2020 fall airdrielife

Hugh Rookwood & Brenda Weeks

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Sherry Shaw-Froggatt

DIGITAL MANAGER Katie Dudek

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Vanessa Peterelli

DESIGN DIRECTOR Kim Williams

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Stacie Gaetz

CONTRIBUTORS Sergei Belski, Katie Dudek, Britton Ledingham, Tara Levick, Kim Purvis, Shauna Quinn, Kristy Reimer, Wyatt Tremblay Stock photography by istock

AD DESIGN/PRODUCTION Lia Golemba

SALES DIRECTOR Wendy Pratt

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Sharie Tanner

PRINTING Transcontinental

EDITORIAL sherry@frogmediainc.ca ADVERTISING wendy@frogmediainc.ca WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA katie@frogmediainc.ca WHERE TO

sherry@frogmediainc.ca

AIRDRIE BUSINESS AWARDS GALA

Note from the Editor A

lthough this year’s arts issue is unique in many ways, one thing is clear after putting together the fall 2020 edition of airdrielife: the local creative community is bigger and better than ever, despite the odds.

Many of our inboxes have recently been bombarded with messages regarding events that have been cancelled or postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Art exhibits, plays, concerts, festivals; organizers have had to make the incredibly difficult decision to close down these events that bring us together and celebrate culture in our city in order to keep us safe.

However, social distancing and restrictions have also caused people in the arts to think outside the box (even more so than they usually do)! With the emergence of online exhibits, podcasts, live streaming, Zoom classes and more – the arts have gone virtual.

I have spoken to many local artists for this edition and almost all of them have told me the pandemic has caused them to either tap into something within themselves to create new work or made them realize how important it is to connect with other similarly minded people to create a community (even if it is online).

That connection has never been more evident than it is within these pages.

Comic artist couple Hugh Rookwood and Brenda Weeks “go after their dreams with a vengeance” in our cover story. Learn how they inspire each other to create everything from comic art (check out our incredible cover!) and children’s books to tattoo design and corporate rebranding.

The show must go on with Bert Church Theatre, Nose Creek Players, Ambition Performing Arts Studio and Airdrie Film Festival all “scene shifting” to transform the way they cultivate culture within the community.

Learn how a number of local businesses are inviting artists to showcase their wares in a partnership of commerce and creativity.

ARTember is back! It will look a bit different this year, but the arts and culture celebration returns this September with the focus on creating a variety of activities that residents can engage in to discover more about the arts community in their own city. A mix of virtual and socially distanced in-person events will encourage residents to explore their own creativity and support local artists, performers and culture-related businesses.

Whether you are picking up our print magazine or delving into our extra-filled digital version, we are thrilled to bring you all of this and much more in the arts issue of airdrielife life

ARTember is back!

FREE ARTS & CULTURE EVENTS FOR ALL AGES

Asmall group of Airdrie arts and culture enthusiasts have brought ARTember back to Airdrie with a grant from Alberta Culture Days and support of the City of Airdrie Community Development. The 20-day celebration is scheduled for Sept. 11-30.

Chaired by Alisa McKinnon, ARTember will have a mix of virtual and in-person events, ensuring up-to-date health and safety protocols are in place. These events cater to children, youth, adults, seniors and families.

“It is a chance to delve into the arts community that Airdrie has to offer, no matter your familiarity with arts and culture,” says McKinnon.

While it won’t have the large-scale events of ARTembers past, the focus is on creating a variety of activities that residents can engage in to discover more about the arts community in their own city, explore their own creativity and support local artists, performers and culture-related businesses.

“Our goal is to engage Airdrie residents in an inclusive arts and culture celebration.” McKinnon says.

At press time, most of the activities were still being co-ordinated as the call for artists, performers and cultural groups was still active. A complete list of activities is available at ARTember.ca and on social media: Facebook @artember 2020, Instagram/Twitter @artemberairdrie

“It is a chance to delve into the arts community that Airdrie has to offer, no matter your familiarity with arts and culture”

Airdrie Film Festival

The anchor event of ARTember is the Airdrie Film Festival, which takes place virtually throughout September and onsite at the Bert Church Theatre Sept. 25 – see full story on page 20.

TASTEairdrie

Other ARTember initiatives include TASTEairdrie – which encourages dining out or takeout from Airdrie’s food and beverage scene. Diners can win one of five $50 gift cards for their favourite Airdrie restaurant by posting a pic of their meal and tagging #tasteairdrie, #eatplaystayairdrie and #artember2020 (see ad page 24).

Pop-up gallery

A pop-up art gallery called The Gallery Upstairs is being hosted at The Store Upstairs featuring works of up to 30 visual artists, demos and chances to meet the artists are planned throughout the month.

City-wide activities

Pop-up art projects are also planned with groups such as Airdrie Happynings co-ordinating family-friendly entertainment around the city. You can also expect to participate in or view Heritage Walks, a studio-led dance in the park event; virtual artist and performer workshops; a singing contest; a film capsule project and the Airdrie Public Library Voice & Vision event (see full story on page 72).

Empty Bowls

Empty Bowls will return during ARTember, but in a new format because of COVID-19; there will be an online auction Sept. 16-30 of painted bowls by selected local artists (find the auction at airdriefoodbank.com), and the beloved glazed pottery bowls will be available for sale during ARTember at Home Grown Pantry. The Food Bank will also be at the Airdrie Farmer’s Market Sept. 16 and Sept. 23 selling bowls.

Songwriting contest

A songwriting contest will open Sept. 11 for registration. Writers/ musicians will be given 72 hours to compose an original song and record it Sept. 24 to 27. A panel of local Airdrie musicians will select the top five who will perform live on Sept. 30 where the winner will be announced.

The winner will receive a recording package from Springwood Studios in Airdrie.

All participants songs will be available to view on the ARTember YouTube Channel.

GET INVOLVED

Anyone interested in getting involved with ARTember can email Alisa at artemberairdrie@gmail.com life

Airdrie’s arts & culture celebration returns with 20 days of activities for all ages. Find a complete list of events you can participate in by visiting our website.

Airdrie resident Katya Petukhova creates intricate realities that make productions come to life.

Her resume includes more than 50 successful productions as a theatre set designer, puppeteer and professional artist. Shows she has worked on have been performed in Spain, Italy, Germany and Russia; many of them award winners. “It feels so cool to create this new reality; it gives me a sense of power,” she says.

She comes by that feeling naturally as one of the first productions she was involved in during an internship in school received the National Theatre Award in Russia.

“To get the highest possible award in theatre in Russia in my first production was not only an honour, but it also was a slingshot to future work,” she says.

Petukhova has a master of fine arts degree from Saint-Petersburg State Theatre Arts Academy.

She moved to Canada in 2015, living in Fort McMurray from 2017 to 2020, where she taught kids’ and adults’ art classes and had a solo exhibition called Nostalgia in 2018. Additionally, she worked on dinner theatre production A Knight to Remember as a set, prop and costume designer.

As a set designer, she meets with a director to get an idea of the style and vision they are looking for. She sketches and creates the set, envisioning what it will look like onstage.

“Then, I have to think about the joints – how it fits together. I think about what the look/feel should be,” she adds.

BY STACIE GAETZ

“I have to consider the characters, the lights, any special effects (like fog machines, etc.). Then we go into rehearsal and I make sure things work well with what’s happening on stage, so it all flows together.”

From 2007 until recently, she worked in Germany for a company called The Fifth Wheel that has touring shows all over the world.

“I created many shows for them, and they are produced in Korea, Italy, Spain, Germany, Portugal, Switzerland, Argentina and more,” she says.

“I often travelled to the countries to ensure the sets were properly installed. Some of the plays are produced at amusement parks in Europe that have the same scale as Disneyland.”

Petukhova is also a character designer and has experience in cartoon production in Russia along with book illustration. She’s illustrated famous children’s stories, such as Little Red Riding Hood, The Three little Pigs, Sleeping Beauty, and many more.

“I love everything about creating a character,” she says.

“It’s a completely different world, and you can immerse yourself into it. It’s like giving birth to a baby, but not one that you have to take care of.”

She adds that she particularly enjoys puppeteering.

“You get to create everything from scratch, and because it’s a puppet, you don’t have the same limitations that an actor has. The possibilities are endless,” she says.

Petukhova has partnered with longtime Airdrie resident and award-winning playwright/ actor Kim Cheel to create Airdrie Happynings – “pop-up family friendly entertainment.”

Petukhova handcrafts all of the puppets used in the shows.

Read about Airdrie Happynings online at airdrielife.com life

For more information on Petukhova, visit mypuppetworkshop.jimdo.com

“I love everything about creating a character.… It’s a completely different world, and you can immerse yourself into it.”

A community worth sharing

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Get your daily invitation to enjoy the great outdoors via Chinook Winds Park – a 55-acre playground filled with amenities designed for year-round fun.

Truly Incredible Designs

Homes in Chinook Gate offer the best innovations in architectural design and distinctive personalities that reflect the boutique nature of the community.

A Connected Community

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

ENSEMBLE de MEXICO

STORY BY WYATT TREMBLAY | PHOTOS BY SERGEI BELSKI

The three members of the Fibonacci Ensemble come from the culturally rich heritage of Mexico City, but Airdrie is their home now.

Their music is a mix of baroque, classical, opera and pop infused with Latin overtones, making these longtime friends a unique addition to Airdrie’s diverse music scene — but their story has a twist.

“We moved here about a year ago,” explains Marko Cipaktli, who has a bachelor’s degree in music production and audio engineering from Mexico’s Universidad de la Musica, and is the group’s percussionist. “We love the people and love playing for them.”

The trio’s classically trained singer Pat Cuikani is a graduate of the Diocesan Superior School of Sacred Music of Toluca and has Grade 5 music theory from the Royal School of Music. Completing the group is concert violinist José Trinidad, also a graduate of Toluca as well as the Music Conservatory of Mexico.

Cuikani says Fibonacci was formed out of a desire to meld their musical passions with their Mexican folk roots. Trinidad, with translation help from Cuikani, agrees: “It is passion for music, all music, that brings us together.”

This love of music is seen in their YouTube videos where popular works they perform are influenced by a rhythmic Latin heritage, which adds a fresh take on well-known hits such as Maurice Ravel’s Bolero or David Guetta’s Titanium “We decided to come here to Canada and do the same here,” Cuikani says. However, the Fibonacci Ensemble was not what brought the group to Canada; it was — and here’s the twist — a head-banging and guitar-driven side project, Cabrakaän, their heavy metal band. For this act, the trio swap long coat tails and Cuikani’s black performance gown for leather jackets, a double bass drum and effects-driven violin and guitars. They skillfully combine a high decibel-laden music form with pre-Hispanic and folkloric traditions easily carried by Cuikani’s clear soprano vocals.

“This was the main reason we came to Canada,” Cipaktli explains.

One of the band’s guitarists, Paolo Belmar, was studying music in Edmonton, so when they decided to tour Western Canada in 2018, he joined them. Appreciation for the band by Canadian audiences led to them considering immigrating, something Belmar’s stepfather, who owns a music production company, helped them with.

One of the band’s original songs, Calm in my Storm, which they’ve released on YouTube as a teaser for an upcoming full-length album, is an example of the band’s sound. With emphatic drumming from Cipaktli, and Trinidad’s sweeping violin soaring over it all, Cuikani delivers the lyrics about a mysterious stranger with the decisive power of her operatic voice.

“We have a history and culture from Mexico, and we can’t help but mix it into what we write and perform,” Cipaktli says.

The two faces of this group are as unique as they are similar. As Fibonacci Ensemble, they add their own touch to the covers they perform for weddings, corporate events, Latin festivals, and, until COVID-19, a regular gig at Ferraro Truly Italian Restaurant in Airdrie.

As Cabrakaän, they compose and write in a musical form considerably different from the other, Cipaktli says, but they do both for the love of music.

“As musicians, we are perfectionists, so it takes some time to get what we want … but we do it together.”

While the pandemic has put plans for a European tour for their heavy metal persona on hold, they remain active — composing, recording and teaching online music classes.

“There’s been such a great response from people. They really seem to appreciate what we’re doing,” Cipaktli says. life

“We have a history and culture from Mexico, and we can’t help but mix it into what we write and perform”

The pandemic hit Bert Church LIVE Theatre hard.

Before COVID-19, the theatre presented performances from September until June featuring both local and world-renowned artists. It attracted thousands of people to its renovated space and entertained them with plays, singing acts, puppeteers, comedians and many more creative arts acts.

“The pandemic outright shut us down for a time,” says Chris Stockton, artistic producer.

“We were very disappointed not to be able to share the acts we had planned in a live setting.”

He adds that despite the fact that phase two of Alberta’s Relaunch Strategy allows for the theatre to open with limited capacity and other restrictions, re-opening to live performances at this time is just not realistic.

“The reality of the restrictions is there is no way for us to cover costs with such a limited amount of tickets. The price per ticket would have to be astronomical,” he adds.

Pivoting with podcasts

After realizing that they were going to have to wait until at least January to reassess the situation and entertain opening up to live performances again, the Bert Church LIVE Theatre team came up with the idea of creating podcasts to remain active in the arts and raise the profile of local artists in the community and beyond.

“We created a podcast called 948-ARTS to highlight incredible local artists, singers, teachers and performers,” says Stockton.

“We want to give insight into what motivates and drives them to be creative and inspire the next generation of artists.”

The podcast was launched in mid-July and has featured the Nose Creek

Adapting the arts

BERT CHURCH

THE COMMUNITY

BY STACIE GAETZ

HOW ARE LOCAL THEATRE GROUPS CHANGING THEIR PLANS FOR FALL? READ ABOUT NOSE CREEK PLAYERS ONLINE AT AIRDRIELIFE.COM

Players, high school band teachers, music families, local band As High As We Go, Broadway artists and music directors to name a few.

“It’s an uplifting look at how people are pursuing their passions,” says Stockton.

