WINTER 2018/19
It’s our
50th issue
and we’ve got
50+ prizes!
What makes Ryan
STRAZ STRONG GRAD HEROES A 10-year strategy for economic growth
Meet Airdrie’s most AWESOME KIDS!
Tyler Scott
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PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Sherry Shaw-Froggatt
ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER
Sarah Schulz
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
DESIGN DIRECTOR
Vanessa Peterelli Kim Williams
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CONTRIBUTORS
Sergei Belski, Michelle Carre, Sara Chamberlain, Fred Cheney, Charlene Codio, Rafael Codio, Stacie Gaetz, Jill Iverson, Britton Ledingham, Kim Purvis, Kristy Reimer, Kent Rupert, Gina Slaney, Dawn Smith, Mario Toneguzzi, Wyatt Tremblay
Stock Photography by istock
SALES DIRECTOR
Wendy Pratt
DISTRIBUTION MANAGER
Sharie Tanner
PRINTING Transcontinental
CONTACT US EDITORIAL sherry@frogmediainc.ca ADVERTISING wendy@frogmediainc.ca WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA sarah@frogmediainc.ca
WHERE TO FIND US airdrielife is delivered to all homes in Airdrie and surrounding areas. If you do not receive an issue please contact sherry@frogmediainc.ca airdrielife is available at more than 100 locations around the city. You can also find airdrielife in every Airdrie showhome, at CrossIron Mills and at more than 100 locations in Calgary. airdrielife is published quarterly by Frog Media Inc. with the co-operation of the City of Airdrie Economic Development Department.
VOLUME 15, NUMBER 4 | ISSN 1916-355X
Contents copyright 2018 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
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General Dentists
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contributors Sergei Belski, photographer, 42 issues Over the years I had so many interesting photo shoots for this magazine and met so many interesting people! I love photo shoots when I can eat what I photograph, after I photograph it. But, actually, if I would try to pick my favourite, two photo shoots come to mind. I love action photography, so I loved photographing an Airdrie Brewers baseball game. Probably my favourite photo shoot was when I got a chance to go up in the air with Airdrie Flying Club to take photographs for a “high flyers” story.
AIRDRIE’S PREMIERE ARTS SHOWCASE & CELEBRATION
SATURDAY, JAN 26TH,2019 BERT CHURCH THEATRE We cordially invite you to help us recognize and thank our city’s creative contributors in an evening of fun, live performances and awards.
Get your tickets now! $40 TICKETS $25 SENIORS TICKETPRO.CA
#AMNAAWARDS AMNAAWARDS.COM 10
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Ayesha Clough, writer, six issues Writing for airdrielife, I’ve met many wonderful folks, from chefs and farmers, to psychics and potters. I’ve shivered in pig pens and overheated in commercial kitchens. I’ve laughed and I’ve cried. The one constant is working with (publisher) Sherry (Shaw-Froggatt) – and marvelling at her passion. For 15 years, Sherry has been a tireless advocate for Airdrie and a champion of all that makes this city great. With a nose for a story, and a finger on the pulse of our community, she has nurtured a loyal team of contributors who are inspired by her vision, commitment, resilience and creativity. Congratulations on your 50th issue, Sherry, and thanks for reminding us that life is good! Britton Ledingham, writer, photographer, video and podcast host, 10 issues It’s hard to pinpoint my favourite assignment. There are things I enjoy about every person I’ve met to do photos with or write about. That said, writing about Ryan Straschnitzki and his family’s story through the last seven months has been a positive experience out of some of the worst that can be thrown at a family. Journalists do their best not to be vultures, but it’s hard not to have some of that stigma weigh on you when calling a Humboldt Broncos crash victim and his family. However, they have been extremely helpful and kind. The word victim can hardly be used in the same paragraph with them, because the way they’ve rolled with the punches has been remarkable. They address the hell and the heaven we see on the roller coaster ride of life. I hope you enjoy reading, viewing and listening to their stories as much as I did getting to know them. Kristy Reimer, photographer, 45 issues Thinking back to all of the airdrielife assignments I have done, a few are quite unforgettable! The first is from the summer issue of 2008, The Lion, Tin Man, and Scarecrow. The three people in costume were photographed in studio (with lots of laughter) and superimposed onto a yellow brick road background. The next one that is memorable is from the fall issue of 2010, featuring Steve Lubiarz, a CPO musician. His dramatic facial expressions created such a dynamic set of images and he was so inspiring to photograph. My third favourite is the Amazing Women composite image from the spring 2018 cover. It will always stick out in my memory because of the sheer challenge of creating such a huge composite with so many people. When the final image was assembled, it felt like such a major accomplishment. Dawn Smith, writer, seven issues Without a doubt, my favourite writing assignments have been the Amazing Women features. It has been an honour to hear the stories of so many women who are making a difference in our community. These individuals have reminded me that anyone can be a beacon of light within their circle, whether it is a small or large community, and have inspired me to be a positive force in my world Wyatt Tremblay, writer, illustrator, nine issues I moved to Airdrie from the Yukon five years ago, after more than 40 years of living in a small northern capital city where everyone knew everyone. I was a stranger here, but I knew the best way to get to know a new community was, of course, to go out and meet new people, and to connect with local news sources, such as airdrielife, a magazine about Airdrie and its people. When Sherry invited me to write for her publication three years ago, I couldn’t believe my luck. This colourful, people-focused magazine has helped me understand the uniqueness of the community that has become my home and has allowed me to make connections to people I might never have made. Carvers, writers, painters, young entrepreneurs, aspiring dancers and musicians; all amazing people with incredible tales to tell. My favourite stories are always the last ones I wrote, for the simple reason that just when you begin to think, “Surely there can’t be another Airdrie story as good as that one,” there really is!
Note from the publisher W
hen I turned 40 I made a decision that changed my life. I wanted to write about the community I lived in – prior to that I had freelanced for the Calgary Herald in Special Projects (writing advertorials). One day I woke up and realized if I wrote one more weekly Auto Focus, or spouted the benefits of Botox again, I was no longer being true to myself. That revelation led to the creation of airdrielife magazine. And as a direct result of that, my involvement in the Airdrie Festival of Lights, which led me to the wider community and discovering that you need to give to get. Which led me to creating the Amazing Airdrie Women Awards and then last year, the creation of Awesome Airdrie Kids – the second roster of these young people are featured in this issue. They say people come into your life for a season, a reason or a lifetime, and when I reflect on 50 issues and 15 years, this resonates so strongly with me. Most of you do not know that airdrielife is run out of my home. I am the only full-time employee. Everyone else is freelance, from sales (thank you, Wendy Pratt!!) to copywriting. I rely on these people who have come in and out of my life, some like Kim Williams, my designer who has been taking my vision and making it a reality since day one. Or Kristy Reimer (45 issues) and Sergei Belski (42 issues) who take amazing photographs – they have literally been here for the long haul. Vanessa Peterelli joined me in 2009 as the sharp-eyed copy editor and contributor and thankfully is still part of the team. And the late Anne Beaty. From 2009 to 2016, Anne played a very pivotal role in shaping our editorial for which I still have “what would Anne do?” moments. airdrielife was always meant to be a placemaking tool. Placemaking “pays close attention to the myriad ways in which the physical, social, ecological, cultural, and even spiritual qualities of a place are intimately intertwined.” Source pps.org I hope that airdrielife holds a place in your life and continues to. We’ve expanded our reach past the pages allowing readers to connect through our social media and website and most recently the addition of videos, podcasts and a weekly e-newsletter, the a-list. My deepest thanks to the people who have made my life so meaningful for 4,900 pages: Kent Rupert and the Airdrie Economic Development team – first class all the way. To the hundreds of businesses who believed we were a conduit to the community – your trust in us gave us the opportunity to tell hundreds of stories. To Kathy Anderson – a former Edmonton Journal colleague (and my original business partner) who bought into my idea and then sold it to everyone so we could launch! To the more than 50 contributors and freelancers who wrote, photographed, edited, designed, researched, interned, did admin/bookkeeping and delivered airdrielife. This magazine exists today because of your enthusiasm and talent. To my unsung heroes – Sharie Tanner, her husband Randall deLooze and their amazing kids who make sure this magazine is all over the city. And lastly, but most importantly, to my family, Scott, Jeanine and Ali, who encouraged me to explore my creativity and entrepreneurial spirit and were and are my biggest cheerleaders. Thank you for being my life.
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Celebra our ting
Sherry Shaw-Froggatt, Publisher PS. Check out my 50-issue reflections starting on page 80 and take a digital flip through every issue of airdrielife at airdrielife.com/connect
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Our philosophy reflects our commitment to building beautiful custom homes for the families who love in them.
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On Higher Ground Transitions Art Awards Published Giving What’s On Winter Wear TASTEairdrie Parentlife Half Way There
homelife
48 Developing News 54 Best of Show 59 Designlife
worklife
66 10-Year Strategy 68 Smart 74 Business Best
citylife
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On the Cover
Ryan Straschnitzki shows his strength
PHOTO BY BRITTON LEDINGHAM
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Smart City 50 Issues Citizens Jack and Jill Awesome Kids Straz Strong
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outhpoint, ideally situated in SW Airdrie, stands apart for its wide selection of homes and expansive green space. When complete, the community’s quiet, tree-lined streetscapes will feature a charming mix of detached single-family homes, townhomes, rowhomes, paired homes and condos. The Southpoint community features 12 acres of green space and recreational amenities, including a tennis court, basketball court, children’s playground, covered pavilion with picnic tables and BBQ areas. A new elementary school will be built within walking distance and is scheduled to open in 2019.
V E S TA SO U T H P O I N T.CO M southp oint@ ve st a p rop e r ti e s .c o m
40 3 .98 0.1979 305 SOUTHPOINT GREEN SW (Corner of 40th Avenue SW & Reynolds Gate) This is not an offering for sale. Renderings are an artist’s conception and are intended as a general reference only. Prices and availability are subject to change without notice E & O.E.
Quick getaway? Don’t forget your routine vaccinations. Wherever you travel, you’re still at risk from potentially serious illnesses like measles and hepatitis.
Speak with your Pharmasave pharmacist about vaccinations for a safe, healthy trip.
greatlife
W H AT T O S E E , D O , E AT, L I ST E N T O A N D M O R E
Artful Transitions 20 | Winter Wearables 36 | Progress Report 44
G R E AT L I F E | M U S I C I A N P R O F I L E
Steve Jevne, Kyle Miller and Jordan Wilkinson pose for photos by a windmill on a friend’s acreage.
As high as they can go STORY BY WYATT TREMBLAY PHOTO BY BRITTON LEDINGHAM
S
teve Jevne is a familiar face in the Airdrie musicscape; he hosts Bambino’s popular Monday night open mike stage, plays several gigs a week, solo and in bands, and teaches guitar. He’s been making a living this way for years, but his latest venture has stirred something in him he hasn’t felt for awhile. “I’ve been playing in bands for 15 years, and I’ve never been this excited about playing in a band.” Jevne is talking about his new band As High As We Go. He plays guitar and piano, and acts as the band’s manager. Lead singer Kyle Miller, who also plays violin, is from Nova Scotia but has lived in Calgary since 2012. “I moved here mostly for the music scene,” he says. He works at a Toyota dealership, but singing is his passion. “Music has always been my go-to. I won a few talent shows back home,” he laughs. “But of course when only five people go in, you’re gonna win.” “I needed more challenge; I needed more experience.” Completing the trio is Jordan Wilkinson, who grew up in Crossfield but now lives in Airdrie, and is known for his time with the rock band Sharp Hill. Wilkinson, who wasn’t present for the interview, plays electric and upright bass, and is the reason the band has excelled musically, Jevne says. “Jordan is – and he wouldn’t mind me saying this – a music nerd. He can play anything.” The band’s sound is country, though Jevne says it wasn’t part of the plan. “It just sorta happened,” he laughs. “Even when we don’t play country, it just somehow sounds country,” Miller jokes. “It’s Kyle’s voice,” Jevne explains. “His voice is so big – it just sounds like country.” It was Miller’s voice that first caught Jevne’s attention.
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He heard him one night at Bambino’s, and was impressed. “I was like, ‘What? You just opened your mouth and – boom!’” They played together off and on in the spring of 2018, but it wasn’t until Miller asked Jevne to join him for a gig at Calgary’s Blind Beggar Pub that he realized the potential for a band. He invited Wilkinson to join them that night, and as the three played together they all felt a connection. “It was such an easy click,” Jevne recalls. A video of the concert drew more than 3,000 social media views, and soon they were getting gigs in Airdrie and Calgary, without even settling on a name. The name, As High As We Go, came about one night when Jevne asked Miller how far he wanted to go with the band. Miller shrugged and said, “I don’t know, as high as we go.” Jevne suddenly said, “Hey, that’s a great name for a band.” And it stuck. Their country sound is somewhere between the swagger of Merle Haggard and the storytelling of Johnny Cash. “We kinda think we have an old sound, but a new sound at the same time,” Miller explains. They perform covers and originals at their gigs, and are putting together an EP for release in early spring. Jevne does most of the writing, but says that songs he’s penned, such as Starlight, a smooth ballad about a musician’s life on the road, exhilarate him when performed by the trio. Miller’s deep voice is clear and commanding, and when blended with Jevne’s harmonies and skilled guitar work, and Wilkinson’s rhythmic upright bass, As High As We Go is dynamic and entertaining. This has Jevne excited. “When something works like this with three people, you just get excited.” life
At
.com SULLYS LIFESTYLE @SULLYSHOP WWW.SULLYSLIFESTYLE.COM
G R E AT L I F E | A R T I ST P R O F I L E
J
ennifer Mohr paints the colourful images she lifts from her imagination in a space that is both her studio and the family room. Assorted canvases, along with the tools of her craft, stand in contrast to the familial comforts of life in her Airdrie home. “I’ve always been in love with art. It’s just a part of who I am.” She is an emerging artist with a busy Etsy store, but this wasn’t always Mohr’s life. “I finished my fine arts degree in 2002, and thought
Jennifer Mohr:
an artist in transition STORY BY WYATT TREMBLAY | PHOTOS BY RAFAEL CODIO
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WHY WAIT? MOVE IN NOW!
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Visit ravenswoodairdrie.ca/quick-possession to take advantage of move-in ready homes today!
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WE CREATE LEGACY COMMUNITIES THAT INSPIRE PRIDE, ENRICH LIVES AND ENDURE IN VALUE.
G R E AT L I F E | A R T I ST P R OF I L E
“My art is about my identity as someone who is connected to life, to growing things, to the dirt ” 22
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maybe I could be a working artist, but then I just kind of joined the real world,” she laughs. Born in Saskatchewan, she and her spouse moved to Calgary shortly after university, and then to Airdrie 14 years ago. “We bought a house, we had bills to pay, I got a job, we had two children – we hunkered down.” As she settled into daily routines, canvas and brush took a back seat. “All those years I kind of thought, ‘There’s lots of reasons to not make art. It doesn’t make money, it’s not practical, and I don’t have time…’” However, three years ago, Mohr explains, she and her spouse embarked on a major life change. “My partner transitioned from male to female. It was a huge thing for our family.” The transition was something the couple had planned for several years, and when they began the process it was done as a family, with support from both of their parents, extended family, and close friends. “Without their support, it would have been very difficult,” she says with emotion. Despite this, Mohr faced an unexpected challenge. “I went through this time where my kids were going back to school, my spouse was transitioning, and I really felt this loss of identity,” she explains. “I needed to do something for myself.” She bought a few art supplies, and began painting everything from pet portraits to flowers. During her spouse’s transition, art allowed Mohr to put her feet “firmly on the ground and say, ‘This is who I am; I’m good at this.’” Mohr says she has always had an affinity with living things, something she attributes to her childhood experiences on the family farm in Saskatchewan. Her mother enrolled her in art classes at the age of nine where she learned to blend the technical side of painting with her impressions of the prairie landscape. The younger of two sisters, Mohr spent many hours wandering the farm alone. She would often make a circuit around the yard: from the large spruce tree where her hamster was buried, to where old farm equipment was kept, to where she would sit in tall grass and braid a circle around herself. “As a child, these were my magical places.” This is why, she explains, her art “is expressionism that is about place, about feeling a connection to the earth, and where your feet are planted on the ground.” This theme flows throughout Mohr’s collection. Her main subjects, landscapes and botanicals, are in an impressionistic style, boldly captured in ink, watercolour, acrylic and gouache. From small to very large, her canvases are alive with a broad palette of colour and nature-like randomness, which evoke a sense of fun and innocence. “My art is about my identity as someone who is connected to life, to growing things, to the dirt.” Her plans for the next few years are to “work, work, work,” and to find gallery representation. “I’ve stepped into a transition of my own, where I’m really learning about my own identity.” “I love it. I’m so happy I decided to do it.” life
BORN AIRDRIE. RAISED AIRDRIE. SELLS AIRDRIE.
