Quirk May June 2015

nside MAGAZINE

Volume 5 • Issue 3 May - June 2015

CONNECTING

LETHBRIDGE

THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS A Young Lethbridge Woman’s Journey

THE GREAT ESCAPE Get a Clue!

FROM THE NHL TO WARNER An Interview with Mikko Makela

ISSN 1929-2112 1929-2112 ISSN

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The Pursuit of Happiness

Author Kelli-Rae Ennis shares her journey from “Hopeless to Happy”

From the NHL to Warner

Mark Campbell interviews Mikko Makela, former player for the New York Islanders, who

now coaches at the Warner Girls Hockey School

Quilt Canada 2015

Lethbridge plays host to Quilt Canada for the first time this coming June

The Great Escape

A new trend in real life gaming opened its doors in Lethbridge this Spring. Do you have what it takes to escape?

Recipe

Judi Frizzle-Stowell shares her mouthwatering Roasted Salsa Verde recipe. A sure winner

this summer!

Book Review

Author, David A. Poulsen, ventures into the crime fiction genre with his latest novel “Serpents Rising”

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26

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www.welcomewagon.ca Quirk - 5

From The Publisher This year has been a busy one for the Lethbridge area as we played host to the very successful 55 Plus Winter Games. And now this June, we will be hosting Quilt Canada 2015.

This is the first time Lethbridge has been Jean Van Kleek awarded the bid for this event that promises Photography: Jen Alston to bring over 4000 visitors to our city.

Congratulations to the bid committee who has worked very hard since 2012 to bring Quilt Canada here.

Volume 5 • Issue 3 • May - June 2015

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

SHABELLA PUBLISHING

1010 - 10th Ave. N., Lethbridge, T1H 1J8 403.382.7240

We’ve always maintained that Southern Alberta is home to many talented writers, musicians and artists. David A. Poulsen, who currently resides in Claresholm, has been a broadcaster, teacher, football coach, rodeo cowboy, stage and film actor and multi-faceted writer. We have a look inside his latest novel, “Serpents Rising” introducing his foray into the suspense/thriller genre. David plans to make this book the first in a series of “Cullen and Cobb” mysteries.

Printed by Warwick Printing, Lethbridge, AB.

Christina Scott visits another local author who has written a book called “Hopeless to Happy”. Kellie-Rae Ennis is a successful Lethbridge entrepreneur and business owner. Kelli-Rae didn’t plan on becoming an author, but her personal story on overcoming depression has been ten years in the making and has helped many who suffer with depression.

Design & Layout UniVerse Graphics

The May installment of Mark Campbell’s “Random Thoughts at Random Times” presents an interview with Mikko Makela, former player for the New York Islanders and Lethbridge Hurricanes coach, who is now a very proud coach at the Warner Girls Hockey School.

It seems there are always new and exciting businesses popping up in Lethbridge. Recently, The Great Escape opened its doors to rave reviews from all who have visited this new concept in live gaming. These types of venues have become very popular across the country. The game involves themed rooms with a variety of puzzles and codes to crack in order to escape. This is a great idea for parties, groups of friends or corporate teambuilding. I have to say the Quirk team failed to escape, but had fun trying!

Once again, we have favourite recipes for humans and for our canine friends, as well as a “Shop Local & Play Local” guide. Supporting local business keeps our community thriving.

Thank you, the readers, for your ongoing support of Quirk Magazine and the great e-mails you send!

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Photographers Chris Yauck Jaime Vedres Photography Cover Photo Jason McCaig Contributing Writers Christina Scott Ginger Malacko Michelle Zandstra Chris Yauck Karren Pack Mark Campbell Judi Frizzle-Stowell Jean Van Kleek Priscilla Peltier 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.

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i

by Ginger Malacko

I came up with the phrase “the Style of Being” to describe a simple philosophy for a happy life. I’m not talking about the next diet fad or DIY special. It’s even simpler than that and mostly describes the way we choose to be in the world. The brightest spot in a single day is most often a moment that lasts no longer than a few minutes and costs absolutely nothing but our attention, and as much as we connect to a breathtaking sunset or a thrilling piece of music, it’s generally moments with people that mean the most and live longest in memory. The real style of being is knowing how to better live amongst the beauty and mystery that is humanity.

I recently watched my nieces running outside in the springish weather and was amused by how the two year old is often “guided” by her older sisters in a direction she doesn’t wish to go. Little arms are yanked, little yowls of protest made, and little feet patter away, escaping the bonds of directed play and making a beeline for freedom. This is usually followed by an exasperated sigh from the child who is sure everyone would be having more fun if only little sister would cooperate. And oh, don’t we all believe like children sometimes?

It seems to me, as a rather partial observer, that we love to “guide” our fellow humans along the “correct” paths now more

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than ever before. Perhaps because it’s so much easier, in a world connected by technology almost every minute of every day, to argue, accuse, and shame each other for small disagreements. We don’t yank on little sister’s arm anymore – we post biased and stingy articles on her facebook page.

A very wise man said, “I may not be my brother’s keeper, but I am my brother’s brother.” We aren’t responsible for the way others think or act – thank goodness! But we are responsible for being kind, patient, and generous; for loving people as much for our differences as for our similarities.

The real style of being is knowing how to better live amongst the beauty and mystery that is humanity.

You don’t have to agree with someone’s philosophy to appreciate the stunning human ability to philosophize. You don’t have to understand someone’s actions to honor their freedom to act. It’s really about having faith in humanity, especially in the people you love. And it’s a way of liberating yourself of the stress and anxiety of measuring outcomes in other people’s lives. Stop worrying about little sister running circles in the backyard while the rest of you play picnic in an orderly fashion. Just enjoy the miracle of her life and you will be better able to enjoy the miracle of your own.

The Pursuit of

Happiness

by Christina Scott Photos by Jaime Vedres Photography

For Kelli-Rae Ennis, life couldn’t be better. As a business owner, business coach and student, she finds her world filled with opportunities to learn, grow and succeed. On a personal level, she feels peace and contentment as she navigates life with her long-time partner Tim and their blue-nosed pit bull, Kimo. By all accounts, Kelli can say with certainty that she is happy.

However, in the recesses of her mind, Kelli can remember a time long ago when happiness seemed an impossible dream, when nothing but darkness and despair enshrouded her, taking over everything and leaving nothing intact.

Travelling down a dangerous road ripe with Quirk - 10

pain, sadness and self-destruction, a close call finally forced Kelli to slam on the brakes and change course.

This is the subject of Kelli’s book, Hopeless to Happy. Published last November, the book details lessons Kelli learned as she recovered from years of depression and addiction.

Kelli’s story begins decades earlier, where, as a child, she suffered abuse and low self-esteem.

By the time she was a teenager, her self-esteem was depleted and she developed an eating disorder. Into adulthood, Kelli turned to drugs and alcohol to mask her pain.

