airdrielife summer 2023

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PUBLISHER Sherry Shaw-Froggatt

MANAGING EDITOR Jim Zang

DIGITAL MANAGER Erika Tobolski

DESIGN DIRECTOR Kim Williams

CONTRIBUTORS Crystal Adamo, Sergei Belski, Chelpea Photography Taylor Hillier, Britton Ledingham, Patricia Merrick, Carl Patzel, Josie Randall, Kristy Reimer, Shauna Quinn, Jennifer Wile, Wyatt Tremblay, Jody Sanderson

Stock photography from Pexels and istock

SALES DIRECTOR Wendy Pratt

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Sharie Tanner

PRINTING Mitchell Press

CONTACT US

EDITORIAL jim@frogmediainc.ca

ADVERTISING wendy@frogmediainc.ca

WEBSITE/SOCIAL MEDIA erika@frogmediainc.ca

FUNDED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA

WHERE TO FIND US

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

Editor’s Note

One of the great things about my job – and there are lots of them – is being able to attend the photo shoots for various stories. I don’t write all the stories myself, so I like to take the opportunity to meet some of the folks we’re profiling in the magazine.

This issue, I had the pleasure of visiting Kristy Reimer’s home photo studio for three different sessions; the Fitness Challenge ‘after’ shoot to, the Men We Admire shoot and Gabrial Morris’ front cover shoot.

Every photo shoot has an energy all its own. Our Fitness Challenge teams have become good friends thanks to many hours of working out together and texting each other with messages of encouragement and support on a group chat.

The men, meanwhile, actually seem to be semi-embarrassed about being singled out for their good deeds in the community. They don’t do what they do for the recognition, they do it because it’s the right thing to do. They’re not shy, but they’re humble.

Gabrial Morris was a combination photo shoot/concert, with Gabe treating Kristy and myself to a couple of tunes on his acoustic guitar afterwards. This talented, engaging (and ridiculously good-looking) young man is paying his dues now and will surely reap the rewards of his hard work.

I also had the chance to meet many of the local ladies who attended our Amazing Airdrie Women event at Bert Church Theatre on April 27. Truly an incredible group of human beings, each making their own unique impact on our community.

Speaking of meeting people, it was awesome to meet so many of you, our readers, at our booth at the Airdrie Home & Lifestyle Show in late April. I love getting out into the community to meet people, talk about the magazine and all things Airdrie. Thanks for dropping by!

VOLUME 20, NUMBER 2 | ISSN 1916-355X

Contents copyright 2023 by Frog Media Inc. May not be reproduced without permission. The publisher does not assume any responsibility for the contents of any advertisement, and all representations of warranties made in such advertising are those of the advertiser and not of the publisher.

EDITORIAL POLICY

airdrielife editorial is not for sale. Editorial is completely independent from advertising, and no special editorial consideration or commitment of any kind can form any part of the advertising agreement. All editorial inquiries must be directed toward the editor.

airdrielife does not accept unsolicited submissions. Freelance writers and photographers interested in assignments are asked to send an inquiry, with published samples, to jim@frogmediainc.ca

This is our summer issue and it’s packed with relevant content, including event listings and feature articles on everything from Airdrie Pro Rodeo to Pride Month and Indigenous Peoples Day. There really is something for everyone in this great city of ours!

We also profile some local healthcare heroes and check in on more than a dozen Airdrie entrepreneurs, including the craft brewers who make up Airdrie’s ‘Ale Trail’. Thanks for reading, and have a great summer!

Jim Zang

Share your thoughts on airdrielife with jim@frogmediainc.ca

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Contributors

With summer finally here, many people, including myself, start thinking about their summer vacation – if you haven’t planned it already, that is.

For myself, summer holidays has always consisted of a trip to Kelowna. My mom and dad would take us every year from the time I can remember. We’d camp on the beach at Wood Lake, sometimes for three or four weeks at a time as my dad was a travelling salesman and would make his rounds in Vernon and Kelowna while we were out there.

Fast forward to having my own children and I carried on the tradition, albeit in a full condo suite located right across the street from Gyro Beach. I still go every year, and stay on the same strip along Lakeshore Drive, only I spend less time playing in the sand now. Can’t wait until the grandkids start coming along to carry the tradition on for at least another generation!

With that in mind, I asked our contributor team what their favourite summer memories are.

Sergei Belski

I love to travel, especially road trips.. One of my favourite vacation memories is a nice road trip I did on my Vespa all the way to Mexico and back, visiting all kinds of interesting places and taking lots of beautiful photographs along the way.

Patricia Merrick

Many summer vacation memories come to mind, but nothing beats finding out I was pregnant with my first baby at a coffee shop in Amsterdam. It was a surprise! Needless to say, there was no more indulging in pints for me.

Britton Ledingham

My favourite summer vacation memory is spending time at Red Lodge with my wife, boys (1.5 and 5.5 years old at the time) and inlaws early last summer. We skipped stones and netted little critters while we waded into the Little Red Deer River and it was a ton of fun.

Carl Patzel

As a youngster, a brave group of parents tossed four siblings and as many cousins into two station wagons for a summer nation-wide tour of Canada, producing ingrained memories of fun, screams, fighting for backseat space, and new family acquaintances.

Josie Randall

One of my most cherished childhood memories is from a kayaking summer camp my sister and I did together. Even though we were the slowest group and fought throughout the entire trip, that experience brought us closer than ever before.

Kristy Reimer

One of my favourite memories from last summer was my husband and I and our young son taking our camper on an adventure to the Oregon coast and having an amazing oceanview campsite.

Jody Sanderson

Favourite summer memory? Easy. Camping at The Pinery on Lake Huron. The tents, the kids, the bikes, the fires, the food…rock collecting on the beach and campfire stories! It wasn’t glamping, but with the Colonel in charge, it was darn close!

Wyatt Tremblay

My favourite summer vacation memory is when I drove down the Alaska Highway from Whitehorse into Alberta and BC in 1994 with my four children. They were all under the age of 12, and the van was our hotel on wheels. We navigated to lakes and parks, to the magical world of Chucky Cheese in Calgary, and to both sets of grandparents. My kids still talk about that trip.

STORY BY JIM ZANG | PHOTOS BY TAYLOR HILLIER PHOTOGRAPHY

Where there’s smoke, there’s fire and, in this case, it’s coming from Amanda Lippert’s craft room.

Lippert, who moved to Airdrie 22 years ago, likes to burn hats in her spare time. But not how you might be thinking.

Under the name of Afire Hat Burning, Lippert creates unique works of art by literally burning designs into hats. Whether it’s a piece of custom artwork, something to honour a loved one, or a corporate logo, it can be ‘branded’ onto your favourite hat.

“It was purely by experimental chance that I got into hat burning. Back in 2020, in conversation with a confidant of mine, we had been discussing logos and where to have them on different items, and it sparked the idea of burning. I had a hat that didn’t get much use, so I decided to try her logo on this hat. It turned out better than expected and that’s what started it all!”

With the desire to revive her passion for creating and the love for western culture and fashion, burning hats gives the former esthetics salon owner the outlet to combine both passions into one.

“Burning is a permanent inclusion to the hat. Once details of hat and design have been decided upon, final pictures are sent to confirm the placement and design are correct on the hat. Once approval is received, the burning commences.”

The burning itself takes from one to five hours, says Lippert, based on the details and size. The whole process from finding the right hat to receiving the hat can take a couple days to a month depending on hat availability, shipping times, and design creation.

“I prefer to focus on felt-style fabrics, although I have expanded to leather, and suede materials. Some items with more delicate material such as a straw hat requires extra-special precautions.”

While she does have a limited stock of hats, Lippert suggests shopping around for the perfect size, colour, style and material for you and has many places to refer you to to find a hat you’ll love. life

BecomingGABRIAL MORRIS

STORY BY WYATT TREMBLAY

“I PRACTICE, AND I GET BETTER.”

PHOTO BY KRISTY REIMER

Airdrie’s Gabrial Morris has wanted to be a musician all his life. His passion, enthusiasm for his craft, and clarity in what he wants to be and do have guided his career.

“I started really young. It must have been grade one or two, and I started to noodle around on the guitar,” says the 23-year-old.

Growing up in Airdrie, he was surrounded by music, and as a teenager, he began practicing seriously.

“I still do that today,” he explains. “I’m not at a level where I need to stop. I work at it every day, I still practice every day, and I’ve never lost the motivation to do it.”

In 2019, Morris had the opportunity to spend a week in Nashville working with the likes of Don Schlitz, Matraca Berg, and songwriter Gretchen Peters.

“I was lucky to be there. Here are these music legends, and they’re giving me advice.”

For the most part, though, Morris is self-taught and credits his strong vocals and attention-grabbing guitar playing to his desire to hold himself to a high standard.

“I analyze and critique my performances all the time. I practice, and I get better. I want to be looked at as a highly-skilled professional musician. I’m always working towards that.”

Morris became a fixture in open mic events around Airdrie and Calgary and was getting noticed and building a fan base when the pandemic hit. Like other performing artists, he suddenly lost his stage. However, he saw the lockdown as an opportunity for growth.

“I focused hard on my presentation, my product, my sound, and my voice.”

When venues began to reopen, Morris was ready. He became the open mic host at Fitzsimmons Brewing Company, and other opportunities quickly followed.

“It happened so fast,” he says, “from not playing at all over COVID to playing five days a week.”

Morris has produced two singles, Love Me When You’re Lonely and Out of Misery. Both have become fan favourites. His edgy vocals and crisp guitar playing are bluesy with overtones of classic rock, two genres he appreciates. Out of Misery, he explains, was birthed out of the success and joy he was experiencing as a musician. He says he’d had battles with depression and mental health at times, but the response to his performances and music made him realize he’d been given a gift.

“I had to look at my life, where it was, and where it was going. It felt like chains were breaking, a weight was lifted, and I was out of misery.”

The guitar-driven song is reminiscent of the Tragically Hip and was written for his fans, he says, to express his gratitude for them.

“I’ve been given want I want. Out of Misery is about joy, about the appreciation I feel for what my fans and those who listen to my music have given me.”

In addition to playing at various venues around Airdrie and Calgary, Morris continues hosting multiple open mics at pubs such as Brewsters and 1861. Hosting these events is something he’s proud of, but he sees them as showcases for the community of musicians.

“I didn’t want it to be a competition or an ego-stroking match. We’re all friends. I get to start it off and set the mood, but we’re just there for the love of music. We all just want to play live.”

He’s also focused on writing songs for his first EP. True to his commitment to personal growth and giving his fans quality music, he’s not rushing the process.

“I’m in writing mode. This has to be good; this has to be really special. This EP will be Gabrial Morris.” life

QUENCH YOUR THIRST on Airdrie’s Ale Trail

Several small-batch craft breweries are quenching thirsts and turning the heads of local beer afficionados on what’s being called Airdrie’s Ale Trail.

These local entrepreneurs are combining cereals, barley, hop, yeast, malts and a plethora of flavours guaranteed to spread a cool, smooth satisfaction on a sweltering summer afternoon or steamy evening.

Tantalizingly tempting the taste buds, these breweries are pushing the boundaries of beer consumption by producing a range of light-coloured pilsners, interesting Indian pale ales, resonating reds and soothing stouts.

It’s a beverage that’s been enjoyed for thousands of years, all around the world, and we’ve got some of the best right here in Airdrie!

Atlas Brewing

Chasing the ancient, deity-inspired beer essence, Master Brewer and COO Michael Phipps opened the doors to Atlas Brewing in 2021.

Transitioning from backyard fermented ales to larger pub production, Atlas produces small-batch beers between 400-830 litres averaging around 3,000 litres per month.

With 12 active taps, and seating for 100 patrons, Phipps is constantly offering a variety of brews.

“It’s always nice to experiment and colour outside the lines a little bit and see what tastes good,” says the brewmaster. “We’ve done 32, and I have 100 recipes that are ready. I try and keep everything appropriately seasonal as we can.”

STORY AND PHOTOS BY CARL PATZEL

The first small sample was an almost transparent Talaria, a light, mellow ale with a slightly bitter aftertaste.

Next up, I imbibed of another Greek deity-inspired, extra special ale, Gardens of Gaia. Slightly darker and a tad bitter, hand-selected hops produced a bright almost citrus-like back-end.

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Draugr’s Treasure IPA upped the anti, using a unique malt/hops profile tasting of a golden-coloured, tropic-island sunset with a lingering sweet finish.

If that wasn’t enough to please the beer gods, dessert came in the form of Aegir’s Winter Stout. This Mexican hot chocolate stout is sneaky smooth and goes down easy but, at 11.6 per cent alcohol, will put you on top of Mount Olympus before you can say, “another pint please.”

948 Brewing Company

It took a decade for Dave Schroter and Kyle Wudrich to dial into their true passion, and the beverage-loving friends are now hitting all the right numbers with the 948 Brewing Company.

Both raised in Airdrie, the pair were searching for a local theme when creating their company and decided nothing says “Airdrie” more than the original Airdrie telephone prefix – 948. The dynamic duo have even collected the last payphone in Airdrie from HI HO Gas and Grocery to convert into taps at their Kingsview location.

Opening in 2020 – and closing three days later for pandemic protocols – the long-time local Airdrie brewmasters are putting out roughly 20,000 litres per year.

“We’ve probably made about 60 flavours and currently have about 30 different varieties in the fridge and have 12 on tap,” says Schroter of their cozy brew house with room for about 20 patrons, plus slushy and popcorn machines.

“The small batch brewing is why we can do so many flavours. We knew it was not necessarily efficient doing multiple small batches rather than one large of the same flavour, but we enjoy the variety. And the customers like it too.”

Reminiscent of days gone by, the Patio Krusher Kolsch is a light-coloured German-style Pilsner with overtones of a sweet head and clear finish.

Wisecracking towards a slightly stronger IPA, No Joke produces a touch of biting sarcasm but makes up with a smooth finish and flavour for days.

The Rail Crossing red ale keeps you on track with some caramel tones and full-bodied caboose, while for a richer, more substantial beverage, the Chocolate and Coconut Porter resembles an after-dinner treat with ingredients good enough to eat with a spoon.

