Routes July August 2012

CULTURE

LIFESTYLE

NOW

6x

SOUTHERN ALBERTA JULY AUG 2012

YEAR

Amos Garrett hooked onJAZZ Honey AND

Fruit

Wine Meaderies

3Anniversaries

Historic Southern Alberta

Canada Day Citizenship Quiz

PM 41979554

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contents JULY AUG 2012

Features 6 Leighton Centre 8 Citizenship Quiz 10 Let it Ride A Shared Passion for 2 Wheel Touring

14 Amos Garrett Stringin’ a Tune

18 100 Years of Thunder A Salute to Calgary Stampede Centennial

32 Birds 26 Break from the Grape Southern Alberta Meaderies

23 Historic Alberta Anniversaries

Departments 25 Dining Guide 20 Arts & Entertainment Spotlight on Talent 21 Book: 33 Million Solitudes 22 Music: Rodeo Country Radio

28 Routes Salutes

Southern Alberta Land Titles

38 Detours

My First Stampede

Columns 34 Stargazing

Summer Showers

30 Financial Insights

Clearly for You

36 Family

The Motherload

Cover photo: Bikers Bill, Lorie and Cori Long.

Photographed south of Cayley.

By Neville Palmer

On this page: Amos Garrett Photo by Neville Palmer

Editor’s Note

You can never appreciate the shade of a tree unless you sweat in the sun.”

- Author Unknown

T

he other day a colleague said, “The fruit truck is in town, it must be summer!” I told her that just means it’s summer in BC – here in Alberta we may have to wait a while. But her comment got me thinking about summers as a kid.

The late nights running around the yard playing hide-and-seek or kick-thecan, long days of swimming in the lake and eating cherries until our stomachs hurt. But it was also a time of picking beans, shelling peas and weeding the garden. I always chose weeding over picking vegetables, I think I just loved playing in the dirt as I still love to work the soil and plant some flowers.

My parents were big on instilling in us that the work always got done first so we could play later. I feel that most of us live this way seasonally. We work hard all winter so that when summer does come we can get out and play.

For me playing is gardening, riding my bike, hiking, reading and anything far from being responsible or accountable to others. For some, like the Long family on our cover, it’s the call of the open road on a motorcycle, exploring favourite back roads as a family.

Maybe your favourite diversion will lead to a meadery for some unique wine tasting or to the river for some swimming or fly-fishing. If it’s fishing that beckons, you may catch a glimpse of Amos Garrett on the banks of the Highwood.

I know I have gone on about this many times, but there really is so much to see and do right here in the foothills. There are innumerable rodeo events to take in, as well as music festivals, art tours, sporting events and enough outdoor activity to fill every weekend until the snow flies again.

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If you are heading to Calgary to take in the 100 Year Anniversary of the Calgary Stampede, enjoy! But make sure you save a hearty reserve of energy for all those incredible rural Alberta experiences - where fun, friendship and fresh mountain air abound. Oh, and don’t forget your routes!

Sandra Wiebe Publisher/Executive Editor

es? out R f o ver ant e co h e w t for t w n d o u y an abo ork rtw rsareen all a e v r i u nn has b e yo er a rm oth outes o se t n t fo a t r ar oking ing think R u Wan v o a o y is h t you e in rapb tes ! a piecffiti, sc e Rou ee wh years v ti ra crea e, g to s past 4 ost ulptur ver! ally m the sion er's co our oil, sc s y e f s b o tem u is e pr Give ther it ache! ill b as Sep e m w h r k w ape r nted i two or p g ar and pr e.ca n i n d n i azin e w h g p a e a m Th togr tes pho rou : s l ai det See

July - August 2012 Issue #17 Publisher Routes Media Inc. Executive Editor Sandra Wiebe Copy Editor Pat Fream Art Director Sharon Syverson Photographer Neville Palmer Intern Mike Maguire Sales Rae Jamieson Melissa Driver sales@routesmedia.ca Contributors James Durbano, Pat Fream, Veronica Kloiber, Maureen Loven Mike Maguire, Trent Wilke, David and Heather Meszaros,

Routes Media Inc. 19 – 3 Ave. SE High River, AB T1V 1G3 Ph: 403.652.1100 ext 102 info@routesmedia.ca Subscriptions: 1 year: $18.90 (GST incl.)

2 years: $29.40 (GST incl.)

Routes magazine is published six times per year. We print 13,000 full colour, glossy copies. They are distributed throughout southern Alberta via Canada Post admail, local retailers and by subscription.

We want to hear from you.

Please post comments on stories at www.routesmagazine.ca Printing by McAra Printing For permission to reprint articles, excerpts or photographs, please email info@routesmedia.ca Copyright Š 2012 All rights reserved.

Non-deliverables, please return to: Routes Media Inc. 19 - 3 ave SE, High River, AB T1V 1G3 Canada Post Publications #41979554

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Contributors

You use a glass mirror to see your face; you use works of art to see your soul.�

-George Bernard Shaw

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Unleash theArt

By Pat Fream

For decades artists, sculptors and creative visionaries have found soulful inspiration at the Leighton Centre. Today the scenic art haven is reinventing itself with passion from its roots and a fresh dose of ingenuity.

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Above, the Routes team finds their inner artist on the hillside where artists gather to be inspired by this view. Photo by Neville Palmer Left to right: Sharon Syverson, Veronica Kloiber, Sandra Wiebe, Mike Maguire, Pat Fream, Rae Jamieson, Melissa Driver.

he Leighton Centre is a designated Alberta heritage site located on a picturesque piece of land overlooking the Millarville Valley and the Rocky Mountains. Known as a haven for budding and accomplished artists, the Centre began as a humble homestead purchased by A.C. Leighton and his wife Barbara in the early 1950s.

The couple planned to live out their years on the 80-acre parcel where they immersed themselves in nature and painted scenes of the landscape from their spectacular panoramic view. Around 20 years later, long after her beloved A.C. had passed away, Barbara turned their home into a gallery where she displayed the extraordinary work of her late husband, as well as several other prominent Alberta artists.

By 1974, she officially opened the Leighton Centre and broadened its scope, dedicating it as a place to teach children and nurture artists. Her vision was to create a sacred space for all to come and unleash their inner art. Since Barbara’s passing in 1985, the Centre has continued to support artists and promote art education.

Recently the Centre’s administration unveiled new goals that include creating a 21 Century expression of what the atmosphere was like when the Leightons were alive. According to executive director Tony Luppino, “The place was a little bit edgy back then, and we want to get back to that.” To that end the Centre has

announced that it will host more performance-related events, classes and conversations introducing varied art landscapes and new media artists, and lectures that contrast traditional and contemporary works.

One example of the expanded horizons coming to Leighton is an installation by artist Peter von Tiesenhausen called Sanctuary. This incredible display of 1,000 wood poles will occupy several hundred feet on the western slope of the Leighton Centre lands, demonstrating the unique union of nature and human manipulation. Von Tiesenhausen’s Sanctuary has existed in sketch form for decades and will take authentic shape early this summer.

Plans are also underway for a physical revival of Leighton Art Centre with grand visions of expansion, new construction and program diversification.

Watch for details of the Leighton Centre makeover later in the year.

Today, Leighton centre has a thriving membership of over 400 artists, offers an Art and Nature program to around 10,000 kids annually and plays host to a multitude of festivals, sales and art exhibitions each season.

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Quiz

Do you know your CANADA? Mini Citizenship Quiz 1. Who is the Premier of Alberta?

A. Ralph Klein B. Don Getty C. Ed Stelmach D. Alison Redford 7. In which parts of Canada did the Aboriginal peoples first live?

A. The North and Great Lakes regions B. All regions C. The Great Lakes regions and Prairies D. The Prairies and the North

3. What is the Canadian Constitution?

A. A system of laws and conventions which our country governs itself by B. The laws that govern the Territories in Canada C. Municipal and local bylaws D. The laws that formed the country

8. Which province is the only officially bilingual province?

A. Ontario B. Quebec C. New Brunswick D. Nova Scotia

4. From where did the first European settlers in Canada come?

A. England B. Spain C. Germany D. France

9. What is the final step before a bill becomes a law?

A. Approved by all the Senators B. Approved by the Governors C. Approved by the Queen D. Approved by the Governor General

5. Who invented the snowmobile?

A. Joseph-Armand Bombardier B. Alexander Graham Bell C. Mathew Evans and Henry Woodward D. Sir Sandford Fleming

10. Which province in Canada is the smallest in land size?

A. Newfoundland and Labrador B. New Brunswick C. Prince Edward Island D. Nova Scotia

6.D

7.B

8.C

9.D

10.C

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Answer more test questions at www.v-soul.com 2.B

6. What region is called the 'Land of the Midnight Sun'?

A. Yukon B. Northwest Territories C. Nunavut D. The Northern Territories

1.D

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2. Which party is the official opposition party of Alberta?