“Drugs and alcohol let me escape from hating myself,” she says.” When I was drunk or high, I actually felt good about myself.”

It was a temporary fix. Kelli eventually attempted suicide.

“I got to the point where I just didn’t want to be alive anymore,” recalls Kelli. “I hated myself so much – I just gave up.”

Kelli took four bottles of prescription pills, tucked herself into bed, and prepared to close her eyes for the final time. A short time later, Kelli woke in the ambulance, her mother at her side. After Kelli had her stomach pumped, she

was placed in the hospital’s psychiatric ward. There, the consequences of what she had done finally hit her.

“I just wanted to get out of there,” she says.

“I saw a guy pull an IV out of his arm and there was blood squirting everywhere and I just thought, ‘Where am I?’ Those few moments and my mom in the ambulance – those moments are burned in my mind as turning points.”

Kelli says she felt substantial shame for what she had done, and couldn’t look at or speak to her mother for months.

“I just felt so guilty because she’s always been so good to me and gave so much of herself,” says Kelli. “I didn’t really realize what I was doing until I saw her and that got to me.”

Despite this, after leaving the ward, Kelli continued to struggle. Depressed and filled with despair, Kelli once again turned to old habits to manage her life. This would continue for the next few years until her family finally gave her an ultimatum.

“My family told me that they would disown me unless I went to rehab,” Kelli says. “They said, ‘If you don’t go get

“When I would learn a lesson and really understand that if I did something different I could be happier, I would write about it.

It was kind of a journey.”

Quirk - 11

better, we’re not your family anymore.’ It made me feel a lot of shame and guilt, but it made my decision very easy.”

Kelli spent the next six months in rehab; she relapsed two days after her release.

“I got out and I had nowhere to live, I was staying with a friend and I just felt like garbage,” she says. “I didn’t have the tools and support around me and I felt like my family was ashamed of me.”

Kelli would relapse a few more times, but got through it with the help of her mother and her counselors. She credits counseling as a huge part of her recovery success.

“I still go to counseling,” she says. “In the past when I didn’t reach out, all these issues would manifest into these huge, horrible clouds and I would use. Now, I just know: if I don’t feel happy, I reach out. It hasn’t failed me since I made that decision.”

Quirk - 12

Kelli also read several self-help books to gain insight and clarity. She says through this, she discovered an abundance of resources that could help her be happier.

“Books don’t judge you, so when I would go to a book and it was just me and the book,” she says. “I was learning from the book and my own personal stuff but I didn’t have to talk to anybody about it.”

Through reading, Kelli discovered the basis for lessons she could use in her own life and began writing them down. She says writing them down helped her solidify what she needed to do to change her outlook and attitude.

“Basically, whenever I learned something really powerful I wrote about it,” she says. “[Part of taking ownership for my happiness] was choosing to apply those lessons,” she says.

“I felt like as long as I stuck to those things, I was choosing to be happy.”

Kelli notes the journey toward becoming happier was a slow-moving process.

“It was never like an instant happiness, it was a real journey and transition: step by step by step,” she says.

“When I would learn a lesson and really understand that if I did something different I could be happier, I would write about it. It was kind of a journey.”

These lessons would eventually form the basis of Kelli’s book; however, she wasn’t keen on sharing her story for a long time.

“I never wanted to publish the book – I didn’t want anyone to know about my past,” Kelli recalls. “I was afraid of being judged, and missing out on job opportunities and possible relationships.”

That changed when friends, and Jim Flannery, an editor she met through work, convinced her

“It was never like an instant happiness, it was a real journey and transition: step by step by step,”

that sharing her story would create the greatest impact.

“They basically said to me, how do you expect to help people if you’re not even willing to own your story? That was so powerful for me and that’s what made me move forward.”

The book took nearly 10 years to finish, and is available for download as a free ebook on Kelli’s website, www.hopelesstohappy.ca. It can now also be ordered in either paperback or Kindle version through Amazon. The book hits readers instantly, starting with Kelli’s suicide attempt.

“That was probably one of the hardest parts for me to share,” she says. “The reason I did that is I know only five per cent of people finish the books they start and so I wanted to start with something that really grabbed people. I really wanted people to read the whole book because I knew I could help.”

Kelli adds she made a conscious choice with the title of the book to veer away from a selfhelp sound.

“The book was originally called I Choose Happiness, but I didn’t want to leave it that way because I think people who are depressed purposely don’t pick up books about self-help,” she says. “I wanted to market this as a juicy story: you’re going to get to read dirt about me and you’re going to read this book because it’s called Hopeless to Happy – I want people to pick it up.”

Since getting clean, life has been nothing but positive for Kelli. Since 2003, she has managed several companies, including a market research call centre, two hair schools and a construction company. She also worked at Global Lethbridge in the sales department where she met Kendall Gibson, one of many mentors she looks up to.

“The relationship with him started to help me build my self-esteem,” she says. ”It started to help me see that I could be better, that I could be successful.”

Last October, Kelli started her own business coaching firm, TMH Business Solutions. The company coaches businesses on various

“They basically said, how do you expect to help people if you’re not even willing to own your story,” she says.

“That was so powerful for me and that’s what made me move forward.”

aspects, including how to grow profits, size and customer base as well as marketing and social media. Kelli is pursuing her Masters of Business Administration at Athabasca University which she will complete by 2017.

Since publishing the book, Kelli has also started speaking about her experience at the Lethbridge Youth Residential Treatment Centre and the YWCA. The opportunity at the treatment centre presented itself when she went to speak to her AADAC counselor and explained her success.

“I’m now a regular speaker and it's one of the most fulfilling parts of my life,” says Kelli.

How does Kelli feel about life today?

“Life is so awesome.

I’m surrounded by people that are loving and positive and it’s amazing.”

Mark Boogieman

Mark Campbell

From the NHL to Warner: Mikko Makela Wouldn’t Have it any Other Way

Mikko Makela Quirk - 14

What makes this team special is our leadership.

We have a great mix of players with skill, toughness and good goaltending.

Warner Hockey School Team, this year’s JWHL Champions

One of the authors of the hockey impact book called “The Older I Get, The Better I Was” is Mikko Makela. At the recent book launch at Paradise Canyon I had the chance to sit down with Mikko for a few minutes. You may recall him as a former player for the New York Islanders or you may recall that he coached the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

Right now, the job that he is loving and is very passionate about is coaching at the Warner Girls Hockey School. If anyone wants to hear about what a phenomenal job they’re doing turning young girls into great citizens, Mikko is happy to tell you about it. (Remember when you read his answers you have to do so with a mild Finnish accent.)

Did you ever think in your wildest dreams that you’d be part of a hockey academy for girls?

Actually, that was not in my mind at all. It is funny where life takes you sometimes. Now, I would not change it for anything.

Talk about the philosophy of the Warner School.

