Quirk November December 2016

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Volume 6 • Issue 6 November - December 2016

QUIRK IN REVIEW Highlights

ROME The Eternal City

CANINE CO-WORKERS Furry Greeters

CONNECTING

LETHBRIDGE

Get Ready for Christmas

Come in now for fabric, notions and gifts.

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Contributing Writers

Meet our writing team up close & personal

Quirk Highlights

This section showcases some of the story highlights from over the past five years

Rome... The Eternal City

Perry Mirkoovich shares with us his second installment of his European adventures

Canine Co-Workers

We had so much fun and such a great response when we included “Working Dogs� a couple of years ago that we decided to do it again. These furry workers never disappoint!

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From The Publisher With this being the fifth anniversary edition of Quirk Magazine, I’d like to take the opportunity to thank you, our readers, for your continued support. We appreciate the emails you send and the many story ideas you share with us.

Volume 6 • Issue 6 • November - December 2016

www.readquirk.com Jean Van Kleek

ISSN 1929-2112

When we first set out to publish the magazine, it Photo: Thomas Porter was our goal to showcase the many diverse and fascinating people in our area as well as the area itself in a way that was colourful, meaningful and interesting. With the help of many talented individuals who have contributed to the magazine, I believe we have achieved this goal. I’m very proud to say that Quirk Magazine won the “Outstanding in Media” award from Southwest Service & Tourism this past October, thanks to our team.

Published bi-monthly in Lethbridge by

I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank our advertisers in the magazine. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to bring the magazine to you.

Publisher Jean Van Kleek jean@readquirk.com

I’d like to say a special thank you to our regular advertisers who have been with us since the first issue, when Quirk was barely more than a thought. These community minded businesses have given much support over the past five years. They are: • Nutters Bulk & Natural Foods • Energy Smart Canada • Jacquie’s Salon & Spa • The Stove Pipe Company • Centre Village Liquor Store • Lethbridge Sewing Centre

• Hot Health Systems • Chris Yauck Photography • Lethbridge Custom Canvas • Pet City Canada • Moniques En 4th Fashions • Elbees Hearing

Letter to the Editor: Congratulations from all of us at Nutter’s Bulk & Natural Foods for 5 glorious years of the very professional Quirk Magazine. We cannot thank Quirk enough for helping our businesses flourish and it is such an honor to see people walking in store with my article in hand. Looking forward to many more years with Quirk.” - Priscilla Peltier

SHABELLA PUBLISHING

1010 - 10th Ave. N., Lethbridge, T1H 1J8 403.382.7240 Printed by Warwick Printing, Lethbridge, AB.

Design & Layout UniVerse Graphics Photographers Chris Yauck Jaime Vedres Thomas Porter Cover Photo Jaime Vedres Writers Ginger Malacko Priscilla Peltier Perry Mirkovich Heather Gunn Michelle Zandstra 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.

Jean Van Kleek and Thomas Porter accepting Outstanding in Media award

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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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One Spirit

12

The Style of Being

38

Dog Recipes

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CONTR BUTING WR TERS by Jean Van Kleek photos: Jaime Vedres

As a publisher, when I first conceived Quirk Magazine five years ago, I had two main goals in mind. The first was to create an awareness in our community of how rich and diverse our area is in terms of the people who live here, as well as the area itself, geographically and historically. The second was to create an awareness for those who visit the area and wish to discover its uniqueness and explore all it has to offer. No matter what a publisher intends with a magazine, its success is dependent on the quality of the articles, their readability, relevance and ability to capture the interest of the reader. We are especially proud of our contributing writers who come from a variety of backgrounds and writing styles. Together with the team at Uni-Verse Graphics, who lay out their words in an eye-catching and colourful environment, the end product has helped us in achieving our goals as a magazine. Winning the 2016 “Outstanding in Media� award at the Southwest Service & Tourism awards was a very proud moment for us, especially as we celebrate our fifth anniversary. The following is an introduction to our writing team.

Sherri Gallant

Sherri Gallant is very well known and respected in Southern Alberta for her career that spanned 25 years as a writer with the Lethbridge Herald. Over the years she has covered a wide range of topics from the entertaining, to hard news to very sensitive emotional pieces. Sherri has a talent for connecting with people and gleaning the right information in order to create a unique and in depth perspective. Her stories are articulate, conversational and have a definite “Sherri Gallant” brand to them. Sherri is currently a Senior Communications Advisor with AHS and is editor of the monthly South Zone News. When not busy writing, Sherri spends her time discovering new recipes and sharing amazing dinners with family and friends. She also enjoys travelling, camping, her garden, and of course… reading. Sherri is happiest when surrounded by her grandchildren, children and husband, George. Stay tuned… there may also be a novel in her future!

Thomas Porter

Thomas Porter is a new addition to the Quirk team this year. He brings with him a wealth of talent not only as a writer, but as a photographer. His words and photographs work together symbiotically to create memorable pieces that reach all of the senses. His passion for the craft of writing is apparent in all of his work. His love of nature and the outdoors is demonstrated in the articles we published recently on the Milk River and Crowsnest Pass areas. The former Lethbridge native has been working out of province as a photojournalist and freelance writer for the past 18 years. His work has been seen across Canada in newspapers, trade and lifestyle magazines and a host of tourism publications. This year he came home to continue his education at the University of Lethbridge in the Geography department. “I’ve always been intrigued by the fact that in a relatively short time, we as a species have had an incredible impact on the natural world,” said Porter. “Through technology, we have the power change to our surroundings. Knowing that means we’re responsible to be thoughtful about our interactions with nature. Trying to convey our relationship with the environment to our survival as a species is an important part of my journey.