A. Progressive Conservative Party B. Liberal Party C. Social Credit Party D. New Democratic Party

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let it

Cover story

Ride

By Pat Fream

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It takes equal parts of careful and carefree to be a biker.

An unscientific measure of fearless and judicious is about perfect. A hint of cool and mysterious is often part of the persona. Age, sex and profession are completely random and often surprising. That’s what I learned when I interviewed a broad sampling of those leather-clad helmet bound motorcycle dudes and dudettes, who boldly take to the roads on the first decent days of spring.

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Photos by Neville Palmer

Biker: Lance Anderson, 54 Profession: Maintenance electrician Bike: Harley 47-FL. (That’s right - 1947!)

Favourite Route: The friend route – it takes all day because he visits a friend in every town: Blackie (home) to High River, Hartel, Black Diamond, Turner Valley, Priddis, Bragg Creek, Calgary, home at dusk.

Underlying Bonus: The WOW factor when people pull up and check out his bike.

O

n any given Saturday in July bikers congregate by the dozens at favourite southern Alberta hangouts like The Stop or the Black Diamond Hotel, The Navajo Mug in Turner Valley, Rumors in Nanton, and Chain Lakes Provincial Park. At these stops they say they might share a coffee or a beer, exchange comments on each other’s bikes, or just nod in silent affirmation - I get you buddy.

They grin like Cheshire cats guarding the secret to eternal merriment. They laugh nervously when I ask – isn’t it dangerous? Aren’t you afraid? They shake their heads and scoff when I persist... No really, don’t you feel vulnerable and exposed?

The motorcycle enthusiasts I spoke with say they feel quite safe and are among the most conscientious and astute drivers on the road, highly attuned to everything and everyone around them. They aren’t fiddling with their iPods, answering their cell phones, arguing with kids, or sipping hot coffee. They are present in the moment, mind and senses fully engaged, spirits soaring.

“You don’t think about the danger, you just do all you can to mitigate it,” says Ron from Okotoks. Rick, a 30-year rider from Calgary outlines the safeguards that are second nature to most riders, such as scanning the ditches for wildlife, looking for debris on the road, making eye contact with other drivers to be sure you are seen. Cori from High River, younger than the others by a few decades, says risk is all part of the rush.

It’s obvious that none of them want to linger on this topic for long, as if to do so might invite bad karma. Suffice to say they all agree they don’t bet on the skills of other drivers to bring them home safely from a ride, they trust and depend mainly on their own competencies.

They might live to ride but they (the mature ones) ride safely to live.

What bikers do want to talk about is something akin to sensory overload. The thrill of slicing through fresh country air – cold giving way to pockets of warm. The bizarre medley of scents: fresh cut hay, muggy manure, sweet new lilacs, ripe canola, pungent diesel. The rush of adrenaline when they hit an open road with an unobstructed view of mountain and sky.

Pure elation melts across the faces of every single bike enthusiast I talk to and for a moment I get caught up in this crazy-hazy biker buzz, forgetting that I am terrified to travel anywhere at road speed without a seatbelt, airbags and a roof.

Comradeship is another common theme among the dozen or so riders I engage in conversation. Even those who prefer to ride solo hit the road knowing they belong to this fellowship, no need for name association in the club of bikers. “It’s a huge community where you can talk to anyone from any walk of life. Everyone is there (on the road) to enjoy freedom and lifestyle,” says Bill from High River.

It’s relaxing and invigorating at the same time - like flying I imagine.”

- Dave Fream

Biker: Dave Fream, 47 Profession: Oil and Gas Consultant Bike: Suzuki Boulevard C109 Reason for bike choice: He Likes the 109 cubic inch motor.

Who’s on the back: No one, his wife likes four tires or two wheels with pedals.

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Cover Story

Biker: Bruce Porter, 41 Profession: Owner of Foothills Custom Meat Processors.

Bike: Suzuki M109r Favourite Route: The Highwood pass west of Longview – open after June 1st.

Unique riding experience: Passing a pack of big horn sheep, close enough to reach out and touch them.

Bruce Porter inside Foothills Custom Meat Processors, High River.

RAW F A I T H REAL PEOPLE Homes • Cottages • Additions 12

RODNEY GREEN

403-601-9439

info@foothillvictory.com Okotoks Rec Center www.foothillsvictory.com 99 Okotoks Drive Ph 403.938.5613 Service Time: 10:00am routesmagazine.ca

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WWW.WILLOWCREEKTIMBERFRAME.COM rodney@willowcreektimberframe.com

For me it’s freedom, mind medicating, and totally addictive.”

- Bruce Porter

A few share with me some of the common practices that one might call motorcycle etiquette. For instance, the biker-to-biker wave, left hand down low, opens palm or peace sign. Or the impromptu meetings under highway overpasses when rain or hail come on suddenly. Some have what they call ‘biker bells’ attached to the underside of their bike frames to keep road gremlins at bay. Some give up nothing at all about bike club idiosyncrasies; I am a non-rider, clearly an outsider, bordering on pesky.

“For me the whole thing around riding is a sacred ritual,” says 70-some-year-old Lenora from Millarville area. “Pulling on the boots and chaps, taking a ride on the trail you love, pulling in for coffee with 10 or 15 other bikers, shining up the chrome before you put her away. It’s all part of the experience.”

For me, the non-participating spouse of a bike enthusiast, there is one part of the ritual that I too relish... the rumble of the bike rolling into the garage, rider safe and in particularly good spirits.

On The Cover:

(left to right)

Biker: Cori Long, 25 Profession: Customs Coordinator Bike: Yamaha V Star Classic Favourite route: High River, Black Diamond, Bragg Creek.

Riding buddies: Dad on his Harley with mom on the back – it’s quality family time!

Biker: Bill Long, 49 Profession: Heavy Haul Operations Manager Bike: Harley Electra Glide Ultra Classic Strangest encounter: A grizzly bear in the rest area on Hwy 40 in Kananaskis.

Bonus: In a world where you never get away from cell phones and instant messaging, on a bike you get away from it all.

High River Visitor Information Centre Open May 17 to September 3, 2012

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Located at Sheppard Family Park, Open Monday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

403-603-3101 • tourism@highriver.ca • www.highrivertourism.ca routesmagazine.ca

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Artist Feature

By Veronica Kloiber Photos by Neville Palmer

A

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fly

Let theMUSIC

Music and storytelling have long been bedmates. Troubadours have a certain humble artistry that lets us experience what mere words cannot convey. Some call it a gift from above, some call it genius, Amos Garrett calls it as it is: years of dedicated practice and hard work.

mos Garrett spins his tales with frets and strings, notes and melodies. The world traveled and world renowned guitarist knows just how to make his music talk but the stories that make his eyes light up are not those of far flung places, nor are they tales of tribulation or triumph. The yarns that make his eyes twinkle are of fishing and the great outdoors.

Garrett has spent decades honing his guitar virtuosity. Well known for his 1974 guitar solo on ‘Midnight at the Oasis’ with Maria Muldaur, the man is hard to classify. He is adept at a range of styles from rock n’ roll and country to blues and jazz, and has made a name for himself as both a hired solo act guitarist, and with his jazz trio and his blues band The Eh’ Team which cel- Left to Right: Keith Smith, Greg Carroll and Amos Garrett ebrates 26 years together.

His life’s story is the prototype many could aspire to and he has a quiet secret to share, that of a long career. is achieved by bending more than one Choose your occupation based on passtring at a time. With no one to tell him sion, train hard and long with the hope not to, Garrett invented his own guitar of recognition. When it comes, enjoy and method and set his sound apart from repeat. other players. A solo by Amos Garrett is The two-time Juno Award winner easily recognized once you clue in to his has known and played with some of the style. He graciously shares his method great names in music all the while refinwith students online and in person. ing his technique and giving voice to his For more than two decades, Garrett own unique sound. If you know what to has made his home in the foothills of listen for – a pedal steel sound with only southern Alberta. His move from Calian acoustic guitar in sight, think Hawaifornia to Turner Valley made front page ian luaus and tropical noises, you’ll know news in the local paper in 1989, an ausAmos when you hear him. picious welcome to a man looking for a This unique and purely Garrett style dramatic change of tempo.

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I love High River, I love the town and there’s good fishing on the Highwood.”

Now a High Riverite, Garrett takes the time to delight in the local hollows and haunts.