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G R E AT L I F E | A R TS & C U LT U R E
THE BEST NIGHT OF THE ARTS! J
oin the creative community for its biggest celebration of the year when the 2019 TD Airdrie Mayor’s Night of the Arts are presented on Saturday Jan. 29 at the Bert Church Theatre. This stellar event has been raising the bar for entertainment and achievement since 2015. Six awards are presented between live performances from a wide range of genres all wrapped up with the George Mac house band enlivening the vibe. A pre-show prosecco and appie reception and post-show dessert reception round out an incredible evening of saluting arts and culture in our community. Tickets are available now through the Bert Church box office or online at ticketpro.ca
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FINALISTS WILL BE CELEBRATED IN THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES:
ARTS EDUCATOR
Lisa Ammirati Kim McKee Jordan Harris Anthony Burbidge
PROFESSIONAL ARTIST Shawnee Hoffman Daniel McNeil Lia Golemba Anne Mulders
PATRON OF THE ARTS
Watches ‘N More Promotional Products Inc. Muk-Luk Magpies Stained Glass Emporium Inc. Color Me Mine
ARTS CHAMPION
Jennifer Atkin Amanda Fusaro Smith Elizabeth Hall Shawnee Hoffman
EMERGING ARTIST Lindsey Schultz
YOUTH ARTIST
Madeline Collingridge Mackenzie Cox
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Joon (staff are all on a first name basis) practiced in a smalltown Manitoba office for the last four years before recently moving to Airdrie. “I enjoy all facets of dentistry, and am committed to the meticulous delivery of high quality treatment while maintaining top levels of comfort,” says the 2014 graduate of the University of Manitoba Dental Medicine program. Joon loves travel, and is happy to be in a city with a smalltown atmosphere close to the mountains. “I love hiking in the Rockies, watching baseball and playing piano with my wife,” says Joon, who was raised in South Korea.
Bell Dental Group is excited to welcome Dr. Joonseo Kim to their family. “It’s been a great place to raise our four daughters, and an awesome community to be part of,” says Scott. Through his love for dentistry, Scott has built Bell Dental Group on a foundation of trust and friendliness, manifested in the warm and welcoming, state of the art office built in 2011.
“I believe in providing the highest quality dentistry in comfort. We treat people like family,” says Scott, noting they’re the only dental office he knows of with a popcorn machine. “Everyone, including the staff, love it.” Since 1985, the professional, but casually dressed dentist says he is lucky to have gained many highly-trained, longstanding staff, and believes that his staff is the heart-beat of Bell Dental - an amazing group of ladies. “We are honored to be treating second and third-generation patients now,” says Scott. “They appreciate what we do and keep coming back.” As families grow, so has the practice. “We like to kid around and make dentistry as enjoyable as it’s going to be,” says Scott. “Laughter can often be heard throughout the office. We love what we do.”
Airdrie’s charm is what drew Bell Dental Group founder, Dr. Scott Bell, here to practice 33 years ago. “It’s a real pleasure to see our patients out in this great community,” says Scott. “I think that’s what Joon is looking forward to.” The Melville, Sask. product says Airdrie’s small-town atmosphere “brought me to Airdrie in the first place, and that’s what’s kept me here.”
Though Bell Dental Group has been a face in the community for 33 years, we are always welcoming new patients.
Bell Dental Group provides orthodontic, hygiene, restorative, crown and bridge, implants, endodontics, oral surgery (limited) and denture services.
Call (403) 948-6898 or visit belldental.ca to book your appointment today, or stop by and say “Hi” by visiting 44 Gateway Dr NE #107
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THE GLOW IS GROWING
Twelve Days of Christmas adds to the glow at the 2018 Airdrie Festival of Lights
I
t’s been 15 years since a new display was installed at the Airdrie Festival of Lights and AFOLS Coordinator Michelle Pirzek is very excited. “Our new slogan “glowing and growing” couldn’t be more apt!” she said. The brand new 12-piece display – “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” sponsored by Cam Clark Ford, will spread over 150 feet of Nose Creek Park. But that’s not all that’s been added – this year enough budget was available to include carolers for the Townscape display, an animated ice-skating bear to Winter Wonderland and animated penguins for the Penguin Village. Animated lights add an element of wonder to a walk in the park, and the AFOLS board is committed to keeping that glow running for years thanks to two back-to-back successful seasons, 2016 and 2017. It wasn’t such a rosy picture just prior to the 2016 season when the AFOLS board was facing the difficult option of closing down permanently. But the community rallied, Pirzek explains, In 2016 we had a really cold season that resulted in 13 out of 31 days closed. (The park does not operate the activities or man the park with volunteers when the weather is below -20) “But the craziest thing happened,” Michelle said, “People would still drive into the park to leave us a donation even when they couldn’t walk the pathways because of the biting cold.” The donations kept pouring in; it was the community speaking loud and clear that they wanted the lights to keep glowing.” The Festival is enjoying popularity with sponsors and these increased funds are a welcome relief as the board which invested $50,000 in electrical in 2016 is now preparing for a full upgrade of the master electrical grid (AFOLS owns the electrical) in Nose Creek Park to the tune of $250,000 in the next two years. While a lot of the money will come from grants, the AFOLS is still looking at footing the cost of 50 per cent of this major investment in the park. And its thanks to community-minded businesses like Common Ground Electric Inc.’s, Brad Campbell who approached the AFOLS wanting to be engaged that this project has a team leader to make it happen. “We really can’t thank our corporate partners like Chinook Gate who are in their second year as our title sponsor, GeoMetrix for our trains and sponsors like Vitreous, Propak and Davis Chev who have been with us for five years or longer!,” Pirzek adds.
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The Lights, in their 23rd year, are not an inexpensive endeavor – it costs around $100,000 each season to keep the lights on and all the trains and tent and activities running smoothly. And most importantly 30 per cent of that budget goes right back into the community to the volunteer fundraising groups and organizations like the Lioness Hamper program, Community Links, Nose Creek Valley Museum, Airdrie & District Victim’s Assistance, 100 Women Who Care, and many more. More good news for the Festival is volunteer support is up. “Groups recognize the return on their time because we share the proceeds, and we are also seeing more corporate volunteer groups; we keep hearing what a great team building experience it is, and that makes us very happy.” Aside from the bright new lights, visitors to the park will be able to enjoy (weather permitting) a great line up of entertainment sponsored by Ambition Performing Arts featuring dance, live music, high school bands, choirs, carolers and performances by Airdrie’s Ghost Walk ~ Christmas Edition and Nose Creek Players. The CP Holiday Train makes a stop on Dec. 11 at 5:45 p.m. featuring Terri Clark – this is a fundraisder for the Airdrie Food Bank so visitors are encouraged to come for the show, bring a food donation and then stay for the lights and stroll the park. The Festival of Lights is open every night Dec. 1-31 from 6-9 p.m. And still after 23 years, there is no admission charge or parking fee – the board simply asks for donations to keep the glow growing. For more information visit airdriefestivaloflights.com or follow on social media @airdrielights
THE 2018 AFOL BOARD:
Mark Battle, president ; Rob Pirzek, vice president; Barbara Easthom, treasurer Lori Helston, secretary; Michelle Pirzek, coordinator; Roger Helston, director Liz Wood, director; Casey Waller, director; Kristen Wallace, volunteer coordinator and Todd Brand, sponsorship
WIN!
airdrielife is donating a $100 gift card to your favourite Airdrie store for selfies tagged with #sharetheglow #airdrielife
Happy Holidays from Blunston Dental Group! Did you know that your insurance is expiring December 31? Book your appointment today to use it before you lose it! The holidays are the perfect time to get your oral health in check – right in time for New Year’s, too! Take the time to book your Hygiene & Cleanings, Restorative Service or Cosmetic Service like Teeth Whitening before the New Year! Also, you can receive a FREE CONSULTATION for any TMD or Cosmetic Dental Procedure. Just call us to inquire! ***Consultations will not result in fees being charged without the patient’s knowledge or consent. No expiry date.
All services provided by general dentist, Dr. Thayne Blunston
CALL US 403-912-9378 www.blunstondentalgroup.com
G R E AT L I F E | W O R D S
From page to published STORY BY DAWN SMITH
B
ookworms take note: Airdrie is home to a traditional, royalty-paying publishing house that gives local and international authors an option. BWL Publishing, formerly Books We Love, relocated to Airdrie three years ago from Calgary. Founded in 2010 by author Jude Pittman, the publishing house is home to about 85 local and international authors from as far afield as France, the United Kingdom and Australia. BWL boasts ties with Airdrie authors Pittman, John Wisdomkeeper and Margaret Hanna, Rocky View’s Nancy M. Bell, Carstairs’ Victoria Chatham, and Didsbury’s Mahrie Reid. Several of these authors have been involved in what constitutes Pittman’s proudest accomplishment as publisher to date: the Canadian Historical Brides Series. The series, created in honour of Canada 150, tells the stories of the women who helped settle Canada. Although featuring fictional heroines, the 12 novels highlight historically accurate stories from all the provinces and territories. “I am so proud of this series,” says Pittman. BWL publishes all of its titles in digital and paperback and has a list of all of the authors it represents as well as the titles it produces online. Visit bookswelove.com to discover local authors, get connected to their blogs or purchase their titles on Amazon. life
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John Wisdomkeeper was adopted and didn’t learn of his indigenous roots until he was a teenager. His birth mother is descended from the Sekani Nation, medicine healers who originated from northern British Columbia. Wisdomkeeper was given his indigenous name by a 100-year-old woman who he says looked deep into his eyes and pulled the name from his soul. Wisdomkeeper is co-author (with Juliet Waldron) of Fly Away Snow Goose, number eight in the Canadian Historical Brides series. The book is set in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut and details how Yaotl and Sascho are captured along the shores of the behchà, and transported to residential school in Fort Providence, where teachers try to “kill the Indian inside.” Although all attempts at escape are severely punished, Yaotl and Sascho, along with two others, try, beginning a journey of 900 kilometres along the Mackenzie River. Margaret G. Hanna grew up on her family’s prairie farm in southwestern Saskatchewan. A voracious reader, she completed 12 years of university before becoming a curator at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum in Regina. In this role she collaborated closely with First Nations elders, artists and dancers to develop the First Nations Gallery. She met her husband, Airdrie’s Roger Clayton, when she travelled to Cairo to visit friends at the same time he did. She moved to Airdrie in 2007. In Hanna’s latest book Our Bull’s Loose in Town, she details the story of her grandparents, Addie Wright and Abraham Hanna, as they built their farm and raised a family on the prairies of southwestern Saskatchewan in the early 1900s. The book takes readers through the Great War, the Roaring Twenties and the Dirty Thirties, detailing how the events of these years honed the couple’s strength and courage in their faith, humour and in their family and neighbours. Nancy M. Bell lives near Balzac with her husband. Bell is an animal lover who works with and fosters rescue animals. She is a member of The Writers Union of Canada and the Writers Guild of Alberta. She has published poetry, fiction and non-fiction works. Bell’s book His Brother’s Bride is part of the Canadian Historical Brides series. Set in Ontario in the early 1900s, the book details how Annie Baldwin, the youngest child of the local doctor and preacher, falls in love with hired man George Richardson, who was orphaned and shipped to Canada a few years earlier. During World War I, George departs for France, but promises to return to Annie, who waits, hoping her dreams will come true.
heather rankin – picture perfect christmas Dec. 1, 2018
tanner james – lobby show Dec. 7, 2018
derina harvey band Dec. 14, 2018
fred penner christmas show dec. 21, 2018
cheesecake burlesque jan. 18, 2019
2019
spidey – make believe: magic of your mind jan. 21, 2019
montreal guitar trio and california guitar trio jan. 23, 2019
matthew good – SOLO acoustic feb. 13, 2019
will’s jams live feb. 17, 2019
celebrate the season
2018
Tickets to The Bert Church LIVE Theatre make perfect gifts!
For a complete listing of our 2018–19 season, please visit thebertchurchtheatre.com
G R E AT L I F E | G I V I N G
B AT T
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ome of Airdrie’s finest police officers, firefighters, community peace officers and paramedics are teaming up for a friendly competition that will help support three great causes in Airdrie over the next three months. You may have seen police organizations across North America lip syncing on YouTube. Our first responders have decided to take it one step further and engage in a three-month charity challenge to decide who will be lip syncing. Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and Airdrie Municipal Enforcement (AME) teamed up, slapped their cuffs on the table and challenged Airdrie Fire Department (AFD) and Alberta Health Services Emergency Medical
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G STORY BY
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FR OTOS BY
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Services (AHS EMS) to a Sirens Lip Sync Showdown: Battle for Airdrie. The Showdown will take place in November to January with a different challenge each month. But here is the best part of the challenge. The losers have to lip sync in a music video. RCMP Commander Kim Pasloske is encouraging you to support the RCMP/AME team. “We are really looking forward to contributing to the community. The reward at the end, watching the AFD/EMS video, will just be a bonus!” she says. “We understand the firefighters will have to miss nap time to do the video. We don’t mind if they film in their pajamas.”
SHARE THE JOY
Airdrie Lioness Christmas Hamper Program Essential to the community, this program supported 367 families (1,110 Airdrie citizens) in 2017.
WHAT YOU CAN GIVE: Hampers consist of non-perishable goods, toiletries and gifts/gift cards for all members of the family, size proportional to the number of family members. Fresh produce is provided as well, but the public/sponsors are not responsible for this portion. Children under 12 receive toys/gifts; children over 12 receive gift cards (or age-appropriate gifts if any are donated, like headphones), as do their parents. TOP-10 WISH LIST (NON-PERISHABLES): Canned soup, granola bars, macaroni and cheese, dry pasta, peanut butter, salad dressing, mayonnaise, ketchup, Stove Top stuffing and snack crackers. Gift/toys for kids eight to 12 can be the hardest to fill. The program receives plenty of dolls, but needs more Lego, family games such as Monopoly and Trivial Pursuit, trucks and vehicles for age six to 10, science kits, craft kits, etc. WHERE TO GIVE: Starting Nov. 27, bring your individual or full hamper donations directly to the depot (City of Airdrie’s old Fire Hall, Main Street south of Safeway). The depot is open for donations every day until mid-December. The rivalry is fierce but friendly as they pose for photos. Left: Stuart Brideaux, public education officer with AHS and EMS. Top: AFD Chief Kevin Weinberger and firefighter Matt Elgie. Above: Lynn Mackenzie, Airdrie Municipal Enforcement team lead, and Inspector Kim Pasloske, RCMP Commander Airdrie Detachment.
Says Fire Chief Kevin Weinberger: “We were very happy to accept the challenge from our protective services partners. Regardless of who wins this challenge (us, of course), the winner will be the community.” He adds, “When we dominate this challenge, we will get to pick the best song for the other team to perform in a great video. I could talk about donuts, extended coffee breaks and traffic tickets but I won’t stoop to that, because I already know AFD will win!” In November toy donations for Airdrie Lioness Christmas Hamper Program are the challenge, including a charity hockey game Nov. 24. Entry is a donated toy. In December both teams will collect food for Airdrie Food Bank. You can donate a non-perishable food item to one of our bins around the city. In January both teams want to help Canadian Blood Services top up the blood bank. Sign up and donate blood for the month and be on the lookout for special codes you can use after your donation to support one of the teams. At the end of January, results will be tallied and a song for the losing team will be chosen. Then it’s on to producing the lip sync video ... stay tuned Airdrie! life Corporal Gina Slaney is a community resource officer with the Airdrie RCMP
Airdrie Food Bank Christmas celebrations often focus on food; here’s how you can help. Donate to grocery store food bank bins, participate or host an event where food and donations can be collected, purchase a gift certificate in someone’s honour, or make a cash donation. Together let’s make Christmas brighter for those in need in our community. WHAT’S MOST NEEDED: Seasonal (Holiday) Items: Hams Stuffing Cranberries Chocolate treats WINTER ITEMS: Boxed cereal Pancake mix Syrup Sugar * Rice * Oats * Flour* Crackers Cookies Boxed and canned milk Coffee Tea Microwaveable or quick meals
Large dried soup Canned tomatoes Beans and legumes Jam and honey Feminine hygiene items Condiments Canned pasta Side dishes or meal kits (Rice-A-Roni, etc.) Baking items and cake mixes Sugar-free items (for diabetics) Condensed milk Cup-a-Soup *bulk packaging only (i.e.10-lb bags)
HOLIDAY HOURS: Dec. 24 – open 8:30 a.m. - noon Dec. 25-28 – closed Dec. 31 – open 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m Jan. 1 – closed
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G R E AT L I F E | E V E N TS
Holiday to-do list! DEC. 1-31 AIRDRIE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS Nose Creek Park Bring a cash donation and come out to see the spectacular light display at the Airdrie Festival of Lights. Open every night from 6-9 p.m. See the pull-out section in the middle of the magazine for all the info! DEC. 1 SANTA CLAUS PARADE Main Street Ring in the season with an Airdrie favourite: the Santa Claus Parade. Take in the lights, music and even see Santa himself! Road closures begin at 4:30 p.m.; parade begins at 5 p.m.
DEC. 1 HEATHER RANKIN PICTURE PERFECT CHRISTMAS Bert Church Theatre Heather Rankin’s Christmas Show: Picture Perfect Christmas includes a mixture of songs from her 2017 seasonal album Imagine, as well as favourites she performed with her sisters on their Christmas record more than 20 years ago. Admission $37; $35 for students and seniors. 7 p.m. DEC. 2 TREE OF HOPE Festival of Lights The Airdrie & District Hospice Society is hosting their Tree of Hope Lighting Ceremony 5 p.m.