“It really proves how we are more alike than different in so many ways. There is something for everyone in that we have hosted young musicians to veteran artists; people who are brand new to Airdrie and those who have lived here their whole lives.”

The podcasts are hosted by the Bert Church LIVE Theatre team, including Stockton and four other City employees, and are released every two weeks.

Stockton says the podcast has been downloaded in the United States and even as far away as Malaysia.

“It certainly came about in an unusual way, but we are lifting local artists onto a global stage like we never have before,” he says.

“It is exciting to see the podcasts gaining attention all over the world.”

Listen to 948-ARTS by searching for it in your favourite podcast provider.

Creativity Crates

After their educational drama classes were cancelled due to the pandemic, staff at Bert Church found a way to bring the theatre to youth in Airdrie.

Creativity Crates are a drama class delivered right to your doorstep. The customized boxes contain props, crafts, a script, set pieces and other supplies; everything your child needs to create a professional performance.

“You will receive a crate dropped off at your house and when your student opens their crate, they will have a personalized letter that will guide them on a themed adventure that ends with a show for them to perform

for any family or friends you want to show it to,” says Beverley Stadelmann, communi ty and rental programmer for Bert Church LIVE Theatre.

Crates include supplies and instructions for three different crafts to be used in the final performance.

There are also video links sent to each re cipient that include craft instruction, a welcome video, instruction on an element of theatre, tips and hints for the final performance, a practice video and the final performance video.

“Children will learn a new theatrical skillset with each crate,” says Stadelmann, adding the crates are designed for ages seven to 12.

“For example, the circus-themed crate teaches the basics of mime. This skill is foundational to acting and live performance as it helps a performer translate the imagined world to an audience and invites them to suspend their disbelief.”

The crafts also teach students about design and the technical side of theatre. They will be creating props, set pieces, puppets and other elements that will help in their performance.

This act of art creation for a performance is a pivotal skill in theatre design, according to Stadelmann.

“Students are encouraged to be creative and unique in order to make the performance their own,” she says.

“This is meant to empower students. We hope to teach students all the elements of pro ducing your own show on a small scale. They are responsible for creating the items, inviting the audience and performing the work. This en trepreneurial spirit is not only useful in the arts, but in every aspect of life.”

Stadelmann says Bert Church LIVE Theatre plans to offer the crates until at least early 2021. Crates can be purchased online at bclt. ca for $30. life

“There is something for everyone in that we have hosted young musicians to veteran artists; people who are brand new to Airdrie and those who have lived here their whole lives”

BY STACIE GAETZ

THE SHOW MUST GO ON!

The Airdrie Film Festival is going digital.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers have decided to modify the festival to a predominantly virtual event, allowing for it to be bigger without the inherent time constraints of a physical space.

“As far as we are concerned, the sky is the limit!” says Kim Cheel, president of the Airdrie Film Society.

“We’re excited about the possibility of going digital. We’re certainly not the only film festival to go that route, and I think it makes us even more accessible. Yes, we’re in Airdrie, but not all of our films come from Airdrie, so why can’t our audiences come from all over as well?”

This is the festival’s fourth year. In 2019, about 250 movies were entered into the event and the selection committee whittled it down to 20 to be showcased during the festival.

This year, the Society has seen 360 submissions and is able to showcase 62 films in three categories: Canadian content, international and animation.

According to Cheel, the event will be presented 75 per cent in digital online format and 25 per cent live.

“All of our content this year will be online, but our Canadian content will also be shown at the Bert Church LIVE Theatre on Sept. 25 from 7 to 9 p.m.,” she says.

“We’ll be streaming the Canadian content online at the same time. We will have separate streaming days for our international content and our animated content.”

People will be able to view and vote for their favourite international content online on Sept. 11. Animated content will be streamed and voted for online on Sept. 18.

The online polls can be found on Airdrie Film Festival’s social media pages.

“There are such unique stories that come out of our film festival,” says Cheel.

“Independent films and short films have the same amount of passion and heart (as those on Netflix and other movie providers); they just lack the big names. Our selection committee takes their responsibility very seriously, and they try to seek out those films that are unique or come from a different perspective.”

Cheel says there are films that will appeal to everyone in this year’s lineup.

“There are films that will make you think, some that (I hope) will make you laugh out loud,” she adds.

“Short films are where you really get to see the creativity of filmmakers and it’s really cool to be a part of something that allows these filmmakers to share their stories to a bigger audience. I think in the last few months, we’ve really used film and television as a way to cope and escape, and it makes you grateful for these artists who give us a means to escape some stressful real-life events.”

You can also wear your support for the Airdrie Film Society by purchasing branded apparel at www.urstore.ca/airdrie-film-society. The Society receives 10 per cent of all sales.

“We’ve all had to change the way we do things – especially the arts – and this is a challenge we’re rising to,” says Cheel.

“Arts is tenacious; and I think people are seeing how innovative and tenacious art and artists are.” life

For more information, follow Airdrie Film Festival on facebook.com/AirdrieFilm, instagram.com/airdriefilm/ and twitter.com/AirdrieFilm

AIRSCARES goes outdoors

BY STACIE GAETZ

The 2020 Boys and Girls Club AIRSCARES event is moving outdoors with the terrifying theme of “The Haunting of Mayhem Bridge.”

The event will change from an indoor haunted house to a tour-guided outdoor event to be held in the space around the Airdrie Boys and Girls Club Centre location, located at 200 East Lake Crescent, on Oct. 16, 17, 23 and 24.

“Our AIRSCARES event will mirror past years in that we will still bring a thrilling excitement to those who dare to attend!” says Kathy Ritcher, manager of events and volunteer coordination/administration with the Boys and Girls Club.

“As always, AIRSCARES is a community event that brings our talented, theatrical volunteers together to create a fun-filled evening of terror!”

In the past, AIRSCARES has been held at indoor locations including the former RCMP station on Edmonton Trail, Blue Grass Nursery Sod and Garden Centre in Balzac and the former firehall on Main Street.

This is the ninth year of the eerie event and last year’s haunted house terrified 1,457 people.

In 2019, 112 volunteers organized the event and put in an impressive 2,207 volunteer hours.

“The thrill of what AIRSCARES brings to our community is always full of excitement, horror and so much fun,” says Ritcher.

“Even in these unprecedented times, AIRSCARES will bring an affordable, funfilled evening to all.”

Follow the AIRSCARES Facebook page for updates including ticket sales and prices.

“One hundred per cent of the proceeds are used to support our programs and services at Boys and Girls Club of Airdrie,” adds Ritcher. life

Journey Back. Live Forward.

Welcome to Vista Crossing, where life is simplified in a most sophisticated way. Just a 35 minute drive to Calgary, this is a place where you can unplug and reconnect with what really matters. Fresh air from dusk to dawn, it’s the childhood you remember, and the childhood you want your kids to have. Your exceptional home awaits in this masterfully planned community.

“The Haunting of Mayhem Bridge” takes victims on an eerie adventure

STORY BY STACIE GAETZ | PHOTOS BY SERGEI BELSKI

La Table Haute Pastry owner Eric Bimenyimana has a simple goal.

Chef Eric, as he is affectionately known, aims to share authentic French pastries at an affordable price with the community he loves.

“I see so many places claiming to sell French pastry and it is not authentic,” he says.

“Then they sell them for a huge price. There is no need for this. These pastries can be made well and at an affordable price and I want to give Airdrie residents a choice to try something deliciously different.”

BAKING BACKGROUND

Bimenyimana is an expert when it comes to authentic French pastries. He has more than 22 years of experience and has been recognized for creating new and innovative creations. He has strong knowledge of local ingredients and has spent years mastering classic French techniques.

Bimenyimana was trained at some of the best schools in France and holds a Pastry Arts Diploma and Cooking Studies Diploma. His work experience is extensive. Chef Eric has worked for some of most well-known haute pastry shops, restaurants and hotels in France and Calgary. His resume includes: executive pastry chef at Q Haute Cuisine; pastry chef at Yann Haute Patisserie; second chef at La Cantine du Général; and chef at Chateau Hotel Boisniard.

“Being in the industry for over 20 years, I feel it is about time to summarize all of my experience and contribute back to the com-

munity and the industry that has been so good to me,” says Bimenyimana, who has lived in Airdrie for six years.

“Everywhere you go, you see the same things, the same frozen or prepackaged foods. Airdrie needed something that is baked fresh every morning. I want people to know they can eat better than what they are getting elsewhere.”

WORD OF MOUTH

La Table has been open on Kingsview Boulevard since 2019 and serves up authentic French delicacies such as: croissants; macarons; Cannelés de Bordeaux; crème brûlée; meringue; Dèlice au Chocolat; lemon tarte; a variety of breads; madeleine; quiche; birthday and wedding cakes and much more.

Bimenyimana uses only authentic ingredients including organic flour, almond flour, butter, fresh fruits and chocolate to make his impeccably flaky pastries melt in your mouth. He even imports the colouring for his macarons directly from France.

Word is definitely getting out about La Table’s unique treats.

“I love so many things about La Table,” says Airdrie resident Cheryl Anderson Greenidge.

“We’ve enjoyed their croissants as a decadent breakfast treat, their cakes add the perfect touch to birthday and anniversary celebrations, and their macarons are a unique dessert after dinner with friends. The service has always been top notch and I truly love that I can support such an amazing local business.”

Residents can purchase pastries, breads and cakes by coming to the shop located on Kingsview Blvd SE, ordering on-

“I want to give Airdrie residents a choice to try something deliciously different”

line, or using the newly released app, to have items delivered to their homes.

“We know that everyone’s level of comfort is different with COVID and you deserve to have good pastry without the need to come into the shop,” says Bimenyimana about why he wanted to add delivery as an option.

“Their delivery service is amazing,” says customer Monique Washbrook.

“The bread is always fresh; the croissants are the perfect combination of fluffy and crunchy. So authentic and delicious. I will always go back.”

FUTURE GROWTH

In addition to selling locally, La Table sells pastries wholesale to a number of Calgary and Airdrie restaurants, hotels and cafes.

Bimenyimana has also partnered with The Caffeinated Squirrel mobile coffee shop to pair his pastries with their coffee and other beverages.

“There has been a lot of interest in adding a café element to my shop so that is something I am considering for the future,” he says.

“I would like to serve authentic French coffee to give people choices and options to try something else that is new.” life

WIN! airdrielife is giving away two $25 gift cards for La Table Pastry. Join our a-list to learn more at airdrielife.com

Fall for Flavours!

WITH STEPH TODD

Since this is our arts and culture issue, we asked Steph to provide some of her favourite recipes with an international vibe. She doesn’t disappoint with recipes inspired from Thai and Indian cuisines.

SIMPLE CURRIED CHICKPEA SALAD

Full of flavour, this delicious, no-cook, curried chickpea salad will have you falling in love with the simplicity of  meal prep.  Packed full of protein and veggies, curried chickpea salad makes for the perfect lunch or picnic dish. Satisfying on its own or paired with a side, this no-cook recipe is a meal prep dream.

Prep time: 15 minutes. Cook time: 0 minutes. Total time: 15 minutes.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup plain Greek yogurt

2 tbsp Tahini paste

2 tbsp yellow curry powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

540 ml canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed 1/2 medium bell pepper, core removed and diced 1/4 medium red onion, finely diced medium carrot, grated or julienned

In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt and tahini. Add curry powder, salt and pepper to yogurt/tahini mixture and whisk. Add chickpeas and remaining chopped veggies and gently toss till well coated with yogurt mixture. Assemble a meal prep bento-style box. Meal prep your curried chickpea salad with mini pitas for dipping or add more veggies on the side (after all hummus and veggies do go great together). Add to a wrap or lettuce cups; the options just keep going. Serve on its own or with one of the add-on options. Store in the fridge for up to four days. This recipe will not freeze well.

NUTRITION

4 servings Calories: 238 kcal; Carbohydrates: 24 g; Protein: 16 g; Fat: 7g Nutritional Information is based on the Curried Chickpea Salad only. Additional sides have not been included.

THAI PEANUT GROUND PORK BOWL

Thai peanut ground pork bowls are a slightly spicy, totally peanutty delight that will be on your dinner table in under 15 minutes.

Using the super-sophisticated meal prep hack of using bagged coleslaw mix, this recipe is easily done in under 15 minutes. This is also a one-pan dish – so, you are welcome! This is now my go-to recipe when we just don’t know what we want.

Prep time: 5 minutes. Cook time: 10 minutes. Total time: 15 minutes.

INGREDIENTS

1 tbsp olive oil

1 lb ground pork

1 tbsp red Thai curry paste, adjust to taste. Curry pastes vary in spice level.

1/4 cup chicken broth or water

3 tbsp peanut butter

2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce, reduce to 1 tbsp if not using low sodium 2 cloves garlic, minced 6 cups coleslaw mix

1 cup matchstick carrots peanuts, for garnish cilantro, for garnish

In a large pan, heat the oil. When the oil is hot, add the pork and cook until it is about half-way cooked.

Add the curry paste, garlic, peanut butter, soy sauce and broth/water to the pan. Let it simmer and stir until the pork is fully cooked.

Add the slaw mix and carrots to the pan.

Cover and let simmer for 2-3 minutes until the veggies cook down. Remove from heat. Garnish with peanuts and cilantro.

This recipe reheats really well, and can be stored up to four days.

NUTRITION

4 servings Calories: 516 kcal; Carbohydrates: 12 g; Protein: 35 g; Fat: 37 g; Fiber: 4 g; Sugar: 6 g

Treasure Hanson has a superpower. She can educate, motivate and inspire her followers in a single post. The beauty influencer, known as Ms_Tee_Hanson on Instagram, has been taking her hair and fashion advice online for seven years. She says motivating others, especially moms, to look and feel their best helps her to bolster herself, empower people around her and create positive change.

“Having kids, as we all know, takes a toll on a woman’s body,” she says.

