nside
Volume 2 • Issue 3 • May - June 2013 www.readquirk.com
Ted X IN LETHBRIDGE Ideas Worth Spreading
HISTORIC TREASURES Jewels of Our Past
SERENITY EQUESTRIAN Connecting
ISSN 1929-2112
Eco-Friendly FIREPLACES CEILINGS TO FLOORS
& EVERYTHING MORE • Portable • Smokeless • Connection-Free 1018 3RD AVENUE SOUTH LETHBRIDGE, AB. 403.942.RENO (7366)
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10 7 CASA
FEATURES
Lethbridge’s long anticipated new arts centre opens up to the community.
14 Carmen Vinaigrettes
A visit with locally trained chef, Ron Miller, who has created his own line of vinaigrettes.
18 Historic Treasures
Michael Jensen shares his passion for photographing our historic buildings and explains why they are important to our future.
24 Ted X in Lethbridge
An exciting concept that has taken off word-wide has now arrived in Lethbridge.
28
26 Recipe - Spicy Kalbi Ribs
Judi Frizzle-Stowell never disappoints with her Hawaiian inspired recipes.
28 Taking Time in Tobago
Fay Braden offers us another installment of her trip to Tobago with a truly uniqe travel experience.
33 Feline Future
Debra, Ash & Gerard Plettell
Dr. Kate Lupton, of Family Pet Hospital, gives us an update on the current situation of the cats affected by the recent devastating fire at the Last Chance Cat
DEPARTMENTS
6 Nasrin’s Corner 17 Business & The Web 12 Bits & Pieces 20 Health Matters 16 Photographer’s Eye 33 Animals We Love
Introducing:
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From The Publisher Welcome to the May issue of Quirk! I’m not sure if we chose the right picture for the cover! Might have been more apropos to have a snowy scene, however, we are very optimistic and went ahead with a lovely photograph by local photographer, David Wirzba.
Volume 2 • Issue 3 • May - June 2013
www.readquirk.com Jean Van Kleek Photography: Jen Alston
There are a lot of exciting things going on in Lethbridge. One of them being the opening of the new Arts Centre. Casa will be offering classes in a variety of mediums to every age group and level of experience. It also contains a media gallery for film, and an outdoor plaza for live music and festivals. What a great addition to a downtown that is becoming more vibrant every day! We also visit entrepreneur, Ron Miller, locally trained chef, who has created his own line of all natural vinaigrettes that he is supplying to restaurants all over southern Alberta. Interesting fellow, who runs a small but very interesting shop that also carries natural spice mixtures and a variety of product in line with his philosophy on food.
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 Pixelated Cupcake pixelatedcupcake@shaw.ca
Ted X has arrived in Lethbridge. It is an arm of the extremely successful worldwide Ted.com that promotes ideas worth spreading. Paul Bohnert has been instrumental in bringing Ted X to Lethbridge. Donna Murray shares this story with us.
Photographers Chris Yauck Lorelei Hoffarth Fay Braden Michael Jensen Ginger Malacko Danny Ponomar
Once again, hope you enjoy this edition of Quirk as much as we enjoy bringing it to you!
Cover Photo David Wirzba
Letter to The Editor My family sends me a copy of each Quirk Magazine. I thoroughly enjoy reading it from cover to cover! Lethbridge is a very interesting city with a lot going on. TJ Dobson, Cold Lake AB
jxÄvÉÅx jtzÉÇ:á axã UÜ|wtÄ cÜÉzÜtÅ Group and individual visits Free gifts and Exclusive offers to help with planning your big day Complimentary copy of Today's Bride To register, call 403-328-3830 or email lethwelcomewagon@hotmail.com ACCEPTING NEW SPONSORS
Quirk - 4
Contributing Writers Derek Stevenson Danny Ponomar Ginger Malacko Fergus Raphael Chris Yauck Jordana Shell Priscilla Peltier Sharry Yaeck Mary Bochenko Donna M. Murray Michelle Zandstra Judi Frizzle-Stowell Fay Braden Kate Lupton Lori Ully Chell Jean Van Kleek General Inquiries info@readquirk.com Advertising Inquiries jean@readquirk.com 403.382.7240 LEGAL INFORMATION 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 quantities and species of live micro-organisms found inside the intestinal tract evolve as we mature. We need to take the right probiotic strains in the right concentration for the right age from infancy to old age if they are to be effective. Udo’s Super Probiotic blends are based on age and specific intestinal flora composition.
Available at
102 - 920 2nd Ave. “A” North, Lethbridge (403) 329-3100
Finding Love and Healthy Relationships
In the years I’ve been counseling and training, I’ve heard many people say, “I’ve been in bad, and not very exciting relationships, I don’t have an idea what a good relationship looks like, and don’t know how to find one.”
What is a Healthy Relationship? A simple yet important answer I can give is that a healthy and loving relationship makes your life happier. It is balanced, and you can feel safe to express yourself. The unhealthy relationship makes you tense, unhappy, gives you mixed messages and you are afraid to be yourself. In order to find the ideal person to enjoy healthy relationship with you have to know yourself first. In doing so, there are many factors such as values, patterns and history of your past unsuccessful relationships that need to be explored and addressed in more depth. However, in this issue, the emphasis will be on fears and limiting beliefs about love which are the real saboteurs of your success. Having these fears and limiting beliefs is like driving a car with one foot on the brake. With one foot you are accelerating towards the relationship of your dreams, while the other foot is pushing on the brakes and holding you back due to the fear of failure. So, let’s start with identifying some of the more common beliefs and fears.
Fears
• Afraid of being rejected Beliefs • Afraid of getting hurt • I'm not worthy of love • Afraid of losing control • Afraid of being abandoned • I'm too old, fat, thin, • Afraid of not being loveable • There are not enough (wo)men in my area • I'm not attractive/handsome enough to find a good partner • Men are only interested in one thing • Women are more interested in my money than in me
Quirk - 6
Nasrin’s
Corner By Nasrin Ebadypour
BREAKING BARRIERS TO FINDING LOVE TIPS: powerful, yet simple 1. Identify all the fears and beliefs that apply to you, then list and add any that may come up. 2. Whenever you think of these fears and beliefs, consciously change your thought pattern by saying something positive such as: • I am loveable because many people love me . • I am only going to attract people who want me for myself. • Many older people are in new and joyful relationships. • I am attractive, and there are many (wo)men in my area who will find me attractive Do you have a question as well. about your life that you’d • I am worthy of love and deserve to be in healthy relationships. like Nasrin to answer? 3. Practice, practice, practice! It doesn’t matter if you don’t believe the affirmations at first. Your mind will automatically move you from negative thoughts to positive ones which will then become your new beliefs; a must for finding ideal love! Remember your thoughts are a magnet that will bring to you whatever you are focusing on and thinking about, “ if you build it, they will come.”
Email it to info@readquirk.com
Nasrin Ebadypour is a registered clinical counsellor specializing in relationships, depression & anxiety.
Now it’s time to enjoy this process and remember that finding love is an inside job! Love and Respect, Nasrin
Arts
CREATING
in Southern Alberta
By Derek Stevenson
On May 14th 2013 Lethbridge’s new arts centre CASA will be opening up to the community. CASA will replace the Bowman arts centre, which has been Lethbridge’s arts centre since 1964, when it was converted from a school. CASA is unique to any other buildings in our area, and it has something for everyone. The building is fittingly named “Casa” as it will be the home for amateur artists, arts supporters, parents, kids, students, professional artists and our community for many years to come. The opportunities for growth in the arts in our region are going to grow exponentially in the next few years because of this building. CASA will offer classes in several disciplines to adults, children and youths. Special care has been taken to offer classes that are of interest to each age group. Workshops and classes will be brought in for artists with different levels of skills from the most experienced to none at all. There are residency programs for those who want to pursue their craft in a supportive, community-based atmosphere. There are visual arts studios for pottery, painting, woodworking, textiles and printmaking. There is a community room/black box theatre for rehearsals and performances. An outdoor plaza for live music and festivals and an outdoor balcony for en plein classes are two special features which will add so much life to city. CASA will also feature a gallery showing the works of local,
regional, and provincial artists. A media gallery for film and new media and rehearsal practice rooms for the U of L Conservatory of Music are also important parts of the facility. Finally, CASA will also have a showcase for handmade arts and crafts and bookable wall and display space for anyone interested in sharing their work. As an individual who has been immersed in the arts for the past ten years, it is incredible to see a space being built that is dedicated to the creation of art. Lethbridge has been in need of increased arts space for almost fifty years, and the Bowman has been in need of upgrades since the 1960s.
