Quirk September October 2015

nside MAGAZINE

Volume 5 • Issue 5 September - October 2015

CONNECTING

LETHBRIDGE

GEORGE V. GEMER POW Survivor and Inspiration

PAUL WALKER New West Theatre Music Guru

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“I Was a Horse in Bryansk�

A conversation with George V. Gemer; author, athlete, teacher and Russian prison camp survivor

Paul Walker, Music Guru

This issue Mark Campbell visits Paul Walker, musical director for New West Theatre

Recipe

Trying to eat healthier? Here is a great recipe for eggplant bacon!

Fall Planting

Fall is a great time for planting perennials, trees and shrubs

Helen Schuler Nature Centre

City of Lethbridge facility attains international mark of excellence for green building

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Find out how you can help reduce your carbon footprint

Adorable Adoptables

Featuring a new installment of adoptables from the Humane Society

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36

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From The Publisher Fall has arrived! It doesn't seem that long ago were anticipating summer around the corner.

We at Quirk hope you all enjoyed some much needed vacations and fun outdoors. Even if you couldn't get away, there is much to do around our city and even in your own back yard.

Volume 5 • Issue 5 • September - October 2015

www.readquirk.com Jean Van Kleek Photography: Jen Alston

Many people are creating their own oasis right where they live. Backyards are becoming a place to express yourself and make an environment that makes you feel like you are away from it all. Even though summer is over, fall is a great time to plan your yard and plant trees, shrubs and perennials. This issue, we've included an article to help you with your fall planting.

George V. Gemer is a fellow whom we had the absolute pleasure of being introduced to. His accomplishments are many, as are his credentials. George is a survivor of a Russian POW camp, who has gone on to do incredible work while inspiring others to never give up.

Mark Campbell talks to Paul Walker in this installment of "Random Thoughts at Random Times". Paul is the musical director for New West Theatre, and a very talented individual.

The Helen Schuler Nature Centre has always been a wonderful place to go, but has recently gone under some major renovations that have earned them an international mark of excellence for green building. It is the first City of Lethbridge building to achieve this status. If you haven't been there for a while, this is one place you really want to visit.

Do you often wonder how you can make a difference? Simply by reducing waste and learning about ways to recycle are things we can all do that make a huge impact. We have included some ideas for you to get you started if you haven't yet, and Heather Gowland from the City of Lethbridge tells us about programs the city has to offer. If you have items you are not sure where to dispose of, or have some innovative recycle ideas, drop us an email. We'd like to hear from you at info@readquirk.com.

Quirk Magazine brings you these articles and more. hope you enjoy them as you sit back with your favourite beverage this fall!

Letter to the Editor: I must express how much I enjoy the Quirk magazine. As well, it is the perfect informative magazine to place in a "guest bedroom" where visitors can be updated on the happenings in our beautiful city.

Elaine VandenBerg

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Published bi-monthly in Lethbridge by

SHABELLA PUBLISHING

1010 - 10th Ave. N., Lethbridge, T1H 1J8 403.382.7240 Printed by Warwick Printing, Lethbridge, AB. Publisher Jean Van Kleek jean@readquirk.com Design & Layout UniVerse Graphics Photographers Chris Yauck Chris Oates (Cogo Productions) Donna Kroeger Cover Photo Chris Oates (Cogo Productions) Contributing Writers Priscilla Peltier Mark Campbell Karren Pack Michelle Zandstra Ginger Malacko Chris Yauck Jean Van Kleek Georgie Erickson Coreen Putman/Curtis Goodman Sharry Yaeck General Inquiries info@readquirk.com Advertising Inquiries jean@readquirk.com 403.382.7240 LEGAL INFORMATION All information provided in this magazine is accurate and correct to the best of the knowledge of Quirk Magazine and Shabella Publishing, and current at the time of publishing. Quirk Magazine and Shabella Publishing are not responsible and will not be liable for damages whatsoever arising out of or in connection with the use of the information contained herein, or through any unauthorized use or reproduction of such information, even if the publication has been advertised of the possibility of these damages. The information in this magazine applies to Canada oinly and may not be appropriate or correct outside of Canada.

The magazine is not responsible in any way for the content provided by contributing writers and/or advertisers or other third parties who advertise or provide content for this magazine. Unless indicated otherwise, all opinions, advice, information and resources offered or made available in this magazine are solely those of third parties who advertise or provide content for this magazine. This magazine and its content do not necessarily reflect the views of Shabella Publishing or its employees. No endorsement or approval of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services, including those available or offered through this magazine or any websites, is expressed or implied by Shabella Publishing or any related company or its officers and directors. Links to websites of third parties are meant for convenience only. The publisher does not review, endorse, approve or control and is not responsible for any such websites.

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by Ginger Malacko

I’m Afraid Not Every leap of faith, every risk, every reach, every push forward, every stumble backward; we face them all with eyes open, aware of the impending pain and suffering.

My eight year old niece just had her ears pierced. And having been in her position many years ago, I recall with perfectly clarity the feeling of sitting in the chair, waiting anxiously for the lady to violently puncture my tender lobes with a half inch metal spike. Perhaps that sounds a little over-dramatic to you, but to an eight year old, that awareness of impending pain and suffering is a perfectly appropriate excuse for drama. My niece walked the length of that mall with fear in her heart. But when the moment came, she sat bravely still and the ears were skewered. I told her that she had just endured one of life’s best lessons: we are capable of facing fear and difficulty. We are meant to triumph.

This is the human story at its most basic. Every leap of faith, every risk, every reach, every push forward, every stumble backward; we face them all with eyes open, aware of the impending pain and suffering. And that is where fear comes from. It’s the knowing beforehand that something is going to hurt.

The marvelous thing is that each little thump and knock makes us stronger, like a patch of earth being carefully compacted to support the weight of a

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house. How important it is to learn early and often that there is nothing wrong with being afraid. And when we conquer fear once, we are taught that we can conquer it again. In an age where young men and women are afraid of reading college books without some negative memory being “triggered”, we need to encourage each other and ourselves to embrace that little bit of pain to gain the greater reward.

I remember standing before a classroom of women at the very green age of eighteen, clutching my speech in trembling fingers, telling myself that I could not possibly live through this experience. I didn’t just survive it, I was changed by it. It was the beginning of everything important. But the fear remains. And I deal with it every single time, building my courage and fortitude slowly, like a muscle. Because those little things you fear to try, are actually the practise arenas of life. And fear is really just a sign that we care what happens. So pay attention to that flutter of anxiety in the pit of your stomach. It may secretly be an opportunity to come out victorious. And then when the bigger fears loom overhead, we’ll find we have courage we never imagined.

Why Should I Get My

CHIMNEY CLEANED?

Don’t risk the chance that an undiscovered defect could turn into an expensive repair or worse yet – a chimney fire.

Bernie Huizing The job of the chimney sweep is to remove soot, blockages and built up creosote critters may have been using your chimney making it unsafe to use without from your chimney liner, firebox, smoke chamber and damper. This cleaning will clearing out the accumulated debris from nesting activity. help create a safer operation of your system during CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) says that the heating system. It takes only a Ideally, before the start of the The fireplaces should be cleaned when 1/8″ of sooty buildup small accumulation of creosote burning season during the is evident inside the chimney and flue system. If any glaze glazing to create the potential for is appearing in the flue, cleaning should be done even if a chimney fire. Creosote is a summer or early fall is a highly flammable substance that great time to get your chimney there is less than 1/8″ of build up. Any time an accumulation of soot and creosote occurs it builds up inside your chimney or inspection and / or chimney appreciable can be enough to fuel a chimney fire that may damage the liner as a result of burning wood. cleaning. chimney and even spread to the roof and home. Furnace The rate of accumulation can be higher if you practice poor burning practices or have flue systems also require cleaning, so don’t neglect regular cleaning of those a burning appliance or stove that is not working venting systems. well. Different types of wood create different Ideally, before the start of the burning season amounts of creosote when burned. Pine causes a during the summer or early fall is a great time rapid build up of creosote and should be avoided as to get your chimney inspection and / or a regular source of wood. Creosote can also reduce the draw of the fireplace and chimney cleaning. Before you think about reduce efficiency. building a fire or starting up your furnace because the weather has changed, is the time To be sure that all of your systems are in working order and operating as they to call your chimney sweep. Maybe you forgot should, it is recommended that homeowners get an annual the early cleaning before starting to use the chimney inspection. Most homeowners opt to have a fireplace, stove or furnace? Don’t wait until next Chimney Cleaning done every year as well, especially if they year, we can do your chimney cleaning or use their fireplace on a regular basis. Other venting systems inspection any time of year. connected to furnaces and stoves should also be cleaned on a regular basis to maintain a safer operation. Fireplace, stove, furnace and heating appliance systems are important to your home and family’s safety and not an area to neglect or cut corners on. Don’t risk the chance that an undiscovered defect could turn into an expensive repair or worse yet – a chimney fire.