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Christina Scott

Christina Scott is a freelance writer based out of Lethbridge. Christina developed a passion for writing at an early age and eventually transformed her passion into a career. Since obtaining a diploma in print journalism from Lethbridge College in 2008, she has written for various newspapers, magazines and websites in Alberta and across Canada. While Christina is very adept with many styles of writing, she most enjoys writing feature stories filled with heart and human interest. She instinctively knows how to tell a story from beginning, to middle, to end bringing it all together with the ease and flow that only comes with being a seasoned writer. When she isn’t writing, Christina enjoys visiting Lethbridge’s many parks with her husband and her corgi, Tegan. photo: courtesy Ginger Malacko

Ginger Malacko Ginger Malacko was Lethbridge born and raised and while she's lived other places, from Vancouver to New York, she always finds her way back to the prairies. This has been her second year writing the column "the Style of Being", a phrase she coined to describe living the life you have in the best way possible. “The Style of Being” is a column only Ginger could write with such subtle nuances and tremendous depth in its simplicity. Her writing is captivating, thoughtprovoking, whimsical and refreshing. For her, living her life in the best way possible has meant writing novels for children while surrounding herself with family under big Alberta skies. She aims to find inspiration in even the most ordinary aspects of being human. And cheesecake. She also aims to eat a lot of cheesecake.

Michelle Zandstra

Michelle Zandstra came to Lethbridge in 83 to study Communication Arts at LCC. She later discovered that her real passion was for food and cooking. She returned to school, completing culinary courses at both S.A.I.T and N.A.I.T. A highlight of Michelle’s culinary career was having one of her Sunterra Market (Bankers Hall, Calgary) entrée creations featured in Canadian Living Magazine. Michelle went on to working in senior centre kitchens spending some time in Summerland, B.C. eventually moving back to Lethbridge and working with seniors here. Two of Michelle’s favourite things are seniors and animals. It made sense for her to branch out her culinary repertoire to create healthy, flavourful treats and meals for her canine companions. We at Quirk are happy to have her share her expertise and flavourful creations with our readers. When Michelle isn’t cooking, she can be found in her garden or camping. She enjoys the simple things in life, and is happiest when surrounded by nature and good friends, both furry… and human.

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One Spirit

by Heather Gunn

The Nurse Speaks Out

Science has proven that when your thoughts, feelings, emotions and beliefs about yourself and about your life are out of whack and overwhelming you, you are going to feel it. You may feel it in a very big way – physically, emotionally, mentally or spiritually. When you believe you have no control over life’s circumstances, you invite illness and disease.

When it comes to infectious disease and serious injury, modern medicine rocks. In saving lives, limbs and the ill-fated complications of childbirth, modern medicine admirably steps up to the plate. No doubt, many of us would not be here were it not for the heroic measures of the medical team. However, when it comes to healing – not just management of symptoms but actual healing – we need to consider looking beyond traditional medicine.

Without question, life is stressful. It is chock full of disappointments, painful experiences and seemingly uncontrollable circumstances that affect our wellbeing. At times, life can be downright, incomprehensibly difficult to the point that living may be trumped by something that may appear to be more desirable…something that puts the pain to rest.

The key to peace, joy and health is not about what is happening to you, it is how you react to it and deal with it. Authentically living your life is about not seeing yourself as a victim and numbing the pain. If you are you choosing medication to numb the pain of living, you may be playing Russian roulette with your well-being. You may be applying a temporary band-aid to something that can be healed permanently, given the right approach. You can authentically face the ugly realities

of life with dignity and a sense of self-worth without drugs and years of psychotherapy.

Heather Gunn

RN, BSN, MSN Your thoughts, feelings, emotions and beliefs control your health. All you need to do is reconnect with that much wiser part of your Self by changing the way you perceive your life and its complications. You can change your perception of the crummy cards you believe life has dealt you through regression hypnosis. Through regression hypnosis, you are taken back to the time and place where illhealth was seeded; to a place where the trajectory of your perception of life and its curve balls was set in motion. It answers the myriad questions you have about who, what, where, when and why your life is what it is. It resets your compass, bringing you back to centre and giving you control over your reactions to those things that previously brought you dis-ease.

CALL TODAY to arrange your life-altering session.

Heather Gunn is an RN, Reiki Master Teacher, motivational speaker and QHHT regression hypnotherapist specializing in a holistic approach to health. Contact Heather for an appointment to discover how you can heal yourself.

onespiritall@gmail.com www.onespirit.ca 403.894.2622

by Ginger Malacko

Backward and Forward

Take a moment to identify the origins of your own holiday and lifestyle traditions. And if they’re lacking, now is a great time to start new ones.

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Through the wintry evenings of November and December, my mother could often be found sitting in the darkened living room and sipping a cup of tea by the faint light of the Christmas tree. It was probably her way of temporarily escaping the rigorous demands of family life, but if we children intruded, instead of ordering us away, she would usually get out her guitar and lead us in singing a few carols. It sounds awfully Von Trapp-ish, but it’s the truth. Every family has at least one cornball tradition and this was ours.