“I love High River, I love the town,” he enthuses, admitting almost everything about this charming prairie town grabbed him the right way. The downtown, the artsy feel of the place, the

location – perfectly poised to traveling any direction, and the river itself, Garrett claims there’s good fishing on the Highwood.

One of his favourite places to pull up a chair is Carlson’s on Macleod.

The musician in him can’t fail to notice the perfect melding of acoustics and atmosphere.

“Carlson’s is one of the top three or four small intimate venues in Canada,” says Garrett. And he’d know, comfortable quarters to lay down a tune are his second home.

During his multifarious career, Garrett has been privy to many of the particulars of the music business but in the past few years he’s noticed a change. Be it social media or just a change on the wind, musicians are now booking their gigs not mere months, but two years in advance.

Amos Garrett Career and Life Timeline

Detroit, 1941

Montreal, 1946

New York, 1970

Amos Garrett was born in the city that gave rise to R&B music and some of the greatest hits in music history.

At the age of five, Garrett moved with his family to Canada.

Raised in two of the country’s great cities; Toronto and Montreal, Garrett began discovering his musicality.

Moved to Woodstock to play with Maria and Geoff Muldaur, one year after the famed Woodstock concert.

Finding the guitar as his instrument of choice, he began playing clubs throughout the east.

Garrett has recorded with some of the great names in music totaling more than 150 artists; to name a few: Bonnie Raitt, Stevie Wonder, Jerry Garcia, Todd Rundgren, and Bobby Charles. Some of the Canadians in the group include Levon Helm, Anne Murray and Sylvia and Ian Tyson.

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Big in Japan Japan has been good to Garrett. He played the Canadian Pavillion with Ian and Sylvia Tyson at the 1970 World’s Fair in Osaka. In 1978 and 1979, Garrett toured the small island country and made a live album with Geoff Muldaur.

Artist Feature

In 1989 Garrett returned to Japan again, this time promoting his Formerly Brothers album with Doug Sahm and Gene Taylor. In 1990, Garrett toured with his blues band The Eh’ Team.

Garrett returned solo to tour Japan with two local musicians in 2007 and in 2009 a reunion tour with Geoff Muldaur was his most recent string of Japanese concerts.

Edmonton, 1978-1982

Ontario, 1989

Turner Valley, 1989

High River, 2012

After years of working as a hired gun/guitar man, Garrett decided he wanted to sing on his own record. He went out on his own and began recording.

Garrett won a Juno award in 1989 for Best Roots and Traditional Album, The Return of the Formerly Brothers.

A move to Turner Valley and the beginning of a 25-year stint as bandleader for the house band at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival

Now 70, living in High River, Garrett is still touring and recording.

Having found his place in music history, he now makes time for finer things; fishing, family and his famed guitar playing.

In 1978, Garrett signed with Stony Plain Records out of Edmonton. He released his first solo album in 1980 entitled Go Cat Go followed by Amosbehavin’ in 1982.

“There is a lot more competition and self-promotion with younger artists,” says Garrett. “Fortunately I’m pretty well connected.”

As for sage advice from a man who has travelled the often started but seldom realized path to artistic acclaim, Garrett is reluctant to offer words of wisdom.

“I don’t think you could do it the same way,” he says of his climb up the music ladder. Garrett hypothesizes today it’s more a matter of luck than a steady climb. “Anytime you use the words ‘hit record’ you’re talking major luck,” adds Garrett of his own history.

The continuing story of Amos Garrett isn’t yet told. At the age of 70, it would not come as a surprise if he were to retire and head down to the river, find a quiet fishing hole, flies and pole at the ready. “But I’d miss the applause,” says Garrett of retiring. “I like travelling, returning to places.

There’s nothing like riding a good band in a new country,” he adds jokingly.

While there are no world tours planned in Garrett’s future, he continues to hit the road and play venues closer to home.

This summer, as well as playing various venues throughout the province, Garrett will continue his 25 year stint as band leader for the house band at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival.

Recording-wise, Garrett remains focused on the jazz side of his musical endeavours, logically called the Amos Garrett Jazz Trio in the hopes of having a new album out by this time next year. And of course, leaving time for fishing.

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Garrett’s blues band The Eh’ Team celebrates 26 years of recording, playing and touring together.

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Music

100 Years

of Thunder

By Mike Maguire

100 Years of Thunder is more than music and a history lesson. It’s a collection of art from four genres, echoing the theme adopted for the Calgary Stampede centennial celebrations:

“We’re greatest together”.

Doris Daley in her home in the foothills of southern Alberta Photo by Mike Maguire

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inger-songwriter Bruce Innes began performing professionally at age 11. By his final year in college he was hand picked to tour and play guitar with blues legend Josh White launching him into an incredible 40-year music career, much of it away from his native Calgary, and quite removed from the Stampede experience. It was at a friend’s anniversary party last December that Bruce was reunited with high school friend and author of The First Stampede of Flores LaDue, Wendy Bryden.

Here, Bruce performed Alberta Song, a

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tune he penned after an extended leave from Alberta.

The passion Bruce felt upon returning to his Alberta home, and the anticipated 100-year anniversary of Stampede, led Bruce to share an idea with Wendy. Bruce had been writing songs all his life but felt he needed Wendy to get him started.

Bruce's request to Wendy was for a series of 10 essays, one for each decade.

With plenty of treasured moments and events from the past century, Wendy was stoked with inspiration and creativity. Her first essay was about Outlaw,

Bruce Innes performing at Carlson’s on Macleod Photo by Neville Palmer

the famous bull that dominated every cowboy in town in the late 90s and early 2000s. Wendy then challenged Bruce to write a song about Outlaw.

While it started with Bruce writing songs based on Wendy's essays, the duo sought out two more gifted artists to round out the cowboy feel to the project. The first was award winning cowboy poet, Doris Daley.

Having been raised on the family farm, one that existed when the Northwest Mounted Police expanded into Ft. MacLeod in 1883, Daley lent a true

STRIKE UP THE BAND! MANY FACES. MANY STORIES.

We are back in the station!!

Located in the former CPR station in downtown High River 406 1 Street S.W. • 403-652-7156 info@museumofthehighwood.com • www.museumofthehighwood.com

The boxed set contains a 12 inch vinyl, ten 8 x 12 photographs, the CD and a book containing all the essays, poems and song lyrics. Both products are available at the Calgary Stampede grounds in the Stampede gift shop and online at www.100yearsofthunder.com Bruce and Doris will both be performing during the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.

ranching voice to the project. She utilized her background as inspiration for her poems, once lamenting of her grandfather's cowboy hat, inspired by the iconic white Stetson.

Artwork was the final critical element missing from this project, and that’s when Bruce asked photographer Neville Palmer if he might have some rodeo photos. Well, asking Neville Palmer if he has rodeo photos is like asking George Canyon if he has a Stetson.

Taking photographs at various pro and amateur rodeos has been a personal project of Neville’s, and a passionate one at that. Originally from England, Neville was instantly drawn to the thrill of rodeo culture when he moved to the High River area seven years ago.

While the others in the project used words and song to convey their interpretation of Stampede history, Neville contributed his highly trained eye, edgy creativity, attention to detail, and all around stunning photography to evoke emotion and capture the essence of the rodeo spirit.

With these ‘big four’ collaborating and inspiring each other, the result is a professionally created one-of-a-kind Centennial Stampede memento you won’t want to miss.

Visit us!

Monday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Sunday: noon to 4 p.m.

High River band at CPR station, 1915.

Museum of the Highwood 980.088.021

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Arts & Entertainment

Art Walk Gallery Tour July 14 10 AM - 4:30 PM Evanescence Gallery and Art Studio Starts at Evanescence Gallery and Art Studio. www.evanescencegallery.com [HR]

Billy Manzik July 5 7:30-10:00 PM Gitter's Pub www.gitterspub.com [HR] Second Annual Foothills Country Hospice Society Stampede Breakfast July 5 8-10 AM Free Sobey's parking lot Enjoy local entertainment and enter the draw to win a door prize!