We are beyond excited
to welcome everyone into the facility after years of planning. Our opening week activities are a chance to see everything that the facility can offer. We will have open studios with artists working in the new space and open tours to the public. In addition, each night from May 14 - 18 we will have performances in the community room, including an original dance piece, an original play, films by Alberta filmmakers, a Geomatic Attic concert, and a party in the plaza with local musicians.
Stay tuned for more details on the Grand Opening plans at www.casalethbridge.org.
creat ing ar t s in souther n alber ta
GRAND OPENING MAY 14-18
2013
w w w . c a s a l e t h b r i d g e . c a Quirk - 7
*not exactly as shown
2825B 2nd Avenue South (Crowsnest Trail)
(403)
Quirk - 8
327-4129
Qu rk Restaurant Gu de i
i
Welcome to Lethbridge’s Newest Japanese Restaurant!
Featuring Traditional & Modern Japanese Cuisine Teriyaki Chicken • Sukiyaki Beef • Salmon Cutlet Gyu-Don & Udon Noodle • Ra-Men Noodle • Chirashi-Sushi Lunch set menu $10-$12
Specializing in Japanese Noodles
*We are currently expanding the menu to provide even more exciting dishes
511- 4th Ave. S. Lethbridge
403-942-7955
The dining room at LSCO is Downtown Lethbridge's best kept secret. Our three Red Seal chefs prepare delicious and affordable breakfasts and lunches for our members and the public - and soup and sandwiches are available until 4:00 PM. We can also cater your next party...from 40 people to 400! Our facility has a variety of meeting/banquet spaces that will surely meet your needs. Our chefs will make your next banquet memorable, meeting your needs for a buffet, plated service or dish/glass/cutlery rentals. Visit
www.lethseniors.com for our
Come Alive at LSCO!
dining room menu and full catering information.
500 - 11 Street South Lethbridge
403
320-2222
Quirk - 9
By Danny Ponomar Quirk - 10
If you're like me and consider waking up before 10:00AM early, then you probably don't see many sunrises. For the most part, that doesn't bother me. When my tired eyes wearily roll down their drooping blinds, I surrender my liveliness with little rebuttal. My brain instinctively retreats into hibernation mode for a few hours, while a mysterious realm of dreams envelopes my conscious mind and creates a temporary reality. The habitual act of collapsing into my soft bed is effortless. The art of waking up, however, isn't always a graceful process. It wasn't always this way. There was a time when the thought of waking up early to snap a few photos of the new day light provoked excitement. Then it happened... A series of untimely outings thwarted my desire to capture the sun's rising rays. I recall the first time I lingered unfulfilled beneath a drab, dawn sky void of colour and brilliance... I remember thinking, “that's too bad, oh well, there is always next time”. Next time came and passed, and so did the next time after that. Each subsequent attempt resulted in the same sheer disappointment. After a few months of being stood up repeatedly by the promising morning light I'd grown so attached to, I reluctantly found my place in the dawning world – nestled under my cozy covers.
When I was in Canmore in December, I decided that it would be a good opportunity to try my luck once more. 5:00AM hit me like a hammer. The cacophonous sound of my alarm berated my ears like a trumpet, and I lethargically crammed into my four layers of winter clothing and stumbled out the door. It didn't take long to remember what I was missing; a hidden world free from traffic, the tranquility of silent suburban life, the brisk mountain air. There was very little not to appreciate. Rolling fog gracefully crept through the valley, animating the mountains, and igniting my excitement. Serenity at last! “Why did I wait this long?!”, I thought to myself, as the sun began to glare over the horizon. Reflections of shimmering highlights and shadowy trees in the slow moving river, added an extra spark to the already brilliant morning landscape. Radiant clouds waved in the water like flags, as though they were honouring the sun's arrival. Until that moment, I had almost forgotten why this spectacular hour after sunrise is called “the magic hour”. I won't soon forget. After snapping a few photos, I put my camera down. I was absorbed in the scenery. Seeing the breathtaking Canmore sunrise on that particular day reminded me what I had been missing for so long. Just like many games in life, if you play long enough, eventually it pays to play the odds.
BITS & PIECES I just woke up one day and decided I didnt want to feel like that anymore, or ever again.
If you are always racing to the
NEXT MOMENT what happens to the one you’re in?
So I changed.
Do not go where the path may lead…
YESTERDAY I WAS CLEVER, SO I WANTED TO CHANGE THE WORLD. TODAY I AM WISE, SO I AM CHANGING MYSELF. Quirk - 12
Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. Ralph Waldo Emerson
Making the Great Outdoors even Greater BY BERNIE HUIZING - Owner of The Stove Pipe Company
This summer The Stove Pipe Company is offering a wide selection of exciting outdoor products to add comfort, heat and ambiance for your outdoor living space. We are introducing the New revolutionary thermoelectric JOI light. The JOI light magically transforms the energy of a single tea light into enough light to illuminate the entire dining table. It has no batteries, cords or solar panels, just a single tea light. Ideal for your backyard, camping or when there may be a power outage. This is just one of the exciting and innovative products available at The Stove Pipe Company. For your back yard there are table top ‘twist fire’ Venturi Flame firepits that require no propane tanks or gas lines just clean burning gel fuel. Our fire pit tables are second to none. The Outdoor Great Room fire pit tables come in a variety of shapes, sizes and finishes to complement your outdoor living space. From tile and stucco to stone and glass, these quality fire pit tables are made to last even in Southern Alberta. These 60,000 BTU fire pit tables will not only add warmth to your outdoor living space but will add ambiance as well. There is also the "Sapphire" model that is a beautiful wall mounted unit.
For those who require heat in your outdoor living space and gas is not an option, there is the Infratech electric infrared heater. Infratech heaters are over 90% efficient and emit no harsh glare, with zero energy wasted indirectly. Just radiant, comfortable heat—exactly where you want it. Another exciting new product is the ‘Campfire In A Can". This portable propane campfire is designed for the outdoor enthusiast.This unit is great for travel destinations that don't have firepits. It is also ideal for times there are fire bans. Because it runs off propane, you can still use it and enjoy the light, heat and ambiance a fire provides. Unlike other products of this type, another great feature is the 64,000 BTUs it generates so the flames aren't just nice to look at, they keep you warm. Campfire in A Can is also a great addition to your patio or deck and can be dressed up any way you would like. In a pot, with rock work, you are only limited by your imagination.
The Stove Pipe Company is always looking for new innovative ways to beautify your living space. For all your BBQ and outdoor heating needs come see us at The Stove Pipe Company.
CARMENS Vinaigrettes Written by Ginger Lee Malacko
Ron Miller
E
very year it seems another bestselling book hits the market and some new diet craze is born. Food fads come and food fads go. One day carbs are good, and then the next day they’re bad. We’re supposed to eat egg yolks, and then we’re supposed to shun them as though our lives depended on it. Our society seems to play with food just as much as it plays with fashion and technology. The only sensible thing to do then is ignore the hype and sit down to a nice, simple dinner. And if it’s simplicity you crave, you’ll find a champion in locally trained chef, Ron Miller, who responds to the day’s dizzying food trends with a return to basics – to real food, grown organically and responsibly. He owns cozy south side Lethbridge shop, Carmens Vinaigrettes, where ingredients are fresh and wholesome and color and flavor are never simulated. The shop is a result of Ron’s desire to help people think differently about food and also the encouragement of his friends and family who love to eat his homemade vinaigrettes. He has thirteen varieties which have already begun to make their way into local restaurants and pubs. Whether to dress a salad or marinade a meat, flavors like blueberry, maple balsamic, and thai citrus were made to enliven your dinner without any additives or preservatives.