The Balzac Craft Brewing Company

When owner/operator Stewart Ward opened the Balzac Craft Brewing Company in 2019, his vision was to replicate a traditional British pub for his small-batch brewing outfit. Ward had lived in Great Britain and liked what he saw, and tasted.

“We didn’t want to be a production brewer, with larger equipment and sending out product to the masses. So, we decided to become a brew pub,” says Ward, who has 10 beers and two ciders on tap at their Cooper’s Crossing location.

Producing over 50,000 litres per year, the pub focuses on traditional English-style ales steering away from overly hopladen lagers.

“All of our beers are patron-tested. If they don’t like it, we don’t make it,” added Ward who can accommodate between 100-125 people in the pub and patio during summer months.

Generating a deep, rich quality without a mongrel’s sharp bite, The Dog’s Bollocks British Brown Ale leads to a nutty, brown sugar back-end which lingers just long enough to produce that warm, fuzzy feeling you were hoping for.

Imagine spending an afternoon collecting a bucket of plump fruit, and then getting to drink the fermented finished product. The Sea Buckthorn IPA embraces a fulfilling unique taste profile only found at Balzac, without having to pick the fruit yourself. The health-conscious beer drinker may even benefit from a bit of vitamin C.

Supporting a dry, caramel finish, the Range Road Red Ale is a destination pleaser with slight bitter/sweet head.

At the end of the trail, replicating a hot summer days end, The Prairie Sunset brew starts with a citrus, bitter heat ending in a cool, smooth golden hour finish. The perfect end to any day. life

SUMMER FUN IN THE SUN

Airdrie Farmers Market

STARTING JUNE 3, WEDNESDAYS FROM 3:30-7 P.M.

320 CENTRE AVENUE (JENSEN PARK NEXT TO PLAINSMAN ARENA)

For information, visit airdriefarmersmarket.com

Creekside Yarn Festival

SATURDAY, JUNE 10, 10 A.M. – 4 P.M. AT TOWN & COUNTRY CENTRE, 275 JENSEN DRIVE

Unique hand-dyed yarns, project bags, patterns and more. For more information, visit creeksideyarnfestival.com

Bark In the Park

SATURDAY, JUNE 10, 10 A.M. – 6 P.M.

AT NOSE CREEK PARK

Sign your pooch up for one of the athletic or non-athletic competitions, or just watch the fourlegged fun. This is a Kiwanis event with all proceeds going to Jake the trauma dog.

For entry fee information, visit abarkinthepark.ca

Filipino Independence Day

MONDAY, JUNE 12, 2 P.M. AT

NOSE CREEK PARK

Join members of the Filipino Airdrie Association in celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Proclamation of Filipino Independence

For more info, visit the Philippine Consulate General website at philcongencalgary.org

Airdrie Pride Festival and Solidarity Walk

SATURDAY, JUNE 17, NOON – 4 P.M. AT NOSE CREEK PARK

See story on page 25.

For more information, visit airdriepride.ca

National Indigenous Peoples Day

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 5:30 P.M. AT NOSE CREEK PARK

See story on page 25.

For details, visit circleconnectionsforreconciliation. com/our-events

Canada Day Parade

JULY 1, 10 A.M. ON MAIN STREET AND ALLEN STREET

(Road closes at 9 a.m.)

Bring your lawn chairs and celebrate with floats, music and more. For more information, visit airdrieparades.com or see their Facebook page.

Canada Day Fireworks

SATURDAY, JULY 1, 10:45 P.M. OR DUSK AT CHINOOK WINDS PARK

Hosted by City of Airdrie

Pawz in the Park

SATURDAY, JULY 22, 10 A.M. – 5 P.M., AT NOSE CREEK PARK

A celebration of all pets, not just dogs, with pet-related vendor booths, food options and lots of fun activities including a canine agility demonstration. Admission is free, with a raffle in support of Megan’s Rescue Effort Society. For information, visit instagram.com/pawzinthepark

Ribfest

AUG. 4 – 7 AT RON EBBESEN ARENA

A long weekend of wonderful cherry wood and BBQ scent in the air and absolute lip-smacking good Ribs! For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ RibFestTourCanada

Windwood Music Festival

AUGUST 13 – 27 VARIOUS TIMES AND LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE CITY, INCLUDING AT NOSE CREEK PARK

The Windwood Music Festival was launched last summer with the goal of bringing a series of creative music performances by international artists to Airdrie over a two-week span. The project is the brainchild of local pianist Tong Wang and her long-time friend and duo partner, violinist Maitreyi Muralidharan. The two co-founders aim to provide the visiting artists with the creative surroundings, support, and encouragement to help them grow both as musicians and as people.

Performances will be happening all over town, including parks, cafes, museums, and other venues to bring the music to the community wherever people meet.

The Festival aims to showcase the beauty of connection – between land, between people, and between all things – promoting positivity in an increasingly divisive world. It’s a space where artists and the audience have the opportunity to experience that connection for themselves, together, to come together and promote well-being as a community.

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the scheduled events, but don’t be surprised if you see musical performances popping up all over town during those special two weeks in August!

Airdrie Show & Shine

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12, FROM 8 A.M. TO 4 P.M. AT NOSE CREEK PARK

Check out hundreds of cool cars, choose from a variety of food trucks and check out the vendor booths at this free event. Food Bank donations are welcome. Hosted by the Time Travellers car club. For vehicle registration fees and more information, visit timetravellers.ca

ZENON + 2023-24 Cabaret Series

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 7 P.M. AT BERT CHURCH LIVE THEATRE

Tickets and details available at bclt.ca

Airdriefest

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 11 A.M. TO 4 P.M., ON MAIN STREET

A downtown street festival full of local food and drinks, local entertainment and performances, local artisans, local businesses and non-profit organizations with over 150 booths. For more information, vist the Community Events page at airdrie.ca

Friday, August 18, 7 p.m.

Opening Concert by Duo Perdendosi at Nose Creek Park Amphitheatre

Sunday, August 20, 2 p.m.

Resident Artists Chamber Music Concert and Community BBQ at Nose Creek Park

Wednesday, August 23, 5 p.m.

Renaissance Fair and String Quartet Concert at Jensen Park

Thursday, August 24, 7 p.m.

Masquerade Ball and Chamber Music Concert at Bert Church Theatre

Friday, August 25, 7 p.m.

Music Chairs Concert  at Chinook Winds Park

Saturday, August 26, 1 p.m.

Closing Concert at Daybreak Church

Saturday, August 26, 8 p.m.

Salon Concert at the Windwood Residence House

For more information, visit windwoodfestival.com/events

AIRDRIE PUBLIC LIBRARY INTRODUCES INDIGENOUS-THEMED BACKPACKS

The Airdrie Public Library facility is situated on Treaty 7 territory, the traditional lands of the Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, Stoney Nakoda, and Tsuut’ina peoples, and on the homelands of the Métis Nation, Region III. In honour of these first peoples, APL has put together preschool and school-aged educational backpacks that can be borrowed like any other item in its collection. “APL’s preschool and school-aged indigenous backpacks are part of the library’s objective to provide a diverse and inclusive collection,” says Kelly Lauzon, APL’s Operations Manager, “giving families the ability to explore and learn about Metis and Treaty Seven Nation peoples and history through books, games, activities, and toys.”

EXPERIENCE INDIGENOUS CULTURE JUNE 21

STORY BY PATRICIA MERRICK

Airdrie residents can experience Indigenous culture first-hand through interactive activities at the second annual National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration the evening of June 21

The event will take place at Nose Creek Park through a partnership between Circle Connections for Reconciliation and the City of Airdrie. It will include dancing, drumming and singing performances from various nations, as well as fiddle players and dancers from the Metis nation, according to Adrian Pruden, co-chair of Circle Connections for Reconciliation. Jennifer Lutz, Community Development Team Lead with the City of Airdrie, says one of council’s goals is to help support stronger Indigenous connections in the community through opportunities like this event.

“National Indigenous Peoples Day is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Indigenous Peoples in our community and across the country,” she says. “Understanding the truth and what reconciliation could look like is important for every Canadian. It’s important for Canada to move on and heal and be a place where everyone can live with dignity, value and purpose.”

“Our mission overall is to create opportunities to bring together Indigenous individuals and allies to help connect people and businesses etc. on the road to truth and reconciliation, as well as to promote and educate people in a caring and peaceful manner,” he says. “It’s important to educate and share the experiences and challenges that have been created within the Indigenous community but we also want to promote the beauty of Indigenous culture.”

For more information, visit circleconnectionsforreconciliation.com.

The Airdrie Pride Society is gearing up for another Pride Festival where people can celebrate who they are, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.

“Our vision is to create a society where gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation are fully accepted and individuals can find their community in their community,” says Rhianne Fiolka, president of the society. “We celebrate and promote diversity, equality and inclusion of gender expression, gender identity and sexual orientation within Airdrie and the surrounding areas.”

The third annual Pride Festival will take place at Nose Creek Park June 17 and will include a solidarity walk, food from local vendors, as well as live performances throughout the day, she says.

Mitchell Plunkett, volunteer co-ordinator for the society, encourages people to attend the event and join a community where they can be comfortable being who they are.

CELEBRATE WHO YOU ARE WITH AIRDRIE PRIDE

STORY BY PATRICIA MERRICK

“Being yourself is what makes you human. It’s what sets you apart from everybody else,” says Plunkett.

The 17-year-old attended a monthly social gathering hosted by Airdrie Pride after moving to Airdrie in 2017 and immediately fell in love with the community.

“I just came out as trans at that point so I went to PRYSM and I loved it. I met a lot of great people there,” he says.

The not-for-profit organization provides community support, education and programming year-round for the queer community and allies in Airdrie and the surrounding area, according to Fiolka.

Monthly events include PRYSM (Pride Youth Social Movement), Parenting with Pride, Community Coffee and Board Gay-mers. The society is also planning its second annual Queer Prom for youth in Grades 9 to 12 this June. Fiolka says the society’s main goals are empowering youth and advocating for positive change.

“Whenever there is negativity towards the queer community, we’re always flooded with an outpouring of support as well,” she says. “Airdrie Pride is always trying to be visible and here in Airdrie so that those in the community know that there is always a supportive space for them.”

For more information about the festival or monthly events, visit airdriepride.ca.

AIRDRIE PRO RODEO ALIVE and KICKING

STORY BY JIM ZANG | PHOTOS BY JENNIFER WILE

The Airdrie Pro Rodeo has been a community institution since 1967 and, like a champion bucking bronc, is very much alive and kicking.

This year’s event at the rodeo grounds just west of Airdrie takes place on June 30 and July 1, starting with the Junior Rodeo at 6 p.m. on Friday and 2 p.m. on Saturday, followed both days by the Pro Rodeo.

“Both days are filled with great rodeo action, more than 250 competitors and prize money upwards of $30,000. For those that haven’t been before – we have a Junior Rodeo for kids ages 5-13, followed by a professional rodeo,” says Ashley Brietzke, volunteer secretary for the organization.

Many of the competitors will be at the Calgary Stampede a few days later and a solid contingent of local cowboys – Scot Meeks and Nick Teixeira from Airdrie, Kyle Lucas from Carstairs, Grady Quam and Lance Gordon from Crossfield – are expected to be on hand.

“We run over ‘Cowboy Christmas’,” says Brietzke. “This is a very busy time of year for contestants. Many will charter planes to get to where they need to be on time, whether that’s in Canada or the U.S. It’s a great opportunity for contestants to make good money in their rodeo career and solidify their spot at the Canadian and National Finals.”

Get there early for the Junior Rodeo, featuring crowd favourites like Mutton Busting, Sheep & Calf Scramble, Wild Pony Race, Peewee and Junior Barrels. Anyone can sign-up for the Junior Rodeo, with registration beginning June 1 on the Airdrie Rodeo website.

While the rodeo is clearly the star of the show, there’s plenty going on to keep every member of the family amused.

“Something we’re bringing back this year is the market we used to have several years ago. This will be situated by the kids’ zone so the parents can

do some shopping. The cabaret will take place both nights following the rodeo, with the event turning into an adults-only event one hour after the rodeo performance.”

Feel free to bring a camper or a tent with you, as there is free camping on the grounds and a free shuttle bus back into town.

An abundance of food options will be available: from tacos, to donairs, to poutine and corndogs, and kids’ zone is being expanded to include lemonade, mini donuts and cotton candy. life

For information on how to register or volunteer, visit airdrieprorodeo.com.

Space to grow.

You’ll find plenty of space to gather, play and live life in Chinook Gate. Enjoy parkside living next to 55 acres of year-round recreation opportunities. Plus big city amenities with a small town feel, and spacious new homes from Excel Homes, McKee Homes and Brookfield Residential. ChinookGate.com

an AMAZING NIGHT

YES, IT WAS AN AMAZING NIGHT!

The 13th annual Amazing Airdrie Women Awards presented by airdrielife and Pharmasave on Centre was a full night of laughs, tears, music, desserts, hugs and a truly fabulous vibe for the nominees and guests (200!) in attendance. $1,500 was donated to Airdrie P.O.W.E.R., plus another $1,000 ($100 per award recipient) was donated to area charities in the Tracy Work Pay It Forward Fund.

Here we share some of the highlights and you can find even more photos online at airdrielife.com

The nomination form for 2024 is also now live and available at airdrielife.com

Alicia Woynarski lets it roar in a number from Carmen.

