WINTER 2019/20
26 AWESOME
AIRDRIE KIDS
Coaches’Corner 5 Meet of Airdrie’s sports heroes DAVE LOYOLA, HEAD COACH Nose Creek Swim Association
Medical Hero Kidney Donor Saves Life
Meet the makers
AIRDRIE MADE airdrielife.com
$1,000 REWARD TO SHOP LOCAL (See page 26)
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The developer reserves the absolute right to modify, cancel or extend this offer at any time without prior notice. Actual interiors, exteriors and views may be noticeably different than what is depicted in photographs. This is not an offering for sale. Any such offering may only be made with the applicable offer to purchase and agreement of sale and disclosure statement. Prices and availability are subject to change without notice. E. & O.E.
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Pearl Showhome
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PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Sherry Shaw-Froggatt
ASSISTANTS TO THE PUBLISHER
Katie Dudek
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
DESIGN DIRECTOR
Vanessa Peterelli Kim Williams
CONTRIBUTORS
Sergei Belski, Jacey Conway, Stacie Gaetz, Brenda Hume, Lisa Kedian, Britton Leddingham, Adena Malyk, Kristy Reimer, Tet M Photography, Wyatt Tremblay, Jim Zang Stock photography by istock
AD DESIGN/PRODUCTION
Lia Golemba
SALES DIRECTOR
Wendy Pratt
DISTRIBUTION MANAGER
Sharie Tanner
PRINTING Transcontinental
CONTACT US EDITORIAL sherry@frogmediainc.ca ADVERTISING wendy@frogmediainc.ca WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA katie@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 16, NUMBER 4 | ISSN 1916-355X
Contents copyright 2019 by Frog Media Inc. May not be reproduced without permission. The publisher does not assume any responsibility for the contents of any advertisement, and all representations of warranties made in such advertising are those of the advertiser and not of the publisher.
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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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Note from the publisher
O
ur winter issue usually has a hero theme and this year we decided to take a (two-part) look at local sport heroes – the coaches – and it turns out we could have devoted an entire issue to these dedicated members of our community. (See the female coaches in our spring issue.) These are people who devote hours and hours on the ice, the field, and in the gym and the pool to inspire your kids to reach their potential. And some of that effort is directly evident in the 26 awesome kids we feature as part of the 2020 Awesome Airdrie Kids. Sometimes being a hero means a life-altering experience – like Tony Timmons who selflessly donated his own kidney to save a (then) stranger’s life. Sometimes it’s as simple as handing out colouring pages to preschoolers on your recycling route; and sometimes it’s profoundly personal, stepping out and being proud of who you are as part of Airdrie’s first Pride in the Park. There is a way you can be an everyday hero, and specifically be one to more than 500 local businesses in our city. You can shop local. Your money spent with local business in turn supports local teams and organizations who in turn inspire, coach and mentor our youth. Those youth are inspired at school, at home and in the community to become awesome members of our society. And then we get to profile them in the future. See how that works? I’m the owner of a small local business, too. We rely on local businesses to advertise on these pages so that we can tell the stories of Airdrie. The more ads we sell, the more stories we can tell. So when you shop at local businesses you are inadvertently my hero, too! So to thank you for being a local shopping hero, we’ve decided to reward you with a $1,000 cash back program – see page 26 for the details. As we settle in for another Alberta winter, let’s remember to do the little things that are the best kind of “heroic acts” – shovel a walk, volunteer with a local charity, be kind, and choose face time over screen time. You will be someone’s hero; I guarantee it.
Sherry Shaw-Froggatt P.S. A special note of thanks to one of my “heroes” for championing airdrielife with the City since day one – Kent Rupert. Kent has left city hall and is now the executive director of International Blue Zones Project; watch for special features in 2020 as Airdrie becomes Canada’s first Blue Zones city!
Who will be the First Baby of 2020?
Register your baby bump before Dec. 15.
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er
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, 20
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greatlife
14 Art of retirement 16 White album 18 Taste of Montreal 20 Winter events 25 Festival of Lights 27 Airdrie made 31 Fashionlife 36 Halfway there 38 Autolife 40 Petlife 42 Parentlife 44 Seniorlife
homelife 46 Avi advantage
48 Recycling journey 52 Best of show
worklife 54 Businesslife
56 Braggin’ rights 58 Smart start
citylife 62
Pride of the City
65 Ultimate Donation 67 Coaches Corner
6On7the Cover 71 Awesome Kids
Dave Loyola, one of five coaches featured in this issue PHOTOS BY BRITTON LEDINGHAM
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IN A
SHOP A WORLD OF GOODS
AT NEW HORIZON MALL New Horizon Mall believes in creating a welcoming and inclusive space where people can fuel their curiosity while experiencing a unique retail experience. The mall is located in east Balzac, minutes south of Airdrie, and offers a variety of goods and services including adult and childrens fashions, health and beauty products, gift and housewares, electronics, board games and international foods.
“It’s about bringing together,
shopping and supporting
"We really like the idea of becoming a destination where people meet, eat, relax, play and shop," says Winn.
have a passionate vision.”
The mall is growing its shopping selection every day. Come in for the opportunity to discover international goods and services inspired from around the globe.
LOCAL businesses that
“I always tell people it's really important to meet the store operators, because each have their own story that they're happy to share with visitors." With currently over 100 stores selling goods and services, Marketing Manager Alexandra Winn says New Horizon Mall is more than just great retail vendors.
Winn joined the team in early 2019 with passion for “a truly unique retail experience that involves creating a destination not just for shopping but for entertainment and community events” “New Horizon Mall offers an alternative to the retail world of big box stores," says Winn. To plan your visit, check out our store directory and events at newhorizonmall.com.
260300 Writing Creek Crescent. Rocky View County | 402-452-7050 www.newhorizonmall.com Looking to launch a company or expand your business? For business owners looking to expand their horizons, New Horizon Mall is a great opportunity for people with an entrepreneurial spirit, great idea or unique product. To learn more, visit newhorizonmall.com/leasing/
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greatlife W H AT TO S E E , D O , E AT, L I ST E N TO A N D M O R E
G R E AT L I F E | A R T I ST P R O F I L E
“I came to art very late in life. It was something I always appreciated and dabbled in, but I never thought of myself as an artist.”
CINDY ZAMPA THE ART OF RETIREMENT STORY BY WYATT TREMBLAY | PHOTOS BY SERGEI BELSKI
14 14 airdrielife airdrielife.com .com || W WIIN NTTEERR 2019/20 2019/20
T
he canvas frames in Cindy Zampa’s Airdrie art studio mirror the arc of her life; many are finished works, while others whisper of what is yet to come. Her acrylics – portraits, landscapes and abstracts – express a confident command of light and colour, leading one to suppose she has always painted, but not so, says this retired school teacher and counsellor. “I came to art very late in life. It was something I always appreciated and dabbled in, but I never thought of myself as an artist.”
Four friends responded, a theme was chosen, and they called the project Studio 52. Each artist produced one art piece per week, which resulted in a successful pop-up art gallery show, and has led to an even larger collaboration for 2019. You can find Zampa’s work in three of the Voice and Vision projects, and on City bus shelters and park benches. She is also an active member of the Airdrie Regional Arts Society. “The first year of retirement I said, ‘I’m going to make this year about me,’” she laughs. “That year ended and that same philosophy just continued.” “I’m still totally enjoying this.” life
Zampa, who moved to Airdrie in 2017, has been a teacher for most of her life, spending the last few years of her career as a high school counsellor and Grade 7 art teacher in Calgary. “I was a half-time art teacher and a half-time counsellor then, but any art I taught was self-learned,” she explains. However, her art took on new meaning after she underwent jaw surgery in 2012. Zampa’s mouth was wired shut for two months, and the loss of her voice awoke childhood memories. Her father died when she was nine; after that she was abandoned by her mother and lived in an orphanage until she was adopted at the age of 12. She remembers feeling powerless. “When you grow up in difficult circumstances, you do what you can to be normal and fit in, and not get noticed … but when my voice was taken away, it brought me back to my childhood.” Exploring her art while recovering brought healing to her past, and inspired her as a counsellor. She took a year of art therapy training, and soon witnessed its impact in the lives of students she counselled. “That’s the healing power of art for me; that children who are not able to verbalize their pain are able to heal through art.” It wasn’t until she retired in 2017 that the next canvas in the portfolio of her life would take shape. “I knew that time could work for me or against me, in the sense that I have this road ahead of me and I had the choice to do something with it.” Wanting to collaborate with others – it’s the teacher in her, she says – Zampa put a challenge out to friends on Facebook: “Who wants to do one painting a week for 52 weeks, and challenge ourselves to get better at what we do?” W I N T E R 2019/20
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G R E AT L I F E | M U S I C I A N
A
irdrie’s Henry White is one of those rare musicians who have been able to merge his creative side with the business savvy needed for longevity. He calls this being a “creative entrepreneur.” “A lot of artists live in the belief that art just succeeds on its own, but the people we all look up to are actually very successful entrepreneurs.” “That’s the difference,” he explains. “When you compare talent you find that there are a thousand jazz musicians you’ve never heard of that would school any of the popular ones.” It’s about finding a balance between doing what is necessary to have a sustainable music career with what the creative side just wants to be free to do, he says. It’s a formula White began to learn when the high school alternative rock band he helped create in 2001, Traced Image, shot to stardom in Western Canada. The band, which, was covered in the fall 2007 issue of airdrielife, recorded two albums, performed more than 150 shows with the likes of Trooper, Jars of Clay and Kutless, and was what set White on his current path. “It got me into my love for high-energy stage performances and entrepreneurship,” he recalls. “I really dug into how fun it was to build a business around the performing arts.” White, now 33, has made a living out of the business of being creative. He has co-ordinated major music events, done marketing con-
sulting for artists, worked with design agencies, and routinely performs for Compassion Canada, a faithbased organization focused on ending child poverty. He also appears regularly in local venues from the Ironwood to Sorso. Last summer was especially busy, with performances at Music in the Park, the Community Links family festival, and airdrieFEST. If that wasn’t enough, White, who has lived most of his life in Airdrie, also became a new dad in June. “It was a really great Airdrie summer,” he laughs. A skilled guitarist, songwriter, arranger and producer, White creates music that’s a mix of rock and pop, with jazz overtones. His songs cover the many realities of modern life. For instance, a recent composition, Don’t You Know Love, which he has recorded as a demo, is a respectful conversation about mental health. The lyrics – “Life’s not over, yet. Love is what it’s made for. Love is real and you need real today” – are sung soulfully by White, backed by a simple electric guitar, with bass and drums. Live Well, on the other hand, is a catchy and rocked-out reminder-to-self of his love of rock and roll. “I try to be as intentional as possible in my songwriting, but in the end I write and play to my audience.” At the moment, White continues to merge art and business, creating original music for a future EP, while working to promote a friend’s business. “I would love to be a fulltime creative entrepreneur,” he says, “and some years I’ve done really well. But, I’m happy to be creative, wherever that leads.” life
The White Albums HENRY WHITE: THE CREATIVE ENTREPRENEUR STORY BY WYATT TREMBLAY | PHOTO BY JACEY CONWAY
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G R E AT L I F E | F O O D
FLAVOURS of
MONTREAL STORY BY STACIE GAETZ | PHOTOS BY SERGEI BELSKI
A
local couple is bringing the flavours of Montreal to Airdrie and local residents say the deli is a cut above. Carolyn Clarke and Jacques Juteau opened Flavours of Montreal Bakery & Deli on Main Street in May. The unique restaurant is providing fresh and fast food in a colourful and inviting atmosphere that will almost have you convinced you’ve walked into a deli in Quebec. “The support from the community has been overwhelming. I personally love it when I see the reaction from people when their food is delivered. The surprised look, the smile – it warms my heart,” says Clarke, co-owner. “We wanted to share what we love with the city. Airdrie is a wonderful community; the people are very supportive.”
WARM WELCOME
Residents are not shy about their love for the establishment’s unique dishes that include Montreal smoked meat, poutine, tourtiere and a sugar pie that is to die for. “We just had the best dinner at Flavours of Montreal! The restaurant is super busy, which is great to see,” says first-time customer Allison Skidmore. “I love that you share a table with whoever is sitting here. That’s so Montreal! The food was great, the staff was so friendly, and I can’t wait to return for more of the delicious poutine.” 18
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Clarke says the fact the restaurant is a local “mom and pop shop” providing personalized service to each customer and quality ingredients at a reasonable price appeals to residents. “I had a great lunch at Flavours of Montreal today. Whenever we come in, the staff is hard at work, cleaning tables instantly. It’s great to see,” says customer Erin Ruiters.
EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Juteau is a chef originally from Montreal who has owned restaurants since the age of 19. He and Clarke have a long history of operating eating establishments together. They opened Alberta King of Subs in Calgary in 1996 and operated White Sails Bakery in Nova Scotia from 2010 to 2015. “My goal is for this location to become a destination, where people can come to enjoy the food they were missing from back East – smoked meat, tourtiere, spruce beer, creton, sugar pie….” says Juteau. “I am very passionate about our food and concept.” Not surprisingly, the restaurant’s most popular dish is the Montreal smoked meat, which melts in your mouth and pairs perfectly with fresh bread and a tangy mustard with the right amount of heat. Juteau says he has been to many restaurants that claim to make Montreal smoked meat but “they are just not quite there.”
“My goal is for this location to become a destination, where people can come to enjoy the food they were missing from back East” “We do it right,” he adds. “It’s good-quality ingredi- made on site,” says customer Noreen Hewko-Garon. ents with just salt and pepper – not a ton of spices. Let “The bakery shelf is so enticing; if you don’t want the meat speak for itself and appreciate it.” lunch or dinner, you have to try the bakery. I took home a mini lemon meringue pie – that didn’t last long! It was fresh off the baking tray. I will be back.” BEST BAKERY The homemade items in the bakery section change The bakery section of the restaurant is also impressive daily and include cakes, cupcakes, pies, eclairs, cheesewith fresh homemade items changing daily. cake and more. “Flavours of Montreal has a wonderful little bakery Flavours of Montreal is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. – servings are large and mostly everything they serve is Tuesday through Sunday. life W I N T E R 2019/20
Join the a-list to WIN one of 10 $10 gift cards to Flavour of Montreal
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Holiday happenings G R E AT L I F E | E V E N TS
FESTIVE EVENTS IN 2019, PLUS A LOOK AT WHAT’S AHEAD IN 2020
NOV. 30-DEC. 1 HOLIDAY MARKET & FESTIVAL OF TREES 200 East Lake Cres. An annual fundraiser in support of the Boys & Girls Club of Airdrie. The market features everything from homemade items to delicious treats. Admission $2. Visit Facebook for details. DEC. 1-31 AIRDRIE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS Nose Creek Park Western Canada’s largest outdoor walk-through light show, the Airdrie Festival of Lights is celebrating its 24th year. Enjoy train rides, hot chocolate, Santa’s gift shop, and some good old-fashioned family fun and holiday cheer 6 to 9 p.m. every night in December, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Admission by cash donation; parking is free. See schedule of events on page 25. DEC. 5-7 BCHS PRESENTS: DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID Bert Church Theatre Bert Church High School proudly presents: Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Join the students as they explore the enchanted fathoms below in this enchanting show!
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DEC. 7 SANTA CLAUS PARADE Main Street Light up the night and kick off the Christmas season at 4:30 p.m. Enjoy illuminated floats, and maybe even see Santa himself! airdrieparades.com DEC. 7 CP HOLIDAY TRAIN Nose Creek Park This year join Scott Helman and Madeline Merlo on the CP Holiday Train. Bring a food bank donation and join in on a wonderful night of holiday music. 5:45-6:30 p.m. DEC. 7, 14, 21 & 28 SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE AT SORSO Sorso Lounge Live music every Saturday night supporting local musicians with a variety of genres including country, jazz, hip hop, rock, alternative and more. 8-10 p.m. DEC. 8 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.). 6-8 p.m. airdriecommunitychoir.org
W I N T E R 2019/20
DEC. 13 LIZZY HOYT - ANCIENT CAROLS FOR A WINTER’S NIGHT Bert Church Theatre Celebrate the spirit of the season with this magical evening of age-old Christmas carols. Recall ancient stories such as the three wise men and simply bask in the joy, peace and harmony of Christmas that Lizzy evokes with her angelic voice. Admission $30.50. 7:30 p.m. DEC. 19 GREAT AIRDRIE TRAIN RACE Nose Creek Park The 8th annual Great Airdrie Train Race! Join Alberta Health Services EMS, and Airdrie Fire, as they compete to sell the most train tickets, in support of their two charities! 6-9 p.m. DEC. 19 INDIGO CIRCUS Bert Church Theatre A circus spectacle for all ages brought to you by an award-winning team of performers with more than a decade of experience in the entertainment industry. Admission $25.50; students and seniors $23.50. 2:30 p.m.
REDISCOVER Season 35
Indigo Circus
Billy McGuigan’s Rock Legends
JANUARY 19, 2020
MARCH 22, 2020
Jazzology Family Series
Prairie Mountain Fiddlers
FEBRUARY 2, 2020
APRIL 4, 2020
Blue Moon Marquee
FEBRUARY 21, 2020
Jazz Affair Wishes FEBRUARY 28, 2020
The Heebee-Jeebees
TM
MARCH 13, 2020
Dufflebag Theatre Beauty and the Beast APRIL 18, 2020
Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland Presented by Nose Creek Players MAY 21-23, 2020
TICKETS ON SALE
theb e r t churcht h e a t r e .com
G R E AT L I F E | E V E N TS DEC. 20-21 THE CHRISTMAS HEIST Town and Country Centre Gerald tells his daughter the story of him moving to the town of Discovery and discovering something rather scary ... there’s no radio signal! And no radio signal means no Christmas music! And no Christmas music means no Christmas spirit. Can the young Gerald hatch a plan to bring the spirit back? Tickets $10. nosecreekplayers.com DEC. 31 NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS Ed Eggerer Athletic Park Ring in 2020 with Airdrie Parades and Fireworks at the family-friendly time of 6:30 p.m. airdrieparades.com
LIVE MUSIC Cocktails Wine Beer Espresso Breakfast Lunch Dinner Patio Bayside (8th and Yankee)
Coming in 2020 JAN. 27 FAMILY LITERACY DAY Airdrie Public Library An annual family-focused event that celebrates reading.
FEB. 2 JAZZOLOGY - FAMILY SERIES Bert Church Theatre Join the Tiny Island quartet led by Tim Sars in this irresistible show featuring a variety of musical instruments and upbeat can’t-sit-still-jazz which will make music lovers out of kids of all ages. Admission $23.50; students and seniors $21.50. 4 p.m. FEB. 21 BLUE MOON MARQUEE Bert Church Theatre Enjoy the sounds of this gypsy blues band from the wild rose foothills of Alberta. Admission $24.50. 7:30 p.m. FEB. 28 JAZZ AFFAIR - WISHES Bert Church Theatre Jazz Affair has curated a musical journey to a world of desire and imagination. Get ready for an a cappella evening of love, pleasure and freedom beyond eras and borders. Admission $23.50. 7:30 p.m.
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FEB. 14-17 THE 2020 ALBERTA WINTER GAMES Around Airdrie
The 2020 Alberta Winter Games celebrate the achievements of youth in sport and culture. More than 2,800 athletes, coaches, officials and performers will participate in the Games, competing in a variety of sports in and around Airdrie. These Games provide the opportunity for many of Canada’s future elite athletes to enjoy their first taste of competition at a provincial level. In addition to the sports component, the Games also feature a celebration of culture, which will enable visitors and residents to experience local and Alberta cultures through a variety of performing and visual arts events and activities. airdrie2020.com
THE STORE UPSTAIRS 209 CENTRE AVE SW AIRDRIE
STOREUPSTAIRS.CA
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G R E AT L I F E | F E ST I VA L
GET YOUR GLOW ON! GLOWING
NIGHTLY
DEC. 1 TO 31 6-9 P.M.
DEC. 19 •Great Airdrie Train Race 6-9 p.m. •Anacrusis A’capella Roving Choir 7-8 p.m. •Traditional Glimpse Henna Art 6-8 p.m. DEC. 20 •Ambition Performing Arts Inc. 7-8 p.m. DEC. 21 •Anacrusis A’capella Roving Choir 7-8 p.m.
This year the Airdrie Festival of Lights has a jam-packed schedule of fun for the whole family from Dec. 1 to 31. Admission and parking is always free – but donations are recommended at $10 to $20 per family. DEC. 1 •Kids activities with Community Links 6-8 p.m. •Santa visit 7-8 p.m. •Traditional Glimpse Henna Art 6-8 p.m. •Free hot dogs (while supplies last) courtesy of FortisAlberta DEC. 7 •Santa Claus Parade – Main Street Airdrie 4:30-5:30 p.m. •CP Holiday Train – upper parking lot 6-6:30 p.m. with performers Scott Helman and Madeline Merlo. (Please note this event is managed by the Airdrie Food Bank – for more information, visit airdriefoodbank.com) •Bow Valley Credit Union onsite 6-9 p.m. •Kids Activities with Community Links 6-8 p.m. •Santa Visit 7-8 p.m. •Airdrie Community Choir 7-8 p.m
DEC. 9 •Airdrie Community Choir 7-8 p.m. DEC. 10 •Kids activities with Community Links 6-8 p.m. •Santa visit 7-8 p.m. •The Midnight Mustangs, GMHS “Big” Band and the GMHS Sax Quartet 6:30-7:30 p.m. DEC. 13 •Rocky View Suzuki Violin School 6-7p.m. •Muriel Clayton School Choir and Chimes Group 7-8 p.m. DEC. 15 •Ambition Performing Arts Inc. 7-8 p.m. DEC. 17 •Kids activities with Community Links 6-8 p.m. •Santa visit 7-8 p.m.
DEC. 22 •Kids activities with Community Links 6-8 p.m. •Santa visit 7-8 p.m. DEC. 23 •Kids activities with Community Links 5-8 p.m. •Santa visit 7-8 p.m. DEC. 31 •New Year’s Eve Family Dance Party, presented by Air 106/Discover Airdrie 7-9 p.m. Remember the park lights are always on 6-9 p.m., but in inclement weather activities such as train rides may be limited. It’s always advised to check the festival website at airdrielights.com before heading out the door.
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SHOP
Airdrie!
Show you shop local and you could WIN the value of your purchases back in cash! Enter online at airdrielife.com/contest/1000 Enter to win the value of your purchases* up to $100 every time you shop in Airdrie Nov. 15, 2019 - Jan. 17, 2020. Every week for 10 weeks we will draw for $100 cash back prizes. Enter as often as you shop! Complete contest rules online at airdrielife.com
PARTICIPATING AIRDRIE BUSINESSES
*No purchase necessary. To enter without purchase see details online at airdrielife.com/contest/1000
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ANNOUNCING THE 2020 AIRDRIE MADE FINALISTS
We were overwhelmed by the quality and ingenuity of Airdrie makers. From beer to blankets, soups to sauces, Airdrie is home to a ton of talented people and their passions. airdrielife is pleased to be in partnership with Cooper’s Crossing to present all 27 entries on the pages of airdrielife. While some did not qualify for adjudication – we still want to showcase the pride of so many local makers. You can find more details with links on where to shop for these products at airdrielife.com Watch for the products shown here to be featured in displays at the new Cooper’s Crossing showhomes at 600 and 604 Reynolds Crescent.
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Eligible entries will be adjudicated in January by a special panel and awards will be announced on Feb. 5, 2020, at a special Meet the Makers party at the Cooper’s Crossing showhomes. We’ll have sampling, demos and more! Watch for event details in our social media feed.
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Check out our Airdrie Made entries on display at the new Cooper’s Crossing showhomes at 600 and 604 Reynolds Crescent during the month of January and join us for the Meet the Makers awards night Feb. 5, 2020. Follow us on social media for more details @airdrielifemag
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Chic Fashion Picks
LBD
The iconic little black dress works regardless of your size. This must have winter piece is truly flattering on everyone.
The perfect pairings brought to you by Ziva & Em Boutique and Cream Lingerie.
Corin Virginia Bra The perfect T shirt bra, sized from B-H, guarantees both excellent comfort support.
Charley Bra
From Elomi and sized from DD-HH, Charley fits and shapes to perfection all packaged in beautiful rose gold diamond mesh.
Animal Print
Animal print is one of those staple pieces that will remain in our wardrobes forever.
lingerie creambodyandbath.com 403.945.3114 • 206 - 304 Main St.
Janira Secrets
Invisible shaping garments perfect for every outfit have imperceptible finishes so leave no marks, fit perfectly and stay in place.
Florals
Brighten up your closet with bold, vibrant florals to liven up your winter wardrobe.
Montelle Chemise
Pair a stunning lace trimmed, full support chemise with a cozy robe for year round fashion and comfort.
zivaemboutique.com 403.980.4588 • 960 Yankee Valley Blvd.
G R E AT L I F E | FAS H I O N
Going Out Left: One Teaspoon denim, Lost in Lunar sweater, Mercury scrunchies Right: Aggel Knitwear top, Potter’s Pot pants, Kiss Kiss Italy purse, Bonny Delux corkscrew, Holiday Market wine bag and stopper All from The Store Upstairs
FASHION FILES
In a new expanded feature, Airdrie’s style makers offer their latest fashion and beauty tips.
Have a style question? Drop us a line at sherry@frogmediainc.ca and we’ll endeavor to get it answered in our next issue!