Years later, after losing her far too soon, I had the chance to repeat this tradition with a children’s choir I taught. We sang by twinkle light, only a softly strumming guitar for accompaniment. I honestly can’t say who was more affected by the experience – me or the children. They hadn’t known my mom and so they couldn’t miss her, but they felt that what we were doing was special – that it was important. Too often we assume kids won’t appreciate the traditions that bind us to those in our past, but we’re wrong. If we strike that emotional chord, we can connect generation to generation. We can teach them that love transcends time.

Even traditions as widely approved as gift giving become more thrilling when we give them a corresponding name and face, for when we can envision the person at the other end of a custom it ceases to be what we do and becomes who we are. And by placing ourselves at the beginning of a new tradition, we connect to the generations that follow. We are stretched as human beings when we reach both backward and forward. So even though the children in my family are getting older and more prone to exaggerated eye rolling, we’ll keep singing by the Christmas tree as Grandma did, we’ll work hard like Grandpa, we’ll dance like Granny and we’ll follow the customs of good living, back and back as far as we have record. We probably won’t smuggle people across the border like Great Great Grandpa did, but I think the rest of the family traditions are fine.

Take a moment to identify the origins of your own holiday and lifestyle traditions. And if they’re lacking, now is a great time to start new ones. Life is much bigger and fuller than the mere present and people are more than a span of years. When we celebrate traditions, we celebrate the whole.

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Quirk Highlights

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When I first published this piece, we had several inquiries from readers asking for permission to reprint it for themselves to place with a picture of their mother as a tribute to them. As a writer, it is very rewarding when you are able to reach people with your words and share feelings we all experience.

I’d like to take this opportunity to share it again for those who may not have seen it.

Mom

As a child when I had bad dreams You would hold me, and I knew everything would be ok. It was unspoken. It was love.

Just the touch of your hand took any fears away. You soothed, you healed. It was unspoken. It was love.

There were many times you had fears of your own, but you always gave strength and blanketed us with love. You made us feel like we were your world, even when yours was sometimes falling apart.

Now, it was my turn. As you lay there vulnerable and afraid, I held your hand and tried to be strong and say everything would be ok, even though you were my world, and it was falling apart.

I blanketed you with my love and tried to take your fears away. As I felt the warmth of your body leave your hand in mine, there were no final words. It was unspoken. It was love.

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Quirk Highlights

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Luke Zandstra

Over the years we have featured several exceptional artists, each with their own signature style and approach to their work using a variety of mediums. One artist who stood out to me, was Luke Zandstra. Luke’s work not only displayed his newly discovered talent, but his work is a testament to those thinking it may be too late to bring out the latent creative part of themselves.

Luke, like many of us, spent the majority of his life doing the” right” things; working hard to provide for his family and create a stable environment for his children to grow up in. And like the rest of us raising a family and building a career, his own interests got put on the back burner in the process. It wasn’t until he was seventy that he

decided he would like to paint. And paint he did! He spent many hours daily with his new found passion that brought him much joy, as well as the resulting beautiful artwork. Luke was a very meticulous Dutchman, whose precision and attention to detail is apparent in the style of each of his works. Luke honed his self-taught skills well into his eighties, and each new painting was created for someone special in his life. Luke has since passed, but he left behind a legacy for his family that will be shared for generations to come, along with the message that it’s never too late to follow your dreams and discover parts of yourself that bring you joy.

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Quirk Highlights

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Maybe it’s because of my own attachment to nature, and the feeling that we are at a crossroads in deciding what kind of future we want for our planet, but the local author who stood out to me the most is Charlie Russell, whom I had the delight of meeting three years ago. Charlie resides in the home he grew up in called “The Hawk’s Nest” high atop a hill just south of Twin Butte. His grandfather and three families (clients of his outfitting company) built The Hawk’s Nest as a lodge. The families gave it to Charlie’s parents as a wedding gift in 1938. The panoramic view from the front porch is all prairies and rolling hills, at the foot of the Rocky Mountains of Waterton Lakes National Park.

Over 25 years ago, he and his then partner, Maureen Enns, spent 13 summers in Kamchatka, Russia studying and living with the grizzlies, where they produced the documentary film “East of Eden”, which won Best in Festival at the Telluride Mountain Film Festival. While I wouldn’t be brave enough to sit along the riverside with a grizzly like Charlie did, it was wonderful to vicariously experience what it might be like to spend time beside these magnificent creatures as I watched this exceptional documentary. Charlie is also the author of three books that include; Grizzly Seasons, Grizzly Heart and Spirit Bear.

Charlie Russell: Things I have learned

1. We have to learn how to fit in with nature. I think it’s critical for our survival as a species.

2. Relationship with land is one of my main interests. In a world that is constantly developing, in a society that wants more, more, more, it takes a lot of work to protect and maintain natural land.

3. Sustainability is the highest intelligence. I think we as a species have been on the path of unsustainability ever since we began agriculture, about 6000 years ago. We have to redefine how we measure intelligence. Before we arrived, our First Nations people lived sustainably off the land. In my estimation, this intelligence far exceeds the technology and development that drives our economy. Quirk - 16

These days, in between speaking engagements, Charlie spends most of his time at home, surrounded by nature and says he is a firm believer that nature is the greatest teacher. To Charlie, his life’s work is about more than the bears. It was a learning process about nature. “Humans have gotten too far away from following the laws of the universe. We’ve become too arrogant. Too privileged. My grizzly bears taught me this.”

Quirk Highlights

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There are two stories we ran in Quirk that I believe are great examples showing the depth of heart that resides in many of our communities… that quiet strength and spirit that brings us closer in the face of adversity.