Quirk - 14
Carmens is also the only local source for Cuban coffee which is a point of pride for Ron who swears you’ll never go back to your regular java once you sample this one.
Most of what you’ll find in Carmens is certified organic and Ron is determined to stock his shop with only the best natural foods he can find, including all organic herbs and spices, natural sweeteners, oils, popcorn, and hot chocolate. It’s about simple substitutions that support organic producers and add up to a healthier lifestyle for you and your family. Carmens is also the only local source for Cuban coffee which is a point of pride for Ron who swears you’ll never go back to your regular java once you sample this one. It’s a much sweeter bean than the typical Columbian variety and is so lacking in bitterness, you won’t need to add sugar or artificial sweeteners – another of those small changes that can increase your quality of life. The shop also stocks a selection of natural pet treats as Ron is an avid dog lover and advocate for healthier snack choices for our furry friends as well as for humans. The ‘Carmen’ who inspired the name of the store and the vinaigrette brand was a well-loved dog once owned by Ron and the shop’s pet section bears the name of another pup named Gracie. It’s these personal touches along with the quality products that make Carmens Vinaigrettes stand out from the big box grocery stores. Ron’s shop is a reflection of his buoyant personality with its bright colors, encouraging wall art and rows of tie dye tee shirts for men and women. It’s a little bit ‘farmer’s market’ and a little bit ‘rock’n’roll’. Just like Ron. But the clearest sign of Ron’s passion for his product is his eagerness to introduce it to every visitor who walks into his shop. Everything is available to be sampled, as evidenced by the rows of spoons and cups kept at the ready. Ron’s policy is ‘you try before you buy’ which comes from an honest enthusiasm.
HE WANTS HIS CUSTOMERS TO LEAVE THE SHOP WITH SOMETHING THEY KNOW THEY’LL ENJOY AND HE WANTS PEOPLE TO FALL IN LOVE WITH REAL FOOD AGAIN: ONE MOUTHFUL AT A TIME. Photos by Ginger Lee Malacko Quirk - 15
•The
P tograp ho
Tips & Tricks Outdoor
er h
With spring comes a great opportunity to get some wonderful scenic shots of your family and friends. Here are some problems and solutions
’s E ye•
PROBLEM: Subject squinting into the sun. TIP: Stand your subject at the edge of a shadow with their back to the light; this will create the illusive hair light that will make your photo pop! Turn on your flash to add light to the face. TIP:Try to do outdoor portraits on a cloudy day. A high, thin, light overcast sky creates some of the very best portrait lighting you’ll ever see. Harsh, direct sun is rarely flattering. Overcast skies act like a giant softbox and diffuse the light. They also make it possible to photograph any time of day without fear of dark circles under the eyes. Problem: Showing depth and dimension in a landscape. Trick: Adding a person to an expansive landscape image can provide both a focal point for the eye, as well as a perspective to the overall composition. By adding a person to the scene, the brain immediately recognizes the scale and tells you what you’re looking at.
Quirk - 16
by Chris yauck Chris Yauck Photography
TIP: Leading Lines. Give your images more depth and structure by incorporating natural contours and lines into the foreground of your compositions so they draw your eye into the image and lead it toward the main subject.
Graduation Graduation is a special and significant milestone in your child’s life. You want to remember for the rest of your life and your grad is counting on your images.
You want those graduation photos to be really clear, nice, and beautiful. Here are some photography tips for picture-perfect graduation day photos: PROBLEM: Not having your gear ready. Tip: Gear up. Make sure your camera is working perfectly. Use fresh batteries or recharge your rechargeable batteries. Check that your memory card has enough space. Clean your lenses.
Don’t be afraid to get close. You don’t want to use a magnifying glass to identify who’s who. Instead, try to stay close to the stage by getting a seat next to the stage or asking for permission. If it’s unavoidable don’t forget about the optical zoom feature on your digital camera.
Get Candid! While it is tempting to get all pose-oriented photos, try and get some natural shots of the new graduate laughing, hugging and talking with friends and family. Candid moments of the happy graduate in his gown surrounded by loving and proud relatives are the shots everyone would want to look at over and over again.
DISRUPTIVE
Technologies
BUSINESS & THE WEB
by Fergus Raphael
When typewriters were upended by workplace computers in the 1980s, the noisy clacking of heavy duty keyboards slowly went away. A generation later, offices are punctuated with chimes, ringtones, and low frequency buzzing as text messages and Facebook updates trickle down to employees' phones. Technology can be disruptive, and even small businesses must manage changes brought by an increasing rate of innovation.
Fergus is the owner of Tangle Media and is an expert in multimedia and web-based marketing
In the decade since Google became a household name, it has broadened to include local information on a granular scale, proving attractive to advertisers. Consider that this opportunity for some local businesses can also challenge others. Big-box retailers funneling local dollars to international corporations is a common complaint, but through these giants of online advertising, many local dollars leave the community almost invisibly. Since 2010 the stock price for The Yellow Pages has plummeted from a high of $17/share to trade at six cents today. That is just one indicator of Google’s disruptive force in advertising.
Finance is no different. When a hot new business idea needs funding, inventors and entrepreneurs have a new card to play. Crowdsourced venture capital in the form of Kickstarter or Indiegogo campaigns have seen humble projects achieve seven figure budgets almost overnight, funded by thousands of individual investors from around the globe. Flip the coin and charitable organizations like Kiva deliver opportunities for philanthropy so effectively that microfinance loans of as little as $25 can be delivered from local donors to far-flung places with very little overhead.
Internationally, a new currency is even on the move, getting the attention of central bankers and heads of state. Bitcoin is a decentralized currency promising to be to money what email is to the postal service or Skype has become to phones. It promises instant, direct online transactions, around the world, without banks or fees. Whether the Bitcoin experiment will succeed is uncertain, but when something as fundamental as the money we use is suddenly up for debate, there can be no debate about how significant a challenge technological disruption presents.
Technology can be disruptive, and even small businesses must manage changes brought by an increasing rate of
innovation.
Win a Canon Vixia HFM400
CAMCORDER
COURTESY OF THRIFTWAY PHARMACY HOW TO ENTER: Submit your best photo of Lethbridge or the surrounding area in .jpeg format, 300 dpi resolution in black & white or full color. A winning photo will be chosen and published in Quirk Magazine. After six issues (one year), a final winner will be chosen to receive a Canon Vixia HFM400 Camcorder from Thriftway Pharmacy. Photos must be original, caption and contact information of photographer provided. No altered photographs will be accepted, digital or otherwise. Quirk Magazine and Shabella Publishing retain the right to use winning photographs for promotional purposes.
Farming community of Readymade in the County of Lethbridge
Entry Deadline June 3, 2013
Colten Bodie
Winner of May’s contest
702 - 13 St. N. LETHBRIDGE 403-327-0340 THRIFTWAY PHARMACY • Free delivery • Free pill packs • Extensive camera department Quirk - 17
Historic
TREASURES
Michael Jensen, a long-time local photographer from Lethbridge, recognizes the beauty of our city’s not-so-buried riches.
Lethbridge is a city full of treasure. Speckling busy street corners, buried inside dark alleyways and proudly fixed right beside our homes are structures from the past. Each one of these landmarks quietly carries with it a unique story and each offers a glimpse into our past as a city, as Albertans and as Canadians.
In today’s society, where one doesn’t think twice about replacing the old with the new, it’s easy to wonder why Lethbridge holds so tightly onto such archaic buildings. Why are they important to us? Would it matter if they existed or not?