Our philosophy is very simply: Have a very safe and sound environment for the girls to excel academically and athletically and have them reach their goals and get into post- secondary school. We have been very successful so far taking into consideration how difficult it is to get a scholarship to one of those institutions.

Just how good is this team?

This team this year is as good as any team in North America for high school age girls. What makes this team special is our leadership. We have a great mix of players with skill, toughness and good goaltending.

Can you foresee any of your girls on Canada’s Olympic Team?

We have had some Alumni girls on the Canadian National team big roster and U22 development team. We had one of our players this year (Shae Labbe) take part in the World U18 Championships in Buffalo, NY winning a silver medal for team Canada! She was the only girl from Alberta selected to the U18 team Canada! I believe that at the 2018 Olympics there will be a Warner girl representing Canada.

Your program has gotten quite a reputation and has gotten many of your girls into some very elite universities. That must be incredibly satisfying.

Yes. The list is fairly long and we are very proud of our girl’s accomplishments.

You can check it out on our website: http://www.warnerhockeyschool.com/?p=1332&op=45

Where do your girls come from?

Our girls have been coming from all over the world: USA, Finland and Sweden. Now the trend looks mostly from Alberta and some from Saskatchewan and BC. We have had great success with girls from The Maritimes, but unfortunately there are so many Girls Hockey Academies all over Canada now, that players like to stay closer to their home.

It’s got to be terrifying for parents to “give up” their kids for 3 or 4 years. How do you make it easier for them to deal with that?

A lot of parents travel to see us play so that is good. They get to see their daughters more. Also I have started to let them go home for the Quirk - 15

I believe that at the 2018 Olympics there will be a Warner girl representing Canada. weekends when we don’t play. Skype has also helped in this matter. At least it has been great for my parents and I. :)

Is there any difference from a coaching perspective between teaching girls vs boys?

This is the question that I get asked a lot. Yes, there is the difference, but girls want to know the truth, like male players. Girls are more analytical then male players. They like to analyze and read into things for everything. I personally like to coach girls because of their passion.

I’m not saying that boys don’t, but there is at times a difference. Girl’s want to know, WHY.

How emotional does it get for you when you see your students graduate?

There is definitely emotion when you see a girl graduating after being in the program, especially when a player has been in the program few years. It is awesome to see them grow as a citizens while in Warner.

Take us through a typical day for you.

I don’t have a typical day, lol. My day starts around 8am when I leave to Warner. Then when I get to Warner my office work starts, going through bills, talking to my staff and of course our equipment Manager, Bob Heppler will stop by in the office to see what’s going on for the day and get the lineup sheet so he can get locker room ready for the day.

There is typical office things to do all day, phone calls, meetings (players, teachers, Principal). I try to go to the rink around 2-2:30pm to get ready for our normal 3:15pm ice practice. Then after ice around 55:15pm we do our drylands training which will take us to around 6:156:30pm. Then after that little by little I start to head home and should be there around 7:30pm. I need to take care of our two buses, if there is services to be done, also we have our residence that needs my attention once in the while.

If someone could write you a blank cheque for whatever you want, what would it be. (We’re talking for the program, not getting you a Ferrari.)

I think that program like ours could use continuous financial help, not just a one-time donation unless it’s a million and I’m good with that!

Some years are better than others like in any business, but it would be nice to know if one year we don’t find as many players that fit to our philosophy that is needed for the budget we could still be ok. I don’t want to take the player just to get our budget filled. I feel it is not fair for the player or to the parents. I believe in every player that come to Warner.

Can you foresee a school for girls or boys for that matter that offers intensive training in other sports like soccer, volleyball, and basketball?

This is something that I would like to see done in Warner. There is a huge need for an all-sports academy. I would get big satisfaction to see that happening in the future. An academy with many sports opportunities and elite coaching to go along with it. We could solve a lot of youth problems with that and keep the kid interested in a great life of sports! We have wonderful sports people in the Lethbridge area. It is a shame, that we can’t utilize them better. Maybe one day...

How much traveling do you have to do in any given year?

We travel a lot: Boston, Washington, DC, Minnesota, Hamilton, Winnipeg, Vancouver, Calgary, Penticton...Get the picture?

Quirk - 16

Could you see yourself getting back into coaching in the WHL? Been there, done that!!! Never say never, though.

Do you have any interest in coaching in the NHL? That would involve moving and I’m not interested to do that, I think everyone would like to coach in the NHL, but knowing the sacrifice and everything that goes with it, I don’t think that it is for me anymore. I have a lot of respect for the coaches in the NHL. It is not the easiest job out there. All seems to be so glamorous, but it is anything but.

You played 5 seasons with the N.Y. Islanders. What was that experience like both playing in the NHL and living in New York?

It was something that no one can take away from me. I must say it was pretty cool to be a 20 year-old from Finland moving to New York.

I still need to pinch myself that I was there, really! So many great players, great people. I learned a lot from them.

Who has better beer. Canada or Finland?

CANADA, no doubt.

Who’s going to be in the Stanley Cup final this year?

This is the tough one, if I would know it, I think I would go to Las Vegas.

Islanders vs. Calgary. I think I’m thinking with my heart not with my brain.

What’s the Number 1 thing people should know about the Warner Hockey School?

Safe and welcoming environment!

Follow Mark’s blog at:

https://greetergrammer1.wordpress.com

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HEALTH MATTERS

We don’t hear this message enough:

Would you believe me if I said: “YOU CAN REVERSE TYPE 2 DIABETES”? Diabetes has been cited as the most challenging problem of the 21st century, severely damaging one’s health and shortening life expectancy. And it will most certainly be a part of crippling our health care system, without a doubt.

A few clicks on google and straight to the research shows that blood sugar issues lead to problems with every system of the body. Everyone knows about these problems and most are mildly to moderately worried about them.

Blood sugar that is too high can exhaust the pancreas, damage all tissues, including neurological and cardiovascular tissues, throws the endocrine system out of balance and can cause weight management problems.

What causes Type 2 Diabetes?

First of all, being overweight does NOT cause Type 2 Diabetes!!!

The reason there is a correlation between being overweight and having type 2 diabetes is that the same thing that causes type 2 diabetes also causes people to be overweight. For example, bad fats (such as in margarine) are what cause type 2 diabetes, and these bad fats can cause a person to be overweight.

Type 2 diabetes is one of the rare conditions that is not caused by a microbe.

It is caused by an improper diet of “bad fats” & the lack of “good fats”, not enough protein and too many starchy carbohydrates.

The same bad fats cause 3 major health problems: 1. Type 2 diabetes 2. Heart disease 3. Many cases of being overweight

We are in the Midst of a Diabetic Epidemic

If a person were to simply avoid the trans-fatty acids and many other bad fats, eventually their type 2 diabetes would go away, some say. However this process could take several years. But speeding up the process by avoiding the bad fats and flooding your body with the right type of good fats (omega 3 oils, avocados, coconut oil, & olive oil are some good examples), type 2 Diabetes is very easy to cure. It generally takes 7 – 12 months (and much less time if only recently diagnosed).

