Quirk November December 2015

nside MAGAZINE

Volume 5 • Issue 6 November - December 2015

CONNECTING

LETHBRIDGE

EUROPE A Living Postcard

RANDOM THOUGHTS With Vassy Kapelos

EASY ARTISAN Cheese Chive Bread

ISSN 1929-2112

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TH S SSUE 10 16 24 26 28 30

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A Living Postcard

Perry Mirkovich shares his photo-journal of a poignant and moving journey

across Europe

Quirk Gift Guide

A guide to help you find that perfect gift this season

Easy Artisan Cheese & Chive Bread

A mouth-watering no fail recipe sure to please company this holiday season

Random Thoughts at Random Times

Mark Campbell visits with Vassy Kapelos about her life as a political reporter with Global

television

Massage Therapy Training at Lethbridge College Hands on learning at its best

Food Addicts Anonymous

Understanding the front lines of food addiction

28

30

36

10

26

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From The Publisher Welcome to the November issue of Quirk! Quirk Magazine launched in November 2011. As we head into our fifth year of publication, I reflect back to some of the fascinating people we have had the opportunity to write about, Jean Van Kleek entrepreneurs we have profiled, and the Photography: Jen Alston incredible talents of the artistic community that resides in Southern Alberta. Because of the variety, diversity and uniqueness of our area, there is always something new to share with our readers And thanks to your support, we continue to grow and evolve.

This issue, Perry Mirkovich shares a very poignant story about his recent trip to Europe with his elderly mother and his wife. While the photos he took are breathtaking, the story is laced with the many emotions; reflections of a woman returning home after 70 years to the place she suffered many life altering experiences during the war, to the romance of France. A very inspiring read, and beautiful photography. I know you will enjoy his story.

We continue with our regular features; Author, Ginger Malacko’s insightful “Style of Being” column, Priscilla Peltier’s Health Matters, Chris Yauck’s “Photography Tips & Tricks”, recipes for humans and dogs, and our photo contests.

Speaking of contests, our November issue always contains the “Local Gift Guide”, but his year, with a new twist. One lucky winner will win $250 worth of gift certificates from the businesses participating in the guide just by liking and sharing our facebook page for this contest.

All the best to you and yours this holiday season! *The support from our local advertisers is the reason we are able to bring this magazine to you. Please think of them when shopping this season.

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Quirk -- 66 Quirk

Volume 5 • Issue 6 • November - December 2015

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

SHABELLA PUBLISHING

1010 - 10th Ave. N., Lethbridge, T1H 1J8 403.382.7240 Printed by Warwick Printing, Lethbridge, AB. Publisher Jean Van Kleek jean@readquirk.com Design & Layout UniVerse Graphics Photographers Chris Yauck Cover Photo Owl: Jason McCaig Waterton Helen Schuler Nature Centre: Chris Oates Henderson Lake: Avril-Wirzba-Heckley Writers Christina Scott Priscilla Peltier Ginger Malacko Chris Yauck Perry Mirkovich Michelle Zandstra Jean Van Kleek Mark Campbell Sharry Yaeck 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.

8

EACH

SSUE 8

20 23

The Style of Being Health Matters Photography Tips & Tricks Lethbridge & Area Photo Contest

32

Restaurant Guide

34

Lessons From my Dogs

33

34

Pet Photo Contest Dog Recipe

23

Quirk Quirk -- 7 7

by Ginger Malacko

Thanks for Noticing

November was a contentious month in my childhood household. My mother insisted it was entirely appropriate to put out Christmas decorations, blast traditional carols, and start mailing cards beginning one minute past midnight, November first. Her children thought she should wait until December, although we didn’t object to the early onset of the holiday baking. My resistance was never due to any dissatisfaction with Christmas but with the chaos of what should be a season of peace and reflection, but rarely is. To-do lists triple in size, family members are torn away by extraneous “obligations” and we end up becoming stressed by too many pleasures and not enough purpose. The season of giving? Why should we imagine ourselves more kind and generous with the arrival of November when we’re actually even busier and more distracted than ever? Oh, the irony of attempting to add “love” and “joy” to our growing list when we should be removing the items that tend to replace them.

I once met this meerkat at the zoo. Bear with me. He was an attentive little thing, following my every move, my every glance, as if trying to understand me. We studied each other for quite some time, forgetting the crowds, the sounds of squealing children and scolding parents, the uncomfortable humidity of the habitat. The rest of the zoo was a blur but that little guy I remember. We had quite a moment and I realized that I wished to be more

Quirk - 8

like him. Aware. Curious. Engaged. How often have we promised to be more in tune with the season only to settle for dropping an anonymous box of stuffing in the grocery store donation bin? How often do we say yes to the things that don’t matter and have no time left for the things that do?

When my neighbor needs a hand, I want to notice. When a stranger stumbles or if a friend is trying to keep a stiff upper lip, I want to notice. I don’t want to lecture the kids on the season of goodwill to all mankind and then hurry past all mankind in a blind panic because the kindergarten and middle school concerts are on the same night. I don’t want the length of the lines at the mall to occupy my thoughts when I could be thinking of better things.

If the spirit of Christmas is as powerful as we attest, it should obliterate the lists, the calendars and the obligations. It should open our eyes to the people who need us to stop rushing and actually see them. Christmas shouldn’t be about how we celebrate but how we live. And true living requires us to stand still and take notice. Perhaps that should be at the very top of our lists this year.

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Europe

A Living Postcard

By Perry Mirkovich Photos: Perry Mirkovich

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Riomaggiore, Italy

“This trip was magical, how can I possibly describe it?

Pictures, film, the written word, all of them are inadequate to capture the vibrancy of emotion I felt traveling through a living postcard.�

Here on a hot, humid July day in Cornberg, Germany, emotion thick in my throat, I watched with deep admiration and love as my hero walked up the set of stairs on legs slowed by age to the place she lived close to seven decades ago as a refugee of a vicious world war. Living a life of freedom, I could not imagine what kind of hell my mother endured under the miserable existence of Nazi rule.

She was a little girl living on the fertile plains of the Ukraine, as ruthless despot, Joseph Stalin, watched over them with an iron fist. My grandfather valiantly packed his family and all their worldly possessions into a horse drawn covered wagon stealing away into the deep night in a desperate attempt to cross war torn Europe to freedom across the western front.