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DEC. 7 TANNER JAMES - LOBBY SHOW Bert Church Theatre Enjoy this wonderful show in an intimate setting. Only 70 seats available for this performance! Tanner James is one of the last great Canadian storytellers who is proud to carry on the oral storytelling tradition. James is a songwriter who can move an audience around and make them laugh and cry within minutes. Admission $27. 7 p.m. DEC. 8 INTER-DENOMINATION CHRISTMAS CHOIR AND ORCHESTRA - BIRTHDAY OF THE KING Kingdom City Church (formerly Airdrie Alliance Church) The 9th Annual Inter-denomination Christmas Choir and Orchestra. A 50-voice choir with a 15-piece orchestra and 10 children singing. 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Visit airdriechoir.com
DEC. 14 FRED PENNER - CHRISTMAS SHOW Bert Church Theatre Penner brings his beloved music to Airdrie with a concert of the Christmas season for the whole family. Admission $26; $23 for students and seniors. 6:30 p.m. DEC. 16 THE AIRDRIE COMMUNITY CHOIR SINGFEST CONCERT Lutheran Church of the Master In support of the Airdrie Lioness Christmas Hamper program. Admission is a cash donation or an item for the hampers (food, gifts, toys, etc.). A lovely night of holiday music performed by the ACC and friends from Airdrie and surrounding community. Visit airdriecommunitychoir.org for details. 5:30 p.m.
DEC. 11 CP HOLIDAY TRAIN Nose Creek Park This year join Terri Clark, Kelly Prescott and Sierra Noble on the CP Holiday Train. Bring a food bank donation and join in on a wonderful night of holiday music. 5:45-6:45 p.m. DEC. 14 DERINA HARVEY BAND Bert Church Theatre Transport yourself to an East Coast kitchen party with the Derina Harvey Band, a Celtic rock group that offers music and storytelling with a side of humour. A great fit for all ages. Admission $27; $25 for students and seniors. 7:30 p.m.
W I N T E R 2018/19
DEC. 19 GMHS CHRISTMAS CONCERT George McDougall High School Join the junior and senior concert bands and the choir for a wonderful night of holiday music. 6:30 p.m. DEC. 31 NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS Ed Eggerer Park, East Lake Ring in the new year with the City of Airdrie’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks! 6:30 p.m.
WHAT’S ON IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY?
We’ve got a brand new events calendar at airdrielife.com Add your community event with a click of your mouse!
s k o o L r e t Win u o Y n o d Goo
STOREUPSTAIRS.CA
THE STORE UPSTAIRS 209 CENTRE AVE SW AIRDRIE
FIND US AT CROSSIRON MILLS
G R E AT L I F E | FAS H I O N
The Store Upstairs Jacket, Goldie; Bodysuit, Gentle Fawn; Sequin pants, Parasuco; Purse, Inzi
Seven Saints Boutique Jeans, Dex; Scarf, Moment by Moment; Sweater, Molly Bracken; Jacket, Soaked in Luxury; Purse, COLAB; Shoes, Free People
Wear WINTER Well We went shopping for great looks to get you through the darkest months of the year. Airdrie’s burgeoning fashion scene is a definite bright spot. See more and get close up online at airdrielife.com PLUS Join our A-LIST to win fabulous fashion gift cards!
The Store Upstairs Scarf, Gentle Fawn; Sweater, John & Jenn; Pants, Hot & Delicious; Boots, Kiss Kiss
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Melrose & Co Coat, C’est Moi; Jeans, Dex; Blouse, Cupcakes & Cashmere; Purse, Inzi; Boots, Kiss Kiss
My Secondhand Store Jacket, Curly Tweed; Dress, Jacob
Sullys Gortex mitts, Burton; Facemask hood, Gnarly Face; Jacket, WearColour Homage Anorak; Pants, Bridger INS; Snowboard boots, Vans Encore Pro
Guys need to look good, too: Sullys Beanie, Plenty Advice; Block jacket, WearColour; Gortex gloves, Burton MB; Articulated pants, Volcom; Boots, Vans Infuse
Ziva and Em
My Secondhand Store
Tunic and wide-leg pants, Joseph Ribkoff; Purses, Frank Lyman
Hoodie, Under Armour; Jeans, Aeropostale
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G R E AT L I F E | D I N I N G O U T
Bison striploin, Hayloft
Winter Flavours
Roasted pork belly, Hayloft
W
inter in Airdrie is a tasty affair. Our TASTEairdrie partners have delicious reasons for you to get off the couch and into a great dining experience – plus follow us on social media for weekly gift-card giveaways, dining-out incentives and the return of chocolate in February! Hayloft’s menu will continue to feature hyper-local ingredients: bison from HGB Ranch (Olds), ducks and chickens from Heart Rock Ranch (Carstairs), beef from Your Local Ranch (Airdrie), lamb from Lochend Dorpers Farm (Cochrane), pork from Blue Mountain Biodynamic Farms (Carstairs) and Bear and the Flower (Irricana), and cheese from Dancing Goats Farm (Acme). Prepare to be wowed by chef Jason Barton-Browne’s creations using local flavours. Share the warmth of Good Earth Coffeehouse with their new holiday drinks! Treat yourself to their Gingerbread Caffe Latte that’s topped with a delicious ginger cookie crumble. Espresso, real eggnog, and a dash of nutmeg creates their delightful Caramel Pecan Eggnog Latte. Flat white lovers – be prepared to indulge in their Caramel Pecan Flat White, with a perfect hint of caramel pecan that’s not too sweet. Like shortbread? Avenue Cakery and Bakeshoppe features more than 15 flavours for the upcoming holidays. Gingerbread cake, cupcakes and cookies and the hugely popular eggnog cookies are also back for Christmas parties. (Just a reminder the bakery is closed Dec. 24 to Jan. 7 – boy do they ever need the break after all that baking!) and they return to start prepping again to keep our sweet tooths satisfied. (Stay tuned for Valentine’s confections to melt everyone’s heart!)
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Bacon-wrapped pickles, Sorso
Sorso has the ‘something-for-everyone’ menu to enhance the palate. Using the freshest local and ethically sourced ingredients there are options for everyone and every occasion. Sorso (Italian: to sip) is famous for their wide variety of beverages. Everything from classic cocktails and new innovative cocktails, exceptional coffee and espresso-based beverages, trending local craft beers and an extensively unique wine list. Whether you’re looking for an intimate date night or a family friendly atmosphere, Sorso welcomes all! Check out their daily food and drink specials or drop in to enjoy some live music. Sorso is embedded in the Airdrie community and is very active in supporting and promoting a variety of local charities. Check out their website to learn more. Fitzsimmons Brewing Co. is celebrating their first “Year of Beer” and as a result they are releasing an Anniversary Saison which uses elements from all the beers they have brewed since opening – expect a light spicy and citrus finish. In December look for their new Belgium Dubbel, a traditional Abbey Ale style beer – very malt forward and high in alcohol. Come January enjoy the Cascadian Dark Ale – dark brown in colour with a light hoppy finish. Over at First & Vine expect Chef Mike to continue the magic in the kitchen – the daily take on flatbreads is always a culinary treat. Over the winter months warm your palate with Ed’s truffle honey fries, roasted squash hummus, duck fat potatoes with chile aioli, french onion cheese fondue, lamb sirloin, AAA Alberta beef sirloin or their famous PEI mussels with roasted red peppers.
10+ reasons to come in from the cold All Winter
Wine Wednesdays – half-price bottles at First & Vine and at Hayloft, or mix and match wine flights for $15 at Sorso $10 flatbreads – Thursdays at Hayloft and Fridays at Sorso PLUS live music every Saturday night at Sorso
December
Receive a FREE LATTE when you purchase a $25 gift card from Good Earth Coffeehouse in Creekside Crossing until Dec. 31, 2018 Grab a Beer Advent Calendar for $159 – 20 beers from Fitzsimmons BrewingWinter Co. and a Ad.pdf few extra1 2019 surprises to add up to 24 days before Christmas!
January
Wine, Hayloft Mushroom flatbread, Sorso
Hayloft’s Butcher Baker and Preserve Maker Board with two glasses of wine for only $35 FREE 3-oz growler with the purchase of two flights at Fitzsimmons Brewing Co. (two flights of minimum 3 x 5 ozs). One per customer. Does not include the growler fill
2018-10-
Airdrie
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Chocolate Crème Brulee with Hayloft Chocolate Martinis Sorso’s spicy Cayan Mocha hot chocolate Fitzsimmons Brewing Co. Dry Irish Stout paired with Skyfyre Bakery chocolate baked goods PLUS – check our social feeds every week for the latest specials, incentives and giveaways @tasteairdrie and @airdrielife
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WARMTH Purchase a $25 gift card, and get A FREE LATTE* *From now until December 31, 2018 at participating Good Earth Coffeehouses. Your choice of coffee, tea or any espresso-based beverage.
Canadian comfort food in the heart of downtown Airdrie. Vine & Dash Lunch Special Expanded Lunch & Sunday Brunch Menu
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403.980.WINE
Wine Bar & Bistro
136 1ST AVE NE AIRDRIE
@theavenuecakery
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6 - 620 1st Avenue NW 403.948.6331
FIRSTANDVINE.CA W I N T E R 2018/19
2017 OPEN TA
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G R E AT L I F E | C O L U M N
parentlife
WITH STACIE GAETZ
Creating connections with Christmas keepsakes
NOW IN AIRDRIE Unit 1007, 401 Coopers Boulevard SW 403-980-0550 Mathnasium.ca/Airdrie airdrie@mathnasium.com
“What if this is the year you start a new tradition that could knock some items off of that list while bringing your family closer together?�
Offering performing and visual arts programs for youth of all ages Activities include storytelling and acting, paint night and creative art classes. Also, check out our NEW birthday party packages! For information on programs, birthday parties and upcoming shows, visit thebertchurchtheatre.com
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C
hristmas is the most wonderful time of the year but for busy parents, it can also be the most hectic. When you have a to-do list as long as your arm, the holidays can be outright exhausting. What if this is the year you start a new tradition that could knock some items off of that list while bringing your family closer together? This holiday season you can save time and money, and share memories with your family, by creating keepsakes instead of filling stockings with only the latest trinkets from the store. A keepsake is simply something that is given to be kept as a memento and evokes powerful feelings. Sharing the story behind a beloved object that has been passed down through the family can build bonds across generations. It can be big or small, expensive or free; it’s anything that has a personal or emotional connection or story. Perhaps you have a piece of jewelry handed down to you from a parent, or a recipe for grandma’s perfect pie; whatever the item, wrap it and give it to your loved one, along with a printed story behind the keepsake. This encourages you to spend time together explaining the family connections and you’d be surprised how excited your kids will get when they hear that great grandpa was a fighter pilot or grandma used to be a ballerina. If you don’t already have a keepsake that you can share with your loved ones, there has never been a better time to make one. Photobooks with pictures and stories of your family throughout the past year are a wonderful way to capture memories and pass them down through generations. Your children can help you chose the photos for the book and submit them online. Why not spend some time together making ornaments with your children’s handprints, drawings or photographs on them? They are fun to create and make terrific gifts. This year put down your to-do list for a while and consider making memories and family connections with treasured keepsakes, new or old. life Stacie Gaetz loves to tell stories. She thoroughly enjoys her works as a freelance writer and co-owner of Sentiments Photobooks, but her real passion is for her daughter, 4, and son, 1.
P E O P L E W I L L S TA R E
M A K E I T W O RT H THEIR WHILE 403.912.0999 101-120 2ND AVE NE
AIRDRIEEYECARE.COM W I N T E R 2018/19
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G R E AT L I F E | F I T N E SS C H A L L E N G E
“These contestants are all working hard to make the weightloss challenge a productive journey with positive self-talk, healthy habits and a strong connection to their whys”
The airdrielife
FITNESS CHALLENGE
Half way there
O
ur three 2018 Fitness Challengers are making great strides in their goals to become healthier, active and fit. At the half-way point all three are making the challenge a personal win. Our coaches Deanna Bensler, Rachael Ingham and Lisa Kaluski with Orange Theory Fitness, Nicole Ferguson with Simply For Life and accountability coach Michelle Carre are equally enthused by the trio’s hard work ethic. “I am very proud of these three. I am really impressed with what they are doing for themselves, which is spilling over in a positive way at home and work,” says Ferguson. “They say life is a journey and it certainly is. These contestants are all working hard to make the weight-loss challenge a productive journey with positive self-talk, healthy habits and a strong connection to their whys,” says Carre. “Hearing them each adapt the eating program and workout regimes to best suit their individual needs is awesome. We’re all different and success comes from knowing what works best for you.” Stay tuned for the final results in the spring issue!
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CHRIS DICKINSON “Chris is thriving with the systems he’s learning. He seems to really like to know the why he is doing things and figures out the how and sticks to it. He is an inspiration to his coworkers as well. Chris is always open to suggestion and knows to stick with what’s working.” - Nicole Ferguson “Chris is doing exceptional, averaging five sessions a week. He did a 12-minute run for distance and made the OTF leader board in the studio. He participated in the Dri Tri Full (out of his comfort zone), and signed up for Hell Week, too. Chris realizes this is a journey not a destination. His attitude is always positive and he will ask questions when needed.” - Lisa Kaluski WEIGHT Right arm Left arm Chest Upper waist Waist Hips Thigh
177.2 - 24.8 LBS LOST! 12.9” 13” 38” 31” 32” 40” 20.5”
DUPLEXES $340
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LESS MORTGAGE Discover why King’s Heights is one of the most affordable communities in Airdrie, while still offering homes made using the highest quality materials and designs. It’s a community where the natural beauty of the country meets all the amenities of the big city. Choose a different kind of life. Choose King’s Heights.
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SINGLE FAMILY S HOMES AIRDRIE’S BEST VALUE STARTING FROM THE
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G R E AT L I F E | F I T N E SS C H A L L E N G E
AMBER JENSEN
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“Amber just GLOWS from the inside out. She radiates healthy living every time I see her. She comes to our meetings with great questions and always has a positive attitude to try something new, like swap out an afternoon coffee with a green tea instead!” - Nicole Ferguson
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“Amber is doing awesome. She has a very positive mindset and is always excited to work out. She mentioned (recently) she had plateaued and the weight wasn’t moving anywhere, up or down. I just encouraged her and said to keep moving forward, doing what she is doing, and the changes will come. She is strong and determined!” - Rachael Ingham Weight 171.4 - 16.6 lbs LOST! Right arm 12.1” Left arm 12” Chest 39” Upper waist 32.5” Waist 34.1” Hips 39” Thigh 22”
LAURA BRAUER “Laura has made huge improvements in her health in this program so far. She has proven that she has learned what nourishing her body means. Her family is benefiting from her knowledge as well. Laura has changed her body for the better and has no signs of stopping!” - Nicole Ferguson “Laura is doing great. She’s motivated and really doing well. My next goal with Laura is to turn her from a power walker to a jogger and she has really embraced that challenge. The long-term plan is for her to run her first five kilometre race next summer. I told her I’d run it with her. She is doing so good and I’m really proud of her! Laura understands it will be a lifelong change, not just a quick fix, and she is making that happen. - Deanna Bensler Weight 243 lbs - 28 lbs LOST! Right arm 13” Left arm 14” Chest 47.5” Upper waist 44” Waist 43” Hips 48.5” Thigh 24”
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homelife
IDEAS AND ADVICE FOR YOUR HOME, INSIDE AND OUT
Airdrie Grows 48 | Showhomes Shine 54 | 2019 Trends 59
H O M E L I F E | D E V E LO P M E N T Don Barrineau, Alberta president for Mattamy Homes
BUILDING COMMUNITY STORY BY MARIO TONEGUZZI | PHOTO BY SERGEI BELSKI
A
irdrie has become the land of opportunity in recent years for residential developers and homebuilders as the real estate industry has taken advantage of the city’s burgeoning growth. A quick look at some statistics point out clearly why Airdrie has become the place to be for those homebuilders and developers. The city continues to be one of the fastest-growing communities in Alberta and Canada. Over the past five years, Airdrie has experienced an average annual growth rate of 7.48 per cent. Its population in 2018 is 68,091. The growth has been stunning. In 1977, Airdrie’s population sat at 2,265 and then started to soar, reaching 10,461 in 1987, 16,732 in 1997 and 31,512 in 2007.
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That rapid pace of growth has drawn the attention of residential land developers and homebuilders. Airdrie now offers a variety of choices for homebuyers. Housing prices have remained stable over the past several years and Airdrie continues to offer a slightly more affordable environment over neighbouring Calgary. The number of dwelling units in Airdrie has grown from 18,632 in 2013 to 24,407 in 2017, and city projections have growth forecast to hit 34,484 dwelling units in 2028 and 41,193 in 2035. As in sports, numbers always tell the story and the reality when it comes to the real estate industry and those numbers point to confidence in the future as Airdrie continues to be the place to be for homeowners – and of course the real estate and construction industry.
