Move Up Issue 17

HUMBLE PIE CAFÉ

MANNING'S GO-TO COMFORT FOOD

MIGHTY PEACE HILL CLIMB SLED RACING EVENT COMING TO PEACE RIVER

GO: MIGHTY PEACE EXPLORE + ENJOY OUR REGION

Local Features News Events Opportunities

Y H P A R G PHOTO ISSUE THE

TAKE One

Contents >> FEBRUARY - MAY 2018 Þ VOLUME XVII PUBLISHERS

Jenelle Van Slyke Tormaigh Van Slyke EDITORS

Jenelle Van Slyke Tormaigh Van Slyke ADVERTISING SALES | FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Tormaigh Van Slyke // hello@moveupmag.com LAYOUT DESIGN

Jenelle Van Slyke Tormaigh Van Slyke AD DESIGN

Aimie Williams Jenelle Van Slyke Tormaigh Van Slyke PHOTOGRAPHY

Þ Humble Pie CafÉ, Manning's go-to comfort food

p. 26

Melissa E. Earle, Paul Lavoie, Snofoto, Tyrell Parenteau WRITERS

Amber Armstrong, Billy Joe Laboucan, Drew Rogers, Brian Siddle, Northern Lakes College Staff, Jenelle Van Slyke, Tormaigh Van Slyke, Talena Winters Move Up is published by VAULTmedia. No content herein, including designed advertising, can be reproduced without written consent of the publisher.

13,500+ copies are printed and distributed throughout the Mighty Peace Region, Alberta and beyond.

Move Up is 100 per cent funded by advertising dollars.

Have a great story idea?

Please send us your press release for consideration.

APHY PHOTOGRISSUE THE

Þ Featuring 3 outstanding Peace Region Photographers

p. 51

Also >> 16

Every Drop Counts

Why Water and WasteWater Operators are Important to Northern Communities

moveupmag.com hello@moveupmag.com

MOVE UP IS PUBLISHED BY

VAULTmedia MOVE UP IS A PROUD MEMBER OF THE FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS

PREDA

PEACE REGION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE

28

The Mighty Peace Hill Climb

33

Want to begin a blog?

35

Go Mighty Peace

A weekend of action packed racing

Start here.

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAUL LAVOIE IMAGES

Your guide to culture and events in the Mighty Peace

#Li fesBetterUpHere | FEBRUARY-MAY 2 0 1 8 M OV E U P

3

News 

This&That Aurora-Con, Alberta’s Northern Pop-Culture Expo, to be held May 4+5 at the High Level Public School.

The Grim Reapers Roller Derby Team has move to a new location and is recruiting new members.

Local author, and Move Up contributor, Talena Winters has released her latest novel, Finding Heaven.

Wesley Creek Trail Ready for Snowmobilers

Groomed Trails ready for sleds

NWSAR hosts Open Houses

HIgh Level Fire Dep't Recognized

The Peace Valley Snow Riders (PVSR) have three trails that are open and groomed, and all three have warm-up shelters.

The Northwest Species at Risk Committee (NWSAR) held a series of open houses around the Peace Region in early January to gain public feedback on the provincial government’s draft caribou range plans for the area’s threatened Woodland Caribou.

Fire Chief Rodney Schmidt and the Town of High Level were recognized by the Alberta Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) for their development of a Regional Incident Management Team (RIMT).

Trails include the Osmond/ Getaway Cabins/Leddy Lake Trail (40 km) in the County of Northern Lights; the Smith Mills Trail (60 km) in the County of Northern Lights/MD of Peace; and the Wesley Creek Trail (30 km) in Northern Sunrise County. All trails require membership.

Memberships can be purchased at Mighty Peace Powersports, Maximum Powersports, Thomas Homes & RV or at altasnowmobile.ab.ca.

MD of Peace welcomes new CAO

After the provincial government’s proposal to permanently protect 1.8 million hectares of land for caribou in northwest Alberta, councillors from six municipalities formed NWSAR to ensure local voices are heard.

To learn about the outcomes of the open houses, visit AlbertaNWSAR.ca

Barbara Johnson has been selected as the Chief Administrative Officer for the MD of Peace No. 135.

Employed in administrative roles with the MD for over 33 years, Johnson is excited to

The RIMT can be deployed at a moment’s notice to support emergency operations, such as wildfire suppression and response within the region.

The team is a collaborative effort of 14 municipalities that will provide support for local crews during largescale disasters.

begin her new post.

“I have always enjoyed working for the MD. What began as a job soon became a career as I learned more about the operations of a municipality—and I’m still

Fairview Ski Hill Reopens The Fairview Ski Hill has reopened to the public after two years of mild weather. They are currently pursuing facility upgrades including a new snow making system for the 2018/2019 season.

The Fairview Ski Hill invites you to enjoy the popular Family Day races this February.

learning today! I look forward to working with Council and appreciate their confidence in my capabilities,” said Johnson.

Johnson will begin her new position on March 1, 2018.

#Li fesBetterUpHere | FEBRUARY-MAY 2 0 1 8 M OV E U P

5

 News

Frostival is Back!

Bundle up! Frostival is coming back to High Level. The 3rd annual festival will begin on February 23rd at Jubilee Park.

The opening ceremonies will begin at 6pm with hot chocolate and skating. The festivities continue on Saturday, February 24th with snow carving, ice carving, skating, and shinny hockey and other great family events from 1pm to 5pm with a fireworks display at 6pm.

Northernlink Ag + Home Show Coming to Fairview in April The NorthernLink Agriculture and Home Show will be hosted by the Friedenstal Historical Society and will take place at the beginning of April in Fairview.

This event is aimed at connecting local producers to premium agricultural products and services in the Peace Country.

The agriculture portion will feature more than 100 exhibitors from chemical companies to machinery. The home show will be a farmers market-style show featuring homemade and home grown products.

6

Clear Hills County Ag Board accepting nominations for 2018 Farm Family Award The Clear Hills County Agricultural Service Board is accepting nominations for the 2018 Farm Family Award. Criteria for the award are farming and community involvement. The winning family will be presented with a gate sign and a plaque at the Farmer’s Appreciation Banquet on April 14, 2018.

They will receive up to eight banquet tickets to attend the Peace Country Classic Farm Family Award Night in Grande Prairie, and the family will be nominated for consideration of the 2018 AMA Farm Family Award.

To be eligible, the family must be actively farming and residing on the farm.

Nomination forms will be available at the Clear Hills County office. Nominations must be received no later than 1pm on March 2, 2018.

M OVE U P F E B R U A R Y- M AY 2 018 | www.moveupmag.com

Town of Peace River delighted by new clinic funding Healthcare provision is vital for a community.

In Peace River, regional neighbours have worked hard over the last decade to improve services through the West Hill Medical Campus. This week that work took a huge step forward thanks to Northern Sunrise County.

The Town of Peace River congratulates, supports and is grateful that Northern Sunrise County has committed to taking the lead on this project through the Peace Regional Clinic Committee. Their $5 million commitment to build a new medical clinic on the west hill will benefit everyone in the region. “[We’re] delighted with the agreement that will lead to a modern medical

clinic near the hospital.

It will help to attract and retain doctors and make some of their processes more efficient,” said Peace River Deputy Mayor and Clinic Committee member Elaine Manzer.

“The new clinic along with the Rotary House will benefit families from the Northwest region who will be using the medical facilities in Peace River.”

This announcement comes following years of work by the Peace Regional Clinic Committee. This committee is comprised of the Town of Peace River, Northern Sunrise County, the County of Northern Lights and MD of Peace. It demonstrates what can be accomplished when the whole region works together.

Save the Date!

The 2018 Manning Regional Victim Services Gala will be held on March 3 at 5pm at the Manning Battle River Ag Hall.

Live music + Auction. Tix are $50. manningvictimservices.com

#Li fesBetterUpHere | FEBRUARY-MAY 2 0 1 8 M OV E U P

7

Town of Peace River to

Renew Neighbourhoods

R

oads, sewers, waterlines and sidewalks form the foundation of our residential neighbourhoods.

Investing in the maintenance of that infrastructure is an investment in the community.

As part of that investment, the Town of Peace River is launching an ambitious three-year infrastructure overhaul in the south-end of town. Set to start in the spring of 2018, we will be renewing and replacing aging and degraded infrastructure in the area.

This three-year plan is the most recent iteration of the Town of Peace River’s Neighbourhood Infrastructure Renewal, an annual construction program that

addresses the areas with the most degraded infrastructure. In 2017 we successfully renewed 86 Avenue in the north end as part of this program.

Last year, we also added lighting improvements to the list of things being repaired or replaced through Neighbourhood Infrastructure Renewal.

Through a partnership with ATCO, 86 Avenue became the first street in Peace River to get LED lighting. The lighting is lower power and brighter, yet it generates less light pollution. Over time this will help improve dark skies in Peace River.

the Town used directional drilling to dig pathways for new lines. This minimized the number of deep trenches that needed to be dug.

ADVE R T I S E M E N T

As we move into this project, look for updates on the Town of Peace River’s website and social media.

Due to the size and scale of the upcoming project, it has been phased over

86 Avenue Under Construction: For the first time

8

three years. In 2018, we will be working on 99 Street, from 104 Avenue to 107 Avenue, parts of 104 Avenue and all of 105 Avenue, and 103 Street will be addressed. In 2019 the project will encompass 99 Street from 107 Avenue to past the old hospital grounds, as well as, 106 Avenue and 107 Avenue. In 2020, the final phase of the project will commence with the rest of 99 Street past the old hospital as well as 108 Avenue and 103A Street.

Renewed 86 Avenue: New sidewalks, curbs, roadway, and underground infrastructure. The final step is the landscaping.

News 

Explore Reconciliation at "home" Who disagrees? In this way we engage in a creative and action-based dialogue about issues in our lives. The process is fun, profound, entertaining and full of surprises,” explains Theatre of Living.

Performances of šxʷʔam̓ət are co-hosted by local, collaborating Indigenous and nonIndigenous community organizations. (home)

Catch šxʷʔam̓ət (home), an interactive play that explores the meaning of Reconciliation, at TA Norris School in Peace River on February 8th at 7:30pm.

T

heatre for Living’s šxʷʔam̓ət (home) is coming to TA Norris school in Peace River on February 8 as a part of a 23-date tour across British Columbia and Alberta. The production uses “forum theatre” to entertain while providing Reconciliation education.

According to Theatre of Living, the forum theatre is “an opportunity for creative, community-based dialogue.”

Using this format, the

play will be performed once all the way through, so the audience can see the situation and the problems presented. The play is then run again, with audience members able to “freeze” the action at any point they see a character engaged in a struggle and can offer a suggestion to solve the problem. The other characters respond, drawing on their own lived experience.

“What insights do we have?

What do we think? What do we learn? Who agrees?

“[The production] weaves together stories based on real life and challenges us to make Reconciliation true and honourable. šxʷʔam̓ət (home) invites audiences to offer solutions to the real-life problems being presented on the stage,” explains Theatre of Living. šxʷʔam̓ət (home)

is a focused attempt to help explore and discover what Reconciliation between Indigenous and nonIndigenous people looks and feels like and how the idea of Reconciliation will

translate into our day to day human relationships.

“Conversations have been bubbling across Canada about this word ‘Reconciliation’ and what it really means. With Canada’s 150th anniversary this past year, and the closure of the Truth and Reconciliation offices in 2015, there are many questions about what these policies, proclamations and apologies mean to all of us who call this place ‘home,’” explains Theatre of Living.

This audience interactive play promises to put real, tough current issues on the stage about the blockages we all face moving toward Reconciliation and asks the ‘what now?’ question.

After 36 years, šxʷʔam̓ət (home) will be the final large touring production by the Theatre for Living theatre company. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about ourselves.