Christine Wigley performs an original tune Caffeine and Gasoline

Amazing Legacy recipient Candice Kolson

Your 2023 Amazing Airdrie Women recipients, l to r: GPK Law Amazing Advocate Heather Spearman

McKee Homes Amazing Mentor Amy Katlan Kapcsos

First & Main Financial Amazing Legacy Candice Kolson

Pharmasave on Centre Amazing Heart Dawnie McElligot

Superior Hearing Amazing Promise Carys Singhan

airdrielife publisher Sherry Shaw-Froggatt

Cream Lingerie Amazing Determination Preet Nijjar

Pink Wand Amazing Workplace Dr. Melanie Beingessner

Vitreous Glass Amazing Cultural Ambassador Elizabeth Hall

Pureform Radiology Amazing Courage Cheryl Bulloch

Missing from photo: Explosive Edge Amazing Athlete Sophia Howell

amazing Airdrie performers did a surprise

airdrielife publisher Sherry Shaw-Froggatt and Christine Boutet from The Store Upstairs/Pharmasave

Amazing Courage recipient Cheryl Bulloch

Four

collaboration at the end of the night singing “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” From left Alicia Woynarski, Christine Wigley, Hayley Isabel and Eden Regier.

seniorlife WITH JODY SANDERSON

Experience is actually a GOOD THING

The mug shot accompanying my byline for this article was taken a couple of years ago, during the pandemic, as part of a promotion for a play I was directing, via Zoom.

No word of a lie! Theatre in seclusion.

Not a bad pic, if I do say so myself. Since then, however, I have let the natural white and grey emerge, only changing the colour when the Blue Jays are in spring training. Now that we’re in regular season ball, it’s back to the combination. What a difference a box of hair dye makes!

A few weeks ago, I was waiting for a sales associate in a busy box store, who must have thought that, as a senior, I had all the time in the world, because he kept telling me he’d be right with me after he helped another family, a young woman and another staff member.

I had to wave my hand in front of my face to make sure I was still there.

I’m always looking for freelance opportunities, or contract work. My experience and ability used to be my greatest assets. No more. If I do get an interview, the conversation centres not on what stories I’ve covered, but when I covered them – focusing on my age without actually asking me.

So, I threw it out to social media friends and acquaintances to see if it’s just me.

It’s not. It’s a real thing. And it’s called ageism: a prejudice or discrimination based on a person’s age. Mandatory retirement ended in Canada in 2011. In 2022, 74 per cent of the respondents to a Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) survey said, even though they’re not forcing us to retire anymore, it’s still a problem. A report by the Kaiser Family Foundation found one in three seniors are economically insecure. In both Canada and the U.S., suicides by 45-64 year old men are skyrocketing. We all know how disposable seniors became during COVID.

It could all be very depressing, except, collectively, Canadians in particular are fighting back.

The film Golden: The End of Ageism was released in 2021, is an International Film Festival award-winning documentary. Very enlightening and encouraging.

CARP, the International Longevity Centre Global Alliance, and Moses Znaimer’s Zoomer Media are all working to change government and industry policy and attitudes.

And, while we may not be storming the boardrooms of the nation, we have plenty of other tools to use.

We don’t have to sit on the sidelines of family functions, or community events. Let’s speak up!

We have social media skills. Let’s use them to stay abreast of current affairs and why you can appreciate your teenage granddaughter’s preference for Tik Tok over Instagram.

Stay positive. We have a lot to be proud of looking in our rearview mirror, and a lot to offer now and in the future.

Volunteer. Anywhere. With anyone. Hang out with young people at the gym or in an education setting.

Keep active physically. Try something new. After all, age really is just a number. life

PHOTOS BY KRISTY REIMER

FIT CHALLENGE 2023 AND THE WINNER

IS ... EVERYONE!

After three months, dozens of intense workouts and hundreds of nutritional meals, the winners of our annual Fitness Challenge are – drum roll please – Aubrey and Kelly!

Aubrey and Kelly each win a personalized three-month nutrition plan from Simply For Life, plus one-month free membership and lots of cool swag from Orangetheory Fitness. In reality, however, leading a healthier long-term lifestyle is the biggest win of all!

Three teams of two took on our Challenge, starting January 1 and finishing on March 31, committing to at least three months of a rigorous personal training program and specific meal plans – all while working, raising families and tackling various personal health issues.

“This year’s Fit for Life Challenge saw six people all transform in their own way throughout the 12 weeks,” says Tricia McDonald of Orangetheory Fitness Airdrie. “Some made awesome changes with nutrition and paired with Orangetheory workouts at least three times a week, saw amazing weight loss. Others showed up to every challenge ready to take it on, overcoming underlying stresses to just show up. Everyone made great

strides towards #morelife for themselves, their families and became an inspiration for our Orangetheory community.

“Aubrey and Kelly came into the studio quiet and I would say a little hesitant on the first day, so I knew that we would be challenged as coaches to motivate them.  It only took about a week or two for them to both settle in and we knew that they would be really committed to this challenge.

“I chose Kelly and Aubrey based on their full commitment to every challenge put it front of them. From Kelly stating she wanted to make it to one mile in our 12 minute tread for distance, at the end of the challenge (which she did!) to Aubrey and Kelly signing up for our annual “Dri Tri” in which both of them finished with amazing smiles on their faces.

“They have proven to that with commitment and courage to step outside of their comfort zone, you can achieve great things! I see now that this was not just a fitness challenge for them, but a transformative wellness journey, one that they now have the tools to continue on and inspire others.  We are so proud of them and all of the challengers that chose #morelife for themselves.”

AUBREY AND KELLY

JULIE AND JESSY

TAMMY AND MIKE

AUBREY

“The biggest lesson that I took away from this challenge was that I can do hard things!  In the past I would tell myself that it was too difficult, which would slow me down.  Now, I am confident that these challenges just make me stronger and it sure feels great when I have accomplished them.”

KELLY

“I don’t have any stories, but what I found inspirational were the teams. Hearing their stories, challenges and motivations was truly inspiring, and I am looking forward to supporting them and being supported by them as we all continue to live going forward in a healthier and more active way.”

MIKE

“I was very hesitant at first when I received the news that I was going to be competing in a lifestyle change challenge. Over the years I have been very complacent in my daily routines and I kind of let things go. The thoughts of the unknown really scared me as I am overweight and not a very active person. What happens if I don’t change? What happens if the picture in the magazine doesn’t show any signs of success? What are the signs of success? What if I let my team mate down? These were the thoughts racing through my mind. Then it was like a lightbulb clicked on, thinking about the possibilities to improve on everything in my life and bestow the potential to make it even better!”

TAMMY

“My goals going into this was to change my lifestyle. I wasn’t going into this thinking I would lose a ton of weight, but I wanted to lose enough that I could be physical and exercise without pain.  When we started I had back pain and knee pain which made things difficult but the longer we went, the stronger I felt and although the pain is still there a little it has improved dramatically.“

JESSY

“My goals were to kick start a healthier overall lifestyle, and to gain some confidence back after having kiddos. I met a lot of amazing inspirational people throughout the challenge along with amazing coaches! So, I would definitely say it helped bring me some motivation to continue a healthier lifestyle moving forward.”

JULIE

“The best lesson that I will take away is that consistency has compounding effects on your health, both for the positive and negative, so choosing positive consistency, even if it is small, will have positive compounding effects in the future.“

Special thanks go out to our partners, Orangetheory Fitness and Simply For Life for providing expert advice, access to their services, and motivation. Our competitors have been raving about what a positive experience it’s been right from the beginning, and we couldn’t have done it without you!

While only one team is named the official ‘winner’, all the challengers are winners just for undertaking and completing the challenge. Hopefully everyone will carry the knowledge and habits they’ve gained forward with them beyond the Challenge into their everyday lifestyles. If you know any of our challengers, or see them in the grocery store or on the street, give them a big thumbs-up and a “Way to go!”, they’ve definitely earned it. And, if you’re looking to make a change to a healthier lifestyle, watch for our call for participants in the fall. Or, better yet, start on your own – now. You can do it. Just ask Mike, Tammy, Aubrey, Kelly, Jessy or Julie! life

For complete final results and more quotes from our contestants, see the full story at airdrielife.com

parentlife

WITH JIM ZANG

Perspectives on Parenting

As Bob Dylan once sang: “The times, they are a changing.” Especially when it comes to parenting.

I’m no parenting ‘expert’, although I do have a sociology degree with a minor in psychology, but, as a son, father, and now grandafather, I do have plenty of perspective when it comes to parenting.

Parenting is an interesting thing. There are no prerequisites other than physical maturity. No aptitude tests, no training required, no interview process. In fact, many times, becoming a parent isn’t even a conscious decision. It just … happens.

Yet, somehow, despite all the trial and error, the human race persists.

So, just what qualifies someone to be a parent? What knowledge and personal qualities are needed to be successful? And how do you measure success?

Yup, this parenting gig is a real enigma, with each generation doing what it thinks is best to raise the next. And each vowing not to make the mistakes their parents did.

Certainly, today’s parents have to deal with challenges my own parents had never heard of:

Jim Zang and kids in 1994.

things like the Internet, social media, gender identity options and climate change weren’t big issues of the day when I was growing up. My parents didn’t have to worry about that. Nor did I as a kid.

Which may have been a good thing as people tended to have children at a younger age back then. My mom was 20 when I was born. I was 28 and my wife 29 when we had our first. My daughter was in her mid-20s. My son and his wife were 32 and 29 respectively. Of course, finances play an important role as many couples are waiting until they feel financially stable before procreating.

We were taught to respect our elders and not to talk back to teachers. Good old Dr. Freigang made housecalls to our home when we were sick. And I got spankings when I was bad. There was no Google to research anything, so many parents, including mine, relied on Dr. Spock’s Baby and Child Care book for information. Not Mr. Spock, Dr. Spock.

In truth, it should probably be required reading. I may be the exception, but when we had our first child, he was literally the first baby I had ever held. I learned fast, and by the time he was four months old I was driving him to daycare every morning and changing a dirty diaper when we got there.

That’s how much time women got for maternity leave back then, four months, which was an improvement over the zero time off my mom’s generation got. In the past, to have a family, women had to quit their jobs. Period. We’ve come a long way since then, for the better.

The fact is, there’s no single ‘right’ way to raise children. My sister was a parent who didn’t believe in telling her kids ‘No’ or disciplining them and her kids turned out great. My two kids, a boy and girl, although raised in the same household by the same parents, couldn’t be more different in terms of personalities. What ‘worked’ with one didn’t necessarily with the other.

The conclusion I’ve come to over the years is that you really have to be a parent to understand what it means, how it feels, to be a parent. There’s nothing quite like it and I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. life

“We were taught to respect our elders and not to talk back to teachers.”

homelife

TIPS ON CREATING THE ULTIMATE KITCHEN

WITH THE HOMES BY AVI DESIGN TEAM

Creating the perfect kitchen to suit you means finding the perfect blend of function, mood and harmony. It’s often easiest to begin by choosing what kitchen style you want: galley, U-shaped, L-shaped, with island or without. Then, within that style, do you prefer modern, classic, traditional, contemporary or a more organic design? This is where consulting with an expert can make a big difference. Ask yourself the important questions: What are your important must-have items? Do you need things like a warming drawer, wine fridge, convection oven, etc.? What types of things do you do in the kitchen? Is it just for family eating? Do you entertain there? And, of course, what’s your budget? The first things to consider are flooring, cabinets, and countertops. These are the items that occupy the most visual space in the room. If you have an idea of the look you want to create ahead of time, selections can be much easier.

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Flooring comes in four main types: hardwood, laminate, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or tile – and a myriad of options of each. Not a lot of people use linoleum anymore, and carpet is a definite no-no for kitchens. You can go with a sleek hardwood that gives you a modern feel, or something resembling baarn wood for a more rustic appeal. Likewise, tile comes in a vast assortment of sizes, styles, colours and textures. Don’t forget about texture!

Countertops these days are generally granite, Caesar stone or marble, and laminate is still a popular choice, while funkier options like concrete, butcher block and even steeltop are less common but still seen occasionally in the most custom of kitchens.

Cabinets can really set the tone for your room. Are they white? Dark natural wood? Do they give a modern or a farmhouse feel? Do you want them the same colour as the walls? What about the hardware? Are you a fan of lazy Susans? And, of course, it’s not all about look, you’ve got to have enough counterspace to prepare meals and enough cabinets to store your cookware.

1 2 3 4 36 airdrielife.com | 20|23 SUMMER

Plumbing fixtures can add a dash of form as well as function. Do you need an extra-deep sink? Two split halves? Do you like stainless steel or the silgranite? What about the finish: nickel, chrome, stainless steel, brushed gold or oil-rubbed bronze? Do you need a spray-nozzle? What about a pasta pot tap? Maybe a garburator? There are even touch-operated faucets these days.

Brookfield Residential creating connections in Chinook Gate

STORY BY JIM ZANG

When Brookfield Residential initially broke ground on the then-new community of Chinook Gate, back in 2018, it was the 60-plus-year-old developer/builder’s first foray into the Airdrie housing market.

With the city of Airdrie population growing at a rate of close to 20 per cent every year, the opportunity was perfect for one of the country’s leading land development and home building companies to enter the local market and create a real win-win relationship with Airdrie homebuyers.

In the five years since, the award-winning company has been hard at work in the 113-acre community bordering Chinook Winds Regional Park, south of Yankee Valley Boulevard.

Phase 6 has just been released, with 112 lots available, and Phases 7 and 8 will add about another 300 lots total between them, says Mary Aucoin, Brookfield Residential’s marketing manager, Alberta communities.

“This community borders one of the largest amenities in Airdrie, Chinook Winds Regional Park. We have amplified the value of living next door to such a great space, creating connections between the community and park.”

Duplex, laned and front-garage home options are available, with architectural styling featuring Arts and Crafts/Craftsman, Contemporary, Prairie and Farmhouse designs ranging in size from 1,600-2,300 squarefeet and starting from the low $400,000s.

“You will be able to afford more house, have a bigger yard for the same or less than in the city of Calgary,” says Aucoin.

Builders include Brookfield Residential, Excel Homes and Airdrie-based McKee Homes, with show homes located at Chinook Gate Green and Chinook Gate Bay.

One of the best amenities in Chinook Gate is its Home Owners Association (HOA). This group handles the maintenance of the community, like snow removal, enhanced landscaping, seasonal lighting and multiple community events throughout the year. You can enjoy the small-town lifestyle and charm with big-city amenities next door and down the street.

The community has a playground, future Rocky View school site and an interconnected pathway system so that all paths lead to the star of the show, the 55-acre Chinook Winds Regional Park.