#shopcanada Fulton’s Home Hardware is your number one choice for your home and garden needs, but did you also know we are your number one source for Made in Canada and even Alberta-sourced products? Our lumber comes from Canadian companies; Spray Lakes Sawmills, AFA Forest Products, Mclean Lumber and McIlveen Lumber. Our Beauti-Tone paint products are rated Canada’s best paints and are made in the village of Burford, Ontario. From building your home to decorating it, we are your local choice!
Happy Hippo Bath Co – family made in Sylvan Lake, Alberta these whimsical and high-quality products are perfect stocking stuffers!
Strong and Free – Stanfield’s
Purest Home Essentials -
each product is lovingly created with their own unique scent. The cleaners are infused with Essential Oils, creating products that work and smell great but are refined in a healthy responsible manner.
Sterling Candle – these Canadian candles contain something a bit extra – rings, necklaces or bracelets in sterling silver or other precious metals. Natural soy wax keeps these treasures hidden until you melt it!
Burgundy Oak made famous on Dragon’s Den, these gorgeous furniture and décor pieces remain true to their whiskey and wine barrel origins. All handcrafted in Calgary, Alberta and now available at our store!
Walton’s Wood Farm –“Men Don’t Stink and Women Smell Pretty”, Walton’s makes high quality gifts for hard to buy for men and women. This collection of bath soaps, salts, cream and men’s grooming products are 100% Canadian and 100% fun.
teamed with Strong and Free to create an exclusive Canadian range of casual apparel. Emblazoned with passionate statements that share what it means to be Canadian – this is fashion to be proud of!
Kienna Coffee Roasters – the reusable KiennaCUP is manufactured right in Airdrie! Designed to let Keurig branded single use machine users to have 100% biodegradable coffee pods. We carry the full line of coffee and filters. Saving the environment never tasted so good!
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“We love Airdrie. In fact, I live in one of our homes out there,” says Don Barrineau, Alberta president for Mattamy Homes. “That’s how much we love it. Our original acquisition and community in Alberta was the Windsong community and we built just over 2,000 homes (there). We like to call it community building; not just homebuilding. “We’ve continued from there and immediately south and adjacent to that parcel in the community we’re calling Southwinds now. We’re probably 1,200 homes complete into what will be another 2,000 homes there. And then we recently purchased a large parcel immediately west and abutting Southwinds to the west.” Mattamy began in Airdrie in 2009 and Barrineau says the city has exploded in population since then and amenities have followed suit. “It’s close and it’s an affordable alternative. Land is not as expensive (as Calgary). We sell the same plan versus the city of Calgary community for $50,000 to $70,000 less in Airdrie…. We love being up there and we’ve got our eye on more land. We plan to be there for a long time.” That sentiment is echoed by a wide variety of homebuilders and residential land developers who have made Airdrie home over the years to take advantage of the city’s spectacular growth. The names are a who’s who of the real estate industry including Brookfield Residential, Shane Homes, Slokker Homes, Melcor Developments, Excel Homes, WestMark, Qualico Communities, Vesta Properties and Genesis Builders Group to name a few. Shane Homes is currently building houses in the communities of Midtown and Hillcrest. Brookfield Residential is a developer and homebuilder in the Chinook Gate community, building laned and duplex homes – its first project in Airdrie. Vesta has a new master-planned site called Southpoint, its third in the city following Willow Brook and Williamstown. Melcor has been involved in King’s Heights. It has three other significant land holdings with construction to start this spring. Genesis is in three different areas – Bayview, Bayside and Newport. WestMark is developing Cooper’s Crossing. Excel is building in Hillcrest, Chinook Gate and Midtown. Apex is developing Hillcrest and Midtown. Qualico is developing Ravenswood. Slokker is building in Canals and Georgetown. Kent Rupert, Airdrie Economic Development team leader, says Airdrie is in a really fortunate position of having a young population and
different housing options available now for all demographics. Justin Castelino, marketing manager of Brookfield, says the developer and homebuilder is finding that what resonates well with many people is the affordability and bigger lot sizes found in Airdrie compared with Calgary. “What we saw in Airdrie first off was just a great opportunity, with the land that we’re developing being adjacent to the Chinook Winds Park, which is such an incredible amenity for the entire City of Airdrie,” says Castelino. “Airdrie itself has a lot of promise. It’s growing strong. There’s a really great entrepreneurial spirit in Airdrie.”
“We like to call it community building; not just homebuilding” Jamie Ivey, Hillcrest area manager for Shane Homes, says that with the downturn in the economy in recent years, homebuyers are seeing a great affordable alternative with properties in Airdrie. “Pricing of the land is quite a bit cheaper,” he says. “There are also bigger lots.” Graeme Melton, vice-president, Community Development Division - Calgary Region at Melcor, says Airdrie has been a very strong market for the land developer in the Calgary census metropolitan area. “There’s definitely an affordability inducement to go out there,” he says. “They do work hard. They’ve got a very collaborative approach with the industry and always have. I think it’s just really built into their culture.” AJ van der Linden, sales manager for Vesta Properties, says Airdrie has been the fastest growing city in Alberta over recent years. “A lot of good things have been happening here,” says van der Linden. And it’s the reason why land developers and homebuilders continue to seek opportunities in Airdrie, which is becoming the place to be in Alberta. life
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Is your window lonely?
WOW YOUR WINDOW MAKEOVER!
It’s our 50th issue &
YOU WIN
WIN!
all the prizes!
$500 in product from Budget Blinds $250 design consult from Aurora Decor
We’ve got an amazing selection of gifts to be won from
$25 to $500!!
Send us a photo from inside a room where the window needs ahem, a little window dressing! Our judging panel will select one lucky entry . Winner must agree to have before and after photos shared in print and online. Deadline to submit your entry is Jan 15, 2019. Enter online at airdrielife.com/contests/
First Baby of the Year Contest!
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50 50 prizes issues
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Melody Drummond, our 2018 first baby of the year The first Airdrie baby born in 2019 wins a bundle of great prizes including: $450 newborn portrait session with Images by Joanne $250 gift basket from Pharmasave on Centre $250 gift card for housecleaning from Pink Wand A one-month pass to F45 Training An exclusive “cover” of airdrielife Complete details online at airdrielife.com
THREE WAYS TO ENTER:
1 Watch for daily giveaways on Instagram and Facebook 2 Enter our feature online contests at airdrielife.com 3 Join the a-list for exclusive prizes like a $500 giftcard for CrossIron Mills!
a-list exclusive draw for a Burgundy Oak handcrafted side table As seen on Dragon’s Den
Prizes from: Avenue Cakery & Bakeshoppe Aurora Decor Budget Blinds Burgundy Oak Byoode Bar CrossIron Mills First & Vine Fitzsimmons Brewery F45 Training Good Earth Hayloft Restaurant Home Hardware Images by Joanne Mane Image Nerds on Site Orangetheory Fitness Pharmasave on Centre Pink Wand Rein Forth Equine Seven Saints Sorso Smart Auto Sullys The Hair Lounge The Store Upstairs Ziva & Em
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H O M E L I F E | B E ST O F S H OW
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Showhome Savvy We’ve rounded up some of the best home design ideas, thanks to Airdrie builders. Visit these showhomes in person to get inspired to buy a new home, build, renovate or redecorate!
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THE STORE UPSTAIRS
! t s i l their 5 KITCHENS THAT COOK 1. The Aspen End by Mattamy: This two-toned kitchen featuring quartz countertops, textured backsplash, glass cabinet doors and built-in appliances is the perfect backdrop for entertaining. Forego the dining table and host at the island with the rounded breakfast bar that provides plenty of additional counterspace. Can you believe this is a townhome? Visit sales centre at 907 Windsong Dr. SW 2. The Hadley by Harder Homes: This kitchen is the focal point of the home, designed to bring families together time and time again. The open-concept design, oversized island and large dining nook provide ample seating space for guests and family. A chef’s dream, this kitchen is equipped with high-end appliances, plenty of counter space and cabinetry as well as a functional butler’s pantry. 1217 Cooper’s Dr. SW 3. The Preston 2 Corner Attic by Southpoint (Vesta): With a spacious centre island surrounded by all the right amenities – modern flat-panel cabinets; handset, designer-selected full-tile backsplash; convenient storage (even full-depth cabinets over the fridge); and premium stainless-steel appliances – you are going to love when someone asks “What’s for dinner?” 305 Southpoint Green SW 4. The Lily by Genesis Builders: Genesis Builders are feeling blue, not sad – the colour! They’ve taken a trendy design element and added an oversized blue island to their chef-inspired kitchen in Bayview. With lightly coloured quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances, this kitchen is as beautiful as it is functional. 58 Bayview Cir. SW 5. Strangford Lough IV by McKee Homes: The heart of the home is found in the kitchen and this home beats with a pulse filled with the love and laughter of family and friends. The thoughtfully designed layout includes a large island; functional beverage centre; stately white cabinetry embraced by fresh quartz countertops; endless storage; and an inviting feeling that can’t be beat. 1225 Cooper’s Dr. SW
s ✓Game les ✓Puzz ts ✓Swee s ✓Book es ✓Cloth lery ✓Jewe s ✓Craft ✓Hats ✓Mitts ich ✓Schle e Boos ✓Beani obil ✓Playm ✓Lego
STOREUPSTAIRS.CA 209 CENTRE AVE SW AIRDRIE
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1 2 3 4 ENSUITE BLISS 1. The Hadley by Harder Homes: The ensuite in this home is bright, spacious and inviting. With a large oversized soaker tub, walk-in tiled steam shower and built-in speaker system, it’s easy to escape the everyday and enjoy a spa-like experience. His-and-her sinks, granite countertops and a dedicated makeup vanity desk add to the appeal of this ensuite. 1217 Cooper’s Dr. SW 2. The Garnet by Mattamy: Experience at-home luxury with this fourpiece bath oasis featuring double sinks, shower with rainfall showerhead, and a jetted soaker tub. Surrounded by calming colours, marble countertops and a built-in vanity tower, it’s the perfect combination to make morning routines easy and evenings relaxing. Visit sales centre at 907 Windsong Dr. SW 3. The Preston 2 Corner Attic by Southpoint (Vesta): With a deep soaker tub surrounded by handset tiles, your ensuite is sweet. With elegant
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Delta chrome faucets, modern flat-panel cabinets and stylish countertops, this private master ensuite also features a deluxe shower and full-width vanity. 305 Southpoint Green SW 4. The Clover by Genesis Builders: Finishes in this gorgeous ensuite include full-height mirrors, oversized tile flooring and a gorgeous hex-patterned backsplash tile that goes all the way to the ceiling. Featuring two separate vanities, a walk-in shower and a beautifully tiled soaker tub – escape the madness of the everyday hustle and bustle and relax. 62 Bayview Cir. SW 5. The Carlingford R Tandem by McKee Homes: Retreat from the chaos of a busy day to this spa-like ensuite. The large freestanding tub and tiled shower are not only showpieces but also places to soak away your worries. Add in his-and-her sinks, a massive walk-in closet, and a vaulted ceiling and this ensuite is more than just functional; it is also a bright, relaxing space. 1347 Bayside Dr. SW
THE STORE UPSTAIRS
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THE WOW FACTOR 1. The Garnet Split Level by Mattamy: The Garnet’s unique split-level plan offers plenty of space to entertain with 2,200 square feet among two-and-a-half storeys. The home feels spacious and open as each level is exposed to the next with exquisite maple railing and vaulted ceilings; a design element built right into your home. Visit sales centre at 907 Windsong Dr. SW 2. The Strangford Lough IV Basement by McKee Homes: Kids young and old alike will want to hang out in this super fun family space. Add a little thrill to family game night and host your own pool and poker tournament with pop and chips close at hand in the handy wet bar. For those tamer nights cuddle up in front of the fire and watch a movie on the big screen. 1225 Cooper’s Dr. SW 3. The Preston 2 Corner Attic by Southpoint (Vesta): This showhome features a unique attic space, adding to the charm and functionality of the home. At 680 square feet, it includes a large flex area, four-piece bathroom and a fourth bedroom with a walk-in closet and balcony – a master bedroom hideaway or the kid’s playroom? The possibilities are endless. 305 Southpoint Green SW 4. The Hadley by Harder Homes: This basement has something for everyone. Enjoy a quiet conversation by the wet bar, a family games night in the recreation room, or popcorn and a movie in the tiered theatre room with those you love the most! A separate retreat from the rest of the home, this basement is also perfect for company with a private guest room and full four-piece bathroom. 1217 Cooper’s Dr. SW 5. The Clover by Genesis Builders: The ultimate entertainment space has been achieved with this new bungalow model. The Clover show home is a walk out that backs onto the Canals in Bayview. With a basement development that features a wet bar, a huge entertainment space, a den and TWO bedrooms, you’ll never have to go upstairs. 62 Bayview Cir. SW life
ion ✓Fash r ✓Deco es ✓Purs ✓Bags lery ✓Jewe s ✓Shoe Bombs ✓Bath Lotion ✓Body ✓Hats ty ✓Novel ✓Mugs s ✓Game s ✓Book
STOREUPSTAIRS.CA 209 CENTRE AVE SW AIRDRIE
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MORTGAGE SOLUTIONS
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HOMELIFE| COLUMN
THE STORE UPSTAIRS
TOP 5
DESIGN TRENDS
FOR 2019
! t s i l his
H
ome decor is, or should be, a reflection of those who live in that home. Consequently, trends in decorating are only as extreme as the parties involved can agree upon. Trends don’t necessarily have to be daring. The longlasting trends, like anything good, become more refined with time. Popular trends seem to morph into new and creative versions of the original trend. Check out these top five design trends that I’m noticing.
designlife
WITH KIM PURVIS
Gold: here for the long haul It does such a great job of warming up a space and still brings a touch of class to the room. Once upon a time brass was everywhere and
here we are some 20 years later trying desperately to infuse a contemporary version into everything from jewelry to home accessories and light fixtures. The current trend is toward more of a distressed or industrial version of the brass of old; however, the polished gold metal is certainly popping up more and more.
“Isn’t it amazing when a piece of art or furniture evokes a feeling inside you?” Swivel chairs Something practical AND beautiful will always find a way to work itself back into the mainstream. Around the time of brass, kitchen chairs were often swivel chairs, something I remember my parents regretting. So much entertainment was found in spinning in circles or racing down the hall with the wheeled swivel chairs. Recently we’re seeing more contemporary-styled swivel chairs, albeit stationary, for the living room. With the common floor plan being open concept, swivel chairs between the two spaces
✓Saxx . ock Co S y a d i ✓Fr ✓Puma gear ✓NHL gear ✓NFL kits ✓Shave ers ✓Slipp ts ✓Walle ic Tees ✓Graph ✓Hats ty ✓Novel ✓Mugs s ✓Game s ✓Book are ✓Barw
STOREUPSTAIRS.CA 209 CENTRE AVE SW AIRDRIE
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HOMELIFE| COLUMN allows for convenient conversation between the cook and those watching the game.
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Velvet fabrics Velvet is a classic fabric, used in fashion and ornate furniture for centuries. Modern furniture with lush velvet in clean lines is an indulgent trend. Velvet isn’t the most forgiving or cost-effective fabric, but it really does add a beautiful texture and elegance to any space. Pillows would be a great way to introduce this trend without committing to a larger investment piece. Of course there are faux versions of velvet readily available, as well. Architectural detail Particularly in a young city like Airdrie, where new builds are the norm, it’s common to see intentional infusions of architectural detail that an older home might naturally have. Shiplap, barn wood and vaulted or coffered ceilings seem to be the most common. The interesting thing is that these trends have been around for a few years, so now we’re seeing a reinvention of the applications. This includes unique locations of shiplap, patterned installs of the barn wood, or the addition of beams to the vaulted ceilings in drywall or reclaimed wood. Original artwork and furniture We have a huge assortment of local home decor stores that carry a wide variety of replicated art, furniture and wall decor. There’s always a place for cost-effective and beautiful art and furniture throughout a home. Not every piece needs to hold significant meaning or value. But isn’t it amazing when a piece of art or furniture evokes a feeling inside you? It’s particularly great when a special piece in our home allows us to share with our guests a pleasant memory or anecdote around the purchase or creator of said art. Original artwork does not necessarily mean spending large sums of money on a piece by a famous and established artist or brand. I think the trend might even be better described as a need for a unique design aesthetic. The DIY craze has liberated folks to a point that it’s really common to see people tackle building and designing furniture themselves or creating one-of-a-kind pieces of art. The true success in embracing a trend is finding a balance of what actually works in your home and for your lifestyle. Not every trend works for every home. life Decorator Kim Purvis, owner of Aurora Decor, is pursuing her lifelong passion of creating beautiful home spaces
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“We recycle, reuse and reinvent.”