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Glenwood is a quiet little town nestled in the foothills of the mountains, about a half hour south of Fort MacLeod. It is a beautiful area with gently rolling hills in the foreground along the Belly river, and the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop. The scenery here is breathtaking. The town of Glenwood was on the news a few years ago when Saputo, it’s only major employer, was set to shut down the factory. This was devastating news to this small close-knit community. But rather than sit back and “hope for the best” this group of people formed a committee and became proactive in searching for alternate companies to take over the factory. They also got all of the families together to “Paint the Town”. They freshened up main street and added new colour to all the buildings and shops there. They set out to encourage people to set up business there citing the low taxes, and quality of life. As it turned out, thankfully, Saputo decided to stay, but this “little town that could” proved what a community can do when it works together for a common goal. My Westlake Photo by: Katie Guimond

Photo by: Seager Berehula

Photo by: Kressley Clarkson and Keura Poitras

L.T. Westlake Elementary School in Taber was on the brink of being shut down due to lack of enrollment. It was the only school on the south side of the town, and residents were at a loss on just what to do to keep the school viable. The Horizon School Division and the entire school community formed a group to formulate ideas to keep the school open. With much innovation and creativity on behalf of the committee, they came up with a solution that was met with a resounding success. Re-established since 2013, L.T. Westlake Fine Arts

Elementary school came into fruition. With the incorporation of a Fine Arts program within its core curriculum, the school has not only survived, but is thriving. The program wouldn’t have been possible without the efforts of many volunteers who gave their time, talents and love of the fine arts to the school. Go Taber!

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Up Scale Photo by: Emma Nelson

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Quirk Highlights

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Quirk Highlights

Charmed Playhouses

In a little more than a year, what started out as an idea to display a play house at Home & Garden, has since turned into an international business and TV show for Tyson and Audrey Leavitt. The first house Tyson built for Home & Garden really resonated with people and he did get sales from it. The next year he built a Rapunzel themed house. It was a huge hit at the show. As pictures of the house started appearing on social media, calls from mainstream media began to come in. TLC saw a picture of those playhouses, contacted the Leavitt’s and the rest is history. TLC committed to shooting eight episodes of Project Playhouse. They filmed a pilot in October, began shooting segments in March, and have since wrapped up filming. Charmed has installed nearly 40 out-of-the-ballpark creations – at home in Lethbridge and as far away as Beijing (not all of their projects will be featured on the show).

Amazing Race

They may not have captured the win on this season’s Amazing Race Canada, but Lowell and Julie Taylor certainly captured the hearts of their countrymen. Their kind and loving approach to the high-intensity competition/reality show generated them a passle of fans from across Canada. Lowell is legally blind and his vision continues to decrease, but his contagiously positive outlook on life, and a passion for sports keep him going as he plans to start training for the Paralympic Games in Japan, in 2020. Julie and Lowell are actively fundraising for the “Blind Ambition “ project, via www.lowelltaylorcan.com to help raise funds to get Lowell to the Olympics. This couple hopes to inspire other people with physical limitations to be the best version of themselves they can be.

Tara-Jean Popowich

In 2009, CTV ran the second season of a new show called “So You Think You Can Dance”. Tara-Jean, who was a long time student at Joy’s Dance Factory in Lethbridge, auditioned for the show and made it with flying colours. Tara-Jean wowed the judges and mesmerized TV viewers with her stellar performances. Lethbridge was abuzz when she was crowned the winner of season 2. She was a real “hometown girl” and very down to earth. Since winning the show, Tara-Jean has continued to dance her way around the world, and has lived in New York and Los Angeles. Although her schedule keeps her hopping, she always finds time to come back home and visit her roots.

Screamin’ Brothers

Anyone who has watched the Dragon’s Den knows just how tough the Dragons can be on fledgling entrepreneurs looking to partner with them. It’s not a show for the faint of heart. Enter Dawson and JR Wikkerink, two very young boys from Lethbridge who came on the show with their two younger brothers with all the confidence and saavy of seasoned players in the business community. Even the Dragons said “You don’t need us…we need you!” These brothers developed unique frozen desserts, unlike frozen yogurt or regular ice cream. JR created the recipes with his brother Dawson in mind. Dawson grew up with severe allergies to dairy eggs and wheat. They got the support of dragon David Chilton and their business continues to grow as their product appears in more and more stores across Canada. Quirk - 18

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HEALTH MATTERS

Exploring Healthy Immunity

Defining immunity can be complex. In biology, immunity is the balanced state of having adequate biological defenses to fight infection, disease, or other unwanted biological invasion, while having adequate tolerance to avoid allergies and autoimmune diseases. It is an amazing organization of molecules, chemicals, proteins, cells, tissues, and organs that work in many intricate ways.

On the whole, your immune system does a remarkable job of defending you against disease-causing microorganisms; either inhaled, eaten, or encountered by the skin. But sometimes it fails: a germ invades successfully and makes you sick. When the body’s immune system is blamed for attacking its own tissues and organs, we call those ailments autoimmune diseases. They include illnesses such as arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s Disease, and Multiple Sclerosis, etc…

Common causes of autoimmune diseases:

• Hidden infections – the route of entry is often the respiratory system, gum or root canal, or intestinal tract. It is virtually impossible to sterilize the gum, mouth or gut. If the microorganisms (healthy bacteria) are still in the bloodstream, the white blood cells will usually take care of these infections. But once the invaders have penetrated the tissues, these bacterial or viral infections will stay there for years. As a result, the following conditions arise in these tissues: Liver (hepatitis), Gut (colitis), Joints (arthritis), and Nerves (scarring & sclerosis).