[OK]

July Peter von Tiesenhausen: Sanctuary July 1 - August 2013 Free Leighton Art Centre Created for and presented exclusively at the Leighton Art Centre, Tiesenhausen calls Sanctuary a “physical drawing”, measuring several hundred feet on a western slope of the Leighton Art Centre lands, it is composed of 1000 wooden poles of varying lengths, placed vertically in different densities. The installation subtly alters the landscape, placing a temporary subject into the view of landscape painters. www.leightoncentre.org [MV] Inspired by Travel July 1 - July 15 Leighton Centre Alberta Artists enthusiastically responded to this province-wide Open Call. The jury selected 66 works of art by 54 artists working in all mediums, from watercolour, oil, acrylic, pastel, mixed media to sculpture, glass and fiber. Styles range from the traditional to impressionistic to abstract. Take a tour around the world experiencing it from an artist’s point of view. www.leightoncentre.org [MV] NWMP Musical Ride July 1 - end of August $12 NWMP and First Nations Interpretive Centre Celebrating 40 years, the Musical Ride is considered one of the museum’s exhibits, your admission fee includes the Musical Ride performances at 10 am, 11:30 am, 2 pm and 3:30 pm. www.nwmpmuseum.com [FM]

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Drumming and Dancing on the Plaza July 4- August 31 11 AM & 1:30 PM Head-Smashed-In Experience authentic First Nations culture every Wednesday on the plaza as some of Western Canada’s best First Nations dancers perform to the beat of Blackfoot drumming and singing. Hear stories of how drumming and dance connect with the ancient buffalo hunting culture. www.history.alberta.ca/ headsmashedin/default.aspx [PC]

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Ken Flett: Holding Cloth Exhibit July 6-28 Free Evanescence Gallery and Art Studio "First Friday" Artist reception July 6, 7-9 PM www.evanescencegallery.com [HR] Petunia July 6 8:30 PM Gitter's Pub www.gitterspub.com

[HR]

Roundup of Memories July 8 Bar U Ranch A crackling campfire, cowboy coffee and the chuckwagon by Pekisko Creek. Welcome to Roundup Camp for an afternoon of Western entertainment as local ranchers, historians, poets and musicians honour a way of life. www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/ab/baru [LV] High River's Women's Connection Group Brunch July 11 9 AM $13 Highwood Memorial Centre Special feature: Step 'N Fun line dancers.

Free childcare by reservation.

403-649-0070 [HR] Willow Creek Cowboy Gathering July 12-14 $50 Featuring Gordie West and Tim Hus bands and guest artist Nina Travis, campfire jam sessions, cowboy church and a tradeshow all weekend. www.cowboygathering.com [SY] Seanachie July 13 8 PM $20 Carlson's on Macleod Featuring: Gordon McCulloch (vocals), Ann Gray (bagpipes), Robin Tufts (drums), Peter Clark (guitar/vocals) and Barbra Rose Olorenshaw (fiddle/vocals). www.carlsonsonmacleod.com [HR] Miss Quincy July 13 8:30 PM Gitter's Pub www.gitterspub.com

[HR]

Teddy Bear Picnic Date July 18 10 AM - 12:30 PM Okotoks Centennial Arena Kids, bring an adult, your favourite stuffed animal, a picnic snack and join us! Activities provided by the Okotoks Health and Wellness Centre, Foothills Animal Hospital, local businesses and non-profit agencies. www.ohfrc.org [OK] Ladies Only Garden Party July 19 7:30 PM $25 Aspen Crossing Come have fun with all your lady friends and enjoy guest speakers, entertainment, a chocolate fountain and more. Advance tickets only. www.aspencrossing.com [MS] Golf 4 Wellness July 19 D'Arcy Ranch It’s that time again... time to help others by playing golf. With Drive for 5, we are hoping to raise $500,000 over two years.

This money will allow the Sheep River Health Trust to expand our support to youth, families, seniors care programs and to purchase medical equipment. Reserve your place for our 9th annual tournament, register early for a chance to win a limo service for the day. www.darcyranchgolf.com [OK] Rum Runner Days July 19 - 22 Weekend will include a parade, show ‘n’ shine, carnival rides, children’s activities and main stage performers. www.rumrunners.com [CP] Winesoaked Preachers July 20 8:30 PM Gitter's Pub www.gitterspub.com [HR] Longview Stampede July 20 - 22 [LV] South Country Fair July 20 - 22 $85 This is an annual rural, peace-oriented, camping, music and arts festival. You can expect to see almost anything on stage, from dub and rant poets, art films, street performers, fiddling, pipes, to Flamenco, and screaming electric guitars and mandolins pretty much everything under the Sun has graced our stages in the last two decades. www.scfair.ab.ca [FM] Strawberry Festival July 21 Free Kayben Farms Pick your own strawberries and sample what the chefs at JoJo's create with the harvest.

Live music, entertainment and kids activities.

403-938-2857 [OK]

Arts & Entertainment Leather 'n' Chaps Ridin' for SNAPS July 21 4 PM $40 The 3rd annual poker run includes pancake breakfast at 10 AM at the River Roadhouse Bar. www.foothillssnaps.com [HR]

Simon Wroot Aug 3 - 25 Evanescence Gallery and Art Studio "First Friday" artist's reception. www.evanescencegallery.com [HR]

Mel Wilson & Jerry Bradshaw July 21 4 PM Gitter's Pub Host jam www.gitterspub.com [HR]

Friends of the Bar U Trail Ride Aug 4 Bar U Ranch Support the Friends of the Bar U Ranch Association on their annual day ride into original Bar U Ranch grazing lands. Ride your own horse or take a seat on a horse-drawn wagon. Everyone is welcome. www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/ab/baru [LV]

Jane Cameron July 21 - Sept 2 Leighton Centre In-Definite Arts Society presents a posthumous exhibition of Jane Cameron’s fibre artwork. www.leightoncentre.org [MV] Writers in the Round July 25 7:30 PM Gitter's Pub www.gitterspub.com [HR] Head-Smashed-In 25th Anniversary Celebration July 25 Head-Smashed-In Activities will include First Nations drumming and dancing, special entertainment and guests. history.alberta.ca/headsmashedin/ default.aspx [PC] Scott Nolan July 27 8:30 PM Gitter's Pub www.gitterspub.com

[HR]

Marv's Rock N' Roll Classic July 29 Black Diamond www.town.blackdiamond.ab.ca

[DV]

August The Avenues Aug 3 8:30 PM Gitter's Pub www.gitterspub.com

[HR]

Transistions and The Divide Aug 3 Okotoks Art Gallery www.okotoksculture.ca [OK] Canadian Country Weekend Aug 3 -5 Fort Macleod Featuring The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band main stage Friday night. Other performers to include: Corb Lund, Charlie Major, Doc Walker, Aaron Pritchett. www.candiancountryweekend.com [FM] Millarville Rodeo Aug 3 -5 Millarville Race Track Get up close and personal with the animals and cowboys of the Foothills Cowboy Association this August long weekend. www.millarvilleracetrack.com [MV]

Spotlight

onTalent

BOOK

Nanton Days Chili Cook-off Aug 5 1 PM - 3 PM Free Downtown Nanton Wow the crowds and compete for fame and fortune with your favourite chilli recipe, or just bring your tasted buds and choose the best chili. To enter, call Barb Curle at Mosiac Gallery. 403-646-3263 bcurle@hotmail.com [NT]

33 Million Solitudes

For event submissions email: entertainment@routesmedia.ca [OK] Okotoks [HR] High River [MS] Mossleigh [LV] Longview [NT] Nanton [CH] Chareholm [KK] Kananaskis

[FM] Fort MacLeod [PS] Priddis [BC] Bragg Creek [DV] Diamond Valley [MV] Millarville [CY] Calgary [SY] Stavely

by Ali Riley

A

li Riley is a poet, singersongwriter, and producer who calls Nanton home.

This spring she published her third poetry collection, 33 Million Solitudes, which explores Canadian themes of isolation and survival with a 21st century twist, and reimagines the fur trade as a modern metaphor for love.

Her first poetry collection, Wayward, was short-listed for the Gerald Lampert Memorial award, and her second book, Tear Down, was short-listed for the Re-Lit award. Born in Calgary, Ali began her career as a singer/songwriter of the seminal psycho-country band Sacred Heart of Elvis. Later, in Toronto she produced plays including dog dream, Philosophy in the Bedroom, and Hole in My Heart the Size of My Heart. She was a contestant in the Book Television reality show The Three Day Novel Contest, and her three-day novel, Hag, won the Walrus Magazine/SLS literary contest.

Ali’s writing has appeared in Geist, The nth Position Anthology, Matrix, This Magazine, Event, The Moosehead Review, Alberta Views and Walrus.

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Arts & Entertainment

Spotlight

onTalent MUSIC

“The Cowboy”

Nanton Days Fireworks Display Aug 5 Free Lion's Park, 25 St and Highway 2 south.

Come see the best fireworks show of the summer! Nanton & District Chamber of Commerce collaborates with the community and local businesses to sponsor this amazing display! 403-646-2111 pamwoodall@hotmail.com [NT] High River's Women's Connection Group Brunch Aug 8 $13 Highwood Memorial Centre Special feature: Creative Accent fashion show. Free childcare available by reservation. 403-649-0070 [HR] Summer Market & Food Fair Aug 10-11 Fri 5 - 9 PM, Sat 9-5 Aspen Crossing www.aspencrossing.com [MS]

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odeo Country Radio (RCR) hit the World Wide Web this past April, featuring classic country music interspersed with rodeo stories and interviews that highlight rodeo life, events and our western heritage.