Chinook Winds Regional Park is a truly one-of-a-kind all-season destination for Airdronians of all ages, thanks to the variety of recreational amenities on-site, including three playgrounds, skate park, summer spray park, a multi-use court (spring/summer), outdoor skating rink, two concessions (seasonal), public washrooms, toboggan hill, four beach sand volleyball courts, eight ball diamonds (four youth and four adult) and even cross-country skiing. A licensed concession can be booked for scheduled tournaments and ball games.

Build-out is anticipated for 2029, Aucoin says, with an estimated future population of approximately 2,269 people, meaning there’s still time to get in on this great family-friendly community.

“We have created an incredible space for couples and families to afford and grow into. There is a great sense of community in Chinook Gate.” life

realestatelife WITH

There has been a large debate recently, as interest rates have risen, that home ownership may not be as desired as in the past. However, when faced with the equally rising costs of rent, it can be a real battle to figure out what is best for you.

While the cost of living has dramatically increased, we are also seeing personal debt levels rising. Part of that rising debt level is our pursuit to maintain an image that we believe reflects a successful life, including travel, and ‘living in the moment’. What this does is erode our ability to save.

So, if you live in debt to maintain a lifestyle, how does that affect your ability to enter into home ownership? And is renting the future? The answer is that home ownership is still better. “Home ownership safeguards against our modern-day consumerism that promotes lifestyle over financial freedom,” says online real estate guru Jared James.

What home ownership does is force you to make your mortgage payments. This ultimately contributes to your overall financial security as, one day, you will be able to sell your home that will have equity in it, thereby providing you with what was always a form of a savings plan.

If you are making mortgage payments, you may be forced to let go of some of the luxuries that we get caught purchasing in the constant consumerism push we are bombarded with on a daily basis. Staying in a rental does not pay yourself either. While we need landlords, renters are building their landlords’ financial future, not their own.

So, to renters, make the choice between those consumer luxuries, maybe skip some vacations, and save for a down payment. Your future self will thank you when you are a homeowner with equity that allows you to have some financial security. For homeowners, keep doing what you are doing as it is the right thing.

Experience estate home living in a community designed to offer spacious lot sizes in a community just north of Calgary, Alberta. In this prairie estate community, residents will enjoy the luxury of space without losing the convenience of city amenities.

Located only 20 minutes from the downtown Calgary core, residents will easily enjoy all the amenities of urban city life. Experience prairie estate living, and reserve your lot. Sign up for our email newsletter today to receive notifications, and to be the first to know about this exciting new development.

LIVE IN LANARK LANDING, AIRDRIE AB

Lanark Landing in Airdrie, Alberta is a community that’s connected to it all. With g reat access to downtown Calgary, the Rocky Mountains, the airport, and great schools, find everything you need for convenient living in this new Airdrie neighbourhood.

Soon to be serviced by an interchange at 40th Ave/Hwy 2 providing even better access to Calgary and Airdrie, Lanark Landing is a community connected to everything you care about.

Visit our website to learn more, and to view showhomes today.

Sunset Ridge is a community designed to support your active outdoor lifestyle.

From our outdoor exercise circuit, to 5+ km of scenic paths for a casual stroll or a quick run, there are lots of ways to get outside and get active. In Sunset Ridge, it’s easy to get the whole family outsideambling trails and parks create space for kids to burn off energy and places for dogs to roam and explore.

Overlooking the charming town of Cochrane, Sunset Ridge is where the sun-kissed mountains and big blue skies welcome you home.

Visit our website to learn more. SCAN QR

Bayside a shining jewel for Genesis Builders Group

STORY BY JIM ZANG

When your company name literally means ‘the origin or coming into being of something’, people have high expectations.

In the case of Genesis Builders Group, they’ve been exceeding consumer expectations for more than 20 years as a builder, and much longer as a developer, including in Airdrie since the late 1990s.

The company is currently building in Bayside Estates, Bayview and the Newport at Canals Landing town home community in Airdrie, as well as in Cochrane and Calgary.

In Bayside, where Genesis began servicing the land in 1997, build-out is anticipated around 2029, with five walk-out lots left with green space backing onto water and seven quick-possession homes ready for fall move-in, says Ryan Buchanan, area sales manger for Genesis.

Right now, the company has 387 homes in various stages of construction and 21 lots available as part of Phase 12 of the community, with both 40-foot wide front attached garage lots and 67-foot front attached garage walk-out lots available.

“Bayside Estates has 19 different models, with a mix of front attached bungalows, two storey, wide lane, and wide shallow. We have also received approval for carriage suites to be built on the wide lane lots. There are only five walk-out lots left backing onto greenspace and water and this will be the last phase that offers this. Our laned product is estate laned homes with a optional 3 car garage at the back with an optional suite above.”

Single-family homes range from 1,614 -square-feet starting at $668,000 for bunaglows; 2,100 square-feet and $680,000 for two-storey homes; and $810,000 for front-attached garage homes with walkout basements and backing onto greenspaces. Laned es-

tate homes start around $770,000, with all prices including lot, home and GST.

“Bayside purchasers are usually a mix of downsizers (looking for a bungalow) and move-up families looking for more space,” says Buchanan. “The community tends to attract those that like to lead an active lifestyle, due to its design. There are plenty of pathways, and a massive canal system that local residents take full advantage of!”

Two new show homes are open in Bayside Estates at 2639 and 2643 Bayside Boulevard, plus a new wide-lane home open for viewing right across the street and a laned three-car garage show home at 2774 Baywater Landing.

Meanwhile, not far away in Canals Landing, the Newport townhome development offers one, two and three-bedroom homes.

“We’re committed to understanding what today’s purchaser needs in their new home, and to bringing it to life. We focus on providing efficiently-designed spaces at every square footage, as well as providing lifestyle options in our models to further suit the specific purchaser’s need. Genesis has also recently introduced a standard smart package. Not only do we provide a comprehensive list of smart devices (as standard), we also set you up with a smart tech expert after you move in to ensure that your new tech is fully integrated with your life.”

Although pressure from the Bank of Canada’s interest rates the over the past year has caused the housing market to cool slightly, Buchanan is positive about the outlook for Airdrie.

“We tend to go through cycles where the ‘Airdrie Advantage’ becomes more prevalent (more affordable homes in Airdrie). We are currently in a stage where the Airdrie Advantage is notable compared to the same sized homes & properties within Calgary, so it’s still a great time to buy.” life

“We’re committed to understanding what today’s purchaser needs in their new home.

THE CONNOR BY CALBRIDGE HOMES

SHOW HOME MAP

FIND YOUR NEW NEIGHBOURHOOD!

1. VISTA CROSSING BY DREAM (CROSSFIELD)

2. MCKEE HOMES IN VISTA CROSSING

3. WILDFLOWER BY MINTO (COMING SOON)

4. SHANE HOMES IN MIDTOWN

5. GENESIS BUILDERS IN BAYVIEW

6. MCKEE HOMES IN BAYSIDE

7. MCKEE HOMES IN CHINOOK GATE

8. EXCEL HOMES IN CHINOOK GATE

9. CHINOOK GATE BY BROOKFIELD

10. COBBLESTONE BY MELCOR

11. SHANE HOMES IN COBBLESTONE

12. COOPER’S CROSSING BY WESTMARK

13. HARDER HOMES IN COOPER’S CROSSING

14. LANARK LANDING BY MELCOR

15. HOMES BY AVI IN LANARK

16. SOUTHWINDS BY MATTAMY

17. SOUTH POINT BY VESTA

18. THE PINNACLE BY MELCOR (COCHRANE)

19. PRAIRIE ESTATES COMMUNITY BY MELCOR (COMING SOON - BALZAC)

DEVELOPERS AND BUILDERS ADVERTISING IN THIS ISSUE ARE FEATURED ON THIS MAP. TO GET YOUR PROJECT ADDED CONTACT WENDY@FROGMEDIAINC.CA

Rover, Rover, come on over!

If working from home has taught me anything, it’s the comfort of companionship from having my almost 18-year-old Bichon Shih Tzu Yorkie, forever at my feet. As time takes its toll, I find myself planning my summer vacation and exploration with his aging needs in mind. And, like many, despite my longing for a long tropical escape, summer planning starts with ‘what about the dog?’ Luckily, summering in Airdrie with your four-legged friend couldn’t be easier. Whether you’re looking for an active day out or a quiet spot to soak up the summer sun, use this guide to plan your perfect dog’s days of summer.

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE A CLASSIC

Make your first stop one of Airdrie’s many parks. The ever-popular East Lake small dog park. caters to dogs 30 pounds and under. For larger breeds, the off-leash area at Nose Creek Park is a favourite destination for many. Or leash up and enjoy one of the city’s many walking trails and picnic benches on a warm sunny day.

EVENTS GONE TO THE DOGS

New this year are two community events with a special focus on our furry friends. Bark in the Park is the first exciting event you will want to attend. It takes place on June 10, at Nose Creek Park from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Dogs can socialize with other pups and participate in fun activities like a talent and fashion show, frisbee toss, best tricks or high jump competition. There are also demonstrations and exhibitions. The second event for Airdrie’s canine crew is Pawz in the Park on July 22, also happening at Nose Creek Park. It will be a day filled with fun activities, including a market, agility demos, food trucks and even a wiener dog race.

If a quiet evening on the greens is more your thing, Woodside Golf Course has implemented a new policy allowing golfers to bring their leashed dogs onto the course on Friday through Sundays after 4 p.m. at no extra cost. As tempting as a game of fetch on the dogleg fairways may be, dogs must be leashed at all times, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.

SIP OR SLURP SUMMER AWAY

After a long day of activities, there are plenty of pet-friendly cafes and restaurants around the city. Good Earth Coffeehouse and Bakery has a great dog-friendly patio to relax on and enjoy the fresh air.

The Toad and Turtle is another family-friendly option, offering a wide range of meal options and libations on their lively and sundrenched patios. Water bowls are available.

Airdrie’s Ale Trail is also home to several local breweries with dog-friendly patios where BYOB (Bring Your Own Biscuits) is encouraged.

If you’re looking for something different to do, shop Where On Earth Did You Get That? This locally-owned business is filled with all things vintage and antique. Pick up a copy of Old Yeller, or one of grandma’s collectable dog figurines.

Airdrie is a wonderful place for pet owners, with plenty of activities, spaces and services to explore. Find more dog-friendly businesses and supports at airdrie.ca/visit.

Grab your leash, and pack a few treats as we call ‘Rover, Rover come on over!’

Find more at www.airdrie.ca/visit. life

Shauna Quinn is the Tourism Development Officer with the City of Airdrie.

WORKLIFE | COLUMN

businesslife

WITH SHAUNA QUINN

SWEET TOOTH CANDY CO.

FULFILLING A FAMILY DREAM

STORY BY JIM ZANG | PHOTOS BY SERGEI BELSKI

The first thing you notice when you walk into the new Sweet Tooth Candy Co. on Kingsview Boulevard is the scent of sugary sweetness in the air. The second thing is owner Tim Campbell standing in the open kitchen area, mixing a glass bowl of chocolate by hand.

A wall of hand-made chocolates greet you on one side, with a counter full of cupcakes, cheesecakes and assorted other goodies beckoning on the other. A wide assortment of classic candy favourites brings back fond memories of summers spent walking to the local candy store with friends. There’s even a small room featuring products from a variety of local small businesses.

Sweet Tooth Candy Co. is a true family business in the strictest definition of the term. It all began 29 years ago when Tim’s late wife, Cheryl, started baking and making goodies at home for family and friends. When they moved to Airdrie 13 years ago, it was only natural that they continue to do the same here. Unfortunately, Cheryl passed away from cancer three years ago – but the family dream lives on.

“We are a family business with my six kids involved in the store and now my new partner in life, Kjersti, who takes care of all the paperwork and ordering of stock and helps whenever or wherever she is needed,” says Tim. “Stephanie Campbell is the main baker, Brittany Campbell is the second baker and takes care of the local vendors room, Brandon Campbell is the third baker, Josh and Nicky Campbell are my twins and they run the front-end customer service and all the computer stuff. Timmy Campbell helps out when he can as he works on road construction.”

“It was devastating to all of us when Cheryl passed away, and I almost stopped making goodies. Thank God we pulled together to help each other and keep our dream alive. Now Steph, Brit and Brandon are the amazing bakers who create and add new products! Even the twins are creating new ice cream and cotton candy treats for the customers.”

They use only fresh and natural ingredients in their products, says Tim, and everything is made on-site. In fact, it’s made right before your eyes, with the kitchen and ovens in the back in full-view

of the front counter. If you’re looking for gluten-free baking that still tastes good –this is where you’ll find it.

“Our shelves are full and ready to sell each morning and we take orders so you can always get your favorites before we sell out. The business is going great and growing. We are making new products all the time and especially listening to our customers. We’re adding products that they want us to have, like new flavours, gluten friendly and vegan-friendly options. We get compliments daily on how good our goodies are and most of all how friendly and helpful our staff is.

“This business has been a family dream of ours for years. To be able to open it in Airdrie and have all my kids involved means the world to me. The community support has been unreal, with so much love and caring from all over Alberta and beyond. There are no words to descried it, but thank you from the bottom of my heart.

“I dedicate this dream to my amazing wife, Cheryl, who was our rock and wanted nothing more than to help someone out if needed or see them smile. She raised our amazing children to be what they are today and wanted them to be close and be part of our dream. It’s all finally happened, and now she’s looking down on us from heaven, smiling.” life

“We pulled together to help each other and keep our dream alive.”

BRELLA VIDA offers a unique Airdrie experience

STORY BY JIM ZANG | PHOTOS BY SERGEI BELSKI

Have you ever driven down Kingsview Boulevard and wondered what that fancy new house on the west side is? You know the one – it’s possibly the most architecturally unique building in Airdrie, in a location that seems like a funny place to build a mansion.

Well, wonder no more, because it’s Brella Vida: Airdrie’s only corporate and community events facility plus members only café and lounge.

There’s no big sign out front, and no big PR campaign or membership drive, which is all part of owner and self-proclaimed chief visionary officer Ron O’Neil’s low-key approach. Instead, a small sign by the sidewalk tells pedestrian passers-by what Brella Vida is all about.