(403) 960-3070
“My Second Hand Store is helping keep stuff out of the landfills and give Airdrians an opportunity to recycle their old stuff,” says Morrison.
mysecondhandstore.com
mys eco
My S Han econd d St ore
ndh
“It’s brand name clothing at a fraction of the price,” says co-owner and operator Dallas Morrison. The clothing includes out of season stock from retailers, as well as items from customers who brought in garments with the tags still on them. The high-end items will be available for shipping anywhere in the world. The discounted deals are matched by great generosity, as for every piece of clothing sold off their website, MSHS will donate a second item to Esther’s Wish. Esther moved to Airdrie from New Guinea, where her parents operate an orphanage. She travels back every couple of months, and is now collaborating with Morrison to fill a shipping container with clothing for families in need. “We’re hoping that with the growth of our website, there will be a growth of her organization,” says Morrison. In MSHS’s Airdrie retail location sensible shoppers get a win-win-win experience.
and
stor e.co
m
109 Gateway Dr NE #3105, Airdrie
My Second Hand Store (MSHS) is Airdrie’s source for sustainable shopping stepping out on a global scale. The newly launched website mysecondhandstore.com is the online hub for shoppers to buy second-hand clothes in new condition, still with the tags on.
The 23-year-old businessman and childhood cancer survivor has the core value of giving back to the community. Morrison is thankful for consignors, donors and the community. In light of his gratitude, consignors receive 40 per cent of their item’s sale, while 40 per cent of revenue from donated items goes to local charities like the Boys & Girls Club of Airdrie, Community Links and the Salvation Army and the Airdrie Food Bank. In their first year of operation, they’ve given $1,500 to the Food Bank alone. MSHS has multiple points avenues for purchasers to check out the variety of items they sell. Locals can visit the store at 3105 109 Gateway Drive to browse through clothing, dining and living room furniture, home decor, accessories and antiques. MSHS also posts items on Facebook to MySecondhandStore.com’s Online Auction and their business page.
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housinglife
To decorate or not to decorate
WITH MICHELLE CARRE
W
hen you have your home on the market, it can be a tough question to answer. Let me preface my opinion with – I LOVE CHRISTMAS! One thing that I think is really important when you are selling your home is still trying to live a normal life. I don’t like suggestions that ask you to take down everything; a home is filled with people and it should feel warm. When it comes to the holidays, if your family celebrates Christmas or Hanukkah or anything else and you typically decorate your home, you should still do it even if it’s on the market. However … yes, there’s a but … don’t go overboard. If you’re full-on Griswolds you may need to tone it down. Generally when I talk to clients about decluttering I tell them to take away about half of the items, so when you’re decorating for holidays, you may want to put out half of what you normally would.
“If you’re full-on Griswolds you may need to tone it down” Also, keep in mind, people will still be looking at your house. If you have a lot of intricate or breakable items, it may be better to leave them packed up until next year to ensure they don’t get damaged. Don’t feel pressured to be all Martha Stewart either. Your tree doesn’t have to look like the pages of a magazine; old Christmas decorations with obvious glue chunks always bring a sense of nostalgia. If you have a real tree, make sure you clean up after it so things look tidy. I also think the gentle glow of Christmas lights can be very inviting. Note that I said gentle glow – not mind-numbing blinking! It’s a season of celebration and I don’t think you should feel any less celebratory just because your house is for sale. life
See ad page 38 See ad page 3
See ad page 3
Harder Homes and McKee Homes See ad page 104
Michelle Carre is a real estate professional with The Carre Group
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Hillcrest by Apex featuring McKee Homes, Shane Homes and Mattamy Homes See ad page 4
See ad page 38
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See ad page 2
Kings Heights by Melcor featuring Homes by Avi and McKee Homes See page 45
Midtown by Shane Communities and Apex featuring Shane Homes. See ad page 7 featuring McKee Homes See ad page 21
See page 15 See ad page 5
worklife
MEET THE MOVERS, SHAKERS AND BUSINESS MAKERS
10 Years 66 | Smart Starters 68 | Award Worthy 74
WORKLIFE | COLUMN
Supporting Local Art, Artists and Art Culture in Airdrie & Surrounding Areas • CLASSES • PAINT NIGHT • BUSINESS ART SHOWCASES • GUEST SPEAKERS • RANDOM ARTS OF KINDNESS • COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT • ART SHOW & SALES AND MORE...
To become a member or for more info find us at
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WITH KENT RUPERT
C
ongratulations airdrielife on its 50th issue. Hard to believe Frog Media and Airdrie Economic Development created a partnership 15 years ago to promote and market everything Airdrie has to offer … the beginning of airdrielife! Like the City of Airdrie, airdrielife certainly has seen major changes over the years and because it has been able to change with the times, it has been recognized as a top-quality publication provincially and nationally. It has been fun to see the magazine evolve from just a few pages into the community pride piece that it is today. As a publication, it has kept up with the trends and changes to ensure that it is always at the top of its game. Did you know originally there were two magazines, AirdrieLIFE and AirdrieWORKS? Frog Media quickly adapted and now promotes Airdrie quality of life and celebrates local businesses all in one magazine. We have all heard the saying “Change is the only constant in life.” While I always liked the quote I never really knew who said it, so I changed things up and went to my new information source Alexa. She told me that Heraclitus, the pre-Socractic Greek philosopher, used the phrase to talk about the need to expect change and plan for change in all areas of our lives. airdrielife has certainly done that. Change is exciting and is all around us. It is coming at us faster than it has ever before in history. Whether it’s around changes to technology, world population, global economy, politics or even how we communicate, it’s hitting us from all sides. Look at all the ways we give and receive information now. Fifteen years ago there was barely such a thing as social media. Fifteen years ago we received most of our news through print, radio and television. Nowadays we can get all our communications, news, sports and entertainment, and even flight schedules in the palm of our hands. Did you know that the cell phone was first introduced in 1983 and it is estimated that by 2019, 67 per cent of the entire world population will own a cell phone? That will be over five billion cell phones allowing us to connect with each other and to information. This one technology has come so far in just 35 years and now allows us to communicate and share information with others on a scale that wouldn’t have been imaginable previously. Despite all this new technology, I personally still enjoy picking up a good book or scrolling through a print copy of airdrielife. It’s still fun to flip the pages and see friends and Airdrie businesses showing us what they love to do best, what their passions are and how the community comes together. That is what makes Airdrie so great. And airdrielife helps us celebrate that greatness. It’s also sometimes nice to just put down the technology and read a good magazine! Thank you airdrielife for sharing and celebrating what makes Airdrie such a great place to live. life Kent Rupert is Economic Development team leader with the City of Airdrie
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Tooth Pals Pediatric Dentistry is a new specialty dental clinic that is the first of its kind in Airdrie. Dr. Christine Bell is hoping this facility will fill the need of a pediatric dental home for Airdrie’s young families with children.
Baby teeth can be present from about six months of age until a child is 11-14 years old. “It is very important to treat baby teeth when they have a cavity,” says Dr. Bell. “An untreated cavity will get worse, and eventually cause pain, infection and possibly cause damage to the developing adult tooth under it.” When a baby tooth is infected, it needs to be removed. This may lead to space loss, which means the teeth shift and block space for the developing adult tooth. “The child may need braces later to allow the adult teeth to grow in properly,” says Dr. Bell, noting that addressing problems early can be less expensive in the long run. Diagnosing cavities when they’re small also allows for minor, quicker and easier appointments for the child.
“I love children, and I love helping them feel more comfortable in a dental setting,” says Dr. Bell, who practiced as a pediatric dentist in Calgary for the past 11 years and is happy to now be working in a solo practice on her own. She has a nine-year-old daughter who benefits from specialized dental care, and treats all children who come through her office as her own.
No referrals are necessary, so parents can book appointments directly with the office. Many behavior guidance techniques and nitrous oxide sedation, otherwise known as laughing gas, can be used at the Tooth Pals location if indicated. However, if a child needs a dental surgery, Dr. Bell has access to an anaesthesiology team and surgical centres offsite. Dr. Bell’s goal is to provide quality comprehensive dental care to her patients and help children be comfortable in a dental setting.
The Canadian Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends the first dental visit to be no later than 12 months of age. Baby teeth are important for many reasons. “They help children eat well, speak clearly and allow adult teeth to grow in properly by holding space for them,” says Dr. Bell.
Call Tooth Pals Pediatric Dentistry to book an appointment today! 403-774-7196 | 501, 401 Cooper’s Blvd SW, Airdrie, AB T4B 4J3 | www.toothpals.ca
O ST
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W O R K L I F E | ST R AT E G Y
RY BY M AR IO TO N EG Z UZ I
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irdrie’s new economic strategy is aimed at tapping into the city’s potential as the place to be for business and talent in Western Canada. By 2028, the new strategy, which was launched in October, says Airdrie has the foundational pieces in place to shift the tax base by focusing on attracting new industries and growing existing businesses to support residents’ needs. “It’s no secret that Airdrie is a fantastic community,” says Kent Rupert, Airdrie Economic Development team leader. “This strategy is about embracing what makes Airdrie great and building on our vast potential. We want to ensure we have a stable and sustainable economy while still maintaining our community’s good quality of life in the years ahead — that’s what this work is all about.” The strategy, themed Tapping into Airdrie’s Potential, has three main objectives: making the city right for business by retaining and growing Airdrie businesses and attracting new investment; making Airdrie the place to be by drawing visitors, entrepreneurs and the best talent to the city; and highlighting the city as a connected community by capitalizing on Airdrie’s location and future technologies.
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“This plan provides the opportunity to attract and support the best and brightest talent, entrepreneurs, businesses and visitors to Airdrie,” says Mayor Peter Brown. “Providing such opportunities for people to achieve their dreams is something we strive for every day.” Rupert says Airdrie officials felt it was time to update the city’s economic strategy looking at the next rendition of how it moves economic development forward in the community. Consultations were held with businesses and citizens. “We ended up looking at it not from an economic development perspective but from an economics perspective as well as a place-making perspective because nowadays a lot of people will move to where they want to live and then they’ll figure out their jobs or their career and their business – especially the Millennials,” he says. “That’s sort of the fundamental. People want to live where they want to live and sometimes they’ll find their jobs afterward. We’ve done very well in Airdrie in growing residential and creating a place to be and also growing the commercial and industrial side. So we want to make sure we don’t sort of sit back.
“We want to ensure we have a stable and sustainable economy while still maintaining our community’s good quality of life in the years ahead ” We want to make sure that people continue to want to move here even as we continue to grow.” Rupert says the vision is to build on the strengths in place already in the city – its ‘small-town’ feel; its entrepreneurial ambition; and its superior location near the Queen Elizabeth II Highway and only minutes away from Calgary. “We have to make sure we enhance community spaces and amenities. We’re a young community. So hosting more events. One of the things we continuously heard from both businesses and residents is what they love about Airdrie is the small-town feel,” he says. “And as we continue to grow, how do we maintain that small-town feel, and really it’s around gathering places, it’s around events, it’s bringing the community together so that they get to know their neighbours and they get to know each other in the business community. “That leads into densifying and enlivening our downtown. We’re currently doing a downtown redevelopment strategy. We just hired a new tourism person. So we’re looking at tourism for Airdrie for the first time in many, many years.” Airdrie has seen stunning population growth over the last few years and the economic strategy is the next step for the city as it continues its evolution. “I think we can do two things. Ensuring that we continue to build our economy. So bringing in new technologies, new industrial, new commercial. But it’s also at the same time ensuring that we maintain the quality of life that people love about Airdrie,” says Rupert. “I think the most exciting thing for us is that this is a corporate strategy. It’s not a departmental strategy. It’s a City of Airdrie corporate strategy and we will be relying on all our partners; whether it be council, whether it be community partners like the Chamber, Bow Valley College, the Airdrie AirPark and then also internally, different departments will be working on different strategies to make sure we get the outcomes that we need and it focuses us all in the same direction.” life
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Smart-minded WORKLIFE |ENTREPRENEURS
PHOTOS BY KRISTY REIMER | ILLUSTRATIONS BY LIA GOLEMBA
In our final roundup of SMARTstart 2018 profiles we meet seven more entrepreneurs and their mentors. Designed and delivered by Airdrie Chamber of Commerce, City of Airdrie Economic Development and Community Futures Centre West, the non-profit program offers tools, training, mentorship and business planning to a new group of entrepreneurs each year.
Entrepreneur: Debbie Gibbs (See photo page 63) Age: 53 Business: Healing Market (idea) Tell us more about your business and how the idea came about: A centre that offers a variety of alternative health methods to complement mainstream medical services; a team approach to healing by practitioners working and supporting each other in a co-operative setting. Some of my life experiences that led me to this idea: a health crisis, experiencing different modalities, appreciation of individual diversity and health needs, my dad’s journey through regular cancer treatment and my desire to create a diverse healing team offering options locally, in one place. What ignited the spark to start your business/ become an entrepreneur? Becoming an entrepreneur is not a new concept to me, but going forth with this business idea is. What sparked it for me was my dad’s death; the thought I might die without going for it. I have also gained some freedom of time, since my kids have reached an age of independence, giving me the ability to dedicate time. Mentor: Gary Armstrong Age: 59 Business: Empowered Employee Education Years in business: 9 About my business and my role: I am the president of Empowered Employee Education where I help organizations improve the personal side of business, building strength in leadership, supervision, interpersonal communications, conflict resolution and negotiation.
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Entrepreneur: Dean Constantini Age: 48 Business: Derivation Wellness Tell us more about your business and how the idea came about: After a lengthy medical career in the Canadian Forces and the oil and gas industry, I was laid off, resulting in my return to school in the pursuit of a new career that kept me in the medical field. Massage therapy allowed me such an opportunity. I chose Derivation Wellness at its meaning of returning to origin is what my clients are looking for – returning to original health. What ignited the spark to start your business/become an entrepreneur? I had been through several downturns in the oil and gas industry and decided that I did not want anyone deciding when I was in a position to generate an income for my family. Mentor: Wendy Bates Age: 45 Business: The Hair Lounge Inc. Years in business: 9 About my business and my role: I own a very busy hair salon in the heart of Airdrie, in a house. I have 20 employees and love working with the public and keeping Airdrie beautiful.
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Entrepreneur: Braeden Turnbull Age: 22 Business: Dynamic Laser Industries (idea) Tell us more about your business and how the idea came about: While running Hero-on Apparel I started to research Canadian-based apparel producers; I could not find any. When traveling to California to look at the possibility of becoming an apparel drop shipper, I was introduced to laser cutting and marking. Though it was a very different idea … the possibilities for a new laser machine were endless. And now we are excited to start our new business adventure! What ignited the spark to start your business/ become an entrepreneur? I have always wanted to start a business. I love the constant challenges and problem solving associated with business practice. It also challenges you to grow as a person and to constantly be learning. Mentor: Kelly Paisley Age: 39 Business: The I.T. Company Ltd. Years in business: 9 About my business and my role: Airdrie’s largest provider, I.T. Company is a technology integrator and cloud migration specialist, also supplying infrastructure implementations and help-desk support. My role as CEO is to “steer the ship” to ensure our company grows in line with our values. I am responsible for business development, establishing and maintaining strategic relationships, and overall management of other executives.
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WORKLIFE |ENTREPRENEURS Entrepreneur: Melanie Taylor Age: 43 Business: Life of Wellness Tell us more about your business and how the idea came about: As a corporate leader, coach and trainer what I was observing was that stress and wellness was holding people back from their potential. I then found personally that issues with stress caused similar issues with unhappiness and depression. This turned to physical illnesses and a long journey to recovery and health. The trends I had observed and my personal journey inspired me to make a change. I went back to university, and took several certifications with one goal in mind: to empower others to embrace their life, health and wellness by building on self-awareness and designing personal wellness strategies. What ignited the spark to start your business/become an entrepreneur? Many years ago, Life of Wellness was born and I didn’t even know‌ yet. I was living a life of stress and exhaustion; I was often frustrated and lost. As often happens, this turned to illness. In these moments my desire for something better for myself and my family was born. After years of healing and learning out of necessity I found a renewed passion that I had lost in my teens ... to help others.
Entrepreneur: Kim Shaffer Age: 51 Business: Kindred Spirits Healing & Wellness Tell us more about your business and how the idea came about: I hope to expand on my small homebased business and build my client base while healing our community. I started my reiki business seven years ago while I worked as a special needs assistant at a local preschool. My business is a little different than most as I incorporate crystal healing and aromatherapy with my reiki sessions. I have also offered respite care for those parents that have difficulties finding qualified care for their children with special needs. As a new chapter in my life, I would like to provide end-of-life support to people who wish to die with dignity and peace, but have little or no family close to them. What ignited the spark to start your business/become an entrepreneur? I have seen what reiki can do for people. I love being involved in my community and playing my part to help make it a healthier, happier place to live. I hope to provide a space for people of all ages to come and relax. In the past year, with my dad being ill, I have also found there is a need for healers in palliative care situations. My heart is calling me in that direction Mentor: Joan Bell Age: 61 Business: Airdrie Yoga Studio (retired) Years in business: 35 About my business and my role: Managing director of the Western Canada arm of a national market research company for 25 years. Owner/operator of a local yoga studio for 10 years. Responsible for everything from accounting to marketing, hiring and client servicing.