This depends a lot on how much you use your fireplace or stove. The National Fire Protection Association says, “Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary.” So, even if you don’t use your chimney a whole lot – birds, squirrels, raccoons and other

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“I Was a Horse in Bryansk” Memoirs of George V. Gemer Survivor of Soviet POW Camps from 1945 to 1951

By Karren Pack

I

George at teacher’s training college in Marosvásárhely, Romania 1942

t was a hot, July morning when I met with George and Carole Gemer in their Lethbridge home. The quiet neighborhood is a long way from Felsogod, Hungary where George started his life. One may never realize when you meet George that you’re in the presence of true courage, determination, passion and resilience. Life itself seems to dance in the crystal blue eyes of George Gemer as if to understand and celebrate the miracle of his existence.

George will tell you his is a good news story, one of a determined young man to survive starvation, brutality, infestations, humiliation, unrelenting freezing temperatures -a constant risk of violence and death.

He was in many camps in Russia and Hungary but his worst horror came in the frozen forest of Bryansk in February and March of 1946, the “darkest and most inhumane time” of his prison years. The captors told the prisoners upon arrival in the forest: “The horses are kaput (dead); therefore you are now the horses.” Four prisoners were harnessed to wooden sleighs with cables, forced to load and pull piles of cut logs 20 kilometers per load in waste deep snow at -32C to -42C Quirk - 10

temperatures with slick, wooden-soled shoes. The number of daily loads required was decided by the guards. A dirt-roofed, wooden bunker would serve as home for all and tomb for some of the prisoners chosen to replace the real horses. The spirit of George Gemer was not broken by this brutal forest. George says of this time: “It puzzles me to this day how I survived this.”

“I Was a Horse in Bryansk” is the heartbreaking journey of a young man cruelly and unjustly imprisoned and his triumphant survival.

Evident throughout the book is his genuine heartache over the contrived notions of superiority that justify acts of inhumane and reprehensible violence.

Many questions arose while discussing this incredible life journey with the man who made it and the woman who walked with him. The following are highlights from that discussion.

How did you come to Canada and Lethbridge?

I escaped the Iron Curtain to Austria…Germany, then England. A friend asked me if I wanted to come to Canada. I said “Yes!” Canada would accept 40000 refugees from Hungary. At the embassy camp, if someone wasn’t ready to leave and you were, they would take you as a replacement. So we came to Canada. From then on, I didn’t have a choice. We ended up in New Foundland, then Winnipeg, then Medicine Hat and Lethbridge. I’d never heard of Lethbridge and came here anyway. But this was a lucky thing. Somehow I got help from upstairs.

I’m happy here. I found my wife, work, and opportunity in sports. I could have chosen to go to a bigger city but said “No, I will stay”.

The Horses pulling the sleigh. All illustrations are by Tamas Nagyreti (a comrade and friend still living in Hungary. Tamas was POW with George).

Love is the important thing and to

extend understanding to each other.

What are some of your most treasured student moments?

One of my 15 year old Hungarian athletes came with us to escape. I promised his father to take care of him. We made the first 200 km to Germany. Then, when we (my first wife and I) went to England (to my first wife’s mother), her mother arranged things. I said “Look we are 3 of us”. She said “Don’t worry -he will come after.” This never happened. And a lot can happen to a 15 year old…in a refugee camp.

Finally, a year ago, I had an email from university. Carole adds “This gentleman had emailed the University of Lethbridge because he found George’s name associated on the internet. He emailed the address he could find and it happened to be someone in the Phys Ed department who knew George and got in touch to deliver the email.” He’s now in the states…has his family…has no grudge against me because I was in a desperate situation. Then he said “You give me more than my father. I don’t know what I would have become in Hungary if I had stayed there. But now I am happy.” So we are communicating. Carole added that George has felt guilty all through these years. To have this happen…contact accidentally made has been a wonderful conclusion of this story and how this young man has been successful in his life despite being left behind.

Never give up.

You inspire us. Who inspires you? Who do you consider your heroes?

My high school phys ed teacher was a javelin thrower in the 1936 Olympics…I looked up to him because he was very strict with us but fair…and respectable…I always wanted to be like him.

In the prison camp, I was with Hungarian officers…400 officers there and some of them were excellent. They taught me how to love my country, manners and a lot of things. They held…lectures in their bunker and invited me because they said “You are so young-you should be in school!” Come and listen to some of the officers lecture about their occupation and their life”. So, I went…and they set the standard for me over there.

In Rome, 1960 Olympics, someone came from behind me, covered my eyes, whispered in my ear “Guess who this is?” I had no clue.

It was my greatest surprise to see an athlete I used to coach…who, years ago, despite his talent, had been on the verge of quitting athletics. He lived in a small village then, without proper facilities or training. I sent him training plans and letters, met with him at competitions and in monthly training sessions.

George’s soldier book

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George and Carole 1961

My mother taught me how to pray…believe God and like God. That was my strength in there. And if you prayed and worked, I believed that someday there would be change…I was very optimistic compared to some of my comrades. Some of them gave up and they didn’t make it but I had a really strong belief…God’s will would take me through.

What would you say to your Soviet captors today?

There was one Russian officer promised us when we were in the columns and we could have still escaped: “You will go home. Everybody just has to have a document and you will go home. I will give my honour on the ability”. Well… he lied because we ended up in Russia for 5 years. I don’t know for what reason but he lied and now I would say to him: “You see the truth is come out and I made it in spite of your lie.”

What would you say to world leaders?

They should travel in the path of truth, love and understanding.

In our violent world, what message would you give to those who currently struggle with brutality?

Love is the important thing and to extend understanding to each other.

Never give up.

It was -42 in Bryansk. We pulled the sleigh outside with no relief all day.

They tied up the sleigh and we made a little fire…just for the fingertipsI said to my comrades “Someday I will go to Hawaii, wash my dirty feet in the Pacific Ocean under blue skies and palm trees!” “You stupid George, you are going to rot with us in here” the pessimist said. And I said “No! Even if no one else makes it, I will make it.” 17 years later I went to Hawaii.

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Carole Gemer has been an instrumental person in supporting local, national, and international sports before George came into her life. As his wife of 51 years, she qualifies as the expert in Gemer.

He is the dreamer… I am the doer. Then it comes down to “we got to do this”. Together we find a way to make it work.

What are the moments that stand out to you?

When we together accomplish something that was a dream that he started and I was able to help, it’s a satisfying feeling. We’re involved in the Lethbridge Hungarian community is the construction of the Turul Madar that the Hungarian community put down in front of the Yates center. It was a good feeling to know that we had done something for our community and that our community stood behind us from both the Hungarian side and the Canadian side.

With sport, it was when George carried the Canadian flag first in the 1967 Pan American Games in Winnipeg with the Track group. I was expecting our first daughter. He said it was good it was raining because he was crying. It made me feel good that he had accomplished something that was a dream for him, maybe not as an athlete but as a coach.