In Alvin Toffler’s book, “Future Shock”, he speaks about society’s vanishing past and how quickly we tear down and replace architecture and entire streets, sometimes within a matter of days. In some cities, new is the norm. Preserving the old is a rare thing. Alvin quotes novelist, Louis Auchincloss, and his take on how it affects a city. “The horror of living in New York,” he says, “is living in a city without a history”. Imagine Lethbridge with no character structures. No Galt Museum or brick Fire Hall. These gems simply plucked out would erase with them all the memories and individuality they brought to the city. We would be a city without a visible history; a place with no physical roots to be remembered by. Lethbridge is fortunate to be dusted with such historical gemstones. They are links to our culture’s past and building blocks to the future. Lethbridge’s Fire Hall No. 1 is one of Alberta’s oldest and finest brick fire halls that still remain intact and in such pristine condition.
Quirk - 18
Written by: Jordana Shell
These buildings bring with them a sense of character. They connect us and teach us important lessons from the past. These structures were created by people who cared about their creations. They were crafted by hands which desired their work to last. These buildings are centuries old, a sharp contrast to today’s buildings designed to have a much shorter lifespan. Lethbridge has already taken steps in preserving some of its treasures through the Historic Building Preservation program. The buildings protected by the City of Lethbridge are called Municipal Historic Resources. And subsequently, buildings that have been identified and protected by the province of Alberta are called Provincial Historic Resources. More information and a list of these buildings can be found on the City of Lethbridge website.
The next time you pass by or even step inside one of these antiquated jewels, pause for a moment and allow your mind to wander. Float back into the past; breathe the dim, arcane air inside the Galt. Run your hands along the coarse brick of the Fire Hall. Gaze at the plastered walls of spudnuts (perhaps as you bite into a fluffy cupcake!), and imagine who dwelled here once upon a time. Each building has its own rich ambiance which stirs the senses and percolates the soul.
Like a wizened grandparent, these structures invite us in and ask for a chance to regale those interested with times of old. Their stories teach us to appreciate and cherish the things we already have.
These historic structures have stood proudly through time and as any elder, they deserve the respect of those who come after. Sources: City of Lethbridge website and “Future Shock” by Alvin Toffler (“The Missing Supermarket”, p. 55).
Quirk - 19
HEALTH MATTERS
The Whey to Fight Fatigue
Whey is a truly amazing supplement, because not only has it been proven to help you build muscle, improve physical performance, sharpen your mind, enhance circulatory system function, but it also has potent anti-aging effects and improves motivation. Another incredible effect that Whey Protein has on the body is that it enhances the production of the body’s most powerful natural antioxidant – Glutathione. It also has the highest levels of branchchain-amino acids, which boosts immune system functioning. The need for adequate protein in the human body is second only to the need for water. Inadequate protein consumption is linked to many conditions such as: osteoporosis, a weak immune system, fragile soft nails, thinning hair, wrinkled skin, lack of muscle tone, sagging chin, breast cancer, edema, urinary incontinence, hormonal dysfunction, heart problems, poor wound healing, increased aging, hypoglycemia, poor digestion and even depression due to lack of serotonin.
Why Add Protein Powder to your Diet?
• Protein-rich foods can help create macronutrient balance for weight management; • Protein helps curb your appetite by slowing the transport of nutrients through the gut; • Protein builds lean muscle mass, increasing your metabolism, strength, and well-being; • Protein powders are a convenient way to add more protein to your diet; • Protein powders are available from a variety of sources including hemp, rice, soy, pea, whey and casein.
Who benefits from protein supplementation?
Whey protein is an excellent choice for individuals of all ages who value the role of a healthy diet in helping maintain and improve their health. For people experiencing significant growth – children, adolescents, pregnant women – protein is important. These bodies are not just maintaining growth, they’re also producing. A benefit of whey protein for seniors is the ability to help prevent bone loss.
Whey protein contains many of the same components found in human breast milk and for this reason, is a key ingredient in a wide variety of infant formulas, including for premature infants. Whey has also been shown to benefit colicky babies. Athletes of all types, young and older, are turning to protein supplements to boost their dietary protein intake.
Is Whey Protein easy to digest?
Whey protein is a soluble, very easy to digest protein. Since it is in a powdered form, it is also very useful when you need a quick fix. It is especially useful in the mornings. Your muscles will be craving for more food in the morning since most of the time you won’t have eaten since dinner. Having a protein shake prior to or alongside breakfast will satisfy your muscles quickly and allow them to continue to rebuild as well as dampening hunger drive later in the day.
Other key benefits:
What about special diets and restrictions?
Whether a person’s diet – and its accompanying restrictions – is a matter of choice or necessity, it is entirely possible to consume a protein powder. These formulas contain a perfect blend of yellow pea protein isolate, organic hemp protein, chia protein and organic sprouted brown rice protein.
Priscilla Peltier is a natural health care practitioner at Nutter’s who writes on health and nutrition & has a passion for the latest research in natural health and 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)
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Inadequate protein consumption is linked to many conditions such as: osteoporosis, a weak immune system, fragile soft nails, thinning hair, wrinkled skin, lack of muscle tone, sagging chin, breast cancer, edema, urinary incontinence, hormonal dysfunction, heart problems, poor wound healing, increased aging, hypoglycemia, poor digestion and even depression due to lack of serotonin.
• Boosts memory • Relieves depression & insomnia • Rebuilds cartilage in bone • Helps lower blood pressure • Promotes healthy insulin secretion • Reduces overall sensation of pain • Directly boosts the immune system (because it contains immunoglobulins)
Make Health a Habit!
So this is an ideal product for those who are either chronically lactose-intolerant or vegan. Natural Factors Vegan Protein, for example, supports a healthy vegetarian diet by combining proteins from legumes, grains, and seeds to provide all the essential amino acids in a balanced profile. You can’t beat that. Protein powders can either be cooked or mixed into a smoothie made from organic fruit, vegetables, or yogurt. The powder can also be stirred into milk, juice, or filtered water. Adding your own frozen or fresh berries to blended meal replacement shakes adds variety and phytonutrients. Choose a protein powder that is low in sugar and doesn’t contain artificial sweeteners. I love the convenience of it and I also love to make protein bars from it, which is a perfect snack on the go.
The importance of protein for optimal health cannot be overstated. Practically everyone can benefit in some way from whey protein supplementation. I do want to reinforce that I only promote supplementation to compliment your healthy diet, not as total meal replacements. And that holds true for protein supplementation as well.
Who needs whey protein?
! It’s not just athletes who need lots of dietary protein. Y D O B Y R E EV
Protein can improve the health of:
What does protein do for you?
• Children • The elderly • Women • Men • Vegetarians • Anyone who is ill or recovering from illness or injury • Anyone with a compromised immune system • Anyone whose diet lacks adequate protein
Protein is a key nutrient that everybody needs, every day. It is made up of essential and non-essential amino acids, which are the “building blocks” for the body, including the immune cells, enzymes, hormones, brain cells, as well as muscles and tissue. Unlike fats and carbohydrates, protein cannot be stored by the body. It is needed daily to: • Repair body cells • Build and repair muscles and bones • Provide a source of longer-lasting energy • Control or influence important metabolic processes
Why choose whey protein? It is a soluble, very easy-to-digest protein. It quickly enters the body to provide the important essential amino acids needed to nourish muscles and other body tissues. This is one of the reasons whey protein is often found in infant formulas and therapeutic protein supplements. Whey Factors is superior to other proteins because it is a blend of the two most-valued forms of whey protein – concentrate and isolate.
Whey Factors® – the Quality Choice
Whey Factors is a complete undenatured (natural) protein. It supplies all the important amino acids and protein sub-fractions that support immunity, prevent disease, and contribute to overall health while strengthening muscles and increasing energy.
