2020 winter airdrielife

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Sherry Shaw-Froggatt

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Vanessa Peterelli

DESIGN DIRECTOR Kim Williams EDITOR Stacie Gaetz

CONTRIBUTORS Sergei Belski, Jill Iverson, Britton Ledingham, Jessica WiIliamson, Carl Patzel, Kim Purvis, Kristy Reimer, Wyatt Tremblay Stock photography by istock

SALES DIRECTOR Wendy Pratt AD DESIGN/PRODUCTION Lia Golemba DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Sharie Tanner PRINTING Transcontinental

CONTACT US EDITORIAL stacie@frogmediainc.ca ADVERTISING wendy@frogmediainc.ca WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA katie@frogmediainc.ca PUBLISHER sherry@frogmediainc.ca

FUNDED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA

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

VOLUME 17, NUMBER 4 | ISSN 1916-355X

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

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

Note from the Publisher

Ihad to steal our editor Stacie’s space this issue to provide some commentary on what it’s been like to publish during a pandemic. First I want to thank our readers for their love. After 17 years it still chokes me up when someone I’ve never met before says “I LOVE your magazine, I read every issue!”

The year 2020 was supposed to be an epic one for us – the 10th anniversary of the Amazing Airdrie Women Awards was slated to be a red-carpet affair in May and we had already sold more than 50 per cent of our seats when restrictions went into place. We moved the POWER of Art auction online and raised $4,750 for Airdrie POWER. Then we lost one of our nominees, Jane Russett, to cancer this summer. (See our tribute to her online at airdrielife.com) Like many businesses we had to pivot and in November we went with a virtual award ceremony and delivered special gift bags to our nominees to help them celebrate at home with the live-streaming show. You can view the virtual awards at airdrielife.com

In April I honestly didn’t know if we would ever publish again. In May it became abundantly clear that we HAD to. There was a need for our stories, for the connection we provide the community. Thanks to an incredible roster of loyal advertisers we went digital only in June and actually had a lot of fun fully immersing in this format, so much so we continue to enhance our return to print (we filled and refilled our racks this fall) with the digital experience.

And here we are in the darkest months of the year in the darkest year in our collective modern history. 2020 can’t end soon enough which is why I slyly changed the date on our cover to say “Winter 2020/21 to indicate that brighter days are coming. (The most tangible proof of this is the 25th year of the Airdrie Festival of Lights, see story page 38.)

I personally needed HOPE on the cover. And what is a better visual than the beaming face of a boy who spreads kindness at school. Chris Toye showed up for the Awesome Airdrie Kids photo shoot in a suit and tie carrying a bouquet of flowers (which he then gave to photographer Kristy Reimer with a thank-you card). Chris and the other 20 kids featured in our annual Awesome Kids profile are the epitome of what is good in our world. We need more good. That’s our entire mandate – to publish the good life.

To my talented team Kim, Vanessa, Wendy, Stacie, Katie and Lia and our exceptionally gifted freelance writers and photographers Kristy, Sergei, Britton, Wyatt and Carl (welcome back!), who pour their hearts into what you are holding, I can’t thank you enough for getting me through this pandemic publishing rollercoaster.

And wear the damn mask, for my 75-year-old mom.

Sherry Shaw-Froggatt Publisher

Chris Toye showed up for the 2021 Awesome Airdrie Kids Awards photo shoot in a

and tie with flowers (which he subsequently gave to photographer Kristy Reimer) and we just couldn’t resist making this our cover shot.

PHOTOS BY KRISTY REIMER

greatlife

WHAT TO SEE, DO, EAT, LISTEN TO AND MORE

BY STACIE GAETZ | PHOTOS BY KRISTY REIMER

Resin-ating with a unique medium

Airdrie artist Michele Donohue’s affection for the unusual medium with which she creates wasn’t love at first sight.

Donohue has been an artist for 25 years and worked with acrylics before her new medium of choice really started to resin-ate with her.

She says like any good love story, her attraction to resin as a medium grew gradually.

“When I first saw resin used as a topcoat only, I wasn’t a fan actually,” she says. “I started creating with resin as a medium, after falling in love with fluid art, and then became obsessed with resin art about four years ago.”

GREATLIFE | ARTIST

“I like pushing the boundaries a bit, and I have become passionate about experimenting to create in more ways with resin art”

She says working with resin has the unique ability to be frustrating and exhilarating at the same time.

“It is a very challenging medium to work with. It can have a steep learning curve, and there weren’t a lot of YouTube videos available when I first started, so I made a lot of expensive mistakes in the beginning,” Donohue says.

“Unlike when creating with a paintbrush or pallet knife, resin doesn’t always stay where you want it to, so you need to learn to plan for that. You have to learn to accept a certain lack of control, and that in itself is a challenge.”

Donohue adds that the medium requires a lot of planning ahead and working quickly because once the epoxy resin and hardener are mixed, you don’t have a lot of time to work.

“What I love most is the depth that can be created by using many resin layers.

“I like pushing the boundaries a bit, and I have become passionate about experimenting to create in more ways with resin art.”

She also enjoys incorporating textures such as crushed glass, gemstones and crystals into her work.

The process of creating her masterpieces, Donohue says, involves a number of intricate steps and a multitude of tools, and can include as many as eight layers of resin to get the desired results.

Donohue adds that it all pays off in the end when she sees the final result.

“I have heard other artists (who create in oil and acrylics) say they are amazed at how real I can get with resin art.

“That is from tons of failures and tons of practice, and I’d like to say it was a proud moment for me to hear that, because that is such a huge challenge to do in resin art.”

She adds that her favourite piece is the very first “extra-large resin piece” she created, which she sold at the Calgary Home Show.

The eight-foot-wide by four-foot-high piece called Zephyr was so large, she had to get her husband to mix some of the resin while she was creating it so she would have time to manipulate it while it was still pliable.

“I was so excited when that piece was completed and I was so happy with it,” she says.

The artist adds that her most popular sellers are her beach wave seascapes, and the geode/gemstone-inspired pieces.

“The beach scenery and relaxing water visual is something that speaks to a lot of people,” says Donohue.

“I think it is such a pleasurable, calm feeling and vibe to look at waves coming in along a shoreline. For many I have spoken to, it brings positive and peaceful memories and thoughts of places they want to go.”

Donohue sells her art in a number of places including on her website at donohueart.com, at Muk Luk Magpies Stained Glass Emporium in Airdrie and at an interior design and flooring store in Calgary.

Her work is also featured in a gift shop in the Yukon and at a spa in Medicine Hat. life

Upbeat in a time of chaos

Two Airdrie musicians entered a weekend songwriting contest and took not only first place, but also found friendship in the journey. Part of this year’s ARTember Festival, the Springwood Studio Songwriting Contest randomly paired participants for a chance to win $500 and studio recording time.

“The idea was to put local talent together to co-write a song,” says Steve Jevne, one of the contest’s organizers and a longtime Airdrie musician.

Jevne says he and Springwood owner Billy Klippert, a first-season Canadian Idol contestant, wanted to use the event to spotlight Airdrie talent and to provide a unique songwriting experience.

“Some of the greatest songs out there have come from a couple of artists sitting down and writing together,” says Jevne. “This is what we wanted this to be.”

The winning duo, Christine Wigley, from Airdrie, and Kristin Grace, from Balzac, knew each other from local events but had never worked together.

Grace is in Grade 12, works part time, teaches piano, plays guitar and enjoys songwriting.

“I love music; it really is my passion,” she says, adding that she plans to pursue a music degree after graduation.

Wigley, a funeral home director and embalmer, played piano when she was younger but now claims the ukulele as her “sidekick.”

“I left Airdrie for a while and travelled, and was drawn to the acoustic sound and portability of the ukulele,” she explains.

Music is a hobby, she admits, but performing at Airdrie’s open mike events “brings balance to my life, because finding balance when you have a job like mine is important.”

Wigley says she entered the contest because she was the performer that sang covers and the idea of collaborating with another artist to write an original song intrigued her.

“I thought, ‘You know what, why not? I’ve never co-written a song and I’d like to experience that.’”

Grace says she entered because she liked the idea of writing with someone she didn’t

STORY BY WYATT TREMBLAY | PHOTOS BY SERGEI BELSKI

know. “I thought it’d be fun having no clue what you’re walking into, or knowing how you would mesh.”

Meeting over Zoom the day they were paired, both say they felt an instant connection, despite a difference in age and life experience.

“It was like we were living the same chaos,” Grace explains. “We immediately wanted to write something that reflected that, but because we’re positive people, it needed to be upbeat.”

They brainstormed and quickly formed an idea, agreeing to meet in person the following day.

“We met, finished it, recorded a video to submit, and called it a day,” laughs Wigley. “It was pretty organic.”

“There was one point where we looked at each other and said, ‘I guess we’re done,’” says Grace.

Their quirky, lyric-driven song, Caffeine and Gasoline, is on YouTube with Grace on guitar and Wigley on ukulele. They perform like lifelong friends, blending their voices and instruments around the song’s upbeat message in a way that immediately brings a smile to your face.

“Oh, that’s OK. Anything but living a cliché, caffeine and gasoline are pumping my heart and pushing the dream, I’ve got what it takes.”

“It’s about perseverance and taking life head on,” Wigley says.

“We’re a lot alike that way,” Grace agrees. “We might have struggles, but we don’t let it get us down.”

The two are looking forward to recording their song at Springwood, but say that won’t be the end of their collaboration.

“I don’t know if every co-write will go this easily,” Wigley says laughing, “but we’re going to try it again.”

“I think we have more to say,” Grace adds. life

“It’s about perseverance and taking life head on”

Bringing back breakfast

Homemade comfort food at its finest

BY STACIE GAETZ | PHOTOS BY KRISTY REIMER

In the past few years, the breakfast restaurant scene in Airdrie has exploded. Not long ago, if you wanted to eat breakfast out in our city, you had to go to a large chain restaurant, but those days are over. The demand for high-quality home-cooked breakfast is strong and a number of mouth-watering establishments have recently opened their doors to feed Airdrie residents the most important meal of the day. Here, we feature three local joints that are bringing homestyle breakfasts to the table.

Jam’s

Jam’s is aptly named as staff make all of their own jams, jellies, salad dressings and a number of sauces from scratch. Other in-house items include their sausage, ham and chili oil.

“We want to make the food Airdrie wants to eat,” says owner Brad Stefaniuk. “When you come to Jam’s, you can expect exactly what you ask for.”

Open in King’s Heights since January 2020, the restaurant has a unique atmosphere that you won’t find anywhere else.

“It’s like you are walking into your grandma’s house, if your grandma listened to the Ramones,” jokes Stefaniuk, adding he con-

siders himself a “breakfast junkie” as he sometimes eats traditional breakfast foods for all three meals.

Jam’s has six employees and currently seats about 28 patrons. Stefaniuk says he prides himself on supporting local by playing Alberta music, showcasing Airdrie artists’ works and buying local ingredients whenever possible.

The restaurant serves high tea on the second Saturday and Sunday of every month from 2 till 4 p.m.

Although the elegant finger foods of high tea are popular, Stefaniuk says their No. 1 seller is Eggs Benedict.

“It’s just so satisfying and real,” he says.

“From the sauce, to the ham, to the English muffin – it’s an experience like no other. “

Suzanna’s

Suzanna’s is also known for its Benedict and other affordable breakfast options.

“Keeping your pricing reasonable is especially important at this time,” says owner Lourese Nour.

“People want to be able to get out right now and not spend an arm and a leg to get a decent meal.”

Suzanna’s is located on Main Street and Second Avenue. It has been open for two years, serves breakfast and lunch, and seats about 24 people.

Nour says her most popular dishes are the daily breakfast, which includes your choice of ham, bacon or sausage, eggs how you like them and toast, and her open Denver sandwich.

“It’s important to start the day with a good meal,” says Nour.

“It sets the stage for the whole day. A good breakfast equals a good day.”

She adds that she also prides herself on her madefrom-scratch, never-frozen items including her sausage, soups, hashbrowns and Hollandaise sauce.

“We put the time and effort in, and it shows,” she says.

“Many of our customers hear about us from word of mouth. When something is really good, people talk about it.”

“A good breakfast equals a good day”

Cheryl’s Country Kitchen

Homestyle hospitality and comfort food are what Cheryl’s Country Kitchen is all about.

The large restaurant, located on First Ave, currently seats 70 people and has been open for about a year.

Owner Cheryl Matthews says although they serve all three meals, they have become known for their breakfasts.

“People love the food,” she says.

“I think for many years, we forgot about good old-fashioned comfort food and I am bringing that back to the table. I hear people who come in say that this is the best food they have ever had, and it shows in the fact that they keep coming back again and again.”

She adds that she is most well known for her skillets, but her omelettes, waffles and pancakes are big sellers, too.

Matthews has lived in Airdrie for close to 40 years and spent many of those years working in local restaurants. She adds she felt it was about time she opened her own place and did it her way.

“Great service and great food at a great price – it’s that simple,” says Matthews.

“We welcome everyone with open arms and when we ask, ‘What would you like today?’ we are going to do our very best to get that for you.” life

WARM UP YOUR WINTER TASTEBUDS

Meal Plan Addict Steph Todd is back with two great recipes to get us through the colder weather

CUTTING ACORN SQUASH

Cutting winter squash can be a pain. I am looking at you, butternut squash! Here are some tips to help you:

It is very important that when cutting a hearty veggie like an acorn squash, you have a VERY sharp knife.

Carefully place the knife onto the squash to cut in half. It doesn’t matter if you go lengthwise or not. I do both ways.

Put a tea towel in your hand and push down on the end of the knife furthest from you.

If the knife doesn’t go through the whole acorn squash completely, bang the squash (which now has the knife partially inside it) on the cutting board. This should get the knife all the way through.

Now, use a knife to scoop out the seeds and strings.

COOKING INSTANT POT ACORN SQUASH

To cook acorn squash (or any hard root veggie), use the steam function on your Instant Pot electric pressure cooker. This is the highest-heat, most intense function so you MUST use the trivet that came with your Instant Pot or a steamer basket to pressure cook the squash.

Once your squash is loaded up (with one cup of water in the liner below), you lock the lid, close the pressure valve, and set the cooking time for six minutes with a quick pressure release.

HOW TO PREP THE STUFFING

I love the sauté feature of the Instant Pot. This means I don’t have to dirty a pan on the stove. Before you load up the squash to cook, cook the filling on the sauté feature, right in the Instant Pot. When it is cooked, remove it from the Instant Pot and place aside in a bowl. Then, get your acorn squash into the Instant Pot.

INSTANT POT STUFFED ACORN SQUASH

Instant Pot stuffed acorn squash is all of the savoury flavours of fall in one bite.

Shaved Brussels sprouts, mushrooms, Italian sausage and acorn squash … all made in your Instant Pot!

Fall flavours, edible bowls and Instant Pot cooking; just about all of my favourite things in one easy Instant Pot recipe.

Most stuffed acorn recipes have you baking the squash, and then preparing the stuffing on the stovetop. Not here, friends.

My Instant Pot Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe has you making the stuffing right in your Instant Pot (hello, treasured sauté function), and then steaming your squash for a six-minute high-pressure cycle (take that, 45-minute oven time!) for a cooking total time of about 15 minutes.

This stuffed acorn squash will have even your “I-hate-squash” family members asking for seconds!

SHAVED BRUSSELS SPROUTS? HOW?!