“I want moms to look at me and be inspired to look good, feel good and be confident (in) themselves. I love to motivate and to inspire women to be ‘BeYou-Ti-Ful.’ It all starts by loving oneself. I always say that when you love yourself, it is easier to love others too. In other words, ‘You cannot pour from an empty cup.’”

An Airdrie Treasure

BY STACIE GAETZ

Like all superheroes, Hanson has a second identity. She works as a nursing assistant and is currently studying to become a Licenced Practical Nurse.

She has lived in Airdrie with her husband and three boys for just less than a year.

“I love the serenity of Airdrie,” she says.

“It is peaceful, family friendly and overall, a great community to raise a family, which is very important to me.”

STRIKING STYLE

Hanson’s love for fashion has caught the attention of more than 2,800 followers on Instagram.

She describes her personal style as timeless, professional, polished, sleek, chic, confident, comfortable and sophisticated.

“I prefer quality fabrics and timeless styles rather than jumping on trends,” she says.

“I like to say that I am organized and practical and prefer to buy versatile pieces.”

She adds that playing with fashion is a way to express oneself. Your mood, personality, the season and more can all be conveyed in the outfit you put together.

“I can find something for every event and every season without getting bored with what I wear,” Hanson says.

“I enjoy putting pieces together to reinvent, create and stand out in my own way. By doing so, it makes me feel more confident. And of course, when I look good, I feel good too.”

She adds it is important to have a number of versatile pieces in your wardrobe so you can mix and match items to keep it fresh without paying a fortune.

VIBRANT VIDEOS

Hanson also has a YouTube channel that has attracted more than 7,000 subscribers and features videos on lifestyle, natural hair, beauty, fashion and more.

She started the channel in February of 2017 to help women learn how to take care of, style and make their own hair.

“When people visit and/or subscribe to my YouTube channel, they can expect to learn new things, be motivated, be inspired and feel more confident in themselves to do anything,” she says.

Hanson adds that having coarse natural hair can sometimes be very difficult to style and maintain, especially for Black women.

She aims to use her own experience with “keeping it natural” to help other women learn how to create their own hairstyles with wigs, crotchets, weaves and extensions.

“I always say, ‘natural hair doesn’t have to be boring,’ which is why I find different ways to style it,” she says.

“I feel satisfied when I see other women get inspired to grow healthy hair, try my hairstyles and be creative after watching my videos.”

MEANINGFUL MESSAGE

Hanson says, as part of using her power for good, she hopes to make social media a more positive place for women.

“Social media is a place where people can easily get lost with the type of message or content they consume; especially women, when it comes to how they should look or feel,” she says.

She adds there is lots of misleading content on the internet, which can easily make someone less confident and have a low self-esteem.

“This is why I like to promote self-love and encourage positivity. I want to help women look and feel their best because when they do, they will certainly feel better about themselves,” she says.

“Feeling and looking good can bolster one’s self confidence and help to exude the best possible version of an individual. Dressing well can make you feel powerful, approachable or even attractive. If you look your best, you feel your best; there is power in that.”

She adds that the way you feel about yourself often influences the way others feel about you as well. life

Fall fashion finds WARM HUES FROM THE STORE UPSTAIRS

As the first bits of cozy knits and warm colour palettes begin to trickle into Seven Saints and start to tease our fall fashion senses, we have to be honest – this is probably the most exciting time of year for us! We LOVE fall fashion!

Knits are always huge this time of year; rich warm colour tones, lots of texture, and the cozier the better! Cardigans can be layered over all of your tees and camis as the weather starts to cool off. We strongly suggest getting yourself a good solid collection of cardis – stretch out this time of year as long as possible before you are needing to bundle up in a coat.

Another piece you’re going to see a ton of this year is the checked and plaid shirt jackets. We have so many great ones arriving in the boutique this next month; be sure to stop by and check them out. These are another fantastic way to hold off on wearing a coat and a great way to maximize your outfit. Incorporate them into your look by layering over your favourite sweater, with booties and a great hat.

Speaking of hats, if you haven’t jumped on this fashion train yet, you must! We’ve just started carrying some gorgeous ones here at Seven Saints and hardly a day goes by that you won’t see one of us wearing one. Such a fun and easy way to accessorize and make a bold statement, yet so sophisticated and classy. If you’re new to hats we recommend starting out with a strong black felt one, or a warmer neutral tone such as beige or cream. Both will be so versatile.

One of the best (or only?) good things to come with the coronavirus has been the huge trend towards loungewear. We are so obsessed right now with jogger sets and sweatshirts in everything from animal prints and tie-dyes to solid bold colours. This is definitely the time to make the most of your sweats!

The leaves are turning; the air is getting a bit crisp. This could only mean one thing: autumn is upon us.

Transitioning a summer wardrobe into the fall can be a bit tricky but with this season’s biggest fashion trends, it should be as easy as pumpkin pie – and just as delicious.

We are seeing plenty of deep, rich colour this season. Gorgeous merlots and burgundies, saturated teals and olives are gracing the runways and streets this autumn.

Let’s face it, no one is sure what the rest of this year has in store for us but dressing for the season shouldn’t be another huge question mark. Fun and funky patterns are a great way to inject some major “BAM” into your wardrobe. Consider pairing a gorgeous blouse (like the one pictured) with your tried and true black skirt for a fresh look that is not only in season but also on trend.

This fall we are also seeing the fur (faux, of course) jacket making a return. Soft, stylish and luxurious – consider adding this piece to your date night attire to have you feeling your oats!

Of course, if something a bit more classic is your taste, wrap yourself in a beautiful shawl or jacket reminiscent of one of the most iconic fashion houses.

TWILIGHTING: NEW HAIR TREND FOR FALL

BY MARY ANN LACOURSIERE

As fall brings in its rich autumn tones, hair colours are no different. We can see the golds of autumn leaves intertwined with the deep browns on the bark of the oak or the ashy grey tones with specks of cool brown/black of a willow. These can be reflected in deep brown colours infused with hints of honey highlights or shadow roots contrasting against silver highlights.

One might consider the latest trend –twilighting – inspired by the golden hues swirling through the sky at sunset. This technique uses a combination balayage (painting) colour on the hair and babylights (fine foil highlights) framing around the face. Not only are the skies alight with

golden colour but so are our prairie fields. As wheat sways in the fall breeze streaks of gold, light brown and creamy pale yellows inspire a new look at chunky highlights. This is a nod to the chunky streaks of the ‘90s but much more refined.

Many of us found a new courage and acceptance during recent times and this too can be reflected in our hair colour choices. “COVID hair” regrowth has revealed our natural colour and there is a resurgence embracing the natural “sparkle” of our greys by blending rather than covering them. Slicing, weaving and painting cooler or warmer highlights and lowlights brings a complementary palette to the hair without the time commitment of regular upkeep.

Trends for fun creative colours have also been getting stronger. Unicorn, rainbow, dramatic, pastel, sunset or whatever the imagination can dream are now easier than ever to achieve with professional direct-dye options.

Haircuts for 2021 use the latest techniques to achieve the longer lobs, bobs with fringes, pixies with dramatic fringes, long layers and embracing the natural movements in our hair. Yes, perms are making a comeback. They are not your grandmother’s old curls. Today’s perms are used more to support the hairstyle look and longevity of the style.

Having a proper consultation with a professional hairstylist should include analysis of a client’s hair type, maintenance commitment, lifestyle and the upkeep of any cut, colour or perm. life

Mary Ann Lacoursiere is owner of Envy Salon

DID YOU KNOW WE ARE EXPERTS AT REMOVING EAR WAX?

seniorlife WITH CEARA ROLSETH

“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

HEARING LOSS and MASKS

With coronavirus comes a new normal, which includes encouraging people to wear face coverings. In fact, while experts have debated the effectiveness of the masks, rapid growth in demand has led to a global supply shortage, especially for masks with a clear window in them.

Unfortunately, many of these have been on back order since April 2020; although there are some reusable ones available online and in our office.

Clear window surgical masks should get far more attention and that’s why it’s time to take another look at solutions to aid the hard of hearing.

As more and more people put on masks, more and more faces are hidden to those who rely on lip reading to communicate. Masks are an important tool for fighting this pandemic but make it hard to hear. This is especially troubling to people with hearing loss. Masks can block high frequency speech sounds that are already quiet to begin with. They also cover the face, making it impossible to read lips, see facial expression and the visual clues that are important for those with hearing loss.

WHAT CAN WE DO TO OVERCOME SOME OF THESE CHALLENGES?

•Ask loved ones and colleagues to wear clear-panel masks if possible.   •Most hearing aid brands offer accompanying smartphone apps with Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids. These apps allow you to adjust to overall volume of your hearing aids. Ask your hearing care professional if yours is set up. Some hearing aids have mask programs now.

BITE INTO LIFE

WOODSIDE DENTURE

CENTRE

• Many hearing aid manufacturers have remote microphones that are compatible with many current hearing aid technologies. The wearer’s voice is only six inches from the microphone making their voice easier to hear, even if they are wearing a mask.

•You can consider Live Transcribe or speechto-text apps that can be downloaded on most smartphones. I find the “Temi” app works well.

Unfortunately, communication is not the only challenge individuals with hearing loss face. The over-the-ear mask is often the most common style; these put hearing aids and wearers at risk for misplacing their behind-the-ear devices when they become entangled with the straps of the masks upon removal. Some easy solutions to prevent the loss of a hearing aid is to wear masks that tie behind the head or use ‘ear savers’ so that the straps are pulled away from the ear and the hearing aids. Those simple tricks also prevent the straps from pulling down on the ears, which can alter the correct positioning of the hearing aid on the ear. life

Ceara Rolseth is a registered hearing aid practitioner with Superior Hearing in Airdrie

“As more and more people put on masks, more and more faces are hidden to those who rely on lip reading to communicate”

FIT FOR LIFE 2020

Our 2020 Fit for Life Challenge looks a little different then past years as you can see. Orangetheory Fitness Airdrie, Simply for Life and airdrielife decided that with the uniqueness of this year, we would try to support and motivate all of our qualifying applicants!

After reading all of our applicants’ stories, we couldn’t help but be moved by their conviction and commitment to their health and wellness. This year has proven to be challenging for most and we wanted to give back to our community. We cannot wait to see the transformation in each one of our 12 challengers throughout the 12-week process.

Meet our participants and learn more about them all online at airdrielife.com. Follow their journey on our social media channels and look for their progress report in the winter issue!

The Challengers

I am determined to be a better example to my six children, and at 45 years old, there is no better time that to start now rather than wait any longer.

ADA ROBERTS, 45

I have fatty liver disease and have been told by my doctors that losing weight and getting into better health/fitness could reverse the situation before there is permanent damage.

ALICIA BURWOOD, 35

I want to be able to look in the mirror and feel confident and healthy and know that I can tackle anything life throws at me. This is more than a weight-loss challenge to me; it’s a lifestyle change.

AMY MACDOUGALL, 49

I would like to lose 50 to 60 pounds which would put me where I was at when I was in the best shape of my life. Most importantly, weight loss will allow me to do more exciting and fun things with my family and set an example of how to live better and actively.

BRENDA WEEKS, 46

I feel I am so busy giving to everyone else that I have ignored my own health and am dying to get on track!

ERICA HATCH, 42

I have been trying to do this on my own for a while with no change, no improvement, further away from reaching any of my goals, which in turns make me frustrated and overall further depressed. I need the help and knowledge of the OT coaches.

JODY ZACHARY, 42

Ada Alicia Amy Brenda

Erica Jody Karen P. Karen W. Kurt

Michelle Sarah Tera

I want to find a routine that is sustainable even with how busy life gets. I’m not doing this for vanity but because I know how good it feels to be in good physical shape. When I was working out consistently and lighter, my knee did not bother me. I felt strong and powerful. I miss that.

KAREN PETERS,

45

I’m approaching 50 and am starting to feel every ache and pain and would like to be able to ensure that as I get older, I can stay active. Also to boost my self-esteem. I’m a very confident person in my workplace but outside of work, I am the complete opposite and want to gain that same confidence in my personal life.

KAREN WONG,

48

I have given all of my time to my three kids over the last 18 years for their sports and activities and would like to learn the proper dietary and exercise techniques to focus on my own well-being.

KURT VICKERY.

45

Last year I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease and felt the absolute worst I have ever felt in my life. Getting that diagnosis and beginning treatment was life changing. My body doesn’t hurt any more, my fatigue is pretty much gone, my brain is no longer foggy. Now that I feel better, I really the need to take off the weight so that I feel stronger, build endurance and head into my 50s with the self-confidence and energy to do everything and anything I set my mind to.

MICHELLE TURNER,

48

Staying strong and healthy is something I want to maintain for the rest of my life and I’m very excited to try new things and have some new accountabilities to get me back into shape. For me, it’s truly not about how I look but about how I feel and the example I’m setting for my kids.

SARAH LAVIOLETTE,

37

I want to live a long, happy life. I had breast cancer when I was 30 years old and as a result I made the choice to become vegetarian (now pescetarian). I want to gain the knowledge of how to eat in a way that fuels my body with all of the energy and nutrition that it requires. I want to live a full and active life. I want to have the energy and stamina to go hiking. I want to age gracefully with the knowledge that I have treated my body kindly and lovingly.

TERA GROCHOLSKI,

44 life

parentlife WITH STACIE GAETZ

Helping your kids cope with stress

The stress level in your house is probably higher this fall than it has been in years past.

With parents going back to work and kids starting school (either in class or at home) amidst the uncertainty of the pandemic, all members of the family may be feeling mounting anxiety.

Signs of stress in children include nightmares, bedwetting, increases in tantrums/outbursts, withdrawing and changes in eating and sleeping patterns.

Of course, all of these add to your stress and anxiety levels as a parent, causing a spiralling effect that can get out of control quickly.

Practices that can help children deal with stress include simple things, such as:

• breathing deeply in and out (add animal-themed arm movements to make it fun for younger kids);

• yoga (there are tons of videos from which to choose on YouTube);

• a quiet activity such as colouring;

• going for a walk;

• getting their bodies moving.

