Quirk July August 2015

nside MAGAZINE

Volume 5 • Issue 4 July - August 2015

CONNECTING

LETHBRIDGE

LETHBRIDGE MILITARY MUSEUM Opens its Doors to Bring Military Memories to Life

PACIFIC GROCERY & CONFECTIONARY From History to Dream Home

LAST CHANCE CAT RANCH Finding Felines a Forever Home

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A-Win Insurance

A new company in Lethbridge with new ideas

Military Museum

Lethbridge now has a museum to celebrate its local heroes

The Joy of Dance

Mark Campbell visits Tara-Jean Popowich, Canadian So You Think You Can Dance winner

Pacific Grocery & Confectionary

We have a look at a couple who has turned a part of Lethbridge history into their dream

home

Recipe

Karren Pack shares her no fail, scrumptious banana bread recipe.

Koffee Korner

A local entrepreneur opens up a new franchise, one of the first of its kind in Alberta

Last Chance Cat Ranch Helping felines find forever homes

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From The Publisher Summer is officially here and it’s time to enjoy the great outdoors.

Whether camping, travelling or just enjoying your yard , we hope you bring this issue of Quirk along with you!

We are continually impressed by what this city has to offer, and the stories we are able to share with you.

Volume 5 • Issue 4 • July - August 2015

www.readquirk.com Jean Van Kleek Photography: Jen Alston

In this issue, Sue and Al Lillemo open up their home to us, a home that was created with much love and respect for Lethbridge history. Their house used to be Pacific Grocery and Confectionary. They have kept the integrity of the original building, while creating an oasis for their lifestyle.

In this installment of Mark Campbell’s Random Thoughts at Random Times, he spoke with Tara-Jean Popowich, winner of the Canada “So You Think You can Dance” competition to catch up with her career. Tara-Jean is an anomaly in this industry, by reading his column you can tell she is not caught up in all the glamour and is really a “home town” girl. Nice to see!

We also have an article about the recently opened Lethbridge Military Museum. Did you know that Lethbridge had been able to claim the largest per capita of soldiers of anywhere in Canada that went off to the Boer war?

We hope you enjoy our stories and regular features as much as we enjoy bringing them to you.

And remember, our advertisers are the reason we can bring the magazine to you for free. Please support local business.

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Published bi-monthly in Lethbridge by

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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 Steven Carty Cover Photo Courtesy: Steven Carty Contributing Writers Christina Scott Ginger Malacko Priscilla Peltier Chris Yauck Michelle Zandstra Karren Pack Jean Van Kleek Mark Campbell General Inquiries info@readquirk.com Advertising Inquiries jean@readquirk.com 403.382.7240

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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.

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by Ginger Malacko

Standing Out

There is an unusual tree on the corner of my street: a small, branchy, It seems purplish thing, exactly like a hundred others that grow along the boulevards of small-town Alberta. Only this one has a flowering growing quite brazenly around its trunk, branches of white these days shrub blossoms entwined with branches of dark leaves. The contrast is and it certainly sets my corner apart. But I find myself that we striking feeling disappointed when summer arrives, the blossoms fall, and the tree once again becomes just as purple as every other tree on the celebrate block. being loud We’ve forgotten what it means to stand out.

I mastered the art of blending in. My mom would show parent interviews at school and have to prove to the teacher and bright AsupI wasfora kid,even in the class, so seldom was I noticed. I kept my head made decent but unremarkable grades and fled from student rather than down, activities. I even tanked a spelling test to keep from being cherrypicked for, horror of horrors, a televised spelling bee (that I probably real and being could have won). And I’m not unusual. Many folks take comfort in ordinary, invisible, and uninvolved. In a world where knows what you had for breakfast, life still feels easier honest. everyone when nobody cares what you’re really doing.

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So imagine my joy when I stumbled into a place where I could get completely lost in a sea of people; just another commuter among millions, just another tree planted by the municipality to fill an empty space. But it was while slogging my way through one of the world’s largest competitive marketplaces that I learned to be a contributor, not just a cog in the wheel. Drawing attention to myself was really just being myself. I didn’t have to brag or rebel or exhibit in any way – I merely had to participate, make connections, join the conversation. I learned to crave substance and authenticity. I learned to be more interested and invested. And I learned that it’s okay to be irreplaceable.

It seems these days that we celebrate being loud and bright rather than real and honest. We appear to be bold, but only from safely behind a glossy surface. We represent ourselves so cautiously, with our perfectly pinned recipes, trending instagram photos and scripted dialogue but it’s just another way of blending in. Don’t shed your blossoms with the change of the season. There are qualities within you that were meant to set you apart. So get out of your comfort zone and let people know you better, live and in person. Be brave.

Be excellent.

Standing out is really just standing up.

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A-Win Insurance

Keeping You Covered: A-Win brings innovation to insurance In today’s fast-paced world, the phrase “rush job” is commonplace. It can be associated with many things: meeting an unexpected deadline at work, creating a nutritious meal before taking the kids to soccer practice, or filing your taxes. There are many things we get done quickly to keep up with the flow of everyday life; decisions about your insurance coverage shouldn’t be one of them. The staff at A-Win Insurance understands the value of slowing down and taking their time to ensure you have the best coverage to help you protect what matters most.

A-Win Insurance is Western Canada’s largest and fastest growing team of independent brokers. Providing access to nearly 40 insurance companies, including well-known names such as Aviva, Intact and Economical, the group also offers many specialized niche insurance products.

Long-time local entrepreneurs Tania Stilson and Darryl Kenna partnered last year to open A-Win Insurance in south Lethbridge. In less than a year, A-Win is operating from three locations; two in Lethbridge and one in Crowsnest Pass. The team of 12 works cohesively to help people explore their insurance options and provide them with the best coverage possible.

“My business partner Darryl Kenna and I have both successfully grown businesses in the past, so when we felt the timing was right to open a new general insurance firm we knew we wanted to come in to the marketplace with great products and great service,” says Stilson, A-Win CEO. When it comes to personal insurance, A-Win offers coverage for home, auto, recreational vehicles, antique cars, boats, travel and more.

Commercial coverage includes businesses, properties, as well as liability insurance that covers errors and omissions and directors and officers.