What would you like us to understand about George, his life, your life with him, and the challenges overcome?

Our message would be to be honest with yourself and with people you work with-and have integrity. If you lose your integrity you have not much left. That is crucial and I hope that I’ve lived my life that way. I think that George has been influential in that. We’ve tried to instill that in our children and in the young people that we’ve dealt with. Our children have been the focus of our lives.

I grew up here so what was my view of the world: Why do we have wars?

Why do we fight? Why do we kill people? Then I went into Hungary the

It was a good feeling to know that we had done something for our community and that our community stood behind us from both the Hungarian side and the Canadian side. first time with George in 1966 ten years after the revolution but still under Communist rule. I had no idea, very naïve…a Canadian kid walking into a country and Communism that I know nothing about.

We called people Communist here but we didn’t know what we were talking about. When you really look at what it does to a people, the power struggles, how inhumane they can be to their own people under those circumstances. I was shocked and suddenly I began to understand that killing is harsh but I understood the dissatisfaction with the government and the hatred that starts to seep out of that. When you’re told that you can’t do something just because you don’t carry their banner or that you have to be in bed at 10 o’clock at night because if you gather with your friends you‘re a danger to society. I had no idea. And what they would do if you didn’t follow the rules. It wasn’t just a little slap on the hand. Not only you suffered but your family suffered.

Carole lightheartedly revealed that one of George’s legendary expressions is: “My grandmother can run that fast, quit crying!” This has resulted in a long line of athletes who would like to meet Grandmother Gemer.

What words to live by would you give our readers?

Carole: Young people need to set goals and be determined to succeed. Sometimes there are blockages…certain obstacles but it’s important for you not to give up…if something or someone else is preventing you from achieving those goals then have a Plan B that you can still work towards.

Sometimes you can achieve both.

George: Never give up.

Photo Courtesy: Chris Yauck Photography

Dr. George Gemer, an internationally acclaimed coach and official, taught track and field and later fencing at the University of Lethbridge since 1967. He has built a list of accomplishments at the local, national, and international levels including: the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Pan American Games; Alberta Track/Field Association; International Track/Field Coaches Association; and Lethbridge Track and Field club in 1958. The George Gemer Coaching Award recognizes a coach’s longterm commitment to the sport.

Inducted into the Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame, Alberta Sports Hall of Fame, University of Lethbridge Pronghorn Hall of Fame; presented with the Queen’s medal for building sport in Canada and the “Hungarian Cross”, George was awarded the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa from the University of Lethbridge in October 2011 “in honour of his remarkable journey from the depths of the Gulag to inspiring generations of young athletes”. George recently published his second book, “My Journey of Miracles”.

George Gemer’s books are available at www.amazon.ca

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Mark Boogieman

Mark Campbell

Paul Walker MUSIC GURU

Photos: courtesy Donna Kroeger

Paul Walker is the musical director for New West Theatre. (No not the Paul Walker from Fast & Furious.) Let me throw out my own adjectives to describe the person I have had the honor to know for many years: Multi-talented to the point of being a genius, incredibly giving, hard-working like no one you will ever know, quirky in a fun way, a family man, loving husband, reliable, humble. I may have missed a few traits but you get the picture. Lethbridge has been lucky to have him on our musical landscape for a few decades. In between rehearsing and arranging and performing with New West Theatre, he took the time to answer these questions.

When did you know that music was going to be your career?

I think I made up my mind by the end of grade nine. I had started in music on the trombone in grade seven but half way through grade eight I started secretly teaching myself how to play drums, built my own homemade drum practice set and then convinced my parents to give me lessons in grade nine. I was fanatical about it and practiced at least two hours a day.

The other band students discovered I played in the spring and I was already better than my drum hero at the school. I knew then that I needed a new drum hero and that this was something I loved doing and could do well. I didn’t even consider making money with the drums but I guess I had blind faith that the hard work would gleam something good along the way.

Jazz is like playing Scrabble but with emotion and played with a very fast time clock.

What are some of the wide variety of combos and bands you’ve played with over the years?

I have played in almost every conceivable type of musical group.

Symphony – Ballet – Opera Orchestras, Musical Theatre Pit Orchestras, Old Time Four or Five Piece Dance Bands, Country Bands, Rock Bands, Polka Bands, Dixieland Bands, Jazz and Dance Big Bands, Jazz TriosQuartets-Quintets, World Music Ensembles, Experimental Weird Music Ensembles, Percussion Ensembles, Brass Quintets, Sax Quartets, Classical Chamber Groups and I’ve worked at lot as a single lounge musician.

You live by the musician motto, “Never turn down a gig.” Are there any you wished you had?

When I was nineteen I accepted a three night gig with a pickup band that was being put together by a keyboard player I worked with at Pruegger’s Music. It was supposed to be an allstar outfit but everyone dropped out except me, the keyboard player and a weird country guitar player who was to be the lead singer. We played at the Miner’s Library in Lethbridge and it is the only time I have been heckled in my career and we deserved it. We started the engagement with 20 songs and by Saturday night we had 40 mostly because an attractive female patron joined us and could actually sing.

What’s the most nervous you’ve ever been playing a gig?

One concert I played with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra was conducted by a very intense Japanese conductor doing Shostakovich’s Symphony Number One. This is a very tough work and the conductor was very demanding on all the players in rehearsals and this had these amazing players playing beyond their usual high level. I had a great big loud bass drum note at the end of the huge climax of the 40 minute work and I didn’t want to be the “Charlie Brown” that ruined all of the great playing everyone else had done. I nailed my note in both performances and it was one of the highlights of my orchestral life.

If the music thing hadn’t worked out, was there a plan B? Yes my plan B and plan A was my beautiful wife Nancy! I was already making a very modest living in high school by teaching 35 private drum students and playing various gigs on the weekends so I knew that Nancy and her tremendous work ethic would be rewarded when she finished University and my little music thing would help provide some free spending money. I know I could always go back to University for another year and a half and become a band director if I needed more economic security.

It’s a tremendous commitment to take on the New West Shows every year. Give us a sense of your summer schedule.

My work with New West Theatre usually starts in early March when the Artistic Director and I start trying to assemble a cast and pick some songs for the first of the two shows that summer. Once we confirm a few musical selections I begin the process of arranging them for the number of musicians and singers we have for that show. It now takes me an average of 5 hours to create an arrangement and have practice versions recorded and sheet music printed. I purchase sheet music to help speed up this process but there is always a lot transcribing by ear from the original recordings involved. It takes me about a month to finish each show and that means finishing an arrangement almost every day. It is very similar to writing a University term paper every day for two months. It is always thrilling to hear the group perform my finished work and that makes up for all the hard work it takes to arrive at that point.

Music selection is a big part of every show. What sort of things do you have to consider when picking each song?

Choosing music is always part science and magic. We need songs that fit a slot in the show and also show off the performers strengths. We need big showy, danceable songs to open and close each Act. At least one funny number, a couple of ballads, duets, girl group numbers, guy group numbers etc. All of these songs need to work together so that there is an ebb and flow of energy as the show moves along. The last four numbers in Act are what we call “Power Alley” and they need to bring the show to a crescendo for the finale.

Quirk - 15

Choosing music is always part science and magic. We need songs that fit a slot in the show and also show off the performers strengths.

The singers of course would all like to sing the big beautiful power ballad to show them at their best but in reality we only have a spot for one or two of those in a show. Another major problem is that most popular hit songs are all almost exactly the same medium tempo and if you have a bunch in a row in a show it kills the momentum of the production so variety is the key to success.

Technology has come a long way when it comes to arranging songs which is part of what you do. That must be a life saver for you.

I can’t imagine going back to writing the sheet music by hand. I started using computer music notation programs in the late eighties and the difference is profound. With the computer you can actually hear the work instead of imagining it in your head and it means you can proof read it and eliminate mistakes before the players get hold of it. The other major part is that you can just push a button and print the parts. It takes me about an hour to print the 17 parts for a big band and if I do that by hand it turns into a 20 hour project.