Staying In
Left: PJ Salvage flannel pyjamas, Gingerlily two-piece navy knit pyjamas Right: Wacoal turquoise bra, slip and panty All from Cream Body & Bath
HOW MANY BRAS SHOULD YOU OWN? Read great advice from Lynn Kehoe, Cream Body & Bath online at airdrielife.com
Join the a-list to WIN weekly fashion gift cards! Register today at airdrielife.com/contest
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G R E AT L I F E | FAS H I O N
COVER UP C
Echi coat, Saltwater Luxe dress, Colab purse, Free People boots All from Seven Saints
Pink Martini coat, Pixie Moode purse, Sol Sana boots, Brunette t-shirt, Dex leopard-print jeans All from Seven Saints
oat season has arrived! In our climate, for much of the year, your coat or jacket becomes a part, if not the main focus, of your outfit. So, if you’re like me, having multiple, affordable coats is the key to creating fresh looks all season long. A teddy bear coat or fuzzy coat is a trendier option, but adds that bit of whimsy to your wardrobe and can also be super versatile. We carry these in bomber or car coat styles in a variety of colours, from basic blacks to rich browns and soft pinks. These fun little numbers look adorable dressed up with leather leggings and sweaters or tees, but are also my go-to with distressed jeans and a favourite hoodie, too! It doesn’t have to always be about trends; classic coats in neutral colours are reigning supreme and are an easy way to elevate any outfit. The best part? The same coat can transition from sneakers and leather leggings or skinnies to a gorgeous dress for an evening. One of our most popular coats is the BB Dakota Whisky Business twill coat in a beautiful neutral camel colour. The slimmer fit is perfect for dresses and is also such a cool classic look dressed down with jeans and a big printed scarf. This coat looks great with literally everything. Prints and colour are wonderful ways to have fun with your coats, too! Rich autumn tones like mustard, bordeaux, rust, chocolate and camel are so appealing, and won’t limit you. These tones add a visual pop and look fantastic with everything. Gone are the days of having to “match” your colours! Also, prints aren’t going anywhere – tweeds, plaids, and animal prints in neutral tones make a statement that anyone can pull off and add so much visual interest to your look. – Erin Hardy, co-owner, Seven Saints Boutique
How to combat dry frizzy hair Welcome, winter! We love all things cozy and warm including scarves, toques, earmuffs and headbands. All of these are great at keeping us warm, but did you know they might be affecting your hair? During the winter months the air especially in our region is very dry. Add to that the constant influx of heat being forced into the air from your furnace and your car as the temperature drops, and we are in fact drying out our beautiful locks. When we wrap our heads in fibres like scarves and toques the moisture from our hair is being absorbed into those fibres. The result? More dry frizzy hair. Mary Ann Lacoursiere at Envy Salon and Spa says using products that are sulfate free, paraben free and silicone free can definitely help. “Healthy hair starts with a shampoo that cleans but does not strip out the natural oils. Replenish the hair with proper proteins and moisture secures hair to be full, soft, shining and smooth.” Lacoursiere recommends the No Frizz line of products by Living Proof. “It weightlessly blocks humidity so hair is frizz-free, soft and smooth, without feeling heavy or greasy.”
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up jacket Take your wardrobe basic &
Stay in Airdrie and shop local with Pharmasave on Centre and The Store Upstairs. With over 20 years serving the community, Pharmasave on Centre and The Store Upstairs are proud to bring you the latest trends in fashion, home décor and even a little something for the kids – TOYS! Looking for that statement piece to step up your wardrobe basics? Head into The Store Upstairs and one of their amazing staff members will help you get that perfect ‘fit’ for your style and budget.
Shopping at The Store Upstairs makes it easy to take something as tried and true as your black denim pants and transition them from casual, to business, to going out – simply by changing up your jacket or layering piece: a long cardigan for everyday, a structured blazer for the office and an edgy, leather moto-jacket that will be perfect for a night on the town with the girls. They also have all the accessories you need to elevate your outfit, including the shoes. We have you covered at Pharmasave on Centre and The Store Upstairs.
STOREUPSTAIRS.CA 209 CENTRE AVE SW AIRDRIE
THE STORE UPSTAIRS
G R E AT L I F E | FAS H I O N
Airdrie’s shopping scene just got a makeover
NOW OPEN
Visit our new Boutique, In Cooperstown Promenade
OR SHOP ONLINE
sevensaints.ca
Grab a new bag!
Winter Warmth The Hair Lounge #KEEPINGAIRDRIEBEAUTIFUL
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Winter in Airdrie is always a bit of a roll of the dice, but when it comes to fashion, it’s always better to be prepared. People tend to get a little bummed out once this season comes around, but your wardrobe doesn’t have to feel the effects of “the winter blues.” A winter wardrobe usually contains your basic neutrals like black, grey and brown, which is always a classic choice, but this doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun and inject some colour back into your look with one of this season’s hottest handbags. Deep cranberries, vibrant reds and pastel pinks are all great choices when thinking about what would work to liven up your winter outfit. In addition to the colours, experiment with different shapes and sizes. A bowling ball style bag is always a winner for the winter. A tote bag will go with everything and a small cross-body purse will work for a casual look and for going out – it never has to be an either/or situation. So, go on, grab that luscious candy apple red purse; you won’t even have to put it away once the spring comes! - Brandon Chaisson, manager, The Store Upstairs
FASHION TWO WAYS Check out the switch-up with the same Joseph Ribkoff pearl collared top and plaid pants from ZIVA&EM. Top: Joseph Ribkoff suede swing coat, Joanel handbag Bottom: Joseph Ribkoff sweater, Frank Lyman jewelled clutch
Hot Winter Fashions: Sweaters, Ponchos and Animal Print
D
o you want to stay cozy this season while still looking put together? Layer your cozy knit sweater with leggings or your favourite skinny jeans, a fitted tee and your favourite booties for a complete look that works for the office or running errands! Capes and ponchos also look amazing with leggings and skinny jeans; pair with a collared shirt underneath and you’re sure to turn heads with this smart and interesting look. If you’re feeling chilly, try a long-sleeved tee instead. And you can’t go wrong by adding a chunky necklace. We can’t get enough of the animal print we’re seeing! Any outfit is instantly elevated when you add a touch of animal print. Whether a lot or a little, animal print in your ensemble adds intrigue, and a fun, flirty dynamic! - Allison Anhorn, owner, ZIVA&EM Boutique
WIN!
NEED A NEW YOU IN 2020? Enter our 2020 Makeover contest online before Feb . 1, 2020, and tell us why you deserve a chance for a new hairdo, makeup and fashion look from Airdrie’s style makers!
make your dream hair a reality 403.948.4109
202 304 Main St SE
envysalonspa-airdrie.com
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G R E AT L I F E | F I T N E SS
HALFWAY THERE! The airdrielife fitness challengers see progress
TINA PARSONS “Tina is doing great! She has issued a challenge to herself to do 10,000 squats in this three-month period,” says coach Deanna Bensler. “She is now at 3,630 squats, and has 6,370 to go. I’ve committed to doing the last 6,000 with her. She does 90 per day. Three sets of 30 through the day. If we do squats at Orangetheory Fitness (OTF) she will count those towards her daily total. “She is consistent in her workouts, however with her travel schedule, travelling definitely makes it harder for her eating. She has lost 10 pounds so far and is still very motivated. I talk to her pretty much every day and she is doing really well.” What are you most surprised about? TINA: I’ve been reminded how important food is to health. Let thy food be thy medicine, they say. Shortly after being chosen as a challenge participant I had a physical and for all intents and purposes was diagnosed as a type 2 diabetic. The doctor wanted to put me on medication based on this bloodwork, and I asked him for three months to see if I could prove to him that I could get this under control with better management of my diet. He agreed, and with the help of Simply for Life, we began a food plan that would work to lower my blood sugar quickly. I can’t wait to see my HbA1c results in the next month or so!
JAMIE KELLY “Jamie is doing fantastic and is always positive during classes,” says coach Lisa Kaluski. “She is motivated, open to feedback, and loves to challenge herself (she was excited to sign up for Hell Week). “Jamie pushes herself during class, plans ahead her weekly sessions and is accountable to all of this (even the 6 a.m. class). “She has changed her body/mindset for the better and realizes this is a lifelong fitness/health journey. She is strong, determined and shows no signs of stopping.” What are you most surprised about? JAMIE: I am a morning person, but seriously, getting up at 5:30 a.m. is crazy to go work out. But not for this girl now. I LOVE it! I’m most happy that people see a change in my body. I’m going outside of the box for dishes now and it’s great. The next six weeks – besides Hell Week – is going to be the best. I’ve got this.
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DONNA KITSCH “There are so many great things to say about Donna. She has truly embraced the OTF experience,” says coach Rochelle Court. “Arriving to the studio early before each class, Donna is definitely into taking everything she can out of the studio. She has already started chatting with other members and creating her own community. Always open to learning about the why I can see her growing as an athlete, both as a coach, and as a fellow class participant. I love how she is eager to celebrate her success in weight loss with us. “Donna has already made improvements in her approach to class and I am really excited to watch her grow, and further engage in the studio. I cannot wait to celebrate with her as we head into the second half of the fitness challenge.” What has been the most challenging aspect of this? DONNA: Keeping organized on the food prep. The food plan has been good but I’m still learning to plan best practices. Prioritizing time for myself to plan out the week has been a little struggle. Learning to take rest days has been a learning experience, realizing it’s just as important. What are you most surprised about? DONNA: How much I am enjoying the workouts at Orangetheory. All the coaches have been so supportive. At first I had apprehension about fitting in, but everyone is there for their own goals. I didn’t realize my body could move like it has. I’m slower on things but progressing well. life
BOOK TODAY FOR 1 FREE WEEK ACHIEVE MORE LIFE, ONE CLASS AT A TIME High-energy, trainer-led, 60-minute group workouts Customized for your level of fitness Heart Rate Based Interval Training Burn 500 calories or more in 60 minutes Keep burning calories for up to 36 hours
ORANGETHEORY FITNESS AIRDRIE 2700 Main Street Unit 380, Airdrie, Alberta, T4B 3G7 | (587) 409 - 4959 | www.otfairdrie.com
Anyone can shop with us! We are your one-stop shop for all of your nutrition needs - ANYONE can shop with us!
• meals to go • Quality meats • grocery staples • healthy snacks • keto & low-carb • Quality supplements
Bring this ad in to receive
10% off your next Natural Market purchase!
Free initial consultation 403.948.4424 | #3, 118 Main Street NE www.simplyforlife.com W I N T E R 2019/20
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G R E AT L I F E | C O L U M N
“Spare socks … can double as gloves, a makeshift cloth or be worn over shoes to provide better traction on snow and ice”
airdrie’s premiere
hEATED & non-heated yoga & fitness studio yoga - pilates - barre
www.unityfitnessstudios.com (403) 945-9642 - 309, 800 yankee valley blvd sw
Partner
Retired or retiring soon? We can help you define retirement your way.
Carman Thiessen, CFP® 403-462-7727 carman.thiessen@rbc.com
Chris Friesen, CFP® 403-807-3010 chris.friesen@rbc.com
Talk to an RBC® advisor.
RBC Financial Planning is a business name used by Royal Mutual Funds Inc. (RMFI). Financial planning services and investment advice are provided by RMFI. RMFI, RBC Global Asset Management Inc., Royal Bank of Canada, Royal Trust Corporation of Canada and The Royal Trust Company are separate corporate entities which are affiliated. RMFI is licensed as a financial services firm in the province of Quebec. † Personal lending products and residential mortgages are offered by Royal Bank of Canada and are subject to its standard lending criteria. ® / ™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. © Royal Bank of Canada, 2019. VPS14637 36425 (05/2019)
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autolife
WITH SHAUN KOS
5
winter car hacks using household items
There’s no denying it: winter is officially on its way and the frigid conditions can do a number on your vehicle. Here are five winter car hacks using household items that will help you survive and conquer winter driving conditions (and hopefully make your morning commute a little easier!): Fog-proof your windshield Shaving cream includes the same ingredients found in commercial defoggers. Apply the cream to the inside of your windshield and wipe it off. This will leave a layer on the window and prevent it from fogging up. DIY an ice scraper If you find yourself without an ice scraper on hand, grab your wallet and take out your sturdiest plastic card or, if you’re at home, grab a plastic spatula from your kitchen (no metal, unless you want a scratched windshield) and scrape away! Socks in the glove compartment Spare socks can come in very handy when you’re in a pinch. They can double as gloves, a makeshift cloth or be worn over shoes to provide better traction on snow and ice. DIY a de-icer Mix two parts rubbing alcohol with one part water and transfer to an old spray bottle. The alcohol reduces the freezing point of the solution and can help clear your windshield in a flash. Clean your lights with toothpaste With sand, slush and grime sticking to your headlights, the brightness can be reduced. Cover each light with a layer of toothpaste and rinse off with warm water. Not only will this drastically improve the clarity of your lights, it is also much cheaper than the headlight cleaning kits they sell at stores. life Shaun Kos is general manager at Country Hills Nissan
Where city living meets country charm
Offering quality furniture and Airdrie’s best selection of décor!