They also provide hole-in-one insurance for an annual golf tournament.

While these services may seem typical, A-Win’s fresh and innovative business model allows it to stand out amongst its competitors.

“We found a lot of the time, people felt bounced around,” adds Stilson.

“We really wanted to go back to that old-time value of building longterm relationships with people.”

Broker Bernie Carrier spent 30 years in the transportation industry prior to joining A-Win and knows firsthand how important those relationships are.

“Generally, I think insurance is the thing nobody likes to talk about,” he says. “There’s a lot of frustration out there where people aren’t getting back to you, it’s like you’re basically a number and no one cares. There’s a lack of personal service in the insurance world.”

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For the team at A-Win, providing personal service and nurturing those relationships involves a few crucial things: the first is educating people on their insurance needs in a language they can understand.

“We want people to be able to sit down and feel comfortable talking to one of our brokers about insurance, so that when you walk out of the office, you understand what you bought and the coverage you have,” says Stilson.

Choice in how and where you buy your insurance is also a vital part of A-Win’s service commitment. Contrary to some insurance firms which operate as direct writers, representing only one insurance company, AWin operates as an independent broker, which has established relationships with multiple insurance companies to help you find the best coverage for your needs.

That’s the value of A-Win,” says Stilson. “It allows us to come into a marketplace and have all those existing contacts in place and then we go forward and build it up.”

Broker Crystal Rarick is an experienced broker and says treating clients like family is a natural instinct.

“I work for my client, so I’m always looking out for the benefit of the client and trying to place their insurance with the best coverage for the best premium that I can.”

Broker Meagan Turner agrees, and says being new to the insurance industry has helped her understand the client’s perspective more fully.

Having gone through her own insurance claim process recently gave her insight into the common frustrations people face.

“When you go through an experience of loss and you feel like nobody is hearing you, nobody is answering you, you’re just going to settle because you don’t know any better,” she says. “From [my experience], I’ve learned how to help my clients better, how to keep them informed . . . if they’re not getting what they need out of the insurance company, I can go to bat for them.”

Stilson says this dedication and investment in genuine customer care is the main reason for A-Win’s success.

“

We want people to be able to sit down and feel comfortable talking to one of our brokers about insurance, so that when you walk out of the office, you understand what you bought and the coverage you have

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”

Tania Stilson Branch Partner

Crystal Rarick

Dawn Klimuk

Bernie Carrier

Meagan Turner

“I work for my client, so I’m always looking out for the benefit of the client and trying to place their insurance with the best coverage for the best premium that I can.”

“We’re getting great feedback from the community,” she says. “They like that we’re steeped in these old traditional values of high levels of service.”

People are so pleased with the service A-Win provides that the company has extensive plans for growth, beginning with the construction of a new location just outside its current Fairway Plaza office, slated for completion by July 2016; this will house both the personal and commercial insurance teams under one roof, eliminating the need for the 3rd avenue site. The team is currently serving its Crowsnest Pass branch from Lethbridge; by this fall, they hope to have full-time brokers at this location, allowing them to serve surrounding areas such as Pincher Creek and Fort Macleod.

“It’s time for a shake up in the insurance industry,” says Stilson. “It’s been done the same way for a lot of years and we’re really excited to come into the marketplace and just do things a little bit differently.”

Broker Dawn Klimuk says another area A-Win excels at doing things differently is staff’s commitment to working together.

“We have a really strong teamwork environment and I love it,” she says. “We can sit down in the morning and talk to each other about things and just bounce ideas off each other. Customers know that if I’m not here, someone else will be able to sit down and help them. It makes for such a positive work environment.”

“We’re a really diverse group of people who just want to do good,” adds Stilson.

For more information, call 403-394-1123 or visit www.awinins-lethbridge.ca.

#

403-394-1123

101-2527 Fairway Rd S. Lethbridge

www.awinins-lethbridge.ca Quirk - 11

LETHBRIDGE MUSEUM BRINGS military memories to life

For years, the century-old writings of Sgt. John Beattie Murray lay silent.

Stories of life on the front lines, the harsh conditions he faced and, inevitably, recollections of home, were confined to an ancient shoebox, its contents heavy and poignant, providing insight into a time we can only now read about on the pages of history. The phrase “Dear Mother” was piled one on top of the other, scribbled nearly 100 times over the course of four years.

One letter, however, stands out above the rest. Donning a special crest on weathered stationary, it reads: August 19/15 Otterpool Camp; Kent, England We have been here a month now and have no signs of a letter yet so I guess I am forgotten all together. We are having pretty good weather lately but we look for the rain to come very soon again. It sure is awful country when it rains. I have not very much news as I hardly know what to write about.

Finally freed, the letter echoes loudly inside the Lethbridge Military Museum; a place which testifies that the service of Murray – like that of so many others from our city – are far from forgotten.

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by Christina Scott Photos by Chris Yauck The letter is one of many artifacts inside the museum, which celebrated its grand opening in April. The museum’s mission is to promote and exhibit Lethbridge’s military history from 1899 to present through the collection of artifacts, documents, medals photos and stories. The museum is housed in Lethbridge’s Vimy Ridge Armoury, also home to the 20th Independent Field Battery, which trains gunners to use artillery and augments regular forces when necessary.

The museum project has been four years in the making.

“The idea came from veterans over time,” says Glenn Miller, museum volunteer and veteran who spent 25 years in the military.

Within Lethbridge’s field battery, the Lethbridge Military Unit Senate Association was formed, a non-profit group created to aid the commanding officer in the advisement of the day-today operations of the unit. That group, in turn, formed a subcommittee of 20 volunteers to spearhead the creation of a military museum.

“We started off about four years ago and we had the lieutenant governor

“Lethbridge had been able to claim the largest per capita of soldiers of anywhere in Canada that went off to the Boer war.” come as a guest speaker, just to show people the concept we wanted to do for the museum,” explains Miller.

The group set up artifacts temporarily to provide people with a concept, and then went through the process of establishing logistics: the amount of space they would need, a storyline for the museum and determining where the artifacts would come from.

“Everything was done in incremental stages,” says Miller.

The battery donated the space for the museum, which had it had previously been utilizing for storage. The next few years were spent raising funds through donations, grants and sponsorships. The group also worked to build exhibits and gather artifacts.