“There’s nothing like it in Airdrie,” says O’Neil excitedly of the company and custom-designed facility.

Brella Vida is two companies in one, says O’Neil. It is a unique small events centre and a members only “amplified café”. Members gain access four days per week on a rotating schedule. The other days, non-members can secure Brella Vida for their own private event. To secure an event, O’Neil suggests making an appointment and tasting some of the amazing offerings from Brella Vida.

On the membership side, O’Neil came up with the idea for Brella Vida while working in different parts of the world.

“I spent lots of time in airport lounges. I experienced what chaos looks like, always on the lookout to find a brief “refuge from the storm”. Brella Vida was designed to provide such a refuge from the pressures of everyday life.”

With Brella Vida, O’Neil and his staff seek a more connected form of customer service.

“We want to know our members to ensure a tailored experience, without the pretentiousness that often comes with it.”

Those members are treated to a familiar, relaxing experience that begins with their custom member’s app that unlocks the front door, tells members about the day’s menu and takes care of the billing. If all that isn’t different enough, here’s another oddity: no tipping is permitted!

O’Neil initially bought land in Airdrie because the city was growing and there was no municipal business tax. At the time, he also wanted to be on “the other side of the airport” from Calgary. After he sold his previous company, he thought Airdrie may be ready for this kind of space and “this kind of ‘events-meets-membership’ kind of idea.”

The building itself is nothing short of spectacular. When you walk through the front doors, you’re greeted by a huge sunken, circular fire pit reminiscent of a groovier time. There’s a complete commercial kitchen, wood burning oven, quartz countertops

everywhere and a bar faced with Himilayan salt blocks. Craft beer from local brewers, along with a very appealing red and white wines, are all on tap.

Upstairs, entering a code into a false book on the bookshelf allows access to a hidden boardroom with a hand-crafted wood-hewn table that seats 16 and a loft area housing a grand piano. Everything is app-controlled, making it one of the smartest buildings in Airdrie. Outside, there’s a huge south-facing deck overlooking a pond, fruit and pine trees and walking paths.

As amazing as both the form and function of the architecture are, however, it’s the quality of the human experience that sets Brella Vida apart. The Brella Vida team of Managing Director Brianna Blackburn, “Chef de Mission” Matt Formagin and Manager of IT and Infrastructure Philip Ottenbreit, all have the customer experience as their number one priority.

“For members,” says O’Neil, “they have a relaxed environment where they can count on having a space to work or be social. They can influence the music and the menu. They enjoy the dedicated work of Red Seal Chef Matt by sometimes ordering “off-menu”. For events, our staff will work hard to make just about anything happen. For us, it’s fun to offer customer service tailored to the individual.”

In addition to growing membership and events clientele, future plans include holding cooking classes and sometimes selling ice-cream to the public. The best news of all about Brella Vida, however, is that it’s not too expensive to belong, and everyone is welcome.

“Our members are blue collar, white collar and even no collar,” laughs O’Neil. “No matter where you are on life’s journey, you’re welcome here.” life

We create VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES to address community needs and to INSPIRE YOUTH for a lifetime commitment to service. Join us weekly for projects that will make POSITIVE CHANGE.

The I.T. Company Ltd.

REAL PEOPLE PROVIDING REAL SOLUTIONS

STORY BY JIM ZANG |

It only takes a couple of minutes talking with Kelly Paisley to figure out that his company, The I.T. Company Ltd., is nothing like other IT companies.

For starters, Paisley describes his role as Managing Partner and All-Around Cool Guy. His co-Managing Partner, Andrew Bennett, doubles as Office Robot, while Andrea Mettimano takes care of Logistics and Coffee Consumption and Dominic So is the Solutions Engineer who, says Paisley, “is loved by his peers.”

For a company that will celebrate its 15th anniversary in October 2023, it’s obvious these guys still know how to have fun while getting the job done.

In the beginning, the two founders had worked together as an internal corporate IT team for a company in Calgary before leaving to start an internet café and gaming centre in Airdrie, Where Paisley and Bennett both live. After hearing one too many IT support horror stories from business acquaintances, the pair began doing more and more IT service, “first for beer and dinner,” says Paisley, “but as the business grew through referrals we started charging for our services.”

With both the potential and passion being stronger on the IT side of things, they decided to concentrate full-time on that and The I.T. Company was officially born.

Part of the challenge finding reliable IT help, says Paisley, is there’s no accreditation or certification required and very little start-up cost, so you end up with a lot of inexperienced people providing poor IT services. Customers are often none the wiser because, after all, it’s technology that they probably don’t fully understand.

“There’s also this perception of the IT person who is socially inept, who speaks only in ones and zeros. We wanted to create an environment where clients could trust that we were experts in the field and would advise them on technologies that what made sense for their business, not for our pocketbooks. And we wanted to be able to do this and communicate it in a way that was simple and easy to understand.”

BY SERGEI BELSKI

The I.T. Company caters to a diverse range of companies with varying needs, including those seeking to utilize technology to drive their expansion, who are seeking a strategic partner to facilitate their growth, and those looking for a dependable and secure IT environment. They also work with companies that already have an IT team in place, providing supplementary services in areas that may require specialized expertise or additional time.

Some of the industries they have experience with include engineering, legal, accounting/finance, oil and gas, land services and logistics.

“The main advantage we offer is that we help organizations find the time they need to increase revenue and net profits,” says Paisley, who is also a mentor for the City of Airdrie’s SMARTstart entrepreneur program. “We have been in business for a long time, and we are business owners first, and IT providers second. We just happen to utilize technology as the means to help our clients achieve their goals.

“This means that we are focused more on our clients’ growth than simply operating as their help desk. The real value we bring to the partnership is strategic consulting and a holistic approach, which means with everything we do for our clients, we focus on two core ideals:  Will this solution or service positively impact the client’s net profits? And, is this solution or service aligned with the company’s goals and growth strategy?”

What’s more, as an advisor for the Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP), they’re able to help organizations access federal government funding to implement digital technology plans in growing their busineses.

Perhaps the best example of how The I.T. Company can help a business grow is their own story. Business is booming, the company is growing, adding staff and thinking about knocking down some walls to make more room in the office.

“Then we could all add ‘Sledgehammer Demolition’ to our resumes too!” life

PHOTO

PHOTOS BY KRISTY REIMER

SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESS IS A BIG DEAL

STORY BY TARA LEVICK

Small business is big in Canada, accounting for 97.9 per cent of all businesses. While it’s the engine of our economy, running a small business is a profession that is both rewarding and challenging. Statistics Canada reports that of the more than 100,000 new businesses created every year, one third do not survive their first five years.

ILLUSTRATIONS BY LIA GOLEMBA

However, it’s been shown that business owners with education in entrepreneurship have an 80 to 90 per cent chance of success. Airdrie’s SMARTstart program aims to provide that education and channel the energy and enthusiasm of new entrepreneurs into growth and learning through eight months of small business training.

MENTORS AT LARGE

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

This made-in-Airdrie entrepreneurial training program offers online learning, workshops with local experts, mentorship and business planning to people with a business idea and owners who have been in operation for less than three years.

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

The strength of the program comes from giving new entrepreneurs access to the knowledge and mentorship of those in the business community who have “been there and done that”. The slate of accomplished business professionals who have volunteered as mentors help participants navigate many of the challenges typically encountered when starting a business.

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.

Each program participant walks away with a completed plan – either feasibility, business or strategic – and connections to the supportive Airdrie business community.

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

Over the past nine years, 133 entrepreneurs have completed the SMARTstart program. The 2023 cohort is made up of 13 entrepreneurs – two with an idea for a business and 11 who have already started their journey.

To learn more about the SMARTstart program, visit airdriecommon.ca/smartstart.

CORE BALANCE CENTRE

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

NAME: MICHELLE SPERANZA

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!

Core Balance Centre is a dedicated upper-cervical chiropractic clinic. We follow the NUCCA protocol, which employs a set of chiropractic procedures to specifically assess and treat head and neck injuries. I work with people suffering from headaches, concussions, dizziness and neck pain. What makes our centre unique is that it is the only NUCCA practice between Calgary and Edmonton, which made Airdrie an ideal location to expand to. Why entrepreneurship? I reached a point as an associate and in my learning where I felt like my growth was starting to plateau. As I re-evaluated my goals and ambitions, I realized that in order to grow as a practitioner something needed to change. I began to explore the idea of starting my own practice and became re-motivated by the creative energy this induced and all the possible ways in which I could continue to help others. What I hope to learn: I hope to develop better business management skills to enhance my business operations. I want to build a strong foundation on which to be able to grow my practice so that I can be in a position to hire my own associates and assistants and be able to take care of more people.

MENTOR: TARA PICKFORD, AMBITION PERFORMING ARTS & PICKFORD CONSULTING

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

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

My advice to entrepreneurs is: Never stop learning. We don’t expect athletes to succeed without a coach or a mentor, and we need to consider that we need this structure to succeed in business. Invest in yourself and your journey.

JENNINE KELLY HR CONSULTING

NAME: JENNINE KELLY

I provide customized Human Resources (HR) consulting for a wide range of clients and creating HR solutions that meet each of their specific needs is where I thrive. I’m not one to provide a onesize-fits-all strategy. Every organization is different so why would their HR needs be the same? I have many services that companies can pick and choose from, including HR support on a monthly retainer, assessing HR needs, recruiting, onboarding, conducting job analysis, salary reviews, planning for the future, investigations, and job seeker services including resume and interview support. Why entrepreneurship? This business was started after the hit of the pandemic. I lost my position, like many of us, and I knew that was my time to take the plunge. I had no experience in starting a business but was up for the challenge. This truly is a dream of mine and I love where I am at right now.

What I hope to learn: I hope to gain a better understanding of the business side of things as well as meet other small business owners to build a strong network in and around Airdrie.

MENTOR: KARI LINES, BUDGET BLINDS OF AIRDRIE

What do you wish you knew when you started your business? I wish I would have obtained a mentor and a business coach earlier on in my career, as the ones I have now are extremely valuable.

GUMMI BOUTIQUE

NAME: CAELEN HANEY

Gummi Boutique is Airdrie’s premier candy destination! We focus on hard-to-find products, including imported confections and beverages, novelty sweets, ice cream and more. We’ve also worked with local artisans to curate a collection of specialty items. Moving forward, we are focusing on expanding Gummi Boutique in the fields of e-commerce and wholesale production.

Why entrepreneurship? I have been an Airdrie resident for over 25 years and bring 15 years of management experience to my new role as a business owner. There has always been demand for specialty candy items, but there was no one to service that need. The rest of the pieces fell into place on their own when an excellent opportunity arose to purchase a space that was already established in Calgary. We then expanded and opened a second location in Airdrie in 2021.

What I hope to learn: My goal for the program is to gain insight into the inner workings of what makes a successful business. I have extensive knowledge in front-end management but would like to further my knowledge in the areas of finance management and the legal aspects of running a business.

MENTOR: HEATHER HARKE, SHOPLIFT DEALS

My advice to entrepreneurs is: Expect and plan to adapt in your business. You can always maintain your business ethics and focus but learning to adapt your business as needed is one of the most important skills of entrepreneurship.

EMPIRE DETAILS

NAME: PAMELA PAYNE

In 2018, I took some time to clean my car after leaving my job of 15 years. As I was driving home, I wondered if there were other busy moms that would like me to come to their home to clean their vehicle and cross one item off their never-ending to-do lists. I made a post in a local moms’ group on Facebook and 202 comments later, Empire Details was born and I was booked through the entire summer. Over the years I have evolved, learned, and grown into both a mobile business and an industrial location.

Why entrepreneurship? I was raised in Airdrie and have one daughter who is super-helpful and involved in my business. I believe it is important to remind women that there is no limit to what they can achieve, and that they deserve to be pampered once in a while.

What I hope to learn: I feel like I fell into this position and need to catch up with Business 101. I’m looking forward to completing a plan and roadmap for my business that allows me to confidently move forward.

MENTOR: MICHELLE TENNANT, LOCHSMITH CONSULTING

What do you wish you knew when you started your business? I wish I had learned how to prioritize and set boundaries to avoid feeling overwhelmed. I also wish I had listened to my intuition more and my ego less.

NOGGIN NUTRITION

NAME: GAIL FUHR

I am a certified holistic nutrition consultant and have worked in the health care field for 40 years as a dental assistant and registered nurse. Through Noggin Nutrition, I want to teach and empower people to improve and balance their health with whole, dense foods and lifestyle and spiritual recommendations. I believe people want to eat better and feel better after two years of COVID. Why entrepreneurship? I want to make my own decisions and control my destiny. I’m passionate about helping people and learning. In five years, I see myself presenting online courses and giving seminars on healthy eating and lifestyle. I want to explore the possibility of opening a brick-andmortar store where clients can come to get help from a variety of alternative health practitioners. What I hope to learn: I want to develop a business plan and learn how to stay on track with it. I have lots of ideas for my business but don’t know how to move forward.

MENTOR: GARY ARMSTRONG, EMPOWERED EMPLOYEE EDUCATION

My advice to entrepreneurs is: Have a clear, concise, actionable plan.

HEIDI’S PIES

NAME: BRIANNA HORNCASTLE

Growing up helping my mother Heidi create pies, I grew to love the art of baking. During COVID, I craved connection and that feeling my parents’ store brought to myself and the community. So I decided to start the journey of creating my own business to one day connect with the locals of Airdrie. My idea is to create a bakery/meeting space where I could provide daily baked goods and refreshments, all while hosting culinary/artistic events. Why entrepreneurship? These pies have a deep history in our family, and I want to keep the recipes alive. The need to have more creativity in my life, all while creating an excellent product, is what ignites my entrepreneurial spark.

What I hope to learn: I hope SMARTstart will assist with teaching me the foundations needed to think like a business owner. My goal is to create a Pie House where the community can gather and enjoy.