Something that has helped many times in my house is simply creating a distraction from the “big feeling” such as asking them to stand on one foot or doing jumping jacks. It seems to snap them out of the distressful moment and help them “reset.”

Follow airdrielife on social media for our weekly Boredom Buster indoor activity that helps keep kids’ minds and bodies active.

The effectiveness of each of these will depend on the child (my daughter likes to calm down with a quiet activity like a craft where my son needs to actively burn off energy to feel better).

Although these distractions help in the moment, it is important to come back at a later time when the child is calm to talk about the cause of the anxiety. Take the time to really listen and try to understand what they are worried about and answer their questions honestly.

The No. 1 thing to remember is the fact that children learn by what they see, so it is very important to take care of yourself as a parent.

And you don’t have to do it alone.

North Rocky View Community Links (nrvcl.ab.ca) offers helpful coping tools for parents to deal with increased stress in their children and one-on-one support via the phone, virtual means and in person. life

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“Take the time to really listen and try to understand what they are worried about and answer their questions honestly”

BY STACIE GAETZ

“I so enjoy the memories all over our yard; seeing things that remind me of clients, friends and family”

Longtime Airdrie resident Terri Stephens says her backyard oasis, which she has worked to build over the past 17 years, brings happiness and balance to her life.

Her large pie-shaped yard in The Fairways includes hundreds of flowers in a whimsical garden complete with a gazebo, bird houses, a waterfall and a privacy screen built entirely out of greenery.

“Gardening gives me peace and a sense of accomplishment,” she says, calling her garden her “quiet place.”

“My yard is therapeutic for me from a busy lifestyle.”

The Realtor says her favourite part of her yard is the more than 40 trees, which offer shade, privacy and a variety of birds that visit regularly.

Some of the feathered friends that have visited her yard include nesting sparrows, swallows, cedar waxwings, robins, chickadees, red capped finches, wrens, a Cooper’s Hawk and even a pair of ducks who stopped by briefly for a dip in the waterfall.

Stephens has been in her home since 2003 and has been adding plants, trees and decorative items to her yard every year to make it her perfect paradise.

“Around my yard, you will find old windows given to me by clients, an old wagon wheel, a milk cupboard, an old seeder,” she says.

“I so enjoy the memories all over our yard; seeing things that remind me of clients, friends and family. Each year something is added by a friend or client to our yard, sometimes by surprise.”

She says she thinks gardening is something that should be shared and she practices what she preaches: this spring Stephens gave away 16 ferns to people in Airdrie.

“I love the bursts of colours in annuals in our Airdrie garden, unique pots and things to add into our yard. I like deadheading and sharing plants when I can,” she says.

Her advice for others who would like to plant a garden but don’t know where to start is to go big.

“I would say plant some trees for shade and invite birds into your yard,” she says.

“For flowers, start with annuals in pots for colour and plant a few perennials as a good base for your garden.”

She adds that gardening takes patience and a little generosity.

“Fill in each year with new plants. Dividing and sharing plants with friends adds a special touch to anyone’s garden as well,” she says.

In the mindset of sharing, Stephens has offered up her personal oasis for the use of others and has hosted weddings, family photo shoots, goddess parties, book clubs and spiritual classes in her yard.

“Always be open to new adventures for your yard and share,” she adds. life

CENTRAL POND, COOPER’S CROSSING

A Beautiful Place to Call Home

Welcome home to Airdrie’s most prestigious address. Situated on a picturesque hill in Airdrie, beautiful estate homes are linked by abundant greenspace and paths.

Visit our showhome builders or select the builder of your choice. The lifestyle you’ve always wanted awaits you in Cooper’s Crossing.

Exceeding expectations

Excel Homes simplifies the building process for homebuyers

BY STACIE GAETZ

TO SAY EXCEL HOMES GOES ABOVE AND BEYOND FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT.

The company, which has been operating in Airdrie for 13 years, understands that buying a home is probably the biggest purchase their customers have made to date and want them to feel secure in purchasing with Excel.

“We have launched several initiatives to make our new homeowners feel comfortable along this journey,” says Mackenzie Morey, marketing coordinator for Excel Homes.

“We have recently gone through a rebrand where our focus is to simplify the journey home for our customers. This involves simplifying the internal and external processes.”

These initiatives include partnerships with the following:

Boyce Law – many first-time buyers are unaware that they need legal representation when purchasing a home. Excel provides this representation as well as pays for legal fees.

Virtuo – move-in concierge service that helps transition homebuyers from their current living space to their new home. This includes services such as transferring utilities, home insurance setup or transfer, providing packing supplies, and much more.

Designer-Curated Selections – Excel has created a set of designer-curated selections for new homeowners to choose from. Don’t like one of

the options? No problem; you can switch out as many or few selections as you like.

Ownest Financial – searches through more than 22,000 mortgage options from 125 lenders to ensure customers know all the options available to them.

Customers can choose to implement all of the initiatives or pick the ones that work best for them.

On top of these incredible “extras” Excel’s homes speak for themselves.

“Our homes are ideal for first-time homebuyers or move-up homes,” says Morey.

“They are designed to meet all of our customers’ needs; from spice kitchens to in-law suites we have designed a curated selection of homes that will fit and grow with the families moving into them.”

Excel is currently building in Hillcrest and Chinook Gate. Both communities offer a family-friendly atmosphere with easy access to the city.

“These communities are designed to celebrate the people who live there, just as our homes are designed to celebrate the families who have moved there,” says Morey.

“The cohesion between the two is extremely important to us as a company.” life

For more information, visit Excel Homes’ newly revamped website at excelhomes.ca

Harder Homes

BUILT FOR THE WAY YOU LIVE

BY STACIE GAETZ

Harder Homes’ philosophy, “Built for the way you live,” reflects the company’s commitment to constructing beautiful custom homes for the families who live in them.

“We are very attentive and responsive to our homeowners’ needs throughout the homebuilding process,” says Simona Harder, owner and CFO of Harder Homes.

“We also receive many compliments on the quality and craftsmanship with which every home is built. Our clients are happy, thankful, and love their new Harder Home.”

Each Harder Home is built with style, quality and functionality in mind using only high-end products, professionally skilled trades and cutting-edge building practices.

“Clients customize every aspect of their build through the design and the selection process. Our homes are unique and one-ofa-kind,” says Harder.

“Seeing our clients’ dream homes become reality is what I really enjoy about what we do. When our clients take possession of their home, their face says it all.”

A true custom home builder from start to finish, Harder Homes’ disciplined approach to construction, exceptional customer service and one-on-one approach to the home building experience has earned them an unsurpassed reputation in the builders’ community.

Harder Homes primarily builds in Airdrie and the surrounding area, making it as local as it gets.

“We build local, live local and support local,” says Harder.

“Harder Homes was built as a family and is operated as family. When you build with Harder Homes, you become part of the family.”

She adds that many of their trades and suppliers have been with them since they built the first Harder Home and are an extension of the team. That consistency has allowed Harder Homes to provide unsurpassed quality through the construction process and in servicing. Partnering with skilled trades and quality suppliers allows Harder Homes to continue to meet customer needs and deliver each home on time, every time.

The company is in its second decade of building local homes and Harder says making the home building process easy for homebuyers is very rewarding.

“Dealing directly with our homeowners to ensure that their home building experience is as stress-free as possible and ensuring that their home comes together as they envision it is our goal,” she says.

“Being local Airdrie residents keeps us pulsed into this very unique market.”

Harder Homes recently opened their new showhome – The Prescott – a 2,392 square-foot two-storey home that is sure to impress families with its open concept, functional layout and many sought-after features. The showhome is located at 78 Coopersfield Park.

Harder Homes is a Master Builder, a member of the Alberta New Home Warranty Program and BILD Calgary as well as a 2019 BILD Award Winner.

“Our homeowners have peace of mind when building with Harder Homes,” says Harder.   life For more information, visit harderhomes.ca

“Harder Homes was built as a family and is operated as family”

BY STACIE GAETZ

Longtime Airdrie Realtor Shilo Storey says bedroom communities like Airdrie are “doing well” in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Each price point has its own obstacles and benefits, but like always, Airdrie has a better price point than Calgary,” says the Airdrie Realtor of 12 years.

“You get your best bang for your buck here and with our demographics, people are always on the move.”

Storey, a RE/MAX First agent, adds that people coming from other areas of Alberta and across Canada can see that Airdrie is a more stable and affordable market than downtown Calgary and that won’t change any time soon.

According to the Calgary Real Estate Board’s (CREB) Quarterly Update Report, housing sales in Airdrie have slowed 14 per cent compared to this time last year, but that is not nearly has high as the 35 per cent drop seen in Calgary year over year.

“Unquestionably, COVID-19 will continue to impact the housing market over the next several quarters,” says CREB chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie.

“However, the extent of the impact may not be as severe as estimates from three months ago.”

The decline in new listings in Airdrie outpaced the decline in demand, causing inventories to fall well below last year’s levels and the months of supply to drop below four months. This is the lowest months of supply level recorded since early 2017.

Storey says the brighter outlook may be due, in part, to the fact that the social distancing aspect of the pandemic has spurred some people to take a good hard look at their housing situation and make the decision to either downsize, upsize or change locations.

“Being home so much has made some people say, ‘We don’t need all of this space,’ while others realize they are in close quarters and need more room,” she says.

“There are people who are realizing that they will be working from home for the foreseeable future and they want more space out in Airdrie because they don’t have to make the commute five days a week.”

Storey adds it is difficult to classify whether it is currently a buyers’ or sellers’ market and that it is completely dependent on a number of factors including price point, demographics and the location of the sale.

“In some places, it is a buyers’ market and in others, a sellers,’” she says.

“What it comes down to is making sure you are in contact with a Realtor you trust because the local agents in Airdrie will know the area and be able to help you figure out how to proceed, whether you want to sell tomorrow or in a year.”

According to the CREB report, as we move into the second half of this year and into 2021, there remains significant “downside risk.” If jobs do not return as anticipated and the support from government ends, the market could start to see a rise in supply relative to demand. This may cause stronger price declines in the market entering 2021.

Storey says her best advice for people looking to sell is to make sure your house is priced effectively.

For buyers, Storey says that interest rates are the lowest she has ever seen.

“Real estate is still the place to invest,” she says.

“Airdrie is a thriving market and will continue to be for the long term.” life

information on the condition of the market, visit creb.com

DREAM HOMES

Tucked away from the main living space, this office space features a quiet sanctuary for focus, privacy and comfort. A timeless aesthetic rooted in tradition, the crisp palette serves as a backdrop for stylish touches that promote a sense of calm and contentment.

SHANE HOMES

This edgy office space is one of the first things you see upon entering this showhome. The space is not only functional, but makes a homeowner excited to sit down and be creative in their workspace. It is a real escape from a traditional office.

GENESIS BUILDERS

The Charlesmark in Bayside Estates features a front-of-house office, that allows for easy flow of clients or guests with minimal disruption to the rest of the home. Thoughtfully designed to be full of natural light with plenty of room for storage makes working from home convenient and enjoyable.

HARDER HOMES

Entering through double French doors is a functional and inviting work space that motivates creativity and productivity. Clean and uncluttered, this room is large enough to accommodate all items of a home office while still feeling like home. The large window provides ample natural lighting and the wainscoting throughout an element of sophistication.

These days, lots of people are working remotely out of necessity rather than choice.

Many don’t know when they will return to a public office and may be exploring the idea of permanently working from home.

For those that haven’t worked from home until recently, creating a dedicated workspace is the first order of business.

Steve Jobs, creator of Apple said, “Design is not just what it looks like and how it feels. Design is how it works.”

Function first, beauty second.

We need to address the needs of the office space using the same design principles applied to any space in the home.

The 4 Qs

It is essential to ask:

Who will use it? What is being done? When will the space be used? How will the space be used?

Answering these questions will help you get a good idea of the needs of the space.

Truthfully answering the planning questions will ensure the space enables you to do your job efficiently and productively.

Why does it matter who will use the space? If it’s a large man, but you buy a cute little chair, you’ve eliminated comfort in favour of aesthetic.

What you’re doing in the space may require a lot of usable work surface or you may need just enough space for your laptop; this would greatly impact the size of desk required.

When the space is being utilized could be a factor if it’s near a window, then avoiding glare on the computer screen needs to be considered. Another timing question could be if the workstation is a shared space in the home. Can work be done while more than one person is using the space?

How the work area will be used is perhaps the most challenging and limiting question to answer. Depending on the size and amount of furniture and how many components need power, there may not be a lot of layout options.

decorlife WITH KIM PURVIS

“Address the needs of the office space using the same design principles applied to any space in the home”

HOMES BY AVI

With the increasing need for flex space to work from home, for homework, or for homeschooling, Homes by Avi has you covered. This beautiful home office has a stunning feature wall and a bright, beautiful window that gives a dynamic interest to this simple and clean

AVALON

ZEN at Chinook Gate is a collection of unique live/work townhomes, each offering a workspace within the home. Each townhome is designed with a bonus room on the main floor, perfect for a home office or a small business.

Make it yours

Now that you’ve carefully laid out furniture and plugged everything in, it’s time to infuse some personality in the space.

Offices are fun spots to get bold. Especially if the office is a separate room. It doesn’t need to follow the decor flow of the rest of the home.

Is there a perfect wall for doing an accent wallpaper or large piece of dramatic art?

Can lighting be updated to something more suited to the aesthetic you’re going for?

Full-length drapery on windows is a great way to soften the space with fabric.

If you have the room, a little sitting area is another great way to soften the space; add pillows and a side table.

Area rugs are great for defining a space, but you’ll want to consider a plastic cover for the desk chair to glide nicely over top.

Small touches like photo frames, candles, task lamps and plants are important details.