#Li fesBetterUpHere | FEBRUARY-MAY 2 0 1 8 M OV E U P

9

 News Norway Team to Compete in Alberta Pond Hockey Championships

T

he 2018 Alberta Pond Hockey Championships (APHC) take place on March 9, 10 & 11th and is free to spectators.

Traditionally, players from across Alberta and beyond will make the journey for their chance to stake claim to the Alberta Pond Hockey Championships and hoist the coveted Alberta Pond Hockey Championships Trophy.

This year the APHC will welcome a team in the Competitive Division coming all the way from Norway!

The Askim Beetles team—made up of Kjetil Johnsen, Marius

Holmen, Vegar Hestetun, Cato Von Finchenhagen and Simen Settemsdal Johansen—will make the trek from Askim, Østfold, Norway to compete, which is the farthest a team has traveled to the event.

The Askim Beetles are coming all the way from Norway to compete in the Alberta Pond Hockey Championships

The Alberta Pond Hockey Championships represent the purest form of the game, taking competitors, volunteers and spectators back to the roots of hockey—all set in the beautiful northern landscape at Lac Cardinal in the Municipal District of Peace.

Enjoy a true Northern experience from the frozen pond to heating it up on the dance floor and everything in between, which is why participants and spectators come back each and every year.

Do not miss this epic weekend.

See you on the pond!

! itaires mand ors! m o c les et and spons énévo nos b volunteers t u to r à Merci ou to all ou y Thank

10

M OVE U P F E B R U A R Y- M AY 2 018 | www.moveupmag.com

LUnch your way Speedy if you want a quickie, or slow and relaxed. We’ve got you covered.

mrmikes.ca Secured Storage Units 24/7 Electronic Keypad Access Video Surveillance Park Your RV for the Winter Uhaul Neighbourhood Dealer Boxes & Moving Supplies Sold Onsite

8006 - 99th Ave 780-624-8803

PEACE RIVER Move Up Ad Jan 2018 Size: 3.75” x 5” CMYK FD#: 8055

780-618-1345 peaceriverstorage.com #Li fesBetterUpHere | FEBRUARY-MAY 20 1 8 M OV E U P

11

12

M OVE U P F E B R U A R Y- M AY 2 018 | www.moveupmag.com

 Relocation Story à

HECTOR PEREZ MOVED UP TO PEACE RIVER FROM SPAIN after a nerve-wracking month of phone interviews I got my first job in Canada. I moved to the Mighty Peace Region in October 2015 from Halifax where we had lived for two years. Isabel moved here a year later.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION OF THE PEACE REGION?

Originally from Spain, Hector Perez, 37, moved to Peace River in October of 2015.

WHERE ARE YOU ORIGINALLY FROM?

I am from Spain, and [my girlfriend] Isabel is from PEI. WHERE IN THE PEACE REGION DID YOU MOVE TO?

Peace River, AB HOW LONG AGO DID YOU MOVE UP HERE?

I moved up here in October 2015 and Isabel joined me in September 2016.

WHERE DO YOU WORK?

I work at Mackenzie Municipal Services Agency (MMSA) in Berwyn, and Isabel works at Alberta Supports in Peace River.

WHAT’S YOUR STORY? HOW DID YOU END UP RELOCATING TO THE MIGHTY PEACE REGION?

Isabel and I met in Spain in 2009.

After doing some travelling Isabel returned to Canada and I joined her in Halifax in 2013. Despite the distance we made it work together.

Once in Canada, I wasn’t able to get a job because I was here on visitor status until I got my permanent residency in March 2015. That summer, while I was looking for jobs, I found a position at the MMSA. I applied for it and

I was surprised how flat it is. I knew the Rockies were relatively close, so I expected the landscape to be hillier.

WHAT SURPRISED YOU THE MOST ABOUT THE PEACE REGION?

I was surprised how multicultural, friendly and willing to help the people are, and how easily you can connect to other parts of Alberta. I was also surprised with the quantity of wildlife in the area, how many small ski hills there are and how many small towns have airports.

COMPARED TO WHERE YOU CAME FROM, HOW DOES THE PEACE REGION DIFFER?

The Peace region differs from my small village in Spain primarily with the temperatures; it is never -40 in Spain and summers here are much more bearable than in Spain.

In Spain, spotting wildlife is a rare occasion, especially where I am from. The Peace Region enables us to take advantage of our waterways in a recreational way. The use of rivers in Spain is prioritized for damming for hydroelectricity and farming.

WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL SUNDAY IN THE PEACE REGION?

It depends on the season. In the cold winter: staying cozy and warm at home, cooking and watching a movie or playing some board games with friends. In the summer, it’s walking our dog through the hills and parks, enjoying the heat and napping in our backyard.

HOW DO YOU ENTERTAIN OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS? WHAT ARE SOME MUST-TRY PEACE REGION EXPERIENCES?

We take our guests for a walk downtown Peace River, along the river in the winter and we go in the river in the summer! Must-try experiences are seeing Dunvegan Provincial Park, the ice bridge in La Crete, boating the Peace River and having some good eats at Farmer’s Restaurant in Nampa.

HAVE YOU HAD ANY INTERESTING WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS SINCE YOU’VE BEEN HERE?

No encounters but a few very nice sightings. I saw a huge bull moose close up on the Shaftesbury Trail.

We see deer daily and they drive our hound dog nuts. I’ve also seen coyotes, foxes, big flocks of geese preparing for migration and eagles. I haven’t seen a bear in my life (in the wilderness) yet, but I hope the time for that is getting close.

WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL NIGHT OUT/DATE NIGHT IN THE PEACE REGION?

Laying outside in summer and identifying the constellations with a mobile app and seeing the northern lights.

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR ADVICE TO ANYONE THINKING OF RELOCATING HERE?

Bring board games for the winter and a kayak and some hiking boots for the summer!

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS?

We will most likely be here, possibly with some extra humans in our life.

We recently bought a house and that is a pretty long-term decision!

#Li fesBetterUpHere | FEBRUARY-MAY 20 1 8 M OV E U P

13

14

MOVE U P F E B R U A R Y- M AY 2018 | www.moveupmag.com

In an Ideal World

An Interview with Ideal Health Clinic Owner and Coach, Michelle Belzile while burning fat and maintaining muscle and other lean tissue.

Is Ideal Protein a multi-level marketing business?

What is The Ideal Protein Protocol?

The Ideal Protein Protocol is a medicallydeveloped health and weight loss protocol to help you reach your health and dieting goals. This protocol also teaches you how to maintain your goal weight. In short, we offer dieters what they really want—a structured program that can put an end to constant dieting.

How does the Ideal Protein Protocol work?

The Ideal Protein Protocol is medically designed to promote weight loss while sparing your muscle mass. Dr. Tran Tien Chanh, MD PhD, developed the weight loss protocol in France almost 30 years ago. Dr. Tran focused his career and research on nutrition with an emphasis on the treatment of obesity and obesity-related issues.

The result is a 4-Phase protocol that encourages pancreas and blood sugar level stabilization

No. We are in partnership with Ideal Protein. Our clinic is owned and operated by a medical professional who is passionate about your health!

We believe in Ideal Protein and the benefits that the Ideal Protein Protocol delivers.

Will I gain the weight back after I stop using the Ideal Protein products and protocol?

The only way to maintain your weight loss is by making lifestyle changes during your health and weight loss journey.

We believe any weight loss program can work; however, we also believe if you haven’t made lifestyle changes, you risk gaining all the weight back. Ideal Protein is continuously developing a top-notch maintenance protocol that is realistic to follow, has REAL food and offers 12 months of support after you achieve your goal weight.

I heard the food is gross. Do I have to eat the Ideal Protein food?

Our gourmet proteinbased foods are at the

core of our weight loss protocol and must be consumed during the weight loss phases of the program. After you achieve your goal weight, you may choose to stop eating the food we provide. However, many people find they love the way our products taste, how convenient they are and how they make them feel, so they continue to supplement with our products.

Do you eat any fresh food from the grocery store?

YES! You will eat fresh food from the grocery store every day, from the protocol’s start to finish!

Can you buy Ideal Protein products anywhere?

Our products are only available through trained and certified health professionals. Each Ideal Protein establishment has one or more experts to guide you through the program. This valuable process serves to educate and encourage patients with a consistent protocol that is scientifically proven and deemed by most as easy to execute and maintain.

Can I exercise while on Ideal Protein?

Exercise wouldn't efficiently help you lose weight on its own.

Here's why: 1 lb. of fat = 3,500 calories. To burn one pound of fat you

would have to do a lot of exercise!

While on our Protocol, the amount of glycogen (sugar) in your body is kept to a minimum. Our bodies use glycogen as fuel while active. Without it our bodies turn to breaking down fat for fuel. Protein (muscle) is your body’s engine and we do not want to break it down, which is why we provide protein-rich foods.

After the first week, you can do 1/3 the intensity of your normal fitness routine as long as you consume an additional Ideal Protein product within 20-30 minutes. Yoga, walking, Pilates, even the treadmill are great, but nothing too strenuous while you’re in lowsugar, fat-burning mode.

Overdoing the exercise during our Protocol actually slows down your fat loss and you could lose muscle mass.

This is the way I see it: Ideal Protein is for losing weight and improving eating habits and overall health whereas exercise is about shaping your body and adding strength and vitality. For this reason, more strenuous exercise can wait until the unnecessary fat you may be carrying is no longer weighing you down.

What makes Ideal Protein foods special?

They are high biological

value proteins that, varying from product to product, employ six different proteins: whey isolates, soy isolates, whole milk protein, pea protein, albumin and hydrolyzed collagen.

This gives you many options. It’s designed so people with sensitivities to dairy and soy or vegetarians can participate in the program too. The foods are delicious, practical, satisfying and are available in an array of textures and flavors.

The assortment includes foods that are crunchy, chewy, hearty, smooth, sweet, spicy and salty.

They can be served hot, warm, cold or even frozen. Each sealed envelope ensures full potency and freshness, and contains up to 20 grams (0.7 oz.) of protein with very little fat or sugar. They are easy to prepare and can be incorporated into a busy lifestyle.

What if I don’t live in Peace River or Grande Prairie, can I still take part in the program?

Yes, you can. We can ship any products to you. We also have some new features like scales and apps that assist you to weigh-in from the comfort of your own home. We can coach you over the telephone or even email.

For more information about The Ideal Health Clinic contact,

Peace River 9907 101 Avenue | 780-617-9010 Grande Prairie 11709 102 Street | 780-539-DIET (3438) FREE information sessions: at our Peace River Location on Tuesdays between 6-7pm or at our Grande Prairie Location by appointment during business hours ADVERTI SE ME N T

15

 Column à

NORTHERN LAKES COLLEGE

Every Drop Counts WHY WATER AND WASTEWATER OPERATORS ARE IMPORTANT TO NORTHERN COMMUNITIES A Partnership of Experts Employers told Northern Lakes College that sending their employees out to the Edmonton-Calgary corridor to receive training simply was not feasible because there was no one to take on the duties and responsibilities while the employees left for school.

W

ater is essential for plants, animals and human existence.

For northern residents who live in sparsely populated areas, access to safe and clean drinking water is very important. Many northern communities in Alberta are searching for qualified individuals to fill the complex roles of water and wastewater treatment plant operators, water distribution system operators and wastewater collection system operators.

Water and wastewater operators serve the communities they work in by providing the public with safe and clean drinking water. If you are considering a job in water and wastewater management, it’s a career path that is in high demand. It offers stability, earns a good salary and gives you the option to work and live in your community.

16

A creative solution was needed to address the demand. Northern Lakes College established a partnership with ATAP Infrastructure Management, an associated engineering company, in November of 2015. The curriculum for the Water and Wastewater Operator Preparation Program was developed and in September of 2016 the program was launched in an online delivery format.