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Mentor: Robyn Pearson Age: 47 Business: A Friend Indeed Years in business: 8 About my business and my role: A Friend Indeed provides companionship and in-house, non-medical support for seniors. Typically, it is the family who contacts us. We match their loved one with one of our Friends for engaging visits that ward off mental, physical, social and emotional decline and give them a chance to play – just like they used to. The family stays connected and informed with regular and timely visit summaries after every visit. We serve seniors in Airdrie, Didsbury, North Calgary and area.
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Entrepreneur: Rachael White Age: 38 Business: Valentia (oncology and hair loss boutique) (idea) Tell us more about your business and how the idea came about: Valentia is a retail boutique specializing in fitting mastectomy garments, wigs and compression products. The idea actually came from a similar shop I know of in BC. I always knew that the next thing I wanted to do in life was something to help. Through the years so many of my friends have been affected by cancer, and alopecia. I want to create a smaller, less clinical atmosphere where women can come to shop and feel better about themselves without feeling judged, but cared about. What ignited the spark to start your business/ become an entrepreneur? I want to be a good role model for my children. I want to show them that you can do something in life you enjoy and will benefit others as well as give back to the community. I want my children to see me succeed, and I want them to be able to maybe take over this business one day. I want flexibility and I want to benefit financially from all my hard work. Mentor: Jacqueline Boyd Age: 42 Business: Access Chiropractic and Wellness Years in business: 16 About my business and my role: Access Chiropractic and Wellness was founded in June 2004. I started my business through a desire to help others regain their health through chiropractic. This was a very personal vision for me as I had regained my own health in my early 20s through chiropractic. I am one of the chiropractors in the business and also the business owner and visionary.
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Entrepreneur: Lorianne Pauls Age: 25 Business: Willow ‘n Wool Tell us more about your business and how the idea came about: My in-laws and I opened a yarn shop near the end of 2017. At the beginning of the year, my sister-in-law and I were working at jobs where we didn’t see a future, and wanted to do more. We wanted to be inspired by our work. The idea for a yarn and pottery store came out of our passion for fine arts and the desire to create a space in Airdrie where people could enjoy and learn about knitting, crocheting and pottery. What ignited the spark to start your business/ become an entrepreneur? When my sister-in-law and I decided to team up and combine our business ideas, Willow ‘n Wool began to become a reality. With Airdrie being a quickly growing community, we realized that it might not be long
before someone opened the first yarn store – so it might as well be us! With a family background in years of business experience, we felt we had the tools to get started, and hit the ground running. Mentor: Tracy Goodbrand Age: 54 Business: Irricana Kountry Kennel Years in business: 32 About my business and my role: My business goal and focus is to make a significant difference to animals’ lives! Our services include pet boarding, dog daycare, grooming, hosting workshops, and selling natural dog treats and Perfectly Raw™ food. With every decision, the first question we ask is, “What is best for the animal?” thereby keeping us focused on our goals. life
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W O R K L I F E | AWA R D S
Airdrie’s Business Best I
t was the 20th annual celebration and the crowd turned out. The Airdrie Business Awards, produced by the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce, was a celebration of small business in Airdrie. The record crowd of
more than 225 community members filled Bert Church Theatre for the presentation of six awards hosted by Michelle Carre and featuring special-edition songs, commemorating past recipients, written by Shelly Bitz and performed by Mitch Belot and Vincent Bundick. airdrielife congratulates all the finalists and recipients.
Sid Van der Meer - Airdrie Business Leader Award I was truly surprised and humbled. I am so honoured to win this awaard and now be amongst the list of what I consider to be some of the greatest business and community leaders in Airdrie. Read more about Sid online at airdrielife.com/worklife
Amit Arora, Damit Amit - Emerging Business Award It is such an honour and makes us feel amazing. There are so many great businesses in Airdrie and so many of them were nominated as well. To be part of this group, call so many of these people my partners and friends, it really is a blessing. We started the food truck with the goal of staying truly local and supporting the Airdrie community. Winning this award lets us know we are on the (right) track.
Blake Clark, Cam Clark Ford Legacy Business Award
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Heather Cowie, Airdrie Family Eye Doctors Business of the Year Award I am filled with an enormous sense of gratitude. Our entire team is overwhelmed by this award, and we are all so tremendously grateful. We love what we do; we want to make a difference not just in the lives of our patients but also within our community. We love being part of such a vibrant and caring community and look forward to continuing to connect with Airdrie residents for the foreseeable future.
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A C LO S E R LO O K AT YO U R C O M M U N I T Y
50 Issues 80 | Grad Heroes 86 | Straz Strong 97
C I T Y L I F E | H E A LT H Y C I T Y
“As a finalist, we have a one-in-five chance at a $10-million grant and we need your help putting together a winning proposal focused on improving the health of our residents”
Health Smart Airdrie Be part of making Airdrie Canada’s Healthiest Community STO RY BY J I L L I V E R S O N
T
he City of Airdrie has a vision to make Airdrie Canada’s healthiest community. Earlier this year, we achieved an exciting milestone when we were declared a finalist in Canada’s Smart Cities Challenge. As a finalist, we have a one-in-five chance at a $10-million grant and we need your help putting together a winning proposal focused on improving the health of our residents. The Smart Cities Challenge encourages communities to adopt an approach to improve the lives of their residents through innovation, data and connected technology. One of the key requirements of the Challenge is that the technology can be replicated in other communities, meaning that we have a great opportunity to position ourselves as leaders who can contribute to enhanced health and wellness across Canada. Airdrie has proposed the development of a technology that will deliver real-world benefits to our citizens and have a meaningful and sustained impact on their health. This technology could be an app that citizens use to easily connect with local mental health supports or fitness opportunities. Or it could be a secure way for you to access your blood tests and X-ray results online. Or maybe it’s a user-friendly way to help you track your financial and career goals. Whatever it is, we want it to be a technology
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that is driven by the needs and priorities of our citizens and will contribute to a longer, healthier life for all. As a finalist, Airdrie has received support from the federal government to develop our Smart Cities proposal. The proposal for the Challenge is due on March 5 and the winners will be announced in the Spring of 2019. Over the next few months, there will be multiple ways for you to learn more about the Challenge and share your input. We would like to understand citizens’ health priorities and how the technology could be developed to best support your health. life Please join us at our first event: Dec. 6, 2018 Drop in any time between 5-7 p.m. Town and Country Centre, 275 Jensen Drive NE Attendees are also welcome to stay past 7 p.m. to watch a special screening of a moving documentary that exemplifies the need to be empowered in your healthcare. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion. To learn more, including how to get involved, visit healthsmartairdrie.ca
C I T Y L I F E | M I L E STO N E
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Inside this issue: meet some great Airdronians, discover some exciting new communities, learn timely City information and get down to business with our special feature section "AirdrieWORKS".
Inside this issue: meet the "first lady" of Airdrie, mark your calendar with events, learn the new transit routes, read about city services and much more
Inside this issue: show home highlights, city living information, detailed city map and much more
STORY BY SHERRY SHAW-FROGGATT, PUBLISHER
All our back issues are available online and it’s fun (and okay, sometimes embarrassing – finding typos is so unnerving!) to look back on all the people we’ve featured and the stories we have shared. Following are just a few of the many people who have graced our pages, whose stories are still being written today. You can find more in-depth info and the original features right here: airdrielife/citylife-50.com
cityLIVING
AirdrieLIFE is…
family
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sk Mark and Brenda Nielsen what they love most about Airdrie and conversation will keep coming back to their children, Cody 12 and Kelsey 6. Brenda was pregnant with Kelsey when they decided it was time to look for a bigger house. They were also concerned about the choices of schools they were facing in southeast Calgary so Brenda told Mark,“find me a nice house in a community I’ll like and I’ll look at it.” She had no idea Mark would suggest Airdrie, but he had been hearing all sorts of good feedback from co-workers and friends who had already moved to the c ommunity.“ We kept hearing about how family-oriented it was and that it had great sports programs for the kids,” Mark says. “At first, I did not want to come to Airdrie at all,” laughs Brenda,“I was worried it was too small!” But when they came out to check the housing options, Brenda liked what she saw. At that time there were two major developments underway, Woodside on the west and Thorburn on the e ast. Thorburn was the first choice because it was closer to the recreation facilities, but what the Nielsens discovered as they cam e out almost daily to work with their builder on their new home was that Thorburn was the b est kept secret in Airdrie. Located on the e astside, Thorburn was all single-family development, something Brenda was very focused on having. It was walking distance to school, there was plenty of green space, less traffic than the w est side and even quieter. “Once we moved in, we suddenly realized what we had,” Mark says. And what did they have? “An incredible community to raise kids in for sports, great schools and people who have the same values as us.” Moving into a brand new neighbourhood can be overwhelming, but not in Thorburn.
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The Nielsens are family friends. And at one point, my neighbours, so when I started doing neighbourhood “snapshots” it was only natural I knock on their door. Back in 2004, Mark and Brenda talked about life in Thorburn and what they loved about raising their kids Cody and Kelsey in Airdrie and we checked in on them again for our 10th annual issue. This time it’s Cody and his wife Marie who shared their own family update and their ongoing life in Airdrie. LIFE TODAY: Mark and Brenda downsized to a bungalow in Bayside a year ago and when not spoiling their first grandchild, are out in the mountains as much as possible hiking, kayaking or cycling. Daughter Kelsey is in her third year at University of New Brunswick in Saint John studying psychology with a criminology minor. She heads to Maynooth University in Dublin, Ireland for the winter term this January. Cody and Marie Nielsen are happily starting their own airdrielife story in Hillcrest with their 15-monthold daughter Emma. Marie also grew up in Airdrie; she is the daughter of Beverly and the late John
“The most amazing thing to m e was that within hours of moving in I had met several of my neighbours!” Brenda says, still impressed with that memory. Friendships formed fast as neighbours helped each other lay sod, borrow tools and began to socialize regularly. For the k ids, moving to Airdrie was also a great experience, as Mark points out. “Here your kids get a c hance to de velop good friendships because they p lay on the sam e sports teams, go to the sam e schools, live close by and as a r esult we get to k now the whole community.”
“ I’ve found that the clubs and organizations are run much better here in Airdrie…everyone involved wants the same thing – a better community.” The top three list for Mark and Brenda are the schools, the sports facilities and the clubs and organizations that make Airdrie a great place to live, especially the organizations.“ I’ve found that the clubs and organizations are run much better here in Airdrie than i n Calgary. I think it’s because everyone involved wants the same thing – a better community.” Mark and Brenda have both been actively involved coaching hockey and basketball respectively. This year Cody is playing hockey and basketball in the lo cal community
leagues and Kelsey will be skating and doing gymnastics at the Airdrie Gymnastics Club. “Everything a family could need is here, and if it’s missing, well the big city is ten miles down the road – what could be better?” Mark says. That drive down the r oad is a r egular workday commute for Brenda and Mark. Brenda finds the 25-mi nute commute a breeze.“It’s such an easy drive – no stop start traffic as if I was coming across Calgary to get to work.” Mark adds,“ alot of our co-workers live in Calgary and it takes them longer to get to work!” With growing active kids, Mark and Brenda realize it’s time to s tart thinking about building a b igger home. And are they planning some serious r esearch this time. Nope. “We are not leaving this community, we love it too much,” says Brenda so the Nielsens are planning to build in the next 18 months right here in Thorburn. Phase 12 is just opening up and Mark and Brenda have already started talking to the builders. “Why would we give up what we have,” Brenda questions, “Cody can w alk to sc hool, the pool, even the rink. We can keep all of that and have our next dream home. It’s perfect.” The Nielsen family is righ t at home in Airdrie. Qualico began developing Thorburn as a 100 per cent single-family home community over twenty years ago. When the Nielsens moved to Airdrie. Thorburn was in ph ase four. Phase twelve beg ins in 2005. B y the e nd of 2007, 1030 f amilies will have called Thorburn home.
AirdrieLIFE • fall/winter 2004 • volume 1
life at home | in the neighbourhood
the nielsen family – (clockwise from back left) Mark, Cody, Kelsey and brenda – have called thorburm home for 15 years.
Thorburn continues to meet family’s needs story by alex frazer-harrison Photo by Carl Patzel
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ocated in a quiet corner of eastside Airdrie, the neighbourhood of Thorburn, which was first developed in the 1980s, has been spared much of the bustling traffic and fast growth seen in other parts of town. And the Nielsen family wouldn’t have it any other way. Mark and Brenda Nielsen moved into Thorburn in 1998 and have lived there ever since, raising two children, Cody and Kelsey. When they had a chance to move to a new house six years ago, they took it … but their new home was only a few blocks away. “We moved to a new house on East Lake … the area used to be a bird sanctuary, and they opened it up to build new homes,” says Brenda, adding that her family was able to move while still maintaining the friendships they’d established in Thorburn.
Home is where the heart is
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Stringile (who was the branch manager of the downtown Airdrie TD Bank for the last 15 years of his career – the same branch Marie now works at as manager of customer service). What do they love about life in Airdrie? Says Cody: “We love that after 25 years here, all of our family is still here and close to us. Marie’s brother and sister-in-law have just started a new family and live just two minutes away from us in Cooper’s. Marie’s sister and brother-in-law live just down the street from us in Hillcrest and my parents live a couple minutes away in Bayside. Marie’s mom still lives close by in Balzac. So it is great to have everyone so close together; we get to see everyone often and it is easy to get together.”
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They also would agree Airdrie has so much to offer. “I remember growing up, it was common to have to go to Calgary two to three times a week. Whether it was to go to the mall, for sports, or any errands you needed to do,” says Cody. “Now, I don’t think we go to Calgary more than once a month! There has been so much business development in Airdrie, we have everything anyone needs. There are sports facilities, shopping centres, franchise stores, tons of restaurants, and 24-hour health care.” What made them decide to build in Hillcrest? “Our favourite thing about Hillcrest has to be the small-community feel. It reminds me of the community of Thorburn that I grew up in when the town was just 10,000 people. We have great neighbors, everyone stops to say hi, and we feel Hillcrest is a very safe neighborhood. There have been several community get-togethers, and everyone here has an appreciation for the community and the people in it. We also spent a lot of time looking at new homes and homebuilders; we decided to build with Shane Homes and that was another thing that led us to Hillcrest.” On raising Emma in Airdrie: “We look forward to getting her involved in sports and activities in the community when she gets older. We want Emma to be raised with the same values that we were brought up with, and we feel that where you live plays a big role in that. Airdrie has grown substantially since we moved here, but we feel it is still the right place to raise our family.
stir things up with
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Our winter 2010 cover featured alpine athlete Jeff Bell who at 17 demonstrated some serious drive and determination. LIFE TODAY: Jeff graduated from Montana State University as the captain of the NCAA alpine skiing team. But like many sports, skiing has taken a toll on his body (with a few surgeries to show for it) and he retired from racing at the end of the last ski season. “I’ve watched many of my friends before me retire from the sport and come away with a huge void in their life. My solution to this was DeSonus (an annual charity event that just had its successful fourth annual event! (Visit desonus. ca to learn more.) I needed something to transfer my passions to from ski racing, so I built that something from scratch.” Jeff has joined the corporate finance team at MNP in Calgary and is studying for his CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) designation. Having travelled the world he is happy to be home in Airdrie. “In terms of my goals, I would love to join the ranks of entrepreneurs one day. What that looks like exactly, I am not quite sure yet, but the ideas are always flowing. Read more about Jeff’s transition from racing to fundraising and how competitive skiing shaped his life at airdrielife.com
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C I T Y L I F E | M I L E STO N E exploring the good life in Airdrie for 10 years! | spring 2013
exploring the good life in Airdrie for 10 years! | summer 2013
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In fall 2010, Dr. Wendy McClelland made the cover on a “Vets and Pets” feature and I remember our former editor, the late Anne Beaty, was quite pleased to make me put her favourite animal (cats!!) on the cover of airdrielife. LIFE TODAY: Wendy went on to become a huge success in her practice and business Vets To Go – with four Vets in the Calgary/Airdrie area and three in Edmonton. In 2015, Vets To Go won the ATB Calgary Chamber’s Small Business of the Year award and the Deloitte Start Up Award at the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards.
AirdrieLIFE Summer 2009
YOUR LIFE. YOUR MAGAZINE
$ Million hoMes?