The idea for a rodeo country themed show came together about four years ago when Terry Middleditch was working at a Calgary country music station. Terry introduced listeners to a one-minute feature then called Rodeo Minute.

Terry had a desire to do something more with the theme than just reporting rodeo results. The show expanded to one hour with a mix of music and rodeo interviews and features.

Thanks to Terry, Herb Hamm and The Cowboy (radio personality) RCR is now its own entity on the Internet. The 60-minute show is free of format and constrictions – it’s just pure rodeo and pure country, hosted by The Cowboy and Rod Embree, Classic Country AM 1060’s afternoon host.

In the near future the shows will be duplicated on country stations across Western Canada, as well as shared content on rodeo websites.

Tune in often, as you will always discover a different show!

Listen to live online programming (February 2013) or archived items at www.rodeocountryradio.com.

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Morgan Davis Aug 10th 8 PM Carlson's on Macleod www.carlsonsonmacleod.com Claresholm Fair Days Aug 10-12 www.townofclaresholm.com Joelle Aug 10 8:30 PM Gitter's Pub www.gitterspub.com

[HR]

[HR]

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Festival of the Arts Aug 11 www.turnervalley.ca

[TV]

Art Walk Gallery Tour Aug 11 10 AM- 4:30 PM Evanescence Gallery and Art Studio Starts at Evanescence Gallery and Art Studio www.evanescencegallery.com [HR] Old Time Ranch Rodeo Aug 12 Bar U Ranch Rodeo competition demonstrating traditional ranching skills still used today on ranches throughout the country. Join us for an exciting afternoon of broke horse racing, team sorting, branding and doctoring, and wild cow milking. Teams of working cowboys from Alberta ranches compete for silver Bar U belt buckles - and bragging rights! www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/ab/baru [LV] Olde Town Okotoks Show & Shine Aug 12 10 AM - 4 PM Downtown Okotoks This year’s theme is The Roaring 20s and the event starts off with a Poker Run on August 11 at The George. There will also be live music, dancing, a quilt show and plenty of shopping. 403-608-8533 [OK] Cat Country Cougar Hunters Aug 17 8:30 PM Gitter's Pub www.gitterspub.com [HR]

Steve Pineo's Dead Elvis Day Aug 17 8:30 PM $20 Carlson's on Macleod Steve's exceptional songwriting may move through many styles but his musical forays always reflect his exceptional musicianship and rich, true voice. www.carlsonsonmacleod.com [HR] Priddis & Millarville Fair Aug 18 Millarville Race Track The Fair is a wondrous extravaganza for kids in particular, with Kids’ World, a petting zoo, big horses, small horses, roping competitions and ribbons awarded in numerous junior events. The day is a big one for adults as well, including a multitude of competition ribbons, a parade and a full day integrated with the famous Millarville Farmers' Market. www.millarvilleracetrack.com [MV] Photo Workshop and Walkabout Aug 18 Okotoks Art Gallery www.okotoksculture.ca [OK] The Ruminants Aug 24 8:30 PM Gitter's Pub www.gitterspub.com

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Foothills Highland Games Aug 25 Foothills Composite High School www.foothillshighlandgames.com [OK] Harvest Festival Aug 25 Free Kayben Farms Celebrate the harvest with us, u-pick vegetables and black currants will be in season.

Corn maze, live music, entertainment and kids activities, etc.

403-938-2857 [OK] Okotoks Pro Rodeo Sept 1-3 www.okotoksprorodeo.com [OK] Okotoks [HR] High River [MS] Mossleigh [LV] Longview [NT] Nanton [CH] Chareholm [KK] Kananaskis

[OK]

[FM] Fort MacLeod [PS] Priddis [BC] Bragg Creek [DV] Diamond Valley [MV] Millarville [CY] Calgary [SY] Stavely

HISTORY Lives Here The Empress ... 100 Years of films, concerts, festivals and drama.

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Photos by Jaime Vedres

he Empress Theatre is significant as one of the last remaining examples of small town theatre architecture in Alberta. As the last remaining theatre in Fort Macleod, the Empress is also representative of the social and cultural life of the town since the theatre's construction in 1912.

The Empress Theatre was built during a period of prosperity for Fort Macleod: in the years before World War One, rail lines were being constructed, the ranching industry developed, and land opened for settlement. The theatre was important to the social life of any prairie town, and was often designed with ornate architecture and luxurious furnishings. Although the exterior of the Empress was quite plain, to match the streetscape of Fort Macleod, it was heralded as a first class theatre and eventually provided seating for four hundred with such amenities as plush chairs and tiffany-style lamps.

Although it has become exclusively a movie theatre, historically it was a cultural centre in southern Alberta, hosting vaudeville acts (indicating the importance of Fort Macleod to the North American theatrical circuit), community plays, concerts, lectures, meetings, and political rallies. It enjoyed a particular heyday in the early 1940s (and the interior was richly refurnished at this point) when the wartime economy fuelled money into movie going and before the advent of television.

Source: Alberta Culture and Community Spirit, Historic Resources Management Branch (File: Des. 1083)

TRADITION Lives Here The Fort at Fort Macleod celebrates 40 years of performing the NWMP Musical Ride.

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very summer for the past four decades crowds flock to Fort Macleod to witness a unique celebration of our heritage: the spectacular re-enactment of the NWMP Musical Ride. Although this event does not feature the official RCMP Ride, and the riders are not actual RCMP members, the performance is remarkable – a brilliant display of equestrian skill and Canadian pride.

According to RCMP historic records, the first recorded NWMP riding performance took place at Fort Macleod in 1876, conducted by Sergeant Major Belcher with no audience in attendance. It is documented that police officers training and performing the Musical Ride found solace in the exercise, a welcome departure from their routine drills and duties.

This summer, you are invited to take leave of your routine drills and duties and make your way to the Fort Museum to help celebrate this spectacular salute to your Canadian heritage.

NWMP Musical Ride 40th Anniversary at the Fort - August 25 routesmagazine.ca

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CULTURE Lives Here Head-Smashed-In celebrates 25 years of storytelling.

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ocated 18 kilometres north and west of Fort Macleod, HeadSmashed-In Buffalo Jump is an archaeological site widely revered as a testimony of prehistoric life. Since the interpretive centre opened 25 years ago, more than 2.5 million visitors have enjoyed this fascinating World Heritage site.

The Jump represents a custom perfected by the Plains Indians who depended on bison as a primary means of subsistence. For decades, the aboriginal hunters would lure bison to the site and chase them over the precipice as means of killing the animals and utilizing the carcass for food and resources.

Extensive bone deposits below the cliffs indicated decades of successful hunts at this site, while other artifacts discovered in the area reveal the extraordinary ingenuity of Plains hunters who devised their own tools and techniques for butchering and processing the carcasses.

It was the remarkable archaeological and historical value of this site, along with its dramatic prairie setting and outstanding interpretive potential that earned Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981.

Head-Smashed-In 25th Anniversary Celebration - July 25 First Nations drumming and dancing, special entertainment and guests, unveiling of the UNESCO plaque, along with storytelling of the ancient buffalo hunting culture.

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A World Heritage site is a piece of property, either cultural or natural, that is an outstanding example of a creation by humans or by the forces of nature.

- United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

Head-Smashed-In CafĂŠ The 60 seat cafĂŠ is open for the summer season offering you choices in nativethemed fare, including buffalo stew, buffalo burgers and buffalo chili.

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indulge your appetite, delight your senses!