Evading deadly fields of combat using only a pitchfork and their wits to protect themselves, their attempt to reach freedom ran out of luck one day in Hungary when they were arrested by a Nazi patrol who took all that they owned, leaving them with nothing but the clothes they wore. They were jammed into a filthy cattle car that had a smell my mother remembers to this day. And as the slamming door cut out the light, their hopes of freedom disappeared down a whirlpool of dread as to what lay ahead.

After all, they had already witnessed the brutal consequences of Nazi occupation.

Ending up in Nordhausen as slave labourers with their rights as human beings stripped from them, they feared every day for their lives, treated as less

Venice, Italy

than animals in their servitude to these monsters. My mother remembers feeling the pain of starvation and would stand outside the bakery just to smell the bread as the door opened to let in their conquerors, imagining how wonderful a slice would taste if only they could have a small morsel. She remembers the hatred in that city; how they were not allowed to walk upon the sidewalks, how her mother was arrested for being sick and missing a day of labour, how they were not allowed into the shelters as the allies bombed the city and the attacks which led to their liberation. She remembers the devastation of those sorties, the buildings in shambles and the smell of cordite heavy in the air, dead bodies everywhere. She should have been on the steppes of the Ukraine playing with her friends, but now she was stuck in this inferno fighting to survive, scarred forever by what she had seen and experienced.

Sasha Mirkovich at Cornberg, Germany

The allies eventually freed them, my mother cheering these brave Allied soldiers marching by in their wonderful uniforms giving them liberty, something they had longed for over such a long time. They were relocated to Cornberg, the Nazi scourge nothing more than a nightmarish memory, and here they were treated with dignity and care. My mother told us it was a remarkable time in her life, to be able to walk down a street without fear, to finally be able to laugh and play with her friends and family without worry of deadly repercussion, of not having to look over her shoulder. It was a dizzying time in her life, much like a captive bird finally let loose to fly to her heart's content and fly she did.

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Portfino Italy

Venice, Italy

“Europe is this vast wonderland of life, history, art architecture and beauty just ready to drink in thirstily.�

So here we are, close to seventy years later with memories so powerful it was like yesterday. My mom, with arthritic hands grasping the handrail of the steps and a small smile on her beautiful face, remembering those initial days of freedom so long ago, as she pulled herself up and touched the door to her former home, reaching out to days gone by and family members, friends and a wonderful husband who have since passed away.

I cannot describe the emotion of this moment.

It all started with a simple conversation in her living room where we talked about living life and fulfilling those dreams which we felt passionate about before our time is up. My father passed away last year and I feel so much pain every day since, a pain that has galvanized me into living my life without regret, to do those things I have dreamed of without excuses. It turns out my mother felt the same way. She wanted to see Cornberg and we were more than happy to take her.

So with my wife, Sharmaine, we started planning this quest to take my mother to see this village in Germany and during the time, visit those places that have captured our imagination for

such a long time. The more we talked about it, the more excited we got about the prospect of venturing out to touch history and get a taste of other cultures, to live out a love letter I once wrote to my wife about traveling to Europe and seeing those places of spectacular beauty.

It was a lot to see in five weeks and most of it in a fantastic little rental car, the mighty Citroen Picasso with amazing gusto and outstanding gas mileage, a welcome feature seeing the outrageous European fuel prices and the seven thousand kilometers we logged on it. Driving in Europe can be a harrowing event if you do not have experience as a driver in a Formula One car race; it's like riding a rollercoaster, fingers fused into the dashboard kind of thing, scary yet exciting at the same time. Depending on where you go, traffic laws are more like suggestions and speed limits, well, those are just numbers on a sign used to decorate the countryside, it was wild and it was fantastic!

Our first leg took us all the way from Frankfurt to Serbia to visit relatives on the farm where my father grew up, it was an emotional time for me, to be where my father lived the first years

Paris, France Quirk - 12

of his life until his childhood was ripped from him as he had to battle for his life at the age of fifteen in firefights with the Nazis. My mother wanted to visit relatives there so, leaving her in good hands, off we went on the next leg feeling like a couple of university kids on a great adventure, excited beyond compare as the stunning landscape slipped by our windows as we went our way to visit and touch our dreams. It was romantic.

I love romance and in Europe romance is all around, it was the place for me.

Stealing a kiss in the pouring Parisian rain while under a tree at Luxembourg Gardens; listening to Italian music at an intimate bistro as you gaze out to a spectacular Ligurian coastline; looking out to a resplendent sunset while having a nightcap at an amazing restaurant at the top of a rocky outcropping in the village of Riomaggiore; from the Rialto bridge, watching the setting sun warm up the pastel coloured buildings along the Grand Canal of Venice as gondolas slip by; walking hand in hand through Montmartre as a young woman sings La

Vie en Rose in acapella with the Sacre Coeur providing the backdrop; strolling upon on the City Walls in Dubrovnik as the sun melts into the Adriatic, the light soft and warm; hugging my wife at the top of the Eiffel Tower with all of Paris laid out at our feet, a light breeze on our faces as clouds drifted lazily by.

Romance filled the air, all of it was amazing, mesmerizing, my mind a whir with all the colour and beauty.

Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris

But there was one place where romance did not play a part, a place which resolutely ripped out my emotions.

Omaha Beach, one of the five beaches of the D-Day invasion on June 6th, 1944, the Day of Days and arguably the most devastating battle of the day as the Nazis almost pushed the Americans back into the English Channel, a beach my late father and I talked about so much throughout our lives. I had wanted to go there since I was ten years old and decades later, I was able to walk upon a place of such historical significance where thousands of men took their last breath, a sacrifice that led to the freedom of my family and Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris

Chez Eugene, Montmartre

Romance filled the air, all of it was amazing, mesmerizing, my mind a whir with all the colour and beauty.

Normandy

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eventually to my life. I had to pay respect. I had to go there for those soldiers, for my father, and for me.

It was there on that sobering occasion that I broke down as the sun disappeared beyond the horizon of the English Channel, thinking of my dad, a man among men who faced death in the eye during this horrible war and came out a winner. One of the lucky ones who was able to continue with life until age finally caught up to him.

This trip was magical, how can I possibly describe it? Pictures, film, the written word, all of them are inadequate to capture the vibrancy of emotion I felt traveling through a living postcard.