• Food allergies – the most obvious example of the gut-immune link is that over 70 percent of the immune system resides in the gut. The immune system in the gut, largely controlled by the bacteria which reside there, must discern between harmful foreign invaders and benign foreign substances such as food. If your body cannot recognize a certain food as a nutrient and therefore cannot break it down by the digestive system, immune reactions & inflammation will rise. When digestive health is not optimal, the immune system is negatively affected.

A holistic approach:

So is it possible to intervene in this process to make your immune system stronger?

Our immune system is constantly balancing and carefully navigating the fine line between under – and over – reaction to external challenges. The immune system is precisely that – a system, not a single entity. Boosting the immune system can be as simple as getting regular sleep and reducing chronic stress. But natural supplements can also back up our immune health. Despite the complexity of the immune system, there are simple lifestyle, dietary, and supplemental strategies that can dramatically improve overall immune health:

One of the most important foundations of good immune health is a whole-foods based diet. Nutrient-rich diets have been shown to decrease the incidence of infection. Adequate protein intake is vitally important as well, as it influences NK cells, macrophages, T cells, and B cells. Protein is also required to make infection-fighting antibodies. High blood sugar levels impair immune function, making decreased sugar intake a wise choice. Quirk - 20

Another important foundation is the benefit of consistent quality sleep. Make sure that where you sleep is totally dark so your melatonin production will be sufficient. There are melatonin supplements if you feel the need. The different phases of sleep contain two cycles that are deep enough to refurbish your immune system. You need to sleep through them. Stress can be a major component, so find ways to reduce it with therapies such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing (which increases oxygen), massage, or biofeedback.

Wash hands frequently, but avoid antibacterial products. Avoid hospitals.

And with the added benefit of increasing energy and overall heath, exercise is a favorite immune prescription for many practitioners. Exercises increases blood circulation and improves the delivery of oxygen & nutrients to the cells.

Top immune boosting supplements:

• B vitamin complex: essential for a wide spectrum of immune functions and reduces stress • Vitamin E: overall immune enhancement, especially in seniors • Zinc: truly the most important immune mineral; supports T cell development and is beneficial in numerous infectious diseases • Vitamin D: plays a role in autoimmunity; Most people are low or deficient • N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC): increases glutathione, the body’s most potent antioxidant • Probiotics: increases antibody production and NK cell activity (depending on strain and dosage) • Vitamin A: the most powerful immune vitamin • Vitamin C: increases immune cell activity (T-cell action) and may shorten common cold duration. As an added perk, persons whose diets are higher in vitamin C have lower rates of colon, prostate, and breast cancer. If you take vitamin C supplements, space them out throughout the day rather than take one large dose. • Astragalus: supports overall immune function • Mushrooms: mushrooms such as Reishi, Agaricus, Turkey Tail & Shiitake has numerous effects on many immune cells and benefits overall health • Fish oil: reduces inflammatory cytokines and plays a role in allergic diseases • Extracts of Echinaccea: research shows it increases the number of white blood cells, which fight infections In conclusion, I can’t think of anything that benefits your entire body than a strong immune system. 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, Iridologist, and Registered BIE Practitioner priscilla.eyes@shaw.ca www.eyecuhealthy.com 403.329.3100 (Office)

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Quirk - 23

Rome:

The Eternal City

By Perry Mirkovich Photos: Perry Mirkovich Quirk - 24

“This is our introduction to the Eternal City and within minutes, I am hooked!”

My wife and I hop into the taxi cab outside the Roma Termini train station and the Top Gun driver guns the engine, accelerating to warp speed within seconds and with Italian rock music blaring on the radio, he somehow weaves his way through blocked roadways while arguing on his cell phone, swerving around pedestrians leaping out of the way trying to save their lives, all in his quest to get us to our hotel within three minutes. I think he used to drive in the Formula 1 circuit and I wonder if taking a bus would have been a better choice.

Along the way, with my fingers fused into the dashboard as this maniac blasts through traffic, the centuries of history flow by as the stunning beauty of this magnificent city begins to emerge; incredibly coloured, aged stucco buildings, the colosseum over there on a side road, off to the left the Castel Sant’Angelo, marble statues by Renaissance masters peppered all over the place, splendid, mindboggling churches on each block and sensational monuments pretty well everywhere you look.

This is our introduction to the Eternal City and within minutes, I am hooked!

We check in at our hotel, open the door, throw our bags in a heap on the floor, slam it shut and with camera in hand, we are good to go. Heading out, we pause at the towering, wooden doors about to exit our new temporary home, the pounding sound of the city muffled by the thick wood, my heart hammering in my chest with anticipation and there is no mistake about it, this city is rocking. I open the door to blinding sunlight and the uproar hits us square in the face. A brilliant sculpture right outside our door, people everywhere, organized bedlam on the road beside us and down this crazy avenue a promise of what Rome is.