Available at Nutter’s 102 - 920 2nd Ave “A” North Lethbridge, Alberta
(403) 329-3100
VIBRATION TRAINING
& RECOVERY FROM INJURIES, SURGERY AND INFERTILITY The following information was excerpted from a paper written by Dr. DeOrio who is an internationally known expert in Integrative Medicine. He is a graduate of the University of California/Irvine’s College of Medicine. Upon graduation, he completed an internship at the Kaiser Fontana, CA Family Practice Residency Program. He attended the UCLA Medical Acupuncture Program and is a member of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture. Dr. DeOrio received a degree from the British Institute of Homeopathy. “The entire body musculature as well as internal organs and glands are affected by Whole Body Vibration stimulation. Muscle spindles fire secondary to the mechanical stimulation produced by the machine. (This) causes an adaptive neuromuscular response leading to physiological changes to the brain and the entire body. It is the major healing force behind the machines’ profound increase on physical performance and total body neuromuscular balance.” “Traumas and injuries, even if healed, can leave old cell memories in the brain or body tissue that still impede normal body movement or function. The Vibration Trainer usage allows the body and brain to rapidly de-imprint these old cell traumas and then re-imprint with positive healthy information.”
“Therapists around the world have found Vibration Training to be better and more efficient at resolving injuries from sports or surgery than traditional methods of therapy.” “Benefits from Vibration Therapy Training fit well with an entire spectrum of different healing modalities ranging from Chinese Medicine to Homeopathy by enhancing their healing powers.” Here is how this happens: 1. Getting nutrients into devitalized tissue with poor blood flow is one of the most difficult things a health practitioner faces after choosing the right compound to heal the problem. The most significant factor in getting compounds to work is getting the substance to those tissues, organs or glands that need the healing. 2. Increased blood flow combined with mechanical cell vibration leads to improved distribution and bioavailability of vitamins, nutrients, herbs, minerals and homeopathics. 3. Total body vibration causes the muscles, lymph, and cells in the body to contract and relax in a rhythmical fashion. This helps to move the nutrients through the cell membrane and into the cell. 4. If the right compounds are present in the blood prior to Vibration Trainer usage, a powerful super perfusion of the organs, glands and tissues is the result. 5. Increased circulation and better lymph system drainage combines to give more rapid toxin removal resulting in more rapid healing and less detoxification side effects. “Studies have shown that 10 minutes of Vibration Therapy Training are equal to an hour workout with weights. This is accomplished with the least amount of stress to the joints, tendons and ligaments making it not only a perfect exercise machine, but an incredible therapy regimen for people with injuries, the elderly or those with disease conditions such as arthritis, fibro-myalgia or MS who are normally excluded or limited from a good fitness program. Long term Vibration Trainer usage leads to structural and anatomic changes in the body that persist for extended periods of time even when it is not being actively used. Every tissue in the body benefits from the bones to the hair follicle. ” “The effects of Whole Body Stimulation are more significant at stopping and reversing bone loss than traditional weight bearing movement at a fraction of the time and effort. Taken to the next level, improved circulation to the brain would enhance mental acuity, improve sleep, and strengthen the entire endocrine system which affects growth hormone secretion and therefore increase longevity in aging as well” “Cosmetically, enhanced blood flow and increased cell stimulation improves the integrity of the collagen matrix. This leads to tighter, stronger and more beautiful skin, hair and nails. Increased oxygenation to the tissues improves the metabolic rate which increases fat and cellulite loss.” “In regard to infertility, specialists from Holland have used Vibration Training to treat infertility. They reported that a group of ten infertile females who failed all traditional drug methods of fertility treatment were instructed to use Vibration Therapy Training 3 times a week for 3 months. After three months, six out of the ten were pregnant and all carried to term. Increased blood flow to the ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, vagina, brain and the entire endocrine system is the most probable explanation for this outcome. It is safe to use through out pregnancy.”
Go to www.HotHealth.ca for further articles on the benefits of Vibration Training! Or call 403-393-6114 Quirk - 22
BOUNCING
K C BA
Resilience Despite Adversity Mary Bochenko B. H.Sc, CCP
We’re not imagining it!
Changes actually do occur more often and regularly these days than in the past. Technological changes bombard us relentlessly. Seasonal climate conversions are consistent. There are also many others: employment, education, residential, family, physical, relationship, mood changes...the list goes on. Yet, we all know people who seem to come through adversity stronger and more confident than ever. We also know those who suffer greatly and just cannot rebound. The School of Life we all attend offers us great experiential learning opportunities, and it is true that human beings are incredibly adaptive. But what is it about a resilient person that permits them to continually handle changes well? What can we learn from them about how to make the most of transitioning through those inevitable hard times? Al Siebert, in his book “The Survivor Personality”, compares the attitudes of those who thrive to those who remain stuck in dealing with setbacks. He found that people who handle life’s transitions well actually cope more effectively with their emotions, regain emotional balance quicker and adapt faster as they move to recover and stabilize in their reconstructed lives. They center themselves by remembering that they can only control themselves, not the events that happen to them.Then they take direction from three internal tools which we all have, and which we all develop experientially throughout life. These tools, or the “three inner selves”, act as a kind of emotional buffer that helps us balance the perception of a harsh situation with opportunities for dealing with them. The inner selves are: self esteem, self confidence, and self concept. Self Esteem is our emotional opinion about ourselves as a person. Healthy self esteem is a core-deep positive regard for ourselves. Like a warm energy blanket, it psychologically sustains us and enables us to honor ourselves, even if others don’t. By looking at ourselves first and choosing to ask “Who is responsible for the way my life is going?” we decide “Oh, I am.” Now we are empowered to focus on our own strengths and truest values as we create solutions.
Self Confidence is our perception of how well we expect to do in new activities, based on our known strengths and abilities. People with strong self confidence know they can depend on themselves even more than on anyone else. They expect to handle adversity well because they recall their past achievements and remember having overcome bad situations before through their own strength and capability. People who develop strong self confidence seldom regress for long; rather, they utilize their previous learning and so quickly find better solutions the next time. Choosing to take on an “If I can do this, I can do anything” attitude and acting (asking for help or finding useful resources) rather than withdrawing helps us move forward in a positive direction. Self Concept is our idea of who we really are without external frames of reference. Positive self concept bases personal identity on transferable skills, personal qualities, abilities, and values- not based on job titles, marital status, and social status. Taking the time to design solutions that align with these more objective qualities always results in better solutions than settling for answers born out of stress and desperation. Stress itself is a response to what happens to us. By developing the “Selfs” (confidence, esteem, concept) we can remain calmer while transitioning through a rough situation. This helps maintain a balanced perspective that encourages us to select those thoughts, beliefs and actions that motivate us to rebuild our lives. When these tools work together, we respect, trust and like ourselves. As a result, we more calmly cope with life’s ambushes. We can devise choices for positive action from a more imaginative range of solutions while converting negative experiences into beneficial learning. Since there really are no rules limiting what we can do to survive, cope and thrive, we can draw power from our inner tools to create and design - without limits! Whatever life throws at us, we can build cathedrals from rubble!
Think you’ve got it bad? Watch this Pixel film “Boundin” at: http://www.metatube.com/en/videos/38424/Boundin-Pixar-HD-Short-Film-Walt-Disney/
You’re bound to feel better! Introducing Seven Principles Program for Couples Educational Workshop *See ad on page 3
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x TED
in Lethbridge Written by Donna M. Murray Dr. John Kolb (U of L Brain Researcher) In an article that I had previously written for Quirk, the opening line was "Lethbridge is a vibrant city, brimming with a variety of opportunities". In my experience, and as this article will attest that statement continues to hold true. I recently learned that the exciting and informative TED/TEDx events have been, and are happening right here in Lethbridge. TED is a non-profit devoted to "Ideas Worth Spreading". It started in 1984 as a one-time conference bringing people together from three worlds - Technology, Entertainment, Design - TED. Since then its scope has become ever broader, with TED becoming a growing and global community. Since 1996, TED has been owned by The Sapling Foundation, a private non-profit foundation. The staff is headquartered in New York and Vancouver, but the collaborative nature of the work means that there are advisers and contributors worldwide. TED is financially supported by a number of corporate Partners, and profits made by theTED conferences are directed toward the organization's philanthropic goals. Their website www.ted.com offers an abundance of information on the organization and their activities/programs.