Join us for an evening at the ranch, and create something beautiful in one of our chalk paint workshops.
FREE ADMISSION to Christmas market December 7-8
SHOP LOCAL
RUSTIC RANCH 403.265.6656
rusticranch.ca
MONDAY-FRIDAY: 9AM-6PM SATURDAY: 9AM-5PM SUNDAY: 11AM-4PM
3km N of Airdrie on Main St. at Township Rd 274
G R E AT L I F E | C O L U M N
petlife
WITH LISA KEDIAN
Choose Local. Choose Exceptional. e st. 1 9 8 3
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How enrichment helps animals
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e all need enrichment in our lives. People of all ages, from babies to seniors, are always looking for new ways to make life interesting. Animals are no different. Animals in the wild spend most of their time searching for food and avoiding predators, which provides most of the enrichment they need. For animals in our care, those activities are not a factor for survival, but the basic instincts that cause those behaviors are still present. Enrichment increases the quality of life for animals in our care. Identifying and providing environmental stimuli for your pet will help reduce stress and promote overall health by increasing their perception of control over their environment and by occupying their time. Techniques used to enrich an environment will generally fall into five categories: food-based enrichment, sensory enrichment (sight, smell, touch, hear, taste), novel objects, social enrichment and positive training. All captive animals need environmental enrichment whether they live in a shelter, zoo,
sanctuary or your home. The mental stimulation derived from the enrichment provides a challenge, alleviates boredom, and can also decrease the likelihood of the animals developing behavioral issues (such as scratching, excessive chewing and barking). Look for activities that encourage or mimic these behaviors that are natural to your pets:
BYOODEBAR.COM
587 254 5799
Food-based enrichment – hide some treats in a food dispensing toy so they can hunt and find it. This encourages chasing, catching and consuming behaviors. Sensory enrichment – set up a perch near a window so that your cat can climb up and observe (sight, hear, smell) birds and squirrels at a strategically placed feeder. Novel objects – offer your cat empty cardboard boxes or paper bags to climb on, around and through to explore. Social enrichment – multi-pet households where the animals are in stable healthy relationships offer valuable opportunities to be social with their own species. If your dog enjoys playing with other dogs, set up playdates with his pals for some healthy fun. Positive training – when it is fun, everyone likes to learn something new. Be sure sessions are not frustrating, and never use techniques that make your pet fearful. Check the Cochrane & Area Humane Society’s website for upcoming seminars and training programs to help you learn the best techniques for training. There are also so many enrichment items on the market for just about every pet, but allow yourself to get creative, too! Once you add in one or two of the above enrichment ideas or make some of your own, you will help to decrease the likelihood of behavior problems and keep your pets happy and stimulated. life
Lisa Kedian recently settled in Cochrane, AB after living for four years in Canada’s Great White North – Yellowknife, NWT. Originally from Ontario, Lisa now loves the close proximity to the beautiful Rockies and the wonderful opportunity to be a part of something bigger, which is helping the animals at the Cochrane & Area Humane Society find forever, loving homes.
Dedicated to Yoga. Dedicated to You. Airdrie’s ONLY non-heated yoga studio
103, 28 Gateway Drive NE, Airdrie 587-254-6428 | namaste@creatingspaceyoga.net
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THE WAKE-UP CALL “Severe sleep deprivation isn’t just a regular part of parenting and it can be downright dangerous”
parentlife
Witnessing a horrific car crash helped me sleep better.
WITH STACIE GAETZ
Let me back up a bit: When my son was born, we were prepared for a few months of rough nights. However, we soon realized our boy was very different from our daughter and after many doctor’s appointments, he was diagnosed with colic. We waited for him to grow out of it, but after two years of getting less than three hours of broken sleep a night on a mattress on the floor in his room, I needed a new word for exhausted. The resulting mental and physical impairment was negatively affecting my relationships with my children and husband. Yet, I thought I could deal with it on my own, until I received the biggest wake-up call of my life. On my son’s second birthday, I was driving to pick up his cake in my usual sleep-deprived stupor when I witnessed a devastating accident at the intersection of Yankee Valley Boulevard and Main Street. The SUV beside me flew over the median, across lanes of oncoming traffic and smashed through a retainer wall. I later found out that the cause of the crash was believed to be driver fatigue. That was my wake-up call. As a mom, it’s easy to think, “This is just what having young kids means,” and down your sixth cup of coffee (that morning), but the reality is sleep deprivation negatively impacts every aspect of your life including: • response time • mental health • physical health • cognitive function • memory
PROUD SPONSOR OF AWESOME AIRDRIE KIDS
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I came to the horrifying realization that it could have been my children and I in that SUV and immediately contacted a sleep consultant. Severe sleep deprivation isn’t just a regular part of parenting and it can be downright dangerous. If your lack of sleep is negatively impacting your life, get help whether that be in the form of hiring a professional, talking to your doctor or asking for more support from your loved ones – your life could depend on it. life
tutordoctor.com
Stacie Gaetz loves to tell stories. She thoroughly enjoys her work as a freelance writer, but her real passion is for her daughter, 5, and son, 2.
Airdrie and Calgary
Offering Preschool, Full-Day Jr.K, Kindergarten and Grades 1-8 in Airdrie ● Small Class Sizes ● Private & Accredited ● Alberta Education Certified ● Hockey & Sports Training ● Before & After School Care ● Life Skills Classes ● Summer Camps/Childcare
P HO N E : E M AI L: WEB
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403-912-1133 enrolment@atlaslearningacademy.com atlaslearningacademy.com
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S P EC I A L I Z I N G I N N E W B O R N & M AT E R N I T Y P H OTO G R A P H Y
403.945.0300
*
I M AG E S BYJ OA N N E .CO M
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G R E AT L I F E | C O L U M N
CHECK √ YOUR HEARING YES
NO
Do people seem to mumble or speak in softer voices than they used to? Do you feel tired or irritable after a long conversation? Do you miss key words or ask people to repeat themselves? When you are in a group or a crowded restaurant is it hard for you to follow the conversation? Do you often need to turn the volume up on the tv or radio? Do you find it difficult to hear the doorbell or the telephone ring?
HOW DID YOU DO?
If you answered YES to any of these questions you might be experiencing some hearing loss and should have your hearing evaluated.
Proven Hearing Care from experienced providers. Locally Owned & Operated
403 980 4327
SuperiorHearingSolutions.com 103 – 44 Gateway Drive, Airdrie
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SUPPORT for
SENIORS
STORY BY BRENDA HUME
C
ommunity Links has been serving the needs of seniors in the North Rocky View Region for more than 15 years. Individuals can access Seniors Services by calling or meeting with a Community Links intake worker who will assess immediate needs and match each senior to a senior support worker. Once a referral has taken place, appointments can be conducted over the phone or in person to provide information and support to individuals age 55 and over. Support workers help seniors connect to municipal, provincial and federal resources by providing assistance with pension applications, problem solving, prioritizing and advocacy. Seniors Services strives to ensure that all basic needs are met by: removing financial barriers such as budgeting; providing income tax assistance; and connecting individuals to affordable housing, health care, transportation, recreation and various community resources. A Caregivers Support Group is offered on a monthly basis (third Tuesday of each month, 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Community Links in Airdrie) offering supports and community connection to individuals who are caring for a senior. Caregivers can also access additional support through the Senior Respite Program which provides in-home short-term support for a senior who is faced with significant situational stress, fatigue or crisis (not an acute medical condition). Volunteers with the Senior Transportation Program provide transportation for seniors 65 years of age and over to medical appointments in Airdrie (three days’ notice) and Calgary (one week’s notice). This program is a last resort for seniors who do not have any other transportation options. The Friendly Visiting Program offered by volunteers provides support to isolated seniors in need of social interaction either in their home or the community.
WOODSIDE DENTURE CENTRE Seniors Services also connects individuals in the community with education by providing a quarterly newsletter which highlights events and opportunities, free monthly educational workshops at the Airdrie Over 50 Club (first Wednesday of each month at 1:30 p.m.), and monthly workshops of various topics related to seniors upon request or through Wisdom Circle Workshops for both men and women focusing on emotional wellness, self-esteem and future planning. life
UPCOMING EVENTS INCLUDE: Nov. 27, 2019: Elders Team – discussing all forms of elder abuse (1 p.m. at Community Links in Airdrie) Dec. 4, 2019: Discover Yourself Through Art and Imagination (1:30 p.m. at Airdrie Over 50 Club)
Your smile won’t hide if it’s made by Woodside BITE INTO LIFE
403-948-0954 woodsidedenturecentre.com
For more information, call 403-945-3900
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homelife 48 IDEAS AND ADVICE FOR YOUR HOME, INSIDE AND OUT
HOMELIFE | BUILDER PROFILE
HOMES BY AVI HAS LONG HISTORY IN AIRDRIE STORY BY JIM ZANG
W
hen Avi Amir first started Avi Construction back in 1978, he had no idea his fledgling company would grow from a single home on Elbow Drive into one of Alberta’s top home builders. Fast forward to today and Avi’s son, Charron Ungar, is at the helm of Homes by Avi, including their multi-family division, Avi Urban. It’s fair to say Charron grew up in the business, officially joining the company as an estimator in 1997 and graduating to the
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role of CEO in 2018 when former CEO Monte Kendall retired and joined the board of directors as vice chairman alongside Avi. Like many builders, Homes by Avi has experienced many changes over the years, evolving and adapting to consumer demands in the marketplace, including adding a multi-family division and moving into new markets like Edmonton and Austin, Texas, as well as outlying communities around Calgary, such as Cochrane and Airdrie.
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There are eight semi-detached homes ranging from 1,300-1,600 square feet currently underway in King’s Heights, with another nine lots still available – although probably not for long, say sales staff, as showhome foot traffic has definitely picked up recently. As for the local new home market, “it’s very flat at the moment,” says Doug Beach, Homes by Avi’s vice president of single-family sales for Alberta. “With interest rates, construction costs and margins as low as they are currently we are seeing people take advantage of the opportunity to get into a new home. We would expect with the existing opportunities out there that we’ll see an upswing in the near future.” Especially in a city like Airdrie, where housing prices are $20,000 to $40,000 lower than in Calgary and neighbours still say hello to each other when they pass on the street. life
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In fact, Homes by Avi has been building quality homes in Airdrie since opening their first showhome in Cooper’s Crossing way back in 2006. The Princeton was a 2,337-square-foot, three-bedAIRDRIE room, two-storey single-family home ALARM featuring – as was the design fashion at948-1830 the time – a formal dining room, large ensuite, bonus room, lots of tile and a grand entryway. And the builder has been in Airdrie ever since. These days, the company is active in the final phase of King’s Heights with semi-detached and front-attached homes, as well as pre-selling semi-detached homes in the brand new community of Lanark Landing. Showhomes are open on Kingsmere Way and Kingfisher Crescent, with price points starting in the low $300,000s for semi-detached homes and low $400,000s for front-drive homes. New showhomes in Lanark Landing are scheduled to open in early spring 2020.
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C H IOT Y MLEI FL EI F |E |E NSVE IRRVOI CNEM S ENT
THE DAILY JOURNEY OF OUR RECYCLING STO RY A N D P H OTO S BY B R I T TO N L E D I N G H A M
The blue cart at your curb is one of thousands picked up daily in Airdrie as glass, plastic, paper and cardboard make their way to becoming something new again.
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BUT HOW?
It all starts when residential truck drivers like Wayne Meredith arrive at the GFL Environmental Inc. shop in Calgary before 6 a.m. each weekday morning, rain or shine, sleet or snow, holiday or not. By shortly after 7 a.m. on a Monday in June, Meredith is at his first pick up in Reunion, watching the monitor high to his right displaying the view of his truck’s robotic arm and box. His left hand is on the wheel while his right maneuvers a joystick, and thumb presses two buttons. He aptly likens his work to a video game. “I can’t count how many times that joystick moves in a day,” says Meredith. He gets out occasionally, like when he puts a note on a blue cart with golf clubs sticking out the top, a no-no, or to give a colouring book to some of his preschool fans. But for the most part, he stays behind the wheel, where his job description says he’s supposed to be. Most days of the year he completes his route and unloads within about eight to nine hours, but winter driving conditions in rutted, icy alleys and Christmastime payloads can extend his shifts to 12 hours. On this sunny day in June, he methodically moves along streets and alleys in Reunion, and then Sagewood, not needing a map to efficiently navigate to pick up bins at 1,100 households he’s been to hundreds of times in his more than two years of working in Airdrie for GFL. “Today went smooth; everything was pretty kosher,” says Meredith while driving towards where he would unload the heavy truck at Cascades Recovery+, 50 kilometres away in southeast Calgary.