The other bit of technology is that I can just push a button and the music is slowed down by 50% and that makes it so much easier to transcribe.

As you mentioned, you’ve played with the Calgary Symphony. What was that experience like?

My teacher at University was Tim Rawlings who has been the Principle Percussionist with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra for over forty years. Tim started using me as an extra percussionist when I was only 19 and I ended up playing over 40 performances and many more rehearsals over a seven year period. Playing in a professional symphony orchestra is the most exhilarating, humbling and terrifying experience all at the same time. Everyone of those musicians were the most gifted academic students in their respective communities and they all put in six to ten hours of daily practice on their instruments for their entire childhood and adult lives. I always knew that out of the seventy musicians on stage I was number 70 in quality.

The rehearsals are extremely intense as you do not want to be the one that ruins the piece by making a mistake. These players always play the right notes and rhythms but they are looking for that next more difficult step of creating great art.

You’ve had the opportunity to play with some very talented musicians over the years. Who have been most memorable for you?

I have had the chance to play with some relatively famous jazz musicians, classical artists and popular music stars but those are usually as part of a large group and you don’t really feel like you are making much of a contribution. The longer I play the more I realize that it is my

Quirk - 16

local friends who I get a chance to make some of those magical musical moments when everything clicks and we don’t even want to talk about it because it would ruin the magic. People like Herb Hicks, Ernie Block, Dale Ketcheson, Billy McCarroll, Jerry Rogers etc.

You are a big fan of autobiographies. Who are some of the most fascinating people you’ve read about?

I love reading biographies as they make me realize that everyone is just another human being with most of the same problems and the universal questioning of ourselves that we all seem to do.

I just read a bunch including – James Gardner, Carol Burnett, Carol King, Neil Young, Linda Ronstadt, Tony Bennett, Jay Leno, Johnny Carson, Henry Mancini, Carl Reiner, Burt Bacharach, Tim Conway, Billy Crystal, Clive Davis (music mogul), Steve Jobs, Buddy Rich, Gustav Mahler, Marni Nixon – she was the voice you hear in King & I, Westside Story and My Fair Lady.

You’re a huge basketball fan. You know this is Canada right? How did that happen?

Nancy and I had to play in the band at a bunch of the LCI Rams basketball games and then a bunch of U of L pronghorn games in high school. When we started going to University we started to go to all the home games with my mother who for some reason liked watching live basketball. We have seen most of the ten home games of the pronghorns since about 1977.

When we go married in 1982 and had cable for the first time I started watching the weekly NBA games. I now PVR a game or two a day during the season and watch them after I finish arranging at about 3am.

My son Matthew is a great basketball player and when he is home we bond watching NBA games.

Top 5 drummers ever.

Only us crazy drummers will recognize all these names but everyone has heard them or have heard drummers influenced by them: Buddy Rich – became a drumming star at 18 months old and is without a doubt the greatest drumming technician in history. Check him out on the Muppet Show on Youtube.

Tony Williams – started with Miles Davis when he was seventeen.

Jack DeJohnette – another Miles Davis drummer that crossed over into jazz/rock fusion Steve Gadd – studio legend, master of all styles, best groove ever. (Fifty Ways To Leave Your Lover) Billy Cobham – he is the jazz/rock fusion dude that was Neil Peart’s hero. (Neil Peart of Rush)

You’re big into jazz. What is it about that genre that you love?

I know jazz is tough to understand for many but is the difficult journey it takes to understand it and play it that makes it so satisfying. Jazz is like playing Scrabble but with emotion and played with a very fast time clock. When you get that seven letter word on a triple it is pure ecstasy!

You just received a huge honor from the Lethbridge Jazz Society.

How did that feel?

Very, very humble. I like all of us on this planet just try to do my best and be a good person so when people write such glowing and complimentary things about you it is a bit overwhelming. My parents Doug and Elspeth were very loving and caring people and I just tried to follow their example and it was nice to find out I lived up to their standards.

You’ve lived in Lethbridge for a long time now. Did you ever wish you had gone to a bigger city where there were perhaps more opportunities or is that a misconception?

The “I could have been a contender!” question. I do wonder sometimes what would have happened if I had gone to a big jazz school like Berkley in Boston. I think I would just have naturally fallen in with a bunch of musicians of my playing ability and personality and it would be very similar to how my life turned out here in Lethbridge. I have never had any interest in the pop stardom we see society so obsessed with these days. My only dream was to be on the cover on Modern Drummer Magazine which means you are respected for you playing ability by your drumming pears.

Is teaching something you enjoy?

I taught 38 years as a private music teacher and every day I considered it a great honor and responsibility to help share my love and knowledge of music. Those personal bonds I developed with students where the highlights of my life. I was fortunate to have many students for six or more years and cherish all those memories.

What do you get more pleasure from? Playing in front of a huge crowd and nailing a drum solo or watching a student get on stage for the first time and playing to the best of their ability?

Those magical times when a student felt comfortable to let their inner self express itself in front of me or along with me on their instrument was awe-inspiring. Very few audience members get to see that as we musicians keep those moments hidden to a select few.

You’re in New Orleans. You’re walking down the French Quarter when a mysterious man hands you a bottle. Inside the bottle is a music genie. (It could happen.) He grants you the wish of bringing back any 5 musicians to play a one night gig with you. Who do you choose?

Louis Armstrong, Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, J.S. Bach, Duke Ellington – that’s a weird group but it would be cool to see what would come out.

What’s your idea of a perfect vacation?

I’ve had it three times now – Jazz Cruise – 70 of the greatest jazz musicians in the world in air-conditioned comfort with all the food you want and Nancy is happy sitting reading a book in the sun. (I don’t like the sun or heat).

Follow Mark’s blog at: https://greetergrammer1.wordpress.com Quirk - 17

Wild West

EGGPLANT BACON

by Georgie Erickson

This recipe will inspire you to throw on some cowboy boots and go wrestle in some veggies from the garden!

This spicy, all-veggie bacon replacement is perfect for those aiming to eat healthier, but still want to enjoy their favourite foods. This smoky, maple flavoured eggplant bacon is delicious and crispy. Once you try smoked paprika, you won’t know how you lived without it: it delivers a smoky flavor and a fiery spice. Tamari is similar to soy sauce, but with its own distinct contribution to making this recipe special. This recipe will inspire you to throw on some cowboy boots and go wrestle in some veggies from the garden!

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This spicy, all-veggie bacon replacement is perfect for those aiming to eat healthier, but still want to enjoy their favourite foods.

DIRECTIONS: INGREDIENTS:

Coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil 1⁄3 cup maple syrup 1⁄4 cup raw apple cider vinegar 1 1⁄2 tablespoons organic tamari (preferably low sodium) 1 1⁄2 teaspoons smoked paprika 1 1⁄2 teaspoons chili powder 1 large eggplant

EGGPLANT:

Cut lengthwise in quarters. Slice each quarter lengthwise as thinly as possible with a mandoline or by hand

• Create a marinade by mixing together the maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, tamari, smoked paprika and chili powder in a medium bowl.

• Marinade the strips of eggplant for at least an hour (I often do it longer for a more smoky flavor) • Place the strips into a cast iron frying pan with coconut or olive oil on medium heat. Do not let them burn or get too hard. The tamari will help the strips darken.

• Transfer the eggplant bacon to a large plate and allow it to cool and bend naturally with complete freedom. If you want to get fancy, roll up some parchment paper and bend it into wavy shapes, then lay the eggplant on top to cool, which will cause the strips to bend and create wavy shapes. Serve the eggplant bacon at once or refrigerate, covered, for up to 2 days.

! y o j n E

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HEALTH MATTERS

Can A Poor Diet Be Related to Cognitive Decline?

