Okotoks Living Summer 2015 by Source Media Group

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contents SUMMER 2015 | VOLUME 6 ISSUE 25

history

Dino days Fossil finds shed light on Okotoks’ watery past

21 sports & recreation

people

On the fast track McCarroll GP Okotoks’ first family of motorcycle racing

entertainment Cover photography by Lana Armitage

Lemonade day Young entrepreneurs take part in international phenomenon

Kick start Okotoks Minor Soccer gets a British boost

Pool time Swim clubs, Town recognize need for new facility

sustainability

Water wise Plans in place to keep the water flowing

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June 13

19 23 Business

Front page challenge Chamber of Commerce Trade and Lifestyle Show photos

you said it …

What is your pet and what is its name?

items community

Food Bank Growing with the town to meet community needs

08 Editor’s Message 10 Town of Okotoks Message 38 Events 41 Youth Beat 44 Map

Leading by example Awards honour contributions to the community

homes

On tour Home builders active in several new communities

38 30

@OkotoksLiving OkotoksLiving

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editor’s note PUBLISHER |

Source Media Group

info@sourcemediagroup.ca

Good people OKOTOKS has to be one of the best places in the world to be in the summer. Whether lounging by the beach (yes, Okotoks has a beach!) or riverbank; taking in a community-organized event or activity; hitting the links or just hanging out on Main Street (Elizabeth Street in Okotoks); there’s always something to do. Who knows, maybe you’ll be walking along the river and find a fossil or something. That’s what happened to High River resident Ron James in 2013. Join us on a prehistoric fishing trip on page 11. As for more recent happenings, thanks to everyone who dropped by to say ‘hello’ at the Trade & Lifestyle Show. We enjoyed meeting so many of our readers and lots of them seemed to like meeting us too. See photos in the centre spread of this magazine. The upcoming Lemonade Day June 13 will see more than 125 lemonade stands spring up around Okotoks with more than 200 local kids getting a first-hand taste of running their own business. We’re proud to be an official mentor and of the fact a couple of our Okotoks Living extended family — Emma Glowatsky and Anna Quick — will have stands. Of course, no event happens without people who care making it happen, and that

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Robertson

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Amanda Brown, Darlene Casten, Aaliya Essa, Suzanne Hale, Tristen Hetherington, Anna Quick, Julie Robertson, David Shepherd, Erika Taylor PHOTOGRAPHY

Lana Armitage, Amanda Brown, Suzanne Hale, Tristen Hetherington, Julie Robertson, Allison Seto

seems to be a recurring theme this edition. From Todd Melton’s quest for a new aquatic facility, to Matt Lumsden’s passing-on his love of soccer, to the folks at the Food Bank — so many stories are about good people making good things happen. Like the folks who were honoured at the recent Leadership Awards. I won’t name them all here, but we do on page 30. Check it out and if you see them around town make sure to tell them ‘good job!’. Some people you’re sure to see around town are the McCarrolls. Whether it’s at the hockey rink, the show jumping arena, a community meeting, or just on the street (that red Ferrari is hard to miss), they’re your typical Okotoks family. Except that father and son race motorbikes at over 160 kilometres an hour. Read about Okotoks’ fastest family in our cover story on page 12. For our other major feature this edition, we went on tour — a show home tour. We let our fingers to the walking, and when website research, emails and telephone calls didn’t work we did it the old-fashioned way and visited as many Okotoks show homes as we could find. We probably missed some, but we tried really hard. It’s a quick overview, but if you’re curious about what’s available where, and for how much, we’ve got nearly 20 homes listed. Wrapping up the magazine, as always, is our You Said It page which, this edition, asks the question: What kind of pet do you have and what is it’s name? I don’t have any right now, but my last pet was a cat named Mork. Until next time, see you ‘round town!