MENTOR: TRACY GOODBRAND, IRRICANA KOUNTRY KENNEL

What do you wish you knew when you started your business? I wish I had found a good business coach sooner rather than later. They make such a difference and you don’t have to re-invent the wheel!

MI SOCIAL CONSULTING

NAME: CHEYENNE DEWITT

MI Social Consulting is an affordable marketing service for small business owners. In 2021 I was offered a part-time position as a content creator and I loved it! Some education and a lot of guts later, I took the leap and ventured out on my own. As a highly trained digital expert and marketing specialist, I have the vision to take my company and clients to the next level. Why entrepreneurship? My girls are the reason I do this. MI Social Consulting was born because of them – their first initials are M and I. I wanted to be able to show them how hard I work at something that scares me. But I show up, try, and never give up. What I hope to learn: I never thought I would start my own business, so I am excited to learn from like-minded businesspeople and grow from their lessons. I want to be able to explain my business to people with a clear and concise elevator pitch and build a business plan that has room for growth.

MENTOR: JENNIFER BENNER, BENNER DATABASE DESIGNS

My advice to entrepreneurs is: Don’t get so caught up working in your business, you forget to work on your business. The mark of a successful enterprise is one that can operate without you.

AIRDRIE RENOS

NAME: RICHARD BAPTIST

Airdrie Renos offers residential and light commercial building services including basement developments, bathroom renovations, flooring, doors, finishing carpentry, painting, decks, fencing and garage packages. Owning and operating a similar business with a partner for years has given me lots of experience with various building projects. The partnership was no longer a fit so this is a fresh start – something of my own to be able to mold into what I want the business to be.

Why entrepreneurship? I am looking to grow the business so that it can be a legacy to our kids and so I can manage rather than be on the tools as much as I am.

What I hope to learn: I know I could use the help of staff and without them I am not able to grow past what I can physically do myself. I don’t know how to take that next step and look forward to building a plan to help.

NAME: TYLER BAPTIST

We love to help clients design their spaces so they are not only beautiful but are also functional for them. We also offer tips on how to ensure that the changes they make to their home will add value to their property for the future.

Why entrepreneurship? When I decided to become a full-time realtor, my husband was behind me 100 per cent. When my husband decided to move on from his previous business partnership and begin Airdrie Renos – I was in 100 per cent. Working with my husband in this business and growing it into a legacy for our kids is an honour and I am so proud of him and us.

What I hope to learn: We’ve had some early success and are ready to grow. How do we get to that next step of having trusted staff and a growing company?

MENTOR: SID VAN DER MEER, RETIRED (NORTHWEST EQUIPMENT LTD.)

My advice to entrepreneurs is: You have selected your business to rotate dollars, your job is to rotate as many as you can and keep as much as you can for yourself. Spend 10 per cent of each day on what you will be doing three years from now. This will help you keep on track and when you get there what you planned will already be in place.

HIGHER FREQUENCY TRAVEL

NAME: SAMANTHA BARNASCHONE

As your Travel Professional, I will save you time and money while taking care of the planning and organization for your wellness vacations, luxury vacations and romantic escapes. When using my expertise and the connections I have in the industry, you will get exclusive amenities that are only available to me. My goal is to bring your energy to a higher frequency through traveling to beautiful destinations around the world.

Why entrepreneurship? Before I registered my business, I had the opportunity to attend my first out of country business conference. I was so excited to be a part of something with so much potential. I love to learn and try new things and plan to grow multiple businesses as a result of my experience in the SMARTstart program.

What I hope to learn: I would like to develop my ideal client avatar and learn more about marketing for customer acquisition and retention. I plan to develop a business plan and work with my mentor to set realistic goals.

MENTOR: JOAN TRAUB, RETIRED (AIRDRIE YOGA STUDIO)

What do you wish you knew when you started your business? I wish I had better understood the time commitment involved in starting and running a successful business. At times, being an entrepreneur can be overwhelming, but the rewards make it totally worthwhile.

ATLAS BREWING

NAME: CHRIS GUSHUE

I developed a love of craft beer when I lived in Australia and after moving back to Airdrie I found it a challenge to travel to downtown Calgary breweries with young kids. Having local breweries allows residents to become part of the local community, to meet people and to support local causes. I look forward to being part of this while creating something I love and am passionate about!

Why entrepreneurship? I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit from a young age and now finally have the courage to step out of my comfort zone and work on something that not only challenges me, but allows me to see the rewards of the hard work I put in.

What I hope to learn: I hope to refresh what I learned in business school and use those techniques and skills to help Atlas become a leading craft brewery in Airdrie that I and the community are proud of.

MENTOR: KELLY PAISLEY, THE I.T. COMPANY

My advice to entrepreneurs is: Don’t get so caught up in running your business that you forget to take care of yourself.

BLOOM NARRATIVES

NAME: SHARLA CROWIE

I’ve been working in the field of mental health for over 14 years, and it’s my passion to support people in their journeys to healing and growth. At Bloom Narratives, we believe that focusing on health holistically is essential. We offer mental health therapy, dietitian services, workshops, and educational resources to help individuals and relationships thrive with courage and authenticity. Why entrepreneurship? I want to make a real difference in the world by using my experience and knowledge to help rid the stigma and shame about getting help and sharing how getting support can look different for everyone. Pursuing this vision of whole-body wellness was the ignition to the spark in me to become an entrepreneur.

What I hope to learn: I am looking to build a strong foundation of skills with SMARTstart so that I can create and execute a sustainable long term growth plan for my business. Most importantly, I want to learn collectively with and from others in this space, as I believe in sharing wisdom and experience to help others succeed as well.

MENTOR: DR. MELANIE BEINGESSNER, BLESSINGWAYS CHIROPRACTIC

What do you wish you knew when you started your business? It is okay to factor your own needs into the equation when you are starting your business. It is absolutely necessary to dream big AND to ask for help to grow your business. life

AIRDRIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

airdrielife is proud of its long-standing relationship with the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce. We have the same goal, after all, which is to support and promote Airdrie businesses.

With the Chamber’s 50th anniversary coinciding with airdrielife’s 20th year of publishing, it was a no-brainer that the two organizations collaborate on a series of articles highlighting some of the Chamber’s contributions to the local business community over the years.

In this, the first of three articles planned for each of the three remaining 2023 issues of airdrielife, we recognize some past Chamber board members and ask them what some of their biggest challenges and favourite experiences were.

You can read their full responses at airdrielife.com

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SUPPORTING AIRDRIE BUSINESSES

REG HIHN, PRESIDENT, 1981

What was the biggest challenge facing the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce during your time as part of the board/staff?

“To get member participation. The initial establishment of the Chamber in 1973 had created a lot of excitement and a lot of businesses signed up. By 1981 that initial energy had disappeared, and we were down to a small group of active participants. It’s important to try to engage as many members and potential members as possible. You need active, participating members not just a business on the roster sheet. In 1981, Towerlane Mall was under construction so there was major change in the retail environment.”

TIM BOLTON, PRESIDENT, 2006-08

Why do you think it’s important for businesses to belong to their local Chamber of Commerce?

“Chamber membership gives individual businesses an opportunity to influence policy change at all levels of government to enhance the business environment. Policy makers are more likely to listen to collective voice of 100s of businesses versus the pleas of individual business owners. Locally, a Chamber membership provides businesses an opportunity to form alliances and collaborate with other businesses to grow and brainstorm challenges.”

LINDA BRUCE, PRESIDENT, 2016-18

What was the biggest challenge facing the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce during your time as part of the board/staff?

“One of the biggest challenges faced by the Board during my tenure was the retirement of Lorna Hunt as the Executive Director from the Chamber.  Lorna was quite involved with the Alberta Chamber of Commerce and was the face and name of the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce.  When she left there was a big hole to fill in terms of knowledge and connections.  It also presented the Board with an opportunity for change and renewal. Marie Lauer stepped in as the Interim ED which gave the Board an opportunity to look to the future. The Airdrie Chamber of Commerce was fortunate to hire Marilyne Aalhus as the ED to move the Chamber forward.”

NIKKI NORDICK, PRESIDENT, 2020-22

What were some of your highlights/best memories with the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce?

“Some of my fondest memories with the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce include moderating political forums and witnessing the passion and ideas brought forth by individuals in our community. I also cherished the business awards, where I saw the resilience of our community come together to support local businesses. Lastly, the golf tournament was always a highlight, with its fun and friendly atmosphere. These experiences reminded me of the importance of community and the power of working together towards a common goal.” life

What’s new in Airdrie’s craft beer scene?

Explore the Airdrie Ale Trail

CITYLIFE | MARTIAL ARTIST

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Small in stature, yet immense in performance, Chad “The Monster” Anheliger has literally fought his way to the top of the mixed martial arts (MMA) world.

It took 13 years of blood, sweat and fears for the energetic freestyle fighter to become a name on the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) scene.

CHAD ANHELIGER PUTTING AIRDRIE ON THE UFC MAP

STORY BY CARL PATZEL

FIGHTING HIS WAY TO THE TOP

“I got that nickname from my teammates,” says Anheliger of his adopted moniker. “They said I train like a monster, never quit like a monster, no fear like a monster.”

The modern-day gladiator was born in Kelowna, B.C., and raised in Consort, Alberta, living for a short time in Calgary before eventually calling Airdrie home. An avid athlete growing up, Anheliger went as far as he could in the typical small-town hockey rink, eventually craving more physical challenge.

“Basically, I played whatever sports were available in the small town and hockey was really the only thing. I played it as far and competitively as I could. Once I was done with that, I still had a real big competitive drive for athletics.”

Searching for an alternate physical outlet in his early twenties, the ultimate fighter jabbed his way through boxing gyms and several non-contact martial arts. But he felt something was missing in the traditional fighting systems.

“I’ve done traditional martial arts as well, in jiu-jitsu, wrestling, judo and Muay Thai. Those were fun, but they were still built around a rule set that you had to follow. Certain things were illegal in certain martial arts, but they were still effective,” says Aneliger, co-owner of Champions Creed Gym in Calgary. “MMA was a way of using the most effective parts of different martial arts. I like the ability to make your own style and less limitation of rules that makes it more of a fierce competition.”

The bantam weight, five-foot-six, 135-pound competitor entered his first MMA ring in 2010, using an element of fear as part of his fighting philosophy.

“When I first started, I just wanted to try something totally out of my comfort zone and push my limits, and I did that, being afraid of getting hurt or embarrassed.

“As I grew in the sport, the fear was less about getting hurt and became about not performing at my best. It’s all been evolving. There’s new fears all the time, the fears change, but there’s still always fear in what you do.”

Anheliger has amassed a 12-6-0 record since entering the ring. Among his seven knockout victories, and six first-round finishes, two were title fights.

After a relatively slow start to his career, he began to find his form in 2016 with 10-straight wins in different leagues, fighting through the Hard Knocks and Rise fighting championships. He eventually earned a spot in Dana White’s Contender Series finally signing and competing among the top-spot UFC echelon.

“I got my opportunity in the Contenders series and made the most of it and got my UFC contract,” says the 36-year old, which makes him just above the average age of UFC combatants.

“It’s a very long road, so although it might seem like I’m pretty old to be competing, I still have a few years of solid competition left and want take it as far as I can go,” he says, adding that he’s targeting a Canadian UFC Vancouver event in June.

“I’m fortunate that I’ve put in the diligent work of building my marital arts foundation. That’s why I can still compete, and I am still competing at the highest level in the world.” life

Chad pre-fight with his team. From left: Kris Bryan, Brian Bird, Chad, Kyle Anheliger.

It’s shortly after 9 a.m. on a Thursday in late April when Dr. Ania Cormack breezes into the Airdrie Community Health Centre Urgent Care before a day shift.

She doesn’t usually work days, but she is covering a shift for a colleague after just coming off a night shift herself. With a few hours of sleep, she’s back and describes her job as only someone with a passion for their work can.

“I love people,” says Dr. Cormack. “I like havoc and walking in on that and it just kind of makes you float…I don’t get scared. I get excited.”

Dr. Cormack says she’s shy, but you’d never know it in a one-on-one conversation. Despite being the medical site lead for Urgent Care, she doesn’t flaunt her credentials. She loves to alpine climb and the thought of a cruise vacation is hell. Her Harley Davidson is called “Queen Bee.”

She recently took her three kids (two boys and a girl, aged 14, 13 and 11) to Belize, where they lived on a catamaran and “free dove for conch shells and spear fished for our suppers.”

“I’m in a place in my life where life is amazing,” says the 50-year-old doctor. Being the face of Airdrie’s Urgent Care is something she’s met with open arms. She thrives on the continued challenge of providing the best care she can for people on what could be the worst days of their lives. She empathizes with her patients.

“You come into a system that’s overburdened, people are exhausted,” says Dr. Cormack. “It’s an eight-hour wait because we’re tiny…You interact with folks in a way that you can change people’s energy from the frustration of fear, into ‘We’re in this as a team, that it’s going to be okay.’”

She loves that no shift is ever the same as the last.

“That’s what sets my heart on fire–living slightly a wild-child kind of life. Life is awesome!”

THE MAKING OF A HEALTHCARE HERO

Dr. Ania Cormack was born in Poland, fleeing with her family to England as an eight-year-old in 1981, after the Soviet invasion of her home country. Within a couple of years, she arrived in Canada with her parents and brother.

“Growing up as a refugee is tough,” says Dr. Cormack. “You’re very isolated until you meet your community. I feel like I had parents who struggled hard.”

Her father was a physiotherapist and massage recovery specialist for Olympic sports teams, but being a vocal opposition to the Soviet Union, they were forced to move often, even before they became refugees. Her mother has an archaeology degree and retrained as an accountant in Calgary, with both working two or three minimum-wage jobs to support their family when they moved to Canada.

After high school, Dr. Cormack pursued a biology and zoology degree at the University of Calgary before her medical degree.

“I was fortunate, I loved school,” recalls Dr. Cormack. “I didn’t have any other way to pay for school other than scholarships. So, I got into med school and absolutely loved it.”

STORY AND PHOTO BY BRITTON LEDINGHAM

Dr. Ania Cormack an oasis of calm in a world of chaos

She specialized in family medicine, graduating in 2002 with the goal of working in northern Alberta communities, which she did for about 12 years through the rural locum program.