Work can be stressful. Doing your best to set up a functional space and adding personal touches will go a long way to making the morning commute to the next room with a coffee more pleasurable. life

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

space, allowing you to focus on what is important to you.

and

Newport at Canals Landing

worklife

MEET THE MOVERS, SHAKERS AND BUSINESS MAKERS

Airdrie has long been revered as a connected and caring community, proven time after time with rallied support when hard times befall us.

There is no question the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has deeply affected our small business community, their owners and employees. These shops, restaurants and services are the foundation of our local economy, a backbone, relentlessly supporting our social, cultural and environmental well-being.

In a time where the plight of our economy discourages travel but welcomes localized tourism, this poses an evolving ebb and flow to the visitor economy that often subsidizes our own summer vacationing. This tourism and economic leakage can cause an irreparable offset to the delicate balance of our bricks and mortar survival.

Solely purchasing online fulfilment, importing goods, or using foreign-owned services can have cumulative effects to the net economic benefit of the community, especially when increasing revenues, customer base retention or spontaneous point-of-purchase sales have diminished.

Put Your $ Where Your Heart Is focuses less on attracting visitors to spur outside revenues, but rather on reducing the leak, and raising awareness of the plentiful goods and services closer to home. The campaign pulls at the emotional and sentimental connection we have with our local business community, and reminds the consumer how easily the reciprocation of support can be.

The campaign introduces a social media and online marketing platform ‘EatStayPlay Airdrie’ to engage residents to post what matters the most, outside of their families, within the community. For local businesses, as the social feed

grows with tagging and commenting, so will their presence in the digital world.

By fall, Put Your $ Where Your Heart Is will merge into a return-on-investment opportunity. As 2020 creeps its way back to winter, and consumers start to focus on holiday spending, the ideals of giving and sharing emerge. From Oct. 3 to Nov. 21, each week with the online proof of purchase of a local item or service, participants will vie to win back up to $500 of their recent spend. This weekly contest preludes Shop Small Saturday, a marketing drive nestled conservatively between the bold Black Friday and savvy Cyber Monday.

Each entry automatically casts a ballot for both the participant and the local business to win a grand prize draw on Shop Small Saturday, Nov. 28. A sweepstakes of $5,000 worth of local business gift certificates, product and services are up grabs, right in time to start stuffing the stockings for family and friends.

One local and independently owned licensed Airdrie business will also be drawn from the screened submissions to win a $10,000 marketing package to help them move forward confidently into 2021.

Everyone is encouraged to participate, to think twice about the benefits of localized spending, and to always continue to Put Your $ Where Your Heart Is, here in Airdrie. life

More information on Put Your $ Where Your Heart Is can be found at EatStayPlayAirdrie.com

Shauna Quinn is tourism development officer with the City of Airdrie

businesslife

WITH SHAUNA QUINN

WORKLIFE | COMMUNITY

Chozen Studios

COVER PHOTO BY KRISTY REIMER | STORY AND PHOTO BY BRITTON LEDINGHAM

Hugh Rookwood and Brenda Weeks always loved creating art.

Growing up in Toronto, both studied art in post-secondary – Rookwood studied animation at Sheridan College and Weeks took communication and design at the Ontario College of Art and Design. If you assumed artistry drew the 46-year-old common-law creators together, you weren’t entirely wrong; however, they originally met over a love of martial arts.

“I met her through taekwondo,” recalls Rookwood, sitting in an office chair beside Weeks in the bonus-room studio of their Sagewood home. “You know, we became good friends.”

Rookwood, the son of an architect, cut his teeth in the illustration industry working with Ken Lashley doing work for Marvel, and was a founding member at the studio Draxhall Jump, where

he got the opportunity to work on comics, such as Magic: The Gathering and Flip.

“I learned a lot under Ken Lashley,” says Rookwood. “I’ve learned about comic-book storytelling and all that kind of stuff... it was a great experience.”

Rookwood puts dynamic energy into his work to draw viewers into scenes, catching moments and details, down to the body mechanics of characters in combat positions he studied while in the dojo himself.

“There’s a dance going on,” says Rookwood. “Comic books [are] ... the most beautiful combination of illustrated and written that you can get, it’s just brilliant.”

When the couple first met Weeks had already wrapped up five years of a career as a freelance illustrator and was following other pursuits.

“I met Hugh, and he was so involved in art and everything, he sort of brought me back into wanting to create,” says Weeks.

Shortly before Rookwood and Weeks had their first of two sons, Kai and Hardison, they started Chozen Studios and sold works at their first convention in 2009. Rookwood had a portfolio of prints to sell at comic book conventions around North America and the Caribbean.

“She was the major catalyst for [starting Chozen Studios],” says Rookwood of his partner.

Weeks is supportive.

“He’s super talented,” she says. “People need to see Hugh Rookwood for Hugh Rookwood and not under the guise of other people.”

Since then, Rookwood has been “like the travelling salesman,” selling his art coast to coast in Canada and as far north as Yellowknife, NWT. Over the years, he’s built up his collection to about 200 pieces he sells at shows; that is before COVID-19 threw a damper on such events since March 2020.

Thankfully for the couple, they’ve believed in diversity of work from the inception of their crafts. As a design and illustration studio, their work ranges from comic art and children’s books to tattoo design and corporate rebranding.

“I’m pretty versatile,” says Rookwood, noting sometimes his work is mistaken to be created by a studio full of artists. “But really, it’s just me.”

Weeks recently upgraded her education with a data design technologies course at Reeves College, “so that I could be more relevant in the industry.”

The comic convention circuit brought the family to Calgary yearly, and when they were looking for a change three years ago, their Realtor nudged them towards Airdrie and they fell in love.

“Airdrie’s the spot and I love it here like, absolutely,” says Rookwood, noting there is an appreciation for the arts, no matter how noteworthy the creator is.

Weeks chimes in.

“There’s a real sense of community in Airdrie,” she says. “And there’s a lot of arts development.”

After they moved, Weeks began creating her own works as well, and has transitioned from acrylics and oils to digital works.

“I like the fact that you can close it down for half an hour and come back to it and nothing dries up on you,” she says, noting her collection is sold beside Rookwood’s in their Chozen Studios booth at shows.

Today the family still loves martial arts, but their time is devoted to a different art where they make their living creating illustrations, comic book art, concept and digital designs.

The earlier years of their boys’ development involved days of parenting and nights of work. Now that their boys are seven and 10 years old and have seen the circuit, they have a pride for their parents’ work.

Rookwood is thankful for the path he’s chosen.

“If in your heart you know this is what you want to do, and you believe in whatever it is that you want to do, then just go after it with a vengeance,” he says. “Don’t let nobody stop you.”

John Ware and other recent works

2020 began with the release of a children’s book illustrated by Rookwood titled, Howdy, I’m John Ware. Authored by Ayesha Clough, it tells the story of Ware, who was born into slavery in South Carolina, but travelled north after the Civil War and became a leading rancher in Alberta.

That legacy project is important to Rookwood to be a part of, and it fatefully came to him after Weeks met Clough through a friend at their daycare.

As a Black man in a time when the Black Lives Matter movement has brought racism, like that of white men against former slaves like John Ware, to the fore, Rookwood encourages people to learn about each other.

“I think that’s what more people need to do – open themselves up to the people and learn,” he says.

Rookwood is continuing to learn himself, and pictures himself as a student, never a master.

“I don’t think I’ll ever get there, but I’m not worried about that,” says Rookwood. “I’m just enjoying the journey of trying to get there.”

That journey will include creating more of their own work as Chozen Studios and for other publications.

Rookwood recently completed the illustrations of a graphic novel by Jack Briglio called Dominion Jack in the True Patriot Series by Chapterhouse, and the other is Monkey Business in Flip, an anthology of alternate reality stories, by Markosia publishing in the UK.

“It’s always about getting my ideas out like those masters who came before me influenced me and got me to want to draw in the first place,” says Rookwood.

You can see work by Rookwood and Weeks at chozenstudios. com, or by searching Chozen Studios on Facebook and Instagram.

The pair recently created Juxtaposition Design to house other business services as well. life

“If in your heart you know this is what you want to do, and you believe in whatever it is that you want to do, then just go after it with a vengeance”

Accessible art

Local businesses host gallery space for artisans

STORY BY STACIE GAETZ | PHOTOS BY KATIE DUDEK

Muk-Luk Magpies Stained Glass Emporium and Homegrown House and Pantry showcase hundreds of art pieces and products from dozens of local artisans.

Muk-Luk Magpies

“Airdrie is starting to become known for the quality of artists we have here and especially now with COVID, when there are not many art shows or festivals, we need places where people can come and see something that is not just made in a factory,” says Shawn MacPherson, owner of Muk-Luk Magpies.

Muk-Luks has been showcasing local art since it opened in 2008 and displays work from more than 60 artists. They have sold pieces to people all over the world including Australia and England.

“We’ve got it all; large oil paintings, pottery, etched glasses, stained glass, moccasins,” says MacPherson.

“We have something for every price range from $10 to $3,000. The art appeals to many different people and our artists come in and switch out their work regularly. This is not stuff that has been sitting around for five years.”

She lists Michele Donohue, Veronica Funk and Deborah Dunitz-Beechey as just a few of the artists that show and sell their work at the store.

As an artist herself, MacPherson says it is important to have a venue that gives artists a way to show off what they do.

“People want unique gifts and decor ideas for their home, office and outdoor space,” she adds.

“This is the place to get something you won’t find anywhere else.”

Homegrown House and Pantry

Homegrown has been showcasing one-ofa-kind Alberta-made items since 2018.

The store located on First Avenue NW houses wares from about 150 artists and entrepreneurs, 80 of which live in Airdrie or within an hour’s drive.

“As the population of Airdrie explodes, much of that growth looks all too familiar. The same shops – the same setup – the same cookie cutter image,” says Homegrown owner Lindsey Cybulskie.

Admiring

by

Training for all levels so you can live your best life at stage!

THE ART-FILLED MUK-LUK MAGPIES GLASS EMPORIUM

“Alberta has so much to offer – so many creative trailblazers. Take a trip down any farmers market and you’ll see and taste some of the amazing creations Albertans have made. Why do they have to be weekend indulgences? Why can’t we showcase our best on a daily basis?”

Homegrown has everything you need for your pantry, bathroom and closet as well as handmade decor to make your home one of a kind. With everything from spices, soaps and jewelry to clothes, clocks and ornaments, there truly is something for everyone.

Homegrown also sells a number of products made by female trailblazers including Lamb’s Soapworks, floral art by J.L. Mohr and stained-glass pieces by Rebecca Maher. “Come and see what your neighbours are up to,” says Cybulskie.

“You don’t know just how talented the people in Airdrie are until you see all of this stuff all in one place. It’s truly amazing.”

Homegrown also has a Mini Makers program where youth between the ages of eight and 16 can sell their handmade items in the store.

Seventy-five per cent of the sale goes to the youth who made the item and 25 per cent is given to Airdrie Food Bank.

Cybulskie says the items that the kids make never fail to impress her and include leather earrings, cards, bath bombs, bracelets, art and face masks. life

The Store Upstairs has the perfect selection of gifts to make anyone feel loved and special.

And our staff is here to help, from creating a custom gift basket over the phone to delivering free in Airdrie.

Crafty &creative

A LOOK AT AIRDRIE’S AT-HOME ENTREPRENEURS

BY STACIE GAETZ

The creativity of local people never ceases to amaze us at airdrielife. Many of our storefront businesses manufacture and sell incredible products and services, but there are even more hidden entrepreneurs that are busy crafting unique products out of their homes and selling them online.

With no end in sight for the COVID-19 pandemic, there has never been a better time to own a business with little to no in-person contact between the producer and the consumer.

We spoke with three local women who are working on wonderful wares and a couple are even taking the time to teach their talents to others.

Bee & Me

When her son struggled with bad eczema, Daria Geddes knew there had to be a better way to treat it than by using over-the-counter products that contained harsh ingredients.

Geddes started creating her natural Bee & Me skincare products four years ago and began selling them in Airdrie in the fall of 2019.

“I knew there had to be a more natural solution, and this is when Bee & Me was born,” she says, adding that her company sells beeswax salve, lotion bars and diaper cream.

“We wanted to introduce non-toxic handmade skincare that works.”

She adds that she is proud to make all of her products from scratch. Her skincare items are made with 100 per cent organic and natural ingredients, including non-nano zinc oxide.

“Everything we make has been tested on our family (including our young kids) and we use all of our products daily,” says Geddes.

“When buying our products rest assured they’re safe and effective for anyone. From newborns to those with ultra-sensitive skin.”

Bee & Me is also a zero-waste company with 100 per cent recyclable and compostable packaging.

“The most satisfying part of my work is to hear customers’ testimonials. Hearing them say they spent hundreds of dollars on other products that don’t work and they are beyond thankful for finding Bee & Me, that’s what it’s all about” says Geddes.

Hope Charged

Haley Janzen doesn’t just paint acrylic canvases and make clay jewelry; she “creates fearlessly.”

“When someone’s day or mood is brightened because of the work I do as a local artisan, that lights me up,” says the owner of Hope Charged.

“I’m passionate about spreading hope, joy and peace through creativity. I not only make artisan goods; I also teach others how to create fearlessly as well. When someone finds the same thrill I do when I create, I am beyond happy.”

Like many people, Janzen lost her job due to the pandemic and decided to turn a negative into a positive by diving in and making the switch to what she feels is her calling.

“I have been in the digital marketing/technology industry for the last five years and my heart wasn’t in the analytics anymore... I just wanted to create,” she says.

Janzen’s clay earring classes include an online adult class, an in-studio adult make-and-take class, the ability to book her for birthdays and other events, and clay summer camps for children and teens.

“People ask me why I am teaching my ‘competition,’ but I don’t see it that way at all,” she says.

“I’m not afraid of comparison or building competitors. There are thousands of art teachers in the world, so why shouldn’t I offer classes? I love to teach people how to create.”

Handcraft’d Luv

Alexandra Fatokun has been crocheting for five years and says she can make anything you can think of.