For this recipe, you don’t want chunks of the fall classic, Brussels sprouts. You want them shaved. Think of it almost like a slaw that you cook down.

I have a food processor with a blade attachment to do this. If you don’t have a food processor, have no fear, you can cut them thin with a very sharp knife

TO BROIL OR NOT BROIL AFTER

This is 100 per cent a personal choice! I like the topping crispy so I do broil for five minutes, but you certainly do not have to.

CAN THIS BE A MEAL PREP?!

Sure can! This recipe reheats perfectly. Cook fully. Allow to cool, then transfer to a container and place in the fridge for up to four days.

Ingredients

2 acorn squash, sliced in half with seeds and strings removed 1 lb ground Italian sausage (mild or hot)

1/2 cup onion, diced 1/2 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced 2 cups shaved Brussels sprouts 1/2 tsp dried oregano 1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan (I love using pedals for this recipe)

1 tsp salt 1 cup water (to get the pot to come to pressure)

Instructions (Stuffing)

1. Select sauté feature on the Instant Pot, and once hot, add the ground Italian sausage, mushrooms and onion. Sauté until cooked.

2. When the sausage is cooked, add the salt, oregano, Brussels sprouts. Stir for one minute until the shaved sprouts cook down.

3. Remove the stuffing mixture from the Instant Pot liner and place it into a large bowl.

4. Add the Parmesan to the mixture and stir. Cover with foil and set aside.

5. Pour one cup of water into your Instant Pot liner.

6. Place your trivet (it came with your Instant Pot) into the water.

7. Stack your acorn squash halves into the pot.

8. Secure the lid, set to sealing, and set the function to STEAM for six minutes.

9. When the pressure cycle is complete, quick release the pressure.

10. Carefully remove the squash from the pot using tongs.

11. Stuff the squash with the sausage mixture.

OPTIONAL: broil the stuffed squashes if you prefer a crispy topping. Enjoy!

“This

ROASTED GNOCCHI AND BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH BACON

Roasted gnocchi and Brussels sprouts is an easy-to-put together dinner with only a sheet pan and a handful of ingredients. Easily vegetarian by simply leaving out the bacon!

Use shelf-stable gnocchi uncooked and place the bacon on the sheet pan uncooked; it all cooks together for a crispy, delicious dinner.

1. This is how easy this sheet-pan gnocchi and Brussels sprouts is to make:

2. Toss ingredients in a bit of oil (minus cheese and bacon).

3. Dump onto sheet pan, top with the bacon.

4. Bake for 20 minutes, add cheese, finish baking.

5. Serve!

WHY BAKE GNOCCHI VS BOIL IT?

For this recipe, you don’t have to boil your gnocchi because: 1. Why dirty another pot if you don’t have to; and 2. The texture is far better baked versus boiled!

CAN I MEAL PREP THIS?

You can. When you microwave reheat, the texture of the gnocchi will be a bit softer. I highly suggest pan frying this for reheat if you can.

CAN I ADD CHICKEN TO THIS?

Yes, you can add chicken. You may want to reduce the veggies or split into two baking sheets to prevent overcrowding.

You can leave the chicken breasts whole on the sheet, but just make sure they are cooked to 165F.

Do not overcrowd the chicken if you do decide to add it.

CAN THIS BE PREPPED AHEAD OF TIME?

Yes, add the veggies, garlic and oil to an air-tight container. Leave the  bacon, gnocchi and cheese out until you cook the dish.

INGREDIENT SWAPS

Can I use frozen gnocchi? Yes, the cook time may have to be increased by a few minutes.

Can I use different veggies?  Yes, the key to sheet pan recipes is to use similar cook time veggies, or cut longer cooking veggies into smaller pieces.

Can I make this vegetarian? Of course! Simply leave the bacon out and add 1 tbsp of additional oil.

Sheet-Pan Baked Gnocchi, Brussels Sprouts and Bacon

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

500 g package uncooked gnocchi

4 cups Brussels sprouts, halved

1 small red onion, rough chopped into large chunks

1 clove garlic, minced

2 tbsp olive oil

6 strips uncooked bacon

1 tsp salt

1 tsp fresh ground pepper

1/2 cup Parmesan pedals (or just grated Parm works too)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F

2. Place the uncooked gnocchi, Brussels sprouts, red onion, garlic and olive oil in a large mixing bowl. Gently toss to coat everything lightly with oil.

3. Gently transfer the ingredients from the bowl onto a sheet pan.

4. Lay the strips of uncooked bacon on top of the gnocchi and veggies.

5. Salt and pepper as desired. Do not add the Parm at this point.

6. Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for 15 minutes.

7. Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle the Parmesan on top.

8. Return to the oven for 10-15 more minutes.

9. When done, remove bacon, rip into smaller pieces and return to the pan.

10. Serve immediately.

NOTES: For best results on reheat, pan fry on the stove top.

Nutrition

Calories: 434 kcal

Carbohydrates: 63 g

Protein: 13 g

Fat: 20 g

Winter fashion

BY BRANDON CHAISSON

“Inject some FUN into your wardrobe by taking a tried-and-true classic outfit already in your closet and adding some unrestrained colours like pinks, reds and purples”

Well, this has been a crazy year, now, hasn’t it? And if there’s one thing the fashion runways are showing us – it’s that the trends are basically a ‘free-for-all!’

The chaos that is 2020 extends into this winter’s fashion trends, but in more of an intentional and playful way. For instance, bold accessories are being shown all over. Seriously, we’ve seen everything from Victorian-style collars, chains and veils to fullon chainmail veils.

Taking into consideration our locale, Equestrian Chic is an excellent way to get in on these trends this winter. Classic shapes and pieces, like a riding pant and boots, are infused with an energetic burst of colour and fringe.

Of course, the classics are always represented: Variations of Black. This trend has everyone putting together full-black outfits with varying textures and accessories.

If you’ve been spending most of your time indoors this year, you are probably pretty comfortable with the idea of cocooning yourself. If you must venture out this winter, take the cocoon with you in The Cocoon Coat. Bright colours and shearling (or Sherpa for an animal-friendly piece) are fusing together in this snuggly trend.

Oh, and the ’80s are back. Yup, shoulder pads for days are gracing the runways, just not in an overdone way. They are being seen in colourful and full-coverage gowns – think Dynasty. The original, not the reboot.

One of the easiest trends for winter is multiple hues. Inject some FUN into your wardrobe by taking a tried-and-true classic outfit already in your closet and adding some unrestrained colours like pinks, reds and purples!

If you really want to give the end of 2020 a run for its money, try mixing several of these trends. You could easily add a pair of black gloves to your Variations-of-Black outfit, pop on some overstated bold earrings with your Equestrian Chic attire, or wrap The Cocoon Coat around your ’80s-inspo look. Just have fun! life

Brandon Chaisson is a fashion consultant at The Store Upstairs

The New Casual

BY ERIN HARDY

As with most important moments in history, comes influence on our fashion. This pandemic is no exception. We are seeing it creep into not only the way we think, but also the way we dress.

Casual Chic has definitely taken over. We have seen a huge surge in cute loungewear and super fashionable, ultra-casual pieces. Gone are the days of wearing your husband’s baggy sweatpants around the house; we’re talking cute prints, matching sets and amazingly soft fabrics.

We’re also seeing items you might once have only thought of as dressy pieces paired with more casual, unexpected items to dress down the look.

We would encourage you to play around with these juxtapositions in your fashion. This is a great way to still take advantage of your full wardrobe, even if you aren’t out and about as much as you might normally be. Try wearing sneakers and jeans with

Hounded blazer - Dex Marigold wrap jumpsuit - Dex Filip boots - Chinese Laundry Bianca travel organizer - Pixie Mood

your dress coat, or an oversized plaid shacket (shirt-jacket) and casual boots with that cute skirt you haven’t worn in a while. Throw on a boyfriend blazer or cute cardigan over that beautiful dress or romper that’s getting lonely at the back of your closet. Have fun with it!

If you’re on the hunt for great gift ideas this season this is a great jumping-off point. A plaid is proving to be so versatile, easily worn with everything from leggings and jeans to dresses and skirts. This hot item is sure to please even the hardest to buy for. You can also never go wrong with a beautiful cozy cardigan. Along the same lines as the shacket, cardis are that great piece of clothing that we all love to add to just about any outfit! We’re seeing a lot of printed knits and great rich colours this season, so thinking outside the box from the usual black or grey will make it super special. life

Erin Hardy is co-owner of Seven Saints Boutique

HALF-WAY THERE

PHOTOS BY KRISTY REIMER

NAME START MIDWAY

Ada Roberts 237.8 232

Alicia Burwood 224.8 218.4

Amy MacDougall 198.2 182

Brenda Weeks 235.8 246

Erica Hatch 204.4 199.2

Jody Zachary 182 169.4

Karen Peters 184.8 181.6

Karen Wong 218.6

Kurt Vickery 192.4 187.8

Michelle Turner 283.4 274.8

Sarah Laviolette 187.2 182

Tera Grocholski 257 237

I am so impressed and inspired by the Fit for Life challengers this year. Each one of them has a great story, and eagerness to make true changes. I’ve heard them in the background encouraging and celebrating each other. It’s truly a great feeling especially in the midst of these unprecedented times.

I have loved connecting with each challenger as they come to classes. I’ve seen leaps of improvement amongst all of them, and it brightens my day to see them trying a variety of class options, even embracing the 90-minute classes, and a nervous optimism for Hell Week!

Some of the challengers have brought a family member or friend on as a member, and I hope we have them as part of the OTF Airdrie family for time beyond this challenge.

-

Our 2020 Fit for Life Challenge recipients were midway through the challenge when we caught up with them in action at Orangetheory Fitness.

COACH

ROCHELLE COURT, ORANGETHEORY FITNESS

The Airdrie Fitness Challenge has been such a great and fun experience. Having the city come together to put [on] this challenge for the community is so inspiring and as the nutrition consultant, I am blown away by how determined and excited the challengers are to achieve their healthiest body. The challengers have made amazing progress so far, not only with weight loss, but with non-scale victories, too!

- COACH DAYNA KADRI, SIMPLY FOR LIFE

What has surprised me most about this challenge so far is how effective and enjoyable the classes are at Orangetheory Fitness. I love the atmosphere and encouragement from not only the instructors, but also the other people in the workouts. Very positive place. I feel incredible with the combination of workouts at Orangetheory and the meal plan/support from everyone at Simply for Life!

- ALICIA BURWOOD

What has surprised me most about this challenge so far is how strong I feel. And not just physically strong; I feel like this has helped to strengthen me mentally and emotionally as well. My weight loss has been slow on the scale but I feel like I’ve come a long way in terms of attitude and determination. I’m fiercely protective of the time I allow myself to work out at OTF; I never would have guessed a year ago that I’d be EXCITED to attend four to five classes a week!

- SARAH LAVIOLETTE

I’m only six weeks into the challenge and I’m surprised how much better I feel. I have more energy and I want to work out which I never had before. OTF makes exercise fun with fast-paced workouts.

- KURT VICKERY

What surprised me most was how quickly my fitness level changed with the consistency. I’ve always been a “quitter,” but this time the consistency showing results is really encouraging!

- ADA ROBERTS

I can’t tell you enough how awesome it is to be a part of this challenge; major re-motivation. Thank you! What has surprised me the most?  I didn’t know how the workout format would work for me but [the classes] have been phenomenal! [They] go by so quickly; I don’t find myself looking at the clock to see how much longer is left and it gives a whole body workout packed into a one-hour session. Loving it!

- KAREN PETERS

I think what has been most surprising is the difference [that] having a coach makes. In the past when I have worked out I pushed myself but not nearly as much as I push with a coach. It’s been incredibly helpful and motivating not just at the gym but with making food choices as well!

- MICHELLE TURNER

I think what has surprised me most is how much and how quickly I’ve improved on the fitness level. Exercises that kicked my butt in the very beginning I can now work through and add the extra intensity I need. It’s been a joyful adventure!

AMY MACDOUGALL

What has surprised me? How out of shape I actually was!

ERICA HATCH

The first six weeks have been amazing and I can’t wait to see what the next six have in store for me. Thank you again for choosing me to be a part of this amazing opportunity. I absolutely love the OT coaches, all the nutrition advice from Simply, and let’s not forget my new amazing OT challengers (OT family) that I’ve made throughout this challenge.

JODY ZACHARY

As a person who has an auto-immune disease, it has been a constant struggle to find balance. I can honestly say I have changed my mindset about certain foods and I finally feel better than I have felt in many, many years. I am happily finding the balance between eating what works for me, and not eating my stress. I can work out my stress which I am sure most will agree is better in the long run. The second and most surprising thing of all is how much I love the workout at Orangetheory. I was terrified the first day, thinking I was never going to be able to do it, but to my pleasure and [thanks to] the wonderful staff at OT Airdrie, it was a seamless and encouraging transition back to my life in fitness.

BRENDA WEEKS

I think what surprised me most is how good I feel. I have more energy, I am sleeping better (even if I am getting up at 4 a.m. to get to the gym some days) and I feel like I can accomplish so much more in my day. Half way there and I already feel amazing!

TERA GROCHOLSKI

The benefits of holistic manual therapy

healthylife WITH AMY SHANTZ

Manual (hands-on) therapy is very helpful for our wellness. Our hands are one of the areas of our body where we have the most receptors that process sensations. Sometimes our receptors have bad experiences from repetitive or intense sensations and become on alert. This means if we experience that same annoying sensation again, it will send a quicker or more intense message to our brain.

Receptors on alert change how our body responds; some of our muscles adapt and act differently. When a skilled therapist places their hand on an irritated area of our body, it neutralizes the effect.

A thorough assessment and treatment for the whole body and all of its structures and tissues often increases the impact. A registered massage

therapist will consider what a client feels and experiences as well as what situations impact their stiffness, pain or weakness.

“A registered massage therapist will consider what a client feels and experiences as well as what situations impact their stiffness, pain or weakness”

AT DAWN WELLNESS

Sometimes where we feel the pain is not the area that is having the biggest effect. By considering and working with the whole body, including the bones, joints, fluids and the tissues lining our organs, a massage therapist can help restore more balance to the tensions and movement throughout the body.

I have assisted people in accomplishing increased range of motion, less stiffness, less pain, and increased strength and power.

A recent client told me that she can do activities around the house for a much longer time after only one session. Another said that she can lift more weight at the fitness centre, and another said he can now roll over in bed when pain prevented him from doing so before. life

Amy Shantz is a registered massage therapist with At Dawn Wellness

Make her winter days special with gifts that pamper. The Store Upstairs has a beautiful array of bath and beauty products for the women in your life. STOREUPSTAIRS.CA

ere’s just a small sample of wisdom I’ve learned from living with a dog: a shortterm memory leads to instant forgiveness; live in the moment and take pleasure in the modest treats life offers; even if life is tugging at your leash you can still sniff the grass; enjoy every meal like it was your last; and there’s nothing a good nap can’t solve.

Many, including myself, can’t picture an existence without daily interaction with these fur-bearing buddies.

We’ve all heard the tales of canines extending the lifespan of us human beings. If that’s the case, I’ll be looking forward to a long and healthy life having dwelled, slept and interacted with German Shepherds, a Jack Russell Terrier and most recently Chihuahuas.

As with people, personalities in the canine nation are complex and varied. Having lived with a full-speed-ahead, hyperactive Jack Russell for almost 17 years, there was a little getting used to the timid nature of the petite Chihuahua duo.