So here we stand outside our hotel, a history of such wealth surrounding us, every direction we look screams out to us to come explore. It is like being a kid in Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, there is too much to see and just where do to start

“I find this city inspiring, to stand where ancient emperors once walked across polished marble wearing their sandals and robes, where advanced thought was formulated to create an empire which would influence the world to the present day.”

the adventure? Throwing out our loosely planned itinerary we look at each other and decide to turn left to see where it will take us. We stroll the sixty meters down a seductive, narrow pedestrian pathway packed with romantic little restaurants and colourful, decaying buildings oozing with character until we burst upon a meeting place that takes our breath away, the Piazza Navona, a spectacular place that once hosted spectacles of mock naval battles and chariot races several thousand years ago. As we walk on the cobblestones past the street performers who fill the air with music, I am taken away by the sensational architecture, the dome of the gorgeous cathedral, Sant’Agnese and the brilliant fountains of Italian masters Bernini and Borromini as they shoot out streams of water from marble masterpieces, surrounded by people taking photos and selfies. I could not stop smiling with the excitement of this city, thinking that this is only the first ten minutes of our adventure and this is what we fall into. What else are we going to see?

This place, a maze of streets and alleyways, is ripe for exploration and it is so easy, and fun, to get lost while discovering it. For us, Rome is best seen on foot. Sure, there are buses and taxis that can zoom you around in air conditioned comfort but we felt the most effective Quirk - 26

experience was to walk it, to be a participant of the city instead of a spectator rolling along with wheels below us, looking through glass as some of the most inspirational structures ever built by the human race slip by untouched. There is a certain thrill I cannot describe when I walk around a corner and there, in all its magnificence, is an ancient work of genius that just pops out of nowhere, there to take away my breath, to make me wonder if this is real or am I in some kind of terrific dream? The cathedrals, larger than life, radiant in their artistry, are as numerous here as Tim Hortons are in Canada. Walk a block and there you go, a church that is crazy with beauty, empty with only the two of us as guests, quiet and filled with light from the windows far, far above. Walk another hundred meters and there is another that outdoes the first. A couple of more blocks another one so gorgeous it makes me forget about the earlier ones.

Then, just when I thought I had seen it all, stands the grand daddy of them all, Saint Peter’s Basilica, a structure many have said is the most beautiful building on the planet. It is well worth the long wait in line and the security to get in. As I enter this stunning cathedral I just look right and there to blow my mind is Michelangelo’s Pieta calmly sitting there behind protective glass. From there is beyond

description. Ceilings and marble columns soar to the heavens, statues everywhere, paintings, domes, vast windows, archways, colours of such richness and hundreds of people looking around awestruck, necks craning to take it all in. Unbelievable! Even with all its grandeur and hectic streets, Rome has its quiet places, romantic corners away from the bustle; little side boulevards lined with intimate restaurants and couples in love enjoying candlelight dinners, cobblestone pathways leading to

out of the way plazas with exquisite gardens, delightful boutiques and quaint neighbourhoods…little discoveries that went deep in our hearts and made the city that much more special. I find this city inspiring, to stand where ancient emperors once walked across polished marble wearing their sandals and robes, where advanced thought was formulated to create an empire which would influence the world to the present day. In a way,

“This place, a maze of streets and alleyways, is ripe for exploration and it is so easy, and fun, to get lost while discovering it.”

Quirk - 27

“As we walk on the cobblestones past the street performers who fill the air with music, I am taken away by the sensational architecture, the dome of the gorgeous cathedral, Sant’Agnese and the brilliant fountains of Italian masters Bernini and Borromini as they shoot out streams of water from marble masterpieces, surrounded by people taking photos and selfies.”

to walk through these streets is to walk through history and to walk through Rome is to discover magnificent buildings inspired by those thoughts. The Pantheon, which Michelangelo described as being constructed by angels, not men, was built using impressive mathematical precision which is overshadowed by the absolute splendour of the place. The Forum, the ancient heart of the Roman Empire a short walk from the infamous Colosseum, thousands of years old, an architectural diamond which hosted gladiators battling to the death while tens of thousands cheered on. These are just several of the amazing sites to absorb, there is just so much to see, so much to experience, so much

history, so much amazing food and ice cream to eat, that I fall in love with this city.

But, sadly, our time here is over. We hop back in the taxi, this time with a driver much more civilized, and he drives us to the train station to exit this wonderful place. After I pay him I take a deep breath and take one last look at a place of such imagination that it stole a bit of my soul. Then I smile, for my wife and I have no choice but to return to the Eternal City. After all, we threw our coins in the Trevi Fountain.

“There is a certain thrill I cannot describe when I walk around a corner and there, in all its magnificence, is an ancient work of genius that just pops out of nowhere, there to take away my breath, to make me wonder if this is real or am I in some kind of terrific dream?”

Quirk - 28

Keep it Special…

Keep it Local!

Shopping local businesses not only supports the community you live and play in, it offers a wide variety of unique product you just don’t find in big box stores. Lethbridge is home to many specialty shops filled with items from around the world. Like and share our Quirk FB contest page for a chance to win a prize package worth $250 with gift certificates from all of our participating businesses!.

Enjoy your holiday shopping this season by treating yourself to what surprises are in store at our local shops!

Give the gift of fashion ...always in style Downtown Lethbridge 318 6th Street South 403-320-1021

Present this ad and receive 10% off

Become a Suzanne’s “Insider” register at www.suzannes.biz Follow us on Quirk - 30

to win!

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All the Best This Holiday Season

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Quirk - 32

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Canine Co-Workers

More and more, businesses are allowing employees to take their dogs to work with them. Having a dog in the workplace has been shown to boost morale, increase productivity, and keep workers motivated. In addition, it provides employees with a reason to step away from their desks and get outside for a workday break. Quite a few local shops in Lethbridge have found ways to include their canine companions into

by Jean Van Kleek Photos by Chris Yauck Photography

their daily work routine with great success. Bringing them to work not only takes away the inevitable guilt that comes with leaving your pet home for long hours, it is also has been proven to help the workplace become less stressful. And most importantly, it brings a smile to the face of many customers.

