Quirk July August 2014

nside MAGAZINE

Volume 3 • Issue 4 July - August 2014

CONNECTING

LETHBRIDGE

SLOW FOOD Slowing the Fork Down

THE NASH PROJECT Saving Animals, Helping People

WINDY CITY BEDROOM MAKEOVER Reveal

ISSN 1929-2112 1929-2112 ISSN

”Not exactly as shown”

2825B 2nd Avenue South (Crowsnest Trail)

(403)

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Madison Hirlehey Memorial Golf Tournament In Support Of Ronald McDonald House® Southern Alberta We are pleased to invite you to “golf in Paradise” at the inagural Madison Hirlehey Memorial Golf Tournament in support of Ronald McDonald House® Southern Alberta.

Madison Hirlehey was diagnosed in the summer of 2006 with Acute T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma at the age of 4. She battled bravely for almost 7 years before losing that battle in March of last year.

Although Maddie did not like being in the hospital, she absolutely loved her stays at Ronald McDonald House®. Sometimes our stays were short but other times were longer. At one point we lived at ‘The House’ for almost 10 months straight. It became our second home.

I’m sure Madison would love the fact that a tournament in her name is raising money for such a great cause.

Paradise Canyon Golf Resort Lethbridge, Alberta

July 28, 2014

Cocktail Reception, Dinner & Silent Auction to follow Please go to website for registration fees & times

To register visit

Ronald McDonald House® Southern Alberta, www.madisongolf.ca ™ helping give sick children what they need most… their families. or call Steve at 403-308-4456

wedding films that will make you cry. book your cinematic wedding today

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TH S SSUE 8

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Quick Braised Pork Chops

Chef Kenny L. Kain of Lethbridge College provides us with a mouth-watering recipe using local produce.

Windy City Bedroom Makeover

This issue we present the reveal of the Windy City Bedroom Makeover contest and the reaction of this very deserving family.

SAGE

Celebrating their 30th anniversary, this group of committed environmentalists continues to make a difference in our community.

Slow Food

Slow Food-the opposite of fast food, is an international organization that has arrived in southern Alberta. They envision a world in which all people can access and enjoy food that is good for them, good for those who grow it and good for the planet.

Farmers Market

We have a look at the Farmers Market, a part of Exhibition Park history for over 40 years and how it has grown over the years.

Artist Feature

This issue we feature the works of Pamela Copeland, a southern Alberta artist with her inspiring works from nature.

The Nash Project

The Nash Project is an international program that has arrived in Lethbridge. Rescued horses and dogs are trained to provide therapy, giving new life to both the animals and the people they serve.

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From The Publisher Summer has officially arrived after a bumpy ride for southern Albertans weatherwise! This issue we are taking it outside with the growing season in full swing, sharing the benefits of living in a community that Jean Van Kleek offers a multitude of local produce to Photography: Jen Alston enjoy. There is something to be said for meeting the “hand that feeds you” and knowing exactly where your food came from. Supporting local growers is not only an important health decision, it’s a boost to our local economy.

The N.A.S.H. Project (Neglected Animals Serving Humanity), is an exciting program in our area that rescues neglected and abused dogs and horses and rehabilitate them as Service and Therapeutic Animals. It’s a win-win project for the animals they rescue and the people whose lives are changed because of them. This organization offers summer camps, riding lessons, therapeutic riding, life skills, equine assisted learning and much more. Ginger Malacko talks with Cedar Santanna, project president, about their goals and philosophy.

Our artist feature profiles Pamela Copeland of Claresholm, whose love of nature has inspired her work in acrylics, chalk pastes and printmaking. Pamela’s artwork reflects the beauty of the southern Alberta landscape in a display of color and texture that is truly her own style.

We also visit with SAGE (Southern Alberta Group for the Environment) who are celebrating their 30th anniversary this year. This organization comprised strictly of volunteers has worked tirelessly over the years to help ensure future generations in our area enjoy clean water, fresh food and a sustainable environment to thrive in.

In the May issue of Quirk, we announced the winning family of the “Windy City Bedroom Makeover”. This issue we share the reveal and how this contest touched the lives of the winning family and the crew who put it together.

Once again, we hope you enjoy reading about the people and projects in our community as much as we enjoy discovering them!

Have a great summer!

Volume 3 • Issue 4 • July - August 2014

www.readquirk.com Published bi-monthly in Lethbridge by

SHABELLA PUBLISHING

1010 - 10th Ave. N., Lethbridge, T1H 1J8 403.382.7240 Printed by Warwick Printing, Lethbridge, AB. Publisher Jean Van Kleek jean@readquirk.com Design & Layout UniVerse Graphics Photographers Chris Yauck Cover Photo Craig Ellis High Level Canoes & Kayaks Contributing Writers Ginger Malacko Chris Yauck Michelle Zandstra Sue Thomas Priscilla Peltier Jacqueline Chalmers Mark Campbell Jean Van Kleek General Inquiries info@readquirk.com Advertising Inquiries jean@readquirk.com 403.382.7240 LEGAL INFORMATION

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CALL TODAY

For Your Free Gifts and Information

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All information provided in this magazine is accurate and correct to the best of the knowledge of Quirk Magazine and Shabella Publishing, and current at the time of publishing. Quirk Magazine and Shabella Publishing are not responsible and will not be liable for damages whatsoever arising out of or in connection with the use of the information contained herein, or through any unauthorized use or reproduction of such information, even if the publication has been advertised of the possibility of these damages. The information in this magazine applies to Canada oinly and may not be appropriate or correct outside of Canada.

The magazine is not responsible in any way for the content provided by contributing writers and/or advertisers or other third parties who advertise or provide content for this magazine. Unless indicated otherwise, all opinions, advice, information and resources offered or made available in this magazine are solely those of third parties who advertise or provide content for this magazine. This magazine and its content do not necessarily reflect the views of Shabella Publishing or its employees. No endorsement or approval of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services, including those available or offered through this magazine or any websites, is expressed or implied by Shabella Publishing or any related company or its officers and directors. Links to websites of third parties are meant for convenience only. The publisher does not review, endorse, approve or control and is not responsible for any such websites.

THE ROAD IN BETWEEN

Stuckville

Life is full of tough decisions and difficult conversations and what I’ve found, if I am unwilling to make those tough decisions or have those difficult conversations, is that I become stuck.

I like to refer to this place as Stuckville. It’s not the worst place to be and comes with certain advantages. While in Stuckville, the advantage is I won’t have to know the pain of disappointment or answer the almost certain “OK, Now What” question. The disadvantage is there is a big billboard at the edge of Stuckville that reads “What If I wasn’t stuck, where would I be?” and this question looms as large as the billboard.

Sometimes a list of pros and cons might help decide, but at the same time, some decisions just come down to gut instinct. But when my gut instincts are not sending any signals, I swing away, back and forth, all the while rehearsing my prickly conversation.