Nicknamed Huggie Bear, our Chihuahua Sadie has a penchant for wrapping her paws around your neck and rubbing cheek-tocheek in a squeezing embrace. Face time, as we call it, is just a lap away with these fivepound balls of love.

With canines there’s always a welcome home party. Whether we are out for five minutes or five hours, our devoted doggies bring toys to show their dedication and gratitude of our attention and affections. Apple head Chihuahuas also have a loud voice for such a small body. We have no need for a doorbell.

You don’t have to be a dog whisperer to understand the emotional nuances of puppy facial expressions; smiling when happy, ears down when sad or when punished. Yes, Chihuahuas can stir up trouble now and again.

Canines also open doors for human interaction. Our Chihuahuas have a select group of friends on the walking paths around our Sagewood home.

An easy conversation opener, the leash tours have given us owners an avenue for new human friendships. And if for some reason the walk is missed that day you get the ‘look.’ Sometimes it’s the large, sad eyes of the poor-puppy expression; other times it’s the ‘just get off your butt already’ accusatory stare.

And of course these cookie hounds share a consistent begging behaviour pattern in the kitchen, which usually pays off.

Yes, they are pampered pooches, but their devotion and emotional support in most cases cannot be measured. life

“Wow, I can hear everything!”

Those were the first words I said after having my ears plugged and not being able to hear anything for three weeks. The staff at Superior Hearing Solutions were phenomenal!

They were so gentle, caring and understanding. After having no success after four visits at that big box hearing place in town, Ceara only needed 15 minutes to flush my ears so I could hear properly.

Thank you so much Ceara!

Gemma Stroobant, Weather Specialist

WITH MEGAN SKARSEN

Biofilm on dentures

With complete dentures you do not have to worry about natural teeth anymore, but cleaning your dentures is still very important.

If not properly cared for, dentures can create an environment where bacteria can flourish and harbor. This is due to dentures changing the PH levels in your oral cavity, combined with spaces where saliva can linger and become stagnant, creating a reservoir for bacteria.

Currently there are many denture-cleaning products on the market, like soaps, pastes, powders, tablets and foams, but which one is the best?

All denture-cleaning products work if used properly, but the best way to ensure your dentures are clean is to brush them. Some products, particularly the denture soaks, will not work unless the denture is properly brushed and cleaned first. The reason for this is biofilm builds up on your dentures when it is in your mouth throughout the day. Unless the biofilm is cleaned off properly, it acts as a barrier preventing the cleaning agent to properly clean the denture surface.

seniorlife

What is biofilm?

Bacterial biofilms are a collective of one or more types of microorganisms that can grow on many different surfaces. Biofilms are held together and protected by glue-like materials (carbohydrates), which also allow them to attach themselves to surfaces. With teeth and dentures this presents as dental plaque, a thin, slimy film of bacteria that adheres all over the denture. Microorganisms that form biofilms include bacteria, fungi and protists.

Research shows that:

•Denture biofilms can cause local infections, especially Candida-related denture stomatitis, or even systemic disease;

•Within three to four hours, biofilm starts to build up on dentures in the mouth.

Why is brushing more important?

•Brushing is more important because it helps to remove the layer of biofilm that adheres to the denture;

•Using a denture bath can be an extra reservoir for bacteria;

•Denture-cleaning tablets will not work if biofilm is still present.

How to clean dentures properly

•Thoroughly brush your dentures under warm water with non-abrasive cleaners.

•Be careful not to scrub dentures too hard; Biofilm builds up easier on rough areas so brushing dentures using toothpaste with abrasives can create rough surfaces for biofilm;

•Create a daily routine to clean your dentures at least twice a day:

- Morning and evening;

- Best to brush after major meals as well if possible.

•If soaking dentures:

- Always use fresh water;

- Properly wash your denture container regularly so biofilm does not build up in the container;

- Properly brush and clean dentures before soaking even if using cleaner. life

Megan Skarsen is a registered denturist at Woodside Denture Centre

parentlife

Three simple ways to make self-care a priority

(even when you have no time)

The best gift you can give your kids this holiday season is taking care of yourself. That may sound corny, but don’t stop reading. I promise this column is full of practical ways you can take time for yourself and therefore set an example for your children when they need to balance responsibility and self-care. Our goal as parents is to raise our children to be exceptional human beings who leave the world better than they found it, right?

It’s impossible for them to do that if they don’t learn to care for themselves, and how can they do that if you are constantly running yourself ragged and never filling your own tank?

However, during the holidays when everything on your very long to-do list revolves around making the season magical for everyone else, self-care is probably the last thing on your mind.

I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be.

Here are three simple and realistic tips that you can use to fill your own cup during this busy time of year.

Find your “thing”

Decide what it is that helps you relax and then set aside a half hour a day to do it. Whether it’s reading a book, having a bath, a hobby you love, pouring a glass of wine and drinking it in silence.… Whatever brings you joy, you can afford 30 minutes to do it, even if that means dropping something less important off the list.

Move your body

We’ve all heard it 1,000 times: “Exercise is good for you.” The reason this statement is repeated so often is that it’s true. This doesn’t mean you have to join an expensive gym or buy the latest equipment. There are many easy and quick ways to get your body moving for free. At-home yoga, going for a short walk or run or even dancing with your kids can be invigorating, increase serotonin levels and improve sleep. (We could all use a bit more of that!)

Just breathe

Take some time to just be. Whether this takes the form of meditation or taking 10 deep breaths in and out before you go to sleep, being mindful of your breath can help you put things in perspective and metaphorically press the reset button.

When your job description as a parent is to take care of other small humans, it can seem selfish to make time for yourself, but it isn’t. It’s just basic self-respect and that is one thing you want your kids to learn from you – so start leading by example. life

Airdrie’s premier French Immersion preschool. Come learn and play in French with us.

WITH STACIE GAETZ

“Whatever brings you joy, you can afford 30 minutes to do it, even if that means dropping something less important off the list”

Celebrate 25 years of Airdrie Festival of Lights by getting your glow on

BY STACIE GAETZ

The Airdrie Festival of Lights (AFOL) has been spreading holiday cheer for 25 years.

Located in Nose Creek Park, AFOL is a beautiful, month-long, outdoor walk-through lights experience, with about a million dollars’ worth of displays and other events, including Santa visits, real reindeer, a gift shop, choirs, a concession and so much more.

“The Airdrie Festival of Lights has always been committed to providing an affordable, family friendly Christmas festival of lights experience for the people of Airdrie and southern Alberta, which is suitable for all ages,” says MIchelle Pirzek, AFOL co-ordinator.

“At the same time, [it provides] a venue in which other non-profit organizations can raise funds for their activities.”

The first spark

In October of 1996, Airdrie Ald. Stan Softley unveiled his vision to transform Nose Creek Park into a Christmas light display like no other. Needing an initial investment from community members of $70,000 for the overall $250,000 project, Softley and festival organizers set in motion an event designed to ‘put Airdrie on the map.’

Softley believed that establishing a permanent festival of lights display would be a “boon to the city’s fortunes, both in terms of economics and community prestige.”

He wanted the festival to become an annual tradition for everyone and it worked.

“That’s why our theme for the 25th anniversary is family tradition,” says Pirzek, who has been on the AFOL board for 14 years.

“We have immense pride that we have been able to keep the mandate of the original idea behind the festival. All of our prices for things like the train and hot chocolate are even the same as they were all those years ago.

“People need something to celebrate now more than ever and as always, we are here to give that to them”

“This year has been so difficult for so many economically and we want people to know that they can come and make incredible family memories without a penny in their pocket.”

Brighten up

AFOL attracts more than 65,000 visitors to Airdrie every holiday season and includes about 1,000 light displays.

Like years past, AFOL will include the miniature trains for $2 per ride, which carry the whole family around the paths, as well as a concession where you can savour that cup of hot chocolate, coffee or apple cider for only $2 per cup.

Another returning attraction is Santa’s Gift Shop, located right beside the large Poinsettia Arch. You’ll find high-quality and whimsical gifts for yourself, your family and your friends.

“We’ve even got the kids covered with our unique kids-only shopping experience with no adults allowed!” says Pirzek.

“Our elves will help your little ones in our unique shopping section that is full of

Nose Creek Valley Museum is celebrating with an AFOL exhibit!

The first 250 visitors to the museum starting Dec. 1 receive a free train ride ticket!

locally sourced handmade, home-based gifts. All items in this section are $10 and under keeping it affordable for your kids’ budgets.”

There will also be at least one new feature this year – ice carving.

“I have had ice carving on my bucket list since I became involved with the organization,” says Pirzek.

She adds that the details are still being worked out, but she hopes to have four carvers on site for two of the days in December with the opportunity for visitors to see the works being created and enjoy them after they are completed.

Can’t glow without you

In 2019, organizers of the festival recorded more than 3,000 volunteer hours from Nov. 15 to Jan. 15 alone, with approximately 700 hours accumulated by fundraising groups, and another 400 hours accumulated by local businesses and organizations.

Pirzek says she is hoping to have between 300 and 500 volunteers at the event this year as there are new COVID-19 restrictions that will need to be implemented and politely enforced.

“We will of course be encouraging social distancing, monitoring lineups, rotating the trains so we can disinfect them, but it will be 90 per cent business as usual,” says Pirzek.

“Things might look a little different, but the spirit will still be there. People need something to celebrate now more than ever and as always, we are here to give that to them.”

The event will not include mascots this year due to Alberta Health Services guidelines.

Don’t worry, the Man in Red will still make an appearance (STACIE TO CONTACT MICHELLE CLOSER TO LAY OUT DAY TO DETERMINE IF THERE WILL BE A VIRTUAL SANTA) and his reindeer will attend on Dec. 22.

Entry is by donation only. Over the years, the festival has donated more than $375,000 back into the community to organizations such as Community Links, Lioness Club, local school groups, Airdrie Food Bank, Airdrie and District Victims Assistance Society and many more organizations. life

For more detailed information and AFOL schedules, visit airdrielights.com or check out the fold-out map included in this issue of airdrielife

PARADE OF LIGHTS

The AFOLS are looking to make the 25th Season simply GLOWing, by lighting up as much of Airdrie as possible. Those wishing to participate will be required to register online in advance, to be added to the online map.

Those who register before November 15, will receive a sign for their house announcing their participation, as well as an entry for a GLOWing Prize! This isn’t a competition for best decorated, because we believe every light that’s lit contributes to our overall GLOW!

Be sure to take a photo, and post on the AFOL social media platforms using #ShareTheGlow for an extra entry.

#ShareTheGlow

homelife

IDEAS AND ADVICE FOR YOUR HOME, INSIDE AND OUT

Newport at Canals Landing

BY STACIE GAETZ

Have you ever wanted to step outside your door and experience winding canals and boardwalk-style walking trails in a stunning natural habitat?

Now you can with Newport, a townhome community located in the heart of west Airdrie, that redefines how most people view attached houses.

“Newport is situated right in the heart of the Canals with walking paths nearby, and [it’s] close to schools and amenities,” says Kayla Johnston, area sales manager with Genesis Builders, the developer in Canals Landing.

“You should buy at Newport because they are beautiful homes, in a perfect location. Crafted with quality finishings, layouts and living experiences – plus the pricing can’t be beat. You’re getting your money’s worth here at Newport.”

The Townhomes provide upscale-style living without the maintenance. Designed for every lifestyle with a variety of layouts from which to choose, they offer functional living space and beautiful finishes to make your next home the perfect fit.

According to Johnston, the two- and three-bedroom units are the most popular and you do not have to compromise on style. The most sought-after models are three stories with a tandem two-car garage and nine-foot ceilings, plus lots of room for storage.

The main floor is very spacious with an L-shaped kitchen, a large island and a patio right off the living area that faces a beautiful green space.

“The one-bedroom units are very popular as well as [they] feature a beautiful kitchen, plenty of cabinet space and [have] nine-foot ceilings throughout,” adds Johnston.

“All the units come with luxury vinyl plank flooring on the main floor and your choice of quartz or granite for the kitchen countertops.”

The sizes of the townhomes range from 809 square feet to 1,365 square feet and start at just $174,800.

Lovely Landing

The unique community allows you to take advantage of nearby amenities, shops, schools and daycares – urban convenience at its finest. Whether you are first-time homebuyers, downsizers, or have a young family, Newport has exactly what you need.

“There are so many benefits to living in this community,” says Johnston.

“We are close to Eighth Street and downtown Airdrie, which has all the amenities you need from grocery stores, pharmacy, restaurants, fitness centres and boutiques. There are also a few schools in walking distance nearby like Ralph McCall, Our Lady Queen of Peace and C.W. Perry School.”

Johnston says homebuyers can expect a good quality home and a community with great people when they purchase a Newport townhome in Canals Landing.

“They’ll likely be outside a lot enjoying the nearby walking paths in the Canals, or the beautiful central green space,” she adds.

Genesis Builders has been operating in Airdrie for 20 years and Johnston says the company takes care of their homebuyers.

“If you want a home that will suit your needs and want a high quality of life with no maintenance to worry about, come visit me in Newport at Canals Landing,” she adds. life

HOMELIFE | MULTI FAMILY

COOPER’S CROSSING IS CALLING YOU HOME

BY STACIE GAETZ

Cooper’s Crossing is the No. 1 community in one of Canada’s most popular cities and it promises the lifestyle you have always wanted with absolutely no compromises.

If you’ve ever wanted to live at Airdrie’s most prestigious address, now is the time.

WestMark Holdings Ltd. recently released 25 luxury lots, including the largest lots currently for sale in Airdrie at up to 65 feet wide.

“Take advantage of this limited opportunity to enjoy luxury living on Central Pond or on a park,” says Paul Gerla, WestMark owner/manager.

“Huge walk-out lots, many of which are west facing, provide ample space to build your dream home. There’s also a great selection of surprisingly affordable 50-foot lots that can accommodate a triple-car garage.”

Gerla adds that this release includes lots from the last estate phase in Cooper’s Crossing and some of the very limited number of waterfront lots remaining in the community.

“Opportunities like this, to build a new home in a mature community, don’t come along often,” he says.

“You could say we saved the very best for last.”

DREAMS COME TRUE

Gerla says one of the biggest benefits of building in Cooper’s is the elite group of custom builders that can make your dream a reality.

“Estate homes are custom homes, so for many, their estate home is the culmination of years of planning and is truly their dream home,” he says.

“Cooper’s offers an abundance of amenities and is surrounded by parks, ponds and pathways making it the perfect community in which to build your forever home.”

Builders in Cooper’s include:

Harder Homes

McKee Homes

NuVista and Augusta Fine Homes

PARKS, PONDS AND PATHWAYS

Located on 320 acres in Airdrie’s burgeoning southwest quadrant, Cooper’s Crossing continues to stay true to the vision of offering classically styled homes rich in character with unique streetscapes, surrounded by lush parks and a network of pathways that connect every corner of the community.

Cooper’s includes more than 44 acres of parkland, trails and greenspace to connect you with nature. Shopping, schools and recreation are all within walking distance.

“This community embodies quality and livability,” says Gerla.

Six existing schools are within walking distance and include Grades K-12 from both school districts.

“Cooper’s has been, and continues to be, a thoughtfully planned community so homebuyers can rest assured that their investment will be protected for years to come,” says Gerla.