Miller says media coverage of the project at various stages aided in the gathering process.

“People have stepped forward and said ‘I have this in the barn, what is it, and can you use it?’ It’s come in over time,” he explains. “Now that we’re open, we anticipate a lot of artifacts will be teased out of the community and added to our collection.”

Set up as a self-guided tour, the museum covers the Boer War, beginning at the turn of the 20th century to recent combat roles in Afghanistan.

Lethbridge’s roles in these conflicts have been varied: during the Boer War, troops from Lethbridge were sent to fight as part of the Canadian contingent as no formal base had yet been established. However, Lethbridge’s role was far from minimal.

“Lethbridge had been able to claim the largest per capita of soldiers of anywhere in Canada that went off to the Boer war,” says Miller.

Because of the time period, genuine artifacts from this conflict were hard to come by. While most items were bought online, the museum houses one genuine artifact that was buried a stone’s throw from Lethbridge. An artillery shell which dates back to 1900 was discovered on a farm in Pincher Creek, and donated to Capt. Owen Sinclair, commanding officer of the local army cadets. Sinclair, in turn, donated it for the Boer war display.

It was during this time that Brig.-Gen. John Smith Stewart began his military life as a trooper in Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians).

Stewart would later return to Lethbridge, continuing a career in dentistry.

However, it wasn’t long before Stewart answered the call to serve once more, when the city’s first artillery unit was created in 1908. The commanding officer of the Alberta Militia District offered Stewart the chance to take command of the unit after qualifying as a major. Training was mainly done during the summer.

“The guns would be parked in the backyard,” says Miller, referring to Stewart’s residence on Eighth Street South. The house, along with a shed on the property which served as the armoury, is still standing today.

By 1914, the First World War had begun and soldiers from Lethbridge readily answered the call. Initially, a small draft of 40 men were recruited, but, with casualties rising, the Canadian Expeditionary Force would inevitably require more support. Over the next four years, close to 1,500 troops left the world they knew in Lethbridge, including Sgt. Murray, who had previously worked as a brakeman for the railway.

Of the 90 letters Murray wrote to his mother, the one on display inside the museum is one of a kind, because it is the only letter that contains the crest of Lethbridge’s 20th Battery.

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Miller, who is also a military historian, used to identify military antiques. It was then that Murray’s grandson donated Miller the box of letters; Miller transcribed the letters, and then donated them to the museum.

“Every other piece of paper in that box was either blank or had YMCA letterhead, so that’s a very special letter,” says Miller.

By the Second World War, Lethbridge’s contribution increased. The battery would combine resources with batteries out of Cranbrook, Regina and Calgary to form the second anti-tank regiment. Instead of shooting shells a long distance, they would use direct fire to destroy enemy tanks. Additionally, Lethbridge was also engaging in flight training as one of many airfields established under the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan.

“Here, amongst many other locations across the prairies we had people learning how to fly, how to navigate [and] how to bomb,” says Miller.

The museum houses several artifacts from the Second World War, including a sword, a ration pack and even a Nazi flag with a special Lethbridge connection.

“There’s a bunch of signatures from guys across Canada, and one from Lethbridge,” says Miller.

Faded, and barely readable, the name “JL Senter”

appears, but his story still remains somewhat of a mystery. But, what is known is the amazing story of the flag’s capture and how it made its way back to Lethbridge. The flag was discovered at the Royal Canadian Legion – Branch No. 4 in Lethbridge, named after Stewart.

It was then donated to Lethbridge’s current battery; still, no one was able to share the flag’s history.

Miller decided it was time to do some digging. Over the next four years, he would make countless phone calls and visits to people he thought may have a connection to this special artifact. During this time, he noticed one signature in particular. It read, “L Sween – Redcliff, Alberta.” Luckily for Miller, there was only one name in the phone book that matched: it belonged to Lawrence Sween, who still resided in Redcliff. He called Sween, who immediately admitted he took the flag while fighting in Caen, France on a reconnaissance mission.

Skeptical, Miller, along with the legion president, drove to Redcliff to confirm the story. There, Sween recounted the memory, filling a decades old gap in Canada’s military history book at the same time.

“Now that we’re open, we anticipate a lot of artifacts will be teased out of the community and added to our collection.”

“We came to find out that he indeed took the flag and he took it early when they got into France,” says Miller. “It was actually hanging off the side of a building. He said, ‘I want that flag’, so he had a guy with him he stopped the jeep, he climbed on top of the windshield, reached up and as he was reaching up, a sniper was taking shots at him.

“He grabbed the flag and he doesn’t even remember signing it,” Miller adds. “He told me no one ever signed it unless they were in maintenance way in the back or at rest. People signed it over time, only when [they] were away from the front lines.”

It was discovered later that the soldiers from the original battery donated it to the legion following the war because the emotion and circumstances of its capture were too painful to bear. Although Sween is now deceased, Miller says they have been able to identify seven other names on the flag.

While Lethbridge’s military contribution is no doubt extraordinary, it’s a piece of our city’s history that, up until now, had not been very well known.

“I know firsthand veterans don’t talk about it,” says Miller. “If you were the wife of a veteran, your husband’s deeds, good, bad or ugly were never discussed. Do people share their ordeals? Probably not. They’ll share it with other veterans, but not necessarily their families.”

Miller adds that because the armoury is not in a central location in the city, it’s easy to overlook. He says the opening of the museum is slowly changing that.

“People have been very impressed,” he says. “People didn’t know the diversity of what Lethbridge’s contribution had been. When you look at Lethbridge, one of the things we have here are wartime personalities.”

For Miller, the life of Stewart is a favourite.

“I’ve been able to talk to a variety of different people who have known him at different stages of his life,” he explains. “With his name attached

to the legion and General Stewart School, it’s interesting to see the different aspects of the man.”

He returned to Lethbridge after the war, resuming a career in dentistry and giving back to the community. He was elected to the legislature in 1911, and 1913, receiving legislative honours in 1917 and 1921. Stewart died in Lethbridge in 1970 at 92.

As for the future of the museum, the collection of artifacts will be an ongoing process, as they are loaned from other museums or donated by the public.