Sometimes decisions can be made in a blink of an eye and others leave you wondering and worrying. Some conversations come easily while others are anxiety provoking and therefore remain pending, taking you for a stay in Stuckville.

By Sue Thomas

Some decisions come when the moon and stars are just right or strangely and suddenly in the middle of the night and the confidence to have a prickly Some conversation appears out of nowhere. In the past, spending conversations come time in Stuckville actually easily while others are may have saved me from a less than ideal outcome. So, anxiety provoking and for now, with pending therefore remain decisions to be made I’ll settle in and be patient, enjoying pending, taking you where I am and what I have. for a stay in My experience is that I have always survived the important Stuckville. decisions and prickly conversations and that being stuck, at least in the short term, is an OK place to be.

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Before

Windy City Makeover

By Jean Van Kleek

The first annual Windy City Makeover contest orchestrated by Dan Cayer of Silk Plant Décor took place in April. While it was difficult to choose one winner from all of the entries, one deserving family in particular stood out.

The winning entry was submitted by the aunt of Adele Possin.

Adele is an eight year old girl who shared her room with her new baby sister, Autumn. Adele has four brothers and was thrilled to have a baby sister to play with and share her room. Unfortunately, these dreams of laughing together and sharing were cut short for Adele when her baby sister passed away in a tragic accident at 16 months old. A parent’s worst nightmare had come true for the Possins and the healing process has been a difficult one. Adele’s

mother, Christine, says what has helped them through this is their faith, family and friends who have been a great support.

Adele took the loss very hard, and had trouble even wanting to go into her bedroom.

After choosing the Possin family for the makeover, Dan and his team started planning every detail. They wanted to make Adele’s space new for her, but they also wanted to keep Autumn’s memory alive for the family in a positive way. The makeover was a surprise for Adele, and while the family was sent to Waterton for the weekend, the makeover elves did their magic. There was a tremendous amount of

The Possin Family and Makeover Team

It was especially rewarding bringing a smile back to a little girl’s face.

“

” work to be done in a short timeframe, but the mission was accomplished.

The tired but excited elves waited in anticipation as the family returned for the reveal. The absolute joy on Adele’s face brought tears to the eyes of the makeover team and the Possin family. Christine says her first reaction was being blown away by how beautiful the room was and how it felt full of love. After the initial “wow!” she said it took a little while to set in. Then she started noticing all of the little details that were created with so much heart. She later connected the nature theme with the little birds and leaves to the babie’s name “Autumn”. Dan’s team used parts of the baby crib to create unique pieces in the room for Adele. They also built a crafting desk in one of the closets for her to play at.

Christine says the change in Adele is phenomenal. She loves going in her room now and inviting her friends over to see it. She spends hours and hours at her new desk “going to town making crafts, cards and trinkets”. She also spends a lot of time keeping it clean. The Possins are thrilled with the results and the happiness the makeover has given their little girl.

Dan Cayer said it was an honour for his team to provide this amazing and resilient family something to look forward to, and it was especially rewarding bringing a smile back to a little girl’s face.

Dan and his team are looking forward to “Enriching Lives One Bedroom at a Time” again in 2015.

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ecipients of outstanding customer service are likely to return for more of the same. Great experiences lead to great referrals – and all of this helps to grow business!

Excellent customer service should be celebrated – that’s why Chinook Country Tourist Association is proud to announce the Best of the Southwest Service & Tourism Awards. The event will be a formal affair including refreshments and appetizers, live entertainment, and awards to celebrate the people who work on the front lines, whose efforts help make Southwest Alberta a great place not only to visit, but to live.

The Best of the Southwest Awards will recognize outstanding customer service experiences in the region as well as outstanding businesses that enhance the awareness of Southwest Alberta as a destination. There are 18 nomination categories to celebrate these accomplishments. The categories range from Restaurant of the Year and Event of the Year to individuals who excel in customer service in areas such as retail, attractions and adventure tourism. A full

listing of the 18 nomination categories can be found on the website. Anyone can nominate; it only takes a couple of minutes. Each winner will receive a trophy and recognition at the event.

Tourism is the world’s fourth fastest growing industry, generating almost $80 billion per year in Canada alone. Across Canada, over 600,000 people are employed in tourism. Jaci Zalesak, Director of Client Relations at Chinook Country Tourist Association says, “Southwest Alberta has approximately 1,000 tourism related businesses and employs about 6,000 people in the industry. The region has a multitude of unique attractions including two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Tourism is a huge influencer for people considering relocating to, or starting a new business in, our region.

We are pleased to take steps to honour the people and businesses that make tourism in our region so successful, and Southern Alberta such a great place to live.”

To nominate or find out more about all of the categories, the event, or to purchase tickets to the event visit www.bestofthesouthwestawards.com

www.bestofthesouthwestawards.com Did You Receive Great Service Today?

NOMINATE THEM NOW @southwestawards

Like us on Facebook

Presented by Chinook Country Tourist Association Quirk - 13

SAGE

Celebrating 30 Years in Lethbridge

By Jean Van Kleek

Cattle in feedlot (Cheryl Bradley) – The density of intensive livestock operations near Lethbridge is one of the highest in North America. SAGE has a representatives on government advisory groups working to reduce the environmental impacts on air and water of this important industry in our region.

Standing L to R: Ann Baran, Braum Barber, Klaus Jericho, Deb Jarvie, Sherri Bohnert Sitting L to R: Paul Bohnert, Nicola Miller, Cheryl Bradley Absent from the photo – Cheryl Fujikawa Quirk - 14

SAGE is comprised of, and always has been, people who care about where we live, how we live and how we leave our surroundings for future generations.

The Southern Alberta Group for the Environment (SAGE) is celebrating its’ 30th anniversary this year. The group was established in 1984 with a common goal: to help protect the environment in our area and ensure sustainability for future generations. Some of the early members are still with the organization and well into their senior years, but have a passion for ensuring that what we leave behind is a place for all to enjoy and flourish in.

In 1984, people who worked to preserve the environment were considered “a little over the top”, but that didn’t discourage the members of SAGE back then. They continued their quest to educate, inform and constitute change. Over the last decade, more people realize that without sustainability and taking the environment into account when planning expansion and growth, there is no economy. The concept has become more mainstream with more people realizing we need to protect the world around us in order to continue for future generations and SAGE is still here 30 years later to create awareness and educate us on alternative and cooperative solutions.

The SAGE board consists completely of volunteers who have given their time freely and includes biologists, teachers, accountants, engineers to farmers who all share their expertise in an effort to create an environment in Southern Alberta where we have a healthy and sustainable community. SAGE is not an adversarial or confrontational organization, rather, they are a collaborative group that expresses educated opinions during city council meetings, on multi-party advisory groups and through forums that encourage conversations among citizens. As an advocate for environmental sustainability, SAGE has initiated and successfully implemented projects to advance environmental

education and performance in the region. Though the focus of the organization has been developing positive relationships with government, business and the community by providing expertise and balanced environmental perspective, SAGE has also been a steady advocate encouraging better decision-making as it relates to land-use, water, air, wildlife, energy and resource/waste management- the foundation of sustainability and prosperity.