The Water and Wastewater Operator Preparation Program Level 1 and Level 2 are available from anywhere and the NLC LIVE Online™ delivery model is crucial in meeting the needs for operator training in rural and remote communities.

The online classroom allows instructors and students to interact in real time, so students can benefit from shared experiences and insights from their instructors and peers. Classes take place during the evening and students receive instruction from experienced,

M OVE U P F E B R U A R Y- M AY 2 018 | www.moveupmag.com

working professionals. As of 2017, a high number of students have completed the program, which benefits northern communities and reduces the labour market gap.

One of the program instructors, Grant Dixon, Manager of ATAP in Edmonton, is an operations management specialist with experience in both water and wastewater systems.

He has over 25 years of experience as a utility operator and manager and has worked extensively for municipal and First Nations clients.

“Water and wastewater training is part of building capacity in smaller and remote communities. The men and women who take this training want to live and work in their home community,” said Dixon.

The programs are designed to prepare existing operators or new incumbents for writing the provincial certification exam with Alberta Environment and Parks. Both programs are delivered through NLC LIVE Online™.

For more information about these online programs, contact us at 1-866-652-3456 or visit our website at www.northernlakescollege.ca

Explore Careers That Keep You Above the Water Have you ever experienced a “boil water” or a “do not consume advisory”?

This may affect a person’s ability to brush their teeth, cook, drink, feed their pets, wash fruits and vegetables, and much more. Be a part of the solution and become a Water and Wastewater Operator today. Northern Lakes College is providing online training designed to prepare you for the roles and responsibilities of Water and Wastewater Operators. If you have a high school diploma and you are looking for a new career, go online to reserve your spot today.

Earn a Water and Wastewater Operator Certificate NLC LIVE Online

LEVEL 1

LEVEL 2

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) = 5.0 January 16, 2018 - April 5, 2018 Tuesday & Thursday | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) = 5.0 April 9, 2018 - June 4, 2018 Monday & Tuesday | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

u You need access to high speed internet, microphone / speakers (hopefully a headset) in order to participate. u All times are on Mountain Time Zone (Canada).

OR Earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) COURSES

DATE / TIMES

DELIVERY

CEUs

Iron & Manganese Removal

Jan 23 & 25, 2018 | Tue & Thu | 1:00 - 4:30 pm

NLC LIVE Online

0.6

Membrane Filtration

Feb 20 & 22, 2018 | Tue & Thu | 1:00 - 4:30 pm

NLC LIVE Online

0.6

Fundamentals of Process Instrumentation

Apr 24 & 26, 2018 Tue & Thu | 1:00 - 4:30 pm

NLC LIVE Online

0.6

Reading Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams

May 29, 2018 | Tue | 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Face-to-face Slave Lake

0.6

Register online today at: www.northernlakescollege.ca/online-registration or call 1-866-652-3456 ADVERTI SE ME N T

17

 Column

Þ AMBER ARMSTRONG | COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS SUPERINTENDANT | DMI PRPD

When the Chips Were Down Pictured are the Fibreline "D" Team, with Lead Gord Murphy and the Power and Recovery "D" Team, with Lead Wade Reinders

O

n September 22, 2017, the Peace River Pulp Division experienced a significant explosion due to a tube leak in our Recovery Boiler (RB). The tubes contain water, which is used to cool down the smelt (a lava-like substance), and unfortunately, a tube was broken, and water entered the boiler.

This resulted in a pressure increase within the vessel and the subsequent explosion.

Operationally, this event was unexpected, but we had experienced people on shift who were able to react to the incident with clarity of thought and a determination of spirit.

While there were others in the mill on the day of the explosion, the shifts most affected were Fibreline Team Lead, Gord Murphy, and his “D” team crew: Andy Dejonghe, Chris Landaker, Dane McAllister, Logan Putio and Sebastien Shimoon and Power and Recovery Team Lead, Wade Reinders, and his “D” team crew: Ian Daub, Paul Grenier, Taylor Lanteigne, Eric Muhl, Cody Raymond and Allen Savard.

There were no injuries, but there was an immediacy to assess and repair the damage.

Emergency Response Planning is a critical component to the successful return to production when an

18

incident occurs. By having the right procedures and training in place, as well as a solid understanding of roles and responsibilities, a crisis becomes a manageable situation. The unforeseen circumstances, while detrimental, can be addressed in a methodical manner.

At PRPD, our training and experience was quickly utilized as other leaders were called. Engineering experts responded to the scene and all the PRPD supporting departments came together to better understand the severity of the damage and to formulate a workplan. The aspect of time was a critical component of the decision-making process as each day offline impacted production; however, with a focus on safety, the repairs were undertaken, and we were able to return to making hardwood and softwood pulp.

The coordination of efforts to repair the boiler required multiple meetings and updates. Each discipline and contracting company would meet to report, discuss and decide on the next steps in the repair process.

It took the following to complete the repairs: • 122,000 hours of contractor support for RB repairs • 6,500 hours of direct DMI effort

M OVE U P F E B R U A R Y- M AY 2 018 | www.moveupmag.com

on RB repairs • 1,500+ hours of engineering support • 6,000+ hours of mill and contract effort to complete other non-RB work throughout the mill • Daily and expedited orders for material required for repairs, including air freighted boiler tubes from Sweden via Germany Our safety was impeccable with a Recordable Incident Rate of 0. That’s an outstanding result.

DMI Peace River Pulp Division would like to convey our deepest gratitude to those men and women who tirelessly came together to take care of our organization. While our mill was not able to produce pulp, our team members continued to provide excellence in support as we worked through an unplanned 2-month shutdown.

In the face of adversity, our teams are a tenacious, focused and dedicated workforce of incredible people who are the very definition of team. We are proud of who we are and what we do, and we look forward to the successes and challenges that enable us to continue into our 29th year of business making pulp.

ADVERTI SE ME N T

19

Manufacturing with a Personal Touch

W

hen it comes to customer relationships, Frank Light of Channico Machine and Millwright Services Ltd. believes in keeping it personal. The combination of high standards for producing a quality product the first time and a can-do attitude has become a policy that has served Light well. It’s given the company the resilience to make it through the ups and downs of the economy since Channico’s inception in 2006.

“We basically have a theory: if it’s metal and can be made, we’ll attempt to make it. You bring it here, and we’ll try to fix it,” said Light.

When Light returned to Peace River in 2006 after an unexpected life change, he wasn’t sure what he would do next—he just knew this is where he 20

ADV E R T I S E M E N T

CHANNICO MACHINE AND MILLWRIGHT SERVICES LTD. and his wife wanted to be.

After 14 years as a machinist and millwright at DMI, he had been offered a position teaching for a millwright program in Thunder Bay, Ontario. But, after a single school year, he and his wife, Jennifer, knew their hearts belonged in Peace River, so they moved back, despite the lack of job prospects for Light at the time.

“My brother asked me what I wanted to do, and I told him. He said, ‘why don’t we start something?’ And away we went,” said Light.

Light and his brother Adriaan decided to name their new business Channico, a combination of syllables from Light’s children’s middle names.

“We didn’t want to use ‘Light Brothers,’ we wanted something less identifiable,” said Light. “We

combined ‘Channie’ and ‘Nicolaas’ to create ‘Channico.’”

The new business soon had clientele in the oilfield, forest industry, construction, agriculture and municipal infrastructure. Since they are able to both repair parts and create them from scratch, they very quickly found a place within the community.

Channico has three main facets to their business—machining, which means creating pieces from blanks by cutting away metal (such as threading rods, cutting keyways, etc.), welding and fabricating, and millwright services.

“We have no direct competition on the millwright side. That’s where we found our little niche,” said Light.

Millwrights are industrial mechanics, called to locations for mechanical

devices that cannot be moved to a shop for servicing and repair.

Channico’s millwrights keep plenty busy, with three of the seven company trucks set up as service trucks. They are frequently called to do field work, pump repair, equipment oil changes and preventative maintenance for a range of companies in the area.

Channico’s dedicated welding bay sees plenty of action too, with their skilled welders able to use MIG, TIG and stick (arc) welding techniques.

“There are many aspects to welding, and there are many alloys—carbon steel, aluminum, stainless steel—and we can weld all of them. They are all a different process. For some you need different machines,” said Light.

This range of knowledge has given Channico some unique opportunities in the past, including working with Shell’s engineers to create a specialized device dubbed a “Packing Release Containment,” which is designed to prevent spills from well heads.

“We completely fabricate these into a finished product, so we don’t just repair things,” said Light.

In addition to Office Administrator Jeanette Kaytor, Light has seven fulltime workers on staff and occasionally brings in temporary workers to cover high work-load seasons such as shutdowns. He prefers to hire locally whenever possible as it makes staff retention more likely, but insists on hiring self-motivated employees capable of producing quality work without constant supervision—though he also hires and trains apprentices.

The staff are specialists in their fields, but several of them are skilled in more than one field. This offers Light more flexibility in meeting his customers’ needs and gives the staff variety as well.

“I might use a welder as a millwright helper out in the field. I have one welder who is as good of a millwright as you will ever find. He’s not ticketed, but he has years of experience doing it.

I have a machinist who is the same— he can work as a millwright as well as

FRANK LIGHT, OWNER OF CHANNICO MACHINE AND MILLWRIGHT SERVICES

a machinist. I have to give kudos to all my staff,” said Light.

Channico has weathered its share of challenges with the economic downturn of 2008, as well as the more recent 2015 dip from which they are still recovering—their client base went from 75% oilfield-related to only 50% after Shell’s decision to sell its local plant two years ago. However, the positive working environment at Channico, a deliberate emphasis on employee retention and creating healthy customer relationships have kept the company thriving despite economic adversities.

“I let the customers come into the back and explain to the guys what they want, so they have a face-to-face relationship with the person doing the repair. It’s not just dropped off at the front door,” said Light.

Light has also allowed his employees to use the shop for personal projects during off hours as an extra perk to generate company loyalty.

As a community and corporate citizen, Channico embraces the goodneighbour attitude that makes living in a small town so appealing.

shops in town, but we all get along.

If we can’t do it, we’ll suggest one of the others that has a different piece of equipment that we might not have,” said Light.

Channico is also a regular sponsor of the Community Christmas Dinner, local sports teams such as the North Peace Navigators and local events such as horse shows. Channico has donated custom items—such as fire pit for a fundraiser raffle and picnic tables for Leddy Lake—given gifts in-kind and donated services in-kind such as repairing pumps at the ski hill.

In October, they contributed to the massive community effort to restock the Peace River Food Bank.

“You’ve got to look after the community. It’s hard when your business hasn’t generated a lot of profit in the last two years, but you still do what you can,” said Light.

With an emphasis on quality, good customer and employee relationships, and a neighbourly attitude, Channico is poised to continue to contribute to the community for many years to come.

“There are a couple other machine ADVERTI SE ME N T

21

Where Good Service is the Family Legacy (PICTURED L TO R) BOB, CARLETTE AND ALDEN JOHNSON STAND IN FRONT OF THE FAMILY BUSINESS, VENTURE PARTS SUPPLY, WHICH SERVES PEACE RIVER, MANNING AND FALHER

A

fter more than 50 years in business, Venture Parts Supply has a proven track record as the supplier and employer of choice in their industry.

The family behind the company has worked hard to give customers and employees alike the best experience possible. They have a profound gratitude to the communities they serve and the customers who have become like family.

22

ADV E R T I S E M E N T

“Most of our customers are greeted on a first-name basis. That’s the relationship we have with them,” said owner Alden Johnson, 49.

Alden, currently of Manning, AB, had the entrepreneurial spirit bred into his bones.

His parents Bob, 79, and Carlette, 75, became business owners before Alden was even born, opening a service station in Peace River in 1964.

Four years later, they opened a J.I. Case dealership, purchasing the lot next to the current location of Mighty Peace Chevrolet.