Not sure what goes where? Visit www.airdrie.ca/wheredoesitgo
Place all recycling in the cart loose except shredded paper and plastic bags/stretchy plastic.
Paper:
RECYCLING COLLECTION
Tin/aluminum food containers:
Metal food and beverage containers, tin/ aluminum cans, aluminum foil and aluminum foil plates, jar lids, refundable aluminum beverage containers
Newspaper, catalogues and magazines, mixed paper, flyers, envelopes, telephone books and soft cover books, empty paper coffee cups, fast food cups (un-waxed), cardboard, boxboard, corrugated cardboard Tetra Pak® juice/soup boxes, paper flour and sugar bags. Shredded paper should be placed inside a transparent plastic bag.
Plastics:
Food waste:
Yard waste:
Fruit and vegetables, table scraps, meat, fish, dairy products, cooking oil and fat (cool, wipe with paper towel and place in green cart), bread, rice, pasta, bones, coffee grounds and filters, tea bags, eggshells, jams, sauces, salad dressings, baked goods, nuts, seeds, chips
Glass (whole or broken): Glass food containers, refundable glass beverage containers
Plastic containers with the recycling symbols #1—7 excluding polystyrene foam (Styrofoam). Plastic bags and stretchy plastic must be bundled together within a single plastic bag for collection.
Leaves, twigs, small plant branches less than 1.5 cm (1″) in diameter and no longer than one metre, grass clippings
Food soiled paper:
Other:
Pet feces, kitty litter, small pet cage bedding (wood shavings, shredded paper, corncob, walnut shells, paper confetti, bamboo etc.) pet fur, hair, feathers, wooden popsicle sticks, toothpicks and chopsticks
Table napkins, paper towels, paper plates, fast food packaging, such as hamburger wrappers, french fry boxes, paper bags, etc.
ORGANICS COLLECTION
Accepted items:
Food Styrofoam, waxed cups, diapers, plastic coffee cup/drink lids, plastic cutlery, straws, non-recyclable items
Bag limits:
All waste bags must be no larger than 90 cm x 127 cm (35 x 50 in) and weigh no more than 25 kg (55 lbs) Collection of one bag of waste is included in your monthly utilities waste management fee Up to three additional bags can be set out for collection, however they must have a $3 excess waste tag attached. Visit airdrie.ca for locations to purchase these.
WASTE COLLECTION
Electronics:
Televisions, computers and accessories, printers, scanners, fax machines, cellphones, small appliances
Household hazardous waste:
Paint and paint cans, aerosols, household chemicals (must be securely contained in a clearly labeled container; only household quantities will be accepted), batteries, used engine oil and filters, antifreeze, propane tanks
RECYCLE DEPOT
Recycling:
Mattresses/box springs, fridges, freezers, tires, scrap wood (non-treated), asphalt shingles, drywall, concrete and asphalt, scrap metal (large appliances), toilets
Landfill:
Bagged or non-bagged residential waste, treated wood, household furniture. All loads must be secured. Fees apply, visit airdrie.ca for details
Not accepted:
TRANSFER SITE
Hazardous or toxic material, animal carcasses, pesticides, herbicides, paint or other chemicals and/or their container, clean fill, small appliances
Other:
Light bulbs, packing Styrofoam (food Styrofoam should be put in the garbage), cooking oil, textiles/clothing, books, coffee cup/drink lids Curbside recycling materials accepted here
HOMELIFE | SERVICES What do you want residents to know? “Keep [carts] away from vehicles, fences, cable boxes,” says Meredith. “Just watch what you put in your recycling bin. You know, pay attention and everything will run good.” He goes on to say he’ll clean up a spill if he makes it, but asks residents to not overfill their bins and to make sure the lid is closed. You can also help drivers out by breaking down and folding cardboard. This fits more in the blue carts, and makes it easier for trucks’ compactors to pack materials in. He arrives at Cascades Recovery+, weighs in beside the large warehouse and dumps his load of recyclables inside at the base of a mountain of materials to be sorted. He drives back to the GFL shop, completes his paperwork, checks over his truck to ensure it’s ready in the morning, and punches the clock before driving about 75 kilometres home to Carstairs, the final leg of his roughly 450 kilometres daily drive.
“Just watch what you put in your recycling bin. You know, pay attention and everything will run good.”
CASCADES RECOVERY+
Now that your recycling has joined the tonnes of other products in Cascades’ large, industrial facility, operations supervisor Craig Lee and his team of 65 people, payloaders, huge conveyors, and sophisticated sorters, separate the materials into saleable cubes. He’s in a large room upstairs at the warehouse with windows overlooking the staff and equipment sorting through 40 tonnes of cascading recycling every hour, 10 hours per day and often six days a week. Earlier, during a tour of the facility, he pointed out two conveyor belts that lift the raw recycling from the floor, about three storeys up to the initial hand-sorting room. About a dozen staff stand alongside the belts, dust masks on as they work towards their main objective – “to get the oversized, hazardous materials out of the system.” Lee says household hazardous waste materials in recycling are a daily issue. “It’s always a safety concern getting bear sprays here, gas cylinders, propane tanks and lithium batteries,” he says, explaining batteries can ignite under pressure. “If you think about the facility with so much paper, so much flammable material, you really don’t want to have anything here that can be ignited. “When you’re recycling, you just have to think about the other person on the other side of the fence, who has to take care of all that material.” There are also garden hoses, which fit in a category of hazards called danglers. Other non-recyclable items make the first manned phase of the sorting process crucial and dangerous. Lee recognizes people recycle with good intentions, but can be ignorant of “the hazards that they place in other people’s life.” The week previous, one of Lee’s colleagues got pricked by a needle that was “filled with blood,” a scary circumstance. Medical waste such as needles can be
From top to bottom: Wayne Meredith, residential truck driver for GFL Environmental, operates his recycling truck in Reunion on Monday, June 17, 2019; Stephanie Maître and sons Liam (5) and Landon (4), watch on; Meredith gives a colouring book to Emersyn Edwards (2) and Stephanie Edwards while picking up recycling along his route in Sagewood; Meredith delivers his load to Cascades Recovery+ in Calgary, Alta.; Workers sort recycling at Cascades Recovery+ in Calgary; Craig Lee, operations supervisor for Cascades Recovery+, poses for a photo between two conveyors.
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disposed of at your local pharmacy without giving recycle workers an HIV or hepatitis C scare. He urges residents to dispose of nonrecyclable materials according to the specs of their city. Airdrie residents can research where questionable items go at: www.airdrie.ca/ wheredoesitgo The problem of loose bags messing with the sorting process can be solved by residents placing all their bags from a week into one bag in their blue cart. Otherwise, the bags float on top of other recyclables in the process and optical, automated machines can’t see what’s beneath, making the system inefficient. When working properly, the optical machines quickly sort through varying grades of paper, plastic and cardboard. In the paper stream, there is a fiber room with about 25 individuals on quality control. Elsewhere in the streams of cascading materials, optical machines sort plastics, which are then stored for sale and shipment. As a final step, each commodity is baled into cubes for easy transport. life For a more detailed story and extra info from the City of Airdrie, visit airdrielife.com
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H O M E L I F E | S H OW H O M E S
BEST OF
2019 The Hadley
Shanagolden
Pearl
We asked Airdrie builders to submit their favourites of 2019 for a recap of awesome showhome options. These builders all make Airdrie a beautiful place to live. Carlisle 2 by Brookfield in Chinook Gate This is the perfect home for any family – especially one that loves hockey. In the basement of the Carlisle 2 you’ll find a floor hockey rink, complete with sideboards and lockers, so the neighbourhood kids can enjoy an impromptu game of shinny any day of the year. 52
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Pearl by Mattamy in Southwinds Discover this new split-level open-concept showhome. Come experience the warmth of engineered hardwood with an oak staircase. The Pearl’s kitchen is alive with quartz countertops and stacked cabinets. Stunning built-ins finish the dining area with a stone fireplace and a Caribou counter bar completes the family room. Mission by Mattamy in Southwinds This home features a custom tile full-height fireplace. The oversized kitchen has quartz counters, Dekton backsplash and walk-in pantry. The Mission’s bath oasis features a glass shower, double sinks and a soaker tub with matte black faucet. The second floor has an open loft and convenient laundry room.
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Shanagolden Lifestyle by McKee Homes in Cooper’s Crossing Smart meets simple in the Shanagolden Lifestyle. It’s where every space flows effortlessly together to create unity and togetherness and where every detail highlights the beauty and comfort of a place to call home. What makes this plan spectacular is the placement of windows and the obvious awareness to optimize livable space in the entire house. Ballina by McKee Homes in Cooper’s Crossing Standing at the farmhouse sink in the thoughtfully laid-out kitchen of the Ballina you are filled with feelings of comfort and security. A modern take on an age-old way of life this home whispers of a simpler time while offering space that shouts functionality for today’s family life.
Knightstown
Mission
Ballina Carlisle 2
See the full interactive map at airdrielife.com Duplex/Townhome Condo Rear Lane Front Garage Estate
The Knightstown by McKee Homes in Bayside With rooms fit for a king and elegance suited to every queen the Knightstown is an exquisite bungalow showcasing the craftsmanship and possibility of custom details that make a house a home. The sprawling basement complete with wine room, gym, two bedrooms, full bathroom and large family room adds to the overall appeal. The Hadley by Harder Homes in Cooper’s Crossing 2019 Calgary BILD award finalist, the Hadley brings together style, comfort and functionality. Designed to bring families together time and time again, the open-concept design has something for everyone. From the chef’s dream kitchen, to the spa-like master ensuite, to the cozy theatre room, come see for yourself what makes this home one of a kind. life
Bayview by Genesis Developments featuring Genesis Homes See ad page 6
Hillcrest by Apex featuring McKee Homes and Shane Homes See ad page 24
Bayside Pier 11 by Genesis Developments featuring Genesis and McKee Homes See ad page 2
Lanark Landing by Melcor featuring Homes by Avi and McKee. Coming 2020. See ad page 79
Chinook Gate by Brookfield Residential featuring McKee Homes See ad page 7
Cooper’s Crossing by Westmark featuring Harder Homes and McKee Homes See ad page 80
Southpoint by Vesta See ad page 4 Southwinds by Mattamy See ad page 5 Vista Crossing (Crossfield) by Dream featuring McKee Homes and Homes by Dream See ad page 47
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M E E T T H E M OV E R S , S H A K E R S A N D B U S I N E SS M A K E R S WORKLIFE | COLUMN
THE WINTER GAMES ARE COMING
businesslife
WITH ADENA MALYK
A
irdrie will play host to the 2020 Alberta Winter Games (AWG) this winter, with opening ceremonies kicking off Friday, Feb. 14 (yes, Valentine’s Day) on Main Street. It will be a live and interactive festival for all ages, featuring fire and light shows that will amaze young and old. Over the course of the Games weekend, roughly 6,000 visitors will descend on our community, including 2,800 athletes aged 11-17, coaches, sports officials, performers and their families. For many of these young athletes this is the first step on their journey toward becoming an Olympic athlete. The AWG is projected to bring $1.4 million of visitor spending into our local economy, as well as an additional $4.1 million in spin-off activity. With the Games happening in that slow after-Christmas period, local businesses may be wondering how they can get a slice of this pie. There are many ways, big and small, to support the Games, while highlighting our community and its small-town feel. HERE ARE SOME IDEAS OF HOW YOUR BUSINESS CAN SUPPORT THE GAMES: Corporate volunteering – get the whole team out for the weekend. With 2,000 volunteer positions to fill, teams can get involved by volunteering to cover a number of shifts. Under their corporate volunteer program, businesses can wear their own logoed uniforms. Gifts in kind (GIK) – donate various goods or services, i.e. auditing services, gas cards, printing services, walkie-talkies, etc. GIK are recognized through the sponsorship stewardship program.
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LOCAL • QUALITY • RELIABLE • LICENSED & INSURED
•Est. 2008• Vendor opportunities – there are a number of vendor opportunities for local businesses during the opening ceremonies and at different event locations throughout the weekend. Discounts – drive people to your business by offering discounts during the weekend for those who can show their Games credentials. These are marketed on the local and provincial websites, and in the Guide to the Games.
“There are many ways, big and small, to support the Games, while highlighting our community and its small-town feel” Community pride – if you have a storefront, paint your windows with community pride for Zone 2 team (this is the zone that includes Airdrie athletes). Zone 2 is Maroon! The Games colours are orange, royal and teal. Organizers are happy to send you the pantones for any of your decorating needs. Special products – for those operating a restaurant you could theme an item you serve after the Games, i.e. drink, burger, sandwich, dessert, etc. Again, the Games Society will market this for you. The Games belong to everyone! I encourage individuals, groups and business to get involved and become a champion of the Games as a spectator, volunteer or sponsor. Join us in championing our youth and showcasing the pride of our community through its vibrancy, first-class facilities and genuine hospitality. life To keep up to date with the Airdrie 2020 Alberta Winter Games, visit their Facebook page or albertawintergames.ca. For more information on any of the ideas listed above contact info@airdrie2020.com or call 587-254-8020.