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TOWN OF OKOTOKS LIAISON

Shane Olson DISTRIBUTED BY

Media Classified, Town of Okotoks, Okotoks Welcome Wagon, Source Media Group, Yellow Pages Group P R I N T E D I N C A N A DA

© 2015 Source Media Group Corp. Material cannot be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publishers. Okotoks Living™ is published four times per annum and is available free through select distribution points in Calgary and Okotoks. Source Media Group agrees to advertise on behalf of the advertiser without responsibility for claims or misinformation made by the advertiser and acts only as an advertising medium. Source Media Group reserves the right to refuse any advertising at its sole discretion. Okotoks Living™ accepts editorial submissions and letters to the editor by electronic mail only. Please forward any submissions, including your full name, phone number and return email address, to okotoks. editor@sourcemediagroup.ca C O N TA C T :

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mayor’s message

Message from Mayor and Town Council

Councillors Ray Watrin, Tanya Thorn, Matt Rockley, Mayor Bill Robertson, Councillors Carrie Fischer, Ken Heemeryck, Ed Sands.

Become a fan of Town of Okotoks

long with warm weather, the summer brings with it many seasonal activities and events to our community. We encourage residents and visitors alike to check out our scenic pathway system, pristine golf courses and captivating cultural offerings at the Museum, Art Gallery, Old Church Theatre (formerly RPAC) and Olde Towne Okotoks. There are many fun-filled summer events to take in as well including the Spirit of Okotoks Parade & Youth Festival, Canada Day celebrations, Buskersfest, Foothills Highland Games, Taste of Okotoks and Okotoks Pro Rodeo just to name a few! See page 46 for event listings or visit www.okotoks.ca Summer is also a time to enjoy our yards. Use our curbside leaf and grass collection program to dispose of your yard waste. Nature’s cycle provides most of the required moisture to sustain plant life. Our climate is semi-arid, which can require additional moisture. Please be conscious of our precious resources and conserving water. The Town’s Outdoor Watering Schedule is in effect from May 1 – October 31 and our Conservation Educators will be visiting residents and providing information and tips throughout the summer. We also began our Water Conservation Rebate Program for residents on May 1. It continues to be a very popular program and is distributed on a first come, first served basis. For more information on any of our programs, please visit www.okotoks.ca. Our warm, inviting and vibrant community also offers many dining, shopping and recreational experiences. If you’re visiting Okotoks, we have charming accommodation options including hotels, bed & breakfasts and camping to extend your stay. We hope this summer gives you a chance to immerse yourself in the appeal and attractions that await you in Okotoks!

Mayor WM. (Bill) Robertson On behalf of Town Council

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history

Dino days

Fossil finds shed light on Okotoks’ watery past STORY AND PHOTO BY SUZANNE HALE

OW FAR BACK does your knowledge of Okotoks history go? Is it to the 1950s when Okotoks got its own waterworks system? Perhaps you’ve read of the historic year 1904 when Okotoks officially became a town…or maybe the early 1800s comes to mind, when David Thompson first explored this area. Going even further back, history offers us the Big Rock, the world’s largest known glacial erratic. Certainly its 10,000 year age distinguishes it as pretty ancient history. But our traceable roots go back farther — much farther, than the days our erratic hitchhiked a ride on a glacier during the Ice Age.

Dawna Macleod works on the gar fossil found near Okotoks.

In fact, a chapter of Okotoks’ story from literally millions of years ago was found in 2013 by High River resident, Ron James. That’s right — life existed here long before agriculture and oil, before the natives and buffalo even. A monumental find, this fossil was so noteworthy that it was immediately relocated to the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology, where work on its preservation continues. Since May of 2013 Dawna Macleod, Preparation Technician at the museum, has been patiently dislodging the sediment encasing this sample, to afford all a closer look into the past. Found near the Burnco gravel pit just east of town, this fossil dates back 60 million years, says Andrew