The group is also working on a second phase to the museum, which is based on a display similar to the military museum in Calgary. It involves an interactive mural which houses 240 squares. Lethbridge will have 40 photos of veterans and 20 themes, each one a square foot, relating to Lethbridge. Available for sponsorship, an artist will paint a portrait of a local veteran, which will then be added to the mural. When the image is tapped on the display screen, a small story of the scene or veteran’s contribution is displayed. The group is still in the early stages of the project, but, once completed, hopes to take it to schools for educational purposes.

For now, the group hopes to educate people by providing both school, and general tours. Wendy Aitkens, curator at the Galt Museum, is part of the group, using her expertise to help design effective exhibits as well as kid-friendly activities. For Miller, education about Lethbridge’s military history is crucial.

“We want to be able to appreciate the sacrifice that was made on our behalf. If we don’t remember, we may just repeat ourselves.”

The museum is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from noon to 4:30. For more information contact lethbridgemilitarymuseum@gmail.com or call 403-929-4265.

Quirk - 15

Mark Boogieman

Mark Campbell

Quirk - 16

THE JOY OF DANCE: Tara-Jean Popowich

Photos: courtesy Steven Carty

Fast forward to 2015 and she continues to live out her love of dance and has taken the world by storm with opportunity after opportunity.

I watched Tara-Jean Popowich perform countless dance routines at the Yates for many years. She and my daughter Jessica were long-time students at Joy’s Dance Factory and like so many parents there were numerous dance competitions and year-end shows to attend. Of course my attention was always first and foremost on Jessica but there was something about Tara-Jean that forced you to divert your eyes to her.

She had that certain it—an undeniably dynamic stage personality and talent to match. So it was no surprise to hear that she made it to the dance competition show on CTV, So You Think You Can Dance Canada in 2009. Week after week she wowed the judges and the viewers at home with her stellar performances. Lethbridge was abuzz on the final night when she was crowned the winner of Season 2 and received a nice little cheque for $100,000. Fast forward to 2015 and she continues to live out her love of dance and has taken the world by storm with opportunity after opportunity. She took time out from a very busy schedule to reflect on her career give us an update on what she’s working on now and perhaps a little glimpse into what we can expect in her future.

It’s been 6 years since you won So You Think You Can Dance Canada. Would you have had the same opportunities had you not won?

I can’t believe it’s been 6 years. Time goes by so fast. The industry is so tough. I’m lucky because I was raised to have an extremely good work ethic, so in time I probably could have made it. Not at the same level. I would still be dancer number one thousand one hundred and thirty three in the background. The show has helped people to know my name, instead of a dancer wearing a number. People will say, that’s Tara-Jean from Canada. Also working around the world, to be able to google my name helps people want to hire me worldwide.

What was the first year like after winning?

Whoa! I went from a small town girl, to all of a sudden people taking pictures of me while I’m eating in public or being somewhere with friends and then seeing it in a magazine the next day. Honestly it took a while to get used to. I had to keep mentally strong while balancing staying grounded, yet staying confident but humble. A continuous learning experience.

I lived in a castle in Scotland filming a feature film.

Being Carly Rae Jepsen’s dancer and choreographer, dancing on really cool TV shows.

Dancing for Pharrell.

Choreographing on “So You Think You Can Dance” Ukraine.

Performing with SYTYCD USA All Stars in China each year.

It’s still exciting walking red carpets with celebrities. Being a dancer is really an incredible feeling. I’ve worked throughout Spain, Italy, Australia, Ireland, The Bahamas, Ukraine, China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Alaska, Africa, London, Paris, India… that’s all I can think of right now.

You’ve lived in both New York and Los Angeles. What do you like about those major metropolises?

I love big cities for the energy they bring. Walking through the streets in NYC is always an adventure. So many shows, any type of cuisine you want, always a new exercise trend which I always jump on the band wagon, all types of yoga… Just has everything within reach. LA has its Hollywood charm and beautiful oceans, I do really enjoy California living!

How important is it for you to remember your roots here in Lethbridge?

I feel so lucky to be raised in Lethbridge. It will always be home. It’s balanced me into the type of person I’ve always wanted to be and am always aiming for. Coming from a smaller place and being able to play roller hockey in the streets, ride your bike to the park, have a sense of community, being able to see the stars, no traffic, even with the insane wind the air feels nice with no smog, you don’t hear ambulances and police in all hours of the night. I love having the appreciation of the little things, and holding on to those while I live in major cities.

Talk about some of the most exciting things you’ve been able to do.

(I know, it’s a loaded question.)

Since the show I’ve been so grateful to see the world. I was a celebrity on “Dancing With The Stars”- India. I know I’m “famous” for my dancing, so it didn’t really make sense, Haha! But they said my resume was too big to just be a dancer. That was an amazing and challenging experience.

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I went from a small town girl, to all of a sudden people taking pictures of me while I’m eating in public or being somewhere with friends and then seeing it in a magazine the next day.

What kind of an impact did Joy’s Dance Factory have on you for becoming the kind of dancer you are today?

Going to Joy’s growing up was good and gave me a lot of insight. It really humbled and taught me you won’t always be front and center, but to remember why I danced and to just keep working hard. The discipline at the studio definitely contributed to the work ethic you need to make it as a professional.

What projects are you working on now?

Right now in this moment I just finished a job with Dove Cameron from Disney playing her friend and dancing. I can’t talk about it yet but keep an eye out. About to work with Jordan Fisher from “Camp Rock” here in LA. Next week I fly to Sudbury to host a show, then Quebec to audition dancers for my competition groups, then myself, Alex Wong and, Comfort from “So You Think You Can Dance” fly to work in South Africa, then I’m in NYC… it’s always non-stop. Trying to get home is on the top of my list for the summer as well! Henderson Pool, Osho’s, BBQS with the family… here I come!

(Side Bar: Hope someone tells Tara-Jean that Henderson Pool doesn’t re-open until next summer..just in case) It may be a blunt question, but what is the shelf life of a typical dancer? Can you dance into your 40s and 50s professionally or is teaching the next logical step?