How do you capture the stunning beauty of a place like Lake Como, or Portofino or of Venice, the dynamism of the surroundings, the scent of the flowers enveloping you, the thick warmth of the air, the sounds of the water lapping gently upon the shore, the feel of an awakening European sun on your face, or coming face to face with the genius of Leonard Da Vinci through the eyes of the Mona Lisa? The combination of all these senses, for me, is beyond description, the photos and text are simply a feeble attempt to describe how amazing an experience it was.

Sacre Coeur and Montmartre, Paris

Vernazza

We saw so much but then again we saw so little. Europe is this vast wonderland of life, history, art, architecture and beauty just ready to drink in thirstily.

Europe is a narcotic. It is highly addictive and I am hooked. the Mona Lisa at the Louvre Museum

“

I love romance and in Europe romance is all around, it was the place for me.

Grand Canal, Venice

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�

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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.

This year as part of our Local Gift Guide, we are featuring a special contest. All you have to do is like and share our Gift Guide page on Quirk Magazine’s facebook page and you will be entered for a chance to win a $250 package of gift certificates from these participating businesses.

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

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Quirk - 19

HEALTH MATTERS

Fatigued Out of Life

Ever heard of Adrenal Exhaustion? This is a condition that gives rise to a number of symptoms, the most common of which is fatigue. Exhaustion of the adrenals is most often caused by chronic, long-term stress, which puts these hard-working glands into overdrive.

Adrenal fatigue is under-diagnosed for sure. Dr. Michael Lam MD says that Adrenal Fatigue is one of the most prevalent conditions, afflicting almost every adult in one way or another. Despite effective diagnostic tools and treatment programs, most conventional physicians were simply not informed of Adrenal Fatigue and not prepared to take Adrenal Fatigue as a serious threat to health.

Dr. Lam goes on to say that many doctors are unfamiliar with this condition for the simple reason that it is difficult to diagnose effectively by traditional blood tests. There are many routine laboratory tests for fatigue. Unfortunately, they are not diagnostic. Normal values do not necessarily mean the body is free of illness.

But adrenal fatigue can wreak havoc with your life. In the more serious cases, the activity of the adrenal glands is so diminished that you may have difficulty getting out of bed for more than a few hours per day.

Signs and Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue:

• A tendency to gain weight and unable to lose it, especially around the waist • High frequency of getting the flu and other respiratory diseases with symptoms tending to last longer than usual • Unable to remember things • Pain in the upper back and neck for no apparent reason • Low blood pressure and dizziness when rising are often signs of weakened or exhausted adrenal glands • Need coffee or stimulants to get going in the morning • Feeling better when stress is relieved, such as on a vacation • Lightheaded • Food allergies • Unexplained hair loss • Palpitation • Hypoglycemia

What can be done?

Alternative health practitioners say that in some cases the adrenal gland malfunction may become chronic, mainly because of prolonged stressful events, and poor health. They stress that with proper adrenal support and some lifestyle modifications, patients can be treated effectively.

Lifestyle modifications include eating healthily, acquiring a regular sleepwake cycle, getting at least 7 to 8 hours sleep each night, avoiding stressful situations as much as possible and exercise. Those with severe adrenal weakness should start with breathing exercise as the first step.

The more advanced your adrenal fatigue, the less you should exercise vigorously. Vigorous exercise can lead to a catabolic state and worsen adrenal fatigue.

In an adrenal recovery program, it is prudent to consider optimizing the adrenal gland functions gently where they are indicated along with lifestyle and dietary changes.

Inexperienced health care providers or those who sell supplements without any formal training and are attempting to self-navigate could only make matters worse. If recovery fails within a short time, it is imperative to seek professional help.

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Let’s put the focus on feeling better:

A poor or unfitting diet is one of the key and leading causes of adrenal fatigue. Without a diet that is biochemically and metabolically compatible without the needs of a damaged adrenal gland, complete recovery is simply not possible.

Identify food sensitivities and intolerances:

Why are food sensitivities a big deal if you have Adrenal Fatigue? They matter because they prevent our bodies from absorbing and using the nutrients they need. Food sensitivity also promotes inflammation and interferes with our sleep/wake cycle. They also prevent the gut from digesting and excreting our food properly. This is why diarrhea, constipation and other gut problems are frequently the first sign of food intolerance. Food intolerance also leaves us weakened and low in energy.

And lastly, by preventing us from digesting properly they promote unhealthy bacteria in our gut, weakening our immune system even further.

Nutritional supplementation and recovery:

Most people who suffer from Adrenal Fatigue also have multiple endocrine imbalances including hypothyroidism, insulin resistance, and estrogen dominance. The process is long, but it can be done easily and painlessly, one step at a time. The use of the correct amount of nutritional supplement can speed up the recovery process.

Certain substances, known as adaptogens, have the power to balance the various systems within the body and to reduce the impact of stress. These include the chaga fungus (Inonotus obliquus), cordyceps mushroom (Ophiocordyceps) and the Ayurvedic herb, ashwaghanda (Withania somnifera). These natural ingredients are recognized for their ability to calm and restore balance within overworked adrenal glands. Their actions help the body to handle stress, reduce cortisol production, improve cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, improve energy, stimulate the immune system and are a rich source of antioxidants.

Adrenal glands can be restored to optimum health naturally by adhering to healthy living principals.

MAKE HEALTH A HABIT...

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, Iridologist, and Registered BIE Practitioner priscilla.eyes@shaw.ca www.eyecuhealthy.com 403.329.3100 (Office)

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Camera Canon EOS 5D Mark II EF24-70mm f/2.8L USM Focal Length 46.0 mm , Shutter Speed 1/160 sec; F-Stop f/14; ISO 100

Morning light. Using the rule of thirds and keeping the bridge in the top of the frame.

The exposure was made at fast enough shutter speed to keep the

image as sharp as possible. The aperture was set at f/14 to give more depth of field. Focus was made part way into the image with depth of field giving a greater area in focus.

Camera Canon EOS 5D Mark II Focal Length 70.0 mm, Shutter Speed 1/100sec, f/20, ISO 100 Morning light. The shutter speed was fast enough to avoid camera shake without a tripod. The aperture at f 20 needed to put detail in the background.

The light shining through the crystals shows the fine detail. Experiment with

different settings. A wider aperture would have lightened the image and still worked. This type of frost doesn’t happen very often so get out there early before the sun melts the ice crystals.