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W O R K L I F E | AWA R D S
BRAGGING
RIGHTS
Tara Pickford
“When a dollar is spent locally in the arts, it will circulate in our community nine times before it leaves! That is an amazing reason to buy local and support our arts community.”
S
MALL BUSINESS IS BIG BUSINESS – that was the buzz at the 2019 Airdrie Business Awards held Oct. 24 at the Bert Church Theatre. More than 225 members of the business community celebrated as 36 finalists were honoured in seven categories. Airdrie Business of the Year recipient Tara Pickford, owner of Ambition Performing Arts Inc., was overwhelmed by the win. “It is exciting to win this award for so many reasons. We are raising tomorrow’s leaders through the arts. We are creating safe places for kids to grow and be loved for who they are and become the best version of themselves. “We are teaching tomorrow’s leaders how to be good stewards of our community, how to care for themselves and for each other. We know that less than three per cent of our students will become professionals in the arts, but 100 per cent of our students will use the life skills we teach them. “When a dollar is spent locally in the arts, it will circulate in our community nine times before it leaves! That is an amazing reason to buy local and support our arts community.”
Michelle Carre of the Carre Group of Redline Real Estate was the recipient of the Business Leader Award. “It’s truly an honour to receive this award. I could never be a leader if it weren’t for the great support I have in my life, especially my husband Matt, and for that I am so grateful.” Michelle Carre Christelle Hitimana Uwamahoro
A new category – Business Innovation Award – went to Healthy Meals Made Easy Inc. owner Christelle Hitimana Uwamahoro. “It’s a huge privilege and honour to me to be recognized. It confirms how much Airdrie loves its people and cares about anyone, any business, that makes a difference. It’s very encouraging especially at this time when the economy is not very strong and many businesses are closing doors or have to move. I’m hoping that our young people in the community, when they see someone like me, know that anything is possible; that they are not afraid to dream big. “ life
RECIPIENTS OF THE 2019 AIRDRIE BUSINESS AWARDS: Business of the Year - Ambition Performing Arts Inc. Airdrie Business Leader Award - Michelle Carre, The Carre Group of Redline Real Estate Employer Excellence Business Award - Airdrie Family Eye Doctors Emerging Business Award - Your Local Ranch Ltd. Legacy Business Award - Advance Distribution Franchise Business Award - Lathered Cleaning Company Inc. Business Innovations Award - Healthy Meals Made Easy Inc.
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ADVERTORIAL
Dr. Monty Gaur
NOSE CREEK DENTAL CENTRE As a child growing up in Calgary, Dr. Monty Gaur looked up to his dentist. The young, vibrant businessman, in Monty’s terms, had such an impact on him that at 14 years old Monty set his mind to become a dentist. “I was very fortunate to have both an amazing medical doctor and dentist growing up, who were more concerned about me as a person rather than what I was there for,” says Monty. “That’s what I’ve tried to emulate in my practice of dentistry.” He recalls dental visits impressing him so much that at the age of 16 he moved to Saskatoon to finish Grade 12 with the goal of eligibility to the University of Saskatchewan’s dental program as well as the University of Alberta. The hard working, single-minded teen finished Grade 12 and three years of a physiology degree, then started dental school in Saskatoon in his early 20s. He interned with Village Square Dental Group in Airdrie after his fourth year of dentistry in 1994, then spent the final half of his fifth year internships in Australia and New Zealand. When he graduated in 1995, he returned to take a job at Village Square Dental in Airdrie to be closer to his family. A year later he became a partner in the practice, then opened Nose Creek Dental Centre in its current location at 409 First Ave. NW in 2002. Now 25 years into practice, he enjoys working with a wide agerange, some who have seen him for his entire career, and others who are third and fourth-generation patients. Monty has even had the opportunity to pass the passion on to other young, aspiring dental professionals, including 34-year-old associate Dr. Aaron McKee. “He was a close patient,” recalls Monty of mentoring Aaron. “Before going and applying to dental school, I helped him with his dental school interview. I can remember that day and I promised him a job soon as he graduated.” Nose Creek’s youngest patients will be introduced to Dr. Lindsay Orser, the newest dentist in the practice, a recent graduate from the University of Alberta. Other members of Nose Creek Dental Centre’s staff of 18 were patients as children, too. Add to that a team of 18 that’s been with Monty for as much as 20 years, he counts himself “extremely fortunate.” “The team that we have here in Nose Creek Dental Centre is essential,” said Monty, noting the strengths of office manager Pat Beier and accounts manager Debbie Weinberger being critical to the office’s success. The father of three teen and young-adult children says that consistency is part of what makes Nose Creek Dental Centre a home-base dental office for patients. “We treat them more like family rather than just patients,” said Monty. “I’ve always felt like if you take care of the person first everything else will fall in line. Monty is a hockey fan, who coached his kids when they were growing up, and laces up the skates himself throughout the winter. Looking into the future, Monty wants to continue to maintain and grow trust with patients, keeping family dental care as the core focus of Nose Creek Dental Centre. “We genuinely mean that,” says Monty. “We’d like to be partners with families and grow with them.” Monty says he is happy to accommodate new patients and looks forward to helping you achieve the best smile possible.
If you’re needing a dental office where you can trust your family’s oral health is their top priority, visit
nosecreekdental.ca
WORKLIFE | ENTREPRENEURS
GET IN THE GAME!
SMARTstart is delivered over eight months in Airdrie. Entrepreneurs
who are accepted into the program take part in the following: • Online learning via GoForth Institute of 100 Essential Business Skills™ program; • In-person small group workshops; • Each entrepreneur is paired with an experienced local business owner (volunteer mentor). At the end of SMARTstart, each entrepreneur walks away with a business plan, feasibility study or strategic plan they have created to set their business up for success. Learn more at smartstartairdrie.ca 58
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In this issue of airdrielife we meet the final four of the program’s 2019 entrepreneurs and their mentors. Entrepreneur: Nick Davies Business: Co-work space and cocktail lounge Tell us more about your business: My concept is a hybrid co-work/cocktail space. A marriage of two ideas: a co-work space which will serve as a hub for Airdrie entrepreneurs, small business owners and everyday residents to gather, work, share ideas. Coupled with a small craft cocktail lounge to enjoy a handcrafted beverage at the end of the day.
What’s your biggest hurdle? Currently the biggest obstacle is me. With the knowledge I will garner in SMARTstart, I will turn that obstacle into a strength, and use it to achieve success. Mentor: Natalie Gibson Business: InnoVisions and Associates Years in business: 25 What do you wish you would have known when you started? I wish I had known more about the business networks and resources. I did everything from scratch. There are so many tools, tutorials, advisors, etc. Now with
the magic of Google these resources are easier to find. Advice – link to business networks. Entrepreneur: Ryan White Business: Vinyl wraps for automotive applications Tell us more about your business: My business idea is wrapping vehicles in high-quality vinyl films to enhance, improve and customize the look without removing or damaging the original surface. Also offering the application of logos/decals to commercial vehicles for advertising or branding purposes. Offering Airdrie residents and businesses a local option for vehicle graphics!
What’s your biggest hurdle? My biggest obstacle would be that I’ve never started a business from scratch and have a number of questions regarding doing so. The fact I do not yet have a solid business plan also limits my growth from an investor standpoint. Mentor: Ron Farrell Business: Beneficial Insurance Solutions Years in business: 16 What do you wish you would have known when you started? I was lucky enough to have a mentor working in the
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WORKLIFE | ENTREPRENEURS same office as me (the previous owner continued to work for me for several years after the purchase). Having said that, some training in human resources would have been the most helpful. Entrepreneur: Scott Jones Business: DigiWave Services Tell us more about your business: DigiWave Services is a boutique niche digital marketing agency focused on partnering with small, local businesses to help them grow, utilizing the power of Facebook Messenger automations. At DigiWave, we specialize in four aspects of digital marketing: customer engagements, chatbot automations, lead generation and capture, and social media advertising strategies. What’s your biggest hurdle? My biggest obstacle in business is the fear of failure. I do not want this venture to be a failure. I want it to succeed, both for myself and my clients, as I feel I can help so many! Once I am given a process, I will follow it religiously!
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Follow us on:
Mentor: Robyn Pearson Business: A Friend Indeed Years in business: 8 What do you wish you would have known when you started? “Ignorance is bliss.” There is a lot of truth to that saying. When you don’t know – you try! Feedback is given and adjustments are made. Repeat, repeat. Guidance is sought and stumbled upon along the way. Start with your vision in mind and take action. It’s my experience. Entrepreneur: Tara Reid Business: Re’Ferbish Group INC Tell us more about your business: We run a full-service interior design and renovation company that acts as the main general contractor onsite. We do everything from full-home remodels to kitchen, bathroom and basement developments. My partner Calvin and I decided it was time to work together and start up something bigger that would create a legacy for our family. What’s your biggest hurdle? Sustainability and rapid growth. The ability to ensure cash flow is maintainable. Mentor: Sid Van der Meer Business: Retired Years in business: 39 What do you wish you would have known when you started? I wish I knew then what I have learned over the years. It would have been great to have had a program like SMARTstart. I did have some great mentors over time and it took me a while to understand they were mentors. life
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CITYLIFE | PRIDE
HE AIRDRIE PRIDE SOCIETY HAS HAD A MONUMENTAL YEAR.
At its inaugural event this spring, the Airdrie Pride in the Park Festival saw participation of more than 1,500 people, surprising event organizers, residents and City staff. “Being a conservative small town in Alberta, we didn’t know what kind of reception we would receive,” says Kiersten Mohr, president of the Airdrie Pride Society. “We went in not knowing whether to expect 25 people or 2,500.”
PRIDE in the CITY S TO RY BY S TAC I E GA E T Z P H OTO S BY T E T M P H OTO G R A P H Y
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“The Airdrie Pride Society has helped me make new friends and meet new people who are like me and have the same interests as me”
The event took place on June 22 and included a Solidarity Walk from City Hall to Nose Creek Park, along with a Pride in the Park Festival. “It was an exceptional experience,” says Mohr. “It was a really beautiful moment to see all of the people walking together. The number of same-sex couples that came out during the festival was incredible. “I had people tell me they had never before been authentically who they are in public in the city they have lived in for more than 15 years. They stepped out for the first time during Pride and that is enormous.”
STRONG SOCIETY
The festival was a culmination of the work the Society has been doing in the community for years. The organization was created in 2014 and the board was expanded in 2017. “We wanted to create a group to help and support the most vulnerable portion of our population, which is the youth,” Mohr says. “I grew up in a world where there was no support for someone who was LGBTQ2 in a small community and you needed to go to Calgary for support. This is an
incredible barrier to some people. We knew Airdrie was big enough to have our own organization.” Mitchell Plunkett is a local youth who has been involved with Airdrie Pride for two years. “The Airdrie Pride Society has helped me make new friends and meet new people who are like me and have the same interests as me,” he says. “I’ve always known Airdrie as a really conservative town in Alberta but it’s nice to see that I’m not the only one identifying as LGBTQ.”
POWERFUL PARTNERSHIPS
As a support for youth like Plunkett, the Society created a community Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) called PRYSM (Pride Youth Social Movement) in 2017. PRYSM arose out of the Airdrie youth needs assessment that identified the desire for more LGBTQ2S+ friendly spaces in the city. PRYSM was created in conjunction with Community Links. Candice Kutyn, vice-president of Airdrie Pride and Community Links counsellor, spearheaded the partnership between the two organizations. “When agencies come together to meet the needs of individuals in our community, we share the strengths and resources of each
organization and create more doors for accessing the supports and amazing work that we are all doing,” she says. The two organizations also partner together for Parenting with Pride, a parent support group where family members of LGBTQ2S+ people can share their experiences and get advice on helping their loved ones. “For youth to be successful, family needs to be successful,” says Mohr.