This is a group of people who have worked tirelessly in our community for no other remuneration than to see changes made in the way we interact with our environment locally via protected areas, water conservation, waste reduction, recycling, biodiversity conservation, shifting to renewable energy, pesticide reduction, headwaters protection, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, addressing environmental effects of intensive livestock operations, and environmental sustainability in urban planning.

SAGE is comprised of, and always has been, people who care about where we live, how we live and how we leave our surroundings for future generations.

Happy Anniversary SAGE! To find out more about SAGE or to become a member go to: www.sage-environment.org

Oldman River at Pavan Park, Lethbridge (by Lorne Fitch) – Since its beginning SAGE has worked to improve water quality and water conservation in the Oldman River basin and for protection of the river valley in Lethbridge.

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w o l S d o o F

The Essence of By: Jacqueline Chalmers

The essence of slow food simply put is “slow the fork down”. Slow Food encourages everyone to slow down and use their senses to enjoy quality food with awareness and learn to choose good food that is produced in harmony with the environment and local cultures.

The international body of Slow Food (www.slowfood.com) was organized in 1989 by visionary and founder Carlo Petrini, after a demonstration on the intended site of a McDonald’s at the Spanish Steps in Rome. Later he brought together a group of folks to partake of a “slow” meal prepared with the best of local ingredients shared in a convivial manner. From these humble beginnings, the Slow Food movement continues to grow, involving millions of people in over 160 countries. It is a global, grassroots organization, formally founded to prevent disappearance of local food cultures and traditions, counteract the rise of fast life and combat people’s dwindling interest in the food they eat, where it comes from and how our food choices affect the world around us.

Slow Food Southern Alberta, formed in April 2011, collaborates with community groups and organizations to reinforce the message of the right to good food for everyone. In the past we have been part of the Earth Day celebration with The Galt Museum, we have co-hosted a working dinner at Lethbridge College with Cows and Fish and we are excited to be part of the upcoming “CHOMP” – The Lethbridge Community Harvest Outdoor Music & Picnic Event in September.

Slow Food envisions a world in which all people can access and enjoy food that is defined by three interconnected principles: GOOD, a fresh and flavorsome seasonal diet that satisfies the senses and is part of the local culture; CLEAN, food production and consumption that does not harm the environment, animal welfare or human health and FAIR, accessible prices for consumers and fair conditions and pay for producers.

The crew at New Oxley Garlic

Food is tied to many aspects of life, including culture, politics, agriculture and the environment. Through our food choices, we can collectively influence how food is cultivated, produced and distributed, and as a result bring about great change. We are all “co-producers” - we have the power to request and make change, we can vote with our fork.

Slow Food supports the principles behind organic agriculture, such as promoting methods that have a low impact on the environment and reducing the use of pesticides but when practiced extensively, is similar to conventional monoculture cropping. Organic certification alone should therefore not be considered a sure sign that a product is grown sustainably.

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We are all “co-producers” - we have the power to request and make change, we can vote with our fork.

Slow Food is against the commercial planting of fertilizer and manure run-off; and of not draining all the wetlands to genetically modified (GM) crops and works to promote allow pillar to post farming of mono-crops. Health of soil is vital GM-free food and animal feed; we risk transforming our for the growth of healthy plants and animals – many of the critters in the soil cannot be seen with the naked eye but they deserve food into a patented commodity controlled by a few the same amount of respect as those we can see like the multinationals and stripping farmers and bees. The miracle insect, a bee, is being denigrated consumers of their rights. GMOs are unreliable by herbicides. from a scientific point of view, inefficient in economic terms and environmentally The CHOMP Event on September 20th at the unsustainable. Little is known about them Elks Community Recreation Area at Fort from a health perspective and from a Whoop-Up Park will endeavour to create technical standpoint, they are considered awareness about many of these issues and by many to be obsolete. Slow Food suggest ways we can all make a difference supports mandatory labeling of all th when we “slow our fork down”. Chef Mark products containing GM ingredients, thus Dieser from Lethbridge College and a team of giving consumers the freedom to make an Elks Community students will be creating and sharing free educated choice about what they eat.

Recreation Area prepared food from ingredients provided by local Fort Whoop-Up Park growers. Eric Lister, a local fitness trainer is By slowing the fork down, we savour our food, organizing a Fun Run followed by a brief information this leads to making wiser choices about what we session about ways to enjoy a better state of mind by being eat and where it has come from, we ask questions and make informed decisions. Food grown locally has fewer food miles, physically active. Charlie Shultz, an Aquaponics guru from less of a carbon footprint. Food grown with respect for bio-diversity Lethbridge College is presenting an information session as well as is mindful of the importance of keeping our water ways clean of coordinating others who will talk about canning, preserving and urban gardening. Food and fun for the kids too, Jessica Schmelzer will gather the little ones for a fun activity, “Big Chef-Little Chef”.

To add to the convivial atmosphere there will be live music throughout the day. Activities start at 10 and continue until four – this is a free event, open to all.

CHOMP

Event September 20

Through these collaborations and awareness events, we can make informed changes for the better, not only for our health but also for the health of Terra Madre, Mother Earth.

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From the Kitchen

to the Garden REPRINTED COURTESY OF:

slowfood.com

Now that summer is here, backyards, balconies, roof gardens, vegetable patches and school gardens will soon be in full bloom. Here we bring you 10 tips to make sure you get the best of your harvest this year, using natural bits and bobs you can find in your kitchen.

3.

2.

8.

5.

7.

9.

Nourish your soil…

1. Left over water: After washing, steaming or boiling vegetables, set the water aside and use it to water your plants – it will be full of vitamins and nutrients.

2. Coffee grounds: Certain plants such as tomatoes and blueberries grow better in acidic soil. If your soil is more alkaline, you can change this by mixing left over coffee grounds into your soil before planting, or by sprinkling the grounds on top.

3. Banana peel: Plants love potassium, and one great source is banana peel. Simply chop up or blend the peel with a bit of water and add to your soil. NB: If you have a fireplace, another good source of potassium is wood ash.

4. Egg shells: Rich in calcium, eggs shells can act as a great natural fertilizer. They are also simple to use and can be applied directly to soil once crushed.

Larger shell pieces can also help to deter slugs.

Fight the fungus…

5. Chamomile: This infusion is great for fighting bacterial and fungal infections. Simply make a normal pot, and leave to cool. The brew can then be sprayed directly onto leaves, every few days until the problem is resolved.

6. Baking soda: Baking soda is a great remedy for mold and mildew – common problems for plants such as pumpkins, potatoes, cucumbers and tomatoes. Mix the baking soda with oil (to help it stick) and spray the affected areas.