Camera Sony RX-100 Focal Length 10.4 mm Shutter Speed 1/160sec, F-Stop 1.8, ISO 6400 Evening light. Again the rule of thirds applies with the street sign and the lady being there.

The camera focused on the street sign.

In manual mode you can change where the camera will focus. I was trying for a different take on a steam clock photo.

I did shoot some outside but thought a different angle from inside would be fun. Plus the weather was much nicer inside. Again be ready as the lady with the smoke added a whole different feel to the image.

Near Visitor Information Centre/Lethbridge Photo by Jian Ping Chen Winner of November Photo Contest

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

January Edition Entry Deadline November 30, 2015

Email your photos to: info@readquirk.com Quirk - 23

Easy Artisan This is a no-knead bread with a crackly thin brown crust that crunches between your teeth, has a slightly chewy texture that ruggedly begs to be slathered in frigidly hard butter then quickly munched, whilst still warm-from-the-oven.

By Judi Frizzle-Stowell

Follow Judi’s blog at thelastwonton.typepad.com

This bread........Oh Mama!......this bread is so good!

But wait! Even better. Well not better, but just as important.

This bread......is ridiculously easy. Seriously, easy.

And forgiving.

This time I added little chunks of Cheddar and fresh chives. And just look at that beauty.

Sometimes I add oodles of nutty, roasted garlic cloves and gratings of tangy Asiago.

Sometimes I add ribbons of caramelized sweet onions and wee cubes of creamy Havarti.

Sometimes I add melt-in-your- mouth little chunkers of perfectly fried Hot Pancetta and chopped fresh basil.

Sometimes I just stir it up, as is, without adding a thing. But this is usually when I have a bigger plan for my favorite artisan bread. Toast. This bread makes the best toast ever... with anything spread on it, from thin slices of triple cream Brie, tangy apricot jam, plain old ordinary peanut butter, to that sharp McLaren's Imperial cheese topped with a layer of homemade crabapple jelly.

Quirk - 24

Needless to say, besides being delicious and easy, it's pretty much no fail as well. Is this the bread of our dreams? No kneading, or fiddling. No special ingredients, or mind challenging techniques. Just a smidgeon of effort and a little unattended waiting.

Let's do it!

I just mix everything up in this 7 1/2 quart plastic container Then I plop on the lid, and let it sit all happy on the counter, in a cozy, warm spot, for about 3 hours.

Now, it's time to get tucked away in the fridge overnight, or for up to 24-48 hours. I told you this bread was cool!

The chilled resting seems to give the dough that certain je ne sais quoi that makes this bread so delicious, and deeply textured.

An hour or so before you're ready to bake the bread, sprinkle a bit of flour on the counter and on your hands and plop the sticky dough onto the counter. Coat the dough a bit with the flour, just enough to tame it's stickiness, making it easy to handle and shape.

EASY ARTISAN CHEESE CHIVE BREAD - Makes 2 round loaves

2 tablespoons dry traditional yeast 3 tablespoons sugar 3 cups lukewarm water (body temperature is perfect and will not damage the yeast) 5 to 5 1/2 cups bread flour - and a bit more for dusting 1 1/2 tablespoons sea salt 1 cup (or more if you're cheesy) sharp Cheddar, cut into small chunks 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh chives, or 2 tablespoons dried chives 1 tablespoon butter 1 - 2 tablespoons yellow cornmeal Add yeast and sugar to your bowl, or dough mixing/rising container. Pour in warm water and give a bit of a stir with a wooden spoon. Let rest for 5-10 minutes.

Add 5 cups of flour and the salt. Start mixing with a wooden spoon, use your hands as necessary to fully combine the dry and wet ingredients. Mixture should be very sticky. Stir in up to 1/2 cup more flour, if needed.

Toss in Cheddar cubes and chopped chives, and work into the dough to evenly distribute.

Cover dough with plastic wrap or container top and set in warm place to rise for at least 3 hours. After 3 hours place dough in the refrigerator overnight.

An hour or so before you are ready to bake, butter the bottom of an 11" x 17" baking tray and sprinkle with cornmeal.

Cut the dough into two halves, shaping each one roughly into a ball. Place on prepared baking sheet, inches apart, sprinkling generously with flour.

(You can also bake one at a time, saving the dough in the refrigerator for another day.)

Cover gently with a clean towel and let rest on a baking tray for 30-45 minutes. Right before placing in the oven score top of bread with an "x" or other decorative mark, cutting right through the dough.

Bake 30 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool 15 minutes before slicing. (If possible!)

Sprinkle some flour on the counter and your hands and plop the dough from the container onto the counter, coating in flour, a bit, so it's easier to work with. Cut the dough into two pieces and shape each half into a ball. No need to make it perfect, those tucks and ripples, make lovely crusty edges. Place each dough ball on baking tray, several inches apart. Sprinkle generously with flour.

(You can also bake one at a time, saving the dough in the refrigerator for another day.)

Cover loosely with kitchen towel and let rest, in a warm place for 30-45 minutes.

When ready to bake, place a metal baking pan on the bottom rack of the oven. Fill it with water. This helps steam the bread, giving it a nice crust. Preheat oven to 450F, the water will heat up during the preheat.

Right before placing in the preheated oven, score top of bread with an "x" or other decorative mark, cutting right through the dough.

Bake for 30 - 35 minutes until crust is toasty brown. Remove from oven and let cool 15 minutes before slicing. You're thinking of singing a rhapsody, aren't you?

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Mark Boogieman

Mark Campbell

Getting The News From Ottawa with Vassy Kapelos

Vassy Kapelos is the Parliamentary correspondent in Ottawa for Global National. Before getting the prestigious assignment she had worked at Global Edmonton. I remember when I was still at Global Lethbridge she had traveled here to do an important provincial story. Our newsroom asked her to come onto our set for our 6pm newscast. She obliged. I don’t remember specifically what the story was but what I do remember is that she had complete knowledge of the subject matter.

She needed no notes in the prompter and the report she gave was seamless. There were no ums or ahs, just a smooth, confident depiction of what was going on. I thought, “Wow, that’s how you do it.” When I heard she was promoted to Ottawa, I was not surprised in the least. She is a total pro. And on top of that, she’s super nice. In between her reports on the latest international trade agreement and listening to Celine Dion, (I’m not judging you Vassy) she answered these questions: When did you first realize that you had a passion for current affairs?

