Quirk Magazine

ns de MAGAZINE

Volume 12 • Issue 1 April - May 2022

spriNGtime Growing, your Way

histOry OF lethbridGe From then to Now

AmmOlite Official Gemstone of Alberta

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The Fête Franco-Albertaine

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EMDR Therapy

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This summer enjoy the festival many will be talking about with fun, frivolity and a new marketplace

Curtis Goodman shares the importance of nest box habitat for Mountain Bluebirds

Mountain Bluebirds

A fascinating modality to assist in treatment of mental health and wellness

Spring Renewal

Trevor Potter, Minister of McKillop United Church, provides us another inspiring installment

with his thoughts on Spring, rejuvenation and renewal

Ammolite

The Government of Alberta designates Ammolite as the official gemstone of Alberta

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From The Publisher Welcome to Spring, the time of renewal and new beginnings. Let’s hope it’s a time that covid Jean Van Kleek Photo: Thomas Porter becomes something we can look at in the rear view mirror and that there will be an end soon to the war in Ukraine. Sometimes it’s hard to stay positive given the challenges we face, but I believe if we take care of the little things, the things we have control of, and stay kind to each other, it can help make a huge difference. We are all in this together, and together we remain strong. We are very fortunate to live in a community that is supportive of each other with people who step up to help their neighbor when needed.

This edition of Quirk, Trevor Potter, Minister of McKillop United Church, contributes his thoughts on Spring and how it is a time of renewal and rejuvenation. We always look forward to Trevor’s insightful thoughts on life.

Curtis Goodman, of the Helen Schuler Nature Centre talks to us about the Mountain Bluebirds.

We also have an article on the Fête Franco-Albertaine Festival being hosted this Summer at the David Thompson Resort. They are excited to announce that this year the festival will include an outdoor craft market. The annual event promises to a good time for both Fracophones and their English speaking friends.

Ryan Uytdewilligen, local author and script writer, launched his new book called “The History of Lethbridge”. In it, Ryan provides a snapshot of how geographical and historical events shaped our city. It’s a fascinating look at how our area became inhabited and it’s progression into the cultural centre it is today.

This March, the Government of Alberta declared Ammolite as the official gemstone of the province. Ammolite is a beautiful gem that is admired worldwide. Blue Zone ammolite, the most desirable and rare, can only be found in Southwest Alberta. We share a little of it’s history with you here.

Hope you enjoy this edition of Quirk as much as we enjoy bringing it to you!

Volume 12 • Issue 1 • April - May 2022

www.quirkmagazine.net ISSN 1929-2112

Published bi-monthly in Lethbridge by

SHABELLA PUBLISHING

807 8th Ave. S Lethbridge T1J 1P1 403.382.7240 Printed by Warwick Printing Lethbridge, AB. Publisher Jean Van Kleek info@quirkmagazine.net Design & Layout UniVerse Graphics Writers Trevor Potter Jean Van Kleek Michelle Zandstra Thomas Porter Photographers Thomas Porter Jean Van Kleek Cover Photo Courtesy Jeff Hinman Photography To view Jeff’s work or order prints: www.jeffhinmanprints.com or visit his gallery by appointment 403.634.6120 General Inquiries info@quirkmagazine.net Advertising Inquiries info@quirkmagazine.net 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 only and may not be appropriate or correct outside of Canada.

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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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Restaurant Guide

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Adorable Adoptables

Lessons I’ve Learned From my Dogs/Dog Recipe

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MONEY MATTERS

Spring into Financial Success: A Pandemic, a Plan, & a Perspective

Spring is often associated with renewed feelings of hope and fresh perspectives. However, heading into Spring after such a tumultuous year has probably left you feeling anything but. While the end of this pandemic might still seem far off, now is the best time to start planning for your financial future post-pandemic and get your finances back on track!

To help you spring into this new season with newfound motivation, our counsellors have put together a 5-step action plan for you to start today:

Step #1: Gather your financial information

As they say, how can you determine your next steps if you don’t know where you’re at? Before you can make a post-pandemic financial plan, you need to take stock of where your finances are currently at and get organized. Pull this past year’s bank statements, bills, etc. to get an accurate picture of your money. What have you been or not been

spending money on this past year that is different from years before?

How do you expect this to change this year?

Step #2: Review your budget

With your financial information in hand, it’s time to take a look at your current budget―if you have one! Does your budget reflect your current financial situation? Your budget should be flexible and be reviewed and revised regularly. If your budget is too restrictive and it’s making you feel worse about your financial future than better, it’s not the right budget! And if you don’t have a budget yet, now is the time to create one.

Step #3: Call Money Mentors

Now that you have a fairly accurate portrayal of your finances, it’s time to give us a call. Our accredited, approachable counsellors are here to provide money coaching and credit counselling to Albertans in person, over the phone or virtually. Together, we’ll go over your financial information, current budget, and financial goals to help you devise a new budget that works with your current financial situation and future goals.

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www.moneymentors.ca

Step #4: Weigh your options

Your financial situation might be better or worse than you originally thought. Whatever situation you’re in right now, it will be okay! If you have debts that feel overwhelming to you, there are options. You can choose to pay them off yourself or through debt consolidation, like the federally legislated Orderly Payment of Debts (OPD) program.