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7. Milk: Milk can also help to combat powdery mildew on plants such as peas, grapes and zucchini. Ratios vary, but normally the milk is mixed with a large amount of water, and applied twice a week. Although still not entirely understood, milk has been so effective that apparently even the wine grape industry is considering using it.

Protect from pests…

8. Lemon juice: Lemon juice mixed with water can help control small infestations, such as ants and aphids. Be careful to only apply to the infected areas however, and rinse off once the bugs have disappeared. Placing citrus peel, including oranges, around the garden can also ward off other pests.

9. Hot red pepper powder: You can also add a bit of spice to your plants to deter bugs. Pepper powder works well on vegetables such as cabbage and broccoli that are often vulnerable to different insects. Simply mix with a bit of soap and lots of water, and spray!

And finally…

10. It’s been said that planting by moonlight causes plants to grow faster and stronger. So why not make an evening of it?

Local

EAT

By Terri Nielson & Mandie White

The Farmers’ Market has been a part of Exhibition Park’s history for over 40 years. It seems lately it has become ever more important. With so much talk of preservatives and GMO’s and the adverse health effects this may, or may not have on your health people are choosing to shop where the face of their producer is prevalent. The market allows the consumer to converse with actual growers, producers and craft persons, giving them the ability to ask where and how the produce is grown or what is in a product. There is no better place than your local Farmers’ Market. Farmer’s Markets tend to have a good mixture of everything your grocery store typically offers, veggies, meat, cheese and a lot more. Yes it is often true you pay somewhat of a premium for these items but people are not placing a dollar amount on their health; and that shows at the market.

With the trend of the elderly dragging their children and grandchildren along in an attempt to get them away from the TV on sunny weekends quickly fading away, we see more and more that the younger generations are getting into the ideas of Markets, eating local, knowing their producers and crafters. Also you can’t beat the unique items that come from handcrafting or the freshness of just picked produce.

The Farmers’ Market is a return to a simpler time. A time when people made their food from scratch, using fresh ingredient. There is a great social feel and sense of community at the markets and the relationship between seller and customer grows from year to year. Shopping local benefits our economy and the friendships made at the market can stretch beyond the Farmers’ Market, keeping the profits in the community.

The Lethbridge Farmers’ Market runs Saturdays at Exhibition Park from May 10, 2014 to October 25, 2014 and Wednesdays Downtown Farmers’ Market runs from July 2, 2014 to September 10, 2014.

For more information see our website www.exhibitionpark.ca Come and see how the Farmers’ Market can enhance your life and bring it back to a simpler time.

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Simple Changes to

HEALTH MATTERS

LOSE WEIGHT How many of you have struggled with long-term weight loss?

When it comes to achieving long-term weight loss, the only real solution is a healthy approach. Gradual weight loss through healthy lifestyle changes will produce long-lasting results not only in terms of inches lost or pounds lost, but you’ll also feel better.

And whether you’re trying to bulk up or lose a few pounds, you need to abandon the concept of calorie fad diets or 3 big meals a day.

Contrary to popular belief, the best possible way to lose fat or gain muscle is to eat 6 – 7 meals each spaced out about 2 – 3 hours apart.

Here’s where I really need you to pay attention-

• Watch one less hour of television. A study found that the more undergraduate students watched television, the more often they ate and the more they ate overall. So sacrifice one program and go for a walk instead.

• Wait until your stomach grumbles before you reach for foods. It’s stunning how often we eat just out of boredom or habit.

• Don’t buy any prepared food that lists sugar, fructose, or corn syrup among the first 4 ingredients on the label. Look for sugar-free varieties of foods such as ketchup, mayonnaise, and salad dressings. Also, avoid partially hydrogenated foods and look for more than 2 grams of fibre per 100 calories in all grain products.

• Put less food out and you’ll take less in. The more food in front of you, the more you’ll eat, regardless of how hungry you are; (maybe use smaller-sized plates?) And order the smallest portion of everything if you’re out. Buy a small size of popcorn or a small hamburger. Studies find we tend to eat what’s in front of us, even if we’d feel just as full on less. So eat less in one sitting and spread meals throughout the day.

• Eat 90 percent of your meals at home. You’re more likely to eat more high-fat and high-calorie foods when you eat out than at home.

• This one always works for me: bulk your meals with veggies, fibre and protein. The high fibre veggies will help satisfy your hunger before you over-eat the grains. Three-quarters of my plate is usually vegetables and the rest a protein.

Refined carbohydrates are as addictive as drugs. When you think you can’t stop at one cookie or one potato chip, you might be right.

Meals with high glycemic index (GI) stimulate the brain to eat even more, according to new research.

Food is fuel for the body and without a steady supply of nutrients your body will retain fat and fail to produce new muscle. And realizing that many people would say 6 meals is absolutely absurd, the thing I want to stress is that they don’t have to be sit-down meals at all.

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A great substitute would be a meal replacement of whey protein powder if you don’t have time to make food. In addition to its role in sports nutrition, whey protein is also a functional food with tremendous implications for general human health. It provides heart health benefits, enhances immune function, and helps maintain a healthy body weight. It is also a great alternative for parents who wish to boost their child’s nutritional status.

Whey protein helps with weight loss as protein increases satiety, thereby helping to decrease total daily calorie intake.

Meal replacement shakes are an effective, easy way to drop pounds.

They teach you to eat less and lose weight. And the right shake can boost your metabolism by 25%. Who doesn’t need that?

Eating protein several times throughout the day keeps us alert and full of energy, but it also keeps our fat-burning furnace revved up and burning calories. A protein meal enhances your metabolic rate and burns more fats compared to a high carbohydrate meal. Even consuming protein once a day, at breakfast, will help your metabolism and curb your appetite all day, because when you are fulfilled nutritionally, the body stops craving food.

The fact is, when you’re trying to lose body fat, you can’t skip breakfast. But you may be too busy to think about calories and to make healthy choices. That’s why drinking a protein shake first thing in the morning is a simple, foolproof weight-loss method. Plus, you’re going to love how quick and easy this is. It only takes 1 minute to mix liquid and powder. You can drink it by itself or add frozen or fresh berries if you like.

I don’t pretend to be an expert at weight loss but I know enough about nutrition to know that it makes sense to ensure your diet contains enough protein to fulfill your body’s needs. Try having a high protein shake as a snack or a once-a-day meal replacement and MAKE HEALTH A HABIT!

Priscilla Peltier is a natural health care practitioner at Nutter’s who writes on health & nutrition and has a passion for the latest research in natural health & diet.

Priscilla Peltier, C.H., C.N.C., C. Irid., R.BIE Herbalist, Nutrition Consultant, Iridoligist, and Registered BioEnergetics Practitioner priscilla.eyes@shaw.ca www.eyecuhealthy.net 403.329.3100 (Office) 403.942.5064 (Fax)

Time to Tone up for summer activities and the bathing suit!

Your most efficient and safe summer tune up?

VibraFit Exercise Training!!