One reason people suffer from memory loss is an insufficient supply of necessary nutrients to the brain. But there are numerous other factors involved in the deterioration of memory. One of the most important is exposure to free radicals, which can cause enormous damage to the memory if unchecked. Nutritional deficiencies, especially deficiencies of the B vitamins and amino acids, account for memory loss in some individuals. Allergies, hypoglycemia, candida, stress, thyroid disorders and poor circulation to the brain are other contributing factors.

People with mild memory loss complain and worry about it. Those with true dementia may not comment on it at all, unless someone specifically asks them about it or tests their memory.

But it is without a doubt that more and more younger people are coming to my clinic with serious cognitive concerns. So it is for this reason as well as personal ones that I launch this article.

Is your brain getting enough healthy fats?

It has long been suspected that the relative abundance of specific nutrients can affect cognitive processes and emotions. Although food has classically been perceived as a means to provide energy and building material to the body, its ability to prevent and protect against disease is starting to be recognized.

We natural health care practitioners are all glad that the word is finally getting out that healthy fats work miracles in an inflamed body. Not only that, but healthy brain function also demands healthy fat consumption.

The foods with the healthiest fats (mostly Omega-3 Fatty Acids) are found in avocados, coconut/coconut oil, egg yolks (organic), grass fed beef, olives/olive oil, palm oil, raw nuts & nut oils, hemp, flax, chia, fish & fish oils. And even butter made from grass-fed cows can be healthy in moderation if cooked properly without burning.

Unhealthy fats are found in factory-farmed grain-fed cattle, processed meats, and foods deep fried in hydrogenated vegetable oils.

Some nutrients that improve brain function, memory, neurotransmitter function and blood flow to the brain include: 1) acetyl-L-carnitine, 2) ginseng, 3) ginkgo biloba, 4) phosphatidylserine, 5) vinpocetine and 6) certain medicinal mushrooms. Also B12 deficiency occurs over time and can cause depression and impaired mental function. Studies have shown that methylcobalamin improves sleep quality and feelings of alertness & concentration. If concentration and brain function are problematic, consider adding one or more of these nutrients and test to determine if conditions improve (assuming a healthy diet and exercise program are already in place).

And to maximize health, focus on removing the unhealthy trans-fats in fried, processed & junk foods and eating healthy fats in moderation. Your brain will thank you for it.

Studies proving cognitive benefits: A Mayo Clinic study of 1200 seniors aged 70 to 89 found those who consumed the highest amount of carbohydrates (bread, sugar, pasta, etc.) had twice the risk of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) than those with the lowest consumption rates, suggesting high carbohydrate loads may

Quirk - 20

Whether you experience temporary lapses in memory due to stress or have begun to notice worrisome episodes of memory loss due to aging, the sooner you start to nourish your brain, the better your quality of life will be.

affect brain function as we age. Limit or reduce starchy carbohydrates from your diet to minimize risk of cognitive problems later.

Another study in September of 2011, researchers at the Mayo Clinic published a report of their retrospective study of scientific literature on the study of exercise and cognition. They looked at animal studies as well as observational (human) studies in over 1600 papers. They used, as their measure of exercise, enough aerobic physical activity to raise the heart rate and increase the body’s need for oxygen. This included anything from walking to gym workouts to activities at home such as shovelling snow or raking leaves.

Their conclusion was that “you can make a very compelling argument for exercise as a disease-modifying strategy to prevent dementia and mild cognitive impairment, and for favorably modifying these processes once they have developed.” When you exercise the body, you exercise the brain.

The power of the brain: They say that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but when it comes to the brain, scientists have discovered that this old adage simply isn’t true. The human brain has an astonishing ability to adapt and change – even into old age.

Whether you experience temporary lapses in memory due to stress or have begun to notice worrisome episodes of memory loss due to aging, the sooner you start to nourish your brain, the better your quality of life will be. Just remember that and 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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Getting our Children Ready For Back-to-School

AND PREPARING THEM FOR A HEALTHY FUTURE Journal of Applied Physiology • April 2008

“Enhancement of the adolescent musculoskeletal system using low-level mechanical vibrations” (Vibration Therapy) Abstract: “Here we examined the potential of extremely low-magnitude, high-frequency mechanical stimuli to enhance the quality of the adolescent musculoskeletal system.”

Summary: “This 6-week study demonstrates that short daily periods of extremely lowmagnitude, high-frequency mechanical signals have the ability to increase bone volume ... as well as enhance type I and type II muscle fiber areas... This study suggests that non-invasive and non-pharmacological low-level mechanical stimuli can be effective in producing beneficial structural changes in the adolescent musculoskeletal system, which, if maintained during adulthood, may serve to decrease the incidence of osteoporotic fractures and sarcopenia later in life.”

Physical wellness requires teaching, just like learning a language that will be used throughout our entire lives.

They also require unstructured time to develop their imaginations and spontaneity and to learn to entertain themselves.

Two years ago, ABC News reported on a special program being implemented at Naperville Central High School where students could take part in a dynamic gym class at the beginning of the day and had access to exercise bikes and balls throughout the day in their classrooms.

The results were astounding!

Those who participated nearly doubled their reading scores and math scores increased 20-fold.

(Research has shown that after 30 minutes on the treadmill, students solve problems up to 10 percent more effectively.)

A growing body of research suggests a connection between physical activity and positive factors such as: - greater attention in the classroom, - faster cognitive-processing speed, - increased on-task behaviors, - better performance on standardized academic tests at school (The focus on higher achievement in standardized academic tests has been the whole point of cutting back on time spent on school physical education.)

Vibration Trainers could easily be fitted into classrooms taking much less space than an exercise bike and with far more profound results from a minimal time spent. On a Vibration Trainer the brain is being tricked into believing that you are losing your balance. It then activates all the muscle in your body in a very rapid reflex response – 30 to 50 times faster than running. Ten minutes on the Vibration Trainer is the muscular equivalent to running for an hour with all the ensuing health benefits! : - more toned muscle - denser and stronger bones - increased blood circulation - decreased stress hormones Vibration Trainers involve the whole body not just the 40% of the muscle (the “voluntary muscle”) that you can access in a gym. And it is the only type of exercise, along with sprinting, that involves the Type I as well as Type II muscle fibre. When you consider that 50% of the heart muscle consists of what is called Fast Twitch Fibre which can’t be accessed by usual gym exercises or moderate running, then you

realize that following the usual exercise guidelines concerning running and gym training only trains 50% of the heart muscle – not ideal for a long life.

There is a great need for schools to collaborate with outside sources including parents, local governments, health advocacy groups and politicians to get the support they need. We need to bring the fun back for our kids. We need to be empathetic to that and make them know that they don’t have to be the perfect athlete, just be moving and healthy.

It doesn’t require more class time, rather, it optimizes time available. In elementary school these times could be recess, before and after-school programs as well classroom activity breaks.

These would include “brain break” exercises before the transition to another subject or lessons that include movement. This creates education that teaches lifetime fitness skills instead of a primary focus on sports, which the vast majority of students don’t carry into their adult lives.

This type of viewpoint does not assume the importance for children of a critical threshold of activity or fitness. Instead, it emphasizes the significance of establishing a physically active lifestyle during the pediatric years. This is best achieved by exposing children to the enjoyment of physical exercise early.

Look at existing workplace laws and then compare them to the lack of legislation requiring children to get physical activity breaks at school. What people seem to forget is that children are at school six or seven hours a day, and spend most of the time sitting at their desks. This doesn’t make sense at a time when adults in the workplace are now being advised to set a timer to remind themselves to stand up every 15 minutes. Treadmills have been designed for the workplace to house a computer so that the user can work while walking on a treadmill.

Even for the physically fit and active it can be fatally dangerous to spend the amount of time that we typically spend sitting at our jobs. How much worse, then, is it for the young, developing bodies of our youth?

By not teaching our children how to live a healthy, well-balanced life, we rob them of their well-being. Physical wellness requires teaching, just like learning a language that will be used throughout our entire lives. They also require unstructured time to develop their imaginations and spontaneity and to learn to entertain themselves.