LOOKING FORWARD
Mohr and the Pride board members are now working on planning next year’s festival and are hopeful they will see even more support during the 2020 event. In addition to PRYSM and Parenting with Pride, the Society offers monthly Community Coffee and Pride in the Pub events for LGBTQ2S+ adults. “We are creating a community,” says Mohr. “It’s about bringing people together to show them they are not alone. You can know that when you reach out to Pride, you are reaching out to people with lived experience who are compassionate to what you are going through. Airdrie Pride is a supportive and safe place.” life For more information, visit airdriepride.ca
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CITYLIFE | MEDICAL HERO
TO SAVE Y E N D I K S I ED H TONY DONAT E! RYAN’S LIF
ERE W E “W KING O O L Y REALL IRACLE” M FOR A
THE ULTIMATE
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STORY AND PHOTOS BY BRITTON LEDINGHAM
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ony Timmons didn’t hesitate last year when he saw the opportunity to make an impact in the life of Ryan McLennan, who was suffering from chronic kidney disease. McLennan was on consistent dialysis after surgery in February 2018, which decreased his quality of life. McLennan’s mother had already donated his first transplanted kidney when his failed in 2003, and after asking friends and family for the second time, with no matches found, they broadened their search. “We were really looking for a miracle,” says McLennan. W I N T E R 2019/20
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“I think it’s that much more valuable when you do make a connection with someone, because, I mean, it’s such a huge thing they’re giving you” Soon they met their miracle. When McLennan’s kidney was infected and failing in February 2018, he and his wife Shakina purchased space on 27 billboards across Calgary in search of a suitable donor. Then Timmons, who lives about 15 minutes away from the McLennans’ Hidden Valley home, saw a billboard about their kidney donor search on his way to work as a driver for FedEx. He was compelled to do something, and talked with his wife, Lisa, about it. She was tentative at first, but after a couple days of research and the realization Timmons would live with one kidney, she got on board. So Timmons dove in with both feet. “His mother’s story was pretty compelling to me,” says the 47-year-old Airdrian. “That she gave him a kidney, and she was basically asking if anyone else could because she can’t anymore. Once she said that, it was pretty heartbreaking.” Timmons then prayed to God and said, “If it’s meant to be, I’ll go all the way.” A coworker of McLennan, who is a mechanics and auto body teacher at Father Lacombe High School in Calgary, shared the news Timmons was testing negative, meaning he was close to being proven a compatible donor. “I basically said that’s impossible,” recalls McLennan. He didn’t put too much hope in the possibility of Timmons making it through all the tests given by the Living Donor Program, which took about seven months, as about 50 others had applied and failed but weren’t found compatible. McLennan was also in a national donor search affiliated with The Chronic Kidney Disease Program, but had no luck there. If Timmons didn’t pan out, McLennan was weary of his doctor’s estimation of spending eight to 10 years on peritoneal dialysis nightly at home before finding a donor. By Nov. 28, 2018, the two were taken into surgery in Foothills Hospital. Timmons says he never had second thoughts. Even when he was asked if he was sure one last time before surgery, he said, “Are you kidding me, with these tests, I ain’t backing out now.” “I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat,” says Timmons. “I think that’s why God gave us two – you don’t need two of them.” “It was a miracle that it worked out,” says McLennan. “I still get up every day, and I’m just so grateful and thankful that I’m not connected to a machine,” says McLennan. “It almost feels like a different life. It feels like years ago I was on the machine.” 66
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He’s also grateful for the new friendship with Timmons. “I think it’s that much more valuable when you do make a connection with someone, because, I mean, it’s such a huge thing they’re giving you,” says McLennan. “Especially when you’re older and you realize this person is basically giving you another life, another chance.” In the spirit of giving back, McLennan and Shakina have maintained the Facebook page Find A Kidney For Ryan Mclennan. “We’re trying to match up a few people right now,” he says, noting they want to guide others through the medical system.
Recovery
Timmons returned to work on June 1. He’s been doing some stretches to help himself recover, and payments from short-term disability have helped reduce the loss of his wage for him and Lisa. The duo and their wives chose pickleball as their sport over the summer, and spent some vacation time together. “Everything’s going great,” says Timmons. “We’re almost like best friends nowadays. It’s pretty cool.” It was going so great in fact that his boss at FedEx nominated him for an award. Timmons received a humanitarian award from FedEx, along with five nights in Memphis and $1,000. “I had no idea I’d be doing that, but it felt really good,” says Timmons, noting it was “really emotional” to share his story on stage. He maintains his confidence that “If I had another, I’d do it again,” and encourages others to donate their kidneys. Meanwhile, McLennan was teaching half time from September until the end of October, when he picked up his full workload. “My energy is just through the roof,” says McLennan. “It’s just incredible the results I’m seeing.” He’s thankful for Timmons and others who came forward to help. “Before I was basically a workaholic, and now I’ve really learned to slow things down and be more grateful,” says McLennan. Timmons doesn’t understand why people don’t donate. “There’s no difference besides a scar; who cares about that?” he asks. “If you were on that side of the equation, you’d be waiting, counting on someone to do it for you... “There’s a whole floor of people down there in the hospital that [are] waiting for a kidney. How hard is it for someone to get up to bat and do it?” life
CITYLIFE | LEADERS
DERRICK HENRY LACROSSE COACH
“We want to … get this program to be respected and recognized and have it be attractive to players”
COACHES
CORNER STORY AND PHOTOS BY BRITTON LEDINGHAM
In this issue we are celebrating the heroes in your kid’s lives – the coaches who encourage, mentor and inspire Airdrie’s youth. Look for our feature on women in coaching in our spring issue.
Derrick Henry picked up coaching so he could continue being involved with lacrosse for life. When the now 29-year-old player with the RockyView Knights senior B mens lacrosse team was given the opportunity to coach peewee kids back in 2012, he jumped at it. “I think once you hit senior, you only have so many years left to play,” says Henry, who started playing at six years old in his hometown of St. Albert. That reality reared its ugly head when he tore his ACL in senior play. He’s back playing again, and juggling the role of new dad of a oneyear-old daughter, along with his coaching duties. He progressed with coaching those peewee kids as they grew up until early 2019 when he took the opportunity to become the RockyView Silvertips junior B team’s head coach. Henry wants to see the Silvertips build on making the playoffs the last two seasons, including 2018 under head coach Tyler Waycott. “We want to kind of get this program to be respected and recognized and have it be attractive to players,” he says. Henry says coaching with his brother Steve and surrounding himself with other good coaches has made it possible. “We have such good chemistry coaching,” says Henry of his brother and assistant coach Tyler Heck. His coaching peers of current and former senior teammates like Greg Bradley, Gareth, Nick and Noah Barley, Kyle Steffler and Taylor Crossley, have also endeavored to start the Jesters Lacrosse Club for the field version of the game. “Maybe I’m spreading myself too thin, but I think I just want to coach as much as I can,” says Henry. “Fortunately, my wife is super supportive of it.” He will still continue to play, too. “It’s a weird, weird love,” says Henry. “It’s a rough game, it’s a brutal game, but I don’t think I can [stop playing] it until I break down completely.
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“I love giving a little bit of the insight of what I’d gained from swimming: the confidence, the memories, the fun”
DAVE LOYOLA SWIM COACH
In the eyes of Nose Creek Swim Association (NCSA) head coach Dave Loyola, swimming isn’t just a sport, it’s a life skill. He envisions having more people trained as capable swimmers. “They can save themselves, but it can also save other people,” says Loyola, 49. “I don’t know if there’s any other sports that would save your life.” The Chilean-born swim coach didn’t actually like swimming when he first hit the water at seven years old in Ontario, but that soon changed, and he was good. He earned a scholarship to the University of Las Vegas, but a phone call from one of Canada’s top swim coaches, Deryk Snelling, drew him to Calgary to train with the Olympic team after high school. He studied and swam with the University of Calgary. “It was a wonderful experience,” recalls Loyola. “We won multiple national titles with the team.” He didn’t quite get to the Olympics before retiring in 1992 to focus more time on his family with a wife and three kids. “I started working and trying to be a better father and husband,” says Loyola. By 1994 he was asked to help coach with the newly-formed NCSA in Airdrie.
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Looking back, he says, “It’s been a fantastic ride.” “I love being part of the swimmers, giving a little bit of the insight of what I’d gained from swimming: the confidence, the memories, the fun,” says Loyola. That’s kept him steady through early weekday-morning practices and long weekend meets. Overall, he says coaching has changed him. “I’m a completely different person,” says Loyola, whose program trains athletes of all ages and abilities in the pool at Genesis Place as well as several in Calgary. He wants to grow the club and sport to see future Olympians and varsity athletes. He’s also looking forward to a new pool to serve Airdrie, as proposed in the City of Airdrie’s 10-year budget. “I would love to continue to be involved with swimming for the rest of my life,” says Loyola. “As far as being with Nose Creek, there’s still a lot of things to do.” He’s thankful for his fellow coaches, swimmers, parents and the community members who have supported NCSA. “I’m blessed to be part of this community and to be part of the sport of swimming here in Airdrie,” says Loyola.
“Boxing is an individual sport, but it has a team mentality of family”
BERT HARBOUR BOXING COACH
A student of boxing since he was a child, Bert Harbour enjoys defending himself and learning the “sweet science” of boxing. The boxing coach with a shaved head, smaller stature and little body fat loves his work with his Airdrie Boxing Club inside the Airdrie Martial Arts Centre. “I was basically told by my dad, ‘You have to defend yourself and take care of yourself or you’re going to be backing down to everybody because you’re a smaller guy,’” recalls Harbour. Despite being athletic his entire life, Harbour never stepped into the ring until four years ago at the age of 41. He played many other sports growing up, and coached his two sons in a variety of athletics, too. He’s a huge boxing advocate, and when the opportunity presented itself, he opened up the club in January 2017. “It’s just a great atmosphere,” says Harbour. “Boxing is an individual sport, but it has a team mentality of family.” He finds fulfillment in seeing students grow in confidence, whether they plan on getting in the ring or just being healthier. “We get kids that come in here that have a hard time looking at you eye to eye, and within five or six months they are fully engaged,” says Harbour. “They are full of confidence because they’re doing things that they never thought they could.” He shares his passion for several hours a night, five days a week, after his day job with the business development team with STARS Air Ambulance. He tips his hat to his wife, Jennifer, for her support and community involvement. “She gives me the opportunity to do this,” says Harbour.
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CITYLIFE | LEADERS
PEEWEE FOOTBALL COACHES
“My hope is always that they stay in love with a game”
Peewee Storm football coaches Nolan Rohl picked up coaching at the age of 15, following in the footsteps of his older brother Tyrell. Fast forward 20 years, and the duo are still passionately coaching the Airdrie Storm peewee football program. Nolan head coaches almost year round to give kids from seven to 12 years old an opportunity in the sport he loves. “My hope is always that they stay in love with a game,” says Nolan. “That they enjoy the competitiveness, the brotherhood.” To continue volunteer-coaching at the foundational age levels for the game is Nolan’s plan for the next 30 years. “At that level is easiest for us to establish good training habits in the offseason,” notes Nolan. The Rohl brothers aren’t alone in shaping the Storm, with about 20 coaches at hand for novice flag teams to atom and peewee teams. “[That] makes it very easy to coach, very easy to build a lot of development with them and make sure that they’re having fun enjoying it,” says Nolan.
COACHING WITH TEAM ALBERTA The Rohl brothers were also on staff for Team Alberta during the Alberta B.C. Bowl for bantams on May 25, 2019, in Kelowna. Led by head coach Jermaine Brown, the roster of about 50 players had 11 suited up from Airdrie to beat B.C. 42-33. They came back from a two-score deficit twice. “It was very back and forth,” says Nolan, who was the team’s offensive co-ordinator. “It feels rewarding to get the chance to work with all the great kids.” Alberta battled back from a 13-0 deficit after the first quarter to lead 14-13 at the half. They fell behind 26-14 in the third quarter, but came back to win 42-33. “The kids enjoyed it,” says Rohl. “That’s what I hope for them, that they learn something that helps them grow a little bit more (and) that they enjoyed the experience – that they love the game just a little bit more.” life
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C I T Y L I F E | YO U T H
WOW! That’s all we can say about the quality and quantity of Awesome Airdrie Kid nominations we received this year. We were also overwhelmed by the passion and care the nominators took to tell us about their respective nominees, so we’ve decided to let them do all the talking. The comments here come direct from the nomination applications (edited for brevity and clarity). So without further ado here are our 26(!!) Awesome Airdrie Kids for 2020. We will be celebrating them at a family function in late January, but for now take the time to read about just how good our future will be in the hands of these impressive Airdrie youth. Special thanks to our awesome partners Chinook Gate, Tutor Doctor, Vitreous Glass, Pureform Radiology and CrossFit 403.
ALEX FRANCOIS, 14
NOMINATED BY AIRDRIE BMX Alex is a kindhearted almost-14-year-old who is more than prepared to help fellow racers (or anyone at the track) with his time and skill. He shows concern for others, whether injured or simply disappointed with their own results, and is quick to offer advice and encouragement. He represents his BMX sponsor fully with maturity and class. This summer, Alex placed 7th in 14 year expert boys at the Canadian National BMX championships.
MEET THE AWESOMES!! W I N T E R 2019/20
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AMELIA
AUTUMN W. AUTUMN H.