Dr. Udo Erasmus once said: “there are fats that heal and fats that kill”.

So what can we do?

It is absolutely critical to avoid ALL trans-fatty acids, ALL hydrogenated oils (found in some peanut butter, for example), ALL CANOLA OIL, ALL margarine and all other “bad fats” such as shortening, fats found in crackers, store-bought cookies, ice-cream and potato chips to name a few. Avoid foods that are deep-fried, roasted and toasted. Likewise, limit baked goods with golden crusts and caramelization of sugars found in butterscotch and toffees.

Instead choose foods that are bathed in moisture, using cooking methods including stewing, steaming, and slow roasting in a low temperature oven, dutch oven or crock pot. The important thing is to cook your food at temperatures below the boiling point of water. Consume plenty of protein, good fats & non-starchy vegetables at all three meals.

Also correlated with blood sugar disorders are overeating in general (eating too much at one time, eating too often or excessive snacking) as well as a sedentary lifestyle.

Food at fault:

The presence of massive amounts of fructose in today’s western diet is another driving force behind our diabetes epidemic. Regular table sugar is 50 percent fructose and 50 percent glucose, and the two are metabolized very differently. Nearly every cell in your body was designed to use glucose for

Quirk - 20

energy; but fructose breaks down into a variety of toxins that can have devastating effects on your health.

Stop eating foods with a high glycemic load such as refined sugars; processed foods; refined flour (stone ground is okay because it is more course); white rice (especially short grain varieties – long grain and basmati are slightly better); potatoes; puffed grains (both refined and whole grain). Start consuming fresh whole foods high in fiber. These dietary modifications will help you balance your blood sugar and reduce inflammation.

Start exercising:

Regular physical activity is a powerful way to reduce blood sugar and reduce your risk of complications.

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes include: • Excessive thirst • Nausea • Increased fatigue • Blurred vision • Frequent infections (skin, urinary, vaginal) • Extreme hunger (even after eating) • Unusual weight gain or loss • Irritability • Slow healing of wounds • Numbness or tingling in hands and/or feet

Not only is type 2 diabetes completely preventable, it is usually curable if you are willing to make some simple, inexpensive lifestyle adjustments that will restore your insulin and leptin sensitivity.

While I attended a week-long Diabetes Summit, it became clear to me that treating diabetes with medication is giving people a false sense of security.

They mistakenly think their somewhat better controlled glucose levels are an indication of restored health, providing them with permission to continue the same disease-causing diet and lifestyle that led to the development of their diabetes.

The answer is not more medical care or better medical care. It is taking charge of your own health by understanding nutrient-dense diet and exercise.

So before you swallow everything the Diabetes Association recommends in terms of medication for your Type 2 Diabetes, do yourself a favor and learn more about natural approaches that include a healthy diet, superfoods for diabetes, exercise, and nutritional supplements.

Don’t live with your diabetes, don’t simply control your diabetes – get rid of it! MAKE HEALTH A HABIT!!!

Priscilla Peltier is a natural health care practitioner at Nutter’s who writes on health & nutrition and has a passion for the latest research in natural health and diet.

Priscilla Peltier, C.H., C.N.C., C. Irid., R.BIE Herbalist, Nutrition Consultant, Iridoligist, and Registered BioEnergetics Practitioner priscilla.eyes@shaw.ca www.eyecuhealthy.net 403.329.3100 (Office)

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Your most efficient and safe summer tune up?

VibraFit Exercise Training!!

VibraFit uses the principal of “Acceleration Training” to stimulate waves of energy throughout the body, activating muscle contractions at 30 to 50 times per second. This allows you, even if you have injuries which limit your ability to move, to achieve a cardiovascular workout similar to a 6– 9 mile run in only 10 minutes!

In conventional training you only use 30 to 40 percent of your muscle (your voluntary muscle) whereas VibraFit Training stimulates 95 to 100 percent of your muscle fibre. This makes time spent on your VibraFit Trainer much more efficient because you are toning muscles that you can’t in a gym! Waste substances that cause pain are more easily removed due to increased oxygen making the lymphatic drainage system more efficient.

Vibration Exercise technology is supported by decades of scientific research since it was first embraced by scientists in the 1960’s investigating cures for osteoporosis.

Not only does vibration training build muscle strength but it also helps to develop “explosive muscle power” that’s essential for sports like hockey and basketball.

IT ALSO increases range of motion, balance, flexibility and coordination used in sports such as golf and tennis.

The net result is more stamina and energy; more speed; increased flexibility, mobility and coordination; rapid recovery of muscles and tissue; improved collagen production and fat reduction. Soon you will begin to notice an improvement in posture and the ability to stand taller and longer.

Whole Body Vibration builds muscle mass 1 ½ to 2 times faster than conventional weight workouts by producing the effects of 80 different exercises through minor adjustments in posture and body positioning.

For Rehabilitation It also increases the production of all hormones including Human Growth Hormone (HGH) - the key to repair and regeneration of soft tissue -- and natural chemicals to suppress pain. Improved circulation also helps to drain fluid build-up from injured tissue. It really is the “miracle therapy”.

University of Calgary Schulich School of Bio-Engineering “Mechanical vibrations appear to alter cell behavior in a way that point to the potential for the regeneration of cells and tissues in the spine. Our results were both surprising and encouraging, given the socio-economic costs of back pain.”

Christopher Hunter, Biomedical engineer, Schulich School of Engineering and the McCaig Institute for Bone Hand Joint Health.

July, 2010

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plus GST

John’s Grill San Francisco

Muir Woods North of San Francisco

Camera Canon 5D Mark11 Focal Length 16.0mm, Shutter Speed 1/12 sec, F-Stop 2.8, ISO 1000

This shot was taken in late morning, and uses the rule of thirds by keeping the subject in the bottom 1/3 of the frame.

Having a subject in this image helps show the height of the Red Wood Trees. John Muir Forest North of San Francisco.

Look up for a different angle

Camera Canon 5D Mark11 Focal Length 10.4mm, Shutter Speed 1/100 sec, F-Stop ?, ISO 800 One of my favorite things to do while travelling, is to photograph food. Make sure your camera is ready and do a test shot.

Although most cameras come with a flash, it is on camera and you are unable to control direction outside of a simple bounce. In order to make my photo look the way I like, controlling the direction of the light is important . To keep it simple I use my cell phone’s flashlight app – perfect for close shots. Hold the light at different angles while shooting to get different results. Work quick so your food doesn’t get cold before you get a chance to enjoy it.

Camera Canon 5D Mark11 Focal Length 23.0mm, Shutter Speed 1/40 sec, F-Stop 20, ISO 2000

Backlighting is used in this image in order to create a dramatic effect.