Step #5: Small financial goals

Sometimes financial goals can feel scary, so break them down. What’s the next little step you can take to start your post-pandemic financial plan? Just opening up about your finances and talking to a Money Mentors counsellor is a huge first step, so pat yourself on the back!

Break your financial plan and goals into smaller, actionable steps and then work on them one step at a time. You’ll feel less overwhelmed and be able to see your tremendous progress that much easier.

Bonus step: Hope for the best, plan for the worst and start an emergency fund Sure, we might not have another global pandemic like COVID-19 anytime soon, but it’s likely another financial crisis will occur again.

Whatever crisis comes next, make sure you’re prepared. Keep growing your emergency fund and take advantage of other ways to save, too― like RRSPs, TFSAs, employee programs, etc.

The important thing to remember is that you’re not alone. Whatever you are feeling right now is valid. Financial stress happens to us all and at different stages in life, not just COVID-19.

Here are some things you can do to help manage your financial stress:

1. Keep it in perspective

What’s the worst-case scenario in your mind? Remind yourself that most worst-case scenarios never happen, and even if they do, there is always a solution.

2. Practice gratitude

This past year has brought a lot of heartache for us all, so let’s rework your mindset and think about all the joys it has brought, too. How has this past year brightened your life? And in what ways do you plan on incorporating some of these parts into your life post-pandemic?

3. Talk to a healthcare professional

It’s okay if you can’t find a way to manage your stress alone. That’s what doctors and mental health professionals are for! Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your options or make an appointment with a mental health professional to discuss your feelings and work on coping skills.

Remember: A year after a forest fire, the forest regenerates. And so shall you.

We help Albertans get out of debt everyday.

For info visit: moneymentors.ca or call toll-free: 1-888-294-0076

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Setting the Stage to

Se Your Home

Selling a home is often an overwhelming and stressful time in our lives.

Whatever the reason for selling, it involves change. And change can be difficult even when it is exciting. There are so many moving parts involved in the sale. The legalities, the listing, the timing, the new location, the financing, all while trying to maintain your normal day to day life.

Once you have the initial pieces in place, one of the most important and often overlooked aspects of getting ready to show your home to potential buyers is staging. We all understand that our house should be tidied before a showing, but how does it really look? How does it appear to someone who has never come to visit you… someone who is searching for a new place to call home?

Your home may be in a good area, priced right and a great overall value, but there is always competition. How people feel when they come in the door can be the deciding factor in choosing to buy your home over the others they have seen.

Below are some basic tips to think about when preparing your home for viewing: Grab them from the curb! Everyone knows you have only one chance to make a first impression. Make sure your front gardens are weeded and neat. Update your mailbox and house numbers and freshen up the front door with a new paint colour.

Make it sparkle! Nothing is more inviting than a clean home. When the mirrors sparkle and there isn’t a dust bunny to be found, buyers get the impression that this is a well-cared for home. And NOTHING beats a clean smelling home – no need for scented candles and fresh baking – just fresh clean smell.

Turn up the light! Light neutral colours can make spaces appear big and new. Ensure all the lightbulbs are working and open those blinds and curtains to let the sunshine in.

Depersonalize! It’s difficult for buyers to get a look at the actual property if there is too much stuff. Minimize knick-knacks and photos and collectibles.

Make repairs! The longer your to-do list is, the shorter your house will stay on the buyers list. Do those small jobs done BEFORE you list.

Apply a fresh coat of paint! This is your best bang for your buck!

A fresh coat of light and neutral paint does wonders.

Spring for new light fixtures! It doesn’t take long for light fixtures to go out of style and make your home look old and tired. Installing new light fixtures in key areas instantly updates your home.

Hiring a reputable company to stage your home is similar to enlisting the help of a counsellor for your relationship. Sometimes you need the guidance of a professional who can see things more clearly from the outside in an unbiased way. While some of your knick-knacks may be precious to you, they may look like clutter to someone trying to envision their own things in your house. That old recliner may have belonged to grandpa and have sentimental meaning to you, but for now, you may want to store it. Let’s face it, sometimes we’re too close to things to see them objectively. A professional stager will assist you in letting go of the attachment you have to your “stuff” while creating a fresh, inviting environment to reach the highest amount of potential buyers in the shortest length of time. A professional stager is up to date on current trends, knows the market, understands your target buyer and will coordinate the entire process to showcase your home, while highlighting aspects that makes it unique. Hiring a professional to stage your home is a sound investment that provides a greater chance of a better closing offer.

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www.stageright1.ca (403) 360-7909 Quirk - 11

THE FÊTE FRANCO-ALBERTAINE Three Days…

One Unique Opportunity!

Summer is just around the corner. And a sure sign of Summer is the excitement around upcoming festivals. Since 1989, The Fête FrancoAlbertaine has been a source of fun and inspiration for thousands of French and English speaking visitors. It never disappoints. The weekend hosts several workshops, sports activities, crafts and contests along with much music and nightly bonfires.

The Fête showcases the francophone artistic vitality of Alberta and Canada, bringing together Francophones and Francophiles and creating inter-community links. The festival is held over three days and will once again be held in the beautiful, majestic setting of the Canadian Rockies at the David Thompson Resort near Nordegg.