Fitness doesn’t have to be acquired in large doses at one time. In fact many studies have confirmed that fitness can be “accumulated”. Fitness can be acquired in the moments throughout the day. Moments that could be much more efficiently spent on a VibraFit Trainer!!

HOT HEALTH

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PHOTO

CONTEST Photo by David Wirzba

Winner of September 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 September 30, 2015 Email your photos to: info@readquirk.com

Fall Planting P

by Georgie Erickson

rocrastinators, rejoice! It's not too late to plant perennials, trees, shrubs and other hardy plants. In fact, autumn is actually the best season to get many hardy plants into the ground. So if you've put off starting a new bed or missed getting those trees in last spring, you can still do so any time between mid-August and about six weeks before the first frost.

Home gardeners are used to doing most of their planting in spring because of tradition. Back when the average flower bed was filled with annuals, this was the norm, as annuals are tender plants that only live for one season. When perennials came into the fore, the spring planting habit simply carried on. Yet most perennials (as well as many shrubs and trees) do best planted in fall; when plants go into the ground in spring, they're faced with cool soil that slows down their rooting, but soon have to cope with warm air temperatures that stimulate leaf growth and flowering. Then come the summer droughts, which further hinder root formation. As a result, many spring-planted hardy plants fail to root properly and spend their first summer looking stressed and scrawny. In contrast, fall-planted specimens go into warm soil at a time of year when evaporation is low. This combination of warm soil and even moisture is ideal for root growth, which continues long into the season, well after the aerial (above the soil surface) parts of the plant are dormant.

Typically, a fall-planted perennial will reach its full size the first summer, while a spring-planted one can take two or three summers to become well established. Though the difference is less dramatic, the same holds true for many trees, shrubs and conifers.

Planting in the fall is not only perfectly acceptable, it's the best time of year to get most plants into the ground. So pull out your shovel, do some digging and enjoy the fruits of your labours come spring!

10 TIPS

for planting trees and shrubs in the fall

Fall is a great time to plant trees and shrubs, and they are often on sale this time of year. The soil is warmer now than in spring, and there's still time for roots to get established before the snow flies. Roots can grow in soil as cold as 4 degrees celsius, and the soil remains warm long after the air temperature drops.

1. Read the information on the tag

and pick a location that matches the growing conditions your plant requires. Note the plant's mature size and leave enough space around it to allow for air circulation and expansion to its full size. This is hugely important. You don't want to have to transplant a tree or shrub later (they're big!). You don't want its roots getting into your sewer system or it bumping into your house or over-shadowing other plants.

2. Move your tree or shrub to the intended location. If it's bulky or heavy, use a wheelbarrow to push, a tarp to drag

3. Dig the planting hole two to three times wider than, and just as deep as, the root ball. If you shovel the dug-out soil onto a tarp, it will be easier to refill the hole later. Once the hole is the right size, dig in the shovel a few times to loosen the bottom of the hole; this will make it easier for the roots to spread.

4. Remove all wires, twine, and plant tags. If the root ball is in burlap, you can remove it or keep it; it will decompose. Do cut it back from the top of the root ball, so it doesn't wick moisture away from the roots or stick out over the soil.

5. If your plant is in a pot and doesn't

pull out easily, place it on its side and gently roll it. If this doesn't loosen it, use a mallet to gently (and then not so gently) tap on the sides.

If this doesn't work, use strong scissors to cut the pot away. Don't worry about damaging the roots. If the fit is that tight, it means the pot is root-bound (right) and you'll need to loosen the roots anyway.

Don't worry about cutting the roots; cutting encourages new roots to grow.

In fall, plants naturally shut down for winter. The roots don't need to use their energy to supply nutrients or water to grow stems and new leaves; at this time of year, they focus on getting themselves established to anchor the plant and prepare for next spring.

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If roots are tightly matted, cutting them, even crudely, does the trick.

If the roots are tightly tangled, you can cut or untangle them. This will help them spread out once in the ground. Use a saw or sturdy knife, to make two cuts into the root ball (imagine the bottom of the root ball is a pizza, and cut it into four slices). If you can loosen individual roots with your fingers, great; do so.

6. Before lowering the tree or shrub into the planting hole, look at it from all sides and decide which side looks best. Orient the tree or shrub so that side faces out, and then lower the plant into the hole.

7. Make sure the top of the root ball is even with soil line. Shovel the soil you dug out earlier back into hole.

Do not amend the soil or add compost into the planting hole*. This is especially crucial for trees and larger shrubs. If the soil in the planting hole is much more nutrient-rich than the surrounding soil, the roots won't want to spread beyond it and will grow in circles instead of out like a web. This makes the plant much less stable. If you ever see small trees that lean at a severe angle or that topple over, that is likely why.

Adding compost as a top dressing is fine. It will work its way down.

Do not fertilize the tree or shrub. This is fall. We do not want to encourage foliage to grow; it will only weaken the plant and take energy away from root establishment. Fertilize in the spring.

Do not prune the tree or shrub. Pruning encourages new growth, which has the same detrimental effects in fall as fertilizer.

Adding a rooting hormone, which encourages only roots to grow, not foliage, is fine.

8. Press the soil down lightly, but do not stomp it down. You want air pockets so rain can get through, roots can grow, and worms can do their jobs.

9. Mulch around the planting hole. Two inches is plenty.. Keep the mulch from directly touching the trunk or stem.

10. Water your newly planted tree or shrub 20 to 30 minutes a day until

the ground freezes. Trees and shrubs are thirsty, big drinkers. Not watering them in properly is a big mistake, especially in fall when they really need to establish roots in a short time.

Helen Schuler Nature Centre… Natural by Design City of Lethbridge facility attains international mark of excellence for green building

by Coreen Putman & Curtis Goodman • Photos courtesy: Chris Oates (Cogo Productions)

If the words Nature Centre conjure up thoughts of a small, dark building filled with old displays and found nature objects, then the Helen Schuler Nature Centre is going to make you rethink what a Nature Centre experience can be! In June 2014, the Nature Centre celebrated their grand re-opening with the completion of a $4.4 million renovation and expansion that improves overall efficiency and greatly enhances the visitor’s experience. The new building features bright, open spaces with incredible views of the surrounding cottonwood forest, coulees, and world famous CP Rail High Level Bridge.

Fast forward one year and the City of Lethbridge is proudly announcing the Nature Centre’s latest accomplishment, a LEED-Gold certification for the building’s innovation in design, sustainability, and overall efficiency. LEED-Gold ranks the Nature Centre at the top of all LEEDcertified buildings in the city and marks the first City of Lethbridgeowned facility to achieve such a status.

“Since the official re-opening one year ago, interest in the facility has been incredible. There have been a lot of out-oftown visitors that have heard about the building and have made the trip to Lethbridge to see it.”

– Coreen Putman, Nature Centre Coordinator

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is an internationally recognized rating system which marks excellence for green buildings that attain high performance in key areas of human and environmental health. LEED Canada is nationally administered by the Canadian Green Building Council (CaGBC).

The Canadian Green Building Council indicates that buildings have a significant impact on the environment – generating up to 35% of all greenhouse gases, 35% of all landfill waste (from construction and demolition), and consuming up to 70% of municipal water in and around buildings. Therefore, making buildings better is in everyone’s best interest.

“Green buildings create a healthier working environment for staff and tenants, through better air ventilation and more natural daylight. Green buildings reduce waste, conserve energy, decrease water consumption, and drive innovation.”

– Canadian Green Building Council (cagbc.org)

The Helen Schuler Nature Centre was designed to provide a local standard of sustainable design and education for our region. The team of staff and volunteers at this environmental education centre are able to showcase the building’s notable green features. Photovoltaic (solar) panels provide low impact, renewable energy generating the equivalent lighting energy required for two of the largest public spaces in the building. Surplus power is put back on the grid in low use times. LowQuirk - 26

flow water fixtures conserve water and highly efficient mechanical systems reduce energy use considerably. The two living roofs (also known as green roofs) insulate the building and provide habitat for pollinators and other small wildlife species. The larger of the two living roofs was designed to maximize educational and programming potential. It is fully accessible and has become one of the top ranked features by visitors of all ages.