Theirs was the first business to be located on the south side of the highway on the West Hill and one of the first businesses on the hill, period.

“There was a small, little old house without any running water where we had our parts. We set up all the machinery in a big outdoor

shop,” said Carlette. “We finally put up a building in 1972.”

“They were true pioneers,” adds Alden.

Their business, known as Peace Power & Equipment at the time, sold agricultural and construction equipment and served agricultural, oilfield and forestry clients in a large area around Peace River. In 1972—the same year they built their shop— they closed the service

"

When you have a close relationship with your customers, you can better address their needs.

station to focus exclusively on the dealership.

and valleys of the economy with resilience and grace, and they are looking toward the future with optimism. A new computer system will soon be installed that will allow customers to place orders for pick-up online— just one more way Venture Parts Supply is looking out for their customers.

In the mid-eighties, J.I. Case merged with International Harvester (becoming Case IH) and the Johnsons decided it was the ideal time to change focus. In 1987, they broke ties with Case IH and transitioned into being a small parts supply store—still serving much the same customer base.

Alden had already worked for his parents part-time for years, but in the spring of 1987 he began working at the company full-time.

The small company kept growing, and by 1993, Alden felt they were ready to expand. Manning had recently announced the opening of a new saw mill, so Alden opened a second location there and managed it.

“We rented a building for years in Manning, and then purchased the former IGA from the Lovsins where Alden runs a successful business to this day,” said Carlette.

When they opened the new store, the name of the company was changed to Venture Parts Supply to better reflect the type of merchandise they offered.

Then, in 2001, the company expanded again, opening the Falher location to serve the oil and gas industry in the Smoky River Region, and in 2005, the Peace River store moved into its

current, spacious building beside Kal Tire.

Also in 2005, Alden took over ownership of the company. Bob and Carlette continued to work for him until 2013, when they finally gave up their tenhour-plus, six-days-a-week work schedule for the more relaxed pace of retirement.

While the transition was mostly seamless, taking on the work load of two extra people took some getting used to for Alden.

“I used to be in Manning five-to-six days a week, maybe coming to Peace River one or two days a month, but now I’m in Peace River a minimum of one-to-two days per week, and I’m in Falher once a week. After a ten-to-twelve hour day, I often spend a few hours in the evening catching up on computer work. So, from my perspective, taking on the work load of three people was the most challenging part of the transition,” said Alden.

This passion for business shows in Venture Parts Supply’s dedication to their customers. Alden smiled as he recounted a recent service call to some longstanding customers—the third generation of the family to deal with Venture Parts Supply.

“When you have that close of a relationship with your customers, you can better address their needs,” said Alden.

Good employee retention strengthens these close relationships. Rolland Jean and Marge Doll have been with the company for 19 and 17 years, respectively, and Adrienne Buettner, Pam Scarff and Stephanie Johnson have been with Venture Parts Supply for 8, 6 and 6 years, respectively.

This year marks the fiftieth anniversary of the Peace River location, the twentyfifth anniversary of the Manning location and seventeen years in Falher.

Over the years, the Johnsons have weathered the peaks

The Johnsons know they would not be where they are without their wonderful employees and, most of all, their loyal customers.

They show their gratitude by sponsoring local sports teams—the North Peace Navigators, Manning Comets and Falher Pirates to name a few—as well as by supporting many other non-profit groups. They also host Customer Appreciation luncheons each summer, including a special fiftieth anniversary celebration planned for this June.

“We are so thankful to the communities we do business with for their support,” said Alden. “If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t be doing what we’re doing.”

There’s no doubt the Johnsons have created a legacy in northwestern Alberta. By demonstrating an amazing work ethic and creating a positive staff culture for 50 years and counting, Venture Parts Supply has built themselves into the fabric of the communities they serve.

Here’s to the next 50 years.

ADVERTI SE ME N T

23

Representing the Peace

MATHIEU HRYNIUK LLP PARTNERS (L TO R) DAVIN D. MAY; BOYD D. LANGFORD; K. JAIMIE WARNE; ROBIN D. ERICKSON, Q.C.; COLIN A. GAGNON AND ROBERT B. MARCEAU.

F

or legal advice, documentation or representation, you can count on the team at Mathieu Hryniuk LLP for their expertise and dedication, which they have demonstrated in the Peace Region for nearly 80 years.

Their goal has always been to give their clients superior service while meeting their

24

ADV E R T I S E M E N T

MATHIEU HRYNIUK LLP

legal needs.

“Our team of dedicated lawyers is proud to offer our clients skilled advice and prompt service with acute attention to detail,” said Partner K. Jaimie Warne.

Established in Peace River in the 1940s, Mathieu Hryniuk LLP specializes in corporate law, real estate, wills and estates, criminal

law and family law. They have full-time offices in Peace River, High Prairie, Valleyview, Grimshaw and High Level, with satellite offices in Falher, Fox Creek, Manning and La Crete.

Many of their services are offered in both English and French by bilingual lawyers and assistants.

Six partners—Robin D. Erickson, Q.C.; Robert B.

Marceau; Colin A. Gagnon; Boyd D. Langford; K. Jaimie Warne and Davin D. May—and one student-atlaw make up the core of the firm.

“With the exception of Boyd Langford, who hails from Saskatchewan, all partners have roots in the Peace Region, as does our student-at-law, Kirsty J. Broadhead,” said Warne.

Today, Mathieu Hryniuk is a diversified firm. The combined efforts of the partners and staff ensure all their clients and communities are well served.

“Within the firm, Mr. Marceau practices criminal law and I practice family law, spending anywhere from one to five days a week in court. We typically arrive at the courthouse around 8:30am for a court session that may be only a few hours long or may last up to a full day or more,” said Warne.

Over the years, the firm has gone by several different names as partners have joined or moved on. The name was changed to Mathieu Hryniuk LLP approximately 15 years ago to honour the named partners and for brand continuity within the community.

“As the business expanded and new partners joined and old retired, we decided to keep our name as Mathieu Hryniuk LLP to recognize retired partners Guy C. Mathieu, Q.C., and Larry P. Hryniuk, Q.C.,” said Warne.

When out of court, these lawyers are kept busy throughout the day with client appointments, phone calls, reporting to clients, preparing court documents and preparing for court dates.

“Then there are our partners, Mr. Erickson, Mr. Gagnon, Mr. Langford and Mr. May, who practice real estate, corporate and estate law. Their days are primarily spent in the office, and they typically see between eight and ten clients per day.

With client appointments, phone calls and client documents, they keep very busy,” said Warne.

Family and criminal work tend to stay busy throughout the year.

Solicitors—lawyers who work more in an office than a courtroom—also

maintain a full schedule, but each type of work has busier and slower seasons that complements the others—real estate work is most lively in the summer while corporate and willsand-estate law all pick up in the winter.

Mathieu Hryniuk also provides a fertile environment for law students to complete their education. After graduating from law school, students must undergo a one-year “articling period,” or training year, at which time they learn the daily work of being a lawyer, while also completing weekly assignments for the law society, in lieu of a bar exam. The firm frequently hires articling students such as current Student-at-Law Kirsty Broadhead.

“The lawyers at Mathieu Hryniuk believe it is one of their duties as lawyers to serve not only their clients but the profession, and teaching the next generation of lawyers is one way of doing so,” said Warne.

Mathieu Hryniuk has a close-knit staff who are dedicated to their clients and the firm itself. This dedication shows in the legacy created by current and past partners—many of whom have been appointed to the judiciary—and their high retention of staff members.

“Currently, two active judges, G. William Paul and Dave R. Shynkar, are former partners of our firm. In addition, quite a few of our staff have worked at the firm for many years. One of our most valued staff members, Cindy Seerey, is celebrating her 40th year at the firm in 2018,” said Warne.

Many of the partners and staff are also involved in various community-building efforts—volunteering their time on boards, getting involved in politics and contributing to the community in various other ways. The firm also donates to a variety of community groups and charity events. Volunteerism and community involvement are natural outflows, stemming from the personal investment Mathieu Hryniuk partners and staff have in serving the communities they call home.

Looking toward the future, Mathieu Hryniuk looks forward to continuing to offer their clients the best service and value possible, such as by bringing in new technology that will increase efficiency.

As many satisfied return clients can attest, Mathieu Hryniuk LLP is doing an exemplary job.

ADVERTI SE ME N T

25

 Food Feature à

HUMBLE PIE CAFÉ | MANNING, ALBERTA

A PLACE FOR EVERYONE Val & Rocky Russell | Humble Pie Café | Manning, AB

By Talena Winters | Photography by Melissa E. Earle

V

26

al and Rocky Russell have spent most of their careers in the food industry—from restaurants to camp kitchens to hospital kitchens.

When they met in 1988 as co-workers at the same restaurant in BC, no one knew the mark they would make on delicious comfort food in Manning, AB.

to 2011, they owned and operated Rocky’s Pizzarama Pizzaria, which was staffed by the two of them and their three daughters while Val also cooked at the Del-Air Lodge.

More recently, after two years of renovations, the couple opened their latest restaurant, Humble Pie Café, which opened May 2, 2016.

weekly and daily specials.

Val makes the soups from homemade bone broth and the cinnamon buns are made fresh with real butter, honey and brown sugar, which is Rocky’s specialty.

After working together for as long as they have, the Russells have their system down to a fine art—much like the homestyle food they serve.

Columbia before coming to Alberta.

In 2002, the couple moved from Smithers, BC, to Manning where Rocky had a job managing the Garden Court Motel. From 2003

Val and Rocky love the freedom and creativity that come with owning their own business. That creativity is apparent in their

Where are you originally from?

Val: I’ll say BC because we spent 20 years living in various places in British

Before opening, we visited a lot of coffee places when we travelled to get ideas and inspiration, and we still do that now.

M OVE U P F E B R U A R Y- M AY 2018 | www.moveupmag.com

What was your vision for your restaurant?

We wanted a coffee shop with some baked goods and an emphasis on homemade items—and no fast food!

People want to have something different than the usual burger and fries. We try to keep it healthy.

What dining experience are you trying to create?

We want a place for everybody. I like that anyone can come in and feel comfortable.

From a business perspective what have you found works best and what doesn’t?

It’s important to us that at least one of us is always here. That way if things go wrong, we can correct it.

We have seniors who regularly have coffee here and single people who come in almost every day. Here, they can have a nice healthy sandwich with lots of veggies. We even do our best to accommodate special requests like gluten-free or dairy-free.

We decorated the dining room with antiques, and after we opened, people started bringing us small antiques to display like teapots, toasters and even a radio. It’s that kind of place—people want to contribute because they feel like it’s partly their place too.

What’s your approach to customer service?

We have two very friendly employees—my daughter, Kelsey Whillans, and Taryn Boos, who take orders at the counter and serve food to the tables. You get your own coffee. It makes it feel homey.

Tell me about the care and attention you take when selecting your ingredients and your recipes?

I love making soup and Rocky loves to bake. Our beef dip and all our white breads are homemade. We slice our sandwich meats from whole roasts we cook ourselves and make our salad dressings from scratch. I make my own meat stocks and use fresh herbs and vegetables for all the soups.

By request, we tried doing pizza again, but it was too time-consuming. You can get pizza anywhere, so we decided to do something different. I would rather think up new things than stick with something old that wouldn’t be a good use of our time.

The Humble Pie Café Team: (L to R) Rocky Russell, Kelsey Whillans, Taryn Boos and Val Russell

What kind of flavour profiles are you trying to create? Are they inspired by a particular type of cuisine?

Not really. I just do what I like, and if something doesn’t work, I try something new. Our menus are chalkboards on the wall so they’re easy to change.

How do you want to position yourselves in the marketplace?