The festival gives everyone an opportunity to take a well-deserved break, build relationships and create memories that last for years.

Following a virtual festival in 2021, this year the festival is back in full force with an even more refreshing program and a very special novelty: the Albertan Francophone Market. For the first time, festival-goers will have the chance to discover local entrepreneurs, artisans and creators who want to share their passion. Open on July 8 and 9 from 10 am to 3 pm, the Albertan Francophone Market will

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feature some twenty exhibitors from across the province. It will be the perfect time to buy exclusive goods for yourself or to please your loved ones. Visitors will be encouraged to bring cash for logistical reasons.

For young and old alike, there is plenty to celebrate in French, the language that distinguishes us and unites us at the same time. This funfilled weekend of family camping and community will be one to be remembered.

Register now for The Fête…

Bring Your Family & Friends!

LINKS Registration and additional info: https://fetefrancoalbertaine.ca Facebook: www.facebook.com/Fetefrancoalbertaine Instagram: www.instagram.com/fetefranco/ Twitter: //fetefrancoalbertaine.ca TikTok (new): //www.tiktok.com/@fetefrancoab

David Thompson Resort

Gribbet, mascot Fête

Mountain Bluebirds, the Ideal Neighbour

Photo by Wayne Dwornik

Writer: Curtis Goodman,member of Mountain Bluebird Trails Conservation Society

Mountain Bluebirds are great neighbours! The return of their bright blue feathers are a welcome sign of spring. In Southern Alberta they are usually migrating back by mid-March, traveling in flocks of up to 50 birds or more. When they are perched on a fence line they look like brilliant cerulean-blue jewels.

The Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides) is a medium-sized bird, similar to a Robin as a member of the Thrush family. Adult males have thin bills and are bright turquoise-blue and somewhat lighter underneath.

Adult females have duller blue wings and tail, grey breast, grey crown, throat and back.

Providing nest box habitat for Mountain Bluebirds has been an important part of the work of the Mountain Bluebird Trails Conservation Society (MBTCS) for the past 48 years. MBTCS members are passionate about studying, conserving, and restoring the natural range of Mountain Bluebirds across Southern Alberta; they are members of one of many bluebird-focused organizations across North America.

The presence of bluebirds are an absolute delight!

Bluebirds provide natural pest control. They are insectivorous - which means they love to eat Coleopterans (beetles), Orthopterans (grasshoppers, crickets), Arachnids (spiders), and Lepidopterans (primarily caterpillars), and other insects. They prefer habitat that is sparsely treed grasslands with suitable cavity nest locations.

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Male (left) and female (right) Mountain Bluebirds provide excellent bug control. Photo by Lily Lai

Nest boxes designed for Mountain Bluebirds are excellent additions to farm fence lines. Males will arrive first to establish territory and prepare to attract a mate through beautiful birdsong and exuberant flight displays that may last hours. Females who find a suitable mate will then help to establish the nest. Together they will raise up to two broods with up to nine eggs in each clutch. The pair will work throughout the spring and summer to meet the voracious appetite of their growing family.

Nest boxes provide valuable cavity nest habitat for Mountain Bluebirds.

Photo by Raymond Huel

“Nest boxes designed for Mountain Bluebirds are excellent additions to farm fence lines.”

Some of our best nest boxes have had decades of use. A quality built nest box will last a long time with the right annual maintenance. The hole is a crucial design aspect, one of many considerations needed for construction of a Mountain Bluebird nest box. The hole should be exactly 1 9/16“ in diameter. Once built, depending on your location, nest boxes are best spaced at least 250 metres apart.

Ideal placement is next to native grassland, pasture, or mowed lawns.

Avoid areas close to buildings or fields that are sprayed with pesticides and herbicides. Boxes should not be placed near farmsteads where bluebirds could become prey to cats. The nest box opening should be placed away from the prevailing winds. Nearby fences, trees, and bushes provide the birds with perching sites and important cover for the young when they fledge.

For the 110+ Trail Monitors who volunteer as part of the Mountain Bluebirds Trails Conservation Society, they help to maintain a network of 2,700+ nest boxes across Southern Alberta. They have helped to reverse the decline of Mountain Bluebirds since 1974 and the results have been encouraging.

Bird banding programs suggest that successful breeding bluebirds will return to the same area or nest site each year. Trail Monitors have a great opportunity to get to know their neighbours through regular biweekly inspection of the nest boxes from March through August. It is a great experience for families to work together and witness the cycle of life while also contributing to conservation. Watching eggs appear and develop into nestlings and fledglings is truly a delight for anyone.

Of course, bi-weekly checks are not required, as the bluebirds are selfsufficient outside of bi-annual nest box clean-outs in early February and late August. The natural pest control they offer is a real bonus in return!

Want to take action to help the Bluebirds?

Make a charitable donation to support our efforts; add 20% to your taxdeductible donation with ATB Cares! 100% of donations go directly to bluebird nesting habitat enhancement across Southern Alberta.

We encourage you to get involved as a member - you can sign up to receive our bi-annual newsletter, or you can register as a Trail Monitor to get involved in the work of nest box placement, maintenance, and restoration.

