

Role model

Winning soap

In the middle

Superstar vet

Market analysis

Get zen

Best of business

This business delivers

Growing

Seniorlife

Camp cuisine

Summer events reimagined

Tasty tacos

Say howdy

Emergency reading

Parentlife

For a good beer call

The show must go on