The shelf life of a dancer isn’t very long, nor for most athletes. I’ve been choreographing for many years now, and my heart feels so wonderful when I create. That transition will happen when it’s meant to. Early thirties is my guess, but who knows! I will have a dance studio in Lethbridge. I’m from there for a reason, and am so lucky to have had so many amazing learning experiences. I want to share them with people from home so they have a better idea of what it truly is to be a dancer.

Then do everything I can to make it happen for them.

You have friends who have worked on Dancing With The Stars.

What can you tell us about that show?

Being on set with “Dancing With The Stars” and seeing my friends do well, makes my heart so happy. It’s a great show, and everyone is very close. I’m proud of Allison, working her butt off in ballroom and doing so well. Keo is a good friend of mine and is making history by being the first Black man on the show. Emma and Sasha are just good people… I could keep going. I may have dated someone from the show, but I like to keep my personal life private ;) What is it that you love about dancing?

I think every single person has something that brings out an inner passion. Even if it’s something as simple as playing chess, or gardening.

Dance is my passion, and fills my heart with true happiness. I feel the most myself when I’m dancing.

Quirk - 18

You’ve traveled all over the world. What’s been your favorite place?

That’s a hard question that I get asked all the time.

The first place that pops into my head is Capri Italy.

I could retire there! India because the people are so welcoming. Singapore is so clean. I love all the markets throughout China. Thailand was amazingAfter I was voted off at top 6 DWTS India, I booked a 1 way flight and traveled around Thailand for a month. So many wonderful places in the world! That counts as one place right? Haha OOPS!!

Is Broadway ever on your radar?

I really enjoy watching Broadway. I don’t think it’s something I would ever want to do for myself. I love being on camera. I don’t watch myself after, but the pressure of TV and film is more for me!

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years I see myself in a house that feels like home, with a husband that somehow tied me down (My nick name is Peter Pan) sitting on a patio drinking my tea, taking care of my garden. My only goal last year was to go to the movie theatre, haha.

So in 10 years allowing myself time to do the simple things more. I do want children one day. Dance, choreography, acting, painting, yoga and all those will still be in my life in some way 10 years down the road.

What was the first big purchase you made after winning $100,000 So You Think You Can Dance Canada?

I bought off my mom’s house, then gave my brother Dustin enough money to pay off his truck and then for going to school. Then I bought myself a MAC computer!

What do you like to tell young girls or boys who want to dance for a living?

Everyone around you will believe in you, but you have to believe in yourself. It’s such a tough and competitive industry but I truly believe in going for your dreams! It’s possible as long as you don’t give what you think is enough, you have to give everything and more.

Follow Mark’s blog at: https://greetergrammer1.wordpress.com

Quirk - 19

HEALTH MATTERS

Digestive & Gut Troubles

There’s something about digestive difficulties that makes them hard to discuss in polite company, which leaves many people suffering one problem or another in silence.

There is an old saying that “death begins in the colon.” This is probably oversimplified for sure, but definitely more accurate than not. In fact, the road to health begins with colon detoxing – pretty much no matter what the disease or problem.

It is worth noting that many other diseases that at first glance appear to have no connection with the digestive tract have actually been related by many doctors to functional bowel disorder. These include diabetes, gallstones & kidney stones, gout, hypertension, varicose veins, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and obesity.

You think of “gut feeling” as a kind of memory?

The gut nervous system is huge, second only to the brain’s. It can work through the information it has and send a package to the brain – not everything, just what it considers important. So think of an experience, like being afraid of a big exam. Your gut shares that worry with you and it will remember it the next time the same experience comes around. We have more memory than just what is in the brain; and that memory can be more complex that the brain’s.

So what’s gone wrong?

Our modern lifestyle has taken its toll on our digestive and elimination organs. Refined, processed, low-fibre foods, excessive animal fats, hugely out of balance Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratios, a lack of exercise, and an ever increasing level of stress contribute to our current gastrointestinal health crisis.

Constipation is a severe problem in the developed world. Consider that a sluggish bowel can retain pounds of old toxic fecal matter (2-3 pounds is common, 10-20 pounds is not as unusual as you might think, and up to 65 pounds has actually been reported in exceptional cases). Often, the real cause behind sickness and disease is the retention and re-absorption of build-up toxic waste. Period.

The key causative factor, (aside from disease) is lack of fibre in your diet; the more fibre, the faster the transit time of waste through the intestinal tract. Even with all the attention fibre gets in relation to healthy evacuation, it still lacks in many daily meals.

Get tested for food allergies: Food allergies can lead to inflammation in all areas of the body, but especially in your gut.

Caseomorphins – a cousin of morphine or heroin – are protein fragments that come from the digestion of the milk protein, casein. In addition to making you want more, casein can be highly disruptive to your body. It raises cortisol and contributes to leaky gut syndrome – a condition that includes symptoms of bloating, cramps, gas, and food sensitivities.

H. pylori, it’s more common than you think: Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacterium that tends to overgrow when our stomach acidity is low. Overgrowth of H. Pylori also tends to cause a reduction in stomach acidity, thereby allowing H. Pylori to proliferate.

This nasty infiltration increases the likelihood of colonization of the stomach and small intestine by other unwelcome organisms as well. The end result is heartburn, gastritis, duodenal ulcer or gastric ulcer. If you have persistent heartburn or reflux that doesn’t seem to let up, consider testing for H. Pylori.

Quirk - 20

The key causative factor, (aside from disease) is lack of fibre in your diet; the more fibre, the faster the transit time of waste through the intestinal tract.

Probiotics, please: While antibiotics are designed to kill all harmful bacteria, probiotics do just the opposite. They keep your insides flourishing with a healthy colony of good germs. Since stress, diet and some medications can upset this balance, it’s important to refuel with probiotic-rich foods or probiotic supplements, which help with chronic digestive issues and conditions like IBS.

Digestion advice: Supplementing with probiotics and enzymes is just one piece of advice; by following a few simple tips, you can markedly improve your digestion, and in turn, your general health: - Load up on fibre - Drink water one hour before a meal or one hour after but never during meals to avoid gastric juices - The more raw food you eat, the more you support the live digestive enzymes Slippery elm, glutamine, hydrochloric acid, activated charcoal and magnesium are other supplements that can be helpful depending on symptoms.

“All disease begins in the gut.” Hippocrates said this more than 2000 years ago, but we’re only now coming to understand how right he was.