Because the audience is so much wider for our national newscast, it was much harder for me to get out of the local mindset and gear my stories for our audience.

How important is it to develop relationships with politicians who may one day trust you enough to give you an important story and how do you do it?

I’d say it’s probably the most important part of a gig on Parliament Hill – not just striking up relationships with politicians but everyone behind the scenes and bureaucrats. You never know where a story will come from and it’s always good to have a few trustworthy sources you can confirm tips/stories with (or find out if something isn’t true). A lot of the time, a relationship just breaks out naturally (I hit it off with someone I deal with on a daily basis) and other times I just have to cold call someone and ask them for coffee or a drink.

Have you developed a sense for finding a news story before it breaks or is it even possible to develop a skill like that?

Pretty much from birth! My parents met at a political convention and pretty much every Friday night I can remember our dinners involved talking about politics and what was going on in the world. I grew up reading three papers a day (all delivered to our house) and wouldn’t know it any other way.

You’ve worked provincially in Alberta and Saskatchewan, now nationally in Ottawa. Are there different dynamics between covering a province and a country?

Vassy Kapelos

Yes definitely different dynamics – I’d say especially in figuring out what I think will make a story interesting to our viewers, or how it applies to them. Covering the provincial beat was a bit easier because so many decisions made in provincial legislatures affect our lives – especially around health and education, infrastructure etc. Federal government decisions are harder to relate to – but the scandals (e.g. senate, sponsorship etc.) can be so much bigger. I also found my interests changed as I moved to the Ottawa beat – I love defence and security – two issues I would rarely if ever get to cover at the provincial level.

What was the main thing you had to learn after getting the Ottawa gig?

How to gear a story for a “national” audience. Everything at Global Edmonton/Global Saskatoon is hyper local – you’re always looking for a way to make your story relevant to people who watch the show.

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I wish I always had a sense, I’d never get scooped!

Haha. I think over the years I’ve developed the skills to find a story – whether it’s just from hearing people talk about something I wasn’t thinking about, or by filing freedom of information requests, or by nudging sources to give me a tip. Persistence, though, is key.

For every twenty-five sources and/or tips I file, I’ll probably get one or two stories.

Overall, what do you think about politicians?

I think the majority of them get into this for the right reasons, I’m definitely not on the cynical side of the discussion. They want to contribute to society, and affect positive change. That said, many are willingly by the party machine, where the end goal is simple: to win. I think we’re seeing a lot of this in the election, especially in the discussion about Canadian “values”.

Give me a one word answer to describe the following people: Stephen Harper. Smart.

Justin Trudeau. Passionate.

Thomas Mulcair. Sharp.

Gilles Duceppe. Friendly.

Elizabeth May. Genuine.

You reported on the deadly shooting in the Parliament. Take us through that day for you and do you feel safe today?

The day was awful for so many people. I heard my colleague scream as I was walking down the hallway of our office, which overlooks the War Memorial. Another colleague relayed to me that someone had been shot, and I literally grabbed my purse, got in the elevator and went on scene. This was within five minutes of Corporal Nathan Cirillo being shot. It was chaos on the ground as a photographer with Global joined me and we started interviewing witnesses and doing live hits. Basically the rest of the day was a blur, with police constantly moving the perimeter of the crime scene, and everyone holding their breath until word came the suspect was dead. I definitely feel safe today, though covering all the reviews that were done about what happened that day really highlights the lack of security on the Hill that day. The events of the day (and what happened earlier in the week in Quebec) really influenced my reporting this past year – no matter the debate around terrorism – it’s clear security is an issue being debated at the highest levels of government, but one that affects us here at home.

What do you think is the most contentious issue for Canadians in this election?

Though it doesn’t affect a lot of people (only a few women wanted to wear their niqabs during a citizenship ceremony) I think the niqab/Canadian values issue is pretty contentious. I’d have never imagined race, ethnicity or religion would play such a big role in this election, or any to be frank. Otherwise, I really feel like the economy is important to Canadians when they vote – and I don’t imagine that will change on October 19th.

Is there a sense on Parliament Hill that the Senate should go away?

I think there’s a general sense of frustration among Canadians and Parliamentarians, about what happened in the Senate over the past few years. That frustration is certainly heightened when the subject comes up in the news – the recent Mike Duffy trial is a good example. But I’d say during the year and a half I’ve been in Ottawa, I’ve also learned a lot from Senate committee meetings. They’re a great way to get answers from the government and stakeholders on big issues like the economy and security. A lot of the time, as a reporter, I wouldn’t have access to that information otherwise – so I see value in the Senate in some cases as well.

What story have you been most proud of in your career?

I think it’s a tie between one I did at Global Edmonton and one at Global National. In Edmonton I worked on a series called “Code Red”, which looked at the crisis facing Alberta’s ambulance system. At the time, it prompted a provincial review, though I wish more action had

been taken. Last year I worked on a series about eating disorders and the appalling lack of access to care in Canada. I hope our series helped educate Canadians about what eating disorders are (mental illness, not vanity) and how hard it is to get care.

Switching gears. Best Political movie ever.

Dave. But I love political TV more. West Wing and House of Cards Your top 5 albums of all time.

Oh man you are going to out my terrible taste. 1. Bruce Springsteen, Born to Run. 2. U2, Joshua Tree. 3. Celine Dion, Let’s Talk About Love. 4. Celine Dion, These are the Special Times. 5.Mariah Carey Music Box.

Have you ever had anyone come up to you and say, “I loved you in Pitch Perfect?” (Because you look like Anna Kendrick) Haha, just one person – Shane Jones (formerly of Global Edmonton).

I think she’s the (much) smaller, better looking version of me! Ha! Is international reporter on your radar?

Definitely. I hope to keep advancing and reporting from different places (if I’m lucky enough to!).

What’s the best advice you could give to someone wanting to do what you do?

Don’t listen to everyone saying journalism is dead. It’s not easy, the industry is suffering – but this is the best job in the world. I get to try and hold decision-makers accountable, I get to see the world and I get a front row seat to history –I feel really lucky.

Your thoughts on what happened to the PCs in Alberta.

Oh boy where do I begin? Unlike some of my colleagues I wasn’t privy to the decades of PC rule, I arrived in 2010 as the contest to elect a new leader for the party was getting underway. I think a whole lot of things happened – but mostly, I just think most dynasties run their course, and this one just ran its course. There are plenty of great people involved in the PC Party, but forty years in power breeds a certain attitude of entitlement and that attitude just isn’t – in my opinion – shared by Albertans.