“We invite you to take a drive through the Estates of Cooper’s to see for yourself what a special opportunity this is to build the home of your dreams.” life

We Love Our Neighbourhood: Cooper’s Crossing

BY STACIE GAETZ

Although they have only lived in Cooper’s Crossing for a few months, Kendall, Alycia and Hope Till have no doubt that it is the place for their forever home.

Both Alycia and Kendall were born and raised in Airdrie so bringing up their daughter here was never a question. After owning a home in Prairie Springs for years, the opportunity to buy their dream home in Cooper’s popped up unexpectedly this summer and they jumped at the chance to make the move to Airdrie’s most elite address.

Backing onto a beautiful treed pathway, easy access to local stores, living within walking distance to a great school, and quick access to Calgary were all features that drew the family to the community that has been voted Airdrie’s favourite for eight years.

Check out our Q&A with them to find out why they love their neighbourhood.

How long have you lived in Cooper’s Crossing? We moved to Cooper’s Crossing just this summer.

What made you want to move to the community? My parents live in Cooper’s, so we are very familiar with the community and really liked the idea of being closer to family. We have always loved the beautiful mature trees and extensive pathway system. When the ideal house came on the market, we knew it was the right move for us.

Why did you choose your house?

We chose our house because it is the perfect size and layout for our family, and we loved the location backing on to a beautifully treed pathway.

What is your favourite thing about living in Cooper’s Crossing? Our favourite thing about Cooper’s Crossing is how family friendly the entire neighbourhood is.

What makes the community unique?

Airdrie is full of wonderful communities, but we felt Cooper’s was unique in that it checked so many boxes. It offers wonderful outdoor space, a neighbourhood school, close proximity to a shopping centre and convenient access to Eighth Street for a quick commute out of town.

What makes Cooper’s Crossing the perfect fit for your family?

Cooper’s is the right fit as it brings us closer to family and lets us enjoy beautiful outside spaces close to home.

Vista Crossing

Where life is simplified in a most sophisticated way

BY STACIE GAETZ

If you are looking to live in a community where you can unplug and reconnect with what really matters, look no further than Vista Crossing in Crossfield.

“Vista Crossing is full of really authentic smalltown charm that you just can’t find anywhere else,” says Michael Tandara, director of marketing for Western Canada at Dream Unlimited, the community’s developer.

“It’s where you can get the home you want for the price you can afford with a quieter pace, friendlier neighbourhood and a strong community connectivity. A place where the pace is gentler, and life revolves around family and community. A place where kids can be kids, and everyone cares for one another.”

COMMUNITY CULTURE

Vista Crossing was launched at the end of 2016 and phases one and two include about 130 homes built by McKee Homes and Homes by Dream.

Home styles include semi-detached, laned, villa and front drive and start from about $260,000.

“We believe that homes, no matter the price point, should appeal to the emotions and should be built to last,” says Tandara.

“Whether you are first-time buyers, growing your family or a retiree who doesn’t want that busy lifestyle in their backyard anymore, we have something for everyone.”

Jen McDonald, marketing co-ordinator for Dream Unlimited, says the community is a throwback to days gone by in the best possible way.

“You can feel good about letting your kids play down the street or at the neighbours’ and calling them in when it gets dark,” she says.

However, the community won’t stay small forever. By the time the 160-acre community is completed in roughly 10 years, Tandara says he expects there to be a total of 1,000 households with the ability to continue growth beyond that.

Treat

Freshly baked Croissants, Macarons, Crème Brûlée and more.

Free delivery with orders over $25 Order online or through our app

403.808.3126 www.latablepastry.com

301-2903 Kingsview Blvd SE, Airdrie

AMAZING AMENITIES

From charming local shops, cafes and services in Crossfield to big-box malls in Airdrie and Calgary, you have everything you need within a short drive, but you don’t have to go anywhere to be connected to the entire world.

With the community wired for ultrafast fibre optic internet and Crossfield sitting directly on top of Alberta’s SuperNet – a high-speed performance network connecting 429 rural and urban communities in the province – Vista Crossing opens the doors for anyone working from home to make mornings more about walking the kids to school than fighting traffic into the city.

“Vista Crossing is home to those that appreciate the smaller moments in life but yearn to do so without losing their connection to the wider world,” says Tandara.

“It’s about being timeless and modern at the same time.”

SPACES AND SPORTS

Nature lovers can heed the call of four kilometres of walking trails, five acres of protected wetlands, 20 acres of green spaces and the community garden. For sports buffs there’s a mini soccer field and outdoor hockey rink – not to mention a skateboard park and sports fields for soccer, basketball, tennis, baseball and a running track in the town of Crossfield itself.

Watch the kids cast a line in the pond –it’s stocked annually with rainbow trout. Or head to one of the many tot lots, picnic areas with fire pits, the splash park or playgrounds.

“If you are looking at your options, the drive out to Crossfield is well worth it,” says Tandara.

“When you get here, you will feel it. It may be an option you haven’t considered. It may be where you belong.” life

“When you get here, you will feel it. It may be an option you haven’t considered. It may be where you belong.”

SALES CENTRE

907 Windsong Drive Airdrie, AB 403-980-8765

sls_southwinds@mattamycorp.com

When creating a home workout space, convenience is key

Working out at home isn’t new, but it sure is a great option these days.

Under the continued need to be COVID conscious, and with the weather turning cold, the ability to get a great stress release in without leaving our homes is ideal.

However, figuring out how to dedicate a space of our homes to working out can be a challenge.

Whether it’s an entire room meant for exercise or a basket in the corner of the living room with a few workout essentials, a thoughtful plan can be the difference between getting the workout in or not.

In my own home, the flex space that gets used for working out is also where my kids and husband like to play mini sticks –meaning I need it to be simple to rearrange.

The best way to accomplish this was to move my storage up on the wall as much as possible. The exercise bike is on wheels so it can easily be removed from the space for their games.

When planning my workout area, I knew I wanted a space for my yoga mat for floor exercises, a clear view of the TV for on-demand workouts, a mirror, speaker to play music, a spot for my water bottle and a towel.

Overall, I’ve ended up with a small but very functional workout space in less than 100 square feet.

The bonus is that I could make it feel like it fits with our rec room decor and doesn’t look like a traditional gym setting.

Before getting the bike and creating this multi-use space, I kept my essentials in a cute basket at the end of the sofa. It kept things neatly in one space and didn’t require collecting all the things I needed from around the house before I could work out every time.

If it’s inconvenient – it’s unlikely to happen.

Calculating the area you have to work with, and finding a workout program that works in that space, is the first step.

Generally, unless only using one specific piece of equipment, you’ll want a space large enough to stretch out your arms in all directions at minimum.

From there it’s all about listing the things you want easily accessible and then brainstorming ways to install them to create an inspiring and appealing aesthetic.

A great bonus would be a spot to write out workout goals, inspirational messages or track your progress.

As with any successful design, function and beauty go hand in hand. life

Decorator Kim Purvis, owner of Aurora Decor, is pursuing her lifelong passion of creating beautiful home spaces

decorlife WITH KIM PURVIS

worklife

MEET THE MOVERS, SHAKERS AND BUSINESS MAKERS 58

Entrepreneurs: RESILIENT

During the COVID-19 crisis, we have the opportunity to applaud many truly deserving members of our community for their selfless efforts and important work. As I reflect on the grit and resilience of the professionals that are key to tackling this pandemic, something Winston Churchill said comes to mind:

“Some regard private enterprise as if it were a predatory tiger to be shot. Others look upon it as a cow that they can milk. Only a handful see it for what it really is – the strong horse that pulls the whole cart.”

Why should we consider our local entrepreneurs essential players during this crisis? Being a hero means putting your life aside to improve the lives of others.

Entrepreneurs are like an iceberg; people often see the results but not the efforts behind them. It can be easy to regard business success as ‘luck,’ while disregarding the financial risks entrepreneurs assume, the isolation and emotional struggle they experience and the hard decisions they must make. Entrepreneurship is an everyday battle to maintain jobs, their investment and the benefits they produce for our community.

Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and play an essential role in employing Albertans; according to Statistics Canada (2018) small businesses across the province employed 73.5 per cent of the private sector workforce (over one million individuals).

Entrepreneurs also provide a sense of purpose for employees. Meaning that, for many, having a job creates stability and peace of mind.

In the midst of a crisis that has affected us all in our personal and professional lives, small businesses have had to pivot and try out new methods just to survive. Restaurants switched to preparing takeaway meals and activating new delivery systems for customers in lockdown at home, and a children’s play centre shifted to making face masks to support the needs of our community. Innovative neighbours have acted on opportunities to meet the sudden demand for ‘new necessities,’ while dance and fitness studios have shifted to online formats to help us remain active and comfortable in the ‘new normal.’

When we began developing our Right for Business support program as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we asked local business owners if they would give their time to aid other entrepreneurs in need and the response was overwhelming. That’s something that never ceases to amaze us in Airdrie; how our own always step up to help.

The way I choose to express my gratitude and community spirit is to support our small businesses through researching local options for my day-to-day purchases, leaving positive online reviews, engaging with and sharing their social media content and subscribing to their e-newsletters. The more we invest our money and time back into our community, the stronger we build our community.

Many thanks and keep your spirits up; we are better together. life

Jessica Williamson is an economic development officer with the City of Airdrie

businesslife WITH JESSICA WILLIAMSON

“Entrepreneurs are like an iceberg; people often see the results but not the efforts behind them”

HEROES OF THE PANDEMIC

Apandemic that caused most people to distance themselves from one another brought the City of Airdrie IT team closer together.

When they were tasked with the seemingly impossible job of getting more than 200 City employees set up to work remotely from their homes, the IT department knew the only way to get it done was by relying on each other and working together.

“At first, I think we were stunned by the ask; it seemed like such a huge mountain to conquer in a very short timeframe,” says Patrick

Slater, team leader of IT client services with the City of Airdrie.

“We broke down the work into manageable chunks; relied heavily on each other. We are all about teamwork and have such a great team of skilled IT professionals that even though it seemed daunting, we were able to work together to accomplish the task.”

Getting everyone online took about two weeks and Darren Major-Poole, IT desktop technician, estimates that the IT department’s remote work support effort has increased by more than 16 per cent.

“It makes (our job) much more complicated,” he adds.

REMOTE REBOOT

City IT department provides backup to hundreds of employees

STORY BY STACIE GAETZ| PHOTOS BY SERGEI BELSKI

Darren Major-Poole with the City of Airdrie IT team

“We have to think about how we support, what we support and how we maintain stability with our technology while it is offsite. It has increased our volume of incident and service requests, and finding that demarcation point of what we support in the home is a unique conversation.”

The City’s IT department consists of 38 staff members with three team leaders who worked overtime – including weekends – to ensure employees had the hardware, software and support they needed to get their jobs done at home.

The City currently has between 160 and 180 employees working from home.

HERE TO STAY

Data from Statistics Canada suggests that more Canadians will be working from home once the COVID-19 pandemic is over as more employers report that their staff can effectively do their jobs remotely.

The survey results found nearly one-quarter of Canadian businesses expect 10 per cent or more of their workforce will continue to work remotely post-pandemic.

“The pandemic has hurtled the City to embracing technology at a fast pace,” says Slater.

“In our group, we have seen an increase in productivity, enabled by trust and work/ life balance.”

He adds that working from home does pose a challenge regarding creating a cohesive work culture and team synergy, but there is no turning back now.

“Is it here to stay? I believe that ‘normal’ has changed drastically or even disappeared,” he adds.

“I personally believe that work from home, or from another remote location in some shape or form, is here to stay for the foreseeable future.”

The Statistics Canada survey results support that. It found that 25 per cent of Canadian business are “likely” or “very likely” to offer their employees the option to work remotely following the pandemic, while 14 per cent reported that they will make it a requirement.

Previous data from Statistics Canada reported that 40 per cent of Canada’s employees worked from home when pandemic lockdowns were enforced in the spring. life

HEROES WHO HELP

STORY BY STACIE GAETZ | PHOTOS BY SERGEI BELSKI AND KRISTY REIMER

2020 has been hard on so many, but nothing seems to stop Airdrie businesses who make giving back a priority. Here are two great stories that will inspire.

LOCAL MOVING COMPANY GIVES BACK TO AIRDRIE CHILDREN WITH UNIQUE FUNDRAISER

A local junk removal and moving company recently raised $$$$ STACIE TO GET THIS NUMBER FROM TOM AT THE END OF OCTOBER for the Boys & Girls (B&G) Club of Airdrie in a very unusual way.

Tom Shantz, owner of TNT House Services, came up with the unique idea for himself and his employee to dress as Batman while they provide moving services.

I wanted to do something fun for the kids and put a smile on the faces of the parents who are moving, too,” says Shantz.

“Moving can be a difficult time for kids. They are leaving their schools and their friends and that’s on top of all of this COVID stuff. We wanted to make their day and swoop in to save the day.”

To determine which organization to which to donate the money from the creative fundraiser, Shantz put a call out on social media asking his followers to recommend a cause. He had an overwhelming response from his more than 1,000 followers requesting he give the funds to the B&G Club.

Kathy Ritcher, manager of events and volunteers for the Boys & Girls Club of Airdrie, says the funds raised by TNT House Services will help sustain the organization’s programs and services that they provide to local children and youth.

“COVID-19 has significantly impacted our fundraising efforts

but Boys and Girls Club of Airdrie are finding creative ways to bring fun-filled activities to our community while following all Alberta Health Services guidelines,” she says.

“It is amazing that businesses are choosing to support the children and youth in our community in ways like this.”

Shantz says, unlike the Dark Knight he portrayed during the fundraiser, he doesn’t consider himself a hero, but he sees the (super) power in bringing the community together for the greater good.

“The more we are supported as local companies, the more we can give back,” says Shantz.

“It’s so important for any business to support our charity organizations because they depend on us. The people who use these services are the people who support us, and it should go both ways.”

TRASH TO TREASURE

Shantz is a man of his word. This is not the first time he has given back to the community in a big way.

He first started donating to local non-profit organizations when he began his company as a junk removal business.

“It’s so important for any business to support our charity organizations because they depend on us. The people who use these services are the people who support us, and it should go both ways.”

“People would throw out perfectly good furniture that they had no use for anymore, so I started to sell the pieces online and give the money to the Airdrie Food Bank,” he says.

“Just because these things had no use to one person doesn’t mean they are junk, and I realized I could use them and turn one piece into meals to help many people.”

In July, Shantz gave $2,000 to the food bank that he made from reselling furniture. The program is now called Treasure Not Trash (TNT) and has its own social media pages and followings.

“If you have furniture that you don’t need any more but someone else could use it, consider donating it and we can sell it to make a bigger impact,” he says.

SPEEDY COLLISION GIVES BACK TO THE COMMUNITY IN MANY WAYS

Speedy Collision is a local business whose owner believes in giving back to the community.

Mike Nichol, owner/operator, says he came up with the idea to provide free car detailing services to health care workers during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in April.

“I just wanted to do something nice for our frontline workers,” says Nichol.

“I know quite a few of them in my life and I know how relentless they work to help keep us safe. I also wanted to meet people in our community.”

He spread the word about the initiative via social media and received a big response. The team offered 45 free details between April to the end of July.

“It was overwhelming, the response we had,” says Nichol.

“Not one negative thing came out of this. We put a smile on some faces and surprised others; there were many spouses whose loved ones are health care workers and they wanted to get the service for them as a surprise.”

He says many of the health care and frontline workers were so grateful they were moved to tears.

“That tells me how stressful the situation has been for them. Just seeing the simple joy was very rewarding,” he adds.