“Being able to see yarn turn into something useful is exciting,” says the owner of Handcraft’d Luv Crochet Et Al.

She is not exaggerating as her website shows that she makes dresses, baby booties, hats, sweaters, gloves, scarves, shawls, pillows, blankets and much more.

“It is truly amazing that you can turn a ball of yarn into something so beautiful that people use and cherish for years to come,” Fatokun says.

She also offers six-week online classes both to local people in the Airdrie area and to her students in her home country of Nigeria.

“I show people the ABCs of what to do and it is up to them what they want to do with it,” she says, adding that the class is student-led in that they decide what they want to make and she shows them how.

“I teach any skill level from beginner all the way up to expert and many of them continue to blow me away when I see their work. It is an honour to help them discover the passion that they have within them.”

She adds that crocheting is not easy, and many people don’t realize that you have to pay more for a quality product that is made correctly.

“I always tell my students not to be so quick to give up on themselves,” she says.

“I started doing this because I lost my job and it was hard at first, but who knew when I walked into Wal-Mart to buy my first ball of yarn and crochet hook that I was walking into destiny.” life

This fall when the weather brings you indoors, make plans for play for the whole family.

The Store Upstairs has toys for kids, and games and puzzles for all ages.

Find links to all of these local businesses online at airdrielife.com/worklife

STORY BY TARA LEVICK ILLUSTRATIONS BY LIA GOLEMBA

Airdrie’s award-winning SMARTstart program has been pairing entrepreneurs with business mentors since 2014.

More than 100 people have completed the program. Entrepreneurs have opened businesses, grown their businesses and improved their business practices. Some participants also determine that their idea is not viable or that they don’t have what it takes to be an entrepreneur. SMARTstart also considers this a success. SMARTstart is all about helping entrepreneurs realize their potential. Meet six of the program’s current entrepreneurs and their mentors.

SMARTstart also has three mentors at large. They are not paired with an entrepreneur this year; instead they work with any and all as needed!

MENTORS AT LARGE

WHAT IS THE NO. 1 QUALITY AN ENTREPRENEUR NEEDS TO HAVE IN ORDER TO BE SUCCESSFUL?

Andrew Bennett (The I.T. Company): Persistence/ tenaciousness about achieving their objectives.

Joan Traub (retired, former owner of Airdrie Yoga Studio): Passion. They need to believe in their product or service and their ability to outshine their competition.

Jo-Anne Yau (Masuch Law): An entrepreneur must be able to read the market – know where consumer demand is, where it’s going, and how to fit into the market.

WATCH VIDEO GREETINGS AND LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR ENTREPRENUERS AT AIRDRIELIFE.COM

QUESTIONS FOR THE ENTREPRENEUR QUESTIONS FOR THE MENTOR

What is the inspiration for your business?

What are you most excited about learning?

LOTUS REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND FERTILITY

My inspiration for Lotus Reproductive Health and Fertility is from working in the fertility health sector. I found there should be more available information and resources out there for people going through fertility treatments. To also inform young women of preventative measures and to be more knowledgeable regarding their reproductive health and future fertility.

I’m most excited to learn about marketing and management of a business. There are so many moving parts behind the scene in a well-oiled business. I want to ensure I am providing the best business to my future clients by running a knowledgeable business and sending out the right information successfully.

DR. MELANIE BEINGESSNER

Long-term vision. It takes a long time to get a new business running successfully. I think that many entrepreneurs are looking for instant success and most of us take at least five years (or more!) to get our businesses running successfully. It takes time to learn how to run your business, reach out to the community and to build up a regular client base.

I get to choose my life within my business. I can choose my hours, how we run the clinic and many great events that provide a fun experience to everyone who comes to see us. It is great to be able to take vacation when I want to, and to be flexible if family events come up.

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

What is your favourite aspect of being an entrepreneur?

ALBERTA ORTHO

The inspiration for my business was while working as an orthodontic assistant I encountered dull pliers frequently that I knew were hurting my patients. And extra chair time resulting in the clinic running behind. It was frustrating to all parties involved. After some research I found that there are not many local sharpening businesses. Items either went to Ontario or the U.S. I have discovered there are a lot of other professions that require items they use daily to be sharpened as well. Recycling items that are not able to be sharpened is another avenue I am exploring at this time to incorporate into my business. I am excited to learn how to franchise a business. Since the inception of this idea it has greatly expanded and I am grateful to have the guidance of my mentor, Sid. Learning all aspects of owning and operating a business, I find exciting.

SID VAN DER MEER

An entrepreneur is a person who has the desire, passion and ability to handle the financial risk to achieve their dreams.

Over the years I have learned so much from each entrepreneur that I have had the privilege to work with; (it’s great) now to drive through Airdrie and see these businesses in our community and helping our community.

Oh Snap was created out of a passion for events, crafting memories and making others feel special. It has been such a rewarding passion project transforming this vintage trailer into the mobile photo booth that we affectionately named ‘Darla.’ I am most looking forward to seeing the smiles and memories my girl creates for any type of event.

What I am most excited about being part of the SMARTstart program is to network with the other entrepreneurs but also build a solid foundation for my business.

CYBERSECURITY SERVICES

Small businesses are a lucrative target for cyber-criminals. Customer personal information such as email addresses and payment details is valuable to hackers who can sell it or use it to commit a fraud. As a cybersecurity professional, I wanted to protect my family from a privacy breach by showing small businesses how to shield themselves from unexpected and costly cyber-attack.

Of course, getting knowledge that makes me more content.

DON DIXON

The ability to observe:

1. What is happening every day in your business. How your product or service is affecting your customers. Is it positive? Could it be better? Be prepared to change if necessary.

2. Your staff to identify strengths and weakness. Compliment when necessary and add training where necessary.

3

. To diagnose what is positive and what is negative about your business. Do more positive and eliminate the negative.

4. The competition. What are they doing that you might emulate? What are they doing wrong – don’t make the same mistakes they are making.

5. The market. What is happening today? What might happen tomorrow? Move to take advantage of opportunities that you have observed.

6. Market trends to stay ahead of the competition. Subscribe to trade magazines to keep ahead of the curve.

7. Observe and review your own values and goals. Are you happy with them?

Finding a product or service that excites me and then moving forward to introduce it into the market. Market research. Reviewing strengths and weakness of the product and how it might compete within your market. Preparing product knowledge with sales approach and marketing materials to bring the product to market.

Mental toughness; the ability to keep trying after you have failed.

Freedom.

OH SNAP PHOTO CAMPER

KELLY PAISLEY

Buryachenko Don Dixon — Cangos

BECOMING BOUNDLESS MEDITATION STUDIO

I was inspired through not only my experience as a stayat-home mother but also through my healing journey.

I am an individual who needs quiet in my life but found a severe lack within my home environment. When I went outside the home I was limited as to where I could go to truly decompress. It seemed like such a large task to participate in what I required for self-care and really became a huge expense. As this world becomes more compact it is important to have community spaces where individuals can meet their needs outside of the home. So like a gym (where) you would go to work out, my business is a place of calm and quiet to exercise self-care and learn the art of stress reduction through meditation. Hence my business idea.

SMARTstart is an amazing opportunity to truly explore what my dream will require of not just myself but also my family. I am most excited about gaining a more grounded approach to finance so that I can truly understand the workings of my chosen business model.

NANCY KELLN

Resilience. Anyone can have a business idea; it is resilience that turns that idea into a business!

My favourite aspect of being an entrepreneur is seeing dreams become reality.

JUST FLIP IT

The idea for “Just Flip It!” came as I watched my grandchildren try to sell toys they had outgrown. They had bought them with their own money so weren’t about to give them away. The enormous time investment from their parents posting on social media led me to think there must be a better way!

The SMARTstart program has helped me confirm that, indeed, there is a need for a much easier, fun and engaging way to capture the value of goods we already own but would like or need to replace. “Just Flip It!” will help my grandchildren and all Airdrie buyers, sellers and “thrill-of-the-find seekers” realize the value of items we already own in a new and unique way.

With the help of SMARTstart and my mentor Jennifer, I’m excited to build the Airdrie team, create the Airdrie “Just Flip It!” experience and spread the word that it doesn’t have to be new to be fabulous!

JENNIFER BENNER

Excellent time management skills: this means that they need to know where their strengths are, when to delegate to others and when to let go of what’s not working.

The ability to constantly improve. I am my greatest challenger and there is no limit on what I can achieve if I set my mind to it.

It’s been said that there is no perfect time to start a business. It may not seem like a good idea to open a new company during a pandemic, but we spoke to the owners of three diverse Airdrie businesses who are finding success while starting up during this difficult time.

WE’RE OPEN!

Airdrie businesses that started up during COVID thankful for community support

STORY BY STACIE GAETZ | PHOTOS BY KRISTY REIMER

WHERE TO MEAT

Nathan Bennett, owner and operator of The Meatery, took over ownership of the butcher shop on March 17 in the thick of the pandemic.

“It was exciting and nerve-wracking all at the same time. I was looking forward to a new beginning and following my dreams,” Bennett says.

He adds that he received the keys to the building two days before the lockdown was imposed.

“I had to re-evaluate how I wanted to open the shop while staying within the restrictions of the lockdown,” Bennett says.

“To be honest, this was a huge struggle and it took a lot of time to figure out how I could make things work.”

Because of the unusual circumstances, Bennett started by taking pre-orders for his products through Facebook beginning in April. The store opened its doors to the public at the end of May.

Bennett says the added challenge of trying to find an affordable and dependable supply of beef with many plants being affected by COVID was an additional stress factor.

The Meatery offers a wide variety of beef, poultry and pork products as well as a selection of smoked products including jerkies, smoked rings, sausage, cheeses and select gluten-free products.

He says despite the setbacks and obstacles, Airdrie residents have accepted The Meatery with open arms.

“The response has been extraordinary and overwhelmingly positive. I have heard on many occasions that Airdrie is happy to have a butcher back,” he says, adding that he has 16 years’ experience in the industry and is thrilled to build his dream of his own shop in Airdrie.

MASH IT UP

The Mash is a new pizza place that makes their crust with the spent grain from Cochrane’s Half Hitch Brewing Company.

According to Lisa Thibodeau, manager of The Mash, the restaurant opened on Main Street at the end of May.

“The concept of the restaurant is simple good food and great craft beer,” says Thibodeau.

The restaurant has seven employees between the two Airdrie and Calgary locations.

Thibodeau admits that she was nervous to open during the pandemic, as she wasn’t sure how people would accept the new restaurant and concept, but she adds she has been pleasantly surprised with the positive response.

“Opening during COVID was stressful, but the communities have been very amazing. We are so happy to be here in Airdrie and in Kensington,” she says.

She says that the company is family owned and working hard to keep staff and customers safe while they enjoy a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else.

When Half Hitch brews their award-winning Papa Bear Prairie Ale, the malt liquid extract (also called wort) is fermented and they are left with roughly two tons of what is called “spent grain.”

The owners of Half Hitch came to realize that the grain is not “spent” at all and that it is actually low in sugar and full of protein and fibre.

After months of test recipes, they found a way to repurpose the grain to create nutritious, fragrant and flavourful pizza dough that is now served at The Mash’s two locations.

“It’s a very unique process and one we are very proud of,” says Thibodeau.

PETAL POWER

Funky Petals Flower Shop opened on June 19 and owner Patricia Duggan took possession of the building the shop is located in the week before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

“We decided to continue with our renovations as our contractors are a small company and were willing to continue,” she says.

The 1,000-square-foot shop is located in a heritage house in downtown Airdrie.

The last two occupants were restaurants, but Duggan and her husband Patrick have renovated for the flower shop.

They carry giftware made by local talent, but their focus is uniquely designed fresh flowers. The shop employs Duggan and three part-time employees.

She says other than some supply issues, COVID has not presented many difficulties for her shop and adds because they were not in operation before the pandemic hit, they have nothing else to compare it to.

“We have had some flowers that are not available, and we are following the COVID protocols, but this is our normal,” she adds.

She says business has been great and she is happy with the community’s response to Funky Petals.

“I am thrilled with every new customer we have had,” she says.

“Most of our sales are walk-ins; it is a great location for us. We want to thank the Airdrie community for such wonderful support.” life

BOOMING BUSINESS:

BY STACIE GAETZ

The COVID-19 pandemic has been, to say the least, bad for business in most respects.

However, there are a few companies in Airdrie that have seen an uptick in demand since March 2020.

Dramatic shifts in customer behaviour that come with social isolation and amenities being closed down or having operations altered have caused some people to change their buying habits, resulting in huge demand increases.

We spoke with three local businesses that have seen dramatic (and welcome) interest in their products and services.

PEDALLING AS FAST AS THEY CAN

Nick Lynem, owner of Cranked Bicycles in Airdrie, says the recent increase in demand for recreational bikes, products and services has been like nothing he has ever seen before.

“We had lineups out the door with people waiting 25 to 45 minutes,” he says.

“It was a crazy, crazy spring.”

He adds that many people in the shop were either buying a bike for the first time in 10 years or wanted to have an old bike that they hadn’t ridden in years serviced because their gyms were closed.

Another common reason people were looking to get back on two wheels was the fact that their vacations were cancelled, and they were looking for something to do outdoors with the family much closer to home.

“Many people wanted bikes, helmets, gloves, tires, a rack for their car, the whole setup so they could ride out to Canmore with the family,” he says.

He adds it is important to note that in addition to demand increasing dramatically, most bicycle parts are made in China and with many factories there shut down due to the pandemic, supply was hard to come by.

“The demand in service is definitely welcomed, but it has been a learning curve for myself and my staff, too,” he says.

NERDS ARE NEEDED

Michael Duffy, a remote technology expert also known as Mike the Nerd, says the increase in people working from home has him working harder than ever.

“Most small businesses are not prepared to have their employees work from home,” Duffy says.

“This created shortages for laptops, webcams, monitors and other equipment. Businesses were scrambling to set up secure remote access.”