AMELIA OSBORNE, 11
AUTUMN HAMBLEY, 11
AUTUMN WICKENS, 12
Amelia is a hard worker who has had a tough year with her mom battling cancer. She comes to school with a positive attitude and positive spirit. She always helps out with the younger students. Amelia also has an amazing dedication to extracurricular activity. She practices archery and is ranked number three in Alberta and number eight in Canada, and at press time was preparing for the Alberta 2020 Winter Games qualifiers.
Autumn has been a leader in her classes and her school community since she arrived at Meadowbrook School. Autumn exemplifies what it means to be a compassionate leader and role model to her peers. She is a member of the Green Team, AMA Patrols and Student Leadership. She brings an incredible level of spirit and sense of duty to bettering the world around her. Autumn is one of the most dependable and genuine students I have ever come to know.
Autumn is an exceptionally bright and caring young lady. She is one of the students who launched a breakfast program at Windsong Heights School. As a student, she has an amazing sense of humour and she works hard to set goals and persevere through challenges. I am very proud of her commitment to our school’s breakfast program and I was very fortunate to have her as a student.
NOMINATED BY JENNY ROBICHAUD, TEACHER
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NOMINATED BY ERICA LEGH, TEACHER
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NOMINATED BY COLIN HAYASHI, TEACHER
CALLIE CHASE BRYNLEY
BRYNLEY RAMDANNY, 7
CALLIE WALLACE, 14
Brynley embodies every quality of the seven habits (Leader in Me) and is one of the most kind and genuine souls I have ever had the privilege of teaching. Brynley listens to her peers with her whole heart, she’s honest, she’s mindful and she’s respectful to everyone she meets. Brynley truly demonstrates that every day and every situation can always be win-win with her positive outlook and enthusiastic attitude. An equestrian hunter/jumper since the age of four, she hopes to begin competing in 2020.
Callie Wallace is not only a role model for others but consistently gives to the community with a level of consideration, conviction and compassion. She has served on the Airdrie Board of Youth Affairs, been involved in Mental Health Seminars and Airdrie Festival of Lights, and designed the logo for Pink Shirt Day. With Community Links, she helps welcome immigrant families to Airdrie. Within her school community, Callie strives for excellence and has received “Honours with Distinction” throughout her years at C.W. Perry. Her conviction and humility will continue to positively influence all members of the Airdrie community.
NOMINATED BY CHELSEA MICHTICH, TEACHER
NOMINATED BY BRENDA SCHMALTZ, TEACHER
CHASE STRANG, 10
NOMINATED BY KURTIS FOOTE, GOLF INSTRUCTOR Swinging a club since he could walk, Chase Strang competed in the 2019 U.S. Kids World Golf Championship at Pinehurst Golf Course in North Carolina this past August (with an 84,89,89) after qualifying at a Canadian Junior Golf Association event – it was only the second tournament he had ever played. Chase exhibits a great amount of respect for all those around him from friend, adult, teacher to coach. He is always happy when at the course while showing exceptional sportsmanship and following club rules. I would love to have dozens of kids with his attitude as part of my staff or my Junior Program here at Country Hills Golf Club.
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DOMINIC
CHELSEA EMMA
CHELSEA COATES, 11
DOMINIC OBERMEIER, 8
EMMA FRANCIS, 14
Chelsea made many notable contributions to the Heloise Lorimer School community. She started a reading club, was a STEAM (focused on science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) member, and the backstage manager of the school musical. She was top scorer as part of the reigning female Provincial Atom A hockey champions. Chelsea has worked diligently to develop her personal talents while motivating others to contribute and excel, too. Without a doubt, she would be a fitting choice for an Airdrie Awesome Kids award.
Dominic is a leader in class as his actions speak louder than the words he says. He tries to compromise, and problem solve if there are disagreements so that everyone is happy. His behaviour clearly indicates that he believes kindness, respect and responsibility pay off in the end. He tries hard in all he does and puts forth his best effort. He isn’t afraid to try new things and even if he gets it wrong he puts a smile on his face and tries again. These are great leaderships qualities to have and many students in class notice this.
Emma demonstrates her compassion in and outside of the classroom. She volunteers with the Special Olympics, and is a caregiver to her sister Gracie, who attends the same school and has Down syndrome. Emma is inclusive and demonstrates this by lending a hand to those who are down, visibly upset or just simply alone. She is not shy to ask for help, and because she is so genuine, has the support of a large circle of friends. Emma doesn’t take herself too seriously, and always has a smile on her face.
NOMINATED BY SUZANNE KRIENKE, TEACHER
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NOMINATED BY KASYN SELL, TEACHER
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NOMINATED BY AMANDA RUSSELL, TEACHER
JADE
KENNEDY
KAYLIN
HAYDEN
HAYDEN SHARP, 9
NOMINATED BY MACKINNLEY COLGAN, TEACHER Hayden is an incredible leader. He is a shoulder and safe space for students throughout my classroom and is often who they trust to talk to when they need a boost. He advocates for students, coming to the teacher as a silent companion when the student would otherwise have suffered in silence. He always has a smile on his face and will ensure you have one on yours, as well. He is funny and kind. He is an integral member of the classroom, and school, community.
JADE WICKENS, 12
NOMINATED BY COLIN HAYASHI, TEACHER Jade with twin sister Autumn were part of the group who took the initiative to get a breakfast program at Windsong Heights School up and running. She and this group wrote up a proposal to our administration team and dedicated hours
to finding out how to run an effective breakfast program. Jade and her sister continue to dedicate their time each morning to ensure that this program runs the way that they envisioned. As a student, she has an amazing sense of humour and she works hard to set goals and persevere through challenges. I am very proud of her commitment to our school’s breakfast program.
KAYLIN GRIEVE, 11
NOMINATED BY KENDRA ARNASON, TEACHER Kaylin has a heart of gold and is genuine in everything she does. A perfect example of this was Operation Joy in Kaylin’s Grade 5 year. Kaylin spearheaded a movement to spread joy throughout our classroom, school and the local community. With her guidance, our class raised over $3,000 to purchase items from the Ronald McDonald House Wishlist. This past summer, Kaylin and a friend saved up their money
to purchase groceries for the local food bank. She also competes as a Junior in the Shamrock Lanes Bowling League.
KENNEDY BROWN, 14
NOMINATED BY AMANDA RUSSELL, TEACHER Kennedy has attended many leadership conferences due to her innate ability to lead people through her positive outlook. She is an exemplary student who is gracious and studious. She lifts people up and encourages others to do so as well. She is a competitive athlete and has represented her sports club at The Edge in many gymnastics competitions. She is in a class called Community Matters and has worked with Grade 5 students at the elementary schools to help prepare them for their Grade 6 transition year. Kennedy is a motivated individual who cares deeply about her friends, and the impact she leaves on the world.
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KINGSEN
KIERA LOGAN LINDA
KIERA MACDONALD, 14
NOMINATED BY, AMANDA RUSSELL, TEACHER Kiera is a delightful individual who takes community to heart. She shows her compassion by giving back to the homeless, and volunteering her time to collect goods for those in need. She and her friend have created an Instagram account called Kindness to Care, where they showcase some of their efforts in making the people in our community more accepted and understood. A talented artist and athlete, she started her own scrunchie business and this summer placed 9th in the Legion Nationals for the Pentathlon.
KINGSEN KELLY, 10
NOMINATED BY MATTHEW TURNER, TEACHER Kingsen is a kind and caring individual who looks after his peers and those around him, while maintaining a bright and happy disposition on a daily basis. He went beyond grade-level
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expectations in numerous subject areas; he was a member of the school Peer Helper team, volunteering his free time (recesses and lunch) to help do school jobs (announcements, collect recycling, cleaning up gym equipment, recess support). He also was a fantastic role model for younger students while helping run intramural sports for Grade 3 students. This carried over into reading buddies with both Grade 2 and kindergarten.
LINDA MITCHELL, 11
NOMINATED BY CANDICE PARSONS, FRIEND Linda is a beautiful soul who can always put a smile on your face and has a heart of gold. She is such a good role model to the other kids in her life as well as other people who come into her life. She would be the first to help someone in need and always has something kind to say to all. She also has such a sweet little smile. Truly
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an inspiration to see so much love, compassion and joy in someone who has had to be so strong and resilient.
LOGAN SMIT, 12
NOMINATED BY LAURIE KUBIK, TEACHER Logan is one of the kindest and most compassionate students that I have had the opportunity to teach. He consistently looks out for his peers and goes out of his way to help them out. Logan is determined and hard-working. He gets good grades and always hands in assignments on time. Logan is also a leader in our Christian classroom. Logan comes from a close-knit family and consistently supports his siblings. He is also a strong role model. Logan has a wonderful sense of humor and often uses this positive approach to deal with difficult or stressful situations.
MOLLY
Did you know that our Awesome Kids all get to pay it forward as our program is making a $50 donation on behalf of each child to the charity of their choice?
OCEAN
That is AWESOME!
REILLY
NOVALEE
MOLLY LYTLE, 11
NOMINATED BY JOLIE NELSON, TEACHER Molly has been a recipient of the Spartan Effort Honour Roll at C.W. Perry. She is always polite, respectful and considerate of everyone with whom she crosses paths. She acts courageously and welcomes a challenge. She has shown me and her peers that going the extra mile and putting in hard work really pays off. Her peers see her as someone they know will always lend a helping hand and genuinely wants to see them succeed. She will go above and beyond for anyone in our classroom and has been one of the most reliable students I have ever met. Her work ethic and commitment are truly inspirational.
NOVALEE HILTZ, 9
NOMINATED BY JAYNE MORGAN, TEACHER Novalee always works hard, be it on her school work, organizing a club with her friends over
the lunch hour, or helping out at Ralph McCall School. She helps out at the school kiosk daily. She takes this opportunity to learn and grow as a helper in our community. Novalee overcomes obstacles in her day, and is always willing to try new things; she is a passionate learner, and always thinks of her friends before herself. Novalee follows directions well and has a heart of gold. She always puts others first; never complaining, just doing what needs to be done.
OCEAN COLLESS, 8
NOMINATED BY ELAINE LOVELL, TEACHER Ocean has the sweetest disposition of any child I have taught in the past 15 years of my career. She is a brilliant student, but is so amazingly kind that she will play or be partners with even the most difficult child, even though she has tons of friends to choose from. She has impeccable manners and is respectful to teachers, parents
and other adults in the school. She is a leader by example and has touched the lives of not only people in her school, but her community at large.
REILLY MACIVER, 11
NOMINATED BY JOLIE NELSON, TEACHER Reilly has a fire inside of him that is incredible to watch. I have seen him behave in such a way that I know adults even struggle with. His ability to handle any and all situations with kindness and compassion is truly inspirational. What stands out the most about Reilly is his heart. He is kind and caring to all that he meets and is always willing to go above and beyond for his peers. Not only is he kind and a good friend – but he also never fails to make people smile. He truly has a gift for lifting up those who are down and appropriately lifting the mood wherever he goes.
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TY DAVIS, 11
NOMINATED BY CHARLIE HUNTER, TEACHER Ty’s leadership of and influence on his peers is clear. He is a really nice guy; hard-working; motivated; easily able to switch from fun to work and vice versa as appropriate; willing to help; a role model for his peers, always willing to volunteer; and fun. In French, after only nine months, he is able to converse in basic French very competently. A very active kid, he is a member of the band, playing alto saxophone, and he plays junior B basketball, hockey, baseball and golf.
TY
RORY TRISTAN
RORY PURVIS, 14
NOMINATED BY AMANDA RUSSELL, TEACHER Rory is a positive and energetic adolescent. She is self-motivated and does everything at 110 per cent. At school she has demonstrated leadership and compassion by organizing a school-wide, Socks for the Homeless challenge; she donated what was collected to the Calgary Drop-In and Rehabilitation Centre. She is also part of a group of students who created an Airdrie Instagram page called Kindness to Care. Rory is also in a band at her church, where she is the lead singer. She is very involved at school, in her church and the greater community. She believes that time is the best form of giving back that you can give.
SOPHIA HAMILTON, 12
NOMINATED BY MELISSA WALKER, TEACHER Sophia is an involved person; at school, in the community and at home. At school, Sophia is a caring, compassionate and welcoming student. Outside of school, she is really involved in soccer and theatre. She was a cast member for a
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Nose Creek Players Christmas play, (and also in this year’s show). She leads and encourages her peers to strive for success, and always remains humble when being recognized for doing great things or receiving an excellent mark. She is always grateful for the smallest of rewards.
TRISTAN DYCK, 14
NOMINATED BY HEATHER PONATH AND KIM CHRISTENSEN, TEACHERS Tristan is a wonderfully talented young lady who exhibits the qualities of a truly dedicated student. She is inquisitive and continually dives into her school work with passion. Her maturity and dedication to her studies is to be acknowledged. Her maturity level within the classroom is also something that every teacher appreciates. Tristan also excels at band and art and has created pieces that are truly unique and beautiful. She is kind to her peers and helpful to others, and has often demonstrated compassion and understands how to help others when they are in need.
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