VibraFit uses the principal of “Acceleration Training” to stimulate waves of energy throughout the body, activating muscle contractions at 30 to 50 times per second. This allows you, even if you have injuries which limit your ability to move, to achieve a cardiovascular workout similar to a 6– 9 mile run in only 10 minutes!

In conventional training you only use 30 to 40 percent of your muscle (your voluntary muscle) whereas VibraFit Training stimulates 95 to 100 percent of your muscle fibre. This makes time spent on your VibraFit Trainer much more efficient because you are toning muscles that you can’t in a gym! Waste substances that cause pain are more easily removed due to increased oxygen making the lymphatic drainage system more efficient.

Vibration Exercise technology is supported by decades of scientific research since it was first embraced by scientists in the 1960’s investigating cures for osteoporosis.

Not only does vibration training build muscle strength but it also helps to develop “explosive muscle power” that’s essential for sports like hockey and basketball.

IT ALSO increases range of motion, balance, flexibility and coordination used in sports such as golf and tennis.

The net result is more stamina and energy; more speed; increased flexibility, mobility and coordination; rapid recovery of muscles and tissue; improved collagen production and fat reduction. Soon you will begin to notice an improvement in posture and the ability to stand taller and longer.

Whole Body Vibration builds muscle mass 1 ½ to 2 times faster than conventional weight workouts by producing the effects of 80 different exercises through minor adjustments in posture and body positioning.

For Rehabilitation It also increases the production of all hormones including Human Growth Hormone (HGH) - the key to repair and regeneration of soft tissue -- and natural chemicals to suppress pain. Improved circulation also helps to drain fluid build-up from injured tissue. It really is the “miracle therapy”.

University of Calgary Schulich School of Bio-Engineering “Mechanical vibrations appear to alter cell behavior in a way that point to the potential for the regeneration of cells and tissues in the spine. Our results were both surprising and encouraging, given the socio-economic costs of back pain.”

Christopher Hunter, Biomedical engineer, Schulich School of Engineering and the McCaig Institute for Bone Hand Joint Health.

July, 2010

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In Grilling, TASTE

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The reason that pellet grills win far more than their fair share of BBQ competitions is that the food simply tastes better when cooked over real wood. Propane has absolutely no taste, and the process of making briquettes destroys the flavour molecules in the wood they are made from.

Pellets are made from clean sawdust, with the flavour molecules totally intact! And what could be easier than pushing a button – set it and forget it!

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Marinate wings in soy sauce, garlic, Tabasco and brown sugar for at least two hours.

Grill at 275 – 325 degrees F. (135 – 163 degrees C.) for 45 – 60 minutes. If you want char, baste frequently with GMG Cherry Chipotle BBQ sauce, available from The Stove Pipe Company. ENJOY!!

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Passion

Feeding Her

BIOGRAPHY – Pamela Copeland, Claresholm, Alberta

Getting away from everything, in the peace and quiet of the wilderness, is something Pamela has always enjoyed. ”Wherever I lived in Alberta, I have always craved time in the natural world, to connect with the land, to ground myself and to feel a greater part of everything around me. Time in nature nourishes and soothes my soul and quenches a yearning in my heart. I cannot imagine life without it.” She and her husband, Robert, share a love of the outdoors and wildlife and have always lived in rural areas.

Born in Vancouver in 1956, Pamela has spent most of her life in Alberta. From growing up in Calgary and on a farm near Didsbury, to living as a wife near Irma, raising her family near Edson and finally living a few miles from Claresholm for the past several years, she has deep-rooted loyalty and passion for the province she calls home.

Quirk - 24

Her works feature forests, mountains, waterways and of course, the iconic Alberta native grasslands. “I have been fortunate to live in areas of this province that are quite different from other areas, but southern Alberta seems to me to be almost a world of its own; much of it intensively farmed; making the remaining native grassland areas more precious. The beauty and ‘open-ness’ of southern Alberta is something new to me artistically, and I have a strong desire to see more, learn more and interpret more of it in my work.”

Pamela is currently working on pieces for a solo show planned for late September. The subject matter of the exhibit based on the southern Alberta landscape, with the neighbouring Porcupine Hills providing much inspiration, will present views up close and far away.

The beauty and ‘open-ness’ of southern Alberta is something new to me artistically, and I have a strong desire to see more, learn more and interpret more of it in my work

Pamela has been drawing and interested in art for as long as she can remember, but did not take her skill more seriously until 2000, when she began taking courses from University of Alberta artist and instructor, Ron Wigglesworth. He took Pam under his wing and mentored her, helping her to develop her skills in chalk pastels and printmaking; she also works in acrylic. Since that time, she has exhibited in solo and group shows, continuing to grow artistically while feeding her passion of spending time in the natural world.

Time in nature nourishes and soothes my soul and quenches a yearning in my heart.

I cannot imagine life without it.

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What a yard ”is” has changed substantially over the years. In the not too distant past, it was common to have a garden, a bit of a patio, lawn, flowers and a barbecue. Very enjoyable and functional, but nothing like the options available today. Home décor has grown by leaps and bounds, partly due to technology and partly a natural evolution to create, dream and “do better”.

We live in a very stressful, fast moving and uncertain world. People need a means to escape, relax and rejuvenate.

For some, that means taking the family camping and travelling during the summer months. But many people have decided to forego the cost of an RV, the price of gas and uncertainty of finding a camping spot to instead create an oasis right in their own back yard. Even those who choose to travel like to come home to an outdoor environment they can enjoy.

There are so many options on the market now that make it easy to create a space that can be enjoyed for at least three seasons in southern Alberta.

Solar lighting has become hugely popular, and it can bring your yard to life in the evening. There are walkway lights, fencepost lights, garden lights,

ornamental lights, and now there are also water features that are powered by solar.

There is no more need to plug in your fountain or waterfall, just let the sun take care of it.

Courtesy: Arctic Spas

Outdoor swimming pools are not very common in this area due the short summer season and high cost of building, maintaining and winterizing a pool. Now, there are options. Swim spas are an excellent alternative to a high cost swimming pool. They can be used in the summer as a swimming pool and in the winter as a hot tub, bringing year round enjoyment.

Electric Water fountain courtesy Coaldale Nurseries

By Jean Van Kleek

There are so many options on the market now that make it easy to create a space that can be enjoyed for at least three seasons in southern Alberta.

Courtesy: Lethbridge Custom Canvas

Decks have been an integral part of our outdoor space for many years, but until recently they remained square, and relatively unimaginative.

Now, custom built decks can be multi-level, built around trees and encompass as large a part of your yard you choose. They have become part of the landscape and can include bridges between sections with water running underneath like a babbling brook. There are many still made of wood, but the options now include Duradeck, a vinyl decking material that needs no maintenance. Most of us want a beautiful yard, but don’t have the time for upkeep, so this type of deck can be an excellent option.