President Jim Leitch at the Annual Spring Orientation in June 2021.

Photo by Joe Michielsen

MBTCS is also always in need of assistance with building nest boxes.

This is the perfect high school shop class or service club project.

If you are interested in learning more about Mountain Bluebird Trails Conservation Society, plan to attend the annual Spring Orientation on the first Saturday of June. This is a great opportunity to meet other members, ask questions, and share experiences with bluebird nest boxes.

We can offer support in maintaining a healthy and productive Mountain Bluebird Trail. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to learn more and do their part for our wonderful bluebird neighbours!

Check out our website BluebirdTrails.org for information that will help you establish your own Bluebird Trail - from blueprints to the best recommendations based on the results of four decades of tried and true experience. Join our newsletter mailing list to stay informed.

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EMDR Therapy Keeping an Eye on Your Mental Health

EMDR is a therapy that helps the brain process and release traumatic memories in an unusual way — through a process in which a trained clinician will guide you through a number of steps which includes bilateral stimulation. If you’ve experienced trauma, you’ll know just how much of a hold it can have over you. Intense dreams, flashbacks, and anxiety-induced isolation can bring daily life to a halt. Sometimes, it can be a challenge to leave your home at all.

While traditional talk therapy and medications are the main treatments for post-traumatic stress, you might be wondering what other options are out there.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy was developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987 to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). EMDR uses eye movements (or sometimes rhythmic tapping or tones) to change the way a memory is stored in the brain, allowing you to process it.

This therapy aims to help you work through painful memories with your body’s natural functions to recover from the effects of trauma.

How does EMDR therapy work?

This therapy is based on the theory that traumatic events aren’t properly processed in the brain when they happen. This is why they continue to affect us — with nightmares, flashbacks, and feelings of the trauma happening again — long after the actual trauma is over.

When something reminds you of the trauma, your brain and body react as though it’s happening again. The brain isn’t able to tell the difference between the past and the present. For many people, the memories can feel as intense as though they were happening all over again.

This therapy aims to change the way the traumatic memories are stored in your brain. Once your brain properly re-processes the memory, you should be able to remember the traumatic events without experiencing the intense, emotional reactions that characterize post-traumatic stress.

As with any therapy, it is important to find a clinician that you feel comfortable with and trust. Although EMDR may benefit a number of people, it may not be suited to everyone, and it is important to have a conversation with your clinician about the risks and benefits as well as your suitability for the approach.

Who can benefit from EMDR?

Much of the research involving EMDR therapy is on its use in working with trauma and treating PTSD.

A mental health professional may also recommend this therapy for: • anxiety • panic attacks • depression • phobias • bipolar disorder • dissociative disorder • recovering from grief • eating disorders • pain management • personality disorders • stress • performance anxiety • sleep disturbances • substance use disorder or addiction

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Spring A Time of

New Beginnings Written by: Trevor Potter “There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature – the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.”

-Rachel Carson, The Sense of Wonder

It is always with great expectation that I look forward to spring after a long winter. Suddenly, one day, we feel a shift in the energy from rest and hibernation to movement and verdancy. We get an itch - and spring fever! “Is it time?” we yearningly question. Nature listens too for the cues of light and temperature to break her dormancy and let buds burst forth. There is an aliveness of spring that is infectious and an invitation to wake up and grow up with the season. It is not just the seeds, bulbs, and plants that are invited to come alive; we are invited too. Each arrival of spring is this opportunity to begin anew and grow. Where in your life or the world are you yearning to begin anew or grow?

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We all have our daily challenges. We all have situations or relationships we wish could be more alive or different. Maybe we have some inner quest that is asking us to change or grow. And then there are all of our human messes created by our systems. We want the world to be different but we don’t know how or feel powerless. How do we tackle climate change, the war in Ukraine, the pandemic, inflation, refugee crises … ?

This may seem silly or odd, but the very season of spring, nature, and gardening may have a way for us.

Nature is a wise and gentle teacher. Poets, mystics, naturalists, and sages of all sorts find a fecundity of wisdom from nature, gardening, and the seasons. A wisdom that can help us navigate our own seasons of evolution. A wisdom to shows us how to allow our inner lives to burst forth. A wisdom to enhance our relationships with each other and all our more than human relationships (nature) who surround us. This

“You do not have to be good.

You do not have to walk on your knees for a hundred miles through the desert repenting. You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves.”

wisdom is earthy and healing. It is practical but not linear. It will always ask us to trust and give up control.

We find this wisdom in the processes of the seasons and in nature around us. It is a deep knowledge that a seed, a tree, a chickadee, a creek and so many other creatures can teach us about the process of growth and waking up which help us find renewal, healing, and balance in new ways.

low temperatures. And some seeds wait for years for the necessary environment to let go.

Gardening and being in nature teach me a lot about this process of evolving and growing. Just look at a seed and its process of germinating, for instance. To start with, different seeds need different conditions to germinate which is analogous to us needing different stimuli or conditions to grow and change too. Some seeds need fire to burst open like Lodgepole Pines.