We’d like to introduce you to just a few of the canine co-workers we’ve had the pleasure to meet.

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Dusti is an 8 year old Papillon and loves coming to work every day. She is very friendly but somewhat shy around small children.

Bambi, a 5 month old Standard Poodle, recently joined the team at Energy Smart Canada & Arctic Spas Lethbridge. Dusti is still learning to share the store and the people with Bambi, but they are fast becoming best of friends. Alana is very much an animal lover and is training Bambi to be a polite and kind greeter at the store. Plans for Bambi’s future include training as a therapy dog. Alana and Stella Reger with Dusti & Bambi

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Dino is a Australian Shepard Labrador mix who has just turned 1. He is a very sweet dog and loves meeting new people. He will wiggle his behind and lick you till you can't take it anymore. Dino is very smart; he knows when the mail lady is coming and sits very nicely for his treats! Come on in and meet Dino the Smiths Audio Dog, chances are you’ll find more than one woofer to enjoy!

Ashley Plettell with Dino

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Amanda Mereski with Pickles

Pickles will be five years old in December. She is a Mini Schnauzer. We adopted our first Schnauzer eleven years ago and were hooked on their goofy personality and charm. Pickles has been coming to the store every workday since we brought her home at 8 weeks old. She loves to greet and watch customers throughout the day in between naps. Pickles is really well behaved and friendly and I think we owe that to the privilege of spending extra time with her at work every day. She is a great companion to have at work for both my husband, Graham, and I as well as our co-workers and even our customers who like dogs. Quirk - 33

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Monty is an 8 year old Standard Poodle. He has been used as a blood donor when needed at the clinic. He often comes back to work with Carla in the evening when she check on patients. He lives with an orange tabby cat named "Kris Kringle" (name he had when adopted from the Humane Society). Monty loves to go to daycare to play with all his friends and has been going since he was a puppy. He enjoys playing with his stuffed toys. His current favourite is a large stuffed "Lambchop".

Carla Schlucter with Monty

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In December, Clipper will turn 11 years old. He has faithfully come to work with me all of these years. His life has been all about meeting wonderful people, giving and receiving love, and getting spoiled! Two years ago, I adopted Karma from The Humane Society. Although Clipper wasn't very happy at all about sharing his space and the attention, they are thoroughly bonded and Karma has integrated herself into salon life and loves going to work all day too! It's fantastic to have pets at work. They share their unique personalities with staff and clients. It's great!

JoAnne Pommier with Clipper & Karma

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Here's Coco (brown) and Velvet (black) having another busy day at the store doing amazing PR as only they can do. Velveeta is a bit shy to begin with as opposed to the gregarious Coconut, but when these two cuddle bugs get to know you it's Best Friends for life! My angels....

Paul Straat with Coco & Velvet

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Since becoming part of Monique’s family 2 years ago, Max has become a fixture at the store. Regular customers who have watched him grow from a puppy into the “little man” he is, often make a point of coming in just to say hi to him. He will often help women shop (hoping of course to be petted along the way) and greets customers at the door with a smile and big wag of his tail. He is hypoallergenic and very friendly, making Monique’s a destination to look forward to visiting. Monique Rombaldi with Max Quirk - 34

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Tucker is a Bichon/Yorkie/Shih Tsu cross who loves spending time at the store with his mom. He is the official greeter, enjoying attention from customers and pretty much “owns” the store while he’s there. He often goes with Diane to run store errands and is known in the neighborhood wherever he goes, often getting treats along the way.

Diane Vanden Hoek with Tucker

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Tina, Annabelle and Molly love joining their family at Pet City each day. They have many friends who romp, play and nap with them throughout the day. They are the ambassadors of Pet City helping make the newcomers feel welcome and at home. There is lots of action at the daycare and lots of fun to be had for these three amigos and all of the other canines who get the chance to stay here. Sherry and Tony Vander Griendt with Tina, Annabelle & Molly

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Sadie is a cross between an Irish Setter and Golden Lab, who will be 4 years old in December Audi is a 2 year old cross between a Chocolate Lab and a Weimaraner.

It is great for us to be able to bring them to work and spend time with them. They happily greet the regular customers, and are quite comfortable lazing around the desk for a good part of the day. Melanie Isaac with Sadie & Audi

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Jean Van Kleek with Shani & Bella Photo: Jen Alston

My dogs love hanging out with me whether I am working at my desk or on the road visiting clients. Any excuse for a car ride! Every time I get out of the vehicle, Bella takes over the driver's seat and has often been mistaken for a curly dark haired woman (with an especially large nose!).

Quirk - 35

The Lethbridge & District Humane Society has been a no-kill haven since its inception in early 1970. It is their goal to take care of strays and abandoned pets until a home can be found for them to thrive and have a new start in life. Some animals stay for years before finding a family to love them.

With the support of Park Pet Hospital & Northside Veterinary Clinic, Quirk would like to introduce a few of the residents who have been waiting for quite some time. Rescued pets are exceptionally loving,

and very grateful for a chance to be with you. If you have room in your home and your heart, please give the Humane Society a call to give one of these furry friends a chance to belong, and be loved.

They are a gift!