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)

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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.

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Photo: courtesy Galt Archives

Where the heart is: a couple’s journey from history to dream home

By Christina Scott Photos by Chris Yauck

The year was 1923: a quarter bought four loaves of bread; Coke was five cents a bottle; Jaw Breakers were a mere one cent, lasting nearly an hour.

On Saturday afternoons, kids would rush down to their favourite spot to purchase O Pee Wee Chewing Gum, if only for the collector cards inside, featuring famous baseball players and hockey stars.

While this may sound like a scene out of a historical film or novel, its relevance hits much closer to home: more than 90 years ago, this is what business looked like at the North Lethbridge Bakery. As the years passed and the city’s social and economic climate shifted, the store could do little else but roll with the tides of change, growth and modernization. While the structure still stands today, it has undergone complete reinvention as a residence. Despite this, its occupants are determined to keep the memory of the place that was fondly known as “The Corner Store” alive.

Owned by Sue and Al Lillemo, the house is located at 1424 3rd Ave. N. Built in 1923 and owned by Mike Seleski, two brothers inquired about using the store as a bakery. Although successful, the bakery would only last a few years; following its vacancy, Seleski and his family would move into the store, where Selesi would run it with his brother, Stanley under Quirk - 24

“We’re both rather artistic so maybe that just ties in with being able to see a picture. It’s not everybody’s picture, but it’s our picture.”

While a fixer-upper might have been overwhelming for some, the pair always had this sort of project in mind.

Sue and Al Lillemo

the name Standard Grocery. Stanley soon left the business, opting to pursue work in the mines. Seleski would operate the store throughout the depression until the beginning of the Second World War, when he was forced to file for bankruptcy and closed the store due to excessive credit extensions.

It wasn’t long before life was breathed into the store once more; although the family remained in the building, retired Seleski, and his family, would spend the next 40 years renting out the store front to various families, primarily of Chinese descent. The store was renamed Pacific Grocery and Confectionery in 1944 and remained so until its closure, somewhere between 1980 and 85. From there, it acted simply as a residence where Seleski’s mother, and son, Alex, lived until his passing in 2002. Less than a year later, the Lillemos purchased the home, eager to restore the site.

“It was all boarded up and overgrown when we bought it,” says Sue.

When the 1,700 sq.-ft. home was purchased, it had a single toilet in the basement, no hot water, 40-amp electrical and a gravity furnace. While a fixer-upper might have been overwhelming for some, the pair always had this sort of project in mind.

“We always wanted to fix and flip something,” says Sue. “We just didn’t flip it.”

The couple planned to restore the property and sell it, but somewhere along the way, the home, and its history, grew on them.

“I think really what we saw is that this could be great,” she adds. “It just kind of kept developing.”

Over the nearly three months that followed, the couple worked tirelessly to make things functional. Other than the plumbing and electrical work, the pair completed all the major renovations, including the creation of three bedrooms and two bathrooms, the replacement of all windows in the home except one, and the creation of a courtyard behind the house.

Inside the home, the couple used all original material to update the home.

A workbench found in the basement now serves as a kitchen island; shelves which once lined the storefront now hold dishes in kitchen cupboards; deep shades of ancient tongue and groove siding hug the walls and windows, while the floors are refinished to their original shine. Aside from the addition of a bathroom and a few walls, the couple maintained the residence’s initial floor plan.

The couple says preserving the quality of the home was important.

“We appreciate old buildings and preservation of old buildings, rather than just tearing them down,” says Sue. “We did some things to it but we kept it pretty much the same,” adds Al.

“Mary didn’t want to see it torn down so we made a commitment to her that we wouldn’t do that.”

Mary is one of three Seleski children, who grew up in the home; she sold the property to the Lillemos. Another son, John, visited the pair during the renovation process. They got talking, and he decided to write a diary of his time living in the store. His writings bring to light many interesting details, including recollections of miners relaxing at the store to ease boredom. He writes: “The store space was small and the smoke filled the store with a thick blue haze. . . while this helped the miners relieve their boredom, it killed business. When women came into the store to purchase anything, they had a dozen miners staring at them.”

Photo: courtesy Sue Lillemo Quirk - 26

He also writes poignantly of the dedication required to make a corner store successful: “The people who owned these stores worked 14 to 16 hours a day just to make a living. To own a corner store, you have to be dedicated, as you see [few] corner stores operating today.”

“We appreciate old buildings and preservation of old buildings, rather than just tearing them down,” Additionally, he explains the store was the site of the city’s first robbery at knifepoint; soon after, the store’s final operators, Henry and Judy Yee gave up the store, ending that chapter of the building’s life.

Some years later, Yee revisited the home, grateful for the reminder of his time there.

“(Henry Yee) was quite elderly and they took him through and he was quite thrilled to walk through here and see so much of it original,” explains Al.

Trish Purkis, archives assistant at the Galt Museum, writes about the store in her book, The Grocery List – A Collection of Neighbourhood Grocery and Confectionery Stores in Lethbridge. She felt writing a book of this nature provides insight into what life was like in our city in the early 20th century.

“It is important to learn and share the information . . . because it is part of the city’s history. It tells of the early days of the businesses, the ‘Mom and Pop operations,’ their lives [and] their dedication to their chosen profession.”

The Lillemos are proud of the property’s history and have had several others visit the home to share their memories. As of last year, the home also became a stop on Jane’s Walk, a free walking tour where people get together to explore and celebrate their neighbourhoods.

The tour’s main focus, however, is not the house. Instead, it’s a small two room shed at the back corner of the property, known as a miner’s shack. Although used as a shed now, in the early 20th century it was used as a home until residents who lived there could afford to buy something larger. Because it is such an old practice, there are very few still standing; this is what makes it so valuable to historians. Little is known about this particular shack, except that it was inhabited by two women in the 1940s who lived there for $10 a month while their husbands were at war.

Meant to be a temporary home, the Lillemos admit they’ve settled in nicely, with no plans to leave anytime soon. They say it’s interesting to share the historical aspect, in addition to seeing their vision for the home come to life.

“It’s fun to tell the stories, to show them what we’ve done and how we’ve repurposed different materials,” says Sue. “We’re both rather artistic so maybe that just ties in with being able to see a picture. It’s not everybody’s picture, but it’s our picture.”