Nichol and his staff also give back in other ways when the opportunity presents itself.

“Most recently, a widow wanted her late husband’s car detailed so she could sell it,” he says.

“I told her the price and she agreed, we picked up her car from her home and detailed it. We delivered it back that day and told her this one was on us. She was moved to tears and wanted to hug us but couldn’t because, you know, COVID.”

Speedy Collision does custom paint work, detailing and provides glass and paint protection film installation. The business, that has 10 full-time employees, has been in operation in Airdrie since 2012 and Nichol took over ownership in 2018.

“I think it’s always important to support your community in any way you can,” says Nichol.

“This was a simple thing that I was able to do and all it cost me was my time. I was happy to do it. Things like this can bring a community closer. This year has been tough on everyone so if you have an opportunity to bring a smile to someone’s face, no matter how small the gesture is, do it. You’d be amazed at how far it can carry forward.” life

“This year has been tough on everyone so if you have an opportunity to bring a smile to someone’s face, no matter how small the gesture is, do it”

Love of food

BY STACIE GAETZ | PHOTOS BY KRISTY REIMER

Alove of good food brought Eric Krautheim and Naomi Kerr together years ago and now they are sharing that passion with the community through their hand-blended spices, rubs and condiments.

“At Township 27 we are passionate about nutritious, flavourful, local, sustainable food,” says Krautheim.

“We prepare spices, blend spice rubs, sauces, dressings and condiments for people who care about and love food.”

The company got its start during one of the couple’s “To Hell with Winter” parties that they are famous for in their circle of friends.

“We love to entertain and for many years, our guests have encouraged us to either start a barbecue restaurant (too much work!) or produce and sell the spice blends we had created,” says Krautheim.

“Our good friends Wayne and Rhonda Hanson of Your Local Ranch were at one of our mid-winter parties in early 2019 and were the final motivators in getting us started in the spice company.”

The two started their product trials in a test kitchen in March 2019, obtained their Alberta Health Services certifications in November 2019, and incorporated and began production in January 2020.

When it came time to name the company, there were a number of options on the table, but they decided to keep it simple.

“We wanted a name that provides a sense of place, country and good things,” says Krautheim.

Township 27 represents the location where they make their products – a commercial kitchen at Golden Rod Community Hall.

They are currently working on creating a commercial kitchen on their property, which is located three kilometres from Golden Rod.

PRODUCTS

Township 27 currently produces an impressive 56 products in their lineup, including:

• seven spice blends;

• five salad dressings;

• catsup sauce;

• Maple Spice Barbeque Sauce;

• 25 herbs and spices;

• four different styles of hats with the Township 27 logo;

• branded charcuterie boards.

Krautheim and Kerr produce products by hand in small batches to maximize flavour and freshness. They even grind their own chilis, pepper, coriander and cumin seeds.

Their products are sold in glass jars that can be re-used, refilled and recycled responsibly.

The spices, rubs and sauces are also gluten free with no MSG, cornstarch, fillers or preservatives.

“First-time customers become regular customers! With the level of freshness and availability of spices that are very difficult to obtain we’re finding our customers very quickly become friends and supporters,” says Krautheim.

He adds that their sales have quadrupled since the COVID-19 pandemic as people are gaining a new appreciation for food cooked at home, how it’s prepared and what ingredients are used.

“We are passionate about preparing and selling our products in their purest form without MSG, additives or fillers of any sort,” says Krautheim.

“Our product ingredients are PH balanced to be shelf stable. We develop our recipes, source the best quality ingredients and grind, batch, bottle and label our products ourselves to maintain control of the process from beginning to end. It’s all about nutritious and delicious food.”

PARTNERSHIPS

Krautheim says a number of partnerships with other local businesses have come up organically.

“We were approached by Micro Acres to begin producing salad dressings for their salad share program,” he says.

“And through that, we built a connection with Dan Berezan at CultivatR and began preparing our pantry staples line of herbs and spices.”

When asked what the most popular products are, Krautheim says each category of products has its top sellers.

However, he adds the spice blend line, which was made in collaboration with the Viking Chef Marc Swiednicki, called “Death by Pork,” is consistently a top choice.

The couple also prides themselves on the fact that they are putting their money where their heart is. They give back to the community with two per cent of their gross sales revenue going to supporting local food banks and other food initiatives.

“We exist for more than the financial bottom line profit of the company,” says Krautheim.

“We also exist to benefit society by giving back to the communities we serve. As our business is food based, our purpose in this regard is to support local food banks, brown bag initiatives, and any other food initiative that provides food directly or indirectly (through community gardening for example) to those that could not otherwise afford good, whole, nutritious food.”

He adds that they are always looking for new food-based initiatives to support.

Township 27 products are available on the company’s online store as well as a number of Airdrie stores including Your Local Ranch, Homegrown House & Pantry and The Meatery.

The Township 27 website also includes a newsletter and blog, where the couple shares recipes from their cookbook and discusses food topics. life

YOUNG ENTREPRENUER IN STITCHES

BY STACIE GAETZ | PHOTOS BY ?

“I find the learning process of starting and running a business rewarding”

Most 13-year-old boys spend their free time hanging out with friends, watching TV or playing sports, but not Sam Fuller.

Well at least these aren’t all he does – he also sews and sells face masks for those in Airdrie that need them.

The Grade 8 homeschool student has been making face masks since the end of August after a friend in Calgary, who was doing the same, couldn’t keep up with demand.

“I find the learning process of starting and running a business rewarding,” says the budding entrepreneur.

“Rolling with this pandemic is a learning opportunity for kids like me. It’s like practicing being a grown up and learning to make the best of a challenging situation. Hopefully, it gives people hope that my generation is learning to be prepared to make an income despite the circumstances.”

He adds that he lost both of his part-time jobs (delivering flyers and walking a dog) when the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

Fuller says that he is also creating reusable masks to help the environment.

“Disposable masks are littering streets and parking lots; this will only get worse as masks are mandatory in more and more places,” he says.

“By making reusable fabric masks, I can reduce that and help the environment. I hope masks aren’t mandatory for long, but while they are, they might as well be comfortable.”

Fuller says that his style of mask is unique as it is an origami-style mask that doesn’t touch your mouth, making it comfortable to wear, and it won’t fog up glasses.

Billy, Sam’s dad, says he is incredibly proud of his son for giving up his free time to help out.

“He’s giving up opportunities to hang out with his buddies when there’s an order to fulfill,” says Billy.

“It isn’t always fun for him, but he is learning about responsibility, running a business, and communicating with people through this project.”

Sam jokes about his lost time with friends.

“If I could get paid for the number of times friends have come to the door to go for a bike ride or play Grounders at the park while I was sewing up an order, I’d be rich!” he says.

Sam has sold about 100 masks, many of which ended up going to his customers for free because they took advantage of his buy-five-get-one-free offer.

“I would like people to know that this is a big learning experience for me, and I am thankful to everyone who has purchased my masks,” he says.

“I’m grateful that people trust my work even though I’m just a 13-year-old.”

Sam sells his masks on social media and is advertising his products on groups on Facebook.

“I think it is important for everyone to have access to a mask, so people feel safer when they are out and about,” he adds. life

For more information visit, ask Sherry to add SAM’S SHOP ON FACEBOOK

BY STACIE GAETZ

Airdrie business EXCELLENCE

The 22nd Annual Airdrie Business Awards recently celebrated the work of local businesses that are making our community a better place to play and work.

“Although it was a more intimate event then previous years, it was still truly a celebration of how our local businesses can persevere during these challenging times,” says Airdrie Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Marilyne Aalhus of the event that took place on Oct. 23 at Berth Church Theatre.

“The Airdrie Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate all the finalists and winners,” Aalhus says.

The awards were given out in two staggered events due to COVID-19 restrictions. Thirty-six finalists were recognized as Airdrie’s best businesses and leaders in seven categories.

Here are the winners in each category:

Business of the Year - Pauls Pizza Steakhouse & Lounge; Business Leader - Jacqui Jepson of The Pink Wand Cleaning Services Ltd.; Employer Excellence Business Award - Ambition Performing Arts Inc.; Emerging Business Award - Flavours of Montreal; Legacy Business Award - Star Bound Dance Company; Franchise Business Award - Fulton’s Home Hardware Building Centre; Business Innovation Award - Tires on the Run.

We spoke with each of the winners to ask them their advice for future or new Airdrie entrepreneurs to help them succeed in our community.

Farouk Elsaghir of Pauls Pizza Steakhouse & Lounge Elsaghir says winning the Business of the Year Award means the world to him and his team couldn’t have done it without their awesome employees and customers.

His advice for new entrepreneurs in Airdrie is “to be unique by finding ways to stand out from others.”

Jacqui Jepson of The Pink Wand Cleaning Services Ltd. Jepson says she was grateful to receive the Business Leader Award and adds that she is proud to be a part of the Airdrie business community and looks forward to the continued growth and opportunity the city has to offer.

She encourages entrepreneurs to “strive to have the ability to persevere when faced with challenges, pain or suffering.”

Tara Pickford of Ambition Performing Arts Inc. Pickford says she is proud to have won the Employer Excellence Business Award and honoured that her team of staff have stood by and supported her through all of the challenges the COIVD-19 pandemic has presented.

She shares this knowledge with aspiring business owners: “If you invest in your staff, they will return that investment more than tenfold. The people who are on the ground serving your mission are your stakeholders.”

Tara Pickford

Jacqui Jepson

Carolyn Clarke and Jacques Juteau

Action through Connection: If you own a business, or are a business leader, you have a tremendous impact on the growth and wellbeing of our community. The Airdrie Chamber of Commerce recognizes that by working together and championing local business, we will build a stronger Airdrie. The Airdrie Chamber (AC) is a dynamic, professional organization that provides value to our members and is an advocate for all business. Not only do we create worthwhile connections between our members, we connect members to new clients, and business to government. The Chamber works together with our members to improve the economic, civic, and cultural wellbeing of our community.

AC is also proud to host a variety of luncheons, workshops, and networking events throughout the year to provide local business with educational opportunities and connections to experts to support them in growing their business. All Chamber events include opportunities for businesses to increase engagement and awareness, whether volunteering, networking or sponsoring.

We Heart Airdrie!

The global pandemic has damaged our economy and devasted many businesses. The safety and well being of our community, and the vitality and strength of our businesses are the Airdrie Chamber’s top priorities.

Through it all, the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce is excited to be supporting local business by running our “Wear it Proud” campaign! The community is invited to purchase Heart Airdrie toques to show your support for local businesses with over 50% of the proceeds granted back to community businesses. This campaign can be found at over 10 local retailers including Save On Foods until late December 2020.

This past fall, the Airdrie Chamber was thrilled to host the 2020 Airdrie Business Awards at Bert Church Live Theatre. The two staggered events were closed to the public due to COVID-19 protocols but the finalists, their guests, and sponsors recognized 36 finalists and seven award winners as Airdrie’s best businesses and leaders. It was truly a celebration of how local businesses can persevere during these challenging times.

The Airdrie Chamber of Commerce is proud of our business community for coming together more than ever and our commitment as an organization to our city remains constant. We encourage all business, big or small, to join their local chamber as together we are stronger.

Your Airdrie Chamber of Commerce www.airdriechamber.ab.ca

Carolyn Clarke of Flavours of Montreal

Clarke is excited to have received the Emerging Business Award. “When you work hard every day, it’s a wonderful feeling knowing that you are appreciated,” she says.

Her advice to other business owners is to “keep your heads up, promoting your product is key, and do not cut corners.”

Kendra Phillips of Star Bound Dance Company

Phillips says she can’t take all of the credit for winning the Legacy Business Award. “It is the community within our studio that makes it successful and allows us to create a legacy within the city of Airdrie.”

She recommends that new entrepreneurs understand that “failure along the way is inevitable but how you recover, learn from, and progress from it is what will make your business stronger moving forward.”

Mike Fulton of Fulton’s Home Hardware Building Centre

Fulton says he was in awe when he found out he won the Franchise Business Award. “It’s so great for our staff to be appreciated by those they serve. It makes it all so worthwhile,” he adds.

Roger Foster of Tires On The Run

Foster says receiving the Business Innovation Award “has been a tremendous boost for the staff and owners” and it “proves that their innovation is well received by the community, which is quite a feather in our cap.”

He recommends that new business owners don’t give up. “Tires On The Run is our eleventh business venture, and by far the most successful.” life

*The airdrielife team was incredibly humbled to be nominated in the Business of the Year Award category. We thank all of our contributors, advertisers and readers for your support over the past 17 years and congratulate all of this year’s winners.*

He gives this advice to local entrepreneurs: “It’s my belief that your business has to be changing with continuous ongoing improvement.”

Kendra Phillips

Tom Scott and Colleen Fulton

Angela and Roger Foster

Hamdi Elsaghir

Driving forward

BY STACIE GAETZ

Airdrie City Council recently approved a Transportation Master Plan (TMP) that contains a number of recommendations including:

• the future 40th Avenue/Queen Elizabeth II (QEII) Interchange as a top priority for the city to mitigate existing traffic congestion and improved crossconnectivity across the city;

• the need for support from the provincial government;

• the need to address poorly and unsafe timed intersections.

The plan is a high-level long-range plan that identifies how the transportation network needs to expand and change to support Airdrie’s residents and businesses.

This plan looks at the 10-year and 20-year time horizons when Airdrie’s population will be around 140,000, which is why it is titled The 140K Plan.

The last TMP was completed in 2014 and guided the development of the transportation network through the last several years, according to E.J. White, engineering team leader at the City of Airdrie.

“Airdrie has experienced significant growth and change over that same time and the plan needs to be revisited to ensure that the transportation network will meet Airdrie’s long-term needs,” White adds.

“As the city continues to grow, improved east-west connectivity is critical to maintain the quality of life enjoyed by the city’s residents and visitors and to support the vibrancy of local businesses.”

The 140K Plan represents a holistic new approach that incorporates current industry trends, new policies and directives initiated by the City since the previous TMP, as well as new population and employment forecasts, says White.

The 140K Plan includes recommendations for infrastructure improvements over the next 10 and 20 years with high-level cost estimates, updated recommendations for goods movement, active modes, roadway cross-sections and transit considerations.

PUBLIC INPUT

White says one of the key factors in the preparation of this plan was the involvement of the community.

“The input we received during the various stakeholder sessions provided valuable input to the process and in many cases confirmed and guided the work that was done,” he adds.

Stantec was the company hired to conduct the study that informed the plan. Selby Thannikary, Stantec project manager, says one recurring concern they heard during public consultations was congestion at the QEII interchanges, particularly the Yankee Valley Boulevard interchange.

“We also heard that improving east-west connectivity on the roadway network was very important,” adds Thannikary.

“Our technical analysis matched these concerns and illustrated how congestion would continue to grow in the future if actions weren’t tak-

en. The future 40th Avenue interchange became a critical solution as a potential relief valve to the Yankee Valley interchange and also providing a new east-west connection for the city. The particular challenge with this solution is the support needed from the Province to advance the interchange.”

On Oct. 15, Alberta Transportation announced further funding for the QEII and 40th Avenue interchange, contributing up to $21.1 million for the project.

“Today is a tremendous day for Airdrie and area,” says Mayor Peter Brown.

“We are sincerely appreciative of all those who contributed to securing this much-needed piece of infrastructure. We are grateful to Premier Kenney and Minister McIver; without their support this would not have been possible.”