“We’ve had inquiries from private enterprise who want to incorporate sustainability into their renovations or new building designs. In this way, the Nature Centre has provided an excellent example of what is possible and what strategies the next generation of buildings should be using.”

– Curtis Goodman, Resource Development Coordinator

As an urban escape located within a 10 minute walk of downtown, the Nature Centre provides nature-based exhibits, environmental education programs, and a community resource to learn about all things nature. The Nature Centre exists thanks to the dedication and efforts of local naturalists Helen Schuler and Elizabeth Hall. These two exceptional individuals invested more than 20 years of effort towards the preservation and increased awareness of the coulees, the river and the cottonwood forest. The Oldman River Valley is now toted as one of Lethbridge’s most important assets.

The determination of local naturalists like Helen Schuler and Elizabeth Hall led to the establishment of environmental education programs for local school children and the creation of the Helen Schuler Nature Centre in 1982 (formerly known as the Helen Schuler Coulee Centre).

The Nature Centre now promises a casual, personal and informative visit mixed with some fun. Eye-catching signage about water conservation, land conservation, and eco-friendly building design keeps you engaged. The variety of displays and exhibits range from quirky, “pop-up video” like signage to stunning and surprising perspectives of root systems that exist in the world under your feet. The main gallery features new exhibits which are interactive, fun, and play-based for children. A community art gallery rounds out the indoor experience, featuring what the local art community has to offer.

Every trip to the Nature Centre offers something new and different. You never know what you will discover, but its tag line promises that you will “Discover It Here”! Be sure to round out your visit with a walk on one of the self-guided trails and find yourself sitting at eye level with the porcupines and white-tailed deer.

The coulees in the Nature Reserve are considered some of the best places to photograph the train bridge and the audio experience of songbirds in the cottonwood forest literally melt any thoughts or worries of city life away.

The helpful and informative staff and volunteers at the Helen Schuler Nature Centre are happy to recommend areas for you to explore and will provide maps to get you there. They have a wealth of knowledge about “must see” sights and which unusual birds, flowering plants, or animals have just been sighted and where to find them.

It is easy to lose yourself at the Helen Schuler Nature Centre – be sure to plan a visit and don’t be surprised when you want to stay awhile!

Reduce Reuse Recycle Let’s Talk Trash!

by Jean Van Kleek

Before industrialization and mass production, waste was not an issue in the forefront. There wasn’t much in the way of packaged, disposable product or pre-packaged foods. We now live in an era of consumerism and consumption where waste has become a very real problem for the environment. There are concerted efforts and great strides being made in the area of re-manufacturing materials that previously would have ended up in the landfill. One of the key elements in creating less waste is awareness. Once we know better, we do better. Before throwing anything out, take some time to think about alternate uses for your trash.

1. Cigarette Butts

Our city has many recycle programs available that are listed further in this article. We also have curbside recycling for a variety of recyclables. There are many uses for items you don’t want any more. You can donate to second hand stores, trade with friends or re-purpose and up-cycle items.

Check with schools to see if they are collecting items for fundraising.

Seniors centres take old greeting cards they cut up to make new cards and sell them. Food waste can be used for composting. With a little thought, we can make a huge impact on what ends up in our landfill.

There is a very exciting international company called TerraCycle.

TerraCycle offers national programs (Brigades®) to collect previously nonrecyclable or hard to recycle waste. While some programs have a cost, most of the Brigades offer free shipping as well as a donation for each piece of garbage that you collect.

Here are a just a few of the recycling programs they offer:

http://www.terracycle.ca/en-CA/brigades/cigarettewaste-brigade.html

Canada was the first country to actively collect and recycle cigarette butts, and we first launched this program in 2012 with the Cigarette Waste Brigade.

Anyone can participate -- individuals, businesses (we have a lot of casinos on board), offices, etc. -- and it's nation-wide and completely free. You can also earn money for your favourite charity, school or non-profit organization for each shipment of cigarette waste, so it's really a win-win-win situation. To date, we've collected 40 million butts and raised $30,000 for charity in Canada alone. Currently, we're focused on turning cigarette waste into plastic shipping pallets.

3. Trigger Heads

2. Squeezy Pouches

http://www.terracycle.ca/en-CA/brigades/snackpouch-brigade.html

http://www.terracycle.ca/en-CA/brigades/air-carebrigade.html

These things are everywhere -- kids now get snack pouches in their lunch boxes or on road trips; baby food comes in pouch form; energy gels comes in pouches; etc. If it's in a squeeze-pack, you can NOT recycle it curbside but you CAN recycle it with TerraCycle. We either upcycle this material into tote bags or recycle it into plastic lumber, which is used to make park benches and picnic tables. And again, this program can be used as a fundraising tool for your favourite school, charity or nonprofit. To date, we've collected enough snack pouches to line the road from Lethbridge to Coaldale.

GoGo SqueeZ Retro Bag

Not many people realize this, but it's VERY important to remove the caps, pumps and spray nozzles from your household cleaning products before you recycle the empty bottles -- almost always, they are made from a different type of plastic, and when multiple plastics are stuck together, they end up in landfill instead of getting recycled. Because of this, we launched an Air & Home Care Brigade, which targets home cleaning packaging. It accepts trigger tops from spray bottles, flip-top caps, pumps, and other like materials. We've also launched a popular social media campaign called "Tops Off For TerraCycle”, encouraging Canadians to take their tops off for recycling.

Would you take your top off for #recycling?

What if we gave you points for it? terracycle.ca Take your tops off for TerraCycle!

We recycle trigger heads, bottle caps and pumps

Residential Residential Recycle curbside service is a convenient way for local Lethbridge households to recycle items by simply placing bins full of recyclables on the curb, once a week Paper, junk mail, newspapers, magazines and phone books Non-waxed cardboard Glass jars and bottles Pop and beer cans Grocery bags and drink boxes Plastics, milk, pop and water containers Batteries and more

6 Months

$

12 Months

105 $205

GST included

“Start with what is the simplest change for you, then, plan ahead, and try changing some of the habits that are harder to let go of.”

The most important of the three ‘R’s is reduce. This means creating less garbage in the first place. Reducing how much garbage you make is all about making small choices. Reduce waste is to be a smart shopper – purchase items with less packaging, buy things that will last, and extend the life of your things by repairing items whenever you can. Food waste a growing environmental and social issue. You can help reduce your food waste by meal planning, taking portions that you know you will eat, and using leftovers. Start with what is the simplest change for you, then, plan ahead, and try changing some of the habits that are harder to let go of.

Reusing materials is when you reuse an item, or a part of an item, multiple times before throwing it away. An example is bring a refillable water bottle, rather than using a new disposable bottle each time or buying items from second hand stores. Sometimes reusing involves giving an item a new purpose or reclaiming component of the item – for example, using a discarded wood pallet to make a garden planter or other furniture. There are many fun ideas for repurposing/reclaiming projects. A quick internet search will get you started! Reusing items can give reduce the need to create things out of new materials, save you money, and provide a creative outlet! Lethbridge residents have a chance to share items for reuse during the annual Reuse Rendezvous (second weekend in September www.lethbridge.ca/reuse) Recycling is collecting and processing materials that would otherwise be thrown away. Recycling helps to conserve landfill space and natural resources and lessen the impacts of mining and processing new materials. There are so many things you can recycle in Lethbridge!