During March, Duffy says it was common for Nerds on Site technicians to be putting in 10- to 12-hour remote service days. He adds, business saw a 50 per cent boost on average during March through June.

He says many people who are used to using a computer at an office for all of their “important work” tend to neglect their home computer’s security and updates.

Many common concerns that Duffy has dealt with since the beginning of the pandemic include slow email, Wi-Fi not working, printer and scanner problems and internet connection issues.

“People put off issues until they are forced to deal with them, and the pandemic forced them to,” he says.

DINE IN A DASH

Thomas O’Brien, owner of Airdrie Dash Delivery, says the pandemic has had an impact on his business that he never could have predicted.

“In a time where delivery has been needed more than ever, Airdrie turned to Airdrie Dash Delivery to provide them with the food and other goods they needed during the pandemic for themselves, family members, and even friends,” he says.

The company has been delivering food and goods in Airdrie and the surrounding area for almost two years and has increased their order volume by 100 per cent since March 1.

“This is excellent because it shows we have a great foothold in the market and a very loyal customer base. We are helping our local restaurants and liquor stores during the pandemic by bringing valuable business without the large fees that large corporations charge,” says O’Brien.

“I believe that the demand for our service has to do with Airdrie wanting to help their local businesses by continuing to enjoy their goods, while limiting exposure to and spread of COVID-19.”

He says Airdrie Dash Delivery has seen such significant support from Airdrie, Crossfield and Balzac that other communities have noticed and requested Airdrie Dash Delivery expands to their communities.

O’Brien adds he plans to expand his business to reach Red Deer and Calgary as well as a number of communities in between under the name Hungry Canadian in late 2020 or early 2021. life

These Airdrie companies’ services are high in demand

“The demand in service is definitely welcomed, but it has been a learning curve for myself and my staff, too.”

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.

The Airdrie Chamber is Proud to Champion and Advocate for our Business Community!

Your Airdrie Chamber of Commerce is here to connect, advocate for, and continue to inform our business community through the COVID-19 crisis.

To connect businesses, we are offering several initiatives for learning and guidance including online Q & A Connections with all levels of government and Alberta Health Services. Despite having cancelled our largest event of the year, the Airdrie Home & Lifestyle Show, we are still offering COVID-19 friendly networking opportunities, like our 19th Annual Chamber Golf Classic, and we are excited to be celebrating business with our October Airdrie Business Awards.

Also, the Airdrie Chamber along with all Chambers throughout our country have been advocating on behalf of all businesses during this global pandemic. Continuing to provide important workshops and online communication, we strive to keep our members informed and up to date on COVID-19 related information.

It is in these challenging times that the Chamber is proud to be championing local business. We are excited to work with the City of Airdrie to promote the “Put Your $ Where Your Heart Is” campaign where we are encouraging residents to shop local and support our amazing businesses now more than ever. As always, the safety and well being of our community, and the vitality and strength of our businesses are the Airdrie Chamber’s top priorities. Together, we are stronger.

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

www.airdrie.ca/covid

All Albertans are encouraged to wear non-medical masks in public when it’s difficult to maintain physical distancing of 2 metres.

A homemade or non-medical mask is another tool to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

citylife

STORY BY STACIE GAETZ | PHOTO BY KRISTY REIMER

Alocal mental health and addictions foundation is making great strides to help shape the future standard of care in Alberta.

Thumbs Up Foundation was established in 2016 as a result of the sudden passing of Kim Titus’ 31-year-old son Jesse Braden. “Brady,” as he was known, was a beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew and friend.

Brady’s family and friends, including his mom, and his dad (also named Kim) began looking into mental health care and awareness in Alberta, as well as the larger suicide epidemic in Canada.

Brady struggled with depression briefly before his suicide and was unable to access crucial mental health care in the weeks leading up to his death, according to Titus, founder of Thumbs Up Foundation.

“It is our belief that Brady and thousands more across Canada are falling through the cracks when it comes to receiving quality mental health care in a timely manner,” says Titus.

“When a six-foot, 190-pound man can fall through the cracks, those are some big cracks.”

Thumbs Up Foundation’s purpose is to improve access to mental health care. The vision is to establish and connect resources for those patients suffering in all areas of mental health.

“We want to help improve knowledge around mental health; help to create awareness for the need for systemic changes to the current access to care and educate on the devastating loss that can result from these deficiencies,” says Titus.

Making a difference

The Thumbs Up Foundation recently received $500,000 from the Province to conduct a pilot program called Harmonized Health based on years of research that states the way we are currently dealing with mental health in this province doesn’t work.

“This has been a year in the making and it is so exciting to finally see this funding come through and know that we can move on to the next stage of improving mental health care in Alberta,” says Titus.

The funding comes from the Community Grant Funding Program (CGFP) and is part of $53 million allocated to the provincial COVID Mental Health Action Plan. The CGFP includes $5 million in funding dedicated to local organizations supporting mental health and addiction initiatives in Alberta.

Titus says the funding would have never become a reality if it weren’t for the help of a number of local politicians including Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Jason Luan, Airdrie East MLA Angela Pitt and Mayor Peter Brown.

“If it wasn’t for Angela working on our behalf behind the scenes to help us navigate these waters, we would have easily gotten lost,” says Titus.

“The fact that Peter Brown made himself available to us sends a strong message that we are doing the right thing.”

Pitt says the Thumbs Up approach addresses a gap in the community and will provide much-needed services for those suffering.

“Thumbs Up is at the centre of conversations around mental health in Airdrie so who better to help us get through a difficult time,” she adds.

“Thumbs Up plays a vital role in our community and I’ve just been so honoured to be a part of this journey.”

Airdrie’s mayor agrees and adds the Harmonized Health initiative will help people struggling with mental health issues when they need it most.

“This is an amazing asset to the community that will help people in Airdrie, Alberta and even the whole country to get the help they need before it escalates to a level where they may hurt themselves or someone else,” he says.

Brown adds he hopes within the next 10 years there is no need for an organization like the Thumbs Up Foundation because their hard work has taught people that there is a better way to care for their mental health.

The model

According to Titus, the funding will be put towards Harmonized Health, a pilot project that aims to support individuals and families requiring assistance for mental health and addiction care.

Harmonized Health’s vision is an evidence-based community health model designed to create an integrated and seamless collaboration. The program provides a model where care is provided by professionals (such as doctors and counsellors) as well as non-professionals (people who have been through the program) in a controlled and measured environment.

“The purpose of Harmonized Health is to inform for reform. The information we learn here will reform the standard of care,” says Titus.

“I fundamentally know that if this had been the standard of care when Braden was looking for help, he would still be here.”

Harmonized Health is built on four pillars:

• Medical Clinic/Physician Assessment

• Family Support

• Individual Care

• Ongoing Maintenance and Recovery Tools

She adds that the pilot program is designed to be a practical example of a community model applying the tactics that are known to be successful through research. The model is meant to be scalable, replicable and transferable to any community including rural settings, Indigenous communities and correctional institutions.

She says the project is currently in the training stage and it is difficult to pinpoint a timeline for the pilot project, but she hopes to have the data compiled by early 2021. life

For more information, visit thethumbsupfoundation.com/news/ or email Titus at kim@thethumbsupfoundation.com

“This has been a year in the making and it is so exciting to finally see this funding come through and know that we can move on to the next stage of improving mental health care in Alberta”

Ambition Arts Performing Arts Inc. (APA) is using technology to help make dance, drama and music accessible to all students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In-person fall classes at APA began early on Aug. 3 to make up for the months of in-studio time that were lost starting in March.

However, APA was able to quickly adapt to the situation and offer virtual training in the spring almost immediately after being forced to close their doors.

“There are of course challenges with learning new technology, but we have reinvested over $10,000 in our technology and training of staff as we relaunched,” says Tara Pickford, CEO of APA.

Sharon Cambridge’s nine-year-old daughter Mackenzie has been a student at APA since she was five months old and she says the fact that the teachers were dedicated to getting the online classes up and running quickly so the students didn’t miss out brought her to tears.

“I was so grateful that we are part of a team who cares so much,” she says.

“This is Mackenzie’s extended family, her sense of community, and when she had it back, even virtually, she felt much safer. I saw a big improvement in her from March to June.”

Mackenzie says the online training wasn’t perfect as there were a number of distractions in her home environment, but she was happy the season wasn’t cancelled.

“I am glad to have been able to dance at home because it gave me something to do in the evenings,” she adds.

“The studio is full of fantastic people and dance makes you healthy and strong.”

Mackenzie has chosen to take in-studio classes for the fall season.

FALL FUN

APA is offering a number of options for teachers and students of all comfort levels for their fall classes.

“We are a tech-enabled studio, meaning that we have set up all our classrooms for drama, music and dance to be able to serve all families and staff in a variety of ways,” says Pickford.

“If teachers need to stay home, they will be able to teach from home, while students attend live at the studio with a room

PIVOTING EN POINTE

Ambition Performing Arts turns to technology to teach

BY STACIE GAETZ

monitor. Students will also be able to attend virtually from home all during the same class time.”

She adds that they have also created a portal where families will be able to access recorded classes and extra resources throughout the season.

Something that will remain the same as last year is the number of classes APA will be running at 110; although they will have reduced in-person class sizes of between eight and 15 students.

The limits are based on the square footage of each room and how strenuous the level of activity is.

“We will also be able to serve any families that feel safer at home with our tech-enabled classrooms allowing us to serve a similar or increased number of families than last year,” Pickford adds.

METICULOUS MEASURES

APA has implemented higher levels of filters in the building’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system as well as high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in each classroom that are filtering the air every 20 minutes.

Additional measures the studio will be taking to ensure the safety of their staff, parents and students include:

- Staff and students are screened upon entry;

- All staff, students and visitors wash hands on entry and exit;

- Distancing markers in the lobby for drop off and pick up;

- Lobbies are closed for waiting;

- Classrooms are practicing physical distancing;

- Staff training on enhanced cleaning and sanitization procedures;

- Curriculum adjustments to allow for distancing while learning;

- Systems in place to monitor absences and help contact trace with Alberta Health Services if necessary;

- Stoplight communication system for families to easily identify if the building is open.

“We have spent countless hours ensuring that the health and wellness of everyone in our facility are at the front of every decision we make,” says Pickford.

“I am so proud of my team for doing countless hours of training and implementation so that we can get back to delivering great lessons to our families.” life

For more information, visit ambitionarts.com

Voice & Vision 2020

The Airdrie Public Library’s (APL) fifth annual Voice & Vision Collaboration (VVC) paired 15 local artists and 15 writers together to create pieces that are inspired by each other’s work.

“It is a great exercise in creativity as the artist has complete control over the first piece and then is guided to create another,” says Eric Pottie, APL’s programming and customer engagement manager.

“It’s super fascinating to see what a writer will come up with from a single painting and what an artist will create from a one-page submission.”

The artwork and written pieces will be on display at the library as well as included in an online gallery on APL’s website this fall.

The library plans to live stream a gala in September when the original and response pieces are shown, and the creators will speak about what they made and how they were inspired.

Visit airdriepubliclibrary.ca for more information on the presentation.

Here we feature Q&As with three creators and showcase the pieces they created for VVC.

To view all of the artists’ work, visit airdrielife.com

NAME: Loreen Feser (Artist) PARTNER: Kali Birks-Gallup TITLE OF PIECE: Sharing Life

ARTIST STYLE/GENRE: Oil painting and molding paste on board

I work in a wide variety of media. This piece is oil and molding paste on board to add to the texture of the paint and give a sense of the physical aspects of the moon and the tree.

My subject matter incorporates symbol and layered meaning, which is often autobiographical. In this piece, I was responding to the prose about an interconnected life. The relationship between the human form and the tree is symbiotic. The woman is encased within the tree, sheltered from the storm and each is drawing life from the other.

There are several symbols in this piece. The symbol of the leaf is a symbol of new life. The leaf is an oak leaf and according to symbology, oak leaves symbolize strength, endurance, longevity, faith and virtue. The moon is a female symbol and a disintegrating moon represents chaos, destruction and imminent threat. There are juxtapositions in this piece between beginnings and endings, new life and disintegration.

BY STACIE GAETZ

BY LOREEN FESER

SHARING LIFE

NAME: Kali Birks-Gallup (Writer)

ARTIST/WRITER PARTNER: Loreen Feser

TITLE OF PIECE: Shared Life

ARTIST STYLE/GENRE:  Writer of fantasy

This piece came from a long-term project set in a fantasy world I came up with as a teenager. I love exploring the world in terms of interconnected life. I especially like how energy never disappears and is only changed from one form into another.

Shared Life

BY KALI BIRKS-GALLUP

Snowflakes swirled. Her touch melted them. Droplets seeped into her pores, quickly refreezing. Her inner heat rapidly diminished. Her cloak did not keep out the cold.

No possibility of rescue.  It was her against this endless blizzard.

She pawed the snow and found a stick. Hope bloomed – a chance –but she could not doubt. She must believe. No, she must know.

She closed her eyes and ran her fingers over the wood’s gnarled surface. It had once been a growing, living thing. She reached for its truth, what the wood knew it was, and found it – seed, branch, tree...

Pushing back fear, she tightened her grip. She could do this. Reaching for the force that fed her own life, she extended it, first through her arms, then fingertips... Life pushed into the would-be tree and … it took hold.

The wood sucked at her like leaves drink sunlight. She bent, touching the stick to the ground. Tendrils, tiny at first, pushed snow aside and plunged deep into the earth.

The new sapling was watered with her inner strength. She planted a thought, an image of what she wanted from it. Shelter.

It agreed. Shoots sprang from the stalk as it thickened itself into a trunk. Upward. Over. Around. Curling twigs that danced in the wind soon turned solid and mighty against the gale.

The tree encased her, now safe against the icy tempest.