Other seeds need scarification which is the process of the seed coat being weakened by nicking, scratching, softening, grinding. Some seeds need to go through the digestive system of birds or animals. And for some seeds, they need complimentary fungus in the soil to help them germinate and grow. Other seeds need a vernalization period which is an exposure to

The process of germination is a lesson in trust and letting go. Once a seed finds the proper conditions to let go of the dormant potential inner energy stored in it, a process of utter transformation begins. Everything in the storehouse of seed is essentially liquified and reorganized to produce the primary root and shoot tip.

This process speaks to an economy of life where nothing is wasted but everything is recycled. This is the same for our new beginnings or growth. Once we say ‘yes’ to germination in our life, all the past and current energy of our life and consciousness is also liquefied and reorganized into new structures and new ways of being.

“A garden is a grand teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness; it teaches industry and thrift; above all it teaches entire trust.”

- Gertrude Jekyll

There are so many varied conditions for a seed to begin the process of germinating and this is the same for us, too. We often need different ways to be invited into growing and changing and finding new ways. We need other people, like fungus, to assist us. It is unfortunate that sometimes we need suffering or pressure to change, otherwise we just stay dormant in the status quo. Yet, like seeds, when a little fire or pressure of life or challenge comes our way, we allow a process to germinate in ourselves.

At one level, if a seed was conscious, it would have to consciously let go of its seed form to allow the growing form to emerge. For us who are conscious beings, it is a reminder that we need to be open minded to the process of growth. We need to trust that our cosmos is embedded in our spiritual DNA, like a seed, a process of death, birth, growth, release, death, and rebirth that is always waiting to take place when the conditions are proper and we say ‘yes’.

Germination is a risk-taking process of entering a liminal time too, just as all the transitions between the seasons are liminal. Liminality is that space between endings and beginnings – it is an ‘inbetween place’. It is sunrises and sunsets. It is the birth of a child and the death of a loved one. It is the space of waiting to hear about the results of a job interview or application. It is a threshold and a neutral space where there is ambiguity and even grief and disorientation because one is letting go of the past and opening to the future. It is that space where one state dissolves and another is

forming simultaneously. Winter cries for spring and spring is uncertain for what comes next. A seed grieves the loss of stability that has grown stale, and a yet unformed shoot yearns for what it cannot see.

In a liminal space, the ego can feel overwhelmed because it prefers direct action and straight lines.

The ego believes it can use the power of the intellect to solve, direct and control. Regrettably, one cannot get through liminality by the intellect or control or forcing it. It requires gentleness and patience. It needs a yielding attitude. It yearns for us to listen to our hearts and bodies for the cues.

Mary Oliver, a poet inspired by nature, has this wonderful line in her poem ‘Wild Geese’: “You do not have to be good. You do not have to walk on your knees for a hundred miles through the desert repenting. You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves.” Seeds teach us this experiential truth. The soft wisdom is in your body to help you let go into the next step of your evolution, growth, and healing. Wisdom is giving

“Wisdom is giving ourselves permission to go on a mysterious adventure that leads to real transformation and change, not perfection or imitation or performance.”

ourselves permission to go on a mysterious adventure that leads to real transformation and change, not perfection or imitation or performance.

As we venture into our spring gardens and go on walks in the burgeoning buds of nature, this energy of germination, liminality, transformation, and new growth is all around us. I just hope I let this infectious invitation to burst forth take root in me, too. I don’t want to let the neverending suffering that surrounds us dull my heart’s yearning to be part of this energy. We are all being invited to join spring and nature on a mysterious adventure of new beginnings. And it is these very new beginnings which will heal ourselves and the world and give us ways to work with the suffering surrounding us. As Saint Bernard wrote: “Trees and stones will teach you that which you can never learn from masters.”

So let seeds teach you how to live and grow. Let this spring be your master and teach you trust in life.

About McKillop United Church:

Trevor Potter

Minister of McKillop United Church, Lethbridge Alberta for the past 12 years.

Join a great new podcast produced by McKillop and hosted by Trevor called Audacious Living: Hope, Resiliency, Curiosity (https://officexs.podbean.com) found on Podbean, Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon Audible, and Alexa apps.

For more information on McKillop go to www.facebook.com/mckillopunited or www.McKillopUnited.ca Quirk - 21

TheBridging History of Lethbri d ge the Past

A streetcar travels down 5th Street South near the corner of 3rd Avenue in 1912.

Local writer, Ryan Uytdewilligen, recently penned a fascinating book aptly titled, “The History of Lethbridge”. In it, Ryan takes us back into the geographical history of the area with the shifting of tectonic plates and draining seas right up to modern day Lethbridge that contains a wealth of diversity, community and a population reaching over 100,000 residents.

3 during ternment Camp 13 Lethbridge's In r.

Wa d rl Wo nd the Seco

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Geography and climate play a great part in human settlement. As the environment changed over thousands of years, so too did the inhabitants of the earth.

Historically, the melting of the final ice age11,700 years prior to the Pleistocene period made way for civilization to expand when a gap between the Laurentide and Cordilleran ice sheets opened up. This thin strip bordered the Rockies and extended directly where the city of Lethbridge would be erected thousands of years later. Wildlife such as mammoths, camels (yes, camels!)