Go ahead and take photographs using your camera’s automatic mode. Then use that exposure as a guideline when you switch into manual and play with your settings until you get the desired darkened effect.

Waterton Lakes National Park Photo by Elham Ghanbarian Winner of May Photo Contest

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

Entry Deadline May 30, 2015

Email your photos to: info@readquirk.com

Quilters from Canada and Beyond to Meet for National Show

By Jean Van Kleek Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Quilt Canada local organizing committee, Quilt Canada will be held in Lethbridge for the first time this coming June. Teresa Petriw, publicity chair for the committee, says the process of bidding to host the event began in 2012. Criteria to be considered for this prestigious event included a suitable venue to facilitate workshops, displays and meetings. The winning city also needed to have accommodation available for the many visitors it would attract. Teresa says the bid garnered huge support from volunteers, the Lethbridge Centennial Quilters Guild, the City of Lethbridge and the University of Lethbridge.

Quilting is woven into the fabric of our Southern Alberta heritage.

Teresa believes that our large and very talented quilting community was an important factor in Lethbridge being chosen by the Canadian Quilters Association to host Quilt Canada 2015. The national show and conference will be held at the University of Lethbridge June 4-6.

Thirty-six small art quilts were donated by Canadian quilters who have won awards at the National Juried Show within the last three years. The quilts are in two collections - one travelling in Eastern and Central Canada and the other travelling throughout Western Canada. The quilts will converge in Lethbridge for the national conference. Each quilt is available for sale for $200 (plus tax) and proceeds will go to the Children’s Wish Foundation. Purchasing information is available through cqacanadianquilting.blogspot.ca

Quilts and fibre art pieces will be on display in the following shows in the 1st Choice Savings Centre gym at the University of Lethbridge:

* National Juried Show * Trend-Tex Fabrics Inc., Blowing in the Wind Challenge * Invitational Show * It’s Time for Colour Travelling Quilt Show * Fibre Arts Network (FAN), On the Wind Show * Quilts of Valour (QOV) – an organization that presents quilts to injured Canadian veterans.

“Canada has a rich history of quilting and this show and conference will allow quilting Back Row (L to R): Pjam Swen, Janet Thompson, Judy Barnett, Diane Briscoe enthusiasts opportunity to learn Middle Row: Effie Brandt, Kathy Oliver, Connie Chaplin from some of the best fibre art Front Row: Val Beasley, Teresa Petriw, Wendy Bushell teachers in the industry,” says Missing: Shena Boes, Deb Cartwright, Audrey Christiansen, Mary Cohen, Barb Preston Kathy Oliver, local organizing committee chair. “Additionally, the public Those who attend will also be able to develop their skills under the will be able to see magnificent works of art in our National Juried Show direction of national and international level teachers and designers. and the many other displays and shows.”

Thirteen workshops are being offered throughout the event.

The beauty and unique features of quilting will be on display with approximately 130 quilts featured in the National Juried Show and over 200 other fibre art pieces in four additional shows. “What makes quilting a unique art form is that it combines the elements of design, creativity, storytelling and sewing using fabric and thread as the main mediums,” says Oliver.

More than 200 quilters from across Canada and the United States are expected to meet for three days at the University of Lethbridge to learn new quilting skills and techniques and to network with others who practice this unique art form. An additional 4,000 people are expected to view a series of quilt and fibre art shows.

Another aspect of the event is the travelling quilt show from the CQA/ACC. Titled, It’s Time for Colour Travelling Quilt Show, the display is the organization’s first-ever travelling collection of quilts.

Quirk - 24

“What makes quilting a unique art form is that it combines the elements of design, creativity, storytelling and sewing using fabric and thread as the main mediums”

Instructors leading workshops include: Featured presenter Weeks Ringle, co-founder of Modern Quilts Studio in Oak Park, Illinois, will lead workshops and a public lecture.

Other presenters are: • Margie Davidson, CQA/ACC 2013 Teacher of the Year from Edmonton, Alberta.

• Joanne Flamand, Long Arm Quilter Extraordinaire, from Edmonton, Alberta.

• Karen Henry, CQA/ACC 2008 Teacher of the Year, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

• Cindy Needham, American author and quilting instructor, Chico, California.

• Kathy Tidswell, CQA/ACC 2005 Teacher of the Year, Burtt’s Corner, New Brunswick.

Participants will also have opportunity for side-trips to Waterton Lakes National Park and a City tour, sponsored by the City of Lethbridge, and shop-hop to Lethbridge’s quilting and fabric stores. The Galt Museum will be offering a quilting lecture on Saturday, to complement this conference. A merchant mall will give quilters opportunity to buy the latest in fabrics and notions dedicated to their craft. An opening ceremony and closing banquet round out the event.

Conference details, show times and locations, meal options and registration information is all available on the website www.canadianquilter.com

For More Information contact: Teresa Petriw Quilt Canada 2015 Local Organizing Committee Publicity Chair quiltree@telusplanet.net

Southern Alberta’s

Happy Place for Quilters e k i l u o y t a e r t e W one of the family.

Our team is happy to share our knowledge and enthusiasm for your project.

See us for great fabrics, notions, and support.

Kathy Oliver Quilt Canada 2015 Conference Coordinator keoliver@shaw.ca

Links: Canadian Quilters Association: www.canadianquilter.com CQA/ACC Blog: cqa.canadianquilting.blogspot.ca City of Lethbridge: www.lethbridge.ca Fibre Arts Network (FAN): www.fibreartnetwork.com University of Lethbridge: www.uleth.ca

Quilt Canada 2015 UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

June 4 – 6, 2015

Under the Big Yellow Button!

1256 – 3 Ave. S. Lethbridge (403) 327-2243 Quirk - 25

GREAT ESCAPE aks Out

The

Bre in Lethbridge

By Christina Scott Photos by Chris Yauck Photography

It’s 2:15 on a rainy Saturday afternoon in Lethbridge. The rain has not deterred people from enjoying their weekend as groups continually stream in and out of this newly-opened business . The lobby is filled with animated chatter: a group of girlfriends gab excitedly about their day and what they’ve come here to do; a large family asks the person manning the front desk a flurry of questions; others simply observe their surroundings, unsure of what to expect.

What happens here is akin to something most people only see on a late-night crime drama or blockbuster action movie. Thanks to The Great Escape, people can finally find the answer to an age-old question that gives so much cause for wonder: what would YOU do?

The Great Escape provides groups ages 13 and up the opportunity to participate in live-action escape adventures. Two to six people can sign up to escape from one of three rooms. Teams must work together to find clues, solve mysteries, decode ciphers and riddles, open locks and ultimately escape before time runs out.

Escape adventures are a growing trend in the entertainment industry. Beginning in Europe, similar ventures are now spreading across North America.