The shelter grew warm with mutual gratitude for life saved, given and now intertwined.

mature trees, well-groomed lawns and flower beds, and Canada geese. It also boasts a beautiful white bandstand/pavilion, which is set in this lush urban forest. I recall that pavilion being the perfect rest stop since it was halfway around the lake. I’m sure ours was not the only first date at the pavilion that blossomed into lifelong love. Lovely memories.

NAME: Verone Solilo (Artist)

PARTNER: Margaret G. Hanna

TITLE OF PIECE: First Date

ARTIST STYLE/GENRE: Modern impressionism

PLEASE DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS IN CREATING YOUR PIECE: I usually start with a scene or an experience or a memory that inspires me. I then do a lot of research into photographs and images of different aspects of that inspiration before I paint a quick sketch on my canvas. Once I have a composition in mind, I let the emotions of it flow onto the canvas using bright colours. There is some realism to my paintings, but I prefer to use an impressionistic way of describing my subject matter, so as to allow the viewer to imagine what they see for themselves.

This one was inspired by a memory. When I met my husband at 16, our first dates were bike rides to Wascana Park, in Regina, Sask. This is a gorgeous park that has lots of paths winding around the lake and through the

NAME: Margaret G. Hanna (Writer)

PARTNER: Verone Solilo

TITLE OF PIECE: First Date

ARTIST

STYLE/GENRE: Short story

PLEASE DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS IN CREATING YOUR PIECE: Verone’s piece spoke to me of two people full of joy and exuberance, totally living in the moment. I wanted to know what happened later, what their future was. Was it together or apart? Did their story have a happy ending or a sad one?

I wrote three stories – one with a happy ending, one with a sad ending and one with a potentially happy ending.

Verone and I met one afternoon, partly to get to know each other and partly to talk about our art/writing. She gave me more insight into the story behind her painting and into her philosophy of painting in general. I also read the stories to the writers’ group, and their feedback was very useful in honing them.

Finally, I submitted the story with the potentially happy ending, mostly because I like endings that don’t really end, that leave it up to the reader to imagine what happens next.

FIRST DATE

BY VERONE SOLILO

First Date

BY MARGARET G. HANNA

She was the most popular girl in high school – beautiful, witty, talented. I was the class nerd – brilliant at math and sciences, lousy at sports and small talk.

Somehow, I found the courage to ask her to the graduation dance. I couldn’t believe my ears when she said, “Yes.”

The big night, I fidgeted in her parents’ living room, only half-listening to her father’s lecture. I gasped when she swept into the room, resplendent in red. God, she was beautiful!

After the dance, she giggled and grabbed my hand. “Let’s go dance in the park.”

We danced in the bandstand, then walked among the blossom-laden trees and talked about our futures till the stars dimmed.

That fall, I went to MIT and began my career as a theoretical physicist. We lost touch.

Thirty-some years later, I returned home for my parent’s 60th wedding anniversary. The hall was crowded with people I hadn’t seen in years. I almost dropped my drink when she walked in. Age had only made her more beautiful. Her face lit up when she saw me. “Do you still dance?” she asked.

My heart skipped a beat. She remembered!

Before we could talk further, I was whirled away to give the toast to my parents. An hour later, I saw her leaving. I ran after her. “Stop! Wait!”

She turned, her eyebrow cocked. “Yes?”

“Um, um.” I was again the tongue-tied teenage nerd. “Let’s go dance in the park,” I blurted.

She laughed, then took my hand. “Let’s.

NAME: Alesha Buczny (Artist)

PARTNER: Tandy Balson

TITLE OF PIECE: Untitled ARTIST STYLE/GENRE: Mixed media

PLEASE DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS IN CREATING YOUR PIECE: My process starts with quick sketches of an Image that appears in my mind. I then start the hunt and gather of objects and materials I may use. I am in constant thought about my piece until I physically start it. This state of thought can be weeks or months. Once I feel I have everything I need, I start working on my piece; it usually takes me two to three days to complete. I also have a background with metal and jewellery, so I try to put a little metal in every mixed media piece I make. For this chrysalis piece, I wanted to combine the written words, my materials and the experience I had with motherhood. I wanted to be able to create something beautiful and rustic while still keeping some of the piece covered. For example, I left a small portion of the inner structure of the chrysalis (metal structure) as a reminder of the inner workings we can’t always see but know are there.

NAME: Tandy Balson (Writer)

PARTNER: Alesha Buczny

TITLE OF PIECE: Transformation ARTIST STYLE/GENRE: Creative non-fiction, with a preference for inspirational.

PLEASE DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS IN CREATING YOUR PIECE: My process in creating the piece was to use a real-life situation and fictionalize it to create a story that would give hope for the future.

Transformation

BY TANDY BALSON

Sarah smiled as she arranged fresh flowers in a vase. One finger touched something unusual and she jerked her hand away.

Attached to one of the stems was a shiny chrysalis, or cocoon. Her young daughters were fascinated and begged to keep it.

Day by day the girls checked the chrysalis. They couldn’t see any changes and questioned Sarah constantly. “Why is it taking so long?” Emma demanded. “When do we get to see the butterfly?” chimed in Eva.

Sarah patiently explained, “Some changes happen on the inside, where no one can see. We don’t always know how long it will take.”

Despite her assurances, Sarah wondered if she was giving the girls false hope. What if something went wrong and the transformation never happened?

Sarah thought of the changes that had taken place in her life since her twin daughters were born. In the early days, she had been so exhausted and overwhelmed she would have welcomed a cocoon to curl up and rest in. Her heart was full of love but the life she’d once known was far removed and she missed her former freedom.

Now, five years later, Sarah had learned to appreciate the unpredictability of motherhood. This change in her outlook had taken time. She’d had to let go of the past in order to fully embrace today. As in the chrysalis, this happened deep inside, where no one could see.

Sarah understood why the butterfly could not emerge until the transformation was complete. life

UNTITLED BY ALESHA BUCZNY

Ones to Watch 2020

This year our annual Ones to Watch feature focuses on eight very talented young women who are ready to ignite the world with their passions. Nominated by their teachers, each one of them offer a glimpse at a better world with their art in it.

EVALINA JAVORSKY

Age: 18

School: Bert Church High School - graduating class of 2020

Art form: Audio/video, video creator. I tend to create more “artsy” pieces that range from music videos to short films. I entered my video Life After Covid in the 2020 Skills Shares Canada competition and placed sixth in the province. I’m also a digital artist and illustrate or animate using Photoshop.

Future plans: I’m planning to go into the New Media Production and Design program at SAIT this coming winter semester. I’ll see where my plans go from there, but I know with whatever I do, I want to utilize my creativity, and make things I’m proud of with my own two hands and a camera.

Aha moment: I’ve been making videos for as long as I can remember. My cousin Calla and I used to come up with skits and film them with any device we could get our hands on. That’s how I spent most of my middle school days, just goofing around on camera. When I got to high school and went into Mr. Crawley’s class however, I started to take video production a lot more seriously. It became an art form to me, outside of my normal creative endeavours such as drawing and music. Video making grounded me in a way I never realized. It provided me an escape from my anxieties, because I knew if I had nothing else, I would always have what I create. I want to create for myself as well as others, and I would rather take pride in something I’ve made and put effort into than anything else.

AMÉLIE ROBERT

Age: 18

School: George McDougall High School - graduating class of 2020

Art form: I mostly create 2-D art in the form of paintings and drawings (acrylic, gouache/watercolour, pencil, oil paint...) but I’m always open to learning how to use new materials. I’ve recently had an interest in wood sculpting but haven’t had the time to create much lately.

Future plans: I intend on going to Alberta University of the Arts or another university related to the arts next year (taking a gap year because of COVID...) and want to pursue something in the direction of painting/drawing.

Aha moment: I think I’ve always had a hunch that I would pursue a career in the arts ever since I was in elementary. I’ve always been quite creative and have always loved creating things so when I found out that some people were making a living off of their art, I knew I wanted to do the same. I probably realized this when I was taking art lessons at about 10-11 years old from a nice lady called Anne Drouin and realized that a career based in the arts wasn’t such a foreign idea. From then on I worked hard on my art to improve and move towards a career in the arts. I still have a lot to learn and that’s why I’m hoping going to art school can help me.

JORJA-RAE WILCOX

Age: 18

School: George McDougall High School - graduating class of 2020 Art form/discipline: Musical theatre/actor

Future plans: My goal is to attend Sheridan College in Oakville, Ont., to earn a bachelor of fine arts in musical theatre and with a goal of a successful career in either theatre or film/TV.

Aha moment: My moment happened during the summer of 2018. This was my fourth Summer Intensive Program (“SSIP”) with Storybook Theatre and the selected musical was Into the Woods. The director and the creative team really pushed me hard during the process and there were many moments when I felt torn or wanted to give up because of how difficult it was. I was struggling with the role they had given me. I was scared of being judged and because I hesitated, I was holding back my talent. At one point during rehearsal, I was doing a scene and was not giving it my all. The director told me that the next time I step out on stage, he wanted me to do the scene as a drag queen. I told him that I had no idea how to be a drag queen. He said “just try.” I took a deep breath, put all my hesitations and judgemental thoughts aside and tried what I thought was a very poor impression of a drag queen. To my surprise, he loved what I did and I had so much fun doing it. Being able to not care about what I looked like and just let myself go was so much fun. That moment made me realize that theatre gives you the chance to be free, to do whatever you want and be able to have fun during the process. I have fallen in love with every aspect of theatre, (and the) the industry and I know that I want to pursue acting and musical theatre as a career.

GABRIELLE PETERS

Age: 18

School: George McDougall High School - graduating class of 2020

Art form/discipline: Fine arts. I tend to veer towards realism with acrylic paints. However, I’ve recently gotten more into some wire work where I have made a few miniature bonsai sculptures.

Future plans: I have been accepted into the University of Lethbridge for their Fine Arts program. Even though I do not have a specific career picked out yet, I hope these next four years will open my eyes to all the possibilities in the world of art and design. It’s this uncertainty which makes me so excited for my future because of all the options that I will discover!   Aha moment: I was always very artistically motivated, even as a young child, so I think I always knew this was my passion. The moment I realized I wanted to do art for a living was when my parents told me I could actually do it for a career! Up until that point, I assumed I would have had to go into something like science or mathematics, which was not and still isn’t my forte. As my dad once told me, “If you do something you love for a job, you’ll never work a day in your life,” and that is something I really hope I can achieve!

MACKENZIE COX

Age: 17

School: W.H Croxford High School - graduating class of 2020 Art form/discipline: Children’s book author and illustrator, working in the mediums Copic Markers, acrylic and water colour.

Future plans: I plan to go to the University of Lethbridge and get my bachelor’s degree in education and art. I want to teach kindergarten but aspire to be an art teacher of elementary, middle or high schools. I plan to continue writing children’s books and possibly illustrating for other children’s book authors. I want to inspire children to create and love art.

Aha moment: The response back from Airdrie, my school, the community and the families I’ve impacted; simply by doing what I love sparked my passion to continue to write and illustrate books. Reading my books to children and seeing their faces light up with curiosity is a gift. When parents send me photos of their kids reading my books and making up their own costumes related to the story and the message, it inspires me to continue pursuing my passion!

LEAH HOOPER

Age: 18

School: W.H. Croxford High School - graduating class of 2020

Art form/discipline: I do mainly illustration, using traditional mediums such as paint, markers and coloured pencil, as well as digital mediums in programs such as Photoshop and Procreate.

Future plans: I’m not entirely sure yet. I’m going to be taking a break year, focusing on honing my illustration skills with online classes and lots of practice. After that, I’m considering taking an avenue in post-secondary that would allow me to have a career in either illustration or design. No matter what I decide to do after my break year, though, I want to make sure I’m still creating art all the time.

Aha moment: Pinning down the moment that I decided to pursue art is a little complicated, as I’ve always somewhat known I wanted to do something artistic. I was constantly crafting, drawing and painting as a child and I eventually went into a painting class in Bowness at age 11, where I was really able to improve my skills. I enjoyed it so much that, despite my age meaning I had no set plans for my future yet, I knew for sure that, no matter what I was doing, I wanted to be painting in the future. I carried that sentiment with me all the way through middle school and, in Grade 10, I was able to join the Visual Arts and Media Academy at my high school. That really sprung me into understanding art as a career and pushed me to pursue something in the field, which, at first, was going to be graphic design. My decision to consider illustration specifically came pretty recently with the realization that painting and drawing people, animals and scenery is what I really enjoy and am passionate about.

MADISON HUGHES

Age: 18

School: Bert Church High School - graduating class of 2020 Art form: Photography, mainly focusing on landscape, wildlife and nature

Future plans: I plan to continue investing time and energy into learning techniques, skills and strategies to better my knowledge and overall quality of my photography. I use photography to help capture nature, which is my inspiration and passion. Using photography, I would like to one day promote the need to conserve and preserve nature around the world by working with a company such as National Geographic, Patagonia (or) The North Face to showcase the beauty of our natural earth.

Aha moment: I was very young when I got into photography. I started with a little Fisher Price camera, which I eventually upgraded to my parents’ Sony point-and-shoot camera when I was in Grade 3. I saved up money from babysitting and got a Nikon Coolpix when I was in Grade 8, and saved and invested more of my money to buy a good quality Canon camera with extra lenses and equipment a couple years later. Over the years, the hobby grew into a part of my personality. I enjoy going to a forest or on a hike and capturing what I love; it allows me to express what my passions and inspirations are and who I am as a person. It was not just one single “aha” moment, but a feeling that I was able to experience an activity that allowed me to grow and further appreciate nature, which is my passion and inspiration.  life

MACY FIELDS

Age: 18

School: Bert Church High School - graduating class of 2020

Art form/discipline: Painting

Future plans: To attend Alberta University of the Arts for a four-year painting bachelor’s. I hope to pursue mural painting, and possibly tattooing as well.

Aha moment: When I realized art was how I could express myself freely without judgement. Art is open to interpretation and there are no rules in what you can create and how you can create it. From a very young age I was painting and drawing and I’ve always loved it. I find it’s very fun for me and making a career out of it is a dream!