Photo: courtesy Sue Lillemo Quirk - 27

Banana Bread

The wafting smell of banana bread baking transports many of us to a childhood kitchen and a time when our own lives were simpler. Food, like music, can carry memories that seem as fresh and good as the food itself.

By Karren Pack

Quirk - 28

Banana bread in its closest current form is believed by some food historians to have appeared in North America in the 18th century with the discovery of pearlash and further refined with the commercialization of baking soda and powder in the mid 1800's.

But it wasn't until the early 1930's that banana bread gained popularity with the first recipe published by Pillsbury in 1933. It is widely believed that scarce resources may have contributed to creative food inventions during this time such as ways to use overripe bananas.

This recipe is one version of the old style bread. Other early versions may add milk or buttermilk but it's not necessary for a great loaf and would likely not have been widely used as an ingredient during the economic depression of the 1930's. I've been using this recipe for many years and it has never failed.

This is a good one to teach future chefs as there are no special techniques or pains to be taken and can be customized by the addition of simple ingredients you enjoy such as chocolate, peanut butter, nuts, raisins, or dried fruits.

Food, like music, can carry memories that seem as fresh and good as the food itself.

Banana Bread Recipe 1 cup butter 2 cups sugar 4 eggs 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons soda 4 cups flour 6-8 large bananas, overripe, mashed

Preheat oven to 325F. Cream butter and sugar, add eggs. Mix dry ingredients together and add to mixture. Add bananas, mashed. Fill greased pans to approximately 2/3rds and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Let bread rest in pan for at least 10 minutes, then remove, cool on rack. Makes 2 loaves or one 12" skillet.

Variations: Pumpkin (1 large can, pure), zucchini or applesauce (2 cups or to taste) can be used instead of bananas for variety.

BAKING TIPS:

Using the right pan is an often overlooked element important to optimal success in cooking. This is especially true for breads. For yeast and other breads, choose a heavy pan that can conduct heat and brown evenly. If you don't have heavy loaf pans or a cast iron skillet and want to still ensure a browned crust, make sure to use pans with a darker coating. For this bread (and cornbread), I use a 12 inch, well-seasoned cast iron skillet, a southern tradition in cooking and the perfect pan for moist breads.

Quirk - 29

Camera Canon 5D Mark11 Focal Length 16 mm, Shutter Speed 1/500 sec, F-Stop 22, ISO 200 San Francisco bridge taken directly into the sun. Backlighting makes for a dramatic image. The image will look darker on your camera’s screen while you are outside so keep that in mind when previewing

images and keep all your images to examine later outside of the daylight. Go ahead and take photographs using your camera’s automatic mode, this will give you a starting point. Then use that exposure as a guideline when you switch into manual and play with your settings until you get the desired darkened effect.

Camera Canon 5D Mark11 Focal Length 16.0mm, Shutter Speed 1/640 sec, F-Stop 11 ISO 200

This shot was taken in late morning, The iconic Golden Gate Bridge always makes an interesting photograph. Always try to find another angle to photograph your subject from –whether it’s a landmark, object, or people. You might surprise yourself with the results.

Camera Canon 5D Mark11 Focal Length 34 mm, Shutter Speed 1/500 sec, F-Stop 6.3, ISO 200.

One place where the selfie stick has not been banned yet! This image will carry a self subscribed date stamp as the selfie stick was a fairly recent addition to the photography scene.

Camera Canon 5D Mark11 Focal Length 28 mm, Shutter Speed 1/80 sec, F-Stop 4.5, ISO 100.

Be ready for that food shot, I always take a couple of images just before so when the food arrives you are ready. Having our server pouring the sauce in the hot grill creating the steam makes an interesting image. The steam quickly disappeared so timing is everything.

Beaver Mines Photo by Melanie Barbero Winner of July Photo Contest

HOW TO ENTER: Submit your Lethbridge or surrounding area photo in a jpeg format, 300 dpi resolution in black & white or colour. The winning photo will be published in the following issue of Quirk Magazine. We have modified the rules this year to include enhanced photos. This is because most photos are enhanced to a degree. The integrity of the photo must be maintained to qualify with no added elements besides what the picture originally contained. Quirk Magazine retains the right to use all photos for promotional purposes.

Entry Deadline July 30, 2015

Email your photos to: info@readquirk.com

R

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 Southwest Service & Tourism Awards. The event will be a semi-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 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 19 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 19 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 or the event, visit www.SouthwestAlbertaAwards.com

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

NOMINATE THEM NOW @southwestawards

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Presented by Chinook Country Tourist Association Quirk - 31

Advertorial

New Business Brewing in Lethbridge Photos by Chris Yauck Sometimes we think of Lethbridge as a sleepy little city. A place we are comfortable in, but not much out of the ordinary. Nothing could be further from the truth. We just don’t talk about it much, or brag about what we have. Besides our city being filled with some of the most talented authors, musicians, scientists and artisans in the country, we are also home to many unique and forward thinking businesses.

Netty & Ken Milos

Quirk - 32

One of these businesses is Koffee Korner. Koffee Korner opened its doors a couple of months ago, and without much in the way of hoopla, has become a very popular store. It is a 100% Canadian owned franchise that originated in Ontario and has recently expanded into western Canada. The Lethbridge location is one of only three locations so far in Alberta. The other two are in Sherwood Park and Bonnyville.

The store carries over 400 K-cup varieties to choose from to mix and match.

Netty Milos, owner of the Lethbridge location, managed retail franchises in Lethbridge for over 12 years. While she thoroughly enjoyed her career as a manager, she says it was always her dream to own her own business. With true entrepreneurial spirit, Netty and her husband, Ken, began researching the possibilities. After a few years of searching, Netty found the perfect fit for her in the Koffee Korner model.

The concept is simple, yet brilliant. The store carries over 400 K-cup varieties to choose from to mix and match. This provides customers the opportunity to try out new flavours without having to buy a whole box, only to find out they didn’t enjoy it. It also lets you stock up on all your favourite brands without having several boxes taking up room in your cupboard. Offices like this concept in order to easily offer a wide variety of choices for their staff or clients. Although the mix and match concept is what is most exciting and unique, you can purchase full boxes of product as well. Netty is also able to bring in special orders if you’ve been having trouble finding the flavor you love.