Neuman, Executive Director of the Tyrrell, when the doomed grouping of Gar, a type of prehistoric fish, was encased during the Palaeocene Epoch, well preserved until its discovery by a strolling amateur archaeologist. “Most of the fish in the sample were found belly up, indicating almost every single one died from a lack of oxygen or a lake drying up,” says Neuman of the rare find, which is the largest assemblage of its kind. Yes, you heard right, fish. The gar’s ancestors date back 100 million years, to when much of Alberta was submerged by a warm, shallow sea. The Bearpaw Sea under whose waters Okotoks once laid, crested at 250 metres above current sea level, home to innumerable aquatic creatures, while dinosaurs roamed the shorelines. Eventually draining south out of Alberta by 65 million years ago, the Bearpaw’s history can be read in area rock exposures, especially in areas like the Drumheller area Badlands, where fossils bear witness of life forms who dwelled there; among them sharks, ammonites, coral, marine reptiles and squids. When the earth was hit by a giant asteroid, wiping out the land-dwelling dinosaurs, the gar and other fish survived. “Following the impact, the climate became cooler and more temperate…and in the wake of the dinosaurs’ extinction, several other vertebrate groups flourished, particularly mammals,” says Craig Scott, Curator of Fossil Mammals at the Tyrrell Museum. Scientists believe the ideal landscape, coupled with the absence of predatory dinosaurs, lead to the tremendous diversification of living things. Meanwhile, gar fish continued to thrive through the metamorphosis, and can be found in some places around the world to this day. By the time these fish were entombed, our environment resembled that of today, although, says Neuman, “Okotoks was wetter, lusher and more tropical,” with high year-round rainfall, and average temperatures between 20-25 degrees Celsius. In the years to come, wetlands gave way to woodlands, and woodlands gave way to grasslands as the climate continued to cool in the years leading up to the Ice Age. So when it comes to Okotoks history, don’t just think the Big Rock — think fossils, and consider that our story began long before our current environment took shape…and if you get a chance to visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum, you just might get to see a remnant of it up close. OL S U M M E R 20 1 5 O KOTO KS LIVI N G 11

people

On the

McCarroll GP Okotoks’ first family of motorcycle racing

FAST TRACK BY DAVID SHEPHERD

blur. That’s all Jonathan McCarroll saw of his son, Connor, as he blew past him at over 160 kilometres per hour. For most parents, this would be cause for concern. But Jonathan McCarroll isn’t most parents. He’s racing in Regina, he says, pinned in fifth gear and coming down into a fast left-hander when his now 16-year-old son, Connor, whips by. “It was the first time he passed me. I remember thinking — how cool is that?” Jonathan laughs. “And then I thought — now, how do I pass him?” Just another weekend at the racetrack for MCCARROLL GP, the tag the family races under. One of many such weekends, as Connor could be competing in up to 60 races at 16 events this season. And, if last year’s 24 national podiums are any indication — he’s going to be winning more than his fair share of them. Dad Jonathan’s no slouch in the championship department either with national and provincial titles on his resumé. Last year he finished second in the Formula GP National Series, along with six national podiums of his own. It’s that kind of success that led to the McCarroll’s winning BC’s Fastest Family award last season. While ‘the boys’ are racing, Connor’s mom, Claire, preps the bikes. “Claire’s the glue that keeps this race team together,” says Jonathan. Their daughter, 14-year-old Taylor, also participates as a flag marshall when she’s not off on a horse practicing show jumping and plans to start motorcycle racing this year. It’s a true family affair for the McCarrolls — a tradition that stretches all the way back to Jonathan’s childhood in Belfast,

Jonathan and Connor McCarroll. Photo by Lana Armitage. 12 O KOTO KS LIVI N G S U M M E R 20 1 5

Northern Ireland. “My dad was a carpenter. Mom worked in the bank and was kind of a stay at home mom.” Jonathan’s uncle, Richard Moore, gave him his first taste of biking. “He raced motocross. The first time I saw it, I wanted to do it. He was my first influence. The night my first bike was delivered, he just happened to be at the house.” That first bike? A brand new Honda XR75, purchased in 1977 at Terry Boyd Motorcycles for 347 pounds when Jonathan was nine. “It’s the bike that set my life on track,” he says. “ I modeled myself after famed Northern Ireland motorcyclist Joey Dunlop.” The family moved to Calgary in 1981, where Jonathan took a few years of pre-vet medicine in Calgary. His love of animals is still evident, as the family has three dogs, a cat, and a lovebird. After just “getting tired” of school, Jonathan started Image Property Services, a commercial building maintenance and janitorial company. It was after racing in the Irish Championship in the late ‘80s that Jonathan returned to Calgary and met the love of his life, Claire Marchant. “We got engaged in three months, married four months later, and we’ve been having a ball for 17 years.” Shortly after marrying Claire, Connor was