Now serving dinner

Mon - Tues: 9-6 Wed-Fri: 9-9 Sat: 10-9

403.995.5509 Kayben Farms Okotoks, AB

Dining Guide PIZZARIAS / GRILLS

Alta Vita Ristorante 134 Macleod Tr SW [HR] 403.652.3793

2 for 1 Pizza #3, 120 Centre St SE [HR] 403.652.2100

Bistro Provence 52 N Railway St [OK] 403.938.2224

Blackstone Rotisserie & Grill

Divine 42 McRae St [OK] 403.938.0000

97 Elizabeth St [OK] 403.982.9891 Granny’s Pizza 110 Main St [TV] 403.933.4000

Heartland Café 46 McRae St [OK] 403.995.4623 Little New York Bistro 108 Morrison Rd [LV] 403.558.0000 Longview Steakhouse 102 Morrison Rd [LV] 403.558.2000 The Crossing Restaurant and Lounge 601- 1 St W [HR] 403.652.7992

Grillo’s Pizzeria 102 Center Ave W [BD] 403.933.2333 Mama’s Pizza & Pasta 100 Stockton Ave [OK] 403.938.3333 My Pizza #1, 104 - 3 Ave SE [HR] 403.652.2262

CAFES / DINERS / PUBS

Grand Central Bar & Grill 8 – 49 Elizabeth St [OK] 403.938.0929 Haywire Café 118 Morrison Rd [LV] 403.852.7952 Ian Tyson’s Navajo Mug 140 Morrison Rd [LV] 403.558.2272

Mainstreet Café 2122-20 St [NT] 403.646.1155

ETHNIC Aditya Fine Indian Cuisine 27A McRae St [OK] 403.982.4646

Black Diamond Bakery 119 Centre Ave [BD] 403.933.4503

New Club Café 129 Centre St [VC] 403.485.2418

Golden National 112 Centre St SE [HR] 403.652.4364

Black Diamond Bar & Hotel 105 Center Ave W [BD] 403.933.4656

Rylie’s Cattle Barn 263, 200 Southridge Dr [OK] 403.995.7779

Ken’s Restaurant 17200-020 Ave [NT] 403.646.2922 P&H Family Restaurant 327 Macleod Tr SW [HR] 403.601.3802 Saigon Moon Vietnamese 130 Government Rd [DV] 403.933.5751 Saigon Sun Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine Suite 245, 200 Southridge Dr [OK] 403.995.8181 Spices East Indian Dining #445, 200 Southridge Dr [OK] 403.995.3320 Yokozuna Sushi Bar and Grill 249, 200 Southridge Dr [OK] 403.995.8141 [OK] Okotoks [HR] High River

Carlson’s on Macleod 129 - 3 Ave. SW Macleod Tr [HR] 403.601.8774 Chef Thomas Family Restaurant 120 Service Rd [VC] 403.485.2222 Chris’s on Fifth 133 - 5 Ave [HR] 403.603.3280 Chuckwagon Café 105 Sunset Blvd [TV] 403.933.0003 Coyote Moon Cantina 202 Main St [TV] 403.933.3363 Diamond Valley Restaurant 202 Centre Ave W [BD] 403.933.3122 Evelyn’s Memory Lane Café 118 - 4 Ave SW [HR] 403.652.1887

[LV] Longview [NT] Nanton

[VC] Vulcan [DV] Diamond Valley

Casual French Dining in Olde Towne Okotoks

Dine In | Take Out | Catering

JoJo’s Café (Kayben Farms) 32nd Street E [OK] 403.995.5509

Marv’s Classic Soda Shop 121 Centre Ave W [BD] 403.933.7001

Graduate Foods 1145 Centre Ave [BD] 403.933.3320

52 North Railway St. bistro-provence.ca

Gourmet on the Go 22 Elizabeth St [OK] 403.938.0058

Highway #24 [MS] 866.440.3500

Aspen Crossing

403-938-2224

Foxes Den, Highwood Golf and Country Club 400 - 7 St NW [HR] 403.652.3644

sw High Rive 1st r 60 4

403-652-70 26

FINE DINING

“A charming vintage rail car with excellent food and service!”

www.whistlestopcafe.ca

Royal Café 129 Centre St [VC] 403.485.2418 South Fork 110 - 1 St W [HR] 403.652.3787 Sweet Queen 2125 - 19 St [NT] 403.646.2289 The George Traditional House 101 - 31 Southridge Dr [OK] 403.938.5000 The Stop 123 Government Road [BD] 403.933.3002 Tribal Connection Market 41 McRae St [OK] 403.995.1898 Trish’s tasty Treats 118 Centre St [VC] 403.485.2657

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Whistle Stop Café 406 - 1 St SW [HR] 403.652.7026 Wild Thyme Café 2018 - 20 Ave [NT] 403.646.2173

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Feature

Southern Alberta Meaderies Southern Alberta Meaderies Southern Alberta Meaderies Southern Alberta Meaderies Southern Alberta Meaderies Southern Alberta Meaderies Southern Alberta Meaderies Southern Alberta Meaderies Southern Alberta Meaderies Southern Alberta Meaderies Southern Alberta Meaderies Southern Alberta Meaderies Southern Alberta Meaderies Southern Alberta Meaderies Southern Alberta Meaderies

Break from the W Grape

By Trent Wilkie Graphic Illustration by Sharon Syverson

Southern Alberta’s most scenic routes are leading to on-farm wineries, a growing trend in tourist destinations.

hen life gives you lemons you make lemonade right? Well, what do you do when you have an abundance of honey or fruit?

You make spirits.

Nestled in the scenic bosom of Okotoks, Chinook Arch Meadery is taking advantage of the Alberta Government initiative called the Cottage Winery License where small farms or orchards can sell alcoholic products that are made on their premises.

This specific license opened up a niche market within Alberta where some bee farmers are now in the wine and meaderie business. As the concept catches on, the expectation is that it will promote wine culture, agricultural knowledge and tourism.

Chinook Arch is as much an information center as it is a workplace. You can’t have mead without honey and you can’t have honey without bees. And according to Chinook, you can’t have bees without knowing how important it is to educate people about them.

“Most people in Canada don’t know what mead is,” states Art Andrews, co-owner of Chinook Arch. “They have heard or read about it and picture a medieval time with Vikings and horns and steins and the like. Some people even think it is beer.” According to Art, calling mead beer is like calling a bee farm a golf course.

The bee farm side of Chinook Arch is called The Chinook Honey Company, and it provides the bulk of the educating. From visual hive tours to live demonstrations and tastings, Chinook is a very diverse enterprise skillfully combining production, education and retail.

“We’ve been working with bees for 18 years and we started experimenting with mead-making 10 years ago,” Andrews explains. “In 2006 we petitioned Alberta Gaming and Liquor to include mead under the Cottage Winery License so that we could add value to our honey business.” Not only did it add value, but it also added a

Most people in Canada don’t know what mead is, they have heard or read about it and picture a medieval time. Some people even think it is beer.”

- Art Andrews

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much-needed understanding of how important bees are to the environment and ecosystems.

Just up the road in Strathmore is Field Stone Fruit Wines. Not the shield and ax imagery of mead, but according to proprietor Marvin Gill, it can still be a bit ‘old world’.

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Tending to the orchard itself is enough to fill a day’s work. On top of that, there is a picnic area, a tasting area and usually a group of curious wine enthusiasts interested in what Field Stone is all about. But unlike Chinook Arch, Gill didn’t start out cautiously, he dove in headfirst.

“We started the orchard in 1998 with five family members involved,” says Gill. “We had 45 acres of bushes the first year and we wanted to go organic. Then the weeds came and we weeded it all by hand.” According to Gill, there is nothing more ‘old world’ than working on your hands and knees pulling weeds for the love of a plant.

Their wine business, a first under the Cottage Winery License, is quite different from the regular grape wine. Gill thinks this plays to his advantage.

“We get both, people who are experienced wine drinkers who are interested in anything to do with wine and people who do not drink wine at all but are curious about what we do,” says Gill, adding that fruit wines fit most people’s pallets. And it seems it’s not only wine drinkers who find something they like but also wine competition judges.

“If you are winning awards and competitions you are getting attention and we have been very good at being able to do that,” he explains, detailing Field Stone’s golds, silvers and bronzes in various categories. “We have won five golds in five years. Those are the wines that people are most interested to taste first.”

A third southern Alberta business called Fallentimber is located in Water Valley northwest of Carstairs. This threeyear-old meadery embraces the ancient mead image and plays it up for enthusiastic patrons. But co-owner Nathan Ryan says the enterprise evolved from a beekeeping business and bees continue to be the cornerstone of Fallentimber Meadery.

“It kind of started as a home brewing project. With my dad being a beekeeper we always had a lot of honey at our disposal.” says Ryan. “While learning about home brewing from books, the last chapter was always a chapter on mead so we thought we would give it a try.”

While Ryan says Fallentimber is doing more business than expected, he eludes to the fact that more than anything, the meadery is a labour of love.

In Ye Olde Days, when someone wanted to share a flagon of mead with you, it was a sign of respect and admiration. If these three businesses keep it up, we will owe them the same for taking a chance on what they love.

Mead Details Mead, a drink of medieval origins combining savoury honey, delectable spices and water, is one of the oldest known forms of an alcoholic beverage.

Mead styles Melomel: mead fermented or flavoured with fruit Metheglin: mead fermented or flavoured with herbs and/or spices Braggot: mead made with malted grains Rhodomel: a mead made with Rose petals

Mead Sangrias for Summer!