We have a laundromat next door (Manning Laundry) that came with the building. People can easily get change from us or have lunch or coffee and a cinnamon bun while they do laundry. It’s a nice extension of our business.

We also do school hot lunches and have done catering for Christmas parties and such.

What would you say is currently your most popular dish?

It changes. Greek salad will be popular one week, homemade pulled pork another, beef dip the week after that.

Rocky’s homemade cinnamon buns are a big hit.

Is there anything you would like to add?

I believe in recycling and keeping it green. We have no styrofoam in the building and we use very little plastic.

Instead of individually-packaged creamers and condiments, I refill containers or use a jug. We have a big jug of ice water so people can help themselves instead of buying bottled water.

What’s your must-try dish?

Our breakfast wrap. People have it and say, “Wow, that’s good!”

We truly appreciate our customers.

They are the reason we put this whole thing together.

#Li fesBetterUpHere | FEBRUARY-MAY 20 1 8 M OV E U P

27

A WEEKEND OF ACTION PACKED RACING

D 28

Words by Drew Rogers | Photography by Snofoto

o you ever get wild ideas?

Something you think might teeter on the edge of ridiculous? Staring out the window, laying in bed, this idea will not go away.

You tell a friend and they look at you like you’re crazy.

Some people listen to their friends and cast the idea away. The ones who don’t listen, often go on to make amazing things happen.

completely new event to the local ski hill can be met with hesitation, and for some, the Mighty Peace Hill Climb might have sounded pretty far fetched.

When Brett Syml approached Misery Mountain’s board of directors with an event idea, he was shooting for the moon. Bringing a

Syml was excited to have cleared the first hurdle.

It didn’t take long to realize he would have to tap into some outside resources.

Luckily, having opened Mighty Peace Powersports just over a year ago, he had connections. On the recommendation of his Arctic Cat Snowmobiles rep, he was put in contact with a hill climbing veteran and former Jackson Hole World Champion Hill Climber, Trent Backus.

“I wanted this to be an event the community could take pride in, but beyond that, I wanted something

Not realizing it at the time, Smyl had just contacted the Race Director of the Western Canada Hillcross

Organizing the many moving parts—starting with getting multiple levels of government approval and buy-in from local stakeholders—can seem like a daunting task. However, the time was right for Smyl and he had peaked the interest of the board.

M OVE U P F E B R U A R Y- M AY 2018 | www.moveupmag.com

that would bring people in,” said Smyl. “Then, I thought, this could be a great way to fundraise for Misery Mountain.”

Association, which organizes multiple hill climb events across western Canada. An accomplished athlete himself, Backus had recently hung up his helmet in favour of taking an organizational role.

“I remember the point when Trent and I were talking on the phone about what I wanted to do,” said Syml. “He has these events so dialed in. I knew if we wanted it to be an enormous success getting Trent on board was our best option.”

With Backus secured, the track was turning, and it was a big green light on this uphill adventure for Mighty Peace Hill Climb.

T

he hill climb community will descend on Peace River March 23 to 25 for a weekend of high octane-fueled racing that will raise money for Misery Mountain. Riders take their best runs on a course that has them weaving their machines through gates while ascending a slope. The perfect mix of power, fitness, skill and determination combine to find the perfect line up the hill. A bit of luck doesn’t hurt either.

There is a lot more to one of these events than the checkered flag. Banquets, bands and a brotherhood of snowmobile enthusiasts bring friends and family to the area. Visitors from Saskatchewan, British Columbia, the Northern United States and the Yukon are expected for this unique event.

This isn’t just a one trick pony.

Offering multiple formats means there are races for everyone. Stock snowmobiles all the way to heavily modified machines have their turn at the starting gate. With two courses set up, there are a range of challenges and categories to compete in.

Always adapting to new styles, there are even options for snow bikes, a kit that is mounted to a standard dirt bike to equip it

Images show past Western Canada Hillcross Association events.

with a track and ski instead of wheels.

Backus is finding even more interest in a diverse range of events.

“The powersports community like their toys, so we are always looking for other fun things to have at these events,” said Backus.

They will be featuring a UTV, or side-by-side, race track at one of their events this season and he expects it to be a staple on the tour in years to come.

Events like this are set up for spectators. Why pass up the opportunity to see things live that are usually reserved for movies? With an expected four spectators to one competitor ratio, the hope is there will be a noticeable impact on local tourism. Hospitality and powersports parts and service only scratch the surface of the expected economic spin-off for the Peace River Region.

The Mighty Peace Hill Climb at Misery Mountain will have no shortage of heart pumping action to take in. Multiple X Games medalists such as Brock Hoyer and Brett Turcotte are known to frequent these events.

Jackson Hole World Hill Climb Champions often show up as well.

When you have a former

World Champion organizing the event, it certainly adds a sense of legitimacy to it. These competitors are also helping the next generation get started with children’s races and a junior class. If you love to snowmobile but have never tried a hill climb course before, there is no better chance. With so many experienced racers on location, there is so much to learn. Hill climb is a very welcoming community and Backus says they want to promote involvement for first timers.

“Seeing people try for the first time is what we are all about.

The excitement we see in them spreads and gets everyone fired up. Everyone is happy to share knowledge about technique and tuning. I’d absolutely encourage everyone to try it out. It’s a really safe way to get a taste of the excitement and be right beside the pros,” said Backus.

Safety is a priority at these events with checks and double checks in place to eliminate as much risk as possible.

Pack up the family, pack up the sleds and get yourselves to Peace River for the Mighty Peace Hill Climb (March 23 to 25) to take in, or better yet, get involved in, this one of a kind event for our region. More info can be found on the “Mighty Peace Hill Climb” Facebook event page.

The Mighty Peace Hill Climb at Misery Mountain will have no shortage of heart pumping action.

#Li fesBetterUpHere | FEBRUARY-MAY 20 1 8 M OV E U P

29

 Aboriginal Perspective

Wȋsakȋcȃhk Nitawiskwêwȋw Wȋsakȋcȃhk Seeks a Bride

by Billy Joe Laboucan, Chief, Lubicon Lake #453

Cree

A

English kawȃtȋw êsa ohi êkatawisȋyit oskinȋkiskwêwa Wȋsakȋcȃhk.

nȃntaw êkȋ êtwȋt, wȋscȃsa itwêwa, “Wahwȃ! êkakȃyawȃtisit awa.”

Wȋsakȋcȃhk wȋscȃsa êsa itêw, “Piko ta

“Aah…mȋywȃsin!

Kitotêmin cȋ.” kakwêcimik nȃpêwa.

mȋyonȃkohcikȋyȃn ôma pȋkiskwȃtaki ôhtȃwȋya. Âstam wȋcȋwin.

Kȋkway itwêyȃni, ayiwȃk’isȋhcȃsi.”

“Ahȃw,” itik wȋscȃsa.

Kȃtakosihkwȃw, wȋtamipȋwak apho kȋtahtawê osisah.

“Wȃ…tȃn’si, apik!”

Itikwak êyakoni nȃpêwa.

“Kitakoskȃn cȋ mȃna.”

Mȃmayisk Wȋsakȋcȃhk

30

Wȋsakȋcȃhk itêw, “Pêyak mistatim ȃta wȋya…”

Mȃka wȋscȃsa itwêwa, “Maahuh! Kakwayaki mihtcȋt awa ê ôtêmit.”

Mȋyotam awa nȃpêw. “Êkwa tȃn’si kimȋyôyȃn cȋ…” “Âhȃ! Kȋt’sk apisis nispiskwanihk nicômikȋsin.” Itwêw Wȋsakȋcȃhk.

Wȋscȃsa itwêwa, “Wȃtstakȃc! Êmisôwȋspiskwanȋt ôma ê-omikȋt!”

M OVE U P F E B R U A R Y- M AY 2018 | www.moveupmag.com

W

ȋsakȋcȃhk admires this beautiful young woman.

Wȋsakȋcȃhk told his cousin, “I have to look favourably when I speak with her father. Come with me.

When I say something, add a bit to it.”

“Okay,” said his cousin.

When they arrived, they met with his possible future fatherin-law.

“How are you? Sit down,” the man said to them. “Do you work?”

Before Wȋsakȋcȃhk could say anything, his cousin said, “Wow! He is a very industrious

worker.”

“Ahh…that is good! Do you have horses?” the man asked him.

Wȋsakȋcȃhk said, “I have but one horse…”

But, his cousin said, “Maahuh! He has a huge herd of horses.”

The man really liked what he heard. “And, how is your health?”

Wȋsakȋcȃhk said, “I just have a little scab on my back…”

His cousin said, “Incredible! His whole back is covered in sores!”

Copyright © Billy Joe Laboucan 2018.

#Li fesBetterUpHere | FEBRUARY-MAY 20 1 8 M OV E U P

31

32

M OVE U P F E B R U A R Y- M AY 2018 | www.moveupmag.com

 Column

Þ BRIAN SIDDLE | DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY AND CONTENT | STRONG COFFEE MARKETING

Want to Start a Blog?

Start Here!

I

t seems everyone wants to create the ultimate pit stop on the information superhighway…. many with the hopes of fame and fortune. Throw up a few interesting and engaging blog posts, sprinkle in some advertisements and collect your cheques. People will care about what you have to say and will soon be hanging on your every keystroke.

Blogs are easy. Right?

A blog is a pretty simple thing to start… it’s that pesky content thing that often derails authors from becoming the blogosphere’s next big thing.

The internet is littered with abandoned blogs about the lives of regular people – what they think about on a daily basis, what they ate for lunch that day, a funny story they heard… you get the idea. Blogs were where people turned to share they boring lives before sites like Facebook became all the rage. These people soon realized that no one was visiting their blog and walked away. Creating a blog with some longevity takes a lot of work but can be done.

So before you get writing, let’s talk about the topic of your blog.

Can you talk for hours and hours about your topic without becoming bored… and without boring others? If the answer is yes, you might be onto something.

The topic of my first blog was golf. I played golf, I watched golf on TV, I got a diploma in golf operations, and I worked in the golf business. It was safe to say that I had a passion for my topic. That passion came in handy…

I had to write about 20 posts before anyone discovered my little online

golf hang out.

It was another 50 posts before I saw any sort of money from my ads… a nice bonus but dollar signs shouldn’t be your motivator for starting a blog.

It was another 100 posts before anyone really took the site seriously and another 1300 or so posts since then to keep the site going.

elephants, write about hats for elephants in general. It might get tough to climb out of a pigeonhole so don’t put yourself there to begin with.

Take some time. Think of a blog topic that will interest both you and your reader. It’s way easier to change your mind now than wait until you’re a few hundred posts down the road.

I think it’s safe to say that passion thing is pretty important. You’re dead without it. Trust me.

Keep your topic somewhat broad. Instead of writing about top hats for purple

#Li fesBetterUpHere | FEBRUARY-MAY 20 1 8 M OV E U P

33

34

M OVE U P F E B R U A R Y- M AY 2018 | www.moveupmag.com

GO MIGHTY PEACE

Photo: Travel Alberta

ANIMALS OF

BLACK BEAR

THE PEACE

The black bear is the smallest of the Canadian bears as well as the most common bear species.

They tend to reside in forests and are most active during the night. Individual bears may have coats ranging from black, light or dark brown, cinnamon or blond. Their long claws are incredibly useful in climbing trees. The black bear marks it’s territory by rubbing up against trees and clawing at the bark.

GRIZZLY BEAR

Look out for these animals while touring around the Mighty Peace Region!

COUGAR The cougar is Canada’s largest wild cat and is most active at dusk and dawn. They are known for their large front paws and long tail. Their tracks resemble those of a house cat except for the baseball size print left behind.

They range from tawny red to dark brown with a white throat, chest and whiskers. The average sprinting speed of a cougar is 56km/hr!