Writer: Jean Van Kleek

and the integrally important bison occupied the land until the harsh Winter climate drove them to the Rocky Mountains for shelter. Ryan explains, that this is why the earliest Albertan occupants are so hard to find.

The path that man and other animals took in order to survive is based on geographical changes on the planet.

The search for water and food has always been a driver for habitation.

Proposed ancestors to the Clovis, one of the earliest discovered cultures where Canada now lies, have been suggested from tool findings around the manmade irrigation dam, St. Mary’s Reservoir. Roughly ten thousand years ago after the North American climate stabilized, plentiful bison and caribou herds would attract various Paleo cultures that would create First Nations as we know them today. Ryan discusses the rich history of indigenous cultures in Southern Alberta, early settlements

High Level Bridge under construction in 1909.

Entrance to the North Western Co al & Navigation Compan y's Drift Mines 1 and 2.

and how the Hudson Bay Company was a driving force in settlements, commerce and history. He delves into the coal mines, prohibition, the infamous Lethbridge “red light” district and the names of the people who influenced the city of Lethbridge through the decades. Many people don’t know this, but Lethbridge was also home to one of the largest POW camps in Canada. Many of the prisoners were used to work on farms because the farmers were fighting the war.

There are many stories shared about how our city came to be and its transition into the third largest city in Alberta. Ryan does an excellent job of bringing together a wealth of information in this pictorially enhanced work The book demonstrates how the people of Lethbridge have always been hard-working, positive and community-minded. And history reveals that working together to build a solid future has always been a part of the fabric of Southern Alberta.

Ryan’s book is available at Analog Books, Indigo and select downtown gift shops. It can also be ordered through Ryan directly via email: ryan.uytdewilligen@yahoo.ca You can find Ryan on FB at Ryan Uytdewilligen Author, or visit the website:

ryanuytdewilligenauthor.com

Henderson Lake in th then known e 1910s, as Slaughte rhouse Slou gh.

About the Author: Ryan Uytdewilligen is a writer from Coaldale, Alberta, who studied Broadcast Journalism at Lethbridge College. He has published numerous books including three novels, three non-fiction history books, and the Will Rogers Medallion winning novella The Cattle Driver. He has optioned several film scripts that are currently in development. His latest book, Killing John Wayne, is a Hollywood history published in October of 2021.

Quirk - 23

GET YOUR DERBY ON!

Live thoroughbred horse racing is an exciting form of entertainment and a thrill to watch! The horses are astonishing athletes displaying strength and stamina reaching speeds up to 45mph, making the races exciting to watch. The jockeys are incredible athletes as well, guiding their horses to peak performance. It is an art that takes an enormous amount of training and hard work. Our jockeys come from around the world as well neighboring provinces. Trainers, owners and race fans also come from across the US and other provinces.

There are over 1000 licensed horsemen in Alberta. Olds College is home to programs specifically designed to work at the racetrack. Alberta horse racing employs over 2000 full-time employees and generates over 330 million to annual economic development. There are six racetracks in Alberta, we are fortunate to have one in our community. Besides being a major economic contributor in Alberta, horseracing is fun! Admission is free- so it’s an accessible event that everyone can enjoy. The excitement around the grounds of the racetrack is amazing. The adrenaline rush as the horses come down the final stretch is like no other. Standing up by the guardrail, getting up close to the horses as their hooves slice through the dirt that flies through the air, you can smell the sweat, feel the dirt and witness the powerful majesty of these beautiful animals forging their way to victory.

“The horses are a beautiful experience with or without the gambling and it’s FREE for your whole family to watch!”

Horse racing is one of those sports where the excitement of the crowd or a group of friends gets you going. This is what creates the magical atmosphere horse races are known for. So come on down- get to the races and bring your friends!

Kids can watch up close as the horses leave the gate and cross the finish line. They can watch the winning horses be awarded and even visit them in the stables. Take part in Face Painting, Derby it!, Photo Booth, Stick Horse Races (adults also!) Enjoy the Logic Petting Zoo, Famous Candy Scramble, Jump Up and Shout Contest to cheer on your favorite horse.

Plenty of giveaways…. Its always a Fun Day!

The horses are a beautiful experience with or without the gambling and it’s FREE for your whole family to watch!

Rocky Mountain Turf Club Event Center is also Home to Bullys Casino 18+ Both venues offer Parimutuel betting for the horse races in a casino setting but the action is outdoors on the track.

For even more excitement come enjoy WARRIOR Horse Racing throughout the season. Warrior racing is at lightning speed, leaping from one galloping horse and flying to another, defying fear and gravity; displaying the ultimate bond of horse and rider, when the two become one with the riders wearing traditional tribal regalia. This remains today.

The integrity and the pride of First Nation Culture continues. All horses will be marked with war paint and decorated in colors determined by the team tradition.

Who doesn’t enjoy a day out at the races or sitting on the edge as you eagerly wait to see which horse will be the first to cross the finish line on race day?

Live Thoroughbred Horse Racing RMTC hosts Spring & Fall Races (MAY – JUNE – SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER) Saturday & Sunday and holiday Monday Post time 1:OO pm Rain or Shine!