There are so many reasons these single cup purchases make sense. The idea is so simple, you wonder why it wasn’t thought of a long time ago! Ken shared the story about how the original franchise came to be. It is quite humorous. The fellow in Ontario who developed the franchise was a Maytag repair man.

True to form of the Maytag commercials with the “lonely Maytag repairman waiting for a service call”, this repair man wasn’t busy enough to keep his shop going. He decided to start selling K-cups at the front of his shop for 66 cents each. It really took off and the K-cups started keeping him busier than the repairs. It didn’t take long for him to realize he was onto something. And that is how “Koffee Korner” was born.

Netty and Ken are very excited about their new venture and its very promising future in Lethbridge.

Along with the hundreds of flavours to choose from, they also carry coffee machines and peripheral products. They welcome you to stop by, say hello and see what’s in store.

1309 2 A Ave., North, Lethbridge Across from Save-On Foods

403-327-1797

Quirk - 33

Elizabeth Ginn is one of those people who cats seemed to gravitate too.

She says that ever since she was young, cats would come to her door searching for a home. They sensed that she would help. This was the start of a life long journey for Elizabeth, leading up to what was to become the “Last Chance Cat Ranch”.

Elizabeth has lived in many parts of Canada, and says that since moving to southern Alberta twelve years ago she has found this area is one of the worst feral cat regions she has lived in. She did what she could on her own before becoming exhausted emotionally and financially. Realizing the scale of the problem here, Elizabeth and a group of volunteers officially formed The Last Chance Cat Ranch society ten years ago and began fundraising, raising awareness, fostering, providing veterinary care and finding homes for these rescued felines.

LCCR works closely with other rescue organizations in Lethbridge, including the Paw Society and Purrfect Endings. Together, their common goal is to find a loving home for each of these rescued animals.

There are several organizations throughout the province who assist to this end. Elizabeth says that 700-1000 cats have been transported from Lethbridge in the last three to four years to organizations like the Meow Foundation, Calgary, Bow Valley SPCA, AARCS, Calgary, Matty’s Place in Toefield and the Barrhead Animal Rescue Society. The cats are transported by volunteers from Lethbridge.

by Jean Van Kleek

LCCR is the largest cat rescue south of Calgary and currently has over 130 cats in their care. All of the cats they take in are kept in foster homes.

Elizabeth adds “Our long term goal is to have our own building for intake and adoptions. We also rely on the support of our community to help with advocating for responsible pet ownership”.

LCCR would be happy to see a day when their services aren’t needed any more. They encourage cat owners to spay and neuter their pets. They also advocate keeping your cat indoors, on a leash or outside in an enclosure. There are many ways to cut down on the cat population as well as keep them happy, healthy and safe from harm.

LCCR needs more people who have the sincere interest of the wellbeing of the cats in this region as their motivation for involvement. They do have some wonderful volunteers and foster homes that have helped save the lives of many cats and kittens who would not have survived otherwise, but as with many charities, there is always a need for more help.

If you are looking to love a rescued kitty, or interested in donating, fostering or assisting in other ways, you can message the LCCR facebook page or email thelccr@gmail.com

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PET PHOTO

CONTEST Winning Photo Winston & Mindy: Nap time

Submitted by Leanne Ambrus 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 - 36

Entry Deadline July 30, 2015

LESSONS I’VE LEARNED FROM MY DOGS By Jean Van Kleek Simplicity. One thing I

have found that seems to be in common with seniors, young children and animals is their pleasure in enjoying simple things. Somehow we lose this gift during the middle years of life in our rushed quest to be all things we think we should be. Children are fascinated by the smallest of things and ask why (a lot). How wonderful to see life through their eyes. There is a time as we get older, I’m not sure exactly when it starts to happen, that we begin looking at the birds who have made a home in our yards, and noticing their habits. It’s also a time when you notice the differences in your plants in the yard and start to take more care. My mom used to walk me through her yard when I was in my late twenties to show me what she had planted and how they were doing. I would reluctantly follow

her, because I was always going somewhere and didn’t have time.

Animals are naturally fascinated by life around them. My Bella will follow an ant down the sidewalk just to see where it ends up. They notice the subtle nuances in life. There is a reason seniors, children and animals get along so well together. They “get it”. It’s the little things in life that really are the “big things”. I wish I would have spent more time sharing my mom’s flowers with her in my younger years, she left this world far too early, and was trying to tell me about the gift of simplicity. I get it now.

Bella & Shani

There is a reason seniors, children and animals get along so well together.

They “get it”. It’s the little things in life that really are the “big things”.

RECIPE Cool The

Kiwi

PUPSICLES

Zoe

With a hot summer forecasted, your furry friends will need some relief! Heat and hydration are important things to consider for the health and well being of your furry friends. These frozen treats will provide instant cooling and hydration your pet will love. Fun and easy to make, these treats have many variations: watermelon/pear; beef/broccoli; liver/asparagus; watermelon/strawberry and many more. Tailor your recipe to the favourite flavours of your pet. While flavours make for yummy ice cubes, a plain ice cube on a hot day can instantly cool your furry friend.

Michelle Zandstra *Michelle's recipes include well researched ingredients to help make your dog happy & healthy.

Chicken/Broccoli/Broth

Peanut Butter

Watermelon

Poach 2 chicken breasts with celery and carrots for flavour and nutrition. Blanch broccoli. Cool both, strain and reserve broth. Chop chicken and broccoli into very small pieces. Fill ice cube with 1/3 of the meat/vegetables. Top up with broth. Place in freezer until solid.

1 1/4 cup warm water 1/2 cup peanut butter

Puree watermelon (seeds removed). Fill ice cube trays and freeze until solid. You can add various other fruits such as pear, strawberry, or any other favourite. Chop into small pieces. Add to watermelon and fill trays.

Put peanut butter in mixing bowl and stir in warm water with a whisk. Whisk until smooth. Fill ice cube trays and freeze until solid.

Serving Tips: Heat melts ice!

I serve these either outside or in a food bowl.

Quirk - 37

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Quirk - 38

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