“Just before Christmas, my daughter called me and told me she discovered a place that offered escape adventures like this in Edmonton,” says co-owner Duane Konynenbelt. “She said she had gone on this escape adventure and loved it.”

Duane explains the Cabin Escape to a new team.

THE GREAT ESCAPE HAS APPEALED TO MANY DIFFERENT GROUPS, INCLUDING FRIENDS, FAMILIES AND EVEN COMPANIES AS A FORM OF TEAM BUILDING.

Konynenbelt says his daughter was reminded of similar games he used to set up for her and his other two children when they were young.

special effects; things that people can enjoy.”

After the phone call from his daughter, Konynenbelt and his brother-inlaw, Gerald Veldman, decided to pursue the idea in Lethbridge and work together as co-owners. It didn’t take long for the pair to get things rolling. They started scouting for locations in January and discovered the vacant building on 3rd avenue S., neighbouring the Backstreet Pub.

“Our original blueprints compared to what it looks like here would be like night and day,” he says. “As we went through we added on and designed it to make sure that it worked.”

“My son had a spy kit with motion sensors and lasers and we’d set it up in the basement where the kids would try and have to escape - we’ve always loved it,” he says.

“We loved the location and pulled the trigger,” says Konynenbelt.

Konynenbelt and Veldman started brainstorming escape tactics and story lines for each room. Veldman is an engineer by trade, which made it easier for the pair during the design process.

Veldman and Konynenbelt faced a challenge when they took possession of the building because they had to build the rooms from scratch.

Together with their children, they worked non-stop to complete the project. Konynenbelt says there were many changes during the build.

Two of the three rooms were completed a week prior to opening, so the pair took the opportunity to invite the media to test the rooms to ensure any last minute glitches could be fixed. The last room was completed at midnight, March 5: opening day.

In less than a month, more than 1100 people have attempted an escape and business is booming. Konynenbelt admits he had his doubts as to whether the idea would be lucrative in Lethbridge.

“My brother-in-law’s a pretty creative guy, so we came up with the ideas and then tried to figure out if we could actually build our ideas,” says Konynenbelt. “You want to have things in the room that kind of surprise people.”

“Here in Lethbridge, there are only 100,000 people,” he notes. “We wondered if there was the population to support a niche business like this, and so far, the people of Lethbridge have just been so wonderful supporting us and we’re delighted.”

Konynenbelt adds the element of surprise is important; he feels that’s what differs the Lethbridge location from others he’s seen.

“We didn’t just want puzzles in a room,” he says. “We wanted theme rooms and we wanted to decorate them so they look exactly like the room that you’re in. We tried to improve on the ones that we went in by having lots of hidden rooms, secret rooms,

Wall of Fame

Participants can choose from three scenarios: the office, the cabin or the vault. The office describes a scenario where an uncle has passed away and participants are tasked with cleaning out his booby-trapped apartment; the vault revolves around a disgruntled bank employee who has handcuffed participants and planted a bomb in the vault – they must

Quirk - 27

“We hope that by continuing to change it up we kind of keep that momentum going,”

escape the handcuffs and disarm the bomb. In the third scenario, participants are locked in mad trapper Willy Jackson’s cabin; they must escape before Jackson returns. Teams have 45 minutes to escape. Rooms range from novice to expert. In the more advanced rooms, story lines are not linear and clues do not follow a set pattern.

Participants are asked to keep their experience a secret so others can enjoy the mystery. This means no pictures or videos can be taken in the room, however, participants can have their picture taken afterward with an “I Escaped” or “Fail” sign. Konynenbelt says 80 per cent of participants don’t escape, but love the adventure regardless.

“It’s something that people have never done before and they really like the 45 minutes to escape, and that time just flies past,” he says. “It’s been a really good first month. We’ve had just about every time slot filled that we’ve offered to the public.”

Those that do escape get their team’s name and the time it took to escape on a special wall of fame. One group boasts the fastest time at just over 30 minutes for the most difficult room. Konynenbelt says he has been pleasantly surprised by people’s ingenuity.

We want it to look totally different and to have a different feel.

We don’t want people to think they’re coming to the same room and just doing different puzzles.”

The Great Escape has appealed to many different groups, including friends, families and even companies as a form of team building.

“We have lots of corporate bookings for team building, and then we talk about how important it is to work together and what worked and what didn’t,” Konynenbelt says. “We try to give people that work together an opportunity before and after to discuss strategies, successes and failures.”

All rooms are also wheelchair accessible. This was important for the pair so the experience could be enjoyed by all.

“We want this to be something that everybody can do together . . . we don’t want anybody to be left out of the action,” says Konynenbelt. “We designed our rooms in such a way that there might be things that one person can’t do but someone else on the team can do. All the puzzles and ciphers usually come back to a centre location where everybody can participate and discuss.”

He adds that rooms and story lines will be changed every four to six months to keep things fresh. They hope to change one room every four months and already have the next three story lines planned.

“We hope that by continuing to change it up we kind of keep that momentum going,” Konynenbelt says. “We want it to look totally different and to have a different feel. We don’t want people to think they’re coming to the same room and just doing different puzzles.”

Konynenbelt is also a teacher at Immanuel Christian High School, teaching during the day and helping with The Great Escape a few nights during the week as well as Saturdays. As for what the future holds:

“At this point, we just want to settle in and see how things go. Hopefully, it catches on.”

The Great Escape is located at 1806 3rd Avenue South To find out more, call 403-942-7555 or visit

Quirk - 28

www.thegreatescapelethbridge.com

Quirk - 29

Roasted Salsa Verde

By Judi Frizzle-Stowell

An addictively bracing green salsa that vibrates with the deep char goodness that comes from roasting the tangy tomatillos, fiery jalapenos and serranos, sweet onions and mildly smoky poblanos. Olé!

Follow Judi’s blog at

thelastwonton.typepad.com

It’s just about Summer time!

With this delightful announcement comes an impossible-to-resist prerequisite to raise our needy little faces to the warming sunshine, to briefly bask, as we effortlessly feel easy gratitude for renewal.

Now that the snow and the chills are gone, and fingers of sunlight and warm breezes play about, it seems Mother Nature herself, is smiling upon us. The trees eagerly sway to a song known only to them. Thriving leaf and flower buds arrive daily on some vine here, or some bush there, new green shoots are pushing up from the forest floor and tender soft new needles are popping out at the tip tops and very ends of branches on the fir trees.

Quirk - 30

Green, glorious green, is the order of the day. Verde, baby!

So when I saw plump, firm tomatillos and shiny, fresh poblanos in the supermarket, I knew exactly what I was going to make. And I'm so glad I did.

Whether you just want a crispy tortilla chip and salsa fix, or you've got tacos or quesadillas in mind, this salsa rocks.

Whatever your oh-wouldn't-that-be-perfect-with-salsa cravings are at the moment, I daresay I've got the remedy for you. And, bonus, it's all happy and green and vibrant, just like Summer.