For more information on dates & events go to: Quirk - 24

rockymountainturfclub.com

AMMOLITE

Samples of raw ammonite

Official Gemstone of Alberta

Writer: Thomas Porter

(portions of this article first published in March 2017)

Beauty, mystery and rarity… these qualities have driven human desire since the stone age. The relationship between these factors defines the demand for a product and are at the heart of commerce today.

Nowhere is this more evident than in a rocky excavation just south of the city where heavy equipment painstakingly works its way into the earth’s crust. Three giant track hoes scrape away at the shale while a small team of miners keep a watchful eye for buried treasure.

Calgary-based KORITE is the world’s largest producer of Ammolite, an extremely rare gemstone that is sought-after by collectors and jewellers around the world. The iridescent, multi-coloured substance is the fossilized remains of a mysterious sea creature that lived millions of years ago.

During the Upper Cretaceous period, around 70 million years ago, Southern Alberta was covered by a vast inland sea. This immense water body was home to a wide variety of marine creatures. Among these prehistoric lifeforms was a squid-like mollusk with a spiral shell. It is the fossilized shell of this creature that is so incredibly valuable in the marketplace today.

The ammonite Placenticeras meeki was a member of the molluscan class Cephalopoda. Modern relatives of the ammonite - like the Pacific Nautilus - still possess tentacles and the characteristic shell of their ancestors, they are just smaller. When these animals became extinct at the end of the Mesozoic era, their shells settled to the ocean floor.

In the BearPaw Sea that covered prehistoric southern Alberta, repeated deposits of silt, sand and clay preserved the ammonite shells. The process of sedimentation created a unique set of conditions which allowed the gemstone ammolite to develop.

An ammonite’s shell is made of a successive layers of a carbonate mineral called aragonite. In ammolite, this foliated mineral is bonded to a matrix of sedimentary rock called BearPaw Shale. After collection, sections of this flat material are cut, polished and sealed to produce spectacular and brilliant pieces of jewellery.

KORITE’s southern Alberta operation began humbly in the early 80s. Prospectors hiked along the St. Mary River looking for exposed fossils in the eroded banks. Mine manager Rene Trudel recalls the way things used to be before the company expanded.

“We started just surface collecting as (the ammonites) fell out of the river banks,” said Trudel. “I remember carrying 100-pound packs full of samples out of the valley, sometimes 14 trips a day. I was in a lot better shape back then but it wasn’t cost effective.”

Trudel has been with the company since its inception and has watched the mineral rise from a place of relative obscurity to one of the most talked about commodities southern Alberta has to offer. Ammolite is now sold in 28 countries around the world. Here in Canada, it can be found at tourist destinations, gift shops and jewellery stores from coast to coast. There are currently more than 80 vendors in Canada with the number of accounts growing every year.

Ammolite was given gemstone designation by the World Jewellery Confederation in 1981. Since then it has become recognized as a national treasure. In 2007, the City of Lethbridge declared it their civic gemstone and the Government of Canada has recently adopted it as a symbol of this country’s 150th anniversary.

KORITE president Jay Maull explains in a previous article we published in Quirk, how worldwide demand for ammolite has skyrocketed in recent years. In light of this new demand, the company needed to grow. In October 2016, KORITE announced it would be expanding its strip mining operation by 400 per cent - from two acres to eight.

“The demand in overseas markets like Asia has really grown,” said Maull. Practitioners of Feng Shui have dubbed ammolite the “SevenColoured Prosperity Stone,” revering it for its energy and healing properties. It is believed that this ancient stone has absorbed the knowledge and energy of the universe and can bring balance to one’s mind, body and surroundings. Ammolite is known by many names, including the energy stone, the spirit stone and the seven colour prosperity stone. Coincidentally, the Blackfoot people of Southern Alberta also believed the fossils had magical qualities. The ‘Buffalo Stone’, or iniskim, was believed to have amuletic powers and was often incorporated into medicine pouches. It was believed the stone had the power to attract buffalo and bring good luck on hunting expeditions

This past March, the Government of Alberta introduced an amendment to the Emblems of Alberta Act to designate ammolite as the official gemstone of Alberta. Alberta Culture Minister Ron Orr said ammolite is an important part of our heritage and economy and that recognizing ammolite as Alberta’s official gemstone reflects the unique nature of the stone and of our province.

Quirk - 25

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

Rebel

DOB Apr 8/21

Rebel has come through a serious infection and surgery to become the loveliest little kitten. Her favorite game is 50/50; 50% of the time she’s coming for attention, 50% of the time she’s doing her best interpretation of the Flash.

Arketa

DOB Sept 27/22

Arketa is a sweet little girl that purrs every time she sees someone she likes. She’s partial to beards and is determined to figure out why we humans grow plants indoors that she’s not allowed to play in.

Torino

DOB June 12/20

Torino is the last of his family to find a home. Can he hunt mice? No. Can he tell you when his food dish is perilously close to being empty? He sure can! And he doubles wonderfully as a weighted blanket.

Schumann DOB Aug 22/21

Schumann’s big eyes take in everything. A lot of the times she runs from things she doesn’t understand but she makes up for it by clearing the bed of blanket monsters.