The grizzly bear has a strong, heavy body with an average length of 1.8 metres from nose to tail. It is distinguished from other bears by the large shoulder hump, its extremely long front claws and the concave facial profile of its large head. Contrary to popular belief, the grizzly bear is not a true hibernator. In the winter its body temperature may drop a few degrees and its respiration may slow slightly, but it can remain active all winter.

Black Bear

LYNX The Canada lynx is a medium-sized cat characterized by its long ear tufts, flared facial ruff, and short, bobbed tail with a completely black tip. It has unusually large paws that act like snowshoes in very deep snow, thick fur and long legs, and its hind legs are longer than its front legs, giving the lynx a stooped appearance.

Grizzly Bear

Elk Cougar Lynx Moose

For more information visit www.mightypeace.com

ELK

COYOTE

The elk is the largest form of the red deer species.

An adult bull elk stands 1.5m tall at the shoulder and weighs about 300kg. Their colour varies from a reddish brown to dark brown with a darker neck and head. Male elk are notable for their impressively large antlers, which are grown and shed each year. Elk are sociable animals and are seldom found without another elk nearby.

The coyote is smaller in size than the gray wolf, but larger than the red fox. Their coat ranges from reddish to grey with black markings on the back and tail and lighter fur underneath. They have long ears, bushy tail and a slender pointed muzzle. They are usually found in open or semiwooded areas such as prairies, and are best known for their distinctive howl.

MOOSE

GRAY WOLF

Moose are the largest members of the deer family in the world and can stand 2.3m tall at the shoulder. Most moose have something called a bell, a piece of fur-covered skin about 30cm long that hangs from their throats. A moose’s antlers are pale in colour, sometimes almost white and are used for fighting in the mating season.

Despite the moose’s large size and broad antlers, it can travel silently through the forest.

The moose’s eyesight is poor, but they compensate for it with a good sense of smell and hearing.

Moose live on the margins of lakes, muskegs and streams of the boreal forest.

Gray wolves range in color from grizzled gray or black to all-white and resemble German shepherds or malamutes. Wolves live, travel and hunt in packs of 7 to 8 animals on average which include the mother and father wolves, their pups and older offspring. Wolves have a complex communication system ranging from barks and whines to growls and howls. While they don’t actually howl at the moon, they are more active at dawn and dusk, and they do howl more when it’s lighter at night, which occurs more often when the moon is full.

MULE DEER Mule deer get their name from their large, mule-like ears. The coat is greyish-brown in winter and reddish-brown in summer. Mule deer exhibit a distinct, stiff-legged, bouncing gait when running. The antlers of bucks are also a distinguishing trait. The beam of each antler divides into two equal tines, and in older bucks these may divide again.

Coyote

Gray Wolf

WHITE-TAIL DEER When running, the deer’s tail is held erect, exposing its white underside, hence the name “white-tail.” Their coat colour changed seasonally similarly to the mule deer. Unlike mule deer though, white-tails have no rump patch. Whitetailed deer are extremely wary, and when alarmed they move rapidly, bounding away in smooth, graceful leaps.

Mule Deer

White-Tail Deer

For more information visit www.mightypeace.com

FAMILY DAY

WEEKEND

Looking for fun things to do with the family in the Peace Region on Family Day long weekend?

Why not try one of these activities?

• Go swimming at one of the regional indoor pools.

• Take the family tobogganing at one of the local hills.

• Try skiing or snowboarding at one of the many ski hills in the area.

• Try on a pair of skates and enjoy the many indoor rinks or grab a puck and stick and play shiny on one of the many outdoor rinks.

• Take the family to the lake and have your try at ice fishing.

• Eat maple snow taffy at the Carnaval in St. Isidore.

• Go to an afternoon movie with a couple of friends.

• Enjoy fun and games at the community complexes in the region.

• Go for a trail ride on one of the local snowmobile trails.

• Check out the books and activities offered at the local library.

Watch our Facebook page for more family filled activities!

Photo: CoE Photo Gallery

For more information visit www.mightypeace.com

SPECIAL

EVENTS

Let’s celebrate the Carnaval Pirates du Nord, February 16-18, 2018!

The anticipation is building... the puck drop for the 2018 Alberta Pond Hockey Championships take place March 9-11, 2018.

Reunite with your friends over a weekend when time can stand still and we can all be kids for three days. This Alberta Pond Hockey Championship will go down in history. Make sure you keep an eye on the Alberta Pond Hockey Association’s social media channels and website for updates.

They are excited to announce there will be cash prizes awarded to winning teams in the Competitive Division. Like previous Alberta Pond Hockey Championships their divisions are; Competitive, Recreational, Womens and Juniors. Not to mention our Junior Division play for FREE! Register today by visiting www.albertapondhockey.com.

Like previous years there will be an all ages Gala Event on March 10, 2018. They have lots of surprises up their sleeves for the 2018 Alberta Pond Hockey Championships. Don’t miss out on the fun and mark the dates in your calendar.

Since 1982 this annual celebration gives people a taste of the vibrant francophone culture of Northern Alberta. The Carnaval showcases Francophone artists and family fun activities including sleigh rides, snow sculpting, shinny, friendly competitions and so much more. You can expect French-Canadian dishes, incredible set design, fun winter activities and warm moments between friends. The Carnaval attracts Francophones and Francophiles from all over Alberta, as well as from many Canadian provinces but don’t think you need to be one to enjoy the Carnaval.

Start times: Feb 16 5:00pm Sites & food booths open Feb 16 8:30am Pancake breakfast Feb 17 11:00am Carnaval Mass.

Don’t miss the Carnaval de St. Isidore, it’s an event to remember!

See www.centreculturelstisadore.ca for more information and scheduling.

See you on the pond!

For more information visit www.mightypeace.com

NAMPA WALKING PROGRAM

February 5, 7, 12, 14, 26, 28 4pm-5pm The indoor walking program will be held at Nampa public School Gymnasium. Bring non-marking shoes and a water bottle. Ages 14+, free.

780-322-3954

LITTLE ADVENTURERS DAY: DINOSAUR PARTY

February 5, 10-11:30am Nampa FCSS Join us for themed games, crafts, stories, and snacks as we explore the ocean! For children ages 0-6 years (must be accompanied by a parent/ guardian). Pre-registration required by January 31.

780-322-3954

MIRAMICHI HOUSE

February 8, 6:30pm Fairview Home Routes Music Tour featuring Dirty Dishes. $20 tickets at the door. www.homeroutes.ca

CROCHETING WORKSHOPS

February 8, 13, 12, 27, 6:30pm-9pm Mackenzie Crossroads Museum & Visitors Centre, High Level In partnership with Made by Wolves. www.highlevel.ca

GRIMSHAW PUBLIC SCHOOL BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

February 9-10 Mile Zero Regional Multiplex, Grimshaw 780-332-4005, Ext 0 www.grimshaw.ca

FATHER/DAUGHTER VALENTINES TEA February 10, 9am Farmers Restaurant, Nampa Dads, Uncles, Grandpas bring that special little lady in your life for a Valentines Tea. Limited spots available, pre-registration is required.

780-322-3954

ALLEYCAT’Z SKIPPING CLUB POTLUCK SUPPER

February 11 Brownvale Recreation Centre Includes live and silent auction. www.mdpeace.com

FREE SWIMS

ST. ISIDORE CARNIVAL

February 16-18 St. Isidore Pirates of the north theme. www.centreculturelstisidore.ca

NO SCHOOL DAYS OPEN COURT

February 16,19, March 8,9,12, April 20, 23 1pm-4pm Field House – Mile Zero Regional Multiplex, Grimshaw Calling all youth! Join us on no school days for open court. $2 per person 780-332-4005 ext. 0 www.grimshaw.ca

February 12, 26, March 12, 26, April 9, 23 6:30pm-8:30pm Peace Regional Pool Evening lane swims are cancelled on those days. www.peaceriver.ca

ANNUAL POKER RALLY

VALENTINES CRAFTERNOON

February 19 Aurora Theatre, Manning www.explorecountyofnorthernlights.com

February 13, 3:30pm-5pm Nampa FCSS Join us for an afternoon filled with Valentines themed crafts and card making!

Pre-registration is required!

780-322-3954

PARENTS COFFEE MORNING

February 15, 9am-11am Nampa FCSS Join us for a play date!

Socialize with other parents while your children play in a cheerful, relaxed environment.

This program allows parents a chance to develop new friendships for themselves and their children, and to share ideas and support one another along the journey of parenthood.

Light refreshments will be provided. Pre-registration is required.

780-322-3954

For more information visit www.mightypeace.com

February 18, 11am Riders must have a ASA Season or Day Pass to ride the trail.

See website for trail details. www.wattmountainwanderers.ca

FREE FAMILY DAY MOVIE

FAMILY DAY CELEBRATION

February 19 Mile Zero Regional Multiplex, Grimshaw Activities will take place inside the multiplex.

780-332-4005 ext. 0 www.grimshaw.ca

FAMILY DAY CELEBRATION IN NAMPA

February 19, 1pm-4pm Nampa Complex Come for games, crafts, outdoor activities, snacks, free skating, and more! www.nampa.ca

FREE FAMILY SWIM AND SKATE

February 19 R.E. Walter Memorial Aquatic Centre and High Level Sports Complex www.highlevel.ca

ART ATTACK AT THE MACK

February 21, 7pm-9pm Mackenzie Crossroads Museum & Visitors Centre, High Level Art Classes available. www.highlevel.ca

HIGH LEVEL FROSTIVAL

February 23-24 Jubilee Park, High Level Snow and ice carving family fun. www.highlevel.ca

WHEN WE WERE YOUNG TRAVELING ART EXHIBIT

February 28-April 4 Mackenzie Crossroads Museum and Visitors Centre, High Level From the Alberta Foundation for the Arts Traveling Art Exhibit. www.highlevel.ca

GRIMSHAW PUBLIC SCHOOL BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

March 2-3 Mile Zero Regional Multiplex, Grimshaw 780-332-4005 ext. 0 www.grimshaw.ca

10TH ANNUAL NEWFIE NIGHT FUNDRAISER

March 3, 6pm Flamingo Inn Lounge, High Level Supporting the Northern Lights Regional Humane Society.

Featuring jiggs dinner, silent auction, raffles and dance with live east coast music.

Tickets required. www.northernlightshumanesociety.ca

NATIONAL LIFEGUARD COURSES

March 8-13 Peace Regional Pool - Steps to Becoming a Lifeguard - Bronze Medallion - Bronze Cross - Standard First Aid/ CPR level “C” - National Lifeguard - Water Safety Instructor www.peaceriver.ca

JOINING HANDS CONFERENCE

March 8-9 Christian Fellowship Venue, High Level Conference for early learning educators, childcare providers and parents hosted by the FCSS High Level, Parent Link Centre and Early Childhood Learning & Care Programs. www.ciamradio.com

CROCHETING WORKSHOPS

March 8, 13, 22, 27, 6:30pm-9pm Mackenzie Crossroads Museum and Visitors Centre, High Level In partnership with Made by Wolves. www.highlevel.ca

MIRAMICHI HOUSE

March 9, 6:30pm Fairview Home Routes Music Tour featuring Casati. $20 tickets at the door. www.homeroutes.ca

ALBERTA POND HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIPS

March 9-11 Lac Cardinal www.albertapondhockey.com

ANNUAL FISHING DERBY

March 11 Hutch Lake Day Use, 40km North of High Level Registration costs $50/hole with a 2 hole/person max. There is limited space of 75 entrants for this derby so register early!