And the Million Dollar question…Who will win the federal election?

Conservative minority. I’m probably going to be wrong but that’s my guess two weeks out!

*The election ended with a surprising Liberal majority win

Quirk - 27

Massage Therapy training at Lethbridge College: hands-on learning at its best Written & Photos by Lethbridge College

“Our program makes a point of integrating all aspects and skills of the profession into the students’ clinical experience.”

Students in Lethbridge College’s Massage Therapy program don’t just learn about the theories and science of their profession. They also get ample opportunities to put those theories into practice with the best of all hands-on experiences – massages.

Whether it’s at the massage therapy clinic on campus or at community events throughout the year, students learn how to maintain the wellbeing of their clients by treating the body’s soft tissues and joints with physiological and anatomical expertise.

In March, the massage therapy students participated in Project Connect, a one-day opportunity to deliver services to people in the community who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The twice-year event provides access to a variety of support services, from employment services and counselling to haircuts, footcare and, thanks to the college students, massage therapy.

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The massage therapy students were also on hand to provide before- and after-race massages at the Kodiaks Ten Mile Road Race in April. “These community experiences are an important part of the learning process for our students,” says Judy Long, program chair. “They get to see some of the diverse settings and ways they can build a career as a massage therapist, while giving something back to the community.”

Students who complete the program go on to work in massage clinics, sports medicine clinics, private health care facilities and spas. Madison Stork is busy at the job of her dreams at one of those settings, working as a massage therapist at one of Calgary’s three Santé Spas for more than two years. She says she loves what she does and that her training at Lethbridge College prepared her well for her career.

“Coming out of the massage therapy program I felt confident in the knowledge and skills I attained from the program to be successful in the industry,” she says. “All of the instructors are very knowledgeable about the course material and the industry. Class sizes are small and students get a lot of one-on-one time with the instructor during classes and get to build personal relationships.”

Stork’s successful transition from student to professional is typical of graduates of the Massage Therapy diploma program at Lethbridge College – a program that provides training that is truly hands-on. There is an almost one-on-one classroom experience focusing on the technical aspects of human anatomy as well as courses in business practices and ethical behaviour. Students spend about a third of the two-year program practicing what they learn in the college’s on-site massage clinic or with one of several local massage therapy clinics.

“Our program makes a point of integrating all aspects and skills of the profession into the students’ clinical experience,” says instructor Rosemary Shannon, who has taught Massage Therapy at Lethbridge College since 1999. “So students not only give massages, but they also use scheduling software and do the bookkeeping. We want our clinic to replicate what happens in the industry.”

And the students are sought after because of experiences like these.

“For the last three years, we have had more requests for our graduates than we have had graduates to place,” Shannon says. “We are getting requests from all areas – spas, massage therapy clinics, chiropractic offices and physiotherapy clinics, from all over Canada.”

Long says the program is in great demand, and she credits much of that demand to an up-to-date curriculum. “We continuously and rigorously review the program to make sure our students are being trained in the most up-to-date manner,” says Long.

The students and graduates rave about the curriculum and especially their instructors. “I have always been interested in manual therapies and manual healing techniques,” says Alana Weber, a recent Massage Therapy graduate who is now working in a physiotherapy clinic in Saskatchewan. “I needed a change and took a risk, even though I had never been to Lethbridge before starting college. The massage instructors are top notch. They have the personal experience necessary to give perspective and instruction.”

Once students complete the program, they are quickly hired at massage clinics, sports medicine clinics, spas and hospitals in Lethbridge and beyond. Several Lethbridge College grads were hired in the last two years at Pure Integrity Massage Therapy in Lethbridge. Owner Lindsay Anctil says “The graduates I hire from Lethbridge College are all very highly trained. The two-year massage therapy program teaches them the knowledge they need to succeed in the work environment. All of the grads are very knowledgeable in anatomy, physiology, clinical practice, and a bit of the business background.”

Anctil adds that she appreciates that the graduates have had to complete a thorough clinical practicum before they graduate which gives them the hands-on experience they need to provide massage therapy to all types of clients. Others graduates have been hired at clinics and spas throughout Canada, including the Delta Lodge in Kananaskis and the Santé Spa in Calgary, and employers say they quickly become valued colleagues.

“The graduates of the Massage Therapy program at Lethbridge College that we hired to work at The Spa Ritual and Santé Spa have received great hands on training and experience from their instructors,” says Shauna Walker, owner and spa director at The Spa Ritual. “Their skill, passion for helping people, eagerness to learn and care for our guests have made them valued colleagues who will grow with our company. These students are great ambassadors not only of the program at Lethbridge College, but of our spas and the quality of the services we offer."

For more information about Lethbridge College’s Massage Therapy program or graduates, call 403-320-3211, email massagetherapy@lethbridgecollege.ca, or go to lethbridgecollege.ca/massagetherapy.

MASSAGE THERAPY CLINIC

(Sept. 15 – Dec. 5; closed over Christmas; open Jan. 12 - April 2; closed for summer) Students work at this hands-on clinic on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings and all day on Saturdays throughout the academic year. The clinic is open to the public. The cost is $30 for a 1 hour massage and $20 for a half-hour massage.

For more information or to book an appointment, email the clinic at massagetherapy@lethbridgecollege.ca or call 403-329-7274.

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FEEDING FRENZY: understanding the front lines of food addiction

by Christina Scott

Elizabeth is an addict.

Throughout her life, she admits to exhibiting the common behaviours we often know are associated with substance abuse: dependence, isolation, withdrawal, lack of self-control, and secrecy. Because of shows such as “Intervention”, the realities of addiction and the people who suffer from them are in the spotlight more than ever before, showcasing dependencies on pills, gambling, alcohol, cocaine and heroin.

For Elizabeth, however, her struggle is with none of these things. Her struggle is with something that most people wouldn’t even consider dangerous, something primary to human survival: Elizabeth is addicted to food.

A food addict is someone who has an unhealthy relationship with food.

This definition covers those who are obese, underweight, bulimic, or those who are so obsessed with food or weight that living a normal life becomes impossible. Two food addicts are profiled in this article. Names have been changed to preserve anonymity.