Raving Raspberry Sangria

By Field Stone Fruit Wines

1 bottle Field Stone Raspberry Fruit Wine ½ lemon, cut in wedges ½ orange, cut in wedges ½ lime, cut in wedges 1 cup raspberries (fresh or frozen) splash of orange juice 2 Tbsps sugar or apple juice concentrate (opt) 2 shots Field Stone Raspberry Dessert Wine 2 shots Raspberry Vodka 4 cups club soda Mix well and chill overnight for optimum flavour.

Bodacious Black Currant Sangria

By Chinook Arch Meadery

1 bottle Bodacious Black Currant Melomel ½ an orange ½ a lime ½ a lemon 1 can ginger ale 3 – 4 cups ice Slice fruit into rings, with rinds. Mix fruit and wine together and let sit for 2 – 3 hours. Add ginger ale and ice just before serving.

Saskatoon Rhubarb Sangria 1 bottle of Fallentimber’s Saskatoon Rhubarb mead 1 lemon cut into wedges 1 orange cut into wedges 1 lime cut into wedges 1 peach cut into wedges 1 cup sliced strawberries ½ cup lemonade or limeade ½ cup sugar 2 shots of apricot, peach or “berry” flavoured brandy 2 cups ginger ale 1 cup diced pineapple pieces with juice

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Pour wine in the pitcher and squeeze the juice wedges from the lemon, orange and lime into the wine. Toss in the fruit wedges (leaving out seeds if possible) and add sliced peaches, strawberries limeade/lemonade, sugar and brandy. Chill overnight. Add ginger ale and ice just before serving.

(Source: AB Government)

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Routes Salutes

SALTS Southern Alberta Land Trust Society

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he Southern Alberta Land Trust Society (SALTS), is a not for profit organization that has been operating in the area since 1998. Promoting the three Ws that define the organization: water, wildlife and western values, SALTS works with landowners to ensure the ranchlands remain intact; home to wildlife, pure water sources and sweeping landscapes.

Alan Gardner, executive director of SALTS, explains that there are two major projects the organization is currently involved in. One is near Lundbreck called the Rock Creek Conservation Initiative. Statistically found to be an area with a high number of collisions of wildlife and motorists on Highway 3, SALTS has been working with landowners in the area, signing an agreement that is wildlife friendly. That agreement is called an easement, or a landscape protection agreement. Although the agreement is signed with the current landowner, an easement ensures that this land trust remains a protected area from future or other development such as housing, or feedlots.

“Once it’s there, it’s there,” Gardner says of the easements.

“It ensures wildlife can use that corridor forever.”

For example, instead of an acreage being developed, SALTS has incentives for the owner to keep the land as agricultural and wildlife friendly that include personal, environmental and financial benefits.

The organization also works to ensure that the majority of the area remains as ranchlands. Gardner professes that animals grazing on natural grasses allows the land to be productive while also protecting wildlife and our water sources.

By Mike Maguire Photos by Alan Gardner

Once it’s there, it’s there... It ensures wildlife can use that corridor forever.”

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A bonus to the land protection is stunning landscapes rather than subdivisions, keeping beautiful vistas for both residents and visitors.

Gardner says the urban sprawl of cities like Calgary usually occupy some of the best land for farming and ranching. Easement agreements ensure that won’t happen everywhere.

Secondly, the Cowboy Trail project, which SALTS recently introduced, is designed to keep the landscape surrounding Highway 22 beautiful and agricultural. The project involves obtaining easements on “orphaned parcels”, or as Gardner explains, the smaller wedges of a square property that the highway cuts off from the rest of the land as it winds around.

Gardner says the last W, western values, is all about stewardship of the land, and farmers and ranchers are best suited for the job. It all adds up to a variety of different aspects of the area: ranching, housing, wildlife and tourism, being sustainable.

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SALTS was one of the first landtrust societies in Canada and is the largest in Alberta with 24 easement agreements covering over 11,400 acres of land.

Funding sources include personal donations and matching grants from organizations like the Alberta Community Spirit Program and the Calgary Foundation.

Each easement agreement costs around $55,000. SALTS is part of the Canadian Land Trust Alliance (CLTA).

For more information; www.salts-landtrust.org or www.clta.ca

15 minutes South of Calgary Reward yourself with exquisite dining, boutique shopping and a contemporary arts and culture scene in Okotoks.

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www.okotokstourism.ca routesmagazine.ca

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Financial Insights

Clearly For You:

Mortgage protection

YOUR WAY

By David and Heather Meszaros

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on and Ronda are arranging a mortgage. They want one where they control the insurance policy and they decide when and how to spend money they have invested in insurance. It is possible!

Questions to ask your mortgage provider about its insurance policy: • Does the coverage decrease as my mortgage decreases or will I always have the full mortgage amount insured?

• What happens if I increase my present mortgage?

• Can I sell my present home to buy another with a higher mortgage?

• What happens to my policy if I switch banks?

• Are there better rates if I am a non-smoker?

Did you know that by purchasing or increasing your personal insurance policies, you can be set up with a level death benefit instead of one that decreases?

Let's say Ron and Ronda start off with a $200,000 mortgage. A number of years later, one of them dies while they still owe $100,000. A personal policy will pay out the full $200,000 to the survivor.

After the mortgage is paid off, there's still $100,000 left to pay off other debts or to provide extra income.

Ron and Ronda only have to qualify for the insurance once, not each time

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they change their mortgage, switch banks or move to a new home.

Both Ron and Rhonda can be insured for the full amount, or more of the mortgage. That means that if one dies, the survivor will still have coverage because their insurability was locked in when they originally bought it. They can decide at that time if they want to continue their protection.

The survivor may decide not to pay off the mortgage at all, but invest the life insurance proceeds instead and use the income to keep making the payments.

Once the mortgage is paid off, the income continues and the house will be debt-free.

With a personal policy in place to protect their biggest investment, Ron and Rhonda have the flexibility to change homes, banks, or perhaps buy a cottage.

With a personal policy already in place, they won't have to worry about qualifying for new coverage at higher rates or not being able to get coverage at all.

Husband and wife team David and Heather Meszaros are licensed with Sun Life Financial and Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc. David, a Certified Financial Planner, has been with Sun Life for 19 years. Heather, a Certified Health Insurance Specialist, has been with Sun Life for seven years. They will give you a clear understanding of your financial options, by educating you and keeping it simple.

For more info. call 403-652-3233.

Homes that think ahead.

Box 5173 High River, AB T1V 1M4 403.603.0121 farrellyhomes.com

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Nature

Bird’s Eye View Photos by Melissa and Therese Driver

A sampling of birds to watch for: Killdeer

Northern Flicker - (from the Woodpecker family) Back and wings are brown with black bars, belly is buff and spotted with black, also has a black bib. Males have a red moustache.

Red-Winged Blackbird

Killdeer - Back is dark brown with a white breast and a double black neck bar.

Great Blue Heron

Mountain Bluebird - Male: Head, back and wings are sky blue, breast is lighter blue. Female: Gray body but sky blue on wings and tail.

Red-Winged Blackbird - Male: Black all over with patches of red edged with yellow on shoulder. Female: Brown with streaks underneath.

Ruddy Duck

www.mikesite.biz

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TURNER VALLEY - OKOTOKS - BLACK DIAMOND - HIGH RIVER

p.403.842.1125 c.403.807.9741 mkingston@rlfoothills.com routesmagazine.ca

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Baltimore Oriole - Male: Head and upper back are black while underside and rump are bright orange. Female: Muted shades of both.

Tundra Swan - Up to 52” long with a snow-white head and body, elongated neck, and black bill with small yellow skin patch.

Osprey - Chocolate brown on top, white below, when flying wings look white with dark outer patches.

Peregrine Falcon - Blue-gray above with tan barred under parts, dark head with thick sideburns, hooked beak, and pointy wings.

Ruddy Duck - Bright blue bill is the main identifier. Back and wings are reddish brown, cheeks have big white patches. Tail is often standing straight up stiff. Females are darker brown with light brown cheeks.

Birdbrain Match the bird to the fact.

1. Ants account for roughly 45% of this bird’s diet.

2. Celebrated for its spectacular dives in water to retrieve fish, this bird has angular shaped wings to enhance high speed diving.

3. Lays as many as 60 eggs and goes by up to 70 different names.

4. In addition to eating fish this bird enjoys frogs, salamanders, shrews and voles.

5. This magnificent bird was hunted for its feathers in the 19th century but its numbers have since recovered.

6. Is renowned for its acting skills – pretends to have a broken wing to distract predators in range of its nest.

7. Great lengths have been made to help give these birds comfortable lodging, but often their home is invaded by barn swallows.