Great prizes to win! First Fish Caught Grand Prize of Trip for 2 to Vegas! www.wattmountainwanderers.ca

ART ATTACK AT THE MACK

March 21, 7pm-9pm Mackenzie Crossroads Museum & Visitors Centre, High Level Art Classes available. www.highlevel.ca

BROWNVALE COMMUNITY CLUB EASTER HAM BINGO

March 24 Brownvale Recreation Centre www.mdpeace.com

EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA

March 31, 10am-12pm Town Hall, High Level Pancake breakfast and Easter egg hunt. www.highlevel.ca

CROCHETING WORKSHOPS

April 5, 10, 6:30pm-9pm Mackenzie Crossroads Museum and Visitors Centre, High Level In partnership with Made by Wolves. www.highlevel.ca

NORTHERN LINK AGRICULTURE & HOME SHOW

April 5-7 Fairplex Arena, Fairview FB @northernlinkfv

ALBERTA POND HOCKEY GALA

March 10 Mile Zero Regional Multiplex 780-625-2038 www.albertapondhockey.com

For more information visit www.mightypeace.com

CELEBRATE THE VALUE OF VOLUNTEERS! April 15-21 Check the Explore County of Northern Lights website for upcoming Volunteer Week Events! www.explorecountyofnorthernlights.com

ART ATTACK AT THE MACK

April 18, 7-9pm Mackenzie Crossroads Museum & Visitors Centre, High Level Art Classes available. www.highlevel.ca

MANNING PRESCHOOL FAIR

April 19 Rosary School Gym, Manning An Early Intervention Specialist will be available for assessments and referrals for ASQ’s.

705-350-0319

CLEAR HILLS COUNTY 24TH ANNUAL AGRICULTURAL TRADE SHOW

April 14, 10-am-4pm Dave Shaw Memorial Complex, Hines Creek www.clearhillscounty.ab.ca

MIRAMICHI HOUSE

April 14, 6:30pm Fairview Home Routes Music Tour featuring The Young Novelists. $20 tickets at the door. www.homeroutes.ca

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK

April 15-21 Mile Zero Regional Multiplex Please watch for more details.

780-332-4005 ext. 4 www.grimshaw.ca

Photo: Travel Alberta/ Katie Goldie

For more information visit www.mightypeace.com

CLAY WALKER CONCERT

April 27, 7pm Mile Zero Regional Multiplex Tickets are available at Freson Bros Peace River, TicketMaster, Mile Zero Regional Multiplex, Norm’s Pizzazz & Norm’s Landing.

780-332-4005 ext. 4 www.grimshaw.ca

COLOURED IN FUN RUN 2018

Date TBD Manning Please watch for more details. www.explorecountyofnorthernlights.com

FITNESS IN THE PEACE

JAGGED EDGE FITNESS CENTER High Level Self-directed workouts or private sessions available, 24 hour access available.

780-926-2672 FB: Jagged Edge Fitness Center

MANNING GYM

BRAVE CULTURE INTUITIVE HEALTH AND FITNESS Fairview Morning and evening classes, dry land training, health coaching and personal training.

780-834-6453 FB: Brave Culture

AL ADAIR REC CENTER

Manning

EVOLVE FITNESS AND WELLNESS

Peace River

Offering circuit classes, weights, cardio machines and more.

Manning

Raquetball, Squash, Volleyball, Soccer, basketball, badminton, drop-in sports and weight lifting gym are available.

780-624-2464 FB: Peace Country Sports Club

780-836-3344 FB:Manning Wellnesss Association

WORSLEY GYM

Offering a variety of classes including POUND fitness, Zumba and Spin. Classes held at Tara’s Dance Studio.

780-836-6116 FB: Evolve Fitness and Wellness

MILE ZERO REGIONAL MULTIPLEX

Worsley

FITBODY BOOTCAMP

Grimshaw

Located above the old Fire Hall.

Self directed workouts, weightlifting equipment.

Peace River

Spin classes, cardio equipment, strength machines, free weights and more!

780-685-3925

780-332-4005 FB: Mile Zero Regional Multiplex

FITNESS ON THE GO

GPRC FAIRVIEW FITNESS CENTRE

Offering classes in Spin, Girls with Guns, Fit Bottom Girls, Ab Blast, Body Blast and Bootcamp.

Fairview Racquetball, squash, weightlifting equipment, sauna, drop-in sports, fitness classes, and yoga classes available. Call for class availability.

Peace River

780-624-22639 www.fitnessonthegoltd.com

Discover the Peace River fitness boot camp that burns twice the fat, gets you fit and challenges your body every time.

780-618-6966 FB: Peace River Fit Body Boot Camp

BERWYN FITNESS CLASSES Berwyn Tuesday and Thursday classes offered. Call Cindy for class availability.

780-617-1341

780-835-6689 www.GPRC.ab.ca

For more information visit www.mightypeace.com

PEACE REGIONAL POOL

YOGA IN THE COTTAGE

TAOIST TAI CHI

Peace River

County of Northern Lights

Fairivew Fine Arts Center

Aqua aerobics, classes, courses, waterslide, hot tub, steam room, free swims and more.

New yoga series by Kendell will be coming soon! Kendell is a registered yoga teacher and practices Hatha yoga.

Thursdays 7-9pm.

Ongoing beginner intake.

780-624-3720 www.peaceriver.ca

780-836-8416

780-835-4642

SHAMROCK BOXING CLUB

R.E. WALTER MEMORIAL AQUATIC CENTER

YOGA WITH BRITNEY

Peace River

Manning

High Level

Keep an eye out for an upcoming Yoga series by Britney! Britney is a registered yoga teacher and was trained in holistic Akhanda yoga.

Amateur boxing club offering junior, youth, adult, and ladies classes. Competitive and non-competitive.

4-lane, 25m pool, tot pool, whirlpool, climbing wall and viewing deck.

780-926-3663 www.highlevel.ca

FAIRVIEW REGIONAL AQUATIC CENTER

780-836-2333

5-lane, 25m lap pool, zero depth wading pool, hot tub, climbing wall, waterslide tarzan rope, lessons, free swims, activities room and more.

Peace River

Peace River and Grimshaw

780-618-9240

Five & ten pin cosmic bowling, rentals, league, state of the art HD golf simulator, billiards and arcade. Full kitchen including Western & Asian cuisine.

PILATES 360

780-624-8866 FB: Rock and Bowl, Inc

Peace River

780-835-2812 www.fairview.ca

Enjoy Pilates or Barre?

Semi-private sessions are available at Pilates 360.

BODHI TREE

780-618-5851 FB: Pilates 360

Peace River Check out the calendar at the Bodhi Tree website for a full listing of yoga lasses including classes for beginners, hatha yoga, chair yoga and more.

780-624-8838 www.bodhitreeboutique.com/ apps/calendar

ROCK AND BOWL

YOGA WITH VANESSA Offering yoga in the north.

Fairview

780-625-6719 FB: Shamrock Boxing Club

TAI CHI Peace River An exercise involving meditation in a slow motion.

Instructed by Jeff McCann.

Call for the next series and location.

780-624-1241

For more information visit www.mightypeace.com

UNCHAGA LANES AND LOUNGE Fairview 5 pin bowling, Friday night glow bowl, rentals and league.

780-835-2695 FB: Unchaga Lanes

50

M OVE U P F E B R U A R Y- M AY 2018 | www.moveupmag.com

Y H P A R PHOTOG ISSUE THE

T

hey say, “a picture is worth 1,000 words.” At Move Up Magazine, we agree it indeed can, and sometimes more.

Photography is a piece of art like any other that makes us feel and connect with ourselves and the world around us. When a picture “works,” it’s more than the sum of its parts—composition, light, subject matter, etc.—it’s magic, and the Peace Region’s dynamic and natural beauty often lends itself to pictures that “work.”

By Issue 3, in 2014, we called upon Paul Lavoie for the cover photo— which was a GoPro “selfie” he took while waterskiing. If that’s not a sign of dedication and passion, we don’t know what is. Paul’s photography has appeared in every

issue since. His use of time lapse and blending techniques are like nothing we’ve seen. Harking back to our early days, this issue’s cover is another selfie Paul took.

In the spring of 2016, we were in a bind for Issue 10, and we needed a food photographer. Fatefully, Melissa E. Earle reached out to us before we had a chance to contact her. As it turns out, Melissa is a stellar food photographer. And, that’s not all. She takes some of the best candid photos of people. She connects with her subjects and is creative on her feet.

Later that year, in Issue 12, we were doing a feature on the Curtis Marshall Memorial Skatepark. It was a collaborative effort. Paul took some great shots from above with

his new drone and Melissa took some nice ones of local skateboarder Cara Schlitz, but we were missing rail grind and big air shots.

Online we discovered some amazing pictures Tyrell took, so we contacted him. He was more than happy to join our team. If you haven’t noticed, he is an ubertalented portrait photographer. He’s also incredibly fast. He shows up and in five photos or fewer, he has a print-worthy shot. His work has also shown up in every issue since.

Our core team of photographers each have exceptional, unique talents and we consider ourselves lucky to be able to call on them. To look at photography in past issues, go to moveupmag.com/archives.

#Li fesBetterUpHere | FEBRUARY-MAY 20 1 8 M OV E U P

51

PAUL LAVOIE

Age: 38 Day Job: Landscaper\Snow Removal Spouse: Alexis Cote Kids: Marley, 11, and Lily, 6 What do you shoot with?

Canon 5D Mark 2 When did you start taking photography seriously as an artform? What drew you to the craft?

I got my first camera in 2008 after buying one for Alexis’s birthday. I soon took it over and claimed ownership. I spent many years travelling and when I finally came home I found a new appreciation for the beauty and uniqueness of the Peace Region. I wanted to find a way to show others how special this place really is.

What are your favourite subjects to shoot? What excites or inspires you?

My absolute favorite things to shoot are lightning storms 52

M OVE U P F E B R U A R Y- M AY 2018 | www.moveupmag.com

p Graffiti Beauty, Peace River

q Great Spirit, Northern Alberta q Judah Hill Lightning

and the aurora borealis.

There aren’t many things better than being in a field or along the road at 4am watching the sky light up from a good lightning storm or an aurora show.

I have a constant need for epic light and love long exposure.

What do your photographs say about you?

different perspectives and make the best image possible with the scene.

Well, the first thing my photos say about me is that I’m a total night owl.

I think they also say I always try to be creative. I try not to take the obvious image. I try to look at

What would be your advice to anyone who would like to take up photography as a hobby or career?

Don’t do it! Go buy an ATV or something. It’s much

#Li fesBetterUpHere | FEBRUARY-MAY 20 1 8 M OV E U P

53

cheaper! Haha, I’m only kidding.

The best advice I have would be just shoot for yourself. Shoot what makes you happy. Who cares what others think? Oh, and YouTube has all the answers.

What does the upcoming year hold in store for you? Do you have any upcoming projects that you’re excited about?

I look forward to trying to grow my hobby into more of a business and maybe get more prints out there. I’m trying to be better at the business side of things.

Do you have a preparation ritual, or anything special you do to prepare for a shoot?

My camera bag is always ready at the door. I’m a weather nut, so I’m always checking the weather radar, tracking storms and following the aurora forecasts. I also always know the sunrise/ sunset times. I do lots of location scouting. It’s always better to know exactly where you are going to go when the lights come out rather than driving around in the dark trying to find a place to shoot.

How did you start shooting for Move Up? I joined Move Up on the third issue. I’ve been contributing in different ways ever since. I enjoy working with Tormaigh and Jenelle because I am challenged to photograph out of my comfort zone. They make me actually shoot people!

Is there anything you’d like to add?

I just wanted to say thanks to all the people in the community who have supported and encouraged me and for giving me location tips. fb.com/paullavoieimages 500px.com/stillinmylongjohns 54

M OVE U P F E B R U A R Y- M AY 2018 | www.moveupmag.com

p Lake Louise

q Harvest, Northern Sunrise County

q Kirkjufellfoss, Iceland

q La Vallee, Peace River

55

#Li fesBetterUpHere | FEBRUARY-MAY 20 1 8 M OV E U P

MELISSA E. EARLE Age: Old enough to have four kids Day Job: Essential Oil Teacher/ Leadership Coach Family: I’m married to the best man in the world and together we have 4 great children.