About 12 years ago, in between shifts away, she began working in Airdrie and Didsbury to be closer to home.

“I turned 50 on a hot air balloon in Arizona,” says Dr. Cormack. “To me, to stay put is really hard. If I’m on the road, I really feel a lot better.”

These days, she spends time thinking about the next stage of life after her “kids get a bit bigger.”

“The next dream is to go and do some adventure medicine,” she says, describing a desire to work in remote places like Alert, Nunavut. “I can’t wait to see what else happens.” life

airdrielife is pleased to launch this new feature, Healthcare Heroes, presented by Cam Clark Ford. Each issue, we will profile the people in the healthcare industry who are changing lives, saving lives and making Airdrie a better place for all of us.

Outreach makes it happen

STORY AND PHOTO BY BRITTON LEDINGHAM

The Airdrie Addiction and Mental Health Clinic team.

Staff at the Airdrie Addiction and Mental Health Clinic have a motto– “Outreach makes it happen.” The clinic’s roughly 20 staff serve about 4,000 people every year at three sites in Airdrie. With the COVID-19 pandemic, their services have been in more demand and their creativity in delivering them has flourished. Led by manager Darcy Jessen, who has a Masters in social work, the clinic individuals across a range of mental health presentations from depression, anxiety, addictions to schizophrenia, bipolar and other mental health presentations.

Jessen has a wide-eyed curiosity for understanding and empathizing with patients, something her colleagues share.

“I love to see the growth in people and their fortitude to a better quality of life,” says Jessen, recognizing she’s always loved to support people.

She began her career in Airdrie 25 years ago while studying for her masters. She was one of three staff at the time, and now leads clinics in Strathmore, Didsbury and Chestermere, as well. She has seen the city’s population grow alongside mental health resources in the clinic, on line, through private and community agencies such as Community Links as well as medical clinics.

Jessen has always been drawn to rural practice.

“The nice thing about rural is, if people identify a need, then we work to try to fill that need,” she says. “Our services are always changing based on what’s happening.”

The Airdrie Addiction and Mental Health Clinic is home to a variety of services including the Mental Health Addiction Liaison Team (MHALT), which works alongside of RCMP members; Geriatric services, Occupational Therapy, Addiction Services, Outreach and Psychotherapy. They also have outreach nurses who work with more individuals struggling in and out of the hospital.

Jessen is thankful for the Airdrie Health Foundation, which has provided funding to a variety of

programming within the services including MHALT, Day program, Group programming and Urgent Mental Health Services.

The outreach team, which operates out of an Alberta Health Services building at 217 Centre Ave SW #104, includes Maralee Steward (social worker), Jana Covell (registered nurse) and Monica Berezowski (occupational therapist).

Steward became a social worker 20 years ago. Creativity for her has looked like working with vet clinics to improve the quality of life for a patient’s pet.

Covell brings 15 years of experience working as an RN with mental health patients.

Having joined the team in late 2022, she enjoys being able to help people.

“People are stressed. Finances are low. People are struggling, and so is the healthcare system.” says Covell, noting they help patients recently out of the hospital transition back to daily life.

Berezowski enjoys supporting community members toward their mental health goals.

“We can go to the grocery store with them if that’s a highly anxious environment,” she says. “We really help build those coping skills in practice.”

Berekzowski enjoys variety.

“There’s always something that we’re doing,” says Berezowski, who has been an OT for 16 years. “There’s always new research coming out that we’re able to draw on.”

The outreach team runs groups, like walking and therapy groups, and a day program for clients who need a “little bit more structure and a reason to get out of their house and socialize and learn some social skills.”

Other members of the Outreach Team include Kris Still (nurse); April Simpson (geriatric nurse); Jennifer Lillejord (MHALT clinician); Catharine Van der Linden (social worker) and Debra Dolhun (Clinical Supervisor).

Covell describes a typical day as seeing a client in the office and attending a psychiatry appointment with them, followed by seeing another client out in the community, either visiting their home, going for a coffee or a walk.

“It’s really centred around their goals,” says Covell. “Advocacy is always a huge piece for all of us.”

The Airdrie Addiction and Mental Health clinic serves individuals aged five years and older and their families. You can best access mental health services by contacting Access Mental Health at 403-943-1500. life

“Our services are always changing based on what’s happening.”

THE LOVE OF THE GAME

The KALIX legacy Foundation FOR

STORY BY JIM ZANG

COMMUNITY LINKS ALL ABOUT PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE

STORY BY JODY SANDERSON

COMMUNITY LINKS MISSION IS SIMPLE. STRONG INDIVIDUALS. STRONG FAMILIES. STRONG COMMUNITIES.

Their vision, a little more complex: “To inspire hope, support healthy development, strengthen wellbeing and resiliency by connecting individuals and families to services, supports, and resources in our communities.”

Though the first hours and days were difficult, the family stood strong, with John and his wife, Betina Fillion, making the decision to honour Kalix’s memory by setting up the Kalix Legacy Foundation, a registered not-for–profit organization, to help families in Airdrie cover program and equipment fees so children can participate in local sports programs.

“When our world was shattering with grief, the community came together to support us and held us together.  Community members signed up for a meal train, hosted a fundraiser, gathered silent auction items and donated to help us with unexpected costs due to Kalix’s sudden passing.  When we spoke with community members about our idea of setting up the legacy we received positive feedback and the most amazing support to get it off the ground,” says Betina.

From the early age of 14, Kalix was a coach and a mentor in the community. He loved sports, he loved his family and he loved life. His passion was hockey, a tradition his younger brothers are carrying on, while his sister is also a goalie, albeit on the soccer pitch.

“Kalix would have wanted every child in Airdrie to have the same opportunity that he had to participate in sports programs,” says John. “We also provide funding for kids who have lost a parent or sibling, because we know first hand about the mental and financial hardships faced during such unfortunate times.”

The Kalix Legacy Foundation has partnered with East Side Sports and, since its incorporation as a not for profit in May 2022, has helped 16 Airdrie youth access sports and associated equipment as needed.

“We ask that all applicants apply for JumpStart, KidSport, and the Hockey Canada Grant before applying to the Legacy Foundation,” says Betina. “This will help offset the costs and enable us to help more youth in Airdrie.”

The Foundation relies entirely on events, sponsorships and donations for fundraising, including the inaugural Kalix Legacy Foundation Charity Classic, on June 9 and 10. The Kalix Legacy Foundation Charity Classic includes a golf tournament, poker tournament, a charity hockey game where you can play or spectate, a two-day silent auction and a banquet.

The Golf Charity Classic is on June 9, starting at 9 a.m. on the guarded greens of Apple Creek Golf Course. The Poker Charity Classic is at the Deerfoot Inn and Casino, beginning at 5 p.m., also on June 9. A Charity Hockey Classic goes at Airdrie’s Ron Ebbesen Twin Arena on June 10 at 10:30 a.m., so If playing hockey is your passion, you can purchase tickets to play with some NHL alumni and Kalix’s father, John, will also be lacing them up.

For Charity Classic pricing and registration, and more information on donations and sponsorships, visit kalixlegacyfoundation.com

Brenda Hume, Executive Director, has been with Community Links (CL) for 19 years, and was integral in the 2008 process to amalgamate Airdrie Family Services Society with the North Rocky View Community Resource Centre Society into one unified, not-for-profit organization. The Journey to One took three years to execute, and CL, known as The Hub, has now been under one roof for five years.

“It’s not something we can do alone,” she explains. “Our key is strong community partnerships, whether it be our referrals to them or theirs to us, and we have approximately 75 different agencies as partners. CL is a one stop shop, offering supports, services and programs from birth to senior life. For example, someone may come in asking for help with a food hamper, but they’re scared, or ashamed, so we offer to make the call for them, or with them. They learn, that once they make the connection, with us or an agency, some of their greater needs can be addressed more comfortably. It’s a little thing, but a big thing.”

CL relies on 49 staff members and over 140 volunteers to deliver the supports required by approximately 8,000 clients per year.

The program rooms for kids and parenting, intake and counselling, are filled with light and staff who love what they do. Playrooms feature colour, and costumes, story circles with cushions that chirp; a creative play land filled with encouragement for parents and children.

The space is deceiving from the reception area, which is focussed on intake. The supply room offers necessities when required.

And while it all looks like random fun, CL’s evidence-based programs are meticulously designed, with measurable outcomes. A board of directors works with this dynamic team to ensure sound operations, effectiveness and communication, with funding goals to meet unprecedented challenges.

“We never closed during COVID,” says Hume. “Our grief and loss program has grown exponentially. We created one-on-one immediate counselling sessions at no cost. The aftermath of the isolation people experienced has had huge repercussions on mental health. And, as far as we’ve come, we’re just not at a level of supporting population growth.”

The saying goes that a people without hope, perish. “And more than anything,” concludes Hume, “we are about hope.” life

For more information about CL, please go to mycommunitylinks.ca.

On February 17, 2020, John Langeneau got the call that’s every parent’s worst nightmare – his 19-year-old son, Kalix, wasn’t coming home.

WASTE NOT, WANT NOT E

veryone knows that climate change and water conservation are hot topics these days. But how many people know about what’s going on in their own community? Sometimes literally in their own backyards.

Water is one of our most precious resources and conserving it is essential for both our environment and our wallets. With droughts becoming more common globally and Airdrie’s population growing - the average Airdrie resident used 254 litres of water per day in 2022, the equivalent of two full bathtubs of water per person every day! - it’s important that everyone do their part to conserve water.

One of the easiest ways you can help this summer is by following the lawn-watering schedule set out by the City. It’s suggested you water no more than three times a week in the early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation (even addresses on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday; odd addresses on Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday). During the spring and fall, water no more than twice a week

With summer here, airdrielife asked City of Airdrie water operations program coordinator Jennifer Sugden and Parks department team leader Phil McNeil about the City’s water conservation efforts.

Q: Why is your department focusing on water conservation this summer?

JS: Water Services is in the business of providing water to the residents of Airdrie. We have focused on water conservation since 2017, when we first started working on the Water Conservation, Efficiency and Productivity Plan. We want to ensure residents have the information they need about our system.

PM: Creating a sustainable community is very important to the Parks department. As water is a limited resource, we must be diligent when using it to maintain our green spaces.

Q: What about water conservation is important for your department?

JS: Water conservation can have an impact on how we fill our reservoirs. The higher the water demand, the greater the fill rate to keep up. Water services has a proactive leak detection program deployed throughout the city, trying to catch the leaks you can’t see.

PM: As a Parks department, we must be a leader in water conservation and demonstrate responsible water usage. The use of water is required to maintain sports fields and other high-quality turf areas, trees and other plant materials. To continue to protect this resource and to continue to have the ability to utilize water in these areas, it is important that we use water wisely.

Q: How does conservation help the community?

Help The City of Airdrie?

JS: The most significant impact of water conservation would be cost savings on your water bill. By reducing your water consumption, you save money. Knowing you are helping protect the water supply that we all have come to enjoy. Managing our water consumption smartly (i.e., water conservation practices- leak detection, stormwater irrigation, changing fixtures to low flow as they need to be replaced, etc.) as the city grows will help keep our water demands from Calgary in check.

PM: As our potable water comes from the Bow and Elbow Rivers, reducing the amount of water taken from these rivers will help improve the overall health of these rivers. As our water is purchased from Calgary, water conservation measures will help reduce future infrastructure upgrades. Ultimately water conservation affects everyone.

Q: What is your department doing this summer to promote water conservation?

JS: Rain barrels are for sale on the website year-round for Airdrie and surrounding area residents for $65 (non-residents can purchase them for $75). Water Services will attend several events to showcase information: the Children’s Festival, the Airdrie Farmer’s Market and AirdrieFest. We are also in the process of setting up a speaker series on some garden topics that relate to water conservation.

PM: The Parks Department utilizes a central irrigation that can automatically adjust and suspend irrigation based on weather conditions. The water at the splash park recirculates and is treated, significantly reducing water use. This year we will harvest rainwater (we have two 2500-gallon tanks located at 23 East Lake Hill) that will be used to supplement the watering of the floral displays in the community. Flower planters with water reservoirs that allow the plants to self-water will save water as they eliminate water run-off.

Q: What water conservation tricks and tips can you share with the community and residents?

JS: Even little drips around the house can add to a big water bill. Try taking the leaky toilet test, load up your dishwasher instead of hand washing a couple of dishes each time and scrape your words into the organics cart instead of rinsing them. Outside, use a rain barrel to collect water to water plants, avoid watering during the hottest part of the day (9 a.m. - 7 p.m.), and mulch your grass instead of putting it in the green bin (this will help the lawn retain moisture).

PM: Healthy turf is better able to withstand periods of drought and other stresses. Aerating and top-dressing your lawn will help prevent water from running off and allow the turf to absorb and use the water better. Top dressing spreads a quarter to a half inch of compost evenly on the lawn. It is best to do this after aerating. Look for native plant material when adding to your yard. These plants tend to be lower in maintenance and have fewer requirements for water. Look for zone 3 plants.

Q: What’s one thing you wish everyone knew about water conservation?

JS: Freshwater is one of the most essential natural resources on our planet. It’s imperative to take an integrated, sustainable approach, consider the world’s water cycle, and consider freshwater usage and conservation. PM: Everyone’s contribution- no matter how small can make a difference. Changes such as selecting the correct plant material and not watering your lawn in the middle of the day can impact water conservation. Fescue grass can be used as an alternative to traditional grass; it is much lower maintenance and requires much less water. Parks has started incorporating fescue grass in some less-maintained parks throughout the city.

Q: Where do people go for more information?

JS: People can go to www.airdrie.ca/waterconservation for more info.

PM: The city website has some good information; local plant nurseries are an excellent resource for selecting plants that do well in our community.  life

AIRDRIE MEN

WHO ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE

IT CAN BE A LITTLE TRICKY PUTTING TOGETHER THE MEN WE ADMIRE FEATURE, as these local lads don’t do all the great things they do for any kind or awards or recognition, they do it simply because giving back is in their nature. It’s not just what they do, it’s who they are – and our community is better for their efforts. This year’s 10 men are each making their mark in the community in their own way. In 10 very different ways, in fact, leading by example without even really trying.