Call: (403) 320-8991 Website: lethbridgehumanesociety.com

Autumn Female Grey Tabby

Autumn came to the Humane Society in the spring of 2016, she is about 2 years old. She is still quite shy and often hisses when she is fearful. Autumn is most comfortable in her kennel, and readily rolls over for a belly rub, or to have her chin scratched. She is becoming more familiar with the kitten room and likes to explore.

Chai Black & White Shorthair Female

Chai is a contented, easy-going young lady; if there's a place to curl up where it's warm, she's happy! Chai came to the Humane Society this spring and settled in happily to the routine. She doesn't ask for much - just her meals and a comfy place to snuggle in! She's about 4 years old, quiet and relaxed. She has an engaging scowl that she uses to tell you to leave her alone and quit taking her picture! Chai is a sweet, charming girl looking for a relaxed Forever Home!

Dan Male Orange Tabby

Dan is a big, active, exuberant boy, about 2 years old. He's affectionate and has a great purr, but doesn't take much time for snuggling, he's always on the go! The volunteers say that he's like Winnie the Pooh's pal Tigger - he bounces and bounds wherever he goes! Dan was rescued at Dan's greenhouse and brought to the Humane Society in April. He's quite a dominant cat and would likely do well where he can rule the roost!

Kiara Siamese Cross Female

Kiara is a lovely petite blue-point Siamese who came to the Humane Society with her kittens in July. Kiara loves attention; she loves to snuggle and be petted (and told how beautiful she is!). She's young and also likes to play. Kiara likes things her way, but gets along with most of her roommates. She is indifferent to dogs, if they don't bother her, she won't bother them! Kiara would love a home where she can receive all the attention she deserves!

Ramsey is a good looking orange and white kitten, about 6 months old. He loves to play wi his toys, and with his siblings. He's got a great purr, which he uses as soon as you pick hi up! He's energetic and fun, very entertaining to watch. He'sCats presently residing at th • Medical & Surgical Care for & Dogs Lethbridge Humane Society, but is looking for his very own Forever Home!

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: • Wellness Consultations • Dentistry • Endoscopy, Digital X-Ray & Ultrasound • Laser Surgery • Nutritional Counseling • 24 Hour Emergency Service Available

Quirk - 36

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Lethbridge & District Humane Society presents

Paws and Claus 2016

November 12th 10:00 am to 4:00 pm November 19th 10:00 am to 4:00 pm November 26th 10:00 am to 4:00 pm December 3rd 10:00 to 4:00 pm

2920 16 Avenue North

403-320-8991

to book your appointment Walk ins welcome but appointments preferred

Park Pet Hospital 142 Columbia Blvd. West Phone: 403-328-0028

www.parkpethospital.ca

Northside Veterinary Clinic 210F-12A Street North Phone: 403-327-3352

www.northsidevet.ca Visit our website and Facebook page Quirk - 37

RECIPE

Hello all! I am thrilled to have the opportunity to share my recipes I created for dog cookies. For fifteen years I have experimented with different ideas on making dog treats. I have researched ingredients beneficial, tasty and safe to make different recipes. Some are with beef, chicken, turkey, fish, liver, peanut butter and vegetarian. I like to use ingredients in season for each recipe.

Making our own cookies can give us peace of mind as we know the ingredients. It has been a pleasure writing for Quirk over the past five years and I will continue to share my recipes with you. I hope you enjoy them. See you next Year!

Kiwi

Zoe

turkey pumpkin Cookies A soft, tasty and festive little cookie for our canine kids! Use leftover cooked turkey or chicken. Lots of beneficial ingredients and easy to make.

Approximately 3 cups minced turkey 1 large can pure pumpkin 1 can pureed chickpeas 5 eggs (beaten) 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil 4 tablespoons blackstrap molasses 3 tablespoons cinnamon 1/2 cup chicken stock 1 cup ground flaxseed 6 cups dry quick oats

In a large bowl mix ingredients together well. I use disposable gloves.

Place on cookie sheet laced with parchment paper and squish down to about an inch thick. Score to desired size with your favorite dull paring knife! Bake for one hour at 325 F. Keep in fridge for up to five days or freeze in ziplock bags.

The following are two of my favourite recipes FOOTNOTE: Blackstrap molasses is full of iron, minerals and nutrients that have

a long and popular history as a natural means to treat ailments among dogs and humans alike.

Salmon and Green Bean Cookies for Dogs

Salmon has omega-3 fatty acids which contain wonderful health benefits including brain health for developing puppies and aging seniors, heart disease prevention, cancer fighting, regulating the immune system, arthritis and autoimmune diseases. Green beans are a good source of vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre which improves digestion and absorbtion. Green beans are low in calories making a great treat for overweight dogs. I use fresh or frozen green beans steamed lightly.

Quirk - 38

5 eggs (I use free range) 3 cans salmon, in springwater only 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil 3/4 cup bran flakes 2 cups green beans, minced 1 apple, minced (seeds and core removed) 1 small can pure pumpkin (not pie filling) 5 cups dry quick oats

Beat eggs in large bowl. Add salmon with liquid and mash. I like to use a food processor to mince apple and beans. Add remaining ingredients. Mix together well by hand. I use disposable gloves. Drop on large cookie sheet using parchment paper. Pat down to about one inch thick and with a paring knife score to desired size. Bake for one hour at 350 F. Cookies will be moist on the bottom. It is best to flip bottom side up and cool. Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze.

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

These are healthy, soft and meaty cookies that are easy to make.

Michelle Zandstra

Since 2001

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

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