Many of us enjoy part of our deck to be covered. This provides shade and protection from the elements. Awnings also have available, retractable wind and shade screens with fixed side tracks so the screens are secure as they drop and won’t blow in on you. They can be manually cranked, or motorized. Available now for awnings are retractable shade screens mounted to the front of the awning that can be secured to the deck or deck railing to provide additional shade, wind protection and privacy. There are also infra-red heaters that can be attached to the bottom of an awning to heat the seating area once the awning is extended.

For those where upkeep is an issue, there are now very realistic replacements for grass. Artificial turf used to be very noticeably fake, but technology has come a long way with this type of product. It is expensive initially, but your investment is returned by water conservation, no mowing, and no weed control expenses. For those who prefer real grass, sprinkler systems have also come a long way. They use water more efficiently because the heads are placed exactly where water is needed, unlike traditional sprinklers that end up watering the sidewalk and deck. Some new systems have rain sensors that make sure the system doesn’t come on during rainfall. They can also be connected to your rain barrel to use your captured rain water.

Keeping warm in your outdoor space is a concern on some evenings, especially as we head into fall. There are many options now to bring warmth on those cool evenings.

Propane heaters have been on the market for a while and are very effective at taking the chill off. There are also a variety of fire pits that can be safely used on decks relatively close to the house and manually controlled, unlike a wood fire pit.

They can be fueled by propane, natural gas or gel fuel and be turned off when you are ready to go indoors.

Courtesy: The Stove Pipe Company

Many people are also turning their BBQ area into outdoor kitchens, often switching out their traditional BBQ’s for pellet grills, or smokers and building a complete area to entertain. These areas can be custom designed and built by professionals, or created by imaginative homeowners. These areas often include a built in BBQ cooking area, sink, fridge, bar, prep area, storage space and whatever else you dream of for an outdoor kitchen.

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The key to this image was adding drama to create a story. A Lone Tree, in a field against the fury of mother nature. The rule to any great landscape image is to have a play of warm and cool colours. I enhanced the greens in the grass, and muted the blues in the sky. I felt as if I was losing the tree against the strong clouds, so to bring the focus back; I changed the leaves to red. The final touch of surrealism, I added light beams poking through the clouds by using the gradient tool to create depth in the branches and really attract your attention back to this resilient tree.

July Winner Leanne Ambrus One photo will be chosen as picture of the year in 2014 to win a camera from Thriftway Pharmacy HOW TO ENTER: Photos must be original, caption and contact information of photographer provided. Quirk Magazine, Shabella Publishing and sponsors retain the right to use winning photographs for promotional purposes.

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TV memoirs

Cold Fronts & Turkey Feathers

By Mark Campbell

“For every door that closes,

another one opens.”

That’s such an annoying thing to say to someone who just lost their job like I did recently. However, for a guy who’s had his door closed on a number of occasions, it really is true. There always is another door somewhere. It’s how I got into TV 20 years ago.

The door to my radio career had been slammed shut and so I was exploring my options. There just happened to be a part-time weatherman position available at what was then CISA-TV. I don’t know if it’s fate, or luck or if there’s a little Career Fairy flitting about to guide you to the next phase of your life but I somehow managed to get the job. I didn’t really know the scientific side of quasi-stationary fronts or what a lee trough was but I had 20 years of radio where I talked about a lot of things I knew nothing of plus I had done a lot of theatre. It was a new stage from which I would be able to emote. While I was nervous in the beginning there was also a comfort level of being in front of a camera.

I just considered it to be a very large microphone.

In the beginning I wanted to be funny. I had been doing a radio morning show for a long time and it was who I was. I’d do things like crouch down to pretend I was short and then wave at the camera and say, “That’s a little ‘hi’ coming in from the south.”

There was another time after a Thanksgiving weekend when I wanted to do a visual joke. Here’s the way I had planned it in my mind: I would rip up a sheet of paper and have the little pieces in my fist. When the anchor would ask how my Thanksgiving was, I’d say, “Boy I had way too much turkey..” Then I would cough into my fist and the paper would fly out looking like little turkey feathers as they floated gently to the ground. Hilarious I thought. Well….I ripped up the paper and I put the pieces in my fist. The trouble was I did that too soon. My palms started to sweat. Instead of paper that looked like tiny turkey feathers, I ended up coughing up one big wad of some kind of “white” stuff. A fellow employee said his son was watching that night and asked, “Did Mark Campbell just puke up a potato?”

I learned that trying to be funny and doing the weather doesn’t really work. While I would continue to try to be somewhat amusing when appropriate I did try to focus a little more seriously on the message of the forecast. Research has shown that people who tune into their local newscast rank hearing about the weather as their number one priority. I needed to respect that.

Technology in TV changed dramatically over the 20 years I worked in the business. When I first started there was a magnetic board where I would physically have to place my cut-outs of the sun and the clouds to represent what kind of weather was coming. Eventually we got into the green screen technology where there was nothing but a green wall Quirk - 30

behind you and you had to rely on your monitors on either side of you to know what to point to. That was tricky in the beginning because what you see in the screen is actually opposite to what you’re really doing. It was fun when we’d have “Weatherman for a day” people come in and try their hand at giving a forecast. These were regular people who through some kind of silent auction or special event got the opportunity to fulfill their “lifelong dream” of being on TV. They’d only have 10 minutes of a rehearsal and when the nerves kicked in they’d get confused about where they had to point and they could get fairly flustered. There were some funny moments. I liked having those guests come in because it made me feel my job was somewhat secure.

Technology in TV changed dramatically over the 20 years I worked in the business.

There’s nothing more terrifying when you’re doing your live weather spot and you start feeling that tingle in your nose. Your mind is starting to panic. “Oh no, I feel a sneeze coming on. Oh please God, don’t let this happen…no, no, no… please!!” But then you cease to maintain any control and…”ACHOO!!” In 20 years I think it happened twice. You just have to step out of the camera shot for a moment and let the sneeze happen then later apologize to the director in the control room with the head phones who just had his ears blown out.

When I first started in TV we were always live. But with downsizing and having the show produced out of Calgary we had to tape our 6pm cast at 3:45. When you’re talking about southern Alberta weather, what you say is going to happen at 3:45 is sometimes completely different than what actually happens at 6pm. On more than one occasion I would be driving home just before six having told southern Alberta that there was no chance of showers that night only to see a dark, ominous cloud formation produce a violent downpour. Oops.

And so, after 20 years in TV the proverbial door has closed on me once again as Global moves in “another direction.” I can only look fondly on what was a memorable time with an exceptional cast of characters.

Now, time to find that other door.

By Jackie Stambene

The Multiple Sclerosis Society is teeing off its 17th annual “Hit a Ball for MS” campaign and will be appearing at golf tournaments in and around Lethbridge during this year’s golf season! Through raising funds and awareness, this campaign assists local Albertans living with MS by offering local programs and services, as well as supporting national research.