Food addicts can exhibit some of the following behaviours: eating when they’re not hungry, eating in secret, stealing food and constant dieting and exercising.

Elizabeth’s story begins as a child, growing up in an alcoholic home filled with turmoil. She developed abandonment issues, causing her to become extremely insecure. She says this “set her up” to become vulnerable to addiction. Like the environment she grew up in, she first developed a dependency on alcohol. Later in life, she would overcome this addiction through the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous.

However, as a newly-married 20-something, Elizabeth also developed another addiction to food after quitting smoking.

“The [addiction] is the symptom,” says Elizabeth. “What we’re really struggling with is how to deal with life. I didn’t know what to do in many life situations, so I turned to a substance.”

Quirk - 30

Elizabeth tried to control her weight through bulimia and excessive exercise, swimming a mile before work each day and attending two highlevel aerobics classes after work. She says despite this, she would lose all control when she returned home that evening where she would binge on food.

“I’d end up going to bed bloated and just feeling horrible,” she says. “I’d wake up in the morning and my first conscious thought would be selfhatred.”

Regardless, all Elizabeth could focus on was trying to access and consume unhealthy quantities of food.

“This was something that I was completely and utterly obsessed with. I would make excuses for why I didn’t want to go to family outings just so I could stay home and eat.”

She says despite the enormous role food played in her life, she managed to hide her addiction from those she loved.

“No one knew… this was a huge secret to most people,” she says. “I just told people what they needed to hear. I would say, ‘Oh I’m just a very fit person’ so that kind of covered all of the exercising I was doing.

“Even my husband had no idea the terror and the horror of the life that I was living because I didn’t feel anyone would understand.”

Joseph, also a food addict, had spent much of his life feeling the same way. Struggling with obesity since age five, his dependency began early as a way to fill an emotional void. He would spend the next 40 years at between 300 and 400 pounds, eating whenever he could; indulging in his car, eating after his wife went to bed and even stealing food.

Both parties say their addictions affected their relationships with their families.

“Just being so numbed out on the food, I emotionally abandoned my

“When a person shares their story, they’re touching my story, my pain.

I had hope in this program that I never had in any diet program.”

children,” Elizabeth says. “When I think back on different situations, I could probably tell you which food was served at what event, but could I tell you what was going on for some of the people around me even though I loved them? No, I couldn’t, because it wasn’t a part of what I was focused on.”

“I lived in the pain of my addiction my whole life,” says Joseph. “I never saw my own emotional lack of presence to my family. I knew I was there physically for my kids as much as I could be when I had energy to play with them, but I never saw the fact that I wasn’t emotionally present to see what they’re going through.”

Like Elizabeth, he tried many diet groups and programs. After continually failing, he knew he needed help from an alternative source.

“I didn’t want to go back to any group where there was a scale because I know how destructive the scale had been in my life,” he said. “I measured myself and my worth based on what the scale said when I was dieting. If it was good news, I would feel good, if it was bad news, I would feel bad.”

Both Elizabeth and Joseph have discovered a solution for their addiction through Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA). FA is a program based on the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Membership is international, with meetings held in the U.S., Australia, Canada, Germany, and England. According to the 2009 census, total FA membership is just over 4,000. According to a 2011 survey conducted by the organization, approximately four per cent are Canadian. The chapter in Lethbridge has been active for 18 years, allowing addicts to come to weekly meetings and share their feelings. Meetings are free to attend with no obligation.

At 57, Joseph tried the program after seeing a notice in the newspaper.

Elizabeth heard about the program through a friend.

“It was only within the rooms of FA that I’d been really able to start getting honest about what I was doing with food and how it made me feel,” says Elizabeth.

“FA offered me the support, and it offered me a program of recovery that I could follow.”

Joseph agrees and says attending his first meeting was a completely eyeopening experience.

“What I heard at that meeting I had never heard in 40-some years of dieting,” he says. “When a person shares their story, they’re touching my story, my pain. I had hope in this program that I never had in any diet program.”

The program helps food addicts overcome their addiction by “abstaining” from food. This means cutting out any foods that contain flour and sugar, as these elements can contribute to uncontrollable cravings. This also means having only three carefully weighed and measured meals a day with no eating in between.

FA, like AA, pairs people with sponsors who provide support and guidance in the meal planning process. Addicts are asked to speak to their sponsor each morning and “commit” the food they are going to have each day.

“Once I’ve committed my food, it makes it easier for me to follow that because I’m being honest with my sponsor,” says Joseph. “For any kind of an addict, dishonesty is one of their greatest defects. Committing the food to the sponsor is you getting honest about the drug.”

Unlike alcohol or other substances, food addictions can be challenging because we require food to live.

“We take the tiger out of the cage three times a day, and an alcoholic doesn’t have to do that,” says Elizabeth, adding this is why the program needs to be so strict.

“I still have a distortion around food,” she says. “I still need that accountability where the food plan that I have helps me to stick to what’s normal.”

Tasks like grocery shopping and attending public events become much simpler once clear guidelines are established.

We eat, very simply, three nutritious meals a day,” adds Joseph. The shopping becomes simple because I can go around the outside of the store and there are rows and rows of food I don’t have to look at.”

He adds once he has committed the food to his sponsor, attending a public function with many foods is no longer an issue.

“I have to look at it as, ‘that’s not my food today’. I’m so excited with what’s positive in my life already that every social event becomes about the people or occasion, not about the food.”

Both say while awareness is growing, food addiction is still misunderstood.

“At one time, I think it would have been easier for people to understand if I had declared I was a heroin addict,” says Elizabeth. “I mean, who becomes addicted to food? To me that was just such a shameful thing because I wanted everyone to see me as an intellectual individual that could run her life without any problems. To actually admit to the world, to the public, to normal people, that I had a food addiction was something that I wasn’t prepared to do.”

Joseph says the knowledge of food addiction is extending to doctors and other health professionals, who are amazed at the results.

“It’s so exciting when members share what’s happening to them medically that they can drop more and more of their medication,” says Joseph, who has been free of blood pressure medication for more than 20 years.

“This program has allowed me to put clean, crisp boundaries around my food and it’s allowed me to live the rest of my life in freedom,” adds Elizabeth.

FA meets Monday and Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in the parkade meeting room of the Chinook Regional Hospital.

To find out more, call 403-320-2075 or visit www.foodaddicts.org.