Council has committed to funding the remaining portion of the interchange.

The City will be pursuing federal infrastructure dollars to help offset the cost of this project to Airdrie residents.

The detailed design of the future 40 Avenue interchange has been approved and construction on the interchange could begin as early as 2021 with a possible completion date of 2024.

THE NUMBERS

According to White, 81 per cent of participants in the public input sessions identified the need for additional east-west connections across QEII Highway.

Participants also identified traffic jams at the QE II off-ramp to Yankee Valley Boulevard as a problem, with the biggest time of concern being rush hour.

Sixty-eight per cent of participants felt that existing road infrastructure was not sufficient to accommodate rush-hour traffic.

“Some participants communicated frustration with the rapid growth of the city and the approval of new residential communities contributing to increased local traffic,” says White.

Unsafe or poorly timed intersections were identified as a concern for 53 per cent of participants.

White says as the city continues to grow in population, congestion will continue to grow at the interchange ramps, particularly at Yankee Valley Boulevard and Veterans Boulevard.

“The 40th Avenue interchange can help mitigate this, and future connections to Calgary’s Centre Street and transit network are important solutions to reduce rush hour congestion,” he adds.

The plan included a review of the city’s pedestrian and cycling networks to identify missing links within the network and improve intersection crossings.

“A balanced network that improves transit ridership, walking and cycling are also critical as sustainable transportation solutions to vehicular congestion,” White adds. life

For more information on the City of Airdrie Transportation Master Plan, visit airdrie.ca/index.cfm?serviceID=691

“As the city continues to grow, improved east-west connectivity is critical to maintain the quality of life enjoyed by the city’s residents and visitors and to support the vibrancy of local businesses”

Giving back where it counts

STORY BY STACIE GAETZ

The Airdrie Knights of Columbus has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to local charities over the past 38 years.

A Catholic organization founded in 1882 in New Haven, Conn., the Knights of Columbus has grown to about 230,000 members in Canada and almost two million around the globe.

According to Airdrie member Wayne MacGillivary, the local chapter currently has about 200 members and has been in operation since 1982.

“The community has supported all of our projects over the 38 years that our council has been in existence,” says MacGillivary.

“Without their support, the many accomplishments we have completed and continue to do would not be possible.”

Last year, the organization contributed approximately 10,000 pounds of food to Airdrie Food Bank. They support the Coats for Kids program and Habitat for Humanity; assist with barbeques and pancake lunches at local schools; collect bursaries for all local high schools; and contribute to many organizations such as the Airdrie and District Hospice Society, Special Olympics and much more.

“On the average, we donate more than $20,000 annually back to Airdrie and district schools, churches, youth groups and community organizations,” says MacGillivary.

Airdrie Dream Vacation Draw

About four years ago, the Airdrie Knights of Columbus started The Airdrie Dream Vacation Draw to raise funds for local causes and although this year is a little different, members hope the draw can raise as much money as years past.

“This year there will be an emphasis on staycations because of COVID,” says MacGillivary.

Ticket holders can win a $2,500  dream vacation travel voucher through Carlson Wagonlit Travel and have the option of taking 80 per cent of the cash value if they do not wish to travel.

There are also four monthly draws of $120. The first monthly draw will be on April 4 and continue monthly for 12 months.

The early bird draw will take place on Feb. 14 and includes $1,000 in Save-On-

Foods gift cards, in addition to a $1,000 draw and two $500 draws.

“People have a chance to take a trip of their choosing and a chance to dream a little,” says MacGillivary.

“Tickets go back in the monthly draws even if you win, so you can win more than once, and they are able to support the many charities that the council supports. So far, we have donated over $60,000 to charities and have given away $107,280 in prizes.”

Tickets are $120 and can be purchased online at airdriedreamvacation.ca beginning Dec. 1. life

Airdrie

“When I made the decision to move away from home at such a young age and really commit to the game ... it was a legit feeling of ‘I have a chance to do something here’”

STORY AND PHOTOS BY BRITTON LEDINGHAM

Jake Neighbours makes the NHL

When Jake Neighbours was selected 26th overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 2020 NHL Draft on Oct. 6, he and the other draftees did so in the comfort of their own homes.

Yes, COVID-19 has thrown off a lot of best-laid plans, including the NHL Draft, which was cancelled in Montreal in June and made into a global live stream in the fall. That meant Neighbours was home on the couch surrounded by family in Airdrie when his name was called by Blues’ GM Doug Armstrong.

“When St. Louis stepped up and said my name we were thrilled,” says the left-winger. “I can’t even describe the feeling I had when I heard my name called.”

On Oct. 17, the Blues website reported they agreed to terms on a three-year entry-level contract with Neighbours.

The 18-year-old is thankful for where he’s at in his hockey journey. Uncertain of what team would select him, all he knew was he wanted to end up somewhere “that wants me to be there and wants me to succeed.”

His mom, Tanya Lacoursiere, is thrilled.

“It’s exciting and overwhelming,” says Lacoursiere. “You watch your kid play the sport he loves and work so hard, and you almost never think that they’ll make it this far. So, when it happens, it certainly is a pinch-me moment.”

Jake’s dad, Ed Neighbours, is equally elated.

“It was very, very exciting, [and] stressful for everybody at the same time,” says Ed. “We’re very, very proud [of] when, and where he got picked.”

Jake’s most recent hockey home has been with the Western Hockey League’s (WHL) Edmonton Oil Kings, where he posted 23 goals and 47 assists (70 points) in 64 games prior to the 2019-2020 season ending in March.

His hockey spark was ignited when the three-year-old took his first strides in 2005.

His father, and former semi-pro hockey player in Germany in the 1980s, introduced Jake to the game. It doesn’t hurt that his mom was a former provincial-title winger in ringette, too.

“He just always had a passion for [hockey],” says Ed, noting he was able to coach his son as a four-year-old under-age kid in tyke within the Airdrie Minor Hockey Association (AMHA).

His mom recalls her son’s energy for early morning practices.

“He leapt out of bed,” says Lacoursiere. “Whether it was a game or practice or off ice, he never wanted to miss it.”

She notes the independence of the youngest child of a blended

family with older step- and half-siblings, Carter Anderson, Geoff and Justin Neighbours, and Dayna and Courtney Lacoursiere.

“Jake’s personality and character, he was just built to just fly young,” says Lacoursiere. “He never worried about being away from home.... He was so independent and so driven.”

He worked his way up through the age groups in the AMHA until completing his first year of bantam with the Airdrie Xtreme Bantam AAA club in 2015-2016. After picking up 22 goals and 18 assists with the team that only won five and tied four of 36 games that season, he was itching for change and flew the coop at age 14, heading to Kelowna for the opportunity to grow more in his sport of choice at the Pursuit of Excellence Hockey Academy in Kelowna, B.C.

“When I made the decision to move away from home at such a young age and really commit to the game ... it was a legit feeling of ‘I have a chance to do something here,’” recalls Jake. “But, I mean, obviously I think ever since I laced up the skates I’ve been dreaming to play in the NHL.”

Ed notes his son has always been “willing to share the puck” as seen from his assist-heavy points structure.

“He’s always had that kind of vision that he ... always seems to be able to find that open guy,” says Ed.

Jake’s skills caught the attention of the Oil Kings, who selected him fourth overall in the 2017 WHL Draft. He played the following season for the Calgary Buffaloes in the Alberta Midget AAA Hockey League before the last two seasons in the WHL. His junior play earned him ice time and a silver medal with Team Canada on the international stage during the 2019 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

The self-described two-way winger loves to chirp opponents and throw around his 5-11, 200-pound frame.

“I’m someone who plays with a bit of bite to my game,” says Jake. “Whenever I’m out there on the ice I want to be an offensive threat, but at the same time reliable in the defensive zone.”

Now he’s aiming to break onto the Blues’ roster in training camp this winter with the NHL season beginning in early 2021.

“From here I gotta ... grasp that and run with it, and try and do my best to get on that roster in St. Louis,” says Jake, noting he’s also prepared to continue to grow his abilities to be NHL-ready if he continues with the Oil Kings.

“I’m very excited moving forward,” he says. “Hopefully I can get to the NHL soon.”

Wherever he goes, he’ll have his family.

“He has massive support,” says Lacoursiere. “It’s been really fun watching his junior career, and I am sure excited to see him on the ice again.” life

SPORTS DURING COVID

In early 2020, the first quarter was shaping up for what was to be a banner year for athletics facilities like Genesis Place.

At that time, Brad Anderson, Genesis Place manager, was optimistic. “We had the most amount of daily visits and pass holders,” he says.

Then from mid-March until June, gyms had to close their doors in a government-mandated effort to stop the spread of COVID-19. Since Phase 2 of the Alberta government’s relaunch began in June, local recreational facilities owners and managers have been doing

everything they can to open up safely to serve as many people as they can within guidelines.

For Anderson, the relaunch has been a challenge.

“We only have around 60 per cent of our pass holders back,” he says. “We’ve had to work extremely hard to revamp a lot of our services and offerings to ensure that [they meet] the provincial guidelines.”

Staff have been doing what they can to make Genesis safe, increasing cleaning protocols by disinfecting areas at least three times a day in rinks, field houses, fitness centres and change rooms.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY BRITTON LEDINGHAM

Anderson notes the hardest restriction is the cap on the number of people who can be in the facilities.

Readers are familiar with the two metres of distance Alberta Health Services suggests we keep from one another in public, and Genesis has facilitated that gap and more between equipment. This has led to a dramatic decrease in capacity, anywhere from 50 to 80 per cent in spin, fitness and swimming classes.

Normal operations in the pool area used to accommodate 250 people, but that is now reduced to 60 people, or 24 per cent. Anderson says this is mostly due to the amount of changing space available.

He recognizes some people are waiting out the pandemic, avoiding public recreation facilities for health concerns, or because of financial considerations. Anderson says approval of Genesis’ relaunch plan from Airdrie City Council in June balances fears of the virus with supporting the physical and mental well-being of residents.

“It’s still very important to have these types of facilities open and available to people,” says Anderson.

Genesis’ cost recovery won’t be what was budgeted, but Anderson says his team is “continuing to be innovative and adaptable to the changing circumstances.”

Individual rental groups are allowed to continue to play sports like soccer and hockey while following cohort rules of no more than 50 athletes.

He notes the Airdrie Minor Hockey Association and the Airdrie & District Soccer Association have plans to operate seasons, while some smaller renters, like adult drop-in games, have opted out.

This decrease in users has led to some space being freed up for new, creative uses, such as physical education programs for students studying online and kids to use toys indoors that would otherwise be parked for the winter.

“Our team is trying to get creative in terms of how we can use our space,” says Anderson. “We know it’s going to be a bit of a struggle for people to find things to keep busy as a household.”

Drop-in times have mostly transitioned to an online reservation system at GenesisPlace.ca where users can create a My Airdrie account and sign up for courses, classes and space rental.

“It just helps us to manage the contact tracing as well as our capacity,” says Anderson.

Airdrie Martial Arts Centre

Anderson’s sentiments are shared by other sports leaders doing what they can to proceed with caution and optimism.

Airdrie Martial Arts Centre’s (AMAC) Luis Cofre says his gym’s COVID guidelines compliance system was put to the test in early September as members of the Airdrie Boxing Club housed within AMAC tested positive for the virus.

Cofre says boxing in the upper quarters of AMAC shut down for 2.5 weeks while the rest of the gym was cleared by a health official to continue with other martial arts training.

“That kind of put everybody in check,” says Cofre. “You can’t mess around with it. We don’t want any more problems, right?

“We need to lead by example.... We need to be the ones ... that are willing to press forward, that are willing to manage the risks ... so that you can get people in there and people training and feeling good about themselves again.”

His gym reopened in June to house cohorts of classes in Muay Thai, Brazilian jiu jitsu, kickboxing and boxing. He’s familiar with fielding questions about how the gym can operate close-contact sports while staying within AHS guidelines.

Cofre says part of the transition has been aided by a pre-existing routine of cleanliness that’s been multiplied “by five,” and athletes staying home if they’re sick.

“Keeping a gym clean is paramount,” says Cofre, noting before COVID they were already cleaning to avoid outbreaks of staph infections, ringworm and skin diseases like impetigo.

The gym holds a similar online registration program (found at airdriemartialartscentre.ca) to Genesis Place, and no spectators are allowed.

Airdrie Thunder

Gord Ziegler, president of the Airdrie Techmation Thunder Junior B hockey club, says the team has a 23-man roster it will proceed with in a modified Heritage Junior Hockey League (HJHL) season.

The Thunder’s season started Nov. 1, and it will play a fourgame series with another team in the North Division of the league before taking a two-week break and playing another series with a franchise in the eight-team division.

The team made the decision not to host spectators in the stands for home games this season.

“It’s just making sure ... the guidelines have to be set and they have to be followed,” says Ziegler. “There’s no room for error on this stuff.”

No fans means even less revenue for the organization bolstered by volunteers and donations. Officials and other staff at games will be wearing masks, while the players form a cohort of up to 50 with as many as 25 per team.

Ziegler says that as of mid-October the league had a tentative schedule, but playoffs were to be determined and Junior B provincials had been cancelled.

The league’s schedule will be updated at heritagejunior.com.

Schools

Tim Masse, athletic director at George McDougall High School, says this year looks different than his previous 28 years and 100 seasons of coaching sports.

The Rocky View Sports Association (RVSA) didn’t begin the 2020-2021 school year having schools compete against each other, but schools are allowed to practice and play within their own organization with cohorts under 50. Masse says this may be revisited with modified, overlapping seasons later in the school year.

“We’re trying to give the kids something that they can use for relieving mental stress and emotional stress,” says Masse, noting he is following guidelines from AHS, Alberta Schools’ Athletic Association (ASAA) and Rocky View Schools.

It has led to a decrease in volleyball participation, with clubs carrying on seasons into the school year prohibiting players from participating in school sports. The pandemic seems to have put an end to dual-sport athletes.

Football players are able to practice and play within their team, offence against defence. Masse says George Mac Mustangs football head coach Chris Glass is working hard to make sure players are “safe and getting a great experience.”

Masse says the activity is important.

“It relieves anxiety,” he says. “The biochemistry of it is that it creates endorphins, which gives us a feeling of calm and relaxation after we’re done.”

Despite the setbacks and regulations, Masse says the students are receptive to the message “this is what we’re trying to do to prevent our health services from being overburdened and then people ultimately dying or becoming very, very sick because of the virus.”

“When people say it’s not fair, I say, ‘Well, it’s just a season,” says Masse. “One season isn’t the same as losing a life.”

Destiny Martial Arts

Dana Johnson of Destiny Martial Arts, which operates two evenings a week in Airdrie Christian Academy, reopened in June.

“Our numbers went down a bit, but we’re on the rebound,” says Johnson, owner and master instructor of the all-ages taekwondo gym that operates in Airdrie and Calgary. “It’s a testament [to] the fortitude and the desire of the students to want to get back training.”

They’ve also kept class cohorts under 50, including some parent spectators, during the three evening classes on Mondays and Wednesdays in Airdrie.

“The parents are in full support,” says Johnson, noting the gym follows guidelines from the Alberta government.

Destiny closed down like other facilities in March, and Johnson led about 75 per cent of his students in online training via Zoom during the lockdown.

Aside from having his gym closed, the master instructor and vice-president of the Americas for the International TaekwonDo Federation Union (ITF Union), was scheduled for several international trips in 2020 that were cancelled due to COVID-19.