people

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A born, followed by his sister, Taylor, two years later. The transition from Calgary to Okotoks was natural for a young family. “It’s a great family community,” says Claire. “People are friendly. It’s a great place to raise kids.” Jonathan agrees wholeheartedly. “It’s got a small town feel. Everyone’s just down to earth, hard working, good people. We tell everyone: come to Okotoks. It’s a great place to live.” The family makes a point of getting involved in the community. Jonathan is the president of the board of directors for the Crystal Shores Community, and three years ago Image Property Services sponsored the town Christmas tree — which the whole family decorated. “We spent a small fortune on LED lights,” Jonathan laughs. “It was for Light Up Okotoks. It looked like a Rockefeller tree.” For Connor, growing up in Okotoks was idyllic. “My childhood has been playing street hockey and swimming in the lake with my friends,” he says. “When it’s frozen, we can’t get off it,” says Connor, who’s a pretty fair ball hockey player too, as his team has won the Fury in the Foothills street hockey tournament three years running. With Claire being from England, Connor is a first-generation Canadian, and it shows in his passion for hockey. In addition to street hockey championships, the Foothills Composite High School student also plays for the Okotoks Oilers midget team. “Racing is my favourite sport — but I love hockey just as much.” And he loves talking about his favourite sports

A The entire almost as much as doing them. McCarroll “The one thing I want people to know is what, exactly, family. Photo by Lana road racing is,” Connor says. “People always think I’m Armitage. doing motocross, because everyone knows what motoB Connor in cross is. It’s not even close. We’re racing bikes designed net for the for pavement, not dirt. Spec Supersport, Spec Thunder, Okotoks Oilers. and Formula GP.” C Taylor Jonathan, who made the switch from motocross to practicing horse jumping. road racing in 2003, explains. “Motocross takes place on the dirt and in the air. Really, really tough on your body.” Road racing is completely different. Bikes whip around a paved track at speeds in excess of 160 (100 miles) kilometres per hour. No jumps — just fast sweeping corners and slower speed technical sections. Think Formula 1 car racing but with two wheels instead of four. While it’s easier on a racer’s body than motocross, it’s still extremely physically demanding. Not to mention dangerous.

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People always think I’m doing motocross, because everyone knows what motocross is. It’s not even close. We’re racing bikes designed for pavement, not dirt.

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people

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With a family that basically lives on bikes, you’d expect Connor to have taken to the sport immediately, but that wasn’t the case. “Connor had no interest until he was about 12 years old,” says Jonathan. “We were at my uncle Richard’s place in Ireland, and we were watching our good friend Brett McCormick’s first race in Italy. And Connor goes ‘Dad, I’d like to try this.’” Connor’s first time on a racing bike was at Blackfoot Motorsports. “My buddy Braeden Ortt was riding his PW50, racing competitively,” remembers Connor. “One day at the track they told me to give it a go at lunch. I got on and I really liked it. Dad got me a PW50 after that — it was sitting in our living room Christmas morning.” The McCarroll’s maintain close ties with the Ortt family. Jason Ortt, Braeden’s father, is also Jonathan’s best friend and racing partner. This past season, MCCARROLL GP’s home track was Greg Moore Raceway in Chilliwack, BC. They put on over 20,000 kilometres, traveling throughout Western Canada with stops in Saskatoon, Regina, and Vancouver. Each time they travel, they take their motorhome, a trailer, nine motorcycles and two mopeds. “We’ll race scooters all over Victoria,” Jonathan says. “But our favourite thing to do when we’re there is whale watching.” “I love Orca whales,’ jumps in Connor. “If I’m not watching SportsCentre, hockey games, or racing, I’ll be watching documentaries on killer whales — Plant Earth type stuff.” Despite the grueling travel schedule, last season was a huge success for MCCARROLL GP. Connor won two provincial and two national titles, and Jonathan was just a handful of points off his own. Connor was also nominated for the prestigious Canadian Motorcycle Association White Memorial Award, which is given to the top competitive motorcyclist in the country. You must hold a national title to be considered. So, the big question, when it comes down to father versus son, who wins? “It was me until about three quarters through the season,” laughs Jonathan. “And then it just started changing. Towards the end of the season, no one could touch Connor