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Qu rk Restaurant Gu de i

Eat-In & Take-Out Lunch Combos Gluten Free Ramen Noodles Tapas Sushi & More

511- 4th Ave. S. Lethbridge

403-942-7955

Hours: Lunch 11:30 am - 2:00 pm Dinner 4:30 pm - 8:30 pm • Saturday & Sunday Brunch Menu all day • Friday and Saturday chef "locavore" menu

Supporting the community by: • Purchasing food from local farmers and producers • Hiring apprentices from the Lethbridge culinary program • Supporting local musicians mochacabana@shawbiz.ca

403-329-6243

www.mochacabana.ca mocha.cabana1

Bread & Pizza Dough Hand Made Fresh Daily Gluten-Free Crust Available Caesar & House Salad Dressing Created In House Lunch Specials

1101 - 4th Avenue South

403-327-1952 Monday - Thursday 11 am - Midnight Friday & Saturday 11 am - 1 am Sunday & Holidays 4 pm - 11 pm

www.top-pizza.com

Dine-In, Pick-Up & Delivery

i

Since 2001

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

113 - 13 Street North 403-380-4922 www.petcitycanada.com

THE

• Experienced • Knowledgeable • Caring • Trustworthy

PET PHOTO

CONTEST Winning Photo

Winston & Mindy at nap time Submitted by Leanne Ambrus Bi-monthly winner will be published in Quirk Magazine and receive a gift certificate from Photos must be original, caption and contact information of photographer provided.

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

email your photos to: info@readquirk.com

January Edition Entry Deadline November 30, 2015 Quirk - 33

LESSONS I’VE LEARNED FROM MY DOGS By Jean Van Kleek Shani and Bella both love to socialize with people. They each have different, albeit often embarrassing ways of going about it. Bella, the drama queen, will squeal, howl and bark as she nears the doggie daycare, letting her dog friends know she is there. She does this too if she sees anyone in sight that she knows, or thinks she ought to know. Shani is less vocal with her greetings. What she will do when she sees someone she likes, is tuck her head through their legs, burrowing her substantial needle nose out the other side, and stay there.

Understandably, not everyone is receptive to this. Regardless of how the dogs choose to share their hellos, the one thing I’ve noticed is that it makes people happy; people who were previously strangers. I’ve learned from the dogs that it only takes a moment to smile and “see” a stranger. Often it can be this connection that turns a person’s day around; Bella sometimes even their life. So smile, and don’t be afraid to be silly, life is too short to keep Shani smiles inside.

Photo: Chris Yauck

Bella

Shani

Photo: Chris Yauck

A cookie so festive! I use a food processor to mince all ingredients.

Easy to make! Soft yet meaty, all ingredients beneficial to your canine friends!

The cinnamon will perfume your kitchen and make your dogs wag and wait patiently.

The red pepper gives Christmas looking speckles to the cookies!

4 eggs beaten. I use only free range 3 cups quick oats 1/2 cup ground flaxseed 2 tablespoons coconut or olive oil MIX WELL ADD 3 cups minced cooked turkey. Skin and fat removed 2 1/2 cups cooked yams. Mashed, skin on 1 cup mashed potatoes. Skin on is fine. No salt 1 cup celery. Leaves removed. Raw, minced 1 red apple (no crab apples) seeds and core removed, skin on.

1/2 red bell pepper. Seeds removed, minced 2 cups raw minced broccoli crowns 2 tablespoons or a bit more ground cinnamon.

Mix all ingredients well. I use disposable gloves. Add cookie mix to a large cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Squish down to an inch in height. I like to score it with my favourite dull paring knife!!

Takes longer to bake than I thought. 350 F for one hour plus. You will know!! Just press and guess! I do!

Happy to be a part of Quirk since the beginning and as we head into our 5th year, continue to share my recipes with our canine friends. Thanks to readers for your feedback. I enjoy hearing about how your pets love these healthy treats!

Michelle Zandstra Quirk - 34

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

“Thank You!” Paws to say

One of the pleasures of publishing Quirk Magazine is the interaction we receive from readers. In this case, two very talented local artists took the time and considerable effort to surprise me with paintings of my dogs, who are featured each issue in “Lessons From my Dogs”.

I’d like to use this space to personally thank them both, and to share their talent with you all.

Thank you, Lynne Dewhirst and Hans Bekkering for your wonderful work!

Lynne Dewhirst

Jean Van Kleek

Hans Bekkering

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 Homes Alive Pet Centre, 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

Cinnamon Oramge Tabby Female (DOB Mid Oct 2014)

Cinnamon is a playful and affectionate little girl! She gets along well with other cats and with people too. Cinnamon and her sister came to the Humane Society in October of 2014 when she was very young. She required some TLC in the beginning but is doing well now.

Cinnamon is absolutely adorable and will make a wonderful family pet!

Ripley Black and White Tuxedo Male (DOB April 2013)

Ripley is an absolutely gorgeous tuxedo with beautiful big enchanting eyes!

He’s quite shy but getting braver. Ripley doesn’t play much yet, he mostly likes to watch. He lets the volunteers know when he’s hungry though and is a pushover for canned food! Ripley likes to explore until he’s confident of his surroundings, otherwise he’ll just “peek” at you. He’s going to make a great friend for a family, we’re not sure yet whether he is comfortable with young children though.

Marli Male

Marli is a mature cat – about 6 years old – and a Big Boy! He came to the Humane Society when his owners could no longer care for him. Marli likes to lounge in comfy places, and requires just short bouts of attention! He would like a home where he could be an ‘only’ cat, and have his people to himself!

Bubbles Male

My name is Bubbles. I was a happy go lucky cat living in a nice home when my human lost her job and could no longer take care of me. When I came to the Humane Society I also had a sore swollen foot but with some excellent vet care I am all healed. I am a very nice cat and would make a wonderful addition to anyone’s family.

I did share a home with other cats before as well.

Paige Female

Paige is a soft tortie believed to have been born in October of 2011. She was found out on her own and was not happy about it. She is very happy to be in a safe indoor place. Paige is very outgoing calm cat that enjoys playing with her roommates. She is a loving cat who would make a great pet for a new family.

0liver

Black Male

Oliver is a good looking and charming young man who proves that black is beautiful! He was born in August of 2013. Oliver is active and energetic and likes attention. He isn’t really a “lap cat” however but likes to play and explore.

Oliver would be a great addition for a new family.

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