First of all, get your hot little hands on some fresh tomatillos, poblanos and serranos...

ROASTED SALSA VERDE

If you want a kicky hot salsa, you know, hot-baby-hot, just add more jalapenos or serranos. But of course, it always depends on the heat of each and every pepper, as they vary widely. This is the usual combination of peppers that I use, which makes a hot salsa, but not HOT salsa

2 pounds tomatillos 1 nice large, firm, dark green poblano pepper 1 jalapeno 2 serrano peppers 1/2 large sweet onion 1/3 cup fresh cilantro Juice of 1 plump, juicy lime 1 teaspoon sea salt • Heat your broiler on high.

• Remove the husks from the tomatillos and rinse off any sticky residue from the skins. Slice the tomatillos in half and place on large baking sheet, cut side up.

Peel, chop, roast. El yumo!

• Slice jalapenos and serranos in half, lengthwise. Remove seeds and membranes from the inside of the peppers for a milder salsa. Leave seeds and membranes intact for a hotter salsa. I always leave my peppers intact. Place pepper halves on the baking sheet with tomatillos.

• Place the whole poblano on the baking sheet.

• Cut the onion, into large chunks and scatter over baking sheet.

• Broil for 10-20 minutes or until charred. (I almost always broil for 19 minutes to get the 'right' char.) Place the poblano pepper in a plastic or paper bag and seal. Let sit for 10 minutes to steam. Remove from bag carefully and peel the skin from the pepper.

Throw into a food processor with some cilantro, lime and salt. Buzz, buzz. Arriba!

Arriba!

Más por favor!!

More, please!!!

• Add the tomatillos, jalapeno, serranos, poblano, onion, cilantro, lime juice and salt to a food processor or blender and buzz, buzz, until smooth.

• Cool before serving, if you can wait that long. We never can!

• Store covered in fridge for up to 1 week.

Quirk - 31

SERPENTS RISING A CULLEN AND COBB MYSTERY Author: David A. Poulsen

Karren Pack

Lovers of reading approach a novel very much like a fine dining experience and so we should as it is food, good or bad, for the mind and soul. We savour our preparation rituals of reading the reviews, looking at the cover, and reading the author’s bio; all appetizing efforts serving to prepare us for the main course of consuming the story. As the plot thickens, our involvement grows and we become a passive though emotional observer to the unfolding events. We reserve judgement through the many twists and turns that comprise a good story until those moments after the final words are read. It is in those moments that feelings become thoughts that get summed up in a single phrase of “that was a good story!” unless, of course, it wasn’t.

By Karren Pack

uncomfortable world of gangsters, PI’s, addicts and journalists. He sojourns the reader through a brief time in the lives of unlikely cohorts brought together by serious circumstances. Characters such as Zoe and Jay struggling with life and love through their addictions and true day to day heroes like Jill remind us of the common struggles and victories that comprise reality for all of us. True to the spirit of the best whodunnits, I did not expect the villain to be the villain-or appear at that time-or involve the actions taken-or turn out like it did. So yes, I was surprised.

Poulsen’s use of an unlikely character in unpredictable motion creates an element of suspense that is sure to please the gumshoe and newsman crime novel loyalists. One of the things I appreciate about Poulsen’s writing style lies in the development of his characters, each ordinary human beings or, more aptly put, humans being. Central to the act of living is loving and Poulsen has managed the difficult task of keeping love as the driving force in perpetuating forward daily movement for each of the characters. Indeed it is the ultimate love a parent holds for a child that brought them all together.

If you’re looking for a Serpents Rising was a way to spend some good story. I will look forward to the next adventure of Cullen and Cobb novel time, and take my seat as passive observer. Adam Cullen and Mike Cobb come to life through the pen of David read Serpents Rising.

Poulsen. They are ordinary men in extraordinary David Poulsen has circumstances playing out in Calgary. Calgary as the location adds a pleasant, unexpected layer of delivered a tale that familiarity for those who know her streets and ways.

Poulsen has developed each of the characters in such a way that the mundane routines that comprise their lingers in your thoughts lives become the threads that weave together the long after the book has colourful tapestry of the story. It is his use of the mundane and familiar mixed with life’s serendipity been closed. that draws the reader comfortably into the You can order your copy of Serpents Rising direct from Dundurn, Amazon, or the e-book version from iTunes or pick up a copy at your local bookstore Quirk - 32

ABOUT THE AUTHOR David A. Poulsen

David A. Poulsen has been a broadcaster, teacher, football coach, rodeo cowboy, stage and film actor and—most of all—writer. His writing career began in earnest when his story The Welcomin’ won the 1984 Alberta Culture Short Story Competition. Now the author of more than 20 books, many for middle readers and young adults, David recently completed his Masters degree in Creative Writing at UBC. He divides his time between his small ranch in the Alberta foothills southwest of Calgary and a second home in Maricopa, Arizona. He was the recipient of an Alberta Centennial Medal in 2005 for “service to Alberta and Albertans.”In 2011 David’s young adult novel Numbers was selected for the Sakura Medal (awarded by English speaking high school students in Japan to their favourite novel of the year). As a result David toured International Schools in Japan and Korea in the fall of 2011. Numbers has since been added to the new English curriculum for Grade 10 in Saskatchewan. His 2013 novel, Old Man, a YA/Adult crossover novel was launched to excellent reviews from CanLit, CCBC, Quill and Quire and the National Post, among others.

David served as the Writer in Residence at the Saskatoon Public Library in 2012/13.

But it’s his latest book and first foray into the world of crime fiction that has him really excited.

“Mystery has been my favourite genre for as long as I can remember but although I read mysteries voraciously, I always doubted that I’d be able to write one.” Poulsen admits. “That maybe my mind didn’t work in the ways the really good crime writers’ minds do—people like Rankin, Kellerman, Connelly, Bowen and so many others that I admire. But I had an idea for what I thought might make an intriguing story and started playing with it and finally, after a lot of sweating, swearing and gnashing of teeth, I actually had my first crime novel.”

The book is Serpents Rising, released by Dundurn Publishing in October, 2014 and launched in Toronto, Saskatoon and Calgary. The book hit #3 on the Saskatoon bestsellers list and #1 in Calgary in the final weeks of 2014.

“I’m hoping that the response to the book just might result in it being the first in a series—the Cullen and Cobb Mysteries. To that end, Poulsen is already hard at work on the follow-up book that re-unites journalist, Adam Cullen and ex-cop turned private detective, Mike Cobb

A four-foot wooden plaque will shortly be unveiled at the Lethbridge and District Humane Society, on which people can set small metal plates, memorialising beloved lost pets, and make donations to ensure that the worthwhile work of the Society, in caring for lost and homeless cats and dogs, continues.