Two annual conferences are held - the TED Conference on the west coast each spring, and the TEDGlobal Conference in Edinburgh, Scotland each summer. The spring 2014 Conference will be held March 17-21st in Vancouver, B.C. with the theme of "The Next Chapter". At these Conferences the world's most fascinating thinkers and doers are brought together to give the talk of their lives - in 18 minutes or less. An community educator and Lethbridge native, Paul is currently a teacher at Gilbert Patterson Middle School, teaching Science and Video Production to students in Grades 6 - 8. He obtained his Teacher's Degree from the University of Calgary, and then went onto earn his Masters at the University of Lethbridge in 2009. Paul's post-graduate work focuses on "Engaging Citizens in their Community". Paul's interest in responsible citizenship and enviromental literacy issues lead him into the public speaking field. While presenting a speech on "Responsible Citizenship & Environmental Sustainability" in Albuquerque, N.M., he was encouraged to submit his name and speaking topics to TED for future consideration by TED.
Paul Bohnert
TED also offers the following: • TED Talks - an award-winning video site offering over 1400 videos, with more added each week. Free for viewing and sharing, and as of November 2012, has been viewed more than one billion times. • Open Translation Project - brings TED Talks beyond the English speaking world by offering subtitles, interactive transcripts and the ability for any talk to be translated by volunteers worldwide. • TED Fellows - a program which helps world-changing innovators from around the globe become part of the TED community, and with its help, amplify the impact of their remarkable projects and activities.
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• TED Active - a curated community of curious and energetic leaders who share an immersive week of watching TED Talks and surprising experiences designed to inspire conversation, exchange and immediate action around ideas worth spreading - all in a creative and casual setting. • TED Prize - a $1 million dollar prize awarded annually to an exceptional individual, and is designed to leverage the TED Community's wide array of talents and resources. Past winners of the TED Prize include musician,Bono in 2005, former U.S. President, Bill Clinton in 2007 and chef, Jamie Oliver in 2010. • TEDx - this program gives communities, organizations and individuals the opportunity to stimulate dialogue through TED-like experiences at the local level. TEDx events are planned and coordinated independently which brings us to TEDxLethbridge and Paul Bonhert.
In 2010, Paul hosted TEDxBanff, as an extension to the Alberta Teachers CTS Conference. More than 200 people experienced TEDxBanff at the beautiful Banff Springs Hotel. In 2012 more than 300 people experienced the first TEDxLethbridge event, with the theme of "Leadership in the 21st Century", held at the Chinook High Media Centre. Paul worked with a volunteer committee of six people to make this event possible. The program included twelve speakers, two TED videos, live entertainment, visual arts and lunch. Following the success of this event, the next TEDxLethbridge event was TEDxYouth@Lethbridge, held this past January. The theme of this event was "The Young at Heart". The program included eleven speakers, two TED videos, three visual artists and dinner. TEDxLethbridge Talks topics include scientific research, leadership, citizenship, youth enthusiasm, economics, entrepreneurship, education, creativity and wonderfully talented artists and muscians. Paul attributes the success of the events to the electic and talented people that volunteer their time to bring TEDxLethbridge to the community. The TEDxLethbridge committee is filled with dynamic, creative and dedicated individuals, who believe in the spirit of "Ideas Worth Spreading" and utilize their unique expertise to create an engaging, entertaining and educational experience that showcases Southern Albertans making a difference.
In addition to his involvement with TED, Paul is also the founder/member of the Southern Alberta Community of Environmental Educators(SACEE) and the Southern Alberta Youth for Environmental Education(SAYEE) www.sayee.ca Both groups are supporters of the TEDxLethbridge events. The success of the TEDxLethbridge events has led to Paul being approached to mentor other possible TEDx events. He has had enquires from both the University of Lethbridge and Lethbridge Community College, as well as other towns in Alberta and B.C. The next upcoming TEDxLethbridge event will be held Thursday,June 13th. Having outgrown the Chinook High Media Centre, this event will take place at the Yates Theatre, with doors opening at 6 p.m. In addition to speakers, TED videos, live entertainment and visual arts, there will be a "Taste of Lethbridge" reception. The theme of this event is "If Money Was No Object". All participants must be pre-registered and early-bird registration is now open. Please go to www.sayee.ca for event speakers, information and to register. Spots fill quickly, so if interested in attending, it is encouraged to register as soon as possible to participate in this informative and exciting event.
Prior to the event, Paul and committee members meet with each speaker to jury their presentation and offer instructions as to what is expected of them. All speakers participate on a volunteer basis. Each presentation is video-taped, posted on the TEDxLethbridge website and then submitted to TED - where there is the possibility that a speaker's talk may be chosen to be shown on the TED website. This is quite an honor, and offers unlimited opportunity for a speaker to be viewed by others, and the possibility of future speaking engagements.
Participant Blackboard (Audience participation at TEDxYouth@Lethbridge)
Bridge Brass (performance at TEDxLethbridge
Committee members (Left to Right) Joey Lavorato, JoAnne Thaxter, Karly Lewis, Solange Lalonde, Catherine Stewart, Paul Bohnert, Kathy Jones-Husch
THE TEDXLETHBRIDGE COMMITTEE IS FILLED WITH DYNAMIC, CREATIVE AND DEDICATED INDIVIDUALS, WHO BELIEVE IN THE SPIRIT OF "IDEAS WORTH SPREADING" AND UTILIZE THEIR UNIQUE EXPERTISE TO CREATE AN ENGAGING, ENTERTAINING AND EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE THAT SHOWCASES SOUTHERN ALBERTANS MAKING A DIFFERENCE.
AT THE YATES THEATRE THURSDAY, JUNE 13TH featuring a number of distinguished local speakers.
Early bird registration is available until April 30 with tickets only $10 for students and $20 for adults. For more information or to view videos of last year's speakers, visit TEDxLethbridge. For more information on speaking or sponsoring TEDxLethbridge, contact Paul Bohnert at paul@sayee.ca
RECIPES
Spicy sweet, grilled goodness with a hint of Aloha
By Judi Frizzle Stowell
Kalbi ribs always have and always will taste like Hawaii to me. Lucky me! Over the years, we've sampled and resampled quite a few different variations of this rather classic recipe at home and of course munched our way through some delicious Korean BBQ at one delightful Island eatery or another. So far we've never met a Kalbi we didn't like. But, some are, absolutely, tastier than the others. In a concerted quest for sublime Kalbi, I've tweeked here, and tossed a little of that, there, until I now end up with scrumptious barbecue goodness each and every time. These babies pow you right in the kisser with flavour on flavour. They are not timid. Untraditionally I've added plenty of freshly ground black pepper and to shorten the marinating time and zip zap tenderness right into the beef, some mushed up kiwi. Quickened marinating, a speedy flip flop or two on a hot grill and ta da! Spicy sweet, grilled goodness with a hint of Aloha in every tasty morsel. Lucky you! Serve hot off the grill with sticky rice and macaroni salad. Or as we sometimes do, mix things up and serve with buttery, cheesy, mashed potatoes and tangy coleslaw.
SPICY KALBI RIBS - Serves 6 1 cup gingerale 1/2 cup dark soy sauce 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup fresh gingerroot, peeled and roughly chopped 6 plump garlic cloves, minced 6 green onions, chopped 1 fresh jalapeno, finely chopped Juice of 1 lime 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/2 kiwi, peeled and mashed 4 pounds beef short ribs, cross cut (flanken) into 1/2 to 3/4 inch strips (Korean style)
In a large bowl combine everything but the ribs, whisking to combine. Transfer marinade to a jumbo resealable baggie. Add the ribs and seal them up tight. Turn the bag and mix the ribs around in all that flavour, so they are evenly coated. Refrigerate and let the ribs laze in all marvelous marinade for at least 2 hours and up to 4 hours, turning occasionally. Prepare barbecue to medium high. Lightly oil grill and grill ribs until cooked through and sizzling good, with slightly charred edges, 4-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Serve hot from the grill, with big mugs of ice cold beer.