8. Nothing says home like cattails and bulrushes.

9. This bird has a hanging nest and its favourite meal is the forest tent caterpillar.

10. The fastest bird in the world, this bird attacks prey mid-air at speeds of up to 320 kph.

1. Northern Flicker 2. Osprey 3. Ruddy Duck 4. Great Blue Heron 5. Tundra Swan 6. Killdeer 7. Mountain Bluebird 8. Red-winged Blackbird 9. Baltimore Oriole 10. Peregrine Falcon

Great Blue Heron - Back and wings are blue-gray; head is white with black bar above the eye. Long legs and neck.

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Stargazing

Big Sky Astronomical Society Event

Summer

Saturday, August 11 8:30 pm to midnight

Meteor Shower

By James Durbano Photo by NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory

I

f you find yourself on vacation in early August, be sure to spend some time looking up each night because chances are you will see some shooting stars streak across the sky. It’s not unusual to see them on summer nights because each year from July 23 to August 20 the Earth passes through the debris left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle.

As the Earth plows through the debris field many meteors can be seen emanating from the part of the sky known as the constellation of Perseus. Hence, this annual meteor shower is known as the Perseids and it reaches its peak each year on or about August 12.

The Perseids are considered by many

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to be the year’s best meteor shower. If you are far from city lights on a moonless night, you may see as many as 50 meteors per hour in a dark sky. Fortunately, this year moonlight will not interfere too much with the meteor shower so it should be quite a show.

The Perseids tend to strengthen in number as midnight approaches and usually most of the meteors are seen in the last few hours of the night, just prior to dawn. The meteors are often fast and bright and frequently leave behind a trail that persists for several seconds.

If you are planning to head out and watch the meteor shower, I recommend that you dress warmly, bring a reclining

Come out to the Big Sky Observatory and enjoy the annual Perseid Meteor Shower. This free public event is always a lot of fun and this year and for the first time ever visitors will have the opportunity to spend the entire night out under the stars as a new campground has just opened next to the observatory. You will also have an opportunity to look through the large observatory telescope and view Saturn and Titan, the Ring Nebula (M57), and the Great Globular Cluster in Hercules (M13).

lawn chair and a blanket, a thermos with hot chocolate, and most importantly a friend or two.

Be sure to keep in mind the meteor watcher’s motto: You might see a lot or you might not see many, but if you stay in the house, you won’t see any!

James Durbano is an astronomer who specializes in education and public outreach activities. He has been keeping an eye on the sky for more than 25 years and enjoys sharing the wonders of the universe with others.

He is the founder of the Big Sky Astronomical Society and operates a small business called Astronomer 4 Hire.

ROUTE-ING

for Our Own

Small communities south of Calgary are chock-full of folks with passion and talent and when they go forth and prosper their hometowns are rooting for them!

H

igh River native Jean Jarrell recently received the Pro-

fessor Emerita award at Mount Royal University (MRU). The prestigious award is

PROGRESSIVE FAMILY DENTISTRY

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Dr. Vicki McMullen

bestowed on highly accomplished academic scholars who have served a university with exemplary dedication for a number of years. Jarrell hit the mark after devoting 41 years to teaching and coaching at Mount Royal and earning the distinction of being the first female Department Chair in Physical Education.

Jarrell went to Washington State University and later University of Oregon where she achieved a Master of Science in Physical Education. She began her career teaching in Oregon, but later returned to Alberta and answered the call to join the Physical Education Department at MRU. There she devoted immeasurable hours to starting up and running the gymnastics club, which produced an impressive number of national champions.

For 25 years Jarrell served as an International Brevet Judge within the International Gymnastic Federation, the highest possible judging rank at the international level. In this role she travelled the world as the Canadian judge at multisport competitions including the Commonwealth and Pan American Games. Recently retired from judging, Jarrell continues to teach the National Coaching Certification courses at MRU. routesmagazine.ca

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2012

Family

The Motherload:

Gold Digging

By Pat Fream

M

y mother-in-law says her forties were the ‘Golden Years’ – the best time of her life. Like us now, she had three teenagers at that time, which begs the question... has she lost her mind? Doesn’t she remember the anxious moments as kids learn to drive?

The ups and downs of their hormones and heart aches? The sleepless nights when one of the chickadees is not in the nest? She tells me she doesn’t, only the golden nuggets remain.

This filtering thing the brain does is really quite amazing. Like super efficient phone apps, we seem to come programmed with a built-in mechanism designed to maintain our rosy outlook.

Case in point, the young person’s mind doesn’t mull over life insurance options or consider things like hair loss or diminished bone density.

Similarly, when we are new parents with precious little babies, the mind doesn’t wander ahead and alarm us about the potential hazards of the teen years. And as old age creeps up, apparently the mind reorders things and deletes the unpleasant aspects of certain decades, leaving us blissfully unaffected as we negotiate the obstacles around the next corner.

This rosy brain app inspires me to stop stressing about the challenges of raising teenagers and take inventory of what is positive in the here and now. For instance, our boys are both quite humorous and they are fit and active in sports.

Like super efficient phone apps, we seem to come programmed with a built- in mechanism designed to maintain our rosy outlook.”

I need to focus on these qualities rather than freak out when they stay out late, can’t get out of bed for school, and (accidently) shoot lacrosse balls through walls, windows and car mirrors.

Our daughter is excelling in her university program while still managing to work and enjoy an exuberant social life.

What a feat! I need to applaud her ability to juggle her priorities and forget that she recently volunteered to cook dinner for our family and prepared Lipton’s Chicken Noodle Soup and pot stickers. All three of our kids are bright and generous and developing world views that reflect the kind of tolerance, justice and compassion we try to uphold. More golden nugget.

Then there’s Tucker - our faithful golden retriever. He doesn’t challenge the house rules, generate any dirty laundry or get speeding tickets; he simply obeys and adores us every day. Dog devotion is tremendously uplifting.

Indeed there is plenty of gold in this decade; we just need to relax and let the brain do its thing. Ta-da, there go the missed curfews and sleepless nights; poof, no more holes in the walls; bam, nothing wrong with pot stickers as a main course (or was it the soup that was the main course?).

All that’s left is delightful kids, rosy outlook and perfectly golden ears.

Go Green Wear Green The ECO line is funky fashion frames that are created with 95% recycled materials.

As an added bonus for every frame purchased a tree is planted.

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Detours

Maureen and her brothers just before heading out to the stampede in 1960. The family car, a 1959 Ford station wagon.

MYfirst STAMPEDE

M

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y family moved to Calgary in the spring of 1960 following nine years of moving across the western provinces where my father worked as a geophysicist in the seismic industry. Dad landed a managerial position with a major seismic company whose head office was situated in downtown Calgary on Fourth Ave. Our family's first Stampede was in the summer following our move to Alberta. My mother, a skilled seamstress, made my brothers and I western outfits. My brothers were outfitted with yoked western shirts, silver-buckled belts, cowboy boots and hats; mother made me a turquoise western blouse and flounced skirt that included a silver-linked belt.

I loved my new outfit and I remember making my skirt fluff up when I spun around!

My father parked at his office and then we walked through downtown to the parade route. Our family did this every year and we always had a house full of guests during Stampede week. It was a huge event in our household and my parents were the quintessential western hosts, always ensuring our houseguests were well fed and watered.

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By Maureen Loven Photo by Joy Loven

EXPERIENCE

Southern Alberta’s History Purchase the Regional Annual Pass for the Provincial Historic Sites and Museums in Southern Alberta then plan to visit these sites as often as you wish for a whole year.

YEAR-ROUND

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site Nearly 6,000 years old, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is one of the largest and best-preserved jumps in the world. Discover how the Plains People organized sophisticated communal buffalo hunts to gather food for their survival, from ancient times until the arrival of Europeans.

403.553.2731 head-smashed-in.com

Frank Slide Interpretive Centre Canada’s Deadliest Rockslide Feel the impact of the Frank Slide story. Tour the exhibit galleries that feature personal accounts, audio-visual presentations, interactive computers, hands-on displays, and two award-winning, highdefinition shows.

403.562.7388 Frankslide.com

Remington Carriage Museum World’s Largest Carriage Museum This award-winning museum features an impressive collection of over 250 carriages, wagons, sleighs, many of them placed in historic settings. Learn how carriages are conserved and restored. Ride in a horse-drawn carriage and hear stories of the carriage era in one of our guided tours.

403.653.5139 RemingtonCarriageMuseum.com

Lougheed House National and Provincial Historic Site Visit the magnificent, restored sandstone mansion and learn about the history of western Canada development. Lougheed House, also known as Beaulieu, was the home of Sir James Lougheed, his wife Lady Isabella, and their six children.

403.244.6333 LougheedHouse.com

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