Tchaikovsky & Debussy DOB Aug 22/21

Tchaikovsky & Debussy are the typical brothers who sometimes annoy each other but mostly enjoy having grand adventures together. I’m not saying these two are bonded and have to together but they will need another cat around to keep them busy as they are active, curious kittens when they’re not looking for cuddles.

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

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

www.northsidevet.ca Visit our website and Facebook page

Services provided: All Breed Dog Grooming (Tues – Thurs) Group and Private Dog Training Group classes include: Puppy Kindergarten (puppies 3 – 8 mo.)

Beginner Obedience Beginner, Intermediate, & Advanced Agility Rally Obedience Competition Obedience Show Training Off Leash Play Yard – an acre of fenced play yard for individual use.

Find us on Facebook – Perfect Pooches Dog Training & Grooming

403-381-6890

www.perfectpooches.com

Locally owned since 1999

$

• Master Groomer with over 20 years of experience • Specializing in all large and small breeds • Bathing, drying, and grooming all done one-on-one from caring and loving professionals.

Our grooming facilities are available for viewing, and our staff is always on hand to (up to $10 for large breeds) answer any questions or concerns you might have.

7 Nails!

1514a 9 Ave South Call for a free quote! www.bubblesdoggroomingcanada.weebly.com Quirk - 28

403-329-1231 GIFTCARDS NOW AVAILABLE!

LESSONS I’VE LEARNED FROM MY DOGS By Jean Van Kleek My girls have taught me many lessons throughout the years. They taught me that real love has no conditions and comes without judgment. They taught me that the little things ARE the big things and that joy is found in simplicity. They showed me that now is all we really have and it’s precious… we need to live it, breathe it and cherish it, because it’s all we have for sure.

They taught me that shared walks in nature heal the soul and that just “being” together is enough. A dog loves you for who you are, not the one you feel the need to be. They taught me kindness and patience, loyalty and honesty.

RECIPE

Shani & Bella

The one thing they didn’t teach me, is how to say goodbye. They didn’t teach me that all the love in the world isn’t enough to bring someone back. Or how to stop feeling like I could have been more for them in their short time on this earth. They gave so much, and asked for so little. One day thoughts of them will bring a smile to my face instead of their faint reflection in my tears. One day I’ll share stories of their silliness and be able to laugh… but not today. Today I’m learning the hardest lesson…letting go.

Rest in peace, my sweet girls.

And know you are always loved.

“They showed me that now is all we really have and it’s precious…. we need to live it, breathe it and cherish it, because it’s all we have for sure.”

Apple Banana Carrot

COOKIES FOR DOGS

Digit & Luke

My latest cookie recipe is vegetarian. Easy to make with fresh, simple ingredients.

Use carrots from your garden and fresh apples from your tree! Use your food processor to shred the apples and carrots.

4 eggs 2 C or 3 grated apples, seeded with skin on 3 ripe, mashed bananas 1 1/2 C grated carrots 1 C unsweetened apple juice 2 T cinnamon 2 T coconut or flaxseed oil 1 C ground flaxseed 7 C quick oats

Mix together well. Place on a 13x18 inch greased cookie sheet or use parchment paper and press into pan. Score to desired size. Bake at 350*F for one hour. Makes a 13X18 pan by 1 inch thick. Makes a soft, digestible treat and your pups will love you for them!

Must be refrigerated or frozen!! *Michelle's recipes include well researched ingredients to help make your dog happy & healthy.

Michelle Zandstra Quirk - 29

Therapy/Counselling Trauma

Addiction

Mental Health

Acupuncture Massage

Refresh Team: Katie Saruwatari R.Ac, Bobbi Bradley MSW, RSW, Christine Herod RMT, Adam Greaves MSW, RSW, Tracy Harvey MSW, RCSW, Amanda Orsten MSW, RSW

Our centre was developed out of a recognition that addressing health and wellness is more effective in a holistic perspective.

Within our services, you will find a carefully selected group of private practitioners who recognize the benefits of holistic health

www.refreshcentre.ca

13-495 Wt Hill Blvd S, Lethbridge 403-329-8131 (message service)

Please contact providers directly for booking By appointment only

Patio Awnings Shade Screens Rollshutters Trampolines

Party Tents Boat Covers Truck Tarps Teepees

Custom Covers Patio Curtains

We’ve goet d you cover www.LethbridgeCanvas.com 403.328.8424

Quirk - 33

An Innovative, Fresh Approach to Real Estate!

Buying and selling a home has changed over the years...

Isn’t it time real estate fees changed too?

We Offer:

$799 For Sale By Owner or List With Us – 1% Full Representation Trevor Campbell

Kimberly Campbell

Co-Owner Unlicensed Assistant

Co-Owner Broker

Buyer Cash Rewards

Custom tailored services to your needs while saving you money every step of the way!

403-942-4499 Let’s meet. We’ll put the Integrity and Intelligence of Custom Real Estate Solutions to work for you!

www.customrealestatesolutions.ca

Make any space

fresh and beautiful Refresh Commercial Properties VRBO Preparation Home Styling / Decor Shopping Professional Colour Consultations

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www.stageright1.ca (403) 360-7909