In 2013, the MS Society Lethbridge & District Chapter participated in 56 club and corporate golf tournaments, raising nearly $25,000. For those unfamiliar with the campaign, the process behind how it works is simple. MS Society volunteers set up at a par 3 hole, and a $5 donation from the golfers automatically enters them into a draw for a monthly prize package and a grand prize draw. This year our monthly prize draws include Gas King, IHOP, Park Place Mall, and Movie Mill gift certificates. The grand prize draw consists of 18 holes of golf for 4 at the Lethbridge Country Club and 4 tickets to any Lethbridge Hurricanes 2014/2015 regular season game. As a bonus, if their drive lands on the green, they receive a sleeve of TaylorMade golf balls provided by Lethbridge Toyota, Lynn Pearson & Karen Ohno from ScotiaMcleod, Desk’n File, and New Way Group. Other general donations to the MS Society are gratefully accepted at these events along with the initial $5 donation.

As in the past, we are always looking for enthusiastic people who want to help volunteer and/or people who are organizing tournaments that we could attend to help accomplish our campaign. We hope to reach our goal of attending 60 tournaments this year, which provides many opportunities for local Southern-Albertan individuals,

We want to share the fact that you, both as a volunteer or as a tournament organizer, have the potential to be a partner in the fight against MS, and can help us win the battle against this devastating disease.

families, and business groups to help out. This rewarding opportunity will allow you to actively contribute and participate towards a great cause, and will help bring our community closer together. Your support of the MS Society touches so many lives, especially those living with this unpredictable disease, their families, friends and co–workers.

The MS Society, Lethbridge & District Chapter prides itself on the successful long-term relationships that we have with the various golf clubs, tournaments, and coordinators. We want to share the fact that you, both as a volunteer or as a tournament organizer, have the potential to be a partner in the fight against MS, and can help us win the battle against this devastating disease.

If you are interested in representing the MS Society out on the golf course, or have a club or corporate tournament you would like to have Hit-A-Ball at, please contact Joel by email at info.lethbridge@mssociety.ca or by phone at 403-328-7002.

Once again, thank you for your time and consideration!

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Lethbridge Teen Miss Teenage Alberta

By Georgie Erickson Photos by Chris Yauck

Jaime Vandenberg, a grade 12 Catholic Central High School student, never entered a pageant before, or imagined herself a “Beauty Queen”. What prompted Jaime to run was the opportunity to receive a scholarship and also promote a cause dear to her. Jaime has been a volunteer at the food bank in Lethbridge along with her grandma for a few years now. She says volunteering has been very rewarding for her and she wants to encourage other teens to volunteer and feel the same rewards she does from helping those less fortunate. This first time contestant ended up winning the title of Miss Teenage Alberta 2014 and will be going on to Miss Teenage Canada in Toronto later this July to represent her home town and Alberta.

Jaime is very excited about the upcoming pageant and says she has learned so much through the process. It has taught her speaking skills, built her confidence, given focus and a multitude of skills that she will be able to use in her future career as a lawyer.

Jaime says, “Canadian pageants have a high focus on community volunteerism and fundraising as a matter of fact it is 20% of our scoring. I will be raising money for Free the Children. Free the Children is an international charity and youth movement founded in 1995 by human rights advocate Craig Keilburger. It specializes in creating a sustainable environment in third world countries as well as holds educational programs and campaigns to empower youth to become more socially engaged. With the help of my community I plan on winning the pageant and promoting my platform to raise funding and awareness to food banks across Alberta.”

Congratulations Jaime… Lethbridge is proud of you!

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Lethbridge &District

KENNEL CLUB

The LDKC has a group of members with a variety of expertise who you can call with any questions you may have about your dog, or what kind of dog you may want to get for your lifestyle and personality.

T

By Jean Van Kleek

he Lethbridge & District Kennel Club was formed in 1960 by a small group of dog fanciers and was incorporated as a non-profit society in 1962. While one of their main objectives is the promotion, protection and preservation of the purebred dog, club president, Bill Nykiel says there are some common misconceptions about the organization, mainly that their focus is to show dogs and are somewhat elitist. Nothing could be further from the truth. The LDKC has a mandate that includes fundraising for the Lions Foundation of Canada dog guide school in Oakville, Ontario to ensure that those who need a dog guide in southern Alberta receive one. The money raised locally goes specifically for a dog to be given to someone in our community. The cost involved in training a dog to assist those who need them is over $20,000. The benefactors are not charged for the dogs. All of the funds are donated by a variety of groups. The LDKC has been instrumental in bringing several dog guides dogs to southern Alberta. They contribute funds through running casinos and also contribute money raised from the LDKC dog shows.

The LDKC has a group of members with a variety of expertise who you can call with any questions you may have about your dog, or what kind of dog you may want to get for your lifestyle and personality.

They participate in community events to increase awareness of responsible dog ownership as

well as sponsor health testing clinics, educational seminars, workshops and obedience training. They also support local animal related organizations with information and donations.

The LDKC sponsors several events each year, including an all-breed dog show, regular and rally obedience trials, Canine Good Neighbor tests and sanction matches. They also provide public education sessions and input to municipal governments regarding bylaws and policies concerning dogs.

The Lethbridge & District Kennel Club is a group of people who are passionate about dogs, and who want everyone to enjoy their canine companions to the fullest.

If you would like to become a member or find out more about LDKC, go to:

www.ldkc.net Quirk - 33

The Nash

By Ginger Malacko

Changing the Lives of People‌ and the Animals They Work With Clients learn to better communicate through programs as simple as parent/teen bonding to programs as focused as anti-bullying.

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We human beings have a long history of becoming helplessly attached to animals. At the very least, we are fascinated as we flock to farms and zoos to pet them or snap pictures, or pull over on the highway just to admire them from afar. We make special places in our homes and families for them, celebrate their lives and mourn their loss. Some truths are felt rather than explained and one of those truths is that there is an undeniable natural emotional connection between man and beast.

The NASH Project has proven beyond a doubt that this connection is more

than just a fondness for cute and fuzzy.

NASH stands for Neglected Animals Serving Humanity and the philosophy behind the organization is that there is a bond between humans and animals that comforts, encourages, and even heals. A double charity, NASH rescues unwanted and mistreated dogs and horses and trains them to work with people in a myriad of therapeutic ways. Because of the power of this human/animal bond, they believe that they are not just rescuing animals, but also rescuing people.

Project president, Cedar Santanna, grew up with a strong love and keen

understanding of animals: a gift she felt compelled to use. Over years of working with dogs and horses, this trained nurse clearly recognized the potential for therapy, especially as she looked back to her childhood experiences with her father, a World War II veteran suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Cedar knew that she was onto something extraordinary, and when she started the NASH Project in 2009, volunteers, sponsors, and clients alike were drawn to the organization and what it could achieve for the individuals and families it set out to help.

What separates this program from typical riding clubs is its dedication to the overall health and well being of clients: those with special needs and also those whose needs are a little more basic. Riding classes are designed to promote healthy living, a positive body image, leadership, and problem solving.