Recycling depots are located within the city and will accept: paper, cardboard, plastic, metal cans, non-colored glass. You can take grass, leaves and small branches to be recycled at the Yard Waste Recycling Sites. The Waste & Recycling Centre (located at the landfill site, just out of town) has a recycling depot that will take even more materials; scrap metal, wood that is non-treated/non-painted, *batteries, *paint, *electronics, *oil, *old bicycles and *lawn maintenance equipment, non-painted drywall, concrete, and large trees/root balls and other yard waste. There is also a place to drop off items from your house that are unsafe to put in the landfill (ex: cleaner, solvent, glue, sharps, and helium/oxygen/propane tanks, pesticides or herbicides, CFL light bulbs, mercury thermostats – no charge for safe disposal). *these items are all free to drop off for recycling!

Keep the city clean!

This is a windy city so it’s important to be mindful of how to prevent your garbage or recycling from becoming litter. If you’re recycling in the wind, make sure to keep your paper, small pieces of cardboard and plastic bags secured. You can do this by holding the materials down with your hand while you’re walking from your vehicle to the bin, or by bagging the material ahead of time. You can bag your loose papers and loose plastic bags, tie it tightly, and throw the whole bag into the appropriate bin.

Get ready for Lethbridge’s 4th...

Sept. 11, 12, 13 - 2015 Commercial

Let Us Ta ke Care of Y our Recyclin g For You!

Commercial Recycle pick up service is a convenient way for local Lethbridge businesses to recycle items with bins provided

*Starting at $20 /month for bi-weekly pickup and $30 /month and up for weekly pickup.

Pricing varies depending on business needs.

Paper, junk mail, newspapers, magazines and phone books Pop and beer cans Plastics, milk, pop and water containers

Non-waxed cardboard Glass jars and bottles Grocery bags and drink boxes Batteries and more

Call 403-308-9004 to find out more

www.ResidentialRecycle.ca

bcycle@telus.net

Leaves, grass, garden clippings and branches are too good for the !"#$ %& Use one of these options to keep your fall yard waste working for you: Option #1

Compost at home with a backyard composter, or by mulching grass and leaves back on to your lawn.

Option #2

Take them to a municipal Yard Waste Recycling Site* or the Waste & Recycling Centre compost area and have us turn it into soil for our City parks. * Yard Waste Sites close November 30 Option #3

Use the Fall Leaf Collection program (leaves only). We do one collection in each neighborhood in both October and November for leaves in paper yard waste bags. www.lethbridge.ca/wasteandrecycling 403.329.7367 wrs@lethbridge.ca

Waste & Recycling Services

Quirk - 32

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 Blue Submitted by Alana Reger

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 September 30, 2015 Quirk - 33

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

Dogs are themselves. They have no ulterior motives. They just ARE… in the moment. Their true feelings are expressed at any given time, uncomplicated and simple. Wouldn’t it be great if we all were able to express ourselves so simply and easily? We spend so much time being the people we think those around us want us to be, that we often lose sight of who we really are and what we really need. And while we don many hats throughout a day, none of them should be so far from ourselves that we become who we are not. All that we really have is who we are and what we feel. When shared with the right people, there is no need to be anything else but yourself. Any dog will tell you, relationships are best when kept honest. This comes naturally to them, not always so easy for us.

We spend so much time being the people we think those around us want us to be, that we often lose sight of who we really are and what we really need.

RECIPE

Apple Banana C arrot COOKIES FOR DOGS

Kiwi

Zoe 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 and to crush the egg shells for added calcium.

4 eggs with crushed eggshells (eggshells optional) 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 honey 2 T cinnamon 2 T coconut or flaxseed oil 1 C ground flaxseed 7 C quick oats Quirk - 34

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's recipes include well researched

Michelle Zandstra

BAREBONES RUN Presents

2015

October 18, 2015 RUN WITH YOUR DOG!!

1/2 marathon 8:30am 9km 9:00am 5km 9:10am All races start and finish at softball valley ball park

Did you know: - They are a no kill animal rescue that works with both cats and dogs - They are home to 100 cats and 20+ dogs at any given time - They are primarily volunteer run and receive their only funding through donations and fundraising

They need your support so that they can continue to help those who have no voice and no choice.

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

Pepsi Male Tuxedo

This debonair young man in the snazzy black tux is Pepsi! Pepsi was found on his own in a rural area and is about 1 ½ years old. He’s very sociable and settled in quickly....charming all the ladies! Pepsi adores attention and goes to great lengths to let you know that he’s available for scratches and pats. He’s playful and fun and gets along well with others. Pepsi also enjoys basking in the sunshine and being admired for his good looks.

Hunter Male

My name is Hunter and I was born approximately May of 2010. I was hanging around in someone’s backyard doing my best to catch their attention by rubbing against them and purring. They were not able to keep me so I was brought to the Humane Society. After I came I started noticing something following me around and I wasn’t happy about it. I kept trying to catch it and actually did some damage. The volunteers all knew it was my own tale but I didn’t and was getting very anxious and agitated about it. They tried giving me some medicine and had me go and live in a foster home to help make me less anxious but it didn’t work so after a while everyone thought it was best to make my “monster” go away. The vet amputated the monster (my tale) and now I have a little bobbed tail. I am so happy the monster is gone and am now back to being a very gentle, affectionate boy. I would make a perfect companion for a new family.

Elsa Orange and White Female

Elsa is a pretty girl, about a year and a half old.

She is a bit of a princess, and likes things her own way - like going in to her kennel when SHE'S ready! Elsa doesn't much like other cats, and needs a bit of time to be comfortable with people. She will enjoy having her own space and her own people, and she'll love being admired for her good looks!

Pandora

White & Grey Tabby Female

Pandora is a small white and grey tabby, born about August 2013. She arrived at the Humane Society with her five baby kittens. Pandora’s kittens are on their own now are almost as big as their mom. Pandora is friendly and playful and likes toys and snuggles!!

Tigger Orange Tabby Male

Tigger came to the Humane Society when his owner moved to another province. He's a lovely boy and quietly affectionate. Tigger is a little reserved at the moment, as he gets used to the cat room and all of the activity! He's content to watch the other cats play, and to get attention from the volunteers. Tigger would likely prefer a Forever Home with adults to dote on him, he's a real love!

Charlotte Black and White Female

Charlotte is an absolute snuggle-bug! She loves to be held and patted and brushed and generally fussed over! She's not terribly interested in toys, but likes her scratching post. She would make a great cat for someone with lots of time to devote to attending to little Princess Charlotte!

General Contractor/Finish Carpenter For All Your Renovation Needs

Cory Haggarty • (403) 332-2628 • haggs77@live.ca

Use ONLY Water: Windshields, Cars, Chrome, Glass, Acrylic, Vinyl, Computer 3 CLOTHS 5 CLOTHS Screens, Mirrors, TV's, Glasses, $ 00 $ 00 Counter Tops, Rims, Tile, Stainless Steel, Microwaves, Oven Faces, Windows, Aquariums, Plastic, Fiberglass Removes: Bugs, Tar, Grease, Fingerprints, Brake Dust, Soap Scum, General Dirt & Dust.

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Dr. Bruce Lipton, cellular biologist, has proven that your thoughts and emotions profoundly affect your health.

Using Dolores Cannon’s Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique (QHHT), a review of your past establishes direct contact with your Subconscious to allow healing – physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually.

You can heal yourself...book your session today.

• Depression, anxiety, fear • Pain, neurological disorders, allergies • Hypertension, heart disease, cancer

Heather Gunn, RN, MSN • www.onespirit.ca • 403-894-2622 • hvcanuck@shockware.com

Expert Hearing Professionals Locally Owned & Operated Discreet Solutions For Your Hearing & Lifestyle Quality Testing, Fitting & Service Sleek Digital & Bluetooth Technology Repairs & Service on All Models Custom Sound Protection - Noise, Music, Sleep TV & Telephone Amplifiers and Much Much More Risk Free Trial Periods

Call to now to Book your FREE HEARING CONSULTATION

403-328-0795

www.elbeeshearing.com 615 4 Ave South, Lethbridge

Lesa Butler - BC-HIS

Registered Hearing Aid Practitioner