Jill Tyson

The plaque itself is being donated by Pat Robinson, whose husband Greg made it, in honour of their long-time friend Jill Tyson, who passed away last August, at the age of 76. Jill was an award-winning nurse, winning the gold medal at her RN graduation in England, and, after her two children were old enough, electing to go back to full-time nursing in her 40’s, by taking the full programme again at the Lethbridge College (where she was Valedictorian of her graduating year.) “Jill herself would never have imagined being remembered in this wonderful way,” says her husband Brian.

“This is why I am so grateful to Pat and her other friends who have made this plaque possible.” Though she was a born leader, with a terrific sense of humour, Jill always put others first: her kind deeds were done

In Memory

quietly, unobtrusively, whether the gift was of money, or time. And she never wanted to take credit for anything. For example, she tended to the caged birds at St. Michael’s Care Centre for fifteen or more years, yet she rarely bothered to log the many hours spent doing this; nor the tireless work she put in for other causes. For some years, Jill was the photographer for Paws and Claws, an annual Humane Society fundraiser where people bring their pets to be photographed with Santa. Caring for others was her greatest gift; yet her love overflowed hospital walls extending beyond the human race to all God’s creatures, both domestic and wild; for she rescued injured wild birds as well as stray cats.”

Those we love do not go away They walk beside us every day.

In memory of your pet a plate (2.5”x4”) may be purchased at The Engravers and brought to The Lethbridge and District Humane Society.

This token of remembrance will be placed on a specially engraved plaque as a way of visibly preserving the memory of your beloved pet.

A donation in the amount of your choosing will be gratefully accepted by The Humane Society in order that your pet will be remembered and to help continue to enhance the lives of other pets at The Humane Society.

Quirk - 34

Your plate may be purchased at The Engravers for $10.00 (five lines per plate). The Engravers are located at 407B - 5 Street South

For further information please call The Humane Society 403-320-8991

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 “Mercer” Submitted by Dawn Vickers

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

Entry Deadline May 30, 2015 Quirk - 35

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

With the support of 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

Angel Female

Angel is a 7 year old soft tortie and she really suits her name, she is an absolute doll! Angel adores attention of all kinds and shamelessly demands belly rubs.

She is quiet and easy to have around, she’ll happily find a perch and just watch what you are doing. Angel would prefer and adult home without other pets...so she can have you all to herself!!

Puurl Orange Tabby Male

Puurl is your typical laid-back, easy going orange cat....but he likes to wrestle! He wrestles his toys, he wrestles his buddies, he even wrestles himself! He doesn’t wrestle people though, he likes to snuggle and he’s great with children. Puurl was born around May of 2014. He would be a wonderful, wonderful addition to a new family.

Proud to support local shelters & rescues...

Kate Female

Kate was born in the fall of 2012. When she came to the Humane Society she had a very infected ear. She has been treated now but she still has a “cauliflower ear”. Kate was quite unhappy when she first came to us and it took her a while to get used to her new roommates. She has now become a very affectionate girl who would do best in a home with adults only or a family with older children.

Cory Female Tabby

Cory is a totally enchanting little tabby with big beautiful eyes. She may be petite, but she has a HUGE lovely purr! Cory has a wonderful personality...she’s lots of fun, very playful and engaging and extremely snuggly too. She also likes to amuse people by dangling her head off the perch.....showing off those eyes from upside down! She can be delightfully silly at times, a really irresistible girl! Cory was born in April of 2014.

Tyson Long Hair Tabby Male

Tyson arrived at the Humane Society with his mom and siblings when he was just a teeny tiny baby! He’s young, born in June of 2014.

Tyson is an adorable long haired tabby with white mittens. He loves to play and never seems to tire out! He wrestles and runs around with his roommates endlessly. Tyson is extremely athletic and can jump great distances for such a youngster! Tyson has a big purr and is up for short snuggles.

Anastasia Female Long Hair Calico

Anastasia came to the Humane Society with her two kittens after she was left behind when her owners moved. She’s about 2 years old. Anastasia doesn’t like to be picked up, but she does enjoy a nice scratch and some attention. Anastasia prefers to keep to herself, and to enjoy a leisurely nap in the sun! She might like to be an ‘only’ cat.

because this is our community, too.

LESSONS I’VE LEARNED FROM MY DOGS By Jean Van Kleek

it was me. I needed to learn to accept that her nervousness and trepidation were part of her nature.

I recently thought back to when Shani came into my life. I remember she stood out to me from the rest of the litter because she stayed back in the corner, unlike all the other pups vying for attention at the front of the puppy pen. She was beautiful, but very shy and smaller than the rest. Her big eyes stared right through me and connected on a level that went straight to my heart. I knew right then she was the one. I believed that I could help her through her insecurities, foster a confidence in her to trust, and alleviate any fears she had. In the end, it wasn’t Shani who needed to change,

The mistake I made, as we often do with human relationships, is thinking we can change an innate part of a person’s personality. Trying to make someone become something they are not, even if you think it’s in their best interest, only ends up in disappointment for both of you. I have let go of trying to change Shani. Instead, I celebrate the positive qualities she has blessed me with: her intuition, sensitivity, love and loyalty. When she has her fearful moments, I just let her know everything will be ok. She still may not always trust the world around her, but I know she has trusted me ever since that first look when we met. Relationships are built on sharing strengths and not judging weaknesses. Love is understanding when your strengths are needed, and allowing each other room to grow into the unique individuals we all are.

RECIPE

Relationships are built on sharing strengths and not judging weaknesses.

NoPeanutBake Butter

Oatmeal Cookies

Shani

Kiwi

Zoe

• Place 2 sheets of parchment paper on a counter or flat surface. Set aside.

• In a large nonstick pot or deep skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

• Stir in sugar and ½ cup milk until combined.

4 tablespoons butter, chopped • Add in cream of tartar just when mixture begins to bubble slightly.

3/4 cup brown sugar • Bring to a rolling boil and as soon as it comes to a rolling boil continue cooking for 2 MINUTES 1/2 cup milk, and 1/4 cup if needed for moisture while stirring constantly. See note *. as indicated in recipe • Remove from heat.

• Stir in peanut butter. ⅛ teaspoon cream of tartar • Add half of the oats and stir until well combined.

1 cup peanut butter • Stir in just enough of the remaining milk to create a thick and creamy batter. (may not need all 3 cups rolled oats, (1 minute quick oats) of the milk) • Stir in remaining oats.

• Working quickly, drop batter by the spoonful onto the parchment paper. Make them as big or as small as you'd like. Let the cookies sit for 20-30 minutes to set.

• Once set, store in an airtight container.

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

Quirk - 38

*Note: ONLY BOIL FOR 2 MINUTES. If you boil too long the finished cookie will be dry, crusty and crumbly. If you don't boil long enough the cookies will not set. (This has happened to me before and I placed them in the fridge for about 20 minute to set them).

Best way to store: layer with parchment paper between and place in an airtight container.

If you just store them all piled up in a container without using parchment paper, they may stick together.

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