PUBLISHER/ Sherry Shaw-Froggatt MANAGING EDITOR
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CONTRIBUTORS Sergei Belski, Jessyca Blakney, Levi Bulloch, Mackenzie Cox, Olivia Johns, Tanya McMillan, Patricia Merrick, Carl Patzel, Josie Randall, Shauna Quinn, Kristy Reimer, Brie Robertson, Jody Sanderson, Wyatt Trembley, Kevin Wendell, Jessica Williams, Katie Whyte
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Iam exhausted, but in a good way. I am writing this just days after our successful gala celebration of the Amazing Airdrie Women Awards at the Bert Church Theatre.
I cannot take any credit for how well this turned out, except for maybe my own job as emcee (LOL), but I have to give so many thanks to Erika Tobolski, the airdrielife event planner extraordinaire and her event partner, Chantel Bronconnier; our go-to, never-do-an-event-without volunteers, Wendy and Michel Contant; and last, but not least, Barry Tobolski — Erika’s husband and our best “voluntold” guy. Barry shows up consistently for everything we do, and it’s intentional that I mention him here and thank him for this as a segue to our summer issue celebrating men we admire!
Each summer, we profile men the community wants us to know about and, in turn, we share their stories with you. Men who do what they do, simply because it is the right thing to do. Men who care about their city, their neighbourhood, their families. Read about them starting on page 84.
We also received a letter from a reader who wanted to share his journey to health, one swing of a golf club at a time. His story was so moving, we had to share it, see page 83. Which reminds me to invite you, dear readers, to send me your personal stories, as we are always looking to share stories of overcoming adversity and living your best airdrielife
Living your best airdrielife is easy this summer when you realize just how much this city has grown and, with it, the number of events and festivals you will need to add to your calendar. We’ve included as many as we could, but you will always find more up-to-the-minute event listings on our website, and you can also stay informed with our weekly e-newsletter, the a-list. Sign up using the QR code below!
VOLUME 21, NUMBER 2 | ISSN 1916-355X
Contents copyright 2024 by Frog Media Inc. May not be reproduced without permission. The publisher does not assume any responsibility for the contents of any advertisement, and all representations of warranties made in such advertising are those of the advertiser and not of the publisher.
EDITORIAL POLICY
airdrielife editorial is not for sale. Editorial is completely independent from advertising, and no special editorial consideration or commitment of any kind can form any part of the advertising agreement. All editorial inquiries must be directed toward the editor.
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
A growing city also means more businesses and entrepreneurs, so we are pleased to continue to highlight Airdrie’s up-and-coming entrepreneurs with our ongoing support of Airdrie Economic Development’s SMARTstart program. Check out the passions of six such entrepreneurs, starting on page 67.
A shoutout to our advertising partners in this issue. To get to 100 pages requires enough advertisers to cover the ever-increasing costs to produce a magazine of quality. So, thank you for trusting a part of your marketing budget with us. We are proud to bring you an award-winning publication each season for the past 20+ years.
Sherry Shaw-Froggatt Publisher
And that photo of me? That is how happy I was at the AAW event! Thank you, Kristy Reimer, for capturing that amazing moment!
• Homes starting from the $600s
• Quick possession opportunities available
• Street Towns coming soon!
First impressions are powerful and what the observer first sees in the art of Airdrie artist Keith Gorham is the absolute explosion of colour.
In one of Keith Gorham’s largest pieces, Pandora’s Dream, a labyrinth of images hurls the mind into a private and unfamiliar psyche that quickly becomes familiar as it considers each form individually. What inspires such a mind to create such a work? Curiosity, it would seem.
“I see a photograph, or a series of some kind of visual art, and I ask myself, ‘I wonder if I can do that?’” says Gorham, a custom
tile-setter in his former life, who now applies that trade skill to his ceramic mosaics to create pieces reflecting his deep interest in fantasy literature and art.
“I’ve always been drawn to the unusual, to the out-of-the-way places most people don’t explore. For example, I spent a month climbing Mount Logan in the Yukon. It was the most incredible experience of my life! My art is like that. Unexpected.”
Gorham’s process begins with his consideration of the image, then drawing it in a sketchbook with coloured markers. He may tweak it to best render the final product to his interpretation. Then he starts what he calls “piddling around.”
Choosing colours from his vast collection of tiles, he begins to cut the tiles according to his vision, and to what works.
It takes painstaking precision to create the intricate work seen in pieces such as Gorham’s Nomadic. Each wave in Nomadic is made from small, curved tiles to make its simulated ocean “undulate.”
Gorham mounts each tile one at a time on a substrate of Wedi board, which is used in shower construction, is waterproof and, more importantly, is lightweight.
It’s a time-consuming process that can take from two months to a year to complete. For framing, he uses Schluter tile edging, which
“I’ve always been drawn to the unusual, to the out-of-the-way places most people don’t explore.”
protects tile edges from cracking and chipping.
Born and raised in Manitoba, Gorham hitchhiked to B.C. at 19 and never looked back. He spent an entertaining career in custom tile-setting, eventually starting his own business while raising a family in Prince George. After an illness, he moved to Airdrie with his daughter and family in 2020.
“I got involved in the arts community here and began to meet other artists, learning and finding my way around the art world,” says Gorham.
His work has been exhibited with other artists, both in Drumheller and, most recently, the Airdrie Public Library. His goal? To keep doing what he knows best! life
“I don’t write falling-in-love songs; I write staying-inlove songs.”
Find Andy Perrin’s music at: www.perrinand.com and Instagram (@perrinand.co)
Airdrie singer-songwriter Andy Perrin approaches music with a blend of thoughtfulness and intentionality.
“I don’t write falling-in-love songs; I write staying-in-love songs. They’re about the complexities of life,” he says.
Perrin, who recently turned 40, has been married for 22 years.
“You don’t have to always write about personal experiences, but we’ve grown up together, and it would be a little disingenuous and awkward for a 40-year-old to write ‘baby, baby,’ songs,” he laughs. “My wife would say, ‘Who’re you singing about? Who’s this ‘baby?’”
He says his career as a research academic at Athabasca University, where writing is a major part of his work, affects how he composes the lyrics for his songs.
“As a writer, every word has to have a point. Otherwise, you don’t need it, and that’s tricky enough when writing a song,” Perrin says. “You have melody and cadence to think about, but then there’s the lyrics.”
He approaches his music like he does his research, either methodically or with a let’s-see-what-happens approach. Perrin says he prefers the latter because he’s an inquisitive person and the result feels authentic.
“Everybody writes differently, but this keeps me interested,” he says.
Perrin began playing guitar when he was nine and has performed as a solo artist and in various bands, but it’s only as his two children have gotten older that he’s been able to find more time.
“I’m approaching music in a different phase of my life,” Perrin says. “When I was 21, I was, like, ‘I’ve got to make something of it.’ But now it’s, ‘No, I can do it because I want to do it.’”
He says approaching music as a mature person has given him greater freedom to write the songs he wants and to understand that the process isn’t all about him. He points to his performing name, Perrin & Co., as an example.
“The name is somewhat of an inside joke for me — I play most of the instruments on my latest EP — but it’s also very serious,” Perrin says. “If you can put something together in such a way that it invites people in and lets them bring their strength, then it’s going to be way better.”
That EP, Patina, has three original songs and was recorded and engineered in his home studio, with virtual contributions from musicians in B.C., the U.K. and Romania. It was released in May at the Atlas Brewing Company. The event featured local musicians, including up-and-comer Hayley Isabel, and a surprise guest brew. Perrin asked co-owner and brewer Mike Phipps if he would pair a beer with one of the songs on the EP, Hellfire or Holy Water. The result was an amber ale named, naturally, Hellfire, Holy Water.
“It’s a mix of American pale ale and India ale, like the blending of the two phrases in the song,” he says.
Perrin says performing at Atlas Brewing and other local venues has helped him appreciate the relationship between musicians and businesses.
“One of the things I love about gigging around is that you get to be a guest in their business for a night,” he says.
Perrin adds that blending arts, business, culture and people creates a better community. It’s a part of being thoughtful and intentional as a musician.
“It’s never just about me,” he says. “It’s about that sixth sense that something more is going to happen when you get people together.”
Now that Patina is out, Perrin is already working on his next EP.
“I like EPs. Between gigging, writing and recording at the kind of pace I’m able to with work, life and family, it’s enough to keep me active and interested in it.” life
Where there’s smoke, there’s usually fire.
But, in the case of The Cravery, there’s drool-inducing flavour on the other end.
Traditional slow-cooking methods to extract savoury aromas from appetizing smoked meats is at the base of many of the sandwiches and extravaganzas produced at this restaurant small Copper’s Town Promenade casual-dining bistro that opened its doors in late 2023.
Focusing on homemade fare, Red Seal chef partners Alex Rubiletz and Alyssa Holder utilize a fresh approach to their tasty craft.
“We do all our own meats inhouse,” says Rubiletz. “I prefer to make as much as we possibly can in-house, from the barbecue sauce we use in our pulled pork, all the way through to coleslaw dressing.
“I spent a lot of years training and working as a chef. If we know how to make it, I see no reason to go and buy it.”
Building on experience from former Crossroads Market and Calgary restaurant locations, the Airdrie residents jumped at the opportunity to open a full-size eatery in their hometown.
“Since we lived in Windsong,
“If we know how to make it, I see no reason to go and buy it.”
– ALEX RUBILETZ
which is two blocks from here, we thought it was a good opportunity,” says Rubiletz. “We also know a lot of people at Balzac Brewery, as well.”
The Cravery’s condensed, six-page menu is constructed with freshness in mind, specializing in smoked-meat sandwiches with barbecue pork, turkey, ground chuck and bacon, as well as hearty breakfasts, poutine, salads and appetizers.
“That’s by design. I don’t like going into a restaurant and you see a menu that is 18 pages long. How fresh is the stuff going to be?” says Rubiletz of their location that can seat 40 patrons inside and another 40 on a pet-friendly patio.
Burnt ends and smoked chicken wings are the latest additions to the flexible offerings.
“We’re currently on our third expansion of our menu, and the last piece of the puzzle for us now is some dessert items,” says Rubiletz.
Topping the handheld section is The Cravery’s traditional clubhouse sandwich. This restaurant staple combines a thick layer of juicy, tender smoked turkey, bacon, lettuce and cheese between slices of whole-wheat bread.
What sets this sandwich apart from other bread-filled café contenders is a unique smoke flavour from the inhouse cookery. The dish is rounded off with very thick-cut homestyle fries.
“We brine our turkey breast for 24 hours in an herbed brine, and we make our own bacon, so you get to try two meats that we make in-house on one sandwich,” says Rubiletz.
Breakfast buffs won’t be denied from that first meal of the day with plenty of egg-tastic dishes including a creamy, Hollandaise sauce-covered Benedict, meat-heavy big boy plate, sandwiches and French toast.
Breakfast, lunch or dinner, these dishes are sure to induce a craving hunger. life
It’s time to dust off those cowboy boots and gear up for a weekend full of rodeo events at the Airdrie Rodeo Grounds on Canada Day weekend.
Airdrie Pro Rodeo marketing director, Lorie Young, says the committee is currently planning a free Family Fun Day for the first time this year on June 30.
The day will include slack rodeo performances, which showcase the overflow of contestants unable to get into the pro rodeo, and will include timed events like tie-down roping, steer wrestling, ladies barrel racing and team roping.
“When I watched slack my first time, many moons ago, I found it just as interesting as the actual rodeo performances we have,” says Young. “What I found most impressive was how they encouraged each other and how they gave each other information on the stock. You see some great rides with these guys.”
The committee is also planning on bringing in a junior rodeo for Family Fun Day and there will be food trucks, local vendors selling a variety of goods and a cabaret showcasing local talent that evening. The committee has teamed up with Balzac Craft Brewing Company to sell the brewery’s craft beer at the grounds this year.
“I’m actually quite excited for this because we get to showcase different aspects of the rodeo, which I don’t think many people realize that we do have,” says Young.
The weekend will also include pro rodeo performances on June 28, 29 and July 1, which will showcase team roping, bareback riding, bull riding, saddle bronc, steer wrestling, ladies barrel racing and tie-down roping.
There will be a junior rodeo June 28 with mutton busting, sheep scramble, calf scramble, barrel racing and wild pony races.
This will be the second year the rodeo is hosting a marketplace to showcase local vendors throughout the weekend. There will also be a cabaret on the evening of June 29, with Airdrie country singer, Brandon Lorenzo, headlining the event.
Several activities for children will take place on the grounds throughout the weekend, as well, such as face painting and a petting zoo, and mini chuckwagon rides with ponies.
Tickets can be purchased online or at the rodeo grounds. They are $25 for adults and $20 for youth and seniors. Kids under 10 are free.
“We have Canadian champions come out and we have guys from the United States come up to our rodeo, so we will have the best of the best of cowboys and cowgirls for you to watch,” says Young. “You will be entertained for sure.” life
For more information, visit airdrieprorodeo.com or Airdrie Pro Rodeo on Facebook.
June 28 & 29
6:00 pm Jr Rodeo
7:00 pm Pro Rodeo
June 30 Family Fun Day GET THE LATEST UPDATES HERE!