He says his sport has helped him lead his members through adversity “to come out on top, to keep training and stay focused.”

“We have to find ways as humans to push through the struggle, and the struggle is real, but we have to pursue it regardless,” says Johnson.

He is optimistic about the future and looking forward to the resumption of national and international events, like the ITF Union World Championships in Mexico in November 2021.

“We’re all helping and supporting the ITF Union, Mexico, members to make that happen,” says Johnson. life

BY STACIE GAETZ | PHOTOS BY KRISTY REIMER

Big Impact:

ig Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) Airdrie is creating relationships that help young people become resilient and give them the confidence to achieve more.

“Our programs create and nurture one-on-one developmental relationships between young people in our communities who are facing adversity and mentors who encourage them to develop resiliency,” says Gurpreet Lail, president and CEO of BBBS of Calgary and Area.

“These developmental relationships focus on expressing care, challenging growth, providing support, sharing power and expanding possibilities for our Littles that help them reach their full potential.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters brings people together to brighten futures

BBBS programming is available in Calgary, Airdrie, Cochrane and Okotoks. In Airdrie, BBBS offers community-based mentoring and inschool mentoring.

In the last five years, BBBS has served 431 matches in seven different programs. They currently have 22 active matches in Airdrie.

Lail says current demand for the programs has never been higher, in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the demand for mentors more than ever, as children face compounded adversity caused by isolation and uncertainty that has greatly impacted mental health in our children and youth,” she says.

“We believe that isolation does not have to equal loneliness and … it really proved to our community that the foundation of mentorship is the affinity and rapport between two individuals and does not require a physical space to flourish.”

Little Sister

Fourteen-year-old Aurora Lasante has been in the BBBS program in Airdrie for two years and has been paired with her Big Sister Ainsley Wilkinson for a year.

“We do so much; we cook and bake, do fun activities, sing a lot, play board games, do outdoor activities, go to new places, and sometimes we just talk,” she says.

Wilkinson and Lasante meet about once a week for roughly three hours. Lasante says her favourite part of having a Big Sister is the opportunity to try new things and meet new people that she otherwise wouldn’t interact with.

“It’s a great program,” Lasante adds.

The two take part in a number of activities including going on hikes, watching TV, walking dogs, going to the library, doing crafts and even taking part in charity events and initiatives.

Heidi, Aurora’s mom, says her daughter became involved with BBBS through an in-school program at C.W. Perry.

“Aurora is an only child and had recently become part of single parent households, and she struggled with the new situation,” Heidi says.

“I was hopeful that Aurora would be matched with a positive person that would focus on her and help her develop new interests as she had become less outgoing and involved in community activities.”

She adds that match between Aurora and Wilkinson has been a perfect fit.

“Once Aurora was matched and she met Ainsley, she was thrilled,” Heidi says.

“Ainsley and Aurora have many shared interests, but Ainsley has also helped Aurora expand her interests and try new things that she now enjoys.”

She adds that having a Big Sister throughout the COVID lockdown was a great distraction with regular Zoom calls where Wilkinson and Aurora would bake together and play games.

Big Sister

Wilkinson has been a Big Sister for one year and says she was drawn to the program because she is passionate about leading and mentoring others.

“I have a lot of life experience and perspective to share and have overcome my own adversities. I wanted the opportunity to share even a little bit of what I’ve learned with someone else, particularly someone who is still developing and learning,” says Wilkinson, 31.

She adds that the experience has taught her a lot, including the challenges young people face these days.

“While I may have not experienced the exact same thing she’s going through, I can share my perspective and learn from her too,” she says.

Wilkinson says she has a blast with Aurora when they spend time together.

“I also love the concept of improving the community of Airdrie and area one person at a time,” she adds.

“If Aurora and I connect and make each other better people, then we’re going to be even that much better when we interact with those around us, and be a positive influence on them too and in turn make them better people. I believe we all have the ability to create that impact as individuals and it’s very cool to be a part of the cycle.”

Wilkinson adds that when she tells people she is a Big Sister, many people ask her when she has the time to fit it in.

“While everyone is different and we each have our own interests and obligations, I encourage everyone to find even a small amount of time in a week or month (every little bit helps) to find something that improves the world around us,” she says in response.

The Numbers

Lail says BBBS is in need of more mentors as they have 22 children who are waiting for a mentor in Airdrie, at an average of 12 years old. The waitlist is composed of 28 per cent females and 72 per cent males, she adds.

Mentorship helps children realize their full potential, by developing resiliency and confidence that creates opportunity for higher incomes, higher esteem, achievements, better health and belonging, she says.

In fact, analysis done in Airdrie on the BBBS school program this June found a positive shift in all of these skills. According to Lail, the most visible in the changed capabilities of the Littles was the ability to interact with others in a positive manner and show respect and tolerance.

“All of these skills help our Littles become more resilient, which broadens their horizons,” says Lail.

“By empowering these kids, mentors ultimately pave the way for them to become successful, productive change makers within our community.”life

more information on BBBS Airdrie, visit bbbscalgary.ca/programs/airdrie/

For

“I believe we all have the ability to create that impact as individuals and it’s very cool to be a part of the cycle”

Airdrie Board of Youth Affairs

In 2005, a group of Airdrie residents sought to enforce a youth curfew in the city to tackle crime rates. Concerned about their rights, a group of young citizens banded together in protest and formed Hyjinx. After multiple restructurings, we are now known as the Airdrie Board of Youth Affairs, or ABYA for short.

Wrapping up 2020 with our vaping initiative (in which we played a role in amending the smoking bylaw), we’re starting 2021 by making ourselves more accessible to young people as a means to advocate on the issues that matter to them.

This means hearing from you directly via our new community forum. Below we’ve outlined the three most significant issues we think are affecting young people.

Are we missing something? We implore you to have a conversation with the young people in your lives.

Let us know if you have any community issues or concerns that directly impact Airdrie youth. Go to ABYA.ca and write to us in the community forum.

SOCIAL SKILLS AND ISOLATION

“In regard to social cues and judging how to act within an environment, youths today need some guidance on how to act in both the real and virtual world.”

- Muhib, Chair, third-year university student

“Poor social skills can lead to increased risk [to] mental and physical health. We should embrace ‘talk less and listen more.’ Socially isolated children are at risk of poor social skills. To build these skills, therapy and counselling in the most extreme cases are important. Youth should focus less on the virtual world.”

- Zohaib, general member, Grade 7

BY JILL IVERSON

MENTAL HEALTH

“Mental health maintenance is vital. By improving on what we already have, we can ensure that youth have proper access to services and resources for their mental health. By forming strong and trusting connections, we can effectively help youth and give them someone to talk to.”

- Jack, general member, Grade 10

“In a constantly evolving world, one with abundant choices and no definitive direction, any one of us can feel lost or that we’ve irreversibly changed our future. It is very important that we look after the mental health of the youth in our community to help strengthen the leaders of tomorrow”

- Kaigh, secretary, third-year university

TRANSITION TO ADULTHOOD

“Especially for those without responsible adult figures, the skills associated with independence (cooking, repairs, finance) are lost. This makes for a delayed and difficult transition to independence and adulthood.”

- Hitomi, vice-chair, first-year university student

“Given the current global climate, there is real concern for the youth of tomorrow. In these formative years of critical networking, whether that be in a classroom, laboratory, or a jobsite, present online restrictions require organizations to redevelop their delivery methods to assist youth in skills otherwise currently being neglected.”

- Alex, social media director, second-year university student life

THE FARM

Just a couple of kilometres north of where the blacktop ends on 24th Avenue northwest of Airdrie is a group of students getting back to their roots.

Led by teachers Matt Chomistek and Mark Turner, 40 students learn their core subjects with a twist. The ingenuity of the educational venture known as The Farm, a product of Rocky View Schools Community Learning Centre (RVS CLC), is rejuvenating the homestead property.

Chickens feed in a coop built by the students metres from two ATCO trailers where the Grades 9-11 students are engaged in schoolwork.

Growing up on a farm near Rainier, south of Brooks, Chomistek knew the power of teaching in a rural environment, and was excited to get involved when the idea began three years ago.

“There’s so much math and physics and social studies, right, like talking about sustainability or the way that markets work. That’s all here, right,” he says excitedly, sitting on a square bale behind an old building on the property donated for the project by Wayne and Rhonda Hanson.

“You see it all in farming, and so being able to apply those curricular outcomes to something really, truly tangible that you can see and you can touch, it makes the learning that much more powerful for students.”

The youth are visibly engaged as they help fix a gate on the chicken coop, build a structure for turkeys coming later in the day, or even listen to Chomistek teach in the classroom.

Mark Norregaard’s eyes beam while sitting in the same makeshift interview seat.

“I’m excited to see how the year turns out, to be honest,” says Norregaard, a Grade 9 student from George McDougall High School. “Three weeks here, and we’ve already got chicken coops and a shed. It’s really coming along ... I’m just happy to be here and excited to see how this turns out.”

The fifth-generation farmer from near Balzac mentions a love of math and science.

“If you can convert that into farming, it’s you know, a win-win combination for me, I just cling to it,” says Norregaard. “I’d love to take over the farm.... I love everything about it. Combining,

STORY AND PHOTOS BY BRITTON LEDINGHAM

seeding, and I’d love to go to a higher education, go maybe into vet school, possibly, or at least go to Olds College and take a couple agriculture courses there.”

He’s not alone in having a clear-headed vision of his future. His peer, Rachel Carroll, a Grade 10 Bert Church High School student born and raised in Airdrie, is talking about being a middle-school teacher herself one day.

“So I could help kids who don’t normally do well in regular classrooms, because the system’s kind of failing them, and I don’t think that’s very fair,” says Carroll, adding the farm environment with flexible classes has offered her “a better opportunity to succeed.”

You can’t help but wonder if the clarity is something to do with the air, the water or the lack of water – the students are practically homesteading as they need to source water for themselves and their livestock on the rural property. They’re learning resourcefulness.

Classes start at 9 a.m. each morning, end with lunch at noon, and the afternoons are filled with practical projects around the farm. There is always some fence to build or an area to prep for a pen for the pigs, turkeys, goats and bees they plan to get along with a greenhouse, not to mention the students’ wish for a donkey or the plan for acres of garden test plots they will seed next spring.

Carter Mitschke, a fifth-generation farmer from west of Airdrie, sounds like you could tack another 20 years to his age. He drives an ’80s GMC pickup and loves farming “more than anything.”

The Grade 11 George McDougall student dreams of studying agriculture at Olds College, or carpentry at SAIT.

“I just love being outside, I’ll get my hands dirty, and just running equipment makes me happier than anything,” says Mitschke. “It’s ... what I want to do for the rest of my life.”

He’s thriving and wants to complete enough credits to graduate in Grade 11, partly because the program doesn’t extend to Grade 12 yet.

For now, he’s excited about learning how to work together with his peers. Segmented into different project groups for working with different animals or horticulture, the students are given the reins to lead on projects.

For Mitschke, it’s the garden.

“I just kind of want to see how different crops grow ... and just kind of test stuff out,” says the young farmer. He’s helped line up a rented mower to level some weeds in an area to be cultivated.

He envisions corn, lettuce and other vegetables, along with barley and wheat.

Chomistek isn’t naive to the product of The Farm.

“I just love that they have that confidence and agency to form what we’re trying to do here,” he says.

“You see it all in farming, and so being able to apply those curricular outcomes to something really, truly tangible that you can see and you can touch, it makes the learning that much more powerful for students”

The Farm was supposed to launch on the rural site earlier in 2020, but COVID-19 delayed plans until September. Before March, students were in the cafeteria at George McDougall High School, doing their studies and taking part in field trips to places like Grow Calgary and the University of Calgary.

INCEPTION

The idea came about when a parent, Lindsey Morrison, brought it forward to the Rocky View School Division three years ago.

“We’re very lucky that the board and Rocky View Schools – everybody – supported the idea,” says Chomistek, adding he and Turner, along with RVS CLC principal Murray Arnold, pursued grants to fund the program.

“We’re very happy to have what we do now. It’s just very exciting to see all of our plans coming to action with all the students out here.”

The challenges along the way are something he doesn’t hide.

“Mistakes are so formative and have such a valuable imprint,” says Chomistek. “We used to say on the farm that ... either way, it was good, because everything either went right, or you had a good story.”

This story is turning into a page-turner.

“It is better than I had hoped, actually,” says Chomistek. “That’s the beauty of this place … we do have the freedom to let the students build what this is going to be like.”

Autonomy and passion have been encouraged in the pupils.

“We give them kind of broad directions, and they have the ability to pursue that,” says Chomistek. “We are kind of just there for help and guidance when they ask for it.”

The teacher of 13 years has gained a wide variety of experience in rural and urban environments around southern Alberta.

He was last a part of the Building Futures program in Cochrane, which similarly draws students out of a traditional classroom to learn while building homes.

“Without a program like that I don’t think we exist,” says Chomistek, acknowledging the work of Arnold to lead both Building Futures and The Farm as principal of RVS CLC.

With the mentality that new blood will bring new ideas, Chomistek doesn’t plan to be a part of The Farm forever, but he hopes it will continue forever.

“There’s almost endless growth that a student can get out here,” he says. “Regardless of the academic ability, or other struggles that they might have come here with, the opportunity for growth is incredible.” life

Educator excellence

Airdrie teachers share the positive aspects of educating during a pandemic

BY STACIE GAETZ | PHOTOS BY?

The past eight months of the COVID-19 pandemic have taken a toll on all of us.

Educators in particular are being asked to navigate unchartered waters and do their jobs differently than they ever have before.

In the face of this global pandemic, teachers are expected to learn new technology, implement strict cleaning protocol and educate in a whole new way, all while supporting the mental health of their students, who are facing stressors they have never dealt with before.

We are astounded at the incredible job local teachers are doing to not only meet these challenges but go above and beyond.

airdrielife recently spoke to three Airdrie teachers whose educating experience ranges from 11 to 28 years and each one of them says that although there are challenges that stem from the pandemic, they have also seen a number of positive advancements.

LOOKING ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

Melissa Walsh has been a teacher for 11 years and currently teaches Grade 8 online at Windsong Heights School.

She says although there has been a learning curve for all involved, she has developed wonderful connections with her students.

“There are many different dynamics to a teachers’ classroom from year to year,” she adds.

“This year especially, teachers are being called upon to support social-emotional learning in addition to educational goals. Be kind to the teachers in your life right now and understand they are trying their very best to navigate through unknown territory.”

Heather Imorde has been educating children for 12 years and is currently a learning support teacher who works with students from kindergarten to Grade 4 at Ralph McCall School.

Imorde says the most positive aspect to come out of the pandemic for her is that it has given educators “permission to try teaching in different and innovative ways.”

“This year is not business as usual, which is stressful, without a doubt, but it is also an opportunity,” she says.

“I think it is an opportunity to reassess what it means to be a teacher, what it means to be at school, and how we can problem solve to meet students where they are at in different ways.”

Neil Sandham, a teacher for 28 years who currently teaches Grades 9 and 10 at W.H. Croxford High School, agrees with Imorde.

“I think the most positive aspect of teaching during a pandemic is that it has forced us to examine our priorities as teachers, learners, and members of our communities,” says Sandham.

“Teachers have been forced to critically examine the curriculum and tailor it to meet each student’s emotional and educational needs. In doing so, it has made us more reflective towards our practice, and more aware of our responsibilities for the emotional well-being of our students.”