Airdrie will surprise you
In full
blooM check out award winning Airdrie gardens
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Pay it forward
Airdrie volunteers and businesses get the recognition they deserve
Wheel nce RoA ma How one Airdrie couple had
to travel 7000 km to fall in
love
Our summer 2009 cover was the first and only time we featured a couple and what a story they had to share. Tim Harriman and Christa Boccabella fell in love while on Tim’s bike tour across the country to raise awareness and funds for the Childhood Cancer Canada Foundation. Sadly, Tim passed away in September of 2010 at only 22. LIFE TODAY: Today Christa is happily married to Ryan Pearsall and they have two children: Charlee, 4, and Kai, 15 months. “We have a really great time together as a family – our sweet kids keep us laughing; they bring an endless supply of joy to our everyday lives. We love hiking, exploring and finding new adventures together. I’m really thankful that God brought Ryan into my life; he arrived at the most perfect time and has given me a life I could have never imagined. I’m surrounded by love. It’s bliss. Everybody faces hard times, no one is immune, but I strongly believe that there is always a brighter tomorrow if we chose to see it that way. I had to keep reminding myself that Tim passing away wasn’t the end of my story, it was only the beginning.” Although they reside in Calgary, Airdrie is still a big part of their events pLuS a full line up of summer Canada including centennial celebrations, much more! Day, Airdrie pro Rodeo and
Vol. 5 | No. 3
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lives as Christa’s mom and sister (and brother-in-law), as well as many extended family members, all live here. “It’s always going to have a huge piece of my heart.” “The life I had with Tim, while so brief, was all-encompassing. Together we faced incredibly dark and lonely times. We climbed mountains we didn’t even think we could summit – but then, on the other hand, the beauty in our lives was beyond anything I’ve experienced before. It was all about the moments for us. “I think I’ve carried that into my life now. The moments count – the hugs and kisses, the holding hands, the belly laughs, the goofy dancing in the kitchen, the making of messes, the conversations over coffee, cuddling up to watch a movie, hiking in the rain, the everyday normal stuff, too – it all counts. “At the end, when Tim was gone, and to this day, it’s those moments and a thousand more that fill my heart. In your early twenties, you think you’re invincible. He taught me that despite the best efforts, sometimes life just plain hurts. All we can do is remember that this life isn’t about us at all, it’s about others. It’s about love and kindness and making the most of the moments we have together.” Read more of Christa’s memories of Tim in an extended online interview at airdrielife.com
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ts Ve eir an D th etsd P Wendy McClellan e and others shar advice and their best friends
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NOW OLD is Newis
vision How one man’s downtown
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pond On GOLDeN s photos inside Gorgeou
URBAN What it takes
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POWeR
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Visionaries
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Hot flavours
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John Pirzek first appeared in the summer 2011 issue of airdrielife, bravely telling the story of having Asperger’s Syndrome at the age of 14. We were so impressed with him, John became our distribution manager all through high school (with help from mom and dad). LIFE TODAY: John is a fourth-year apprentice with King’s Kontracting Ltd., and will complete his Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) training early 2019 to earn his journeyman distinction in carpentry, with Red Seal Certification. He is looking at pursing the option to take a business course and earn his Blue Seal Certification, as well. Next for John is joining the Airdrie business community with the start of his own company, Pirzek Contracting Inc. “I plan to build a responsible and reputable business, providing Airdrie and area with general contracting services,” he says. He is still an active volunteer with the Airdrie Festival of Lights, and helps out with the Nose Creek Valley Museum. John’s hobbies include crafting furniture and hunting, and recently he picked up his saxophone and joined the Airdrie Community Concert Band under his former high school band teacher, Jordan Harris. Airdrie has been John’s home for 15 years now, and he has worked hard to ensure he is active and participating in his community.
life in the community | youth
THe MiND & SpiRi
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John pirzek
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The fall 2011 cover was a fun one to do – I called in all my favours to get the props and begged young Sarah Ferguson (another family friend) to pose for the cover. She was a great sport (and a natural in front of the camera); it’s no wonder she pursued theatre! LIFE TODAY: Sarah completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theatre performance from Simon Fraser University in June of 2017. It was there that she found her love for devised theatre, and the thrill of creating her own work. This passion fuelled her involvement in the 2018 rEvolver Festival where she performed in Geologic Formations by mia susan amir. She is a company member of Sour Dog Theatre in Vancouver. (Dog Sees God, 7 Stories, Queenpins of Ponoka, Girls Like That). Like every good actor she is also working in a restaurant while striving to create meaningful and inclusive theatre. life
StoRy By ANNE BEAty Photo By KRISty REIMER
J
ohn Pirzek is known around town as the unofficia l CEO of Airdrie Festival of Lights. That may seem a bit unusual, sidering it’s a volunteer conorganization … and Pirzek is only 14 years old. But the teenager brings with him unique qualificat ions when it comes to organizing the yearly Christmas lights display. His ability to remember what everything is and where it goes, what needs fixing and how, where everythin g is stored – pretty much anything and everything needed to ensure the annual event is a success – has proved invaluable to the organizin g committee and the other volunteers. During the Christma s season, Pirzek helps with setting up and maintain ing the displays – last year, he even headed up his own volunteer crew. The rest of the year is devoted to equipment maintenance, such as changing bulbs and welding, and cutting grass at the Nose Creek Park parking lot. “He’s most loved at Airdrie Festival of Lights,” says his proud mother, Michelle, who, along with husband Rob and daughter Jennifer, also volunteers with the organization. “He’s certainly gained the respect of everyone who’s there.” This story could stop there – another example of the fine teenagers to be found in the community. But John Pirzek’s story is a bit different. While he may at first come across as the average, albeit rather quiet, teenager, John has Asperger’s syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder that can cause difficultie s in social interactio n and communication. From his early years who also has attention to today, John, deficit hyperactivity disorder, has faced numerous chal-
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CITYLIFE | RECOGNITION SOUL OF AIRDRIE AWARD Sharon Uhrich From following her parents around to all their volunteering commitments as a kid, Sharon Uhrich grew up believing that helping the community was just a way of life. This is why, when her daughters got involved with Girl Guides, the Airdrie Figure Skating Club and 4-H Alberta, she was quick to lend a hand. This led to more than 30 years as a volunteer 4-H leader and dedicating her time to many other organizations such as Airdrie Lioness Club and Airdrie Public Library. Uhrich also began volunteering with Community Links and their senior visitation program because she recognized the value a similar program would have had for her own mother. She says she has always enjoyed the social aspect of volunteering and loves the feeling of giving back.
With illustrations by Lia Golemba we salute Airdrians who go above and beyond and make us proud!
Citizen Heroes
2018 Awards of Community Excellence 84
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LEADER OF TOMORROW AWARD - Jaya Bansal Jaya was encouraged by her parents to begin volunteering at Airdrie Public Library after the family moved to the city from India in 2014. Starting out by serving salad at the library’s Canada Day Barbecue, her involvement soon grew to volunteering with different programs and events, and eventually to becoming a member of the Teen Advisory Council. As a part of the TAC, she has helped create events such as trivia nights to help engage teens at the library. A current Grade 12 student at Bert Church High School, Bansal is passionate about getting other teens involved in volunteering because she says it gives them a reason to look away from their phones, improves their social skills and helps them gain valuable friendships.
VOLUNTEER ADVOCATE AWARD Airdrie Parades and Fireworks Committee Multiple times every year, the Airdrie Parades and Fireworks Committee gathers Airdrians together to watch fireworks light up the night sky and parade floats roll down the streets. But none of this could happen without a group of up to 50 volunteers. For each event, volunteers work to keep parade routes safe, help out at Chinook Winds Park for their Canada Day celebrations and keep spectators away from the fireworks. Shown here are committee members Kim Greenizan and Jocelyn Cromwell.
ELITE ATHLETE - Danica MacDonald, Swimming When she was six, Danica’s family moved from Nova Scotia to Trinidad and Tobago where she first learned to swim. Her parents signed her up for lessons not knowing it was competitive swimming and accidentally sparking her passion for the sport. After moving to Airdrie when she was nine, Danica has gone on to compete at many provincial and national competitions. In 2015, she helped break the 15-17 Alberta provincial record in the 4x100 medley relay, which still stands today. Specializing in the 100- and 200metre breaststroke, she was a member of the University of Calgary Dinos Swim Team in 2016-17 while completing a degree in development studies.
ELITE ATHLETE - Piper Fitzgerald, Dance When Piper was three years old, she was always moving around, skipping, jumping and tapping her feet, so her mother signed her up for dance lessons at Star Bound Dance Company. It didn’t take long for the sport to become her passion, and while performing on stage was frightening at first, now it’s Piper’s favourite place to be. In 2016, she began ballet at YYC Dance Project and immediately saw success, placing first in her first competition for her classical variation. In the spring, she competed in her first international competition, placing in the top 12 for her contemporary solo at the Youth American Grand Prix in Las Vegas. Piper says she is falling more in love with ballet each practice and feels blessed every time she gets a chance to go up on stage. life
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CITYLIFE | GRAD HEROES
Project Jack and Jill
STORY AND PHOTO BY BRITTON LEDINGHAM
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N “It was no small thing to see how it impacted people. I don’t think a lot of people are aware of just how many families are struggling.”
OT ALL HEROES WEAR CAPES.
When a single mom asked Mike and Lori Reist for help finding a suit for her teenage son for his graduation in 2016, Mike didn’t have one in his own closet, so he reached out to his peers on Facebook to help find a solution. “I went on Airdrie Dads, and literally within a couple days we had $500 raised,” says Mike. Enough to buy the youth a brand new suit, and a couple of shirts and ties. The teen even landed a part-time job at Moores. Mike says the young man is now with the Canadian Armed Forces stationed in Quebec. The power of the gift to influence the direction of a life has not been lost on Mike. He let the idea brew in 2017 while working for weeks out of the province, but he and Lori dedicated more time in 2018. Adopt-A-Grad was born, and in partnership with Airdrie Dads and local businesses, the Reists assisted 16 students at Bert Church and George McDougall and W.H. Croxford high schools. They were able to expand into grad packages, offering gift cards for a suit from Tip Top Tailors, a hair cut from Main Street Barber Shop, and boutonnières and corsages from Holland House Flowers and Summerhill Florists. Some Bert Church grads were given rides from Black Gold Limousine. “We don’t want them growing up sooner than they have to,” says Mike. “I want them to have a night to remember.” Lori had been wanting to do something for graduating girls, too, which came to fruition when giving donated dresses to five girls for grad 2018. And so began Project Jack & Jill (PJJ), in which teens are able to use a dress and give it back to the program, paying it forward. PJJ also began to give away used suits for grad 2018 with an influx of 300 suits donated to CJAY 92 in Calgary. Further cash donations allowed them to give $1,000 to Bert Church, George McDougall and Croxford to pay for tickets for those who needed help. “It was no small thing to see how it impacted people,” says Lori. “I don’t think a lot of people are aware of just how many families are struggling.” The parents of five kids under nine years old are dialing things up for 2019, with the goal of helping students at all high schools in Rocky View Schools. PJJ is also expanding into accepting and giving sports equipment. The gifts aren’t hinged on income statements; all that’s asked for is honesty. “It’s exciting to be a part of,” says Mike. “I don’t think I have a choice but to continue this as long as I can.” They held their first fundraising event in collaboration with Airdrie Dads, called Burgers, Beers & Vids, at Fitzsimmons Brewing Company Nov. 10. life For more information, look for Project Jack & Jill on Facebook, follow @projectjackjill on Twitter and Instagram, or visit Projectjackjill.org
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C I T Y L I F E | YO U T H
I
t’s our second year of celebrating awesome kids in our city and we have nearly doubled our awesomeness thanks to an eclectic and electrifying group of young people who exemplify the best of Airdrie’s youth. We’ve tried to encapsulate their awesomeness here – but you can read more about each student from their nominators at airdrielife.com, and also learn where each of our recipients plan to donate the $50 cheque they receive as part of their award thanks to our sponsor Chinook Gate/Brookfield Residential. In total, $900 will be donated to charities selected by each child. Now that’s awesome! We’ll celebrate our awesome kids in January at a family party at Woodside Golf Course and present them with their official T-shirts, Sullys gift cards and a few more surprises! STORY BY DAWN SMITH | PHOTOS BY KRISTY REIMER
These kids are so
AWESOME! Aidan, 9, and Nolan Pole, 7, have a passion for helping others. Besides doing anonymous acts of kindness, the duo has collected food for Airdrie Food Bank, replaced dead trees in a local park and spent hours helping at a local animal shelter. Recently, the boys put on a bake sale, soliciting help from friends and family, as well as Avenue Cakery & Bakeshoppe, raising $3,295 for Ryan Straschnitzki, a local hockey player who was paralyzed from the waist down in the Humboldt, SK bus crash earlier this year. When asked why he does so much for the community, Aidan answers, “It makes me very happy,” adding seeing others unhappy makes him “very sad.”
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A member of the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) team at her school, Alex Steffler, 10, isn’t afraid to venture into areas usually dominated by boys. With her keen mind and leadership skills, she breaks down barriers and helps other girls do the same, encouraging them to embrace the same challenges so they can reach their potential. “Earlier in time girls didn’t have the rights, and I feel we should have the same rights as boys,” she says of her efforts to teach other girls. Steffler’s teachers rave about her compassion and calmness, but it is her desire to “just help others” that most impresses.
Ammalee Addai, 11, loves to solve problems, answer questions and learn new things. But what sets Addai apart is her love of teaching others. A member of her school’s STEAM team, which uses fun activities to expose kids to science and technology, Addai has plenty of opportunities to help hone her natural teaching abilities. But this past summer, she took it further, teaching educators how to use technology in their classrooms at the Ed Tech Summit. She describes the experience as being, “Kind of weird, but fun too,” adding she hopes to be an elementary school teacher when she grows up.
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Anna Hrynenko hasn’t allowed an extremely rough year to keep her down. The 11-year-old, who, according to family, was so badly bullied last year that she was hospitalized, exemplifies courage, determination and leadership. Hrynenko learned the importance of standing up for herself and regained power from her bully. But Hrynenko didn’t stop there; she is a bold advocate for others and bravely shares her story to help others. Amazingly, she is also empathetic to bullies, believing the behaviour is a cycle. “Everyone should be treated the same, [so] don’t be afraid to speak out because then the bully will have to stop,” says Hrynenko.
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Brady Popoff, 10, is the kind of student teachers wish for. Compassionate and kind, Popoff is a natural leader who takes on projects, such as organizing a sports club at his school, to benefit others. A hockey and lacrosse player, the popular youngster displays true sportsmanship and works at ensuring everyone is included. Popoff loves to help others succeed, explaining he loves the sense of community that kindness and success among his peers creates. His advice for being a good leader is a good lesson for everyone. “To be a good leader, you have to be nice, in control of your emotions and listen to everyone’s opinions.”
Cruise Jackson, 14, knows what it takes to get things done. The friendly, positive teen has been finding creative ways – like presenting Christmas stockings to local seniors and raising money for victims of the 2013 Calgary floods – to give back to the community for years. Jackson’s latest achievement is the result of his idea to thank first responders publicly. He presented his idea to Airdrie’s mayor and councillors as the 2017 Mayor for a Day. The first annual event took place during AirdrieFEST, and Jackson presented first responders with dozens of cards made by local students. “They all deserved a thank you,” says Jackson of the reason behind the event.
Elle Groeneveld, 12, is a natural leader who goes above and beyond. Despite being a busy farm kid, athlete, 4-H member and exemplary student, Groeneveld is active on her school’s leadership committee. She dedicates countless hours to helping organize events, volunteering at school activities and fundraisers, and helping and mentoring others. Her teacher calls her a shining leader, but Groeneveld simply loves to be involved and help others. “I love to give back to the school. It is so much fun and a great way to help and meet new people,” she says.
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Ellie Sachs, 9, doesn’t let her age stop her from doing amazing things. The youngster is an active volunteer, serving treats to elders during the holiday season, helping with food bank drives and at her church. Sachs recently amazed her friends and family by completing a 27-kilometre walk from Banff to Canmore, raising more than $1,000 for cancer research. But she didn’t just finish, she did it with a positive attitude. “I had a big smile on my face,” she says of the feat. When asked about her giving nature, Sachs simply replies, “I feel good when I help others, and I like to feel good.”
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Elodie White, 12, knows that confidence is related to hard work. With a voice like an angel, this youngster is committed to honing her talent. Her work hasn’t gone unnoticed, she has earned awards, including a scholarship at the Airdrie Rotary Festival of the Performing Arts, and has landed a spot with the Young Canadians for four years running, enabling White to perform in the Grandstand Shows at the Calgary Stampede. “I feel more confident. I used to be a shy kid, but now I am [an] extrovert,” says White. “[Singing has taught me] you should always try your hardest.”
At the age of 11, Emma Raymundo has some amazing characteristics. She is organized, efficient and motivated. These attributes allow Raymundo to maintain good grades, help her parents at home and take part in her school’s leadership team, all while training 14 hours per week in competitive gymnastics. Her mental and physical strength are exemplary, but so is her willingness to stand up for others who are being bullied or excluded. Raymundo has been inspired by Olympic gold medallist Simone Biles and hopes to do the same for others. Raymundo’s philosophy is simple, but profound. “It’s important to always do your best,” she says.
Hannah Northwood, 13, is a great role model. She maintains high grades and wins school awards, is an active athlete who takes part in multiple school sports, curls, and is part of Airdrie’s BMX community. But Northwood’s biggest attributes are her kindness and ability to see the beauty in others. She credits her late friend Daniel Brown, who was born with spina bifida, with allowing her to see the value in others. Northwood says despite Brown’s disability, he was passionate about life and kind to all, inspiring her to be the same. “I think we need more people like [Daniel],” says Northwood. “He was really kind.”
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Dance is really important to Piper Anderson, 10, but so is supporting others. Her teachers describe her as having an amazing work ethic and being dedicated and committed beyond her years, but they also say she is positive, sportsmanlike, compassionate and lighthearted. It’s a winning combination for the inspiring youngster, who says she loves dancing because it makes her positive. Even while competing against them, Anderson is not afraid to encourage her teammates. “When people cheer me on it makes me more confident,” says Anderson. “I want [other dancers] to feel supported.”
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Rowan Restar is an inspiration. Not only is the eight-year-old a great student who participates in all of the activities at school, but he looks for ways to make life better for others. His family describes him as loving, helpful and kind to his friends and peers. He is also generous. In fact, Restar has been donating his Christmas and birthday money to the Alberta Children’s Hospital for several years. Restar’s response when asked about his kindness and generosity was profound for a youngster. “If you are kind, you will have lots of friends,” he says.
Although just 13, Rubén Mauricio (Maury) Garcia Perez understands the value of community. Having emigrated from Mexico, the teen has embraced volunteerism and leadership. Perez has worked behind the scenes at numerous Airdrie events, such as Quinn’s Legacy Run, AIRscares, the Airdrie Triathlon and the first Mexican cultural festival, and has completed Volunteer Airdrie’s LEAD Youth Leadership and Volunteer Development Program. His desire to help others and get involved sets Perez apart. “Volunteering is really special,” says Perez. “It feels like I am part of this community… [and] I really like to help others.”
Shaelene Smith, 12, has been dancing since she was two. Her passion and dedication to her sport is inspiring to her teachers and peers, but her friendly and compassionate nature is what makes her really stand apart. Mature beyond her years, Smith volunteers to teach young dancers as an assistant teacher. Although her own skill has earned her numerous accolades and awards, the preteen is most proud of her students, enthusiastically and confidently encouraging them to be their best. She even joined a nervous young dancer onstage, holding her hand for support. “When anyone is sad or feeling down, I want to find a way to cheer them up,” she says.
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Although just 11, Talia Smith understands the importance of being kind. As a member of her school’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math team (STEAM), Smith has numerous opportunities to volunteer and mentor others – and she is one of the first in line to do so. She recently presented at TELUS Spark, taught educators how to incorporate more technology in the classroom and helped to create a video for Girls in Tech, a club that encourages girls to embrace technology. “Helping people is an act of kindness,” says Smith. “You get something from giving.”
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Zachery Grant, 10, may have some adult-sized worries, but he doesn’t let it stop him from embracing life. Grant’s parents both suffer from serious health issues, yet the resilient youngster focuses on the positives. His teachers describe him as a soft-spoken, eager student with a hilarious personality who is always ready to tackle a challenge. The well-spoken boy recognizes that attitude impacts happiness. “It’s hard, but I find things to be thankful about,” says Grant. “[I] try to be kind and find solutions that make me happy and makes me forget [my problems].” life
C I T Y L I F E | ST R O N G
“Now that they’re not with us, I keep them close with me no matter what I do. I think that has been a big motivating factor in my recovery.”
Ryan Straschnitzki poses for photos with his family (parents Tom and Michelle, sister Jaden and brothers Connor and Jett) at the Ron Ebbesen Arena on Friday, Sept. 28, 2018.
Ryan Straschnitzki is
STRAZ
STRONG
STORY AND PHOTOS BY BRITTON LEDINGHAM
Character is formed in heat and pressure. That can be attested to by Airdrie’s Michelle Straschnitzki. On Sept. 15 she and her husband Tom share their story while sitting at a table in the lobby of the Wingate by Wyndham hotel, their home-away-from-home until February 2019. It was five months after tragedy struck the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team when the team’s bus was involved in a crash with a semi truck, which killed 16 people, and injured 13 others (see pg. 102) including her son Ryan. “Sometimes it feels like it’s been years, and sometimes it feels like it was yesterday,” says Michelle. “It’s been a lot of ups and downs. Some really significant downs, but the ups have been remarkable.” Ryan is paralyzed from the chest down, but he has been a beacon of hope in a hard time that unified the nation and perhaps the world. “We were such a close team,” says Ryan of the Broncos. “We’d do anything for each other. You know, they’re friendships that last forever. Obviously, now that they’re not with us, I keep them close with me no matter what I do. I think that has been a big motivating factor in my recovery. W I N T E R 2018/19
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Ryan trains with rehabilitation specialists Blake Hawco and Joanne Sanderson at Synaptic Spinal Cord Injury & Neuro Rehabilitation Centre on Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2018, in Calgary.
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“With all this media coverage and recognition we’re getting, [my aim is] to advocate for the Humboldt Broncos and the guys who we don’t have here anymore. So, just leave a positive impact on the world in some way.” Michelle admires her son’s positivity in the face of the worst, as well as his ability to grab another goal. She told him: “Wherever this path may lead you, we’re going to be right there with you.” “We’re not ever going to give up on his end goal, which is our goal for him as well, to walk again,” says Michelle. “It could take forever, and it could take less time than we think.” First, the 19-year-old has his eyes set on physiotherapy, sledge hockey, and someday to win gold for Canada in the Paralympic Games. A day later, on Sept. 16, Ryan takes one more step toward that goal, hitting the ice for his ninth time in a sled, but his first in an organized game. Ryan and Tom face off against each other in the Cowboys ‘N Sleds game in support of STARS Air Ambulance and the StrazStrong Foundation at the WinSport Markin MacPhail Centre in Canada Olympic Park in Calgary, Alta. After 40 minutes of smiles, speed, falls and picking himself back up, Ryan’s team, Team Canyon, beats Team World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) 5-4. Ryan picks up two goals and an assist, and sends his dad thrift shopping for a pretty dress to wear for losing the game and their bet. There’s plenty of tongue-and-cheek with the Straschnitzkis, the Straz family. They’re simultaneously in the valley of the shadow of death, and buoyed above the tide by a thousand friends and strangers. In a press conference after the game, Ryan reiterates how he’s thankful for the support of the couple hundred people who came to watch. “It brought back a lot of memories,” he says with a genuine smile, recalling lacing up the skates when he was five. “I was back out there again and just enjoying the moment.” Then he shares the message that is his life’s calling in an effort to honour his teammates, coaches and friends who died. “Just because someone has a disability, doesn’t mean it’s the end of the road. Everyone has a chance to play or do something with their lives,” says Ryan. From his parents’ upbringing, to his late Broncos coach Darcy Haugan, he was taught hockey was more than a game. As will be sledge hockey. “I’ve got a long road ahead of me, full of ups and downs, but it’s about improvement and getting better personally. As long as I’m having fun, I think that’s part of the healing process.”
Ryan and his father, Tom (left), play in their first-ever ice sledge hockey game, called the Cowboys ‘N Sleds game in support of STARS Air Ambulance and the StrazStrong Foundation, at the WinSport Markin MacPhail Centre in Canada Olympic Park on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, in Calgary.
“As long as I’m having fun, I think that’s part of the healing process” Ryan’s teammate for the day, Team Canada national player Chris Cederstrand, shares with the press how he’s impressed by Ryan’s results. Cederstrand has been influential in getting ice time for the fledgling sledge player. He won’t forget the smile that Ryan had on his face his first time in a sled. “It will be imprinted in my mind forever,” says Cederstrand. Tom takes the stand in front of the press, cracks a joke that Cederstrand paid off Team WPCA’s Kevin Rempel (a Paralympic medalist) to let his team lose, and talks about his son as he would had he been given the limelight a year ago. First he says how proud he is, then he jabs that “now he can hit the net I guess, because when he was standing up he would always miss the net, so there’s another positive.” The day is a success, a definite high note.
Ryan is patted on the head by Team Canada national player Chris Cederstrand after Ryan’s first ice sledge hockey game. Ryan’s team, Team Canyon, beat team World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) 5-4, and Ryan had two goals and an assist.
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The long road
Ryan and Cody share a special bond.
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Months earlier, it was April 18, only a dozen days after the crash near Tisdale, Sask. An apologetic reporter reaches Ryan on his cell phone in hospital in Saskatoon. Ryan’s easy going. “All good. No problem,” he says. “People have been awesome. The amount of support I’ve gotten has been pretty crazy.” He lists visitors like Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Hockey Night in Canada anchor Ron MacLean, Edmonton Oilers head coach Todd McLellan, Oilers captain Connor McDavid and Ryan O’Reilly of the Buffalo Sabres. A day later, he’s transferred by air to the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary. Closer to home, he starts rehab. May 1 rolls around; another phone call is made. Ryan shares his routine as he recovers from the trauma. Family, friends and visits from the Calgary Flames brighten his demeanor. With the help of therapists, he works his shoulders and arms, on what he relies for balance completely these days. He likes the staff and the introductions to new equipment of which he’s never been aware before. He hunkers down for what he thinks will be several months. “But I’ve got an Xbox and a little TV set up, so I think I should be OK,” says Ryan, always seeing the silver lining. Another conversation on May 30, and he’s soon to head to Philadelphia to the Shriners Hospitals for Children in early June. “I figured to go to a place with new technologies Canada doesn’t have access to is an opportunity you can’t turn down,” says Ryan, who is historically willing to do whatever it takes. He opens up more about his character on Aug. 9 in the Wingate hotel room where he and his family have been generously gifted lodging until their home is renovated. He had just been on the ice in a sled on July 20 for the first time since the crash. “My dad always taught me when one door closes, lots more open,” says Ryan. “I knew I wasn’t going to be able to use my legs, or play hockey again, so any way I could be a part of the game in some way, shape or form; I thought sledge hockey would be the best option.” It wasn’t the first time a door had shut. In 2015, Ryan was cut by the Strathmore Bisons, then had a tryout with the Leduc Oil Kings which lasted two weeks before he made that team. The Oil Kings went on to the Telus Cup nationals the following season, which led to Ryan being scouted by Humboldt’s coach Haugan, to whom “all that mattered was being a good person to people and things will work out in your favour.”
StrazStrong The saying “There’s strong, and then there’s Straz strong,” was born well before the crash and the following StrazStrong Foundation and symbolic black hats with Ryan’s number 10 and StrazStrong embroidered in the Broncos’ green and gold. It began when White Collar Boxing Company’s Cody Thompson took on training Ryan, known as Straz. Thompson was just starting to take on a select few hockey players again. Ryan’s coach in Leduc, Taylor Harnett, was buddies with Thompson, and suggested Ryan for his program. Thompson wasn’t sure about taking on the 17-year-old, and said “I’ll see if I can break him, and if he keeps coming back, then I’ll work with him.” Harnett doubted Thompson would, and he didn’t. “We did everything that we could to try and make him quit, and try and have him stop, and he took everything that we threw at him and just got better,” recalls Thompson. “We started saying, ‘There’s strong and then there’s Straz strong’ because the things he could do were just off the charts. None of us could compete with him.” Thompson is proud of Ryan, an athlete he calls a “coach’s gift.” “I think anybody that’s in Ryan’s life struggles with where we’re at and wishes we weren’t here,” says Thompson. “At the same time, I think we understand that Ryan has a really special opportunity to do something great, and he always had that opportunity to do something great; he’s just going to do it in a sled now.” Ryan’s compelling capability is not missed by Thompson. “Seeing his work ethic, and his drive to succeed at [sledge hockey], and just change directions is quite inspiring for all of us,” he says, noting “If he’s doing what he’s doing, is what’s in front of me that hard? Not really.” The interview is winding down. Minutes earlier Thompson and Ryan pose side by side on the ice, Thompson kneeling by his student. Both smiling. “There’s a lot worse things we could be doing on a Friday than skating around on the ice,” says Thompson. “Is this where the rest of us saw September in December last year? No, but things could be a lot worse. And unfortunately for some of the other families and some of the other players, they don’t have the opportunity that we have with Ryan. You’ve just got to look at that and be happy that you still have the opportunity that you have in front of you and embrace every day.” Ryan is “speechless” when it comes to owning the StrazStrong title. “It kind of resembles the character me and my family and friends have and the people around me,” he says. “The support is amazing. It all helps for sure. Just keeping that mentality and hopefully things work out.” Ryan’s inner circle includes his parents, twin brother and sister Jett and Jaden (16), younger brother Connor (6), and former girlfriend Erika Burns. Michelle has been blown away by her son. “He’s just shown a remarkable strength that even we were not expecting, and it gives us strength,” she says. “But he also knows that he doesn’t have to be that guy.... He doesn’t have to be always strong for us.” The hockey season began again in early September. The Broncos’ home opener was difficult to watch on TV. Michelle says Ryan feels “They all should have been there.” “As hard as it is on us as parents, I can’t even imagine what turmoil of emotions that are going through him, but he’s holding up rather well,” she says. The trials have brought the family closer. “We’ve seen the best and the worst in each other, and we’re not going anywhere,” says Michelle.
TJ Stewart stands in the gutted basement of the Straschnitzkis’ Airdrie home on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2018.
Renovations Family friends and neighbours, headed by TJ Stewart, are helping renovate the Straschnitzkis’ home, helping Ryan regain independence. In late August, Stewart leads a walk-through, pointing out what has been done and what is to come. Barely any space in the two-storey Windcreek Terrace home will be untouched. An elevator will go in the garage to allow Ryan easy access between the basement and main floors. “We want to make it as family friendly and wheelchair friendly as possible,” says Stewart. That includes a new kitchen, lower island, wider pantry, sliding entry doors replacing narrow man doors, removing and replacing hardwood flooring, expanding the bathroom, and modifying almost every interior wall on the main floor. The previously finished basement has been gutted to make a space Ryan can call his own as a young adult with a wheelchair. Upgrades include sliding doors in place of the man door, and a bedroom with a floating wall, so Ryan can have a robotic vacuum. “It can vacuum for him while he’s sleeping,” says Stewart. “We’re going to automate everything as much as we can.” It’s not zoned for a basement suite, so a dishwasher, fridge and microwave will do the trick, since an oven isn’t an option. The Stewarts and Straschnitzkis are tight. Ryan and TJ’s son, Ty, played as a defensive pair in minor midget. Stewart was at their home the night of April 6, and heard the early conversations as the family came to the knowledge of Ryan’s paralysis. Stewart jumped to action, reaching out to an accomplished builder who wants to remain nameless. They brainstormed a basement floor plan with Ryan. W I N T E R 2018/19
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Tom Straschnitzki holds his son Ryan on the day he was born in the Rockyview General Hospital in Calgary, Alta. on April 20, 1999.
Ryan learning to skate at the Huntington Hills arena in Calgary in 2004.
“It’s one big collaboration,” says Stewart, noting the neighbourhood is like a big family, which he feels a part of even living in Irricana. He works nights for Pepsi and hustles up thousands of dollars in donations of labour and materials during the day, including a gifted elevator with install. Stewart says the goal is to have work complete and the family moved in by February 2019, adding he’s hopeful to get them home for a few days at Christmas, if possible. The volunteers are still looking for a furniture company to back the build, which will cost close to $300,000 including donations. To donate cash, labour or furniture, email Stewart at strazhouse616@gmail.com.
SUBMITTED PHOTOS
Help and hope
Ryan playing with the Atom Junior Flyers spring team in 2009. Ryan carries the puck while on the ice with the Humboldt Broncos in a Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League game during the 2017-2018 season.
A
s the Saskatoon StarPhoenix reported on April 20, the 16 people who died after a bus carrying the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team collided with a semi-trailer unit on April 6 near Tisdale, Sask. include 10 players, the bus driver, two coaches,
the athletic therapist, a volunteer statistician and a broadcaster. The names of those killed are play-by-play announcer Tyler Bieber, defenceman Logan Boulet, athletic therapist Dayna Brons, assistant coach Mark Cross, driver Glen Doerksen, head coach Darcy Haugan, defenceman Adam Herold, volunteer statistician Brody Hinz, right-winger Logan Hunter, centre Jaxon Joseph, left-winger Jacob Leicht, left-winger Conner Lukan, captain and centre Logan Schatz, centre Evan Thomas, goaltender Parker Tobin and defenceman Stephen Wack. In memoriams can be found at hbmfund.com Others injured include players Graysen Cameron, Brayden Camrud, Kaleb Dahlgren, Bryce Fiske, Morgan Gobeil, Matthieu Gomercic, Xavier LaBelle, Layne Matechuk, Nick Shumlanski, Tyler Smith, Derek Patter and Jacob Wasserman.
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While Tom and Michelle are off work to help Ryan recover his independence, they are thankful for the help they’ve received. “We can’t really work because Ryan needs a caregiver,” says Tom, noting Ryan is about 85 per cent able to take care of himself, but will need someone on call until he’s 95 per cent. The family is assisted by some of the funds from the StrazStrong Foundation set up by Thompson, as well as Brittany and Brandon Skinner. They’re thankful for the vigil that was set up by Mackenzie Murphy. Michelle and Tom thank the many people who brought them meals for months, as well as other help from people they knew from hockey, and “perfect strangers.” “There are remarkable acts of good and kindness and love, and it does give you hope,” says Michelle. “You never know how much you’re going to need until you need it.” They’re also grateful for help from media, the Calgary Flames and the Philadelphia Flyers; the provision of accommodations by the Wingate by Wyndham hotel; Jason and Susan Bissonnette for selling StrazStrong hats in their family’s support; Chris Cederstrand for introducing Ryan to the sled; the staff at hospitals in Saskatoon, Philadelphia and Foothills; as well as Synaptic Spinal Cord Injury and Neuro Rehabilitation Centre, where Ryan currently rehabilitates several times a week. life