Okole maluna! Quirk - 26
Follow Judi’s blog at www.thelastwonton.typepad.com
TAKING TIME IN By Fay Braden
Quirk - 28
Tobago may not be a regular tourist destination, but it is a beautiful location that offers a truly unique cultural experience. This Caribbean island is green and lush. The people are welcoming and friendly. Our vacation hit at the end of rainy season; so the sea was a little angry and sometimes the sky was grey. Rain here stops nothing. They tell the tourists that it is liquid sunshine. During our stay, the weather was warm and humid with daytime temperatures hovering around 30C. What an outstanding spot for our winter respite. When we arrived in Tobago, the very first thing my husband Rick and I were taught was that time is very large here. As in, if someone tells you they are on their way to see you right now, it might mean in an hour or later today or maybe even tomorrow. As the official planner, I knew the language spoken in Tobago was English. What I didn't anticipate was the significant difficulty we would have understanding the Bagonian dialect. In daily conversations they talk fast, really fast. Fortunately, they are also very patient and slow down and drop the slang for tourists. We tried hard to pick up a word or two, but quite frankly, we just sounded silly trying to speak like a local. The WOW factor in Tobago lies in its beaches. They are insanely beautiful. Perfectly fringed with palm trees, it seemed impossible that we would often visit these expanses of golden sand and be the only people there. At Mt. Irvine Beach there were two lifeguards, a gentleman renting out beach chairs, a single tourist from Edmonton, a team of Rugby players, who left after finishing their lunch and us. One of our daytrip guides promised us that at Pidgeon Point we would walk on sand that felt like powered sugar. He was right. One of the things on my to-do list was to take a day trip to the small fishing village of Castara. It's rustic and picturesque. It's also a smash of diversity. We were surprised the beach bar that we headed to was closed on a Saturday and again, there was a definite lack of tourists. It was Rick that realized that there was a large Seventh Day Adventist congregation here. The kicker is that while many of the residents were in church, there were also many locals lounging by the beach smoking pot and gambling. The food with its Indian and Amerindian influence, was interesting and I will admit that we struggled with
it. The curried crab and dumplings was a definite miss for us and often the ingredients, like shark or goat, were a little too different for our delicate palate. However there were some dishes that really worked, like a baked breadfruit casserole at Jemma's Tree House Restaurant and the fry bake with salt fish at Jenny's Authentic Cuisine. The currency in Tobago is the TT dollar with a value of 6 to one. So, if you want to know what you are paying in Canadian dollars, you must divide by 6. If you’re going to drive in Tobago be prepared for a lot of beeping of horns, a lot of stopping on the wrong side of the road to make a delivery or chat with a friend, a lot of stopping to pick up hitch-hikers, a lot of single lane roads used by two vehicles, a lot of pot holes and a lot of free range goats, cows, dogs and chickens just to keep it interesting. We opted for taxis and tour guides. Fishing is a big deal in Tobago and from our beach chairs, we often watched local fishermen gather on our jetty. It was a very communal activity; they take turns catching bait and setting their lines, while enjoying conversation and being kind enough to let tourists ask them the same questions day after day. The pace of life is slow here. Sure, flights are on schedule and taxis pick you up when booked, but the day to day events happen when they happen. That’s what makes Tobago a great place to vacation. It has a calm atmosphere that forces you to breathe and relax.
You are made to feel welcome and at home.
Quirk - 29
Shop local and play local thiS SummeR
“Household Items from Across Canada and Around the World”
www.antiqueandvintagecharm.ca The Melt Is On The New Boats Have Arrived
KIDS CAMPS JULY - AUGUST LESSONS • Intro to Canoe & Kayaking Ages 6-17
• Advanced River Running • Ocean Kayaking & Touring
2012 BOATS ON SALE AND GOING FAST • Classes Running May - October • C.K.C. Certified Instructors • Phone or Register Online
HIGHLEVELCANOEANDKAYAKS.COM
403-327-4506
Rick Braden
#203, 1122 - 3 Avenue South Lethbridge
403-327-1133
TEENS July 8th-17th (Mon-Wed) CHILDREN ages 4-6 July 8-17th (Mon-Wed) HORSE AND HOUND ages 6-14 Aug 5th-9 (All Day Camp) WOMEN AND HORSES Aug 12th-21st (Mon-Wed)
serenityequestrian.com Lori Ully Chell 403-381-1739
403.317.7283 221 12th Street North
Open 7 days Mon-Sat • 10am - 10pm Sunday • 10am - 8pm
• Unique Fashion finds at an affordable Price • Select Inventory • Passionate knowledgeable staff will help you put it all together with flair • Sizes 4-18
313 6 Street South 403.942.4600
Shop local and play local thiS SummeR
Summer Riding Camps
Quirk - 31
Shop local and play local thiS SummeR Quirk - 32
Enjoy the Mini Market... Fun for ALL AGES!
At Rocky Mountain Turf Club
Parkside Dr. S., Lethbridge, AB www.rockymountainturfclub.com
OUR PETS
PAWPRINTS ON OUR HEARTS...
A Community Working Together
I was busy preparing supper for my family when I got the call from our receptionist. “Elizabeth Ginn's home has burned to the ground – no people were hurt, but we are on stand-by for surviving cats. Elizabeth’s house is home to the “Last Chance Cat Ranch”. My heart dropped and tears came – I knew that there had been a great loss of kitty life that evening and I could not imagine Elizabeth's pain. I wasn't working that night but there was no question amongst staff that I would be at the clinic the second the cats started arriving. As I waited, everyone at the clinic prepared – getting things ready to treat burns and smoke inhalation. About 30 minutes later the call came - “17 cats are on their way” and I was off.
The smell of burnt hair greeted me on arrival – I had expected that but nevertheless, it is one of the worst smells and brings back several very sad memories for me of animals brought in after losing their lives in house fires. Emotions must be quickly pushed aside however. As I glanced around I saw numerous kennels with multiple terrified cats – staff was already busy getting started. Organization and triage is very important and so a system was quickly adopted – each cat was examined by one of the 4 vets there and then staff were instructed as to what needed to be done with each one – pain medications, antibiotics, x-rays, oxygen therapy, fluid therapy, bathing and shaving of the burnt fur, wound care, etc. Each cat received a neck identification band on which their immediate medications and treatments were listed. We had multiple staff members staying late to help keep things efficient and ensure all cats got thorough and immediate care. Our lovely receptionist, Karli, even walked around handing out glasses of water, pens, and paper. The cats were assigned to either critical, intermediate, or non-critical status and placed into hospitalization kennels accordingly.
The generosity of the “ cat community and of animal lovers in general was simply heart warming.
”
Survivors continued to trickle in over the course of the evening – Elizabeth and her friends working relentlessly to bring them in. It was heartbreaking to watch Elizabeth point out cats who had lost their bonded pair or sibling. The next 24 hours would be the most critical – the full effects of smoke and heat inhalation on the respiratory tract are seen later. Many of the cats had superficial or partial thickness burns – with paw pads, ear tips, and faces being the worst affected. Some had burns on their backs or plastics melted to their fur. Eye ulcers from the heat were also a concern. I stayed with them into the wee hours of the morning and finally left our night staff to watch them so I could shower and sleep a few hours. 6 am comes early. The next day I was a bit shocked to hear calls for donations already on the radio – I listened as people donated. Tears came again. What a wonderful community I have the pleasure of living in! Donations would continue to flood in over the next few days – the generosity of the cat community and of animal lovers in general was simply heart warming. I was so proud to see many of my own clients making special donations as well.