As the owner of Rockyview Aerials, Leo Fernandez can be seen at many an Airdrie event, dedicating his time and professional drone operator skills to help his community. From filming events, to providing free drone services for non-profit organizations, Fernandez believes in giving back wherever and whenever he can.

“I know how expensive videography and photography can be for small businesses or community services, so I try and help out where I can,” Fernandez says.

Fernandez’s journey with drones began seven years ago when his wife gave him a drone from Costco. He had always been passionate about photography and used his drone to take aerial photos of the houses he painted while working in the construction industry.

And just like that, a new career was launched.

“They are not just toys,” says Fernandez, who likes to educate the public on drone technology and laws.

“Any drone weighing over 249 grams must be registered and the operator must have either a basic or advanced certification, which you have to take a flight school for, then the certification test and flight review. Drones do more than take pretty photos and videos. They are used for search and rescue and have the same or better technology than law enforcement helicopters do, agriculture, delivery, visual inspections and much more.”

There are also municipal, provincial and federal laws relating to drone operations to follow as per Canadian Aviation Regulations.

Fernandez’s humble upbringing in Cuba fuels his desire to give back to the community without expecting anything in return.

“It is just the right thing to do,” he says.

STORIES BY JOSIE RANDALL | PHOTOS BY KRISTY REIMER

LEO FERNANDEZ | COMMUNITY HERO

“It’s just the right thing to do.”

DARCY FORBES | BUSINESS HERO

Over the past 35 years that he’s lived in Airdrie, Darcy Forbes has earned his way up from a humble millwright with Vitreous Glass Inc. to Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

Along the way, his love for his hometown grew, as did his motivation to give back to the community.

“Giving back is so important and that has always been part of Vitreous’ business model,” says Forbes, who is part of a comprehensive community support program at Vitreous.

“Airdrie is such a great place to live and raise a family, and more than 90 per cent of our workforce lives here. So, supporting the community just comes right back to supporting our staff.”

Vitreous, through Forbes, has supported various charitable organizations including Community Links, the Airdrie Public Library, Boys & Girls Club Airdrie and Airdrie Food bank.

In 2020, Forbes served as president of the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce for a term. He also joined the organizing committee of 100 Airdrie Men Who Give A Damn in 2022 and now sits as director of the organization.

Forbes is also a member of the Operations and Safety Sub-Committee for the Calgary Stampede Parade. He has also enrolled in the Directors Education Program at the Institute of Corporate Directors, in hopes of further honing his business acumen and becoming a more effective leader at work and in the community.

“It is my belief that supporting local causes is essential to creating a vibrant community,” Forbes says. “I grew up in Airdrie, and all my family lives here. I want to be a part of a better future for this city and encourage everyone to give back where they can.”

“It is my belief that supporting local causes is essential to creating a vibrant community.”

KENE ILOCHONWU | LEGAL HERO

When Kene Ilochonwu immigrated to Canada over a decade ago, he never imagined how much he would accomplish and give back to his new community.

Born and raised in Nigeria, Ilochonwu set his sights on becoming a lawyer. Since then, he has received a number of accolades, including being named one of the Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers by Canadian Lawyer Magazine, accepting the Queen’s Jubilee Award for his work in giving back to the community, and receiving the King’s Counsel designation.

But perhaps his proudest achievement was becoming the first Black Bencher of the Law Society of Alberta in its 113-year history.

“It’s about breaking barriers and paving the way for others who are going to come after us,” Ilochonwu says. “We have to be part of the change, and that’s what I try to do in my personal life, my professional life, and in my contributions to the community.”

Ilochonwu is an active volunteer and mentor in the Airdrie and Calgary area. He serves on the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board with the City of Airdrie and is a board member with Calgary Black Chambers, Global Lawyers of Canada, and Our Saviour Anglican Church in Calgary. He is also a reservist with The King’s Own Calgary Regiment (RCAC), an armoured reconnaissance unit of the Canadian Armed Forces Primary Reserve.

He also mentors students and internationally-trained lawyers through the Canadian Bar Association and volunteers to work on pro bono cases to provide free legal services to those who cannot afford them.

“A candle does not diminish the light of another candle,” says Ilochonwu. “If I am doing well and I am able to help another person do well, then I am happy.”

“It’s about breaking barriers and paving the way for others who are going to come after us.”

KEGAN MARK | EDUCATION HERO

Kegan Mark may have faced multiple developmental delays since birth, but that hasn’t stopped him from achieving great things.

Despite all the doctors’ exams, specialist appointments, surgeries and therapies that Kegan endured before being diagnosed with Kleefstra syndrome - a rare genetic condition that effects development and involves many body systems - at age five, he has always been a happy and easygoing boy.

Kegan attended a special needs program at age three and received support from specialized programming such as speech therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists. Completing his elementary and high school education through the Catholic school system, finding fulfillment in volunteering, being kind and inspiring his classmates.

“At the beginning, it was devastating because every time we’d go to the Children’s Hospital, they would say he was severely developmentally delayed,” says Kegan’s mother, Tanya Mark. “But I always thought I was lucky to have Kegan because, there are always worse situations. I am thankful for the support I had and thankful for his health and the people around me.”

Kegan’s hard work paid off when he graduated from high school in 2021 after 15 years of studies. His mother described it as a “breath of fresh air” and he was ready for adulthood.

Kegan now attends the Rise and Shine Adult Day Program in Calgary on weekdays, where he participates in activities, shopping, cooking, social events and goes on field trips and continues his volunteer work with other adults with special needs. He also has attended Special Olympics since 2009, he has participated in floor hockey, golf, bowling and swimming.

“My life would not be the same without him,” Tanya says. “Kegan’s story serves as an inspiration for anyone facing challenges, proving that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.”

“Kegan’s story serves as an inspiration for anyone facing challenges, proving that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.”

Ryan Middleton is an unwavering advocate for improving emergency medical services in Airdrie and across Alberta.

As a paramedic, he has dedicated countless hours and resources to the cause, creating the Airdrie EMS Citizen Action Group on Facebook to raise awareness and submitting Freedom of Information requests to research how Alberta’s system compares to others.

“We are seeing people who are at a vulnerable point in their life,” says Middleton. “If we aren’t able to hold ourselves up to the highest possible standard, what kind of care can we give to those who need us most?”

Middleton is undeterred in his pursuit of change. He has hosted town halls and presented to multiple city councils throughout the province to bring attention to the challenges faced by EMS workers.

“Success to me would be one year without a Red Alert where there are no ambulances available, one month without an ambulance being shut down due to short staffing, and a quarter with half the number of paramedics off work due to injury, mental or physical,” Middleton says.

Middleton’s dedication and hard work have often come at a personal cost. He has faced arbitration and even suspension without pay from AHS.

However, he remains committed to his cause.

“If the side of the vehicle that I work in has the word ‘Emergency’ on it, if the title of my job has ‘Emergency,’ in it and if the patch on my shoulder has ‘Emergency,’ on it then it is my duty to help,” says Middleton.

RYAN MIDDLETON | EMERGENCY HERO

“If we aren’t able to hold ourselves up to the highest possible standard, what kind of care can we give to those who need us most?”

In the grief and bitterness that came after his son committed suicide, Jim Noble made the decision to make something meaningful of his life.

On a whim he took a mission trip to the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil to help build an orphanage for children who had no parents.

In 2002 he enlisted the help of a group of friends from Airdrie to travel to El Salvador after an earthquake killed more than 900 people and destroyed over 100,000 homes.

“It just exploded from there,” says Noble, whose experiences on those trips led him and his wife, Laura, to found Shelter Canada. “I felt a strong sense of purpose, but especially in El Salvador. When you put a concrete floor underneath someone and a roof that doesn’t leak and

doors that lock you have changed their life.”

Over the last 20 years, with the help of many volunteers, Shelter Canada has built more than 4,700 homes in El Salvador.

Noble himself retired from the organization two years ago. He has since set his sights on improving the lives of those living in Airdrie.

Earlier in 2023, Noble presented a plan to city council to develop a number of ‘tiny homes’ as affordable living options in Airdrie.

“After all these years I think it is time to give back to the community I call home,” says Noble. “We want to help people who not only need a place to live but are looking to improve their situation. If they had a little step up the opportunities are endless.”

JIM NOBLE | HOME HERO

“We want to help people who not only need a place to live, but are looking to improve their situation.”

ADRIAN PRUDEN | CULTURAL HERO

Adrian Pruden has been an Airdrie resident since 2008 and has been heavily involved in the community, providing leadership and support to several charitable groups.

You may be familiar with the events he has spearheaded on behalf of the Airdrie Oilmen’s Association such as Bikes & Bulls, White Collar Boxing, Carnivore Night, and the Oilmen’s Annual Golf Tournament, which benefit local charities including the Airdrie Food Bank, Community Links, ADVAS, and numerous others. To date he’s helped raise more than $300,000.

Adrian is a proud Metis citizen, and as Co-Chair of Circle Connections for Reconciliation, has had a hand in spreading positive awareness of Indigenous people and creating educational programs in Airdrie. Pruden has also helped organize events for National Indigenous Peoples Day and Truth and Reconciliation Day in Airdrie connecting members of Treaty 7 and the Metis Nation with the community they live in.

“We have around 1,000 registered Metis citizens in Airdrie, as well as Inuit and citizens of Treaty 7 who reside here,” says Pruden. “It is important for our Indigenous population to be proud of their culture, and it is my goal to help promote and share it with others.”

Nominator Jaadaas Jagwaa says Adrian’s dedication to his community and his work as an Indigenous leader and speaker have made him a role model for young boys in Airdrie.

“Adrian has a big heart that he always speaks from and is a great father on top of it. He sets a great example for young boys to follow.”

“It is important for our Indigenous population to be proud of their culture, and it is my goal to help promote and share it with others.”

TARE RENNEBOHM | ARTS HERO

Tare Rennebohm has had to play many roles in his life.

From being a dedicated elementary school teacher and an active member of a community theatre group, Rennebohm is passionate about encouraging those in his life to step outside of their comfort zone.

As a teacher at Northcott Prairie School, Rennebohm rekindled his passion for theater by creating a drama program at the school.

Rennebohm has also been an integral part of the broader arts community in Airdrie. He has been involved in numerous projects like developing drama camps with the Nose Creek Players and volunteering with the group for Airdrie Homecoming Festival and airdrieFEST.

“The passion that I have is fed by Airdrie’s growing arts community,” Rennebohm says. “It is not even a second thought anymore, if there is a project that I can be a part of I am there and I am ready to give it everything I got.”

Over the years Rennebohm has stepped into the role of Santa Claus, spooky creatures for haunted houses and even as host for a movie night game show for Airdrie-based Crooked Cinema Productions Rental Rewind programme.

Most recently, he performed at the Mayor’s Night of the Arts, and donated all the proceeds towards his production of Annie Jr. at Northcott Prairie School.

“I really want the arts here in Airdrie to flourish and be sustainable and successful,” Rennebohm says. “Part of that vision means helping people get outside their heads and be bold. Let’s work together and develop our skills, perform with all our heart and have fun.”

“The passion that I have is fed by Airdrie’s growing arts community.”

ALDON WELLS | SENIOR HERO

At the tender age of 70, Aldon Wells is proving that age doesn’t matter when it comes to making a positive impact in the community.

His daughter, Billie Jo Arnott, nominated him as Senior Hero because of his unwavering love helping those in need.

“When someone needs something, he’s the first to jump in and offer help,” says Arnott. “He loves to help people!”

Wells has a remarkable ability to remain calm during stressful situations and has been known to fix VCRs or DVDs for his neighbours. Just for fun. He has even built dog kennels and toy boxes for those in need. His selflessness extends to snow clearing of numerous driveways and sidewalks without expecting anything in return.

“It’s funny because a lot of times we worry about seniors and their ability to get out and slip and fall, and yet I AM a senior,” Wells laughs. “I guess you never think of yourself as being a senior.”

Wells’ contribution to the community is not limited to his neighbours. He has volunteered at the Airdrie Food Bank and now drives a school bus part-time for First Student in Airdrie.

Having retired from his role as vice president of finance at Tourism Calgary in 2017, Wells has since dedicated his time to giving back to others.

“Small acts of kindness can really make a big difference in someone’s life,” says Wells. “In a world that can often be self-centred, kindness and generosity can make a big impact in the lives of others.”

“Small acts of kindness can really make a big difference in someone’s life.”

KEITH WILKINSON | IN MEMORIUM

When Keith Wilkinson passed away unexpectedly on January 2, 2023, he left a hole in the Airdrie community that’s going to be hard to fill.

Wilkinson was a larger-thanlife character, both in his physical stature and his infectious personality. Standing tall at six-feet two inches, he was a beloved member of the community, known for his selflessness and his commitment to giving back.

“He would always offer to help out, sometimes to my annoyance,” his wife, Sandra Wilkinson, says. “But he was a really selfless person and he had a lot of integrity and wanted to be there for people.”

One of Wilkinson’s most notable contributions to the community was his involvement in founding 100 Airdrie Men Who Give A Damn, a group that raises money for local charities.

He was also heavily involved in the Airdrie Lions Club, the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce and even organized events like the Canada Day and Santa Claus parades.

He was known as Santa Claus to many, and an administrator of the Airdrie Dads Facebook group - despite not having any children of his own. He was also a key figure in the Raise the Rinks campaign to raise money for the Genesis Place Twin Arenas in 2011.

Jack Lumley, a close friend, says Wilkinson was always the first to step up and help.

“Whether it was for a charity or a friend in need. Keith’s impact on the Airdrie community was immeasurable, and his absence will be felt deeply,” Lumley says. “But his spirit lives on in the countless lives he touched and the positive change he helped to create.”

“Keith’s impact on the Airdrie community was immeasurable, and his absence will be felt deeply.”

PHOTO BY CHELPEA PHOTOGRAPHY