Groundwork exercises and horsemanship skills are utilized for weight loss and weight management. Corporate workers learn to use body language to communicate assertiveness rather than aggression. Teens and young adults are taught responsible life management as they learn not only to care for the horse they are riding, but also budget and plan for a virtual horse. Clients learn to better communicate through programs as simple as parent/teen bonding to programs as focused as anti-bullying.

And the horses themselves are integral to this kind of learning, forming a sensitive and judgement-free partnership with their riders. It’s a relationship that can change lives and Cedar has witnessed it time and

Because of the power of this human/animal bond, they believe that they are not just rescuing animals, but also rescuing people. time again. Staffed entirely with unpaid volunteers, the NASH Project is truly a labour of love, and one with immeasurable rewards for its participants. “It’s not a good week if something doesn’t make us cry in a good way,” Cedar explains with a chuckle.

And for many clients, the results are more than just inspiring; they’re life altering. The specialty training the NASH dogs receive prepares them to work in police/rescue and assist people with severe disabilities. And nowhere can you see the true power of the NASH Project than in the services they provide to victims of PTSD. These canine heroes are able to protect the client’s personal space, help them to keep schedules, and lead them away from anxiety inducing situations. Each dog is trained to meet the specific needs of the client

Quirk - 35

the NASH Project is truly a labour of love, and one with immeasurable rewards for its participants.

but becomes vastly more than just an aid. In fact, they form a bond so poignant they can provide comfort with just a touch of a paw. It’s a relationship that allows the client to feel safe, but also independent.

train rescued dogs and horses specifically for clients with particular needs, the ones that aren’t suitable for this type of work are re-homed with families, making the project a valued asset to the entire region.

NASH stands for Neglected Animals having a fabulous life. I give of myself Serving Humanity and the “I’m all the time and it makes a difference,” says Cedar, the driving passion clear in These are gifts that Cedar would philosophy behind the her voice. And when you hear the like to be able to provide to everyone who needs them, and organization is that there is histories of these special dogs and horses, and see the lives they lead now and the so one of the most unique things a bond between humans and work they do, you have to believe they’d about this project is its mobility. each say precisely the same thing.

The horses and dogs are boarded animals that comforts, and facilities rented to allow the encourages, NASH Project to bring programs to clients who can’t travel. Cedar insists and even heals. on keeping the project as accessible as possible and with the support of the outlying communities, they bring equine therapy to Lethbridge, Taber, Medicine Hat and Fort Macleod. While they

To find out more about the Nash Project and ways you can help, go to:

www.thenashproject.ca /The NASH Project

Quirk - 36

LESSONS I’VE LEARNED FROM MY DOGS

By Jean Van Kleek

Obi

Shani

Life is about paying it forward and realizing that we are all in this together… something Obi instinctively knew and even though he could hardly see Shani, he knew she needed him.

RECIPE

BITTY BURGER 2 cups lean ground beef, cooked, rinsed, and drained 1/2 cup peanut butter, smooth 3 eggs, beaten 2 cups quick oats 1 T cinnamon Grind cooked ground beef in food processor for a smoother texture. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Mixture will be wet.

Flatten mixture to approximately 1/2 inch on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Score to desired size. Bake at 350F for 45 minutes. Cool, package, refrigerate or freeze.

Sometimes all it takes is a smile to someone who looks like they are having a hard day or giving someone a break when they least expect it.

I recently attended a wonderful BBQ at a friends house. Of course there were “fur people” there as well. There was a new fellow who visited that day. Obi is his name, a gentlemanly, tall and regal 14 year old standard poodle who is mostly blind. Once the dogs got introduced and settled, all was well. Later in the evening a lightning and thunderstorm ensued. Storms are a trigger for Shani, who starts shaking uncontrollably for a prolonged period of time. Obi noticed Shani’s condition then slowly, majestically, and with purpose, approached her and started gently licking her back, moving up to her head. He seemd to know exactly what to do and didn’t stop until he knew she was calmed. As we watched, we were very touched by this impromptu display of empathy and desire to make her feel better. This old dog sensed her fear and wanted to help her even though they had never met before.

Life is about paying it forward and realizing that we are all in this together… something Obi instinctively knew and even though he could hardly see Shani, he knew she needed him.

I like to think that we too as humans, have it in us to feel for other people and help each other, even though we may have just met. Sometimes all it takes is a smile to someone who looks like they are having a hard day or giving someone a break when they least expect it. Even the smallest gesture of empathy and kindness can sometimes make a huge difference in the life of the person you just met.

Obi reminded me again of what is important, and that is: to make a difference… to someone, somehow, that something was better because you were here.

Kiwi

Zoe Note: My sweetest Sophie left the world this spring, but will remain in our hearts forever. I wasn’t about to get another dog, but Kiwi grieved so deeply over the passing of her mom I began to consider it. As fate would have it, a little “old lady” named Zoe came into our lives from the Humane Society. She needed us as much as we needed her. I like to believe Sophie found her for us.

Sophie with Michelle Zandstra

We learned that Zoe loves peanut butter and ground beef, and especially loves them together. *Michelle's recipes include well researched ingredients to help make your dog happy & healthy.

So, these cookies have become her signature cookie and her first choice!

Quirk - 37

Doggie Daycare Pet Sitting (for any type of pet) Dog Walking Dog Wash Pet Transportation

Book Your Pet Sitting Now! 113 - 13 Street North 403-380-4922 www.petcitycanada.com

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PET PHOTO

CONTEST Winner

MOLLY Photo by: Sarai Greening Bi-monthly winner will be published in Quirk Magazine and receive a gift certificate from Photos must be original, caption and contact information of photographer provided.

Quirk Magazine, Shabella Publishing and sponsors retain the right to use winning photographs for promotional purposes.

email your photos to: info@readquirk.com Quirk - 38

Entry Deadline August 8, 2014

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1602 3rd Avenue South

403-394-2013 www.facebook.com/SilkPlantDecor

BMO Nesbitt Burns Named Best Full Service Investment Advisory in Canada Global Banking and Finance Review has recognized BMO Nesbitt Burns for our dedication to excellence in investment advisory. We are committed to continuing to focus on our clients’ needs through strong relationships and industry-leading solutions.

Contact us today and experience the partnership that got us ranked number one. bmo.com/nesbittburns Address: 606-4th Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 0N7 Toll Free: 1-855-649-1888 Tel: 403-382-3495 Fax: 403-382-3497 BMO Nesbitt Burns 360º Wealth Solutions Investment Management I Financial Planning I Tax Planning I Insurance Planning I Estate Planning I Philanthropy

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“BMO (M-bar roundel symbol)” is a registered trade-mark of Bank of Montreal, used under licence. ® “Nesbitt Burns” is a registered trade-mark of BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank of Montreal. If you are already a client of BMO Nesbitt Burns, please contact your Investment Advisor for more information.

Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund and IIROC

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$ 75 Breakfast Everyday

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