What do you shoot with?

I take photos with a Nikon camera, or an iPhone. The best camera is the one that you have on you!

When did you start taking photography seriously as an artform? What drew you to the craft?

I have been taking photography seriously since I was 13 years old. They called me the camera lady all throughout high school because I had my camera with me everywhere I went.

It started because my dad had his PhD in Chemistry and set up a dark room for him and I to develop our own photos and film. It was just magical watching the images jump to life!

What do your photographs say about you?

I believe dreaming is something we 56

M OVE U P F E B R U A R Y- M AY 2018 | www.moveupmag.com

p Pictured is Kelsey Marlies

q Pictured is Margreet van der Es q Pictured is Monique Thomas holding branches from the riverbank

all should do. Remember as a kid, how you used to dream? At least when I was a kid I thought I could do anything I wanted as long as I dreamed big enough. For adults, that is still possible. Whether it is the person in front of my camera or the person looking at the images

I have taken, I love to inspire.

What would be your advice to anyone who would like to take up photography as a hobby or career?

Find your niche. Go where your heart is leading

you and then study and practice hard to hone your skills and to get better at your craft. Study the greats. I love watching CreativeLive.com. If you have never seen CreativeLive.com, then you’re welcome.Â

#Li fesBetterUpHere | FEBRUARY-MAY 20 1 8 M OV E U P

57

What does the upcoming year hold in store for you?

Do you have any upcoming projects that you’re excited about?

I am SUPER pumped for 2018!

I really want to photograph for an essential oil book for kids and babies. It’s a huge feat, but I am really excited to aim for it. I also am really interested in upping my game for Instagram. That is where my focus is at the moment and the connections there are just amazing.

Do you have a preparation ritual, or anything special you do to prepare for a shoot?

I sit and meditate and pray before I shoot and ask God to give me the perspective I need—to see the people and the details I need to. Then, I sit there and envision what I am about to do and focus on what I want to create. It’s moving.

Everything comes from a different place when I first stop and pay attention to what my heart wants to create.

How did you start shooting for Move Up? I met the most AMAZING couple and the rest is history.

Tormaigh and Jenelle are some of the most gracious people you will ever meet.

Tormaigh with his big dreams and huge vision and innovative ideas, and Jenelle is the foundation, the one you can always count on and is the friend you always needed.

Is there anything you’d like to add?

Create from your heart.

Practice dreaming, and go outside of your comfort zone.

Push yourself. You might be amazed at the greatness inside of you.

58

M OVE U P F E B R U A R Y- M AY 2018 | www.moveupmag.com

p From the muddy banks of the Peace River

q Pictured is Lisa Lundgard. "Her dream was to grow corn this tall." q Pictured is Kimberly Erin

E

ver since I was a little girl, I have had a dream I was surrounded by women. In this dream most of the women have a compass, and I help them learn how to find the North Star.

As we help each other and follow where the compass points, we keep finding more people who are curious about finding the North Star too.

We’re in this beautiful park, with lots of green trees, and as we walk, the compass leads us up a hill until we come out over this gorgeous scene.

We find ourselves standing on a ledge, the view stretching out as far as the eye can see in almost every direction. We start laughing. Not only do we see the stars but we see everything else we can imagine.

I have watched, as I have grown up, the beauty inside of people. I am quite fascinated by the big dreams and hopes people have, but I am also constantly surprised at how easily one loses sight of finding true north, following those big dreams, finding the North Star and letting it guide us home.

No matter where your true north is—in the whisper of the tree leaves, the rocky river banks, the glittering snow in the winter, a wisp of hair falling onto your face, the sound of the river or the smells that help you remember and cherish moments— follow after it. Follow your heart, where it calls and where it leads you. True north isn’t that far off. fb.com/meephotos #Li fesBetterUpHere | FEBRUARY-MAY 20 1 8 M OV E U P

59

TYRELL PARENTEAU Age: 30 Day Job: Parts Technician (Rocky Mountain Equipment) Wife: Lindsay Kids: Daughters Blake, 4, and Riley, 4 months What do you shoot with?

I use a Nikon D750 with a handful of different lenses depending on the shoot.

When did you start taking photography seriously as an artform? What drew you to the craft?

Ever since the first basic point and shoot digital cameras came out I’ve been shooting around and editing.

I’ve only owned my DSLR for just over two years now.

Editing photos has always been my favourite part.

What are your favourite subjects to shoot? What excites or inspires you?

I am a portrait and couples photographer for the most part. Those are my favourite

60

M OVE U P F E B R U A R Y- M AY 2018 | www.moveupmag.com

Clockwise from the left: 1. Renae Regal’s grad shoot. Portraits will always be my #1 and this is possibly my favourite shot of all time.

2. The Archers. I never planned on doing weddings but after last summer shooting for Jordan and Sharyssa, I ended up booking a handful more for this coming summer. In this shot, I was just about to go home when I seen the sun setting and I pulled them out of the party to take one last shot. Totally worth it.

3. Neve Aspeslet grad shoot. The soft lighting and colors worked really nice in these. Neve looked great!

4. This shoot with Nikki Macmillan was my first time using flash in any of my photography and I couldn't be happier with how it turned out. I've always been a natural light guy, but seeing these results I might be changing my style.

#Li fesBetterUpHere | FEBRUARY-MAY 20 1 8 M OV E U P

61

styles of photography. I still learn new things almost every time I go out and shoot.

There is no limit to creativity and that’s what inspires me.

What would be your advice to anyone who would like to take up photography as a hobby or career?

I would just say get out there and shoot everything you possibly can and figure out what really grabs your attention.

What does the upcoming year hold in store for you?

Do you have any upcoming projects that you’re excited about?

This will be a busy year for me. Besides my regular bookings I have a handful of grad shoots booked so far as well as four weddings.

Do you have a preparation ritual, or anything special you do to prepare for a shoot?

Nothing special—I just play my favourite music on the way to each shoot.

How did you start shooting for Move Up? I was lucky enough to get a call from Tormaigh one night to fill in for another photographer. Somehow I’ve managed to keep sneaking in the magazine here and there ever since that initial shoot.

Is there anything you’d like to add?

If anyone would like to get a hold of me or check out more of my work, they can look me up on Facebook or Instagram at Tparenteauphotography.

62

M OVE U P F E B R U A R Y- M AY 2018 | www.moveupmag.com

Clockwise from the left: 1. Darren and Hailey. Everything about this photo from the smiles to the colours makes me happy. There was perfect lighting and the hunting theme worked perfectly.

2. The Corvette. I’ve always been interested in any type of photography I can try. Vehicles are one of my favourites.

3. Photo of my daughter Blake. This has always been one of my favourite photos because of how much her eyes pop. And I’m a sucker for black and white.

fb.com/tparenteauphotography #Li fesBetterUpHere | FEBRUARY-MAY 20 1 8 M OV E U P

63

 Relocation Story à

PAMELA CLENDINNING MOVED UP TO PEACE RIVER FROM OTTAWA, ONTARIO

and my now husband, Mike Clendinning, and I decided to relocate here.

Since moving here in 2013, we have purchased a house, got married, and had our daughter Malia.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION OF THE PEACE REGION?

My first impression of the Peace Region was how insane it was to cross the bridge at 80km/hr.

Now, being a local, I get annoyed if anyone is going under the speed limit.

Jokes aside though, my first impression of Peace River was how incredibly beautiful it is!

WHAT SURPRISED YOU THE MOST ABOUT THE PEACE REGION?

Pamela Clendinning, 28, moved to Peace River in November of 2013 from Ottawa, Ontario.

64

WHAT’S YOUR STORY? HOW DID YOU END UP RELOCATING TO THE MIGHTY PEACE REGION?

Alberta, who was willing to let me live for free until I figured out my life plan or at the least get a job.

I completed the Primary Care Paramedic Program in Ontario and worked in the Ottawa Region when I realized I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life in the exact same place I grew up. I wanted something new for myself.

I had a friend in Onoway,

I got hired as an EMT for an Edmontonbased company and commuted back and forth to the Peace Region.

Through my travels to the Peace River area I met Stephen Woodburn with APL who offered me a full time career,

M OVE U P F E B R U A R Y- M AY 2018 | www.moveupmag.com

What surprises me most about the Peace Region is the community involvement in this town.

It is amazing how people here always come together when someone or business in the community needs it.

COMPARED TO WHERE YOU CAME FROM, HOW DOES THE PEACE REGION DIFFER?

Where I came from was a large city suburban area. Other than your immediate neighbour and close friends you didn’t know anyone, everyone kept to themselves.

Whereas here, I have been only living in the area for just over 4 years and I

feel like I know everyone in someway or another.

Peace River has a small town feel that I love so much.

IN WHAT WAYS HAVE YOU INTEGRATED YOURSELF INTO THE COMMUNITY?

I have integrated into the community in many ways. I play roller derby for the Grim Reapers in Grimshaw. I helped with the launch of the Mighty Peace Ringette Association and coached for two years.

I also participated in the Meals on Wheels Program through the Town of Peace River before having my baby.

I enjoy taking my 6 month old to the programs offered through Peace Parent Link. Malia and I have also enjoyed being a part of the Roots of Empathy Program at Springfield Elementary School.

I would have to say the most rewarding way I have integrated into the community is through APL when I started the Non-Emergent Medical Transport program to help seniors and those with mobility issues get to their appointments.

HOW DO YOU ENTERTAIN OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS? WHAT ARE SOME MUST-TRY PEACE REGION EXPERIENCES?

When out of town guests visit we are always sure to show them the beautiful

Relocation Story



It is amazing how people here always come together when someone or business in the community needs it. view from the 12 Foot Davis lookout. Must try experiences in my opinion are the local rodeos, motocross events, floating down the Peace River, checking out the boat races, Pond Hockey at Lac Cardinal, quad trails and the local campgrounds.

HAVE YOU HAD ANY INTERESTING WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS SINCE YOU’VE BEEN HERE?

The most interesting wildlife encounter when I first relocated here would have to be the deer greeting me every morning at my car in my the parking lot of my apartment.

I also remember vividly in the first week of being in the area on my way to work there being a deer in the middle of the bridge. After being here for a few years, I never think twice about all the wildlife I see. It is pretty incredible when I step back and think about all of the encounters since moving here and feeling like it’s just the norm.

WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL NIGHT OUT/DATE NIGHT IN THE PEACE REGION?

Dinner or wings at

the Pub and a movie in town. We also love taking advantage of all the local events such as Peacefest, fundraiser events, street festival, etc. for a good date night out!

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR ADVICE TO ANYONE THINKING OF RELOCATING HERE?

My advice would be to just do it, jump right in. Peace River is very accepting and full of opportunities. Reach out and get involved and you will never want to leave.

IN YOUR EXPERIENCE, WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THE PEACE REGION?

The most unique thing about the Peace Region are the opportunities.

Coming from a very large city I would have never thought I would be able to do a presentation in front of Town Council, go to Chamber of Commerce meetings, participate in some incredible workshops, see my picture on the big screen at the movie theatre, host public fundraising events, fly copilot in an airplane, meet celebrity country artists.

The list goes on and I cannot wait to see how many more opportunities this area will provide in the future. #Li fesBetterUpHere | FEBRUARY-MAY 20 1 8 M OV E U P

65

l a i c e p

S

r e f Of

Use our online order form & get 15% off your advertisement in Move Up magazine

moveupmag.com/advertise | hello@moveupmag.com | 780-624-1985 66

M OVE U P F E B R U A R Y- M AY 2018 | www.moveupmag.com

*Promotion cannot be combined with any other offer.

we are Creatives for hire.

VAULTmedia 780-624-1985