UNSUNG HEROES

There is no doubt that teachers today are taking on the responsibility of being present for our young people like never before. They deserve our patience, empathy and a round of applause for their tireless work and fearlessness in the face of adversity.

Imorde says when people refer to nurses, teachers or other frontline workers as heroes, it is important to remember that they wouldn’t be able to do it on their own.

“I believe strongly in the power of collectivism, and that together we can do more than alone,” she adds.

“I believe in the superpowers of caring and building each other up, and that is the heroism that students likely see and appreciate from their classrooms.”

Walsh agrees.

“Heroes often face challenges that others are unwilling or not able to face and it is inspiring to see our community of teachers come together,” she says.

“Although challenging, I have yet to meet a teacher that wasn’t up for this task, and I believe that is what we call a hero!”

Education looks different right now than we ever thought it would.

Trading blackboards for computer screens and strapping on a mandatory face mask in addition to a backpack every morning is not something any of us saw coming, but students and teachers are working together to not only get by but thrive in this new dynamic.

Teachers are helping us to raise our children into the adults we want them to be under unprecedented conditions and demands, and their heroism should be valued and appreciated by us all. life

ASHLYN WINGER, 14 NOMINATOR: MELISSA WALSH, FORMER TEACHER

From the first day of class, Ashlyn impressed me with her artistic ability. It was clear that she has a passion for creative expression – both in and out of the classroom. Her determination and dedication to her art is outstanding. She has worked hard to become better at her craft by practice and it shows. Her artistic ability is beyond what I have seen from students her age. Her art speaks for itself and should be greatly recognized amongst the community. Her ability to show and express human emotion in her art is outstanding and I believe her dedication has proven that she has a bright future ahead of her in the artistic realm.

BY STACIE GAETZ | PHOTOS BY KRISTY REIMER

AWESOME KIDS

“Kindness means supporting people with whatever they choose to do, being a leader and always encouraging people to help them out and be there for them.”

All of the amazing nominees for 2021 Awesome Airdrie Kids have incredible stories about the outstanding things they are doing in the community.

While we were reading through all 18 nomination forms, it became abundantly clear that they have one thing in common: an unwavering ability to show kindness to those around them.

In our world today, kindness and compassion are more important than ever so for our nominee response, we are asking all of the kids the same question:  What does kindness mean

to you?

Their responses blew us away!

We will be celebrating each and every one of these extraordinary young people at a safe and socially distanced event in January 2021.

Read what they say about kindness and the incredible things their nominators had to say about them in the pages to follow.

“Kindness is appreciating people and showing that they’re wanted. No matter what’s going on in someone’s life, they will feel better if they’re shown kindness and you will too.”

BELLA SCHROTER, 14 NOMINATORS: ERICA LEGH, TEACHER

Bella is a remarkable young lady who never ceases to put a smile on the faces of those around her. She is an active member of musical theatre, the basketball team, Rocky View Schools Honour Band, competitive highland dancing, Green Team (environmental club), student leadership and Global Citizenship Club (volunteerism). She supports her team and clubmates without fail and is a kind and capable leader when in charge of groups. She is incredibly compassionate, talented and selfless. Bella is someone that welcomes everyone and makes others feel safe and appreciated. A true “lead-by-example” kind of kid that is an inspiration to all those around her, she will go far in her future.

“Kindness is doing things when you’re not asked to, helping people when they need it, and saying please and thank you. In a world where you can be anything ... be kind.”

CALLIE COATES, 10 NOMINATOR: MERRILL FOSTER, TEACHER

Callie is an awesome kid! I have been endlessly impressed with her drive to do things and do them well. Not only is she a good student in the classroom, always putting her very best into all she does, but she has stepped up this past school year and become a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) leader at Heloise Lorimer School. She was responsible for giving class instructions and direction in all STEAM team activities. She also made the effort to attend all divisional STEAM activities, on her own time, on the weekends. Callie is also a competitive dancer in four different areas of dance and has a goal of working with younger dancers to help them out this year.

“Kindness means making others happy, like buying flowers for someone who is feeling down. When I make someone smile, I know I am being kind and it makes me feel happy too.”

CHRISTOPHER TOYE, 10

NOMINATOR: LAYLA LEARD, TEACHER

Christopher demonstrates exceptional dedication and compassion in all that he does both in and outside of school. He always leads by example by making the most responsible choices. As a student at A.E. Bowers Elementary School, Christopher intuitively participated in all learning experiences with great curiosity and determination. His patience and positive spirit allowed him to emerge as a gentle leader in any group activity. Chris took on many leadership roles. He volunteered his time to be a lunch buddy in classrooms of younger grades and kept students safe by being an Alberta certified patroller. People are drawn to Christopher’s friendly, calming and light-hearted presence and he engages respectfully with everyone he meets.

“Kindness means, helping others when things are tough.”

DANIEL BOATENG, 10

NOMINATOR: ALANNA KOWALUK, TEACHER

Daniel goes above and beyond to help teachers and students alike. He treats people with kindness and shows compassion in all he does. Daniel is always trying to better himself. This year, he pushed himself out of his comfort zone by joining the science club as well as the school play. Daniel not only pushed himself in extracurricular activities, but also with his schoolwork. He wanted to improve his understanding in math, so he went online and found extra workbooks and brought them to class. Daniel always sets a good example in the classroom and out.

DECLAN FERRIER, 8

NOMINATOR:

JESSELEE BEAUPARLANT, TEACHER

Declan demonstrates kindness and genuine compassion for his classmates by giving an encouraging word or trying to help defuse conflicts. From making gratitude and encouragement cards for community members and veterans, to visiting seniors, making a Samaritan’s Purse shoe box, collecting food for Airdrie Food Bank, and making community signs of perseverance, Declan has a heart of a brave, tenacious young man ready to make the world a better place. Declan is an awesome kid whose compassion and determination will be remembered for years to come. Declan has made choices to invest his time and energy into building relationships with others through his kindness and diplomacy.

“Kindness doesn’t have to be a big thing to make a difference. For example, you could ask a person who looks lonely to join your game (or whatever you are doing), and not only will you make their day, but also yours.”

EVA MERSCH, 10

NOMINATOR: CHRISTIANA VAN YSSELSTEYN, TEACHER

Eva is an absolutely lovely young lady who exemplifies kindness and compassion every day that she is at school. She enters the room with a beaming smile and kind greeting each morning. Throughout the day she maintains a very positive attitude regardless of the circumstance, and she is always warm and thoughtful with her words to others. The other children enjoy her company not only because she is a very bright, artistic, fun young person, but also because her kind and gentle manner help them to feel safe and accepted. She exudes warmth, and people are drawn to her as a result.

“Kindness means doing good for other people, and our community, to help make things better.”

JULIANNA GRINWIS, 8

NOMINATOR:

MACKINNLEY COLGAN, TEACHER

Julianna is more than an awesome kid. She is kind, patient and super smart. She is loyal and dedicated to her friends and her studies. She puts forth her best effort every single day into everything she does. Julianna goes out of her way to help keep our room clean, full of kindness and to support her friends when they are struggling. She works to ensure every student feels safe and cared for, never being a bystander in the face of potential negative energy. Being the eldest child in her family of seven, and an active member of her school and church community, Julianna lives for others. Her ability to empathize is beyond her years and her heart is huge.

“Kindness is helping people realize that they can be kind and to carry on acts of kindness, so other people can experience kindness.”

LUCA WALKER, 10

NOMINATOR:

MELISSA KERR, TEACHER

Luca is unlike any kid I have ever met before. He demonstrates more empathy, selflessness and pure kindness than I thought possible for a kid his age. He is fondly known by his teachers and classmates as “The Tech Guy” because of his natural ability (and willingness) to troubleshoot laptops, presentation and LOFT boards. Even during online learning in the spring of 2020, he continued to honour his role by helping other students navigate Google Classroom and Meets. He makes a point of including kids who otherwise might not be included, continually sees what he can do to make other people happy and provides assistance without ever being asked. He has a huge heart and an overflowing well of compassion.

“Kindness means helping people in need, caring for and comforting people, and being nice to them.”

MADDISON SMITH, 14

NOMINATOR: AMANDA RUSSELL, TEACHER

Maddison is a caring and empathetic young lady. She is conscientious of others and their situations and will do what she can to help lift them up. She recently collected items for Airdrie P.O.W.E.R, our local women’s shelter. She worked in partnership with the owner to learn more about abuse and invited her to speak with students in her school with the goal of raising awareness. She also loves basketball and was part of the Junior A Team for Ecole Airdrie Middle School and is a player on the community team. She is an avid trumpet player and dedicates her time to honing her skills. She is a business owner, athlete and active citizen in her many communities.

MAHROSH JAVED, 11

NOMINATOR: VERONICA DOYLE, TEACHER

Mahrosh is a leader in everything she does. She is involved in her school community as well as her local community. An active member of WE Schools for two consecutive years, she has helped create and organize different initiatives to better her school community and Airdrie as a whole. Each year during Ramadan, Mahrosh and her mother fundraise money or non-perishable food donations for the local food bank. She has volunteered for the Airdrie Festival of Lights, Bethany Care Centre and the food bank. Mahrosh also advanced to the national level of Nasirat ul Ahmadiyya Ijtema (the organization of young Ahmadi girls) in September of 2019 and is an avid figure skater.

“Kindness is not something we just do when we feel like it; we must do it because it is the right thing to do.”

“Kindness means to care for someone, helping someone, looking out for someone or making someone happy.”

“When kindness is given to me, I really feel good, and it feels good for other people because they’re spreading kindness; they’re making people happy and happiness is a great thing.”

CALE

“I really like it when I give kindness and I like it when I receive kindness, but I think giving kindness is better because it just makes you feel good, like opening a present on Christmas Day doesn’t feel as good as giving one.”

MYA

“When I am kind to others, it just kind of makes me feel good, like I’m also receiving it. It’s kind of like a win-win thing.”

GRACE

MCCONNELL SIBLINGS: CALE, MYA AND GRACE, 8, 10, 12

NOMINATOR: NANCY COLE, FORMER TEACHER

The three McConnell siblings decided to do something to cheer everyone up during the COVID-19 self-isolation in the spring. They did this by taking to the streets dressed up as large inflatable dinosaurs. As cars and people rolled on by, they waved and shouted ‘hello.’ A few other parents who were feeling depressed from being inside decided to join in on their parade of hope in their own dinosaur costumes. The sibling dinosaurs roamed the streets in Sagewood community. It’s quite a warming sight to see a line of bobbing dinosaurs! It was exactly in their character to see hurt and naturally want to make a difference.

MYA DELAHAY, 10

NOMINATOR:

JEN HUMMEL, TEACHER

Mya is always helping in the classroom with other students. She is great at calming the other students and reducing stress in the classroom. She is a quiet leader who is always willing to help whenever she is needed.

Mya was part of a STEAM TEAM, which is a leadership group to help students at Heloise Lorimer School be more innovative and creative. She taught other students how to make small trinket bags out of upcycled material.

Mya is an older sister to a girl who has complex medical conditions and is confined to a wheelchair. Mya is a huge help motivating and inspiring her sister.

“Kindness is helping other people and passing around happiness because when you do something nice for someone, they go and do something nice for someone else.”

NATHAN PARKER, 13

NOMINATOR:

DAVID SCHERER, TEACHER

Nathan has become friends with another student in the same grade who has complex needs. He has taken this student under his wing and is an amazing role model and advocate for him. He spends countless recesses including him in a game they made up together. Nathan also has been in option classes with this same student and supports him appropriately, having age-appropriate and consistent expectations of him. The staff at Windsong Heights School has watched this special relationship naturally evolve. It says a great deal about Nathan’s integrity and character to be such an inclusive and caring individual who stands out in such a large school population.

“Kindness means a warm fuzzy feeling. When someone is kind to me, I feel good.

I try to be kind and not mean to others.”

NIXON STEELE, 6

NOMINATOR:

MARTHA STEPANOWICH, TEACHER

Nixon is kind, thoughtful and always quick to notice others’ feelings. Nixon is a bright student and although he is quiet, the other students look up to him and follow his example. He is a sensitive student who is considerate and has a lot of compassion for others. Nixon is inquisitive and keen to learn about new ideas, topics and information. When he finds something he really enjoys, he shares his learning with enthusiasm. He is quick to include peers and kind in how he invites them to join. When others are feeling upset or frustrated, Nixon is quick to offer kind words, toys or other forms of comfort to his peers, regardless of whether these are his friends.

“Kindness means to help and do things for others and make them happy and feel important.”

PRABHNOOR PANDHER, 12

NOMINATOR: ROBERT SAIPE, TEACHER

Prabhnoor is an amazing leader and contributor within both school and the community. She is brilliant yet extremely humble, and she always looks for ways to help others. The genuineness of her efforts to share good and look out for everyone is remarkable. She is also amazing academically. Prabhnoor is a terrific leader. She volunteers on many committees within our school, including leadership and multiple clubs. She is also highly involved in extracurricular activities at school, shining as a leading contributor within band and sports teams in particular. Prabhnoor is a wonderful child who works hard to be her best while actively contributing to and sharing good within community.

“Kindness means being helpful and making others feel good about themselves.”

PYPER EMO, 9

NOMINATOR: COLLEEN SHAW, TEACHER

Pyper can always be counted on to engage in all learning tasks with focus and puts forth her best effort. She loves to learn and is such a wonderful role model to her classmates. Outside of the classroom, I have observed her show compassion to younger students and inclusiveness to classmates she observes who are on the outside of friendship groups. She is highly observant and always willing to provide a guiding hand to students who are struggling.

She has many outside interests. One of these interests is soccer. She is passionate about being her best as well as being an excellent teammate. Pyper is the type of child our school and city community can be proud of.

“To me, kindness can be shown by anyone or to anyone. It is a way of sharing happiness, feelings and more.”

RUBY DE BOER, 7

NOMINATOR:

KELLY SMIT, TEACHER

Ruby has had many medical challenges already in her short life. She was born with a congenital defect, and after surgery spent several months in hospital. Ruby was found to also have Goldenhar syndrome. She has had multiple surgeries to deal with hip dysplasia and scoliosis and has gone through two extended hospital stays where a halo and traction were used to help straighten her spine. Through all of these medical challenges and many more, Ruby continues to be a ray of sunshine wherever she goes. Ruby is an absolute pleasure to be around. Her spunk and enthusiasm for life are apparent from the first time you meet her. When faced with physical and medical challenges, she faces them head on and fights through any discouragement with joy.

“Kindness is always smiling and being happy. Zack has an energy that lights up a room and makes everyone just a little happier when he’s around. Zack has a great sense of humour and tries to make everyone laugh – it’s his favourite sound!”

Editor’s Note: Zack is non-verbal, so his quote comes from his dad, Michael.

ZACK BROWN, 9

NOMINATOR:

JO CADIEUX, FORMER TEACHER

Zack has autism and is learning how to communicate verbally. Despite his communication challenges, Zack has been a positive influence on his classmates, teachers, school staff and community members. He has never let his challenges slow him down. Zack has an amazing sense of humour and always kept us giggling in the classroom with his antics. He loves to sing and play music. Zack is such a great helper in class, in the school and in the community. Zack has helped decorate our school for Christmas, has helped with collection of donations for our food bank drive and has done many jobs for our amazing office staff. Within the community, Zack has helped his family members with bottle drives and is an active member of Cubs. life

“Kindness is everything….! Kindness should be in everything you do.”