July 1
3:00 pm Jr Rodeo 4:00 pm Pro Rodeo
Experience Indigenous culture first-hand at the third annual National Indigenous People’s Day celebration in Airdrie June 21. The event is organized by the Circle Connections for Reconciliation Society and will take place at Nose Creek Regional Park.
Society co-chair Adrian Pruden says this year’s event will include new performances, activities for children and a variety of vendors, as well as teepees, a trapper’s tent and regalia on display.
“June 21 is a day of celebration to recognize the long history, heritage, culture and diversity of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples within Treaty 7 territory and across the nation,” says Pruden. “You will experience Elders’ blessings, prayers and stories, dancing, and singing performances from the Treaty 7 Nations and Métis Nation of Alberta.”
The event is held in partnership with the City of Airdrie. Last year’s celebration attracted more than 500 people and Pruden says it was very educational for those unfamiliar with the various cultures within Treaty 7 and the Métis Nation.
“Airdrie has a very large Indigenous population spread between First Nations, Inuit and Métis. This event provides our Indigenous citizens the opportunity to celebrate and share their heritage, culture and traditions, as well as renew and build friendships,” he says. “Honouring these traditions not only respects those that came before us, but also assists us in keeping traditions alive.”
The event is free to the public and will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Pruden encourages those from all walks of life to attend and learn about Indigenous culture in Airdrie.
The society is also currently planning a Truth & Reconciliation Day event on Sept. 30, as well as various cultural and educational workshops, Pruden says.
“We plan to continue to work closely to further build our relationships with our First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners and assist where we can, as well as help facilitate relationships within the city,” he says. life
For more information, visit circleconnectionsforreconciliation.com.
“This event provides our Indigenous citizens the opportunity to celebrate and share their heritage, culture and traditions.”
Summer at Heritage Park is an experience like no other. Chug back through time on our massive steam engine or hit the rides on our antique midway. Feel the cool breeze on the S.S. Moyie or pet the woolly sheep on our ranch. It’s our 60th birthday, so we’ve amped up the adventure with new things to explore and some ultra-special events just for 2024. Don’t miss a minute.
Get your tickets at heritagepark.ca
The Windwood Music Festival is Airdrie’s premier showcase for live classical music. Established three years ago by pianist Tong Wang and violinist Maitreyi Muralidharan, the pair share the goal of breaking down barriers that keep people from accessing a live performance.
“Bringing something like the Festival at the level we’re bringing it, and at the level of these musicians who come and help us and donate their time and energy, gives the whole community a chance to experience this thing that Tong and I have grown up loving,” explains Muralidharan.
Adds Wang: “It’s not always something people have the opportunity or the means to access.”
This was the reason the two Airdrie musicians launched the Festival. They both come from conservatory backgrounds and first met in 2012 at North Carolina’s distinguished Brevard Music Festival. They met again at McGill University in Montreal and began playing together, performing all over Canada and the world.
“It was like magic. We had this automatic musical chemistry, and we both knew that we wanted more from this field, which has given us a lot,” says Muralidharan, adding that creating the festival has allowed both musicians to give back and show how accessible and beautiful the music be. Admittedly, it’s been a challenge.
“We’re coming from both sides of the equation where we want to offer our distinguished artists, who play in big concert halls, a professional space. But we also want to create these intimate spaces where musicians and people connect.”
The Windwood Music Festival is held on Aug. 9 and 10, and is the product of a two-week residency program for international musicians. Wang and Muralidharan chose five artists from a large group of applicants based on their innovative projects and vision for working within a local community. Depending on each resident’s interests, they will perform in public venues such as libraries, hospitals, the Airdrie Abilities Centre and even on a farm.
“Even though they’re young, working professionals, this is a rare incubator space for them to design their projects, rather than being plopped down in a concert space to play their piece,” says Wang. “They have to come up with ideas and contact the venue, and we guide and support them through that process.”
This year’s theme is Steampunk, a subgenre of science fiction not normally associated with classical music.
“Last year’s theme was Renaissance Fair, and people got dressed up for it. This year, we’re encouraging people of all ages to dress up. We’re giving our residents Steampunk costumes,” Muralidharan says.
The residents will perform music by Dmitri Shostakovich, Maurice Ravel, and other composers from the Industrial Revolution and more recent times.
“It’ll be a lot of big, beautiful classical pieces that fit into this Industrial theme,” Muralidharan says.
Adds Wang: “It’s going to be very badass.”
Day 1 of the festival begins at Bert Church Theatre.
“It’s a ticketed event. We want the artists to feel like they’ve been invited here to do a very high-level chamber music concert that honours the level
of their performance,” Wang says.
Muralidharan and Wang will also be performing as the Windwood Trio with alumni resident cellist, David Dietz.
Day 2 is an all-day community festival at Chinook Winds Park.
“We want people to feel comfortable. Our musicians will play, other local musicians will play, there will be artists, and that event will be free,” Wang explains.
The lineup includes familiar faces from Airdrie’s music scene, the Calgary Civic Symphony, Nose Creek Theatre, and many others.
“It’s not just musicians, it’s artists in Airdrie,” Muralidharan explains.
“Our mission is to make Classical music more accessible, and the Festival does that,” Wang says. life
windwoodfestival.com/news www.youtube.com/ @WindwoodMusicFestival
Airdrie Farmers Market
ONGOING: WEDNESDAYS TO OCTOBER
3:30 TO 7 P.M.
Plainsmen Arena, 320 Centre Ave. E.
Local and regional produce, products, artisanal items and much more. Food trucks every week, with six trucks. Get up-to-date vendor lists at airdriefarmersmarket.com.
Indigenous Peoples Day
JUNE 21 5:30 TO 8:30 P.M.
Nose Creek Regional Park, 1691 Main St. S.
Elder’s blessings, prayers, stories, dancing and signing from the Treaty 7 Nations and Métis Nation of Alberta. SEE FULL STORY ON PAGE 26.
Perseverance in Pride
Airdrie Pride Festival
JUNE 22
Nose Creek Regional Park, 1691 Main St. S.
Airdrie Pride Society is excited to partner with so many great supporters in the community for its Festival and Solidarity Walk. “Our hope is to show the 2SLGBTQIA+ community how many businesses and community groups see great value in them.” Get more up-to-date information at airdriepride.ca
Airdrie Pro Rodeo
JUNE 28, 29 AND JULY 1
Airdrie Rodeo Grounds
Yahoo! Get your fill of all things rodeo over three fun-filled days. SEE FULL STORY ON PAGE 24.
Canada Day Parade
JULY 1, 10 A.M. TO 12 P.M.
Main Street, Airdrie
The annual parade celebrating our city and our country. A true family-fun tradition. Get the map and more details at airdrieparades.com.
Airdrie CultureFest
JULY 1, 1 – 6 P.M.
Nose Creek Regional Park, 1691 Main St. S.
Airdrie CultureFest is the city’s first multicultural festival showcasing and celebrating Airdronians from all walks of life. Enjoy live music and cultural performances, beer gardens hosted by Atlas Brewing, delicious food, cultural activities, crafts, demonstrations, workshops, and immerse yourself in Airdrie’s vibrantly diverse communities. Bring your flag and celebrate what makes Airdrie an amazing place to live — you!
CultureFest FAQ:
How did Airdrie CultureFest come to be?
Multiple cultural leaders, organizations and passionate Airdrie community residents approached the City of Airdrie for an event that celebrates and showcases Airdrie’s growing, diverse population. Out of grassroots came the Airdrie CultureFest Planning Committee, a group of individuals with a passion for inclusion, belonging and celebration. Airdrie CultureFest is community-led and community-funded and is the first of what hopes to become an annual event.
What are the guiding principles of CultureFest?
The committee is made up of a diverse group of people and organizations striving towards, and driven by, a passion for Airdrie to be a city where residents have a sense of:
• Belonging – where you truly feel you fit in and can build meaningful relationships with anyone.
• Unity – where you are connected and collaborate together towards a(n even) better Airdrie.
• Interactivity – where we meaningfully engage with one another.
• Inclusivity – where your differences and similarities are both equally valued and celebrated.
• Acceptance/Welcoming – where open communication is the norm, and you are embraced as part of the community.
• Celebration – where everything you are and represent is recognized, and we, as a city, have fun sharing in it with you.
What can visitors expect?
Nose Creek Regional Park will be laid out by continents and regions (Europe, Africa, Asia, North America, South America, Oceania), with vendor booths representing their countries. Visitors will be able to walk the park and journey from country to country, immersed in each culture, touching on all of their senses. From food and decor, to live performances and conversations with others from their homelands and neighbouring countries, visitors to Airdrie CultureFest will ultimately walk away feeling more connected to each other, as well as more welcome and at home in our city.
Follow Airdrie CultureFest on Facebook for more information.
Canada Day Fest
Presented by Mudders Business Solutions
JULY 1, DOORS 1 P.M.; SHOW STARTS 2 P.M.
948 Brewing Company Ltd., 541 Kingsview Way S.E.
Get ready for a day of outdoor excitement, brimming with fun, food and festivities. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere with live performances by talented local bands, grooving to the beat of great music while supporting your favourite local businesses. And let’s not forget the star of the show — excellent craft beer, courtesy of 948 Brewing Company Ltd. Proceeds from all food and drink sales will benefit the Mudders Mental Health Campaign, in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association Calgary Chapter. Hosted by and featuring the Gabrial Morris Band, plus special guests Glenn Hurst and Driven2Eleven. Rival Axe Throwing will be onsite. Children aged 7 and under get in free. Tickets: airdriecanadaday.ca
Canada Day Fireworks
JULY 1, 10:45 P.M. (AT DUSK)
Chinook Winds Regional Park, 2853 Chinook Winds Dr. S.W.
Light up the night and celebrate Canada Day with your friends, family and neighbours. More details at airdrieparades.com
Mighty Machines
JULY 14, 10 A.M. TO 2 P.M.
Airdrie Public Library, Main Street Square parking lot, 304 Main St. S.
Calling all things that go! Roaring engines, big and bright, Mighty Machines, a thrilling sight.
A day to explore and to get a close look at the mightiest machines not just found in a book.
Christmas in July Night Market!
JULY 20, 4 TO 9 P.M.
City Hall, 400 Main St. S.
Enjoy a festive evening filled with holiday cheer, delicious treats and unique gifts, albeit a few months early. You can browse through a variety of vendors offering handmade crafts, tasty treats and more. Get into the holiday spirit early and enjoy the magic of Christmas in the middle of summer!
Pawz in the Park
JULY 20
Nose Creek Regional Park, 1691 Main St. S. Pawz in the Park will bring pet lovers together for a second year at Nose Creek Regional Park on July 20.
Melissa Little brought the vendor-based event to life last year with Alicia Harrison after the two small-business owners met at a market in Calgary.
“Airdrie was missing out on events like this, so we got together and created one,” says Little. “From big and furry to scaly and small — we want to celebrate all types of pets.”
The free family event will showcase small businesses in and around Airdrie and Calgary. There will also be activities for attendees to participate in, like wiener dog races and a canine agility demonstration course.
“We also show many great rescues and non-profits, giving them a platform to get the word out of all the great work that they do in our community,” says Little. “Each year, we look to grow and improve and make this a one-of-a-kind event that brings people from all over to attend.”
Money will be raised for Parachutes for Pets at this year’s event.
Working
Your
Contribute
Be
Windwood Music Festival
AUG. 9 AND 10
Various venues around Airdrie
Airdrie’s premier showcase of live classical music. SEE STORY ON PAGE 28. For concert details, go to windwoodfestival.com.
Doin’ It on the Grass
Airdrie Time Travellers Car Club
AUG. 10, 8 A.M. TO 4 P.M.
Nose Creek Regional Park, 1691 Main St. S.
Hundreds of cars, even more enthusiasts. Food trucks and vendor booths. Donations to the Airdrie Food Bank accepted. Free event.
Airdrie Children’s Business Fair
AUG. 18, 1 TO 4 P.M.
130 Sierra Springs Dr. S.E.
Observe the opportunity for children to launch their very own startup business! Kids develop a brand, create a product or service, build a marketing strategy and then open for customers at this one-day marketplace.
airdrieFEST SEPT. 7
Empty Bowls Festival SEPT. 15
Airdrie Food Bank 20 East Lake Way
Peace in the Park SEPT. 21
Thumbs Up Foundation
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation SEPT. 30
“Let’s change the energy.”
The Thumbs Up Foundation’s Peace in the Park will include a songwriting competition for the first time this year.
The third annual music festival will be held Sept. 21 at Nose Creek Park. Foundation creator Kim Titus says song submissions must include lyrics about healers, helpers and heroes. The deadline for submissions is July 31, and she is hoping the top three finalists will perform their songs at the event.
Titus created the Foundation after losing her son, Braden, to suicide in 2015. She says he enjoyed music and doing things outdoors.
“We consciously choose to focus on how he lived his life,” Titus says. “We can’t sit around boardroom tables one minute longer talking about stigma. We say crank the music up, open up the doors, get the good dishes out, turn the lights on, let the sunshine in — let’s change the energy.” life
Song submissions can be emailed to festival@ thethumbsupfoundation.com.
100womenwhocareairdrie@gmail.com
100womenwhocareairdrie.com
parentlife WITH PATRICIA MERRICK
ays spent outside, filled with sunshine and making memories with our children, are finally here. Luckily for Airdrie parents, there is plenty to do to keep kids busy throughout the summer, without having to leave the city.
A must-add to the summer to-do list is Chinook Winds Spray Park. The park features slides, ground sprays, interactive water toys and a water table for toddlers, as well as public washrooms and picnic tables. It is a popular summer activity, so it’s best to arrive in the morning if you want to use a picnic table.
The Airdrie Public Library hosts stories in the park for families at Chinook Winds Park and Nose Creek Regional Park on weekdays, starting in June. Dates and times will be posted on the library’s website at airdriepubliclibrary.ca.
The Airdrie Farmers Market is fun for the whole family, too, with a variety of vendors and food trucks set up each week and a park on-site for kids to play at. The market is held every Wednesday afternoon and evening at Jensen Park from June to October. Visit Airdrie Farmers Market on Facebook for updates throughout the season.
“Spending time with your children and creating memories is what they will cherish most.“
Community Links runs a well-loved messy-play drop-in program for little ones and their parents. Dates and times are posted on the organization’s website at mycommunitylinks.ca.
There are family-friendly events held in Airdrie throughout the summer, as well, like the Canada Day Parade and fireworks and the Airdrie Pro Rodeo held on Canada Day weekend.
Plenty of local organizations put on a variety of summer camps, including Genesis Place, Color Me Mine, Airdrie Music Lessons, Boys and Girls Club of Airdrie, Airdrie Martial Arts Centre, Elements Dance Co., Explosive Edge, and The Little Gym — to name a few. You can also register your kids for swimming lessons over the summer at Genesis Place.
There are always things to do in your own backyard, too, whether it’s fingerpainting, sidewalk chalk or making water-themed sensory bins for toddlers, such as dish-washing or scoop and pour stations. And, if you don’t have a yard, Airdrie isn’t short of parks and green spaces. Enjoy a summer-evening walk as a family, stop at a park and grab some ice cream at a local business.
At the end of the day, whatever is within your means, spending time with your children and creating memories is what they will cherish most. life
To celebrate our third baby book collaboration with Genesis Land, Peggy Lee and the Treasure Box, and all of the Airdrie babies of 2023, Genesis Land held a Baby Book Event at its Airdrie Bayside Genesis Builders Group show home this spring. This year’s book featured 32 babies, and airdrielife and Genesis couldn’t be more thrilled to introduce them to each other and welcome their families in the spirit of community.
Author Leonor Henriquez and illustrator Mackenzie Cox signed books and shared a special reading of the story with the group. Parents enjoyed caffeinated beverages and delicious cupcakes in jars, while babies played with toys, books and with each other. One lucky baby even won an annual family pass to Genesis Place in Airdrie.
“It’s an honour for Genesis Land to sponsor the airdrielife baby book and to be able to host the event. It’s heartwarming to see all of the babies together and their individual personalities coming through. Special thanks to all of the families who have participated and for coming to the event,” says Olga Mardones, marketing manager for Genesis Land.
Sherry Shaw-Froggatt, publisher of airdrielife, says working with the Genesis team is a dream partnership. “We love this team and this project,” she says. “Genesis elevates the entire process in crafting a truly wonderful keepsake for Airdrie families.” life
Read this year’s book and the two previous editions at airdrielife.com.
Airdrie is gearing up for an unforgettable summer on the greens. And the secret sauce? Youth golf! Gone are the days when golf was considered just your boomer’s pastime. Now, it’s all about inclusivity, fun and making memories with the whole family. Airdrie makes family golf vacations ace faster than you can say “birdie.”
Golf courses are rolling out the red-carpet offering family-friendly tee times, junior clinics, youth-centric tournaments and special rates for kiddos. There’s also an upswing in adaptive golf programs tailored to empower youth, paving the way for inclusivity on and off the greens.
Disc golf is also worth noting having low-cost entry, an easy learning curve and outdoor appeal to many young people looking for an affordable and active pastime. Airdrie’s Fletcher Park is listed as one of the top 15 disc golf courses in Alberta with a beginner-friendly, free, firstcome/first-served basis.
Locally owned Woodside Golf offers a junior academy filled with lessons, leagues and tournaments. Neighbouring courses less than a ten-minute drive from Airdrie include Apple Creek Golf Course and Collicutt Siding Golf Club in Crossfield. Both courses offer the Take a Kid to the Course program developed by the National Golf Course Owners Association. Running July 1-7, it offers a free round of golf for kids under 16, when accompanied by a paying adult*.
But hold your putters, folks, because the summer Alberta weather can be as unpredictable as your swing. Airdrie’s Golf It and Golf Park are indoor simulators offering gameplay options for all ages and skill levels, private rooms, lessons, food and drink – rainout parties welcome!
No cap, youth are shaking things up and flexing drip on the greens like never before. Young golfers have style with locally designed swaggy polos and hoodies by JQ Golf Clothing. Its lookgoodplaygoodgolf.com collection is available online nationwide and in selective pro shops across Western Canada. Look fly while sinking putts like a boss.
Don’t miss the 19th hole. Rack up serious parent points by hitting up Over The Top Pop Shop in Airdrie’s downtown for its killer selection of customizable soda drinks, milkshakes, ice cream and snacks. Slay.
Lock in for a GOAT summer and keep it lit on the course, fam! life
The Airdrie Angel program gives a hand up to those who have been through a difficult time or who are living with a challenging circumstance.
Airdrie &
Nose Creek Railway Airdrie, Alberta
FROM VICTORIA DAY LONG WEEKEND TO THANKSGIVING
#s h arejo y
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Every four months, we come equipped with walkers, canes, hearing aids and curiosity. We sport new knees, hips and, in a couple of cases, new hearts. Our goal? To laugh, catch up, swap stories and share photos of our grandkids.
We are a hardy and undaunted rabble, dedicated to ensuring the best reunion ever for the graduating class of Queen Elizabeth High School 1974, and we’ve hung out quarterly for the past couple of years.
Tracking down and contacting people was the biggest job. We lost quite a few … many too soon. Full credit for her tenacity, patience and humour (she’ll hate this) goes to S.P. and her team.
The reunion organizing committee has offered lots of opportunities to mix and mingle, with a strong focus on activity for the three-day event. A best ball golf tournament. A walking tour of downtown Calgary, to reacquaint ourselves with where we grew up. A cycling tour, for those more athletic, and a picnic with activities planned for those of us more used to a slower mode.
A survey was circulated to provide information for the reunion, with an opportunity to submit suggestions. Overwhelmingly, respondents wanted stuff to do. It seems we have all learned the valuable benefits of exercise! There is also to be a commemorative yearbook. Queen Elizabeth’74 alumni submitted bios, photos and memories. Some of those old pics are hilarious! Especially the clothes and hair!
When we first started getting together to just socialize, there was some trepidation. High school was not for the weak of heart. You remember: the cliques, the insecurity, the pressure to fit in, what program to take, what people to be seen with
and, of course, what to wear!
For some, it was a great experience; for others, not so much. How much of all that carried into adulthood? The one thing we had in common: we all went through it together.
What have we discovered so far? None of it seems to matter anymore. At our age, we are what we are. We’ve all failed. We’ve all achieved. We’ve all experienced heartache. Most of us have had kids. We’re familiar with ageism, the exorbitant high cost of living, health issues. We all went through COVID.
Some of us have travelled extensively. Some have experienced homelessness and food insecurity. Some of us have cottages in the summer, or time-shares in the winter. We have backyard barbecues for our families and Christmas at our house. Most of us have significantly downsized.
We’ve learned some things, like stuff doesn’t matter. Neither do opinions or others’ expectations. We’ve learned to be content with what we have, what we do, and that everyone needs some help now and then.
We seem to be hopeful, for the most part. That everything, usually, seems to find a way to work itself out. We seem to be OK.
The biggest question about our 50th High School Reunion? What to wear! life
raditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers a wide approach to health and wellness. From diet to exercise, pain and stress management, it is not simply a form of treatment, but a way of life. Creating balance in both our external and internal environment is vital to good health.
Over thousands of years studying the human condition, the Taoist arts have proven to be a useful tool in creating a healthy and happy life. A great example of this is the art of feng shui. Feng shui is an integral part of creating a welcoming, calming external environment.
Most people at one time or another have felt the anxiety that clutter creates, like a mountain of paperwork sitting on the desk in your office. This resembles a mountain to climb and creates a sense of being overwhelmed.
Just like looking at a mountain of paperwork, when we look at our health and see a lot going wrong, it can feel like an impossible mountain to climb but, with the right tools, everything is possible. Balance is a key component to our physical and mental health and, as with feng shui, TCM also takes its principles on balance and well-being from Taoism.
Acupuncture and herbal treatment are useful tools in regaining body/mind health. When we are out of balance, we feel it keenly; fatigue, insomnia, poor digestion and back pain are the most common illustrations of this.
Both traditional and sports medicine acupuncture (IMS/dry needling) excel at reducing pain and stress levels, bringing the body back into alignment and providing an optimal environment for healing. Some acupuncturists combine both methods to provide their patients with the best of both worlds. Both methods are an effective solution to chronic pain and stress, offering a different approach that is focused on getting to the root of the problem and treating the person as an individual, not just the disease. life
-Dr. Tanya McMillan RAc TCMD, MTMake your long weekends stretch a little further, by staying a little closer to home. Explore Airdrie for all the fun family finds this season.
Imagine living in a community purposefully built with a focus on enjoying the outdoors as much as living indoors.
Cobblestone Creek, a picturesque new community by Melcor Developments in southwest Airdrie, is just that.
“We acquired the land in the early 2000s and have meticulously planned Cobblestone Creek since 2015,” explains Erin Cripps, marketing and building relations co-ordinator at Melcor.
“Our vision was to foster a sense of belonging and pride in the neighborhood, prioritizing quality of life, environmental sustainability and community cohesion.”
One of the standout features of Cobblestone Creek is its recent addition of pickleball and sports courts, unveiled to the community in September 2023.
“We showcased the opening with a show home event, underscoring our commitment to providing recreational amenities,” Cripps says.
“The courts, comprising two tennis and four pickleball courts, serve as focal points for residents to engage in friendly competition and foster connections.”
The community boasts a wealth of green spaces and amenities, including basketball courts and the unique ability to flood the pickleball and
tennis courts in winter, transforming them into a skating rink.
“Our emphasis on parks and amenities aligns with our goal of enhancing residents’ quality of life,” Cripps says.
Indeed, parks and green spaces play a pivotal role in promoting physical activity, mental wellbeing, and community interaction. Additionally, they contribute to environmental sustainability by providing habitats for wildlife and mitigating stormwater runoff.
“We envision Cobblestone Creek as more than just a residential area; it’s a vibrant hub where residents can socialize, participate in events and forge lasting relationships,” Cripps adds.
The architectural charm of Cobblestone Creek further underscores its appeal. With a focus on traditional home styles such as Prairie Brownstone, Tudor and Craftsman, Melcor aims to evoke a sense of nostalgia and tranquility.
“We want residents to experience the relaxed lifestyle of quiet creekside living, reconnecting with nature amidst modern comforts,” Cripps explains.
As Cobblestone Creek continues to evolve, Melcor remains committed to its residents’ satisfaction and well-being.
A Homeowners Association (HOA) has recently rolled out in the community. The HOA will ensure the maintenance and management of shared amenities in the community are maintained for the benefit of residents.
“We’re proud to have sold over 300 lots in Cobblestone Creek to date, with construction progressing according to plan,” Cripps says.
“This community appeals to a diverse range of buyers seeking a blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities and a tight-knit community spirit.”
Celebrating a century of excellence, Melcor has crafted thousands of homes across the province, with Cobblestone Creek representing their latest endeavour in creating vibrant and sustainable neighbourhoods.
With its emphasis on parklands, amenities and recreational facilities, Cobblestone Creek stands as a testament to Melcor’s enduring legacy of creating communities where families can thrive, bond and create lasting memories. life
healinghive.ca +1 (403) 819 2125
When you picture unlocking the front door to your dream home, what do you see?
For Genesis Builders, it’s not just about craftsmanship of the home, but the community around it.
It’s why, over the last 30 years, Genesis has designed communities as places to live, be and experience — inside and outside. It’s also why it’s highlighting a series of show homes in the southwest community of Bayside that feature architectural excellence partnered with modern living.
“When you step into our show homes, you’re not just witnessing structures; you’re experiencing a lifestyle,” says Lee Fernando, area sales manager for Genesis Bayside Community.
“Our aim is to highlight the best of what Genesis Builders (has) to offer — quality craftsmanship, thoughtful design and a commitment to creating homes that resonate with our buyers.”
The Bayside show homes reflect a blend of contemporary aesthetics and functional design.
“When you step into our show homes, you’re not just witnessing structures; you’re experiencing a lifestyle.”
From spacious, open-concept layouts to exquisite finishes, each home exudes a unique charm that captivates visitors.
“We want our visitors to envision themselves living here, to feel that sense of belonging from the moment they step through the door,” says Fernando.
Currently, there are two stunning show homes available for viewing — a two-storey masterpiece spanning 2,804 sq. ft. and a cozy, yet elegant bungalow covering 1,607 sq. ft.
However, the vision doesn’t end here.
“In the next few years, we plan to introduce more show homes, each showcasing different styles and sizes to cater to diverse preferences,” says Fernando.
Genesis Builders, with more than 30 years of experience, has established itself as a reputable developer and home builder committed to crafting communities that stand the test of time.
“Our dedication to quality and customer satisfaction is unwavering,” Fernando emphasizes.
“We take pride in every home we build, knowing that it contributes to the vibrant tapestry of Airdrie’s neighbourhoods.”
As for the target audience, Fernando says, “Our show homes appeal to a wide demographic — from first-time homebuyers seeking their dream abode to empty nesters looking to downsize without compromising on comfort. It’s fascinating to see how the Bayside community resonates with locals, with the majority of our buyers already residing in Airdrie.”
The Bayside Show Homes by Genesis Builders epitomize the perfect fusion of style, comfort and functionality.
Whether you’re in the market for a spacious family home or a cozy retreat, these homes offer a glimpse into a lifestyle that celebrates the essence of modern living.
Visit Bayside today and experience the allure of these remarkable show homes first-hand.
The show homes are located at 2639 Bayside Blvd. S.W. life
After years of holding steady or inching upwards, we might be finally catching a break on mortgage rates. This news comes with a sigh of relief for prospective homebuyers and existing homeowners, alike, who have been grappling with the challenge of rising borrowing costs in recent years.
For the past few years, Canadians have witnessed a gradual uptrend in mortgage rates. Driven by various factors such as inflation, politics and global economics, this trend has made homeownership increasingly expensive for the average Canadian.
However, recent developments suggest a potential reversal in this trend. In its April 2024 rate decision, the Bank of Canada signalled its key indicators of inflation have all moved in the right direction and that a rate cut this summer is, “within the realm of possibilities.”
The prospect of declining mortgage rates comes as welcome news for those looking to enter the housing market or refinance their existing mortgages. Lower rates not only make homeownership more affordable, but also provide an opportunity for existing homeowners to reduce their monthly payments or access equity in their homes through refinancing.
Also, lower mortgage rates could stimulate housing market activity, potentially boosting demand for homes and supporting property prices. This could be particularly beneficial for regions where housing affordability has been a pressing concern, allowing more Canadians to fulfil their dreams of homeownership.
While the exact trajectory of Canadian mortgage rates remains uncertain and dependent on a range of factors, including economic indicators and central bank decisions, the signs of a potential downturn offer hope for borrowers. As always, it’s essential for prospective homebuyers and homeowners to stay informed about market developments and consult with their mortgage broker about their financing options. life
Spectacular mountain-vista views, in the stunning setting of Cochrane, AB. Contact our builders & reserve your lot today.
STORYBY
JOSIE RANDALL
“Our commitment to quality, integrity and customer satisfaction is evident in every home we build.”
Believe it or not, the key to unlocking a home filled with architectural brilliance and meticulous craftsmanship is within your grasp.
In the heart of the picturesque Bayview community in southwest Airdrie, Calbridge Homes is building a neighbourhood on a foundation of quality and trust.
“Since November of 2020, we have been dedicated to bringing unparalleled living experiences to Bayview,” says Edmundo Azuaje, marketing manager for Calbridge Homes.
“Our journey in this community began with the opening of two single-family front-attached show homes. We’ve since expanded our offerings to cater to the diverse needs of homeowners seeking a blend of elegance and comfort.”
Strategically positioned at 1305 Bayview Point, Calbridge’s show home is a testament to luxury living, boasting more than 2,500 sq. ft. of meticulously designed space, featuring three bedrooms and a plethora of modern amenities to enhance everyday living.
Current offerings include single-family front-drive homes, single-family laned homes, paired quick possessions and signature street towns. Several quick possessions even offer legal secondary suites.
“With square footage ranging from 1,488 to 2,587 (sq. ft.), our homes offer versatility and luxury, with options for legal secondary suites to provide financial flexibility for homeowners,” says Azuaje.
Nestled within Bayview’s scenic expanse are homes on expansive 36-foot-wide lots, offering ample space for families to flourish. Conveniently located steps away from a future K-8 school, residents will also enjoy easy access to quality education.
With tranquil canals and pathway system just a stone’s throw away, outdoor adventures await — right at your doorstep.
“Our focus is on delivering homes that reflect the evolving needs of the Bayview community while maintaining our unwavering standards of craftsmanship,” says Azuaje.
Calbridge Homes remains committed to offering a range of housing options to suit various lifestyles.
In the single-family category, prices start from the $630,000s to the mid $800,000s, with paired quick possessions and street towns offering affordability, without compromising on quality.
A key aspect of Calbridge Homes’ approach is its phased development strategy. It is currently building across phases 2, 4 and 6, with opportunities available in each phase.
“We’re a company built on a foundation of quality and trust,” Azuaje says.
“For over 45 years, we’ve been dedicated to crafting beautiful homes and building lasting relationships with our homeowners. Our commitment to quality, integrity and customer satisfaction is evident in every home we build.”
As Calbridge Homes continues to shape the landscape of Bayview, it remains steadfast in its mission to create timeless living spaces where families can thrive.
With a blend of innovation, craftsmanship and community-centric values, Calbridge Homes is setting new standards for blissful living in Airdrie. life
It should come as no surprise to most gardeners that we are in for a dry growing season this year and possibly in years ahead. While this should cause some concern, it is just another prairie garden challenge that we can meet head-on. It seems inevitable that we will see water restrictions impact our gardening habits in Airdrie and Calgary and we should all do our part. Here are some proven strategies to keep your garden growing in dry conditions.
1
A priority this year will be to conserve water and utilize our water resources carefully and efficiently. Install one or two rain barrels to catch Mother Nature’s offerings from your rooflines. Think outside the box of normal water-usage practices and save what you can, where you can.
2
Amend your garden soil with organic matter, such as compost, manure or sea soil. Rich organic soil holds on to water longer than clay, sand or silt soils, allowing plants to utilize the moisture before it drains away. Also, apply mulch to your soil surface to prevent soil from drying out. It will also help maintain a cooler soil temperature and keep competitive weeds at bay.
3
When watering your plants, prioritize watering for newly planted trees and shrubs, fruiting plants, and plants under stress. Concentrate watering at the roots, rather than overhead. Direct hand-watering, soaker hoses and spot-watering should become routine. When watering, water slowly and deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth. Water in the morning or evening to avoid losing water to evaporation midday.
4
If you choose to add new plants this year, plant in the cooler months of May and June and again in the fall; avoid mid-summer planting, if possible. Also, consider planting in the cool of the morning or evening. Install shade structures or anything that will provide extra sun protection if needed. Your shade gardens may be your favourite corners of your yard this summer.
5
Add perennial plants to your garden that tolerate dry conditions such as sedums, salvia, echinacea, lavender, penstemon, Perovskia (Russian sage), hardy roses and some ornamental grasses. Plant portulaca, gazania, cosmos and petunias for bright pops of annual colour. Note: even drought-tolerant plants do need a little extra care to get established. Check with your local garden centre for more drought-tolerant options. life
Cutting down on water usage means shrinking water bills and reducing heating costs.
Water
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It has been six years since the world last properly gathered to witness the pinnacle of athletic achievement, cheering on our nation’s finest as they vie for gold across a myriad of sport. As France prepares to host the much-anticipated 2024 Paris Olympic Games this July to a staggering 10 million ticketholders in the stadiums and countless more tuning in from the comfort of their homes (the COVID-delayed Tokyo Olympics in 2021 did not allow spectators), the anticipation is reaching fever pitch.
For the first time in Modern Olympics history, the Opening Ceremonies won’t take place in a stadium, but along the Seine River in northern France, with 600,000 spectators in attendance. This bold departure from tradition marks a significant evolution in sports culture, capturing the curiosity of enthusiasts worldwide.
Having worked six Olympic and Paralympic Games from Sydney 2000 to Vancouver 2010, this was a hard experience for me to pass up. Approached for a Games contract in early 2023, my family explored the interminable level of planning required for me to fulfil a short-term secondment in Paris – and lifelong pursuit of a passion. You see, as a fluent bilingual, an expert in large-scale public events, and having spent time as a teenage fille-au-pair in France, this moment had come full circle.
I’ve heard that passion and balance are incompatible. With a busy family life in Airdrie – juggling between being needed and not, commitments and opportunities, the can we or can’t — staying put won.
Fluctuat nec mergitur (She is rocked by the waves, but does not sink) has been the Latin motto of the city of Paris since 1853. Perhaps it should also be mine.
Perhaps it is this that drives my passion to grow Airdrie’s sports tourism profile. Our city may never host the world like a Paris, but we have launched many athletes throughout the years to elite levels of athletics, including Olympians. We produce provincial-champion teams, our hosting accolades are impressive and our community spirit is second-to-none.
With a new recreational facility on the horizon and a future regional park on the horizon with a focus on outdoor activities, sport and culture, meeting community needs is the top priority. The benefits of participating in recreational sport are well-documented. It fosters strong social bonds, safer places and healthy communities.
Yet, the prospect of leveraging sports tourism to bolster our economy and instil civic pride presents a delicate balance to be struck. Airdrie, with its vibrant spirit and strategic location, holds immense potential to emerge as a sports hub, offering accessible and affordable spectator experiences to residents and amplifying the charm of small-city life. The sense of community and positive social interaction with people from different walks of life as they come together, regardless of the sport, is often underestimated and deserves equal recognition for its investment in vitality and community prosperity.
If your summer travels find you in the stands, the sidelines or along the Seine, capture that moment when the roar of the crowd quickens the pulse and pride swells the heart. Then bring it back to Airdrie.
Until then, we’ll always have Paris. life
As the father of five kids, an active volunteer and a senior manager, Mike de Bokx is a busy guy, but that doesn’t stop him. He is deeply committed to positively impacting young people’s lives. As an in-school mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) in Airdrie, Mike dedicates his time to being a positive role model for teens facing adversity.
What drove you to become a mentor?
When he was a teen, a soccer coach recognized and nurtured Mike’s leadership potential. “I learned from my coach there’s always a positive that comes if you work through hardships,” he says. These lessons stayed with Mike, propelling him towards volunteering with teens.
How has mentoring made a difference?
Now mentoring his seventh mentee with BBBS, Mike has witnessed first-hand the difference mentorship makes in the lives of the youths he works with. Many of his “little brothers” come from backgrounds lacking positive male role models, and Mike provides much-needed support and friendship. “At the beginning of the year, we set a goal about what we can work on together and I ask how I can support them with it.” Over the years, he’s observed remarkable transformations in his mentees, from increased confidence to improved social skills. “You get a sense of purpose because you know that you’re helping a teenager to make sense of what they are going through; it can have a major impact on their life,” Mike shares.
What about those who say they are too busy to mentor?
When people tell Mike they are too busy to volunteer, he encourages them by saying, “You find the time for the things that matter.” With the in-school mentoring program requiring just one hour a week, Mike has made it work, even with his busy schedule.
Do you have any tips for talking to your employer about volunteering?
For those hesitant to approach their employers about volunteering commitments, Mike offers valuable tips. He approached his own employers with sincerity, emphasizing the personal significance of his volunteer work. By framing volunteering as an opportunity to give back to the community and enhance personal development, Mike showed how volunteering could be seen as an asset, rather than a dis traction. “Some employers have asked if I can make the time up somewhere else – I just work through lunch one other day,” he says.
How has BBBS supported you in your time as a mentor?
Mike also says it’s easier because of the support and guidance he gets from BBBS and the resources they bring, including games and activities, to engage the students. “When you go into it as a volunteer, it’s not just reliant on you,” he says. “There’s a real support team to help you be successful.” When asked what he says to others considering being a mentor, Mike states. “It’s a lot of fun. You are playing games and remembering what it’s like to be a kid again. You’re pouring into the life of someone else and having fun while you’re doing it.” life
STORY BY PATRICIA MERRICK | PHOTOS BY SERGEI BELSKI
Horizon Taekwon-Do has come a long way since opening in 2001 and finally has a permanent location, after running out of community halls for the last 23 years.
Born-and-raised Airdrie resident Aron Johnston created the martial arts club after graduating from high school in 2001. He ran the club out of the Golden Rod Community Hall west of town and Airdrie United Church for many years, but has now secured a new space on Gateway Road N.E.
Johnston started martial arts training in Airdrie in 1992, when he was just nine years old, and it has been a big part of his life ever since.
“I think any martial art is great for a variety of reasons,” he says. “I think the first and foremost would be that it’s an individual activity done in a team environment and so you really get to develop your own skills personally.
“Horizon Taekwon-Do started to provide an opportunity for families to train together — an activity for kids to do in the community.”
The martial arts club started with 35 students and has grown to approximately 150 students today. Classes run five days a week, year-round, with extra seminars and classes on weekends. Students can commit to whatever fits their lifestyle. It’s a four-level program, with beginner classes running at all times. Johnston says it starts at age five and his oldest student is in her 70s.
“You kind of are always in a room with people with relatively the same experience as you and we find that really works well,” he says. “I would say the biggest change (to the business) has been the variety of classes and different type of activities that we can offer.”
The program has expanded over the years to include events like parents’ night out, glow night, competition classes and summer camps.
“I would say the biggest change (to the business) has been the variety of classes and different type of activities that we can offer.”
Johnston says martial arts benefit students in many ways, but mainly through confidence-building and goal-setting, and the skills they attain through martial arts can help with personal growth and other activities, too.
“It really just offers such a variety of different important skills physically — co-ordination, flexibility, strength, conditioning,” he says.
Many programs and activities are offered in Airdrie, and Johnston says he is proud to be a part of that.
“What I love about running a business in Airdrie is that it’s a family atmosphere,” he says. “That’s probably my favourite thing about the community.” life
For more information, visit horizontkd.ca.
STORY BYPATRICIA
MERRICK | PHOTOS BY SERGEI BELSKI
Airdrie’s Destination Cycles is celebrating 20 years in business this year and planning a customer appreciation event for July.
The celebration will include a show and shine, food truck, beer gardens, one-day deals, prizes and giveaways, according to general manager and son of the business owner, Josh Radu. It will be held at the shop on July 20.
“When we first opened, we just had a small little bay in the building we’re in now. We had two people working here and, over the years, we’ve grown and expanded,” says Radu.
“We’re quite happy with where we’re at and just ecstatic to be at a 20-year mark.”
Destination Cycles, which is located on the east side of Airdrie, now takes up three bays on East Lake Crescent N.E. and employs ten people.
“It’s very cool. When we first opened in 2004, we weren’t sure what would become of the shop,” says Radu. “We’re quite happy with where we’re at and just ecstatic to be at a 20-year mark.”
The business sells new and used motorbikes, ATVs, and parts and accessories online and has a showroom at the shop, as well. Mechanical services are offered through the shop, too, whether a tune-up or a full rebuild is required. The shop is open year-round,
with shorter hours during the off-season.
The small, family-run business is al ways looking for ways to give back to the community and has held an annual toy drive for the Alberta Children’s Hospital for the last six years. According to Radu, the business has now delivered close to 6,000 toys for patients at the hospital at Christmastime.
Radu credits loyal customers in Airdrie and the surrounding area for keeping his business successful over the years. Along with a loyal customer base, the business also employs staff members who have stayed with them for many years.
“We’ve got a lot of longtime custom ers that have been shopping here since we opened 20 years ago,” he says. “I like Airdrie compared to the city (of Calgary), just because it’s a lot more of a smalltown feel. We’ve got a real loyal Aird rie-based customer group that continues to support us when there’s many, many other options in Calgary that aren’t too far away.” life
“I really enjoy working with my team, so it’s a big payoff. Running a restaurant is not easy.”
The best part of running a business in Airdrie is becoming part of the community, says the newest owner of Smitty’s Restaurant, Desikan Thiruvendipuram.
Although the business owner doesn’t live in Airdrie, he says the community has welcomed him with open arms since he took over running the restaurant in December 2022.
“It’s a sense of community. Every day, when I am in the restaurant, I say Hi to my regulars. It’s almost like family,” says Thiruvendipuram. “I feel part of the community and I am extremely grateful for being accepted.”
After working in oil and gas for many years, Thiruvendipuram took the opportunity to become an entrepreneur, as he always wanted to do something on his own. He now has 50 people on his payroll, including several Ukrainians who are new to Canada, and he says he feels proud of his contributions to the community.
“A large part of what we are trying to do is give back to the community as much as we get from the community,” Thiruvendipuram says. “I really enjoy working with my team, so it’s a big payoff. Running a restaurant is not easy.”
Smitty’s sponsors hockey teams and organizations like the Airdrie Festival of Lights Society and Airdrie Food Bank. The restaurant is located on the east side of Airdrie, just off the QEII Highway, and is a hot spot for people who are in town for hockey tournaments, which inspired Thiruvendipuram to create a lounge side to the restaurant, naming it The Flying Puck.
The new business owner also launched a line of Detroit-inspired deep-dish pizza that has proven to be very popular. Thiruvendipuram says positive Google ratings have increased since he took over the business.
“That kind of signifies what people think about our restaurant. Our constant focus is on quality of product that goes out and customer service,” he says.
Chain restaurants typically use frozen products, but Smitty’s always uses fresh ingredients, Thiruvendipuram says.
He has recently launched a catering side to the business, as well, which has been taking off. Smitty’s caters for a variety of events, including weddings, church gatherings, holiday parties or events put on by organizations like the Food Bank and Airdrie Regional Chamber of Commerce. The restaurant caters to groups as small as ten people or as large as 1,000.
STORY BY PATRICIA MERRICK | PHOTO BY SERGEI BELSKI“We actually offer exceptional value. The quality is amazing. It speaks volumes in terms of how many repeat customers I have,” Thiruvendipuram says. life
Airdrie’s award-winning SMARTstart program has been pairing entrepreneurs with business mentors since 2014.
While the Great Resignation is ongoing in Canada, there is another trend that appears to be on the horizon – a great transition to Canadians creating their own jobs. According to FreshBooks’ Canadian Self-Employment Report, an estimated seven million Canadians expect to transition to self-employment in a short amount of time. The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way people work and has inspired a new age of entrepreneurs. According to the report, the top two reasons people are choosing self-employment are more career control (37 per cent) and more career fulfilment (36 per cent).
WHAT IS THE NO. 1 QUALITY AN ENTREPRENEUR NEEDS TO HAVE IN ORDER TO BE SUCCESSFUL?
While small business is the engine of our economy, it is both rewarding and challenging. Statistics Canada reports that, of the more than 100,000 new businesses created every year, one-third do not survive their first five years.
More than 100 people have completed the program. Entrepreneurs have opened businesses, grown their businesses and improved their business practices. Some participants also determine that their idea is not viable or that they don’t have what it takes to be an entrepreneur. SMARTstart also considers this a success.
However, it’s been shown that business owners with education in entrepreneurship have an 80- to 90-per cent chance of success. Airdrie’s SMARTstart program aims to provide that education and channel the energy and enthusiasm of new entrepreneurs into growth and learning through eight months of small business training.
Andrew Bennett (The I.T. Company): Persistence/ tenaciousness about achieving their objectives.
This made-in-Airdrie entrepreneurial training program offers online learning, workshops with local experts, mentorship and business planning to people with a business idea and owners who have been in operation for less than three years.
The strength of the program comes from giving new entrepreneurs access to the knowledge and mentorship of those in the business community who have “been there and done that.” The slate of accomplished business professionals who have volunteered as mentors help participants navigate many of the challenges typically encountered when starting a business.
Joan Traub (retired, former owner of Airdrie Yoga Passion. They need to believe in their product or and their ability to outshine their competition.
Each program participant walks away with a completed plan — feasibility, business or strategic — and connections to the supportive Airdrie business community.
In the past ten years, 144 entrepreneurs have completed the SMARTstart program.
SMARTstart is all about helping entrepreneurs realize their potential. Meet six of the program’s current entrepreneurs and their mentors.
Over the next two issues, we will feature our 2024 participating entrepreneurs.
SMARTstart also has three mentors at large. They are not paired with an entrepreneur this year; instead they work with any and all as needed!
Jo-Anne Yau (Masuch Law): An entrepreneur must able to read the market – know where consumer is, where it’s going, and how to fit into the market.
Please describe your business: Daytona Beach Seafood Tacos provides the young and young-at-heart with healthy offerings both on our seafood taco food truck and in the Airdrie Curling Club (Xtra End Café). Since the introduction of food trucks in Calgary in 2011, I have had a vision to provide a fresh take on beloved classics while promoting community and delighting people with quality food. Daytona Beach offers healthy Baja-styled tacos wrapped up with your choice of fillings: beef, chicken, cod, mahi-mahi, shrimp or tuna, with shredded cabbage, freshly made pico de gallo, mango salsa, house-made aioli and garnished with local microgreens.
Why entrepreneurship? I started my taco truck after realizing that there are very few food trucks in Airdrie, especially those that focus on healthy choices. I wanted to create something that was a fan favourite, but with a twist to ensure it wasn’t greasy. Food is my love language and I wanted to share that. I’m inspired by positive feedback and seeing people get excited over my culinary creations.
What I hope to learn: I am looking for guidance on my path to expansion. I want to get stronger as an entrepreneur and have my own restaurant or franchise someday.
Mentor: Ankur Goklaney, CIR Realty
Please describe your business: We believe there is a message inside of you that the world needs to hear. We help authors, speakers and businesses create succinct and effective written communication so they can shine, and their ideas can spread light to their audience. Our professional team of heart-centred writing experts will help you create impact with the written word through our ghostwriting, editing and copywriting services.
Why entrepreneurship? A few years ago, through a process called Ikigai — the Japanese art of finding one’s purpose — I rediscovered my love for writing. When the pandemic hit, I needed more flexibility, so I left my amazing job and started my own writing services company. This life-changing decision not only aligned with my purpose, but also empowered me to live my values, have more control over my schedule, and be there for my family — what a gift!
What I hope to learn: I hope to learn how to create a sustainable business model that supports local job creation and expand my business offerings to help me create a greater impact. I am a firm supporter of lifelong learning and I lead with the understanding that “I don’t know what I don’t know,” so I hope to gain a new perspective in every area of business, including how I show up for myself as a business owner.
Mentor: Michelle Tennant, Lochsmith Consulting
DR. MITCH COLP
Please describe your business: Hexagon Psychology is a nationally operating psychological assessment and treatment clinic. We have a team of expert psychologists, social workers and speech-language pathologists who excel in offering high-quality services to children, youth and adult clients. Since opening our doors in Airdrie in April 2021, we have quickly grown to be the city’s largest psychological service provider.
Why entrepreneurship? I enjoy the intellectual freedom that owning a business allows me to have. It is nice to be known for operating a business that values its staff and the people we serve. Starting a business provided me and my colleagues the flexibility of lifestyle and allows us to have an impact on the greater mental health community in Airdrie and across Canada.
What I hope to learn: I hope to learn new business skills that I may have missed as our business grew at an exceptional rate.
Mentor: Dr. Melanie Beingessner, Blessingways Family Wellness
CHELSIE SCHMIDT
Please describe your business: I am a lifestyle photographer that captures life’s little and big moments, everything from yearly family photos to newborn babies, weddings, couples, and lifestyle branding and content creation. I have a passion for capturing people in their element and making them feel comfortable in front of the lens. Photos are the one thing in this world we get to leave behind for our children’s children and I want them to feel as if they knew the person in the photo by capturing their personality. Why entrepreneurship? I have always been very creative — as a kid, I won a photo contest in Airdrie. Over the years, I helped a friend with photos for her SAIT photojournalism class and my sister-in-law with family photos. I loved every step of the process and realized this was my passion. My vision is to open both an outdoor and indoor studio for my clients and to rent to other photographers. What I hope to learn: I look forward to finding financial stability in my business, growing my revenue and my business skills.
Mentor: Tara Pickford, Ambition Performing Arts and Pickford Consulting
Please describe your business: From the beginning, we didn’t want to be just another cleaning service; we love being a friendly face to our residential and commercial clients while getting to know them and their families. We take care of those dealing with tough times, whether it’s illness or the loss of a loved one. We also take care of our team, who are vital to our existence. We’re passionate about hiring and treating our crew like family and giving them the respect and care they deserve.
Why entrepreneurship? When I started my cleaning journey, it was with another company, and I found that we couldn’t get to know or help our clients with the extra things they needed. I wanted to be able to spend that extra time and truly care for them and their family’s needs. I am giving this vision life with Honeybee Housekeeping. In five years, it would be wonderful to have a warehouse location and at least a couple more teams out cleaning.
What I hope to learn: I want to learn more about staying organized and figuring out where to step back and delegate.
Mentor: Brent Park, Liquid Amber Landscape Management
Please describe your business: I was born and raised in Airdrie and graduated from Alberta College of Art + Design with a Bachelor of Design in 2012. After tattooing for ten years, I opened my own studio in January 2024. Sundog Studios has a warm and welcoming California vibe that embodies my love for community, surf culture and beautiful art. The space I purchased in King’s Heights houses myself and four other resident artists. We often have guest artists, as well! Why entrepreneurship? After years of either feeling isolated in a private room, or clients feeling exposed in larger open spaces, I decided to design my own space that has the best of both worlds. I want to create an environment that I love, and that resident artists and clients enjoy being in. In five years, I envision Sundog being one of the most-recognized tattoo studios in Airdrie, and it being an integral part of the Airdrie community. I have a mission to create a positive environment of passionate artists, with a focus on community and growth. What I hope to learn: I look forward to building awareness for Sundog and learning about strategic planning, growth and sustainability.
Mentor: Steve Walker-Duncan, Red Deer Polytechnic life
That’s where a group of 30-plus mentors come in. Airdrie’s SMARTstart program matches new entrepreneurs with a one-on-one mentor who is eager to share their wisdom, experience and guidance. Together, the mentor and mentee pairings tackle business and strategic planning, build leadership skills, and navigate challenges and opportunities.
The mentorship group is made up of volunteers from the Airdrie business community whose background and knowledge are key parts of the experience for entrepreneurs. If you are interested in sharing your business expertise with entrepreneurs who are just getting into the game, and have about 30 hours to give over eight months, contact program organizers at info@airdriecommon.ca to learn more.
Ambition Performing Arts
Tara Pickford is a serial entrepreneur, speaker and author. As the owner and CEO of Ambition Performing Arts (APA), Classion Designs and Pickford Consulting, Tara spends the majority of her time raising tomorrow’s leaders through the arts while providing direction and mentorship to her business and arts communities. Tara dedicates her life to teaching others to be more and reach further. When not mentoring, speaking, advocating or consulting, Tara can be found teaching dance classes or spending quality time with her family in Airdrie.
MY A-HA! MOMENT:
“When I became a parent, it became much more apparent to me how vital APA Studios would be; that we could change the standard for kids’ activities; that we could raise the bar for what is acceptable in our community. We could not only be a safe place for kids to grow, but we would also create leaders who would go out into our community and continue to build on the ideals and values essential for a thriving community with a bright future. When I realized that an arts-based children’s learning centre could be a community pillar, even though class is optional, the outcome is essential.”
Steve Walker-Duncan is an experienced general manager, chef and an instructor at Red Deer Polytechnic, having operated/managed all aspects of catering, conference and hospitality venues, including event/catering sales, comprehensive food services, community engagement and outreach, along with advocacy for sustainable environmentally conscious food systems. Steve’s concurrent role in post-secondary culinary education provides unique opportunities for students to share perspectives from both sides of the workforce.
“The road to business success is more than just keeping costs low and achieving high revenues. It is a responsibility to those whom you employ, as well as your own well-being and that of those you care about. The community and/or landscape in which any business owner operates is fundamental to achieving success. Whether a small locally owned and operated business or a global superpower, an awareness and dedication to the goals and visions of the operation as it aligns with the community it serves is absolutely essential.”
Lochsmith Consulting
Michelle Tennant works with business owners as a consultant to improve their businesses and work-life balance. Michelle works with clients to set goals and keep them accountable and build systems and processes to streamline the day-to-day operations of their businesses, while providing insight and counsel based on her experience as a business owner.
“The importance of knowing and understanding your numbers. Numbers are the language of business, so it’s crucial that you learn it. They can scare a lot of people, but shying away or just hoping it will all work out is not a good approach. If you aren’t profitable, at best you just have a job with a lot of extra work and no reward. At the other end, you may not even be getting paid and are essentially volunteering and, at worst, you’re losing money. When you know your numbers, you empower yourself, you can make better decisions and you will feel more confident in your decision-making. Don’t be scared to ask questions and dig in. Lean on experts around you for guidance and set targets for yourself.”
CIR Realty
Blessingsway Family Wellness
Dr. Michelle Beingessner has been a chiropractor for more than 25 years, starting her own clinic 13 years ago. In that time, Michelle’s practice has grown from herself and one massage therapist, with no additional staff, to three front-desk staff, two associate chiropractors and two massage therapists. Besides adjusting her patients, she takes care of payroll, marketing and advertising, and everything else that her business needs. In essence, she has two major roles to make her business work and it has taken a long time to learn how to navigate them both.
“This is what I said to myself one day: relax — your business will never be perfect. It will never be 100 per cent what you want it to be. If what you want to accomplish gets done, that’s all anyone can ask. If you have fun while providing your service and being with your people, then you’re absolutely on the right track!”
Ankur Goklaney of CIR Realty describes himself as “your dedicated real estate advisor for life.”
Whether a first-time homebuyer, investor, a family looking to upgrade or downsize, or a business seeking commercial space, Ankur guides clients through the entire process. He has expertise in both residential and commercial real estate, including certification as a condo specialist.
“If only I had known about SMARTstart when I launched my business! The level of support and guidance it provides to new entrepreneurs is truly remarkable. It’s like having a team of experts ready to offer insights and assistance to help you make informed decisions based on their knowledge, experience and expertise. When venturing into something new, mistakes are inevitable, and we often learn from them, but they can come with a hefty price tag in terms of time and effort. SMARTstart significantly reduces these costs by connecting new entrepreneurs with the right people.” life
Of the many ways to get involved with the community, a fun and engaging way is hosting community events.
Applications for the City of Airdrie’s Community Event Grant are open from now until Aug. 31. The grant provides seed funding towards new or up-and-coming events within three years of organization to assist with startup costs. With the City’s support, such events create opportunities for residents to come together and engage in arts and culture.
There are two streams of applications, with different eligibility terms. The first stream is dedicated to helping small organizers bring a first-time event or festival to life in Airdrie, with a maximum of $2,500 in grant requests. Residents can only apply for a Community Event Grant once per year, but it is possible and encouraged for successful events supported by the City to occur annually, tying into the second stream of grant applications, for reoccurring events within two years of organization. Up to $5,000 may be allocated in grant funding for this stream of application, ranging anywhere between 200 and 10,000 visitors in attendance.
“These events add to the social, economic and cultural fabric of community. With the increase of community events for residents to attend, they build vibrancy, connection, relationship-building and a sense of belonging,” says Kristen Shima, City community developer. “Overall, they build resiliency in the community.”
The program has two intake periods and accepts applications for
spring/summer events and fall/winter events. Last year, the City allocated grant funding to three festivals and events for the winter grant period: Halloweeekend Facepainting Express, Victorian Skating Party and the Diwali Mela. The Diwali Mela has been supported by the grant in previous years, with each annual carnival allowing Airdrie residents to participate in the worldwide celebration.
The City is contributing $40,000 to support the Community Event Grant in 2024, stretched across the spring/summer and fall/winter events grant periods.
“The grant is open, inclusive and easy to apply to,” says Shima. “If you have an interest in starting an event for the community, we want to hear from you.”
To qualify as an event or festival eligible to receive a grant from the City, the event must be arts and culture-based, free admission, open to the public with a minimum of 200 residents attending, and either a new event or within two years of organization.
If interested in applying for a grant to receive support from the City towards a new or reoccurring event, visit airdrie.ca/eventgrant and fill out the online application form. It is advised to review the Community Event Grant guidelines and criteria prior to applying. Applications will be reviewed in September and responses will be sent out via email within 30 days after the Aug. 31 deadline. life
AS TOLD TO AIRDRIELIFE | PHOTOS BY KRISTY REIMER
June is Pride Month in Airdrie (see event listing on page 30), but, year-round, our Pride community celebrates who they are while facing obstacles and challenges to simply live their best life. We are pleased to share the experiences and thoughts of three members of the Airdrie Pride community.
“I embrace who I am and yearn for greater acceptance from others, knowing I’m still the same person inside.”
– EL LECERF
At seven years old, I first sensed I wasn’t straight, though I lacked the words for it then. While my cousins swooned over the male lead in a movie, I was drawn to the female lead. Growing up as a shy, Christian homeschooled child in a conservative area, I felt out of place. As I matured, I realized I didn’t fit neatly into traditional gender categories — I was simply myself. Being referred to as “she” felt like a stab to my heart.
Despite pressure to conform, I eventually came out as bisexual after leaving my parents’ home, facing backlash from family and friends. Even after marrying and having children, I felt something was missing. Dating a woman alongside my husband didn’t fill the void.
After my marriage ended, I moved back home and began exploring my identity further. Transitioning to they/them pronouns and a more neutral nickname felt liberating — no more cringing or sharp pain when misgendered.
Over a year since coming out as non-binary transmasc, I feel confident, yet navigating life in Airdrie as a trans person presents challenges. Often, I must tolerate being misgendered for safety reasons. Despite the struggles, I embrace who I am and yearn for greater acceptance from others, knowing I’m still the same person inside.
AL: What does acceptance look like to you?
EL: Acceptance to me means not being afraid to be myself. Not making myself smaller, more palpable, so that others treat me with respect. It means not being afraid of making the decisions that are best for me because I have to consider my own safety. Acceptance would be people accepting me for who I am, not for who they think I am or who they think I should be. It’s just ... me being me, and others loving me not despite, but regardless.
Melissa Willmott She/her
It was 1985, and my dad had rented us a Betamax player for the weekend as I settled down in front of the TV to watch Supergirl in my footie pajamas on the shag carpet, I discovered my Kryptonite. Supergirl (actress Helen Slater) was the most beautiful person I had ever seen! But, confusion set in — did I want to fight bad guys with Supergirl, or did I want to kiss her? What did this mean?
Growing up in a very “gay is A-OK” household on Vancouver Island provided a supportive foundation for my journey of self-discovery. Despite this, articulating my identity proved challenging; I knew the words “gay,” “lesbian,” and “straight,” but, even as a child, I found that none of these seemed to fit quite right. It wasn’t until I was 19 that I felt comfortable publicly identifying as bisexual, and later pansexual, recognizing my attraction regardless of gender, sex or presentation.
Moving to Airdrie brought challenges and opportunities. The tragic loss of a local youth spurred me into action, leading me to join the Airdrie Pride Society as youth engagement director. Organizing events for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and their allies each month for the PRYSM youth group and collaborating on Airdrie’s Queer Prom with Boys and Girls Airdrie Club has been incredibly fulfilling. My recent focus has been on relaunching our Parenting with Pride program, providing support to caregivers of queer youth.
In a city like Airdrie, initiatives like PRYSM and Parenting with Pride play a crucial role in fostering understanding and acceptance within our community. Realistically, I know that I can’t save everyone from feeling alone. I’m no Supergirl, but, with each event and program, I strive to create inclusive environments where youth and their caregivers feel safe … and maybe that’s a little bit super.
AL: What advice do you have for caregivers?
MW: Practise active listening. Create a safe and open space for youth to express themselves freely and share their experiences. Let them know that you’re there to support them unconditionally, validate their feelings and identity, and, please, use their chosen pronouns. Sometimes, just being there to listen can make all the difference.
Kameron Seabrook They/them
I knew that some parts of my identity differed from my peers since I was little. I did things that were somewhat “quirky” to hide that weird part of me. Once I started seeing more queer visibility in media, I began to realize I was probably queer. While attending the Junior High Leadership Conference, a speaker used the term “non-binary.” Having no previous knowledge of what that meant, I began to research.
After lots of consideration, “non-binary” seemed like a fitting title for me and I have stayed with that label since late 2019. Later, my name became an issue. I felt like it tied me to my life before I knew who I was. A few different names later, I found Kameron felt best for me around May 2021.
My romantic identity hasn’t been as smooth-sailing. I have bounced around a variety of different identities, and I never had one feel right to describe me. Romantic identity labels always felt too forced when I tried to identify with them. I decided to say I am “unlabelled in that department.” As long as I know what I prefer, I can be happy. Being any part of the queer community in today’s world is not in any way easy. I have, and continue to deal with, many people’s public and outdated opinions.
I have since gotten involved in the Airdrie Pride Society by attending events like PRYSM, Pages of Pride, Community Coffee and Pride festivals. I got the opportunity to write a blog post for the Airdrie Pride Society and speak at the last Airdrie Pride Festival. I’ve found such a great community of friends these past few years who understand and accept all our identities. If I had known everything that happened, I would do it again.
AL: The one piece of advice you would give your younger self today?
KS: Don’t stay friends with people just out of fear of being alone. You’ll feel more alone the more you stay in that group. life
To find support in Airdrie, please contact airdriepride.ca.
Nothing says summer in Alberta like a day on the golf course. Luckily, we are blessed with plenty of options around Airdrie. Check out the “links” below!
APPLE CREEK GOLF COURSE, NORTH OF AIRDRIE
Par 72
6,895 Yards
Green fee for 18 holes: Weekday, $69; Weekend, $89 Applecreekgolf.ca
MOST DIFFICULT HOLE:
Possibly Hole 12, with three different water hazards to avoid.
JUNIOR PROGRAM:
Apple Creek’s Junior Membership is $279, including seven lessons on a set schedule. The course provides a safe, encouraging place for juniors to develop and be a part of its golf community.
FROM HEAD PRO TYE BABKIRK:
“We have made changes around the greens to five holes that should allow players to shoot lower scores and not lose as many golf balls. If you have not played here in a few years, I encourage you to come try the new layout.”
CARSTAIRS COMMUNITY GOLF CLUB, CARSTAIRS
Par 72
6,510 Yards
Green Fee for 18 holes: Weekday is $52; Weekend is $62 Carstairsgolf.com
MOST DIFFICULT HOLE:
Hole 13, a longer par 4 with huge poplar trees on both sides of the fairways, water on the righthand side catching a shorter hit drive, and a water hazard to the left for any real errant tee shots. It’s followed by a fairly flat green that is hard to stick an approach shot on.
JUNIOR PROGRAM:
Carstairs’ junior program is designed to be super-affordable. It is revamping its junior clinic for the 2024 season, looking to run more lessons and more clinics to encourage more juniors to play. All junior memberships include access to all junior lessons for no extra cost.
FROM HEAD PRO JOSH LOCKERT:
“Beat the hustle and bustle of the big city and the big-city prices and enjoy our beautiful, well-maintained golf course. Also, our charming Ironwood Restaurant & Patio, with the coldest drinks and the nicest patio in Carstairs.”
Golfing and fundraising go hand in hand as a great way to raise money while having fun. Airdrie-area courses are known for their great hosting skills. Here is a partial list of tournaments occurring this year – find your cause and register for a round!
Collicut
June 7: Airdrie Dads
June 21: Kalix Legacy Foundation
July 27: Adamson University
Aug. 23: Elements Dance
Sept. 13: Crossfield Chamber of Commerce
Sept. 14: Starbound Dance Parents Society
Sept. 15: The Memorial
Sept. 28: Knittig Memorial (Kids Up Front)
Oct. 5: Battle of the Elements
Carstairs
June 21: Mike & Jason Memorial Golf Classic; community support for kids’ sports
Aug. 3: Zambezi Cup; scholarship opportunity for African students
Aug. 23: Canadian Sarcoidosis Organization
Sept. 12: Mountain View Senior Housing
Woodside
June 7: Mayor’s Charity Tournament
July 9: Business Club of Airdrie
July 18: Westbourne Charity Classic
July 26: Wooliams Farms Charity Tournament
Aug. 15: Astoria (for the Airdrie Food Bank)
Aug. 22: Thumbs Up Foundation
COLLICUTT SIDING GOLF CLUB, CROSSFIELD
Par 72
6,958 Yards
Green fee for 18 holes: $39 - $53
Collicuttgolf.com
MOST DIFFICULT HOLE:
Hole 16, a par 3, is the hardest hole on the golf course to par. Hole 15, a 616-yard par 5, is a nightmare for short-hitters.
JUNIOR PROGRAM:
Collicutt Siding hosts Canada’s largest introduction to the game of golf, the Dream Junior Golf Academy. The Academy hosts close to 1,000 children from the end of May until the end of July.
FROM HEAD PRO LYNDON KING:
“We are proud of our small-town atmosphere, value and terrific course-conditioning.”
WOODSIDE GOLF COURSE, AIRDRIE
Par 70
6,155 Yards
Monday-Thursday Green Fee for 18 holes: $67
Friday-Sunday Green Fee: $79
Woodsidegc.com
MOST DIFFICULT HOLE:
On our scorecard, it’s Hole 2. This is the longest par 4 on the golf course at 423 yards. An incredibly important tee shot because, if you miss the fairway, you have a really good chance at being blocked out by trees. This hole has one of the toughest greens that slopes from back to front. Hitting your approach shot behind the pin leaves you with a very difficult and fast putt down the hill. Making par on this hole is a great achievement!
JUNIOR PROGRAM:
There is a very popular junior program at Woodside that hosts close to 150 juniors in its spring camps. The camps run for four weeks and have a six juniors-to-one golf pro ratio, so each kid gets a lot of one-on-one instruction.
FROM HEAD PRO KEVIN GRAF:
“Woodside offers golfers a fair challenge for all skill levels. We are known to have incredible greens and great conditions all throughout the course. After the round, we offer a special dining experience in the newly renovated 525 Restaurant & Patio!” life
At an age when a lot of people are enjoying golf, I found I could not complete a single round.
But, thanks to the kind folks at golf courses here in Airdrie and in Crossfield, as well as something called simulator golf, I am able to enjoy what is really the only form of exercise I can do without doing harm to my body.
I’m 58 years old, with a number of health issues. I have a form of electrolyte imbalance called chronic hypophosphatemia (very rare, with no diagnosis as to why). This, over time, has caused my diaphragm to weaken, so I require supplemental oxygen full-time.
I also have osteoarthritis in my neck, mid back and lower back, which causes obvious stiffness; myopathy (I have lumps throughout all major muscle groups); macular degeneration (I have not lost sight yet); medically induced diabetes; high blood pressure; and high cholesterol.
I have played golf since I was 12, but had to take about a ten-year break due to the electrolyte imbalance and lack of portable oxygen. In 2021, I was able to purchase a portable oxygen concentrator, which enabled me to finally get out for a few rounds in 2022. I was not able to complete 18 holes.
Yet, I have never lost my love for golf. For Christmas 2022, I was given some backyard golfing equipment. As soon as the snow melted, I went out and started to swing. I managed to hit ten balls and was completely played out.
I never gave up, though it took me a month of hitting balls to be able to get 50 swings without quitting. Once I completed this task, I took off to Collicutt Siding driving range in Crossfield to hit a small bucket of balls (approximately 35). After about two weeks, I went back and tried a large bucket of approximately 75 balls. It took me three hours to finish that, I almost quit three times and I thought I was going to have a heart attack. But I proved to myself I could finish, even though I wasn’t 100-per cent sure I was going to get home.
I persevered and I was finally able to go for a couple of nine-hole rounds at Collicutt — they were great for me. I was self-conscious about having to carry my oxygen around. I was told by the golf course staff that, if anyone said anything to me, to let them know and they would deal with it.
I ultimately managed to do 27 rounds at Collicutt. Even after golf season ended, I still had my backyard set-up, so I went out every day (which is important because, if I don’t keep active, my body seizes up within a week and I am unable to get a shirt or coat on due to pain).
Since we had such a beautiful fall last year, I was able to continue to hit balls. By Christmas 2023, I had hit 7,000 balls (I kept track on a spreadsheet; the basic number of swings for a nine-hole round is about 50).
But winter finally set in and it became frigid, limiting my outdoor activity. I was at my doctor and told him I was feeling sorry for myself because of the pain in my shoulders and I couldn’t get my coat on without help.
He told me I should try simulator golf — which brings me to the Airdrie connection.
I made a booking at Woodside Golf Course’s simulator set-up called The Bunker. Once I was done my allotted hour, a kind gentleman told me all about their membership program, which allows you to pay for a season and then use the simulator any day you want for an hour.
I signed up and it was the best thing I have done yet. Since I signed up in mid-January, I have played the equivalent of 51 18-hole rounds.
I cannot say enough about how nice Darcy and Mark have treated me at Woodside. Due to my need for an oxygen machine, simulator No. 2 is easier for me to move from the playing area to the computer, so they always make sure that I have that sim. The odd time when there is someone already booked, they adjust it so I can play there.
If they had a golf club mentality and used memberships, I would never have been able to afford to go and my quality of life would have degraded.
In fact, since I’ve been able to play again, I have seen a number of benefits:
Editor’s Note: Kevin Wendel reached out to us with his very moving story of his return to the game of golf. If you have a personal experience you would like to share with airdrielife readers, please contact our publisher at sherry@frogmediainc.ca
I have increased my physical endurance. My supplemental oxygen requirements aren’t as high; I don’t have to turn my machine to its highest setting as much. I can feel that my body has increased movement (my swings aren’t as rigid). My back doesn’t hurt as bad while golfing. And, of course, I am getting very good at golf, and I hope that this will carry on into this coming summer season with my first membership at Collicutt Siding.
All this is because I never gave up on my favourite form of exercise and found ways to overcome issues facing me. life
Welcome back to our annual roundup of men we admire. This year, we’ve got 11 men that show us that building a better community builds character. From personal triumphs to sharing their wealth of knowledge and expertise, these men have big dreams and even bigger hearts.
DANNY STEVENS
Danny Stevens is not just helping youth build muscle, he’s helping them build character.
Inspired by his own upbringing and fuelled by a desire to give back, Stevens built an impressive garage gym, Game Day Performance (GDP), to nurture the athletic potential of his sons, their friends and their love of football.
“I love teaching fitness and nutrition to these young athletes because I want them to have a mentor like I did growing up lifting weights and playing high school football in B.C.,” says Stevens.
“I’m teaching these boys everything I know in hopes they grow up to be fine young men. I want to encourage and push them to accomplish all their goals at whatever they choose to do in life.”
At GDP, Stevens sets a high standard where commitment is non-negotiable. Yet, he never charges for his time, understanding the financial hurdles many face.
“Focusing on health and wellness should be a priority for athletes or those who are interested in sports. I just wanted to create a safe and accessible space for people to train and get answers to questions,” says Stevens.
Beyond the gym, Stevens’ commitment to service knows no bounds. From driving school buses and sharing his talent in tattooing to people who are low-income and need a pick-me-up — free of charge — to planning community barbecues, his days are filled with acts of kindness.
Stevens’ efforts in providing a safe space for young athletes to learn how to properly build nutrition and muscle and learn the importance of hard work and dedication are inspiring, says nominator Shannon Hay.
“Danny instils positivity and integrity in all young athletes he meets, with a motto of, ‘It’s not the size of the athlete, but the size of their heart,’” says Hay.
Brayden Matthews may not have grown up playing sports, or even watching professional sports, but he deeply sees the value in it.
“I have been in enough leagues, though, where I saw the apathy of other managers and it never sat right with me,” says Matthews.
“I saw an opportunity to make a better experience for families, and especially the players. If you met me 20 years ago, you would have thought, ‘not that guy,’ but I do find it brings me a lot of joy having to help out and it is not something I look at as a burden.”
Matthews has been a manager of the Airdrie Minor Hockey Association for more than two years. In his tenure, he has made an effort to make tournaments more special and help plan team-bonding excursions.
“It is such a great experience to bring these kids together from different backgrounds and with different personalities that become close friends. I think playing sports is a common denominator that youth can really form a deep friendship over,” says Matthews.
As vice-president of operations at Juniors Foods, Matthews uses his position to organize fundraisers for sports teams in Airdrie.
Last year, under Matthews’ guidance, the company was able to raise $30,000 for kids sports teams in Airdrie and purchased ice time in Airdrie and Calgary for free public skates for families.
Matthews is also an active volunteer with the Airdrie Curling Club.
“Brayden is a huge supporter of minor sports,” says nominator Cally Kearley.
“He was my son’s minor hockey manager and was the perfect male role model. He was organized, motivating and all communication with parents was fun and friendly.”
Over the last ten years, Dave Maffitt has been empowering Airdrie residents to give back to the community through volunteerism.
As chair of the Board of Directors for Volunteer Airdrie, Maffitt connects individuals with volunteer opportunities, helps organizations find volunteers, and supports hyper-local voluntary initiatives led by individuals and groups.
“Many years ago, I struggled finding volunteers for the Airdrie 2014 Alberta Summer Games. I was trying to find a way to understand why people weren’t volunteering,” says Maffitt.
“I soon learnt the want to give back was there, people just simply didn’t have an easy place to look for opportunities. So, I have spent the last decade in this matchmaker role, finding out the best ways to help people find meaningful ways to give back, while also reducing the barriers for them to do so.”
Maffitt led the creation of a volunteer database to match individuals with volunteer opportunities best suited to their interests and schedules. Since its inception, more than 1,500 volunteers have found opportunities and more than 60 local organizations have found volunteers.
Maffitt also sits on the boards of Volunteer Alberta, Airdrie Sports Council, Karate Alberta Association and the Alberta JKA Karate Association.
Nominator Jennifer McCurdy is an active member of Volunteer Airdrie. She says Maffitt is always there, hands-on, getting things done.
“This man walks the walk,” says McCurdy.
“When he puts out the word that help is needed in Airdrie, he’s not just directing from behind a desk somewhere. Dave shows up ready to work in whatever capacity necessary. Whether that’s City events, moving seniors or those in need, driving people to dialysis appointments in Calgary, any day of the week or time of day, Dave gives selflessly.”
JAMIE MOORHOUSE
You’ll never meet a more positive man than Jamie Moorhouse.
That’s how nominators Deb Cryderman, Lucia Gomez and Lori Miller describe him.
Moorhouse is the man behind the camera of Talking Light Media, where he enjoys creating media for non-profit organizations, as well as documentaries that shine a spotlight on the less fortunate.
It was a friend’s plea for help in Cambodia and to set a good example for his then eightyear-old son that led him to co-found Carpenters4Cambodia, now merged with Bracelets4Buildings. The non-profit builds and repairs houses for those in need in rural Cambodia, where it has just completed its 85th house.
“To help change someone’s life, whether that is on the other side of the world or here in Airdrie, is a feeling I can’t describe,” says Moorhouse.
“I get so much joy out of giving back. You can’t not be happy when you put a smile on someone’s face.”
Over the years, Moorhouse has volunteered for numerous organizations including the Over 50 Club, Volunteer Airdrie’s Casino and Wranglers Airdrie Day.
He is also an active member of the Rotary Club of Calgary at Stampede Park, and is the District 5360 Rotary Foundation Chair, encompassing more than 40 clubs from Red Deer south. The District raises and distributes more than $500,000 a year to deserving groups, both locally and around the world.
“You have never met a man more generous than Jamie Moorhouse,” says Cryderman, who works with Moorhouse at the Airdrie Public Library.
“He is the person who takes care of everyone, whether that’s opening his home to someone in need, giving back to the less fortunate or even just helping you carry in groceries — Jamie has the biggest heart of anyone.”
JACK LUMLEY
Jack Lumley wants to help create a better community for generations to come.
It’s why he’s been active in the Airdrie community, volunteering for various boards and rolling up his sleeves to coach youths and give others an opportunity for a brighter future.
“I want the people who make their home here to have the same or better experience than I had,” says Lumley.
“There’s work to be done to keep it so great. Just saying someone else should do something isn’t the way to get things done. Sometimes, you have to take a bull by the horns, get it done yourself and you’ll see the benefits it has in the community for years to come.”
Lumley is co-founder of Airdrie 100 Men Who Give a Damn. The idea was to recognize smaller-scale charities that directly affect Airdrie, yet are often underfunded.
Since its creation in 2017, the group has donated more than $300,000 to the community. Lumley was also chair of the Airdrie Regional Recreation Enhancement Society (ARRES), the public fundraising arm that helped raise funds to build phases 2 and 3 of Genesis Place.
He is also on the Board of Directors of Adopt-A-Grad Foundation of Canada, is a pastchair of the Board of the Airdrie Food Bank, and is a past-president of the Airdrie Edge Gymnastics Club.
“To top it off, Jack has been a hockey, ringette and baseball coach for many years,” says nominator OJ Bansal.
“He is a constant advocate for the city of Airdrie, and I can say with lots of confidence that he creates a meaningful and positive impact on people’s lives.”
Kyle Wudrich has a heart dedicated to giving back to the community that raised him.
It’s part of the reason why he wanted to build a life in Airdrie and start his own business here.
“Airdrie is where I grew up, so the community has already given so much to me. Now that I have a business here, it is my way of giving back,” says Wudrich.
“I just hope that what I am doing is making a difference for the community. Anyone that I can help personally through my business really brings me a lot of purpose.”
Since opening in March 2020, 948 Brewing has become more than a local hotspot for craft beer enthusiasts. On days the brewery is closed, Wudrich generously opens its doors to various community groups, providing a space for meetings, rehearsals and gatherings.
He has also given the space to groups like the Airdrie Minor Hockey Association for its annual general meeting and the City of Airdrie for its SMARTstart program.
Beyond the brewery, Wudrich volunteers his photography skills for Nose Creek Players and actively participates in community events like airdrieFest, the Airdrie Homecoming Festival and the Airdrie Pride Festival.
“Airdrie is growing so much, and I am growing with it. I hope that, through my work, I can help other groups and businesses grow for the betterment of our community,” says Wudrich.
Nominator Karalee Braun says Wudrich’s involvement in community events and offering up the brewery as a space for people to gather is what makes him special.
“Kyle has a heart for the community,” says Braun.
“He is always looking at ways to give back to the community that he grew up in.”
MIKE LOUGHMAN JR.
Mike Loughman Jr. was tired of being what he describes as a “bad person.”
For 22 years, he had been using and selling drugs, fighting, and getting in trouble with the police. After a seven-day bender, he called the police on himself and got help.
That experience led him to found The Sober Friends Society, a non-profit based out of Airdrie focused on supporting the well-being of people with addiction issues that have made the choice to get clean and sober.
“It just seemed like all the pieces fell into place for me, and they don’t fall in place for others. That really annoyed me and, quite frankly, scared me,” says Loughman Jr. “I wanted to create a space to be there for other people when they reach out for help. I won’t turn anyone away.
“I would say my mission is to recover loudly so others don’t suffer silently.”
In his recovery, Loughman Jr. discovered a passion for volunteering and fundraising. Among countless organizations, he has volunteered for the Airdrie Public Library, BGC Airdrie Club, Airdrie Food bank, Santa Parade, Thumbs Up Foundation, the Alberta Works program, and Adopt-A-Senior Airdrie.
He has also gotten certified in CPR and received his Smart Recovery Facilitator Licence to dedicate his time to helping others overcome their addictions.
“Mike has one of the biggest hearts in Airdrie,” says nominator Jaadaas Jagwaa.
“He is very involved as a volunteer locally and has a special place in his heart for families, children and people trying to overcome addictions.”
In the future, Loughman Jr. has plans to build a 24-hour facility in Airdrie for people in recovery. The idea is to have trained professionals on site to help those in need, while also serving as a safe and sober place for people to go anytime.
Mike Reist is always keeping one eye open to find ways to give back to the community he loves so much.
For example, when one mother reached out to him asking for a suit her son could borrow for his graduation, Reist stepped up.
When local businesses needed a boost due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Reist stepped up.
And, when the Airdrie First Club needs donations for its Christmas Hampers program, or other causes need volunteers or support, Reist is always ready to rally the Airdrie Dads group.
“I’ve always believed giving back to the community is important. So, I am always looking for an opportunity to bless people, not necessarily financially, but with my time,” says Reist.
“I guess it really comes down to me wanting to be the person I needed when I was younger.”
Reist is co-founder of the Airdrie-based Adopt-A-Grad Foundation of Canada, which connects high school graduates with formal wear and financial assistance to celebrate the milestone.
He is also the creator of the Airdrie #LiveLocal Campaign, with the idea to get people involved and embrace that supportive and welcoming feeling that Airdrie has. All of the money from the hoodies he sells with the campaign goes right back into supporting the community.
Nominator and wife, Lori Reist, says her husband’s involvement in various local endeavours underscores his genuine love for the city and his relentless drive to uplift its residents.
“As a prominent figure in the Airdrie Dads group, Mike actively cultivates connections within the community and encourages others to be more engaged, as well,” says Lori.
“Additionally, his unwavering support for initiatives like the 100 Airdrie Men Who Give a Damn highlights his dedication to philanthropy and community well-being.”
Myles Ridge and Mike Nichol are passionate about giving back to the community.
As co-chairs of the Business Club of Airdrie & Area (BCAA) Golf Tournament, the pair are determined to make a difference for organizations close to their heart.
“I did have some family members that required some help from hospice, so I know what kind of pressure that puts on family members,” says Ridge.
“It just gives me motivation to raise money to help some of these amazing causes.”
In 2023, the tournament committee had a goal to raise $10,000 for Airdrie Hospice. They ended up completely selling out the tournament, raising more than $20,000 for their efforts.
This year, Ridge and Nichol have decided to raise funds for Airdrie Hospice and MS Canada — a cause Nichol cares deeply about.
“My wife was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis last year,” says Nichol. “It’s been a learning curve for us, and it really made me want to do what I can to give back. I feel that, if you have the ability to give back, then you should do it. Why not make life better for people if you can?”
Besides the tournament, Ridge and Nichol both actively volunteer in the community, says nominator and BCAA President Kelly Boudreau.
“Mike is very passionate about giving back to the community. He is all-around a great guy, he coaches hockey, and supports others whenever he can while running his own business, Simplicity Car Care Airdrie,” says Boudreau.
“Myles is dedicated to growing the golf tournament, and very passionate about doing the right thing for those less fortunate. He is also a committed member of 100 Men Who Give A Damn and gives from his company, Big Ben Cleaning, whenever he can.”
Nathan Sedlacek is a handy man to have around.
The local electrician donates between 10 to 20 hours a month helping those in need with tasks and projects they might not otherwise complete.
Sedlacek’s commitment to aiding his neighbours stems from a deep-seated belief in the importance of lending a hand. He refuses to stand by when he sees someone in need, whether it’s offering a boost, repairing a house or providing valuable advice.
His motivation? The simple notion that everyone deserves assistance when faced with challenges.
“There was a point in time where my family needed help, and our community stepped up and gave us a hand. At some point, everyone needs someone to help them, and I don’t like seeing people struggle or get ripped off or left without,” says Sedlacek.
“I want to bless others the way I have been blessed.”
Volunteering primarily through his church, Kingdom City, Sedlacek extends his generosity wherever it’s required.
His vision extends beyond individual acts of kindness; he dreams of creating a network of handymen and specialized trades within Airdrie, specifically targeting those who may lack the resources or support to address essential repairs. Single mothers, widows, or individuals without familial or financial assistance are at the front of Sedlacek’s mission to ensure no one is left struggling alone.
As a co-owner of Titan Electrical Services, Sedlacek’s professional life mirrors his dedication to service.
Nominator and wife, Nayley Sedlacek, says her husband has a heart set on making a meaningful difference.
“Nathan is a friendly neighbourhood hero,” says Nayley.
“He’s always available to everyone in our immediate community, but also within Airdrie, and does not stop being present with his family.” life
Airdrie’s local arts scene was celebrated at the annual Airdrie Mayor’s Night of the Arts at Bert Church Live Theatre on April 14.
This year’s event was organized with the help of the new Airdrie Arts and Culture Council appointed by the City of Airdrie.
Six awards were presented as part of the celebration. There were 66 nominations in total and three adjudicators used a scoring system to narrow them down to the top three for each category.
This year’s winners were: Anthony Burbidge for Arts Educator, Tina Petrow for Champion of the Arts, Hayley Isabel for Emerging Artist, Glitch Gaming Lounge for Patron of the Arts, Kyle McKearney for Professional Artist, and Sebastian Cassidy for Youth Artist.
Musician McKearney’s career has skyrocketed in the last 18 months. In 2023, his album, A Traveler’s Lament, received 25 award nominations and 10 wins, including Songwriter, Roots Artist, Album and Video of the Year at the 2024 Alberta Country Music Awards. It is now shortlisted for the 2024 Grammy Awards for Best Regional Roots Album of the Year. Isabel, 12, meanwhile, is getting an early start to a promising country career, picking up the Horizon Youth Award at the Alberta Awards.
Burbridge has been teaching music lessons at Airdrie Music Lessons for 14 years and says he never imagined winning an award like this when he started.
“It’s a wonderful acknowledgement of the passion I hold for arts education and the long hours I’ve dedicated to my calling in life,” says Burbridge. “It’s great that Airdrie has a mayor, a city council and a community that value the arts.”
The evening started with a reception and even the caterer (Smitty’s) got in on the arts theme with creative servings and presentation. The award categories were interspersed with performances by The Midnight Mustangs (George MacDougall High School), Ambitions Performing Arts, Hayley Isabel, the String Ensemble from the Rocky Mountain Symphony Orchestra, Nose Creek Players, Airdrie Scots Pipe and Drums, and the Airdrie Community Choir.
This was a truly local arts celebration that goes to show how much Airdrie’s arts community is growing and thriving. Watch for the Fall issue of airdrielife when we celebrate all things art and culture in our annual Arts issue! life
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It was as we never get tired of saying… an amazing night! The 14th annual Amazing Airdrie Women Awards Gala on May 4 was a celebration of heart, leadership, courage, determination, legacy, promise and so much more.
The celebration started with more than 200 lively guests in the Bert Church Theatre lobby with prosecco and grazing, TQLA VIDA samples, the QM Beautique Glam station, the ever-popular paparazzi wall, and a silent auction of amazing art and gifts in support of Airdrie POWER. The party moved inside the theatre proper for the awards presentations and a live performance by Amy Hef.
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At the end of the night, with $10 from each ticket and the auction proceeds, more than $5,000 was raised for the women’s day shelter.
In addition, the Tracy Work Pay-It-Forward Memorial Fund received an additional $1,000 from Tracy’s mom, Doreen Kleisinger, and $500 from Pureform Radiology. This fund was created four years ago to honour Work, who was a nominee in our very first year (2011). Each recipient receives $100 to direct to a charity of their choosing.
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“This is the highlight of our year and the result of months and months of work, on and off the pages of airdrielife,” says AAW founder and airdrielife publisher Sherry Shaw-Froggatt. “I can’t thank our sponsors enough for making this whole community-wide project come to life and culminate in this truly amazing evening.” life
Back row: FortisAlberta Amazing Employee Prasamsa Thapa; GP Law Amazing Advocate Kristi Puszkar; Honorary Amazing Airdrie Woman Leslie Horton; airdrielife publisher Sherry Shaw-Froggatt; Pharmasave on Centre Amazing Heart Kirstin Barchard; Vitreous Glass Amazing Cultural Ambassador Jennifer Harbour; Melcor Amazing Determination Chemaine Linnie; Pureform Amazing Courage (Tracy Work Award) Jessica Robyn Loney; Test Tech/ Dental Hygiene Express Amazing Entrepreneur Veronica Stone; McKee Homes Amazing Mentor Danika Weatherburn. Front row: Superior Hearing Amazing Promise Ella Johnson; Davis Chev Amazing Rural Rep Laurie Perry; Dione Irwin Team Amazing Legacy Kim Hill; Brockway’s Amazing Coach Michelle Thompson; Pink Wand Amazing Workplace Wendy Smith (for Prospect Human Services). Inset photos: Airdrie Eyecare Amazing Legend Nina Nath and Explosive Edge Amazing Athlete Mykena Walker.
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Tracy Work’s daughter, Kayla Work, and mother, Doreen Kleisinger, attend in Tracy’s honour every year and started the Pay-It-Forward program.
Amazing art and gifts donated by local artists and others.
The garden/greens theme extended to the takeaway gifts from
My favourite hiking in the Rocky Mountains is the Lake O’Hara area found in Yoho National Park. Lake O’Hara has a lottery system in place to book seats on the bus that takes you to the trailheads. Before the late 1980s, the area had been severely trampled from overuse, but the limited quota has now helped restore the area to its natural beauty.
From the lake, the network of trails is fantastic! You can get high into the alpine with minimal effort following the alpine routes and string together a return route meandering through wildflower meadows and stunning backcountry lakes. life
CAMERA: Canon EOS 5D MKII
LENS: Canon EF 16-35 f/2.8 L II USM
Photographed on July 14, 2015
CAMERA SETTINGS:
Coming up to Lake McArthur
Focal length: 26mm
Shutter speed: 1/400 sec
Aperture: f14
ISO: 500
At Lake McArthur
Focal length: 25mm
Shutter speed: 1/500 sec
Aperture: f14
ISO: 500