Written by
Dr. Kate Lupton Once arriving at work most of my day was filled with re-assessing and treating the many cats. Myself, my technicians, Jolinda and Courtney, and our wonderful assistant Duncan (who volunteered his morning) worked on these kitties for hours that day and as we progressed through our patients I became more and more optimistic. These cats were healthy to start with thanks to Elizabeth and had a will to survive. It was amazing to see how well all the cats got along and I couldn't help think of the stories you here from the NICU about twin babies who thrive once they are kept in the same bed. These cats were the same – they relaxed and perked up once they were nestled with a friend. Thanks to the hard work of all of us at Family Pet Hospital and the many prayers and donations of people all over, every single cat brought to us from the fire survived. I also need to make a special thank you to Roxanne from the PAW Society who came every single day to help us change litter boxes, do laundry, and feed cats. Then she made special time to snuggle with each kitty. I know this was part of their healing and we all cannot thank her enough. Over the next month, we saw each cat's personality begin to shine. Susie with her big appetite and snaggle tooth, messy Mateesha who was a little too vigorous scratching in her litter box and has the attitude of a teenager despite being quite elderly, quiet little Miss Molly, Bonnie who simply basked in attention like no other, Little Ed who was mischievous and stole all our hearts with his sweet disposition, and handsome Jeremiah with his lovely long orange coat which was mostly spared from the fire. We watched Sleepy Maddy and Max – the two worst affected – and Angelina begin to bond with each other. They all lost their housemate in the fire and needed a friend. Now they are inseparable – grooming each other and snuggling close in their bed while purring. There is a great deal of scientific interest in the cat's purr being truly healing – not just in an emotional and endorphin releasing kind of way, but also in truly healing wounds. A recent study even found cat owners to have less heart disease then our dog owning counterparts. But I digress! Today all the cats have been given the thumbs up to go home. A few still require some wound care but they are all well on their way to recovering. Some also require dental cleaning which is underway currently. Numerous good fosters have come forward and opened their homes to these cats and I wish them all the very best. The last few kitties await homes. It will be a bittersweet day when they have all left our care – we will miss them very much. They have all made a pawprint on our hearts. As we move forward, all I can do is echo Elizabeth's plea –
cherish your cats...do not abandon them!
They are lifelong commitments. 2303 - 6th Avenue South
403.320.5200
www.familypethospital.com
Photo credit: Lorelei Hoffarth Quirk - 34
This Summer
CONNECT..... Written by Lori Ully Chell
At Serenity Equestrian the theme this summer is Connect... WITH NATURE, COMMUNITY, AND YOUR INNER BEING.
Serenity has always enlisted the horses to help us connect with the best part of who we are and each other. More importantly, the horses can help you with your "Emotional Intelligence�. In 1990, psychologists Peter Salovey and John Mayer introduced the term “Emotional Intelligence", defining it as a form of social intelligence that involves the ability to monitor ones emotions to discriminate among them and use this information to guide ones thinking and action. Numerous studies have shown that even among scientists, high EQ is more important than raw IQ and training in predicting career success, not to mention building and sustaining strong personal relationships. Animals can help us learn about our own emotions and teach us how to read emotions in others while becoming aware of who we really are and how we relate to others more honestly and openly. Serenity offers courses which help develop leadership, boundaries, community and a great sense of self while you learn to train and ride horses.
10% of communication is verbal, the other 90% is body language. Working with horses teaches you to work on the other 90%. This summer, come to Serenity and learn how to use emotion as information, listen to your horse (and your body), master boundaries, assertiveness and develop Emotional Intelligence.
Come and Connect! See our ad on page 30
For camp dates & more information go to
www.serenityequestrian.com or call Lori Ully Chell at 403-381-1739
LESSONS I’VE LEARNED FROM MY DOGS There is a reason our dogs don’t have as long a life span as we do. I believe they are angels who already know most of what we humans take a much longer time to learn.
By Jean Van Kleek
Each of us are simply borrowed for a time. The only forever is the love that is shared. That love can never be taken away or lost, it should be celebrated and cherished for the wonderful eternal gift it is.
Thank you, PJ
In the short time they have with us, they try to teach us that unconditional love is pure, innocent and without motive. With the recent loss of my Bichon, PJ, I am learning about living in the moment. Each time I have gone through loss in my life, I wonder if it is worth loving at all when it leads to the inevitable grief of final separation. Our pets grieve over loss as well. The difference between our furry friends and us, is that they know their lives are especially short and they love anyway. They don’t anticipate when it might end or if they should love. They just do. They live and love in the moment, sharing all they have to give of themselves while they are here. Whenever you doubt the old phrase “it is better to have loved and lost than not to have loved at all”, realize that without grief over loss, it means you never loved something enough to grieve. I find that even sadder.
You are loved, my little man
Professional All Breed Dog and Cat Grooming • 43 years experience • NEW TO LETHBRIDGE! Award Winning Grooming by Cory J Hynds
Peanut Butter Banana Rest in Peace
COOKIES FOR CANINES
A classic combination!! This cookie is simple to make. You probably have most ingredients at home. Healthy ingredients for your dogs, easily digested, soft and full of flavor. These cookies are delicious for you and your canine friends! Go ahead and have a tea party with your pups!
1 1/2 C peanut butter 4 large eggs 2 T coconut oil (melted) 2-3 ripe bananas (mashed) 2 T blackstrap molasses 2 T cinnamon 1 C ground flaxseed (omegas) 4 C quick oats
e p i c e R
Mix together well. Bake on a 13 X 18 inch cookie sheet using parchment paper. Squish mixture to 1/4 inch thickness. Score to desired size using your favourite, dull paring knife. Bake for 30 minutes @ 350 F
Enjoy!
Keep frozen or refrigerate.
403-329-ENVY 3 6 8 9
404 MAYOR MAGRATH DR. N. LETHBRIDGE, ALBERTA Quirk - 36
*Michelle's recipes include well researched ingredients to help make your dog happy & healthy.
Courtesy of Michelle Zandstra
THE
PET PHOTO CONTEST SADIE
2nd Place by Kevin McNaughton
Everyone loves photos of
OUR FURRY FRIENDS!
Enter your best photo of your favorite pet in jpeg format, 300 dpi resolution, black & white or full color. A winning photo will be chosen each issue and be published in Quirk Magazine. Entries will also be posted on readquirk.com.
GUNNER, THE WONDER PUG
Bi-monthly first and second place winners receive great prizes from
1st place by Lana Unger
Photos must be original, caption and contact information of photographer provided. No altered photographs will be accepted, digital or otherwise. Quirk Magazine, Shabella Publishing and sponsors retain the right to use winning photographs for promotional purposes.
email your photos to: info@readquirk.com
Entry Deadline June 3, 2013
In Stock Items Available & Custom Orders Welcome Have An Item/s Made From The Hair Of Your Own Horse/s
Ph. 403-329-8660
dmhorsehair@shaw.ca Lethbridge, Alberta
www.customhorsehairandwoolcreations.com Quirk - 37
It’s all about the dogs at
Doggie Day Care! Pick-up and drop-off service available! Supervised playtime Report cards & dog of the month awards
PET SITTING & DOG WALKING SERVICES Our pet sitting service is for any type of pet in your family
EXPERIENCED For whatever reason or duration, KNOWLEDGEABLE we can provide much peace of mind for you and your pet. CARING NOW OFFERING ON-SITE DOG GROOMING TRUSTWORTHY OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE
113 - 13 Street N 403-380-4922 www.petcitycanada.com Musical Ride:
4 times daily July 1st to August 25
The NWMP Museum Musical Ride Needs Support! Go to: www.nwmpmuseum.com to find out how you can help 219 JERRY POTTS BOULEVARD
FORT MACLEOD, ALBERTA Quirk - 38
We are all neighbours with great summer shopping ideas for you! Just North of the Water Tower on Mayor Magrath Drive North
First quadricopter that can be controlled by an iphone/ipad/ipod Includes 2 built-in cameras to navigate, record & have a bird’s eye view of the flight
aR drone Quadricopter
$
30 oFF! 126 mayor magrath dr. n. lethbridge, alberta
nanny camS • SuRVeillance • hidden cameRaS in WatcheS, penS & moRe! ViRuS & SpyWaRe RemoVal/pReVention complete SyStem clean-up • netWoRk deSign, inStallation & SecuRity
116 - 120 a mayor magrath drive north
403•380•0831
(Valid may and June, cannot be combined with any other offer).
We know you’re scared...and you don’t like needles
No Pet Gets Left Behind
We’re trained professionals... We have the latest technology So if you get hurt....or just need a check-up
Family Pet Hospital & 24 Hour Pet Emergency Centre 2303 - 6th Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB Phone & Emergency: (403) 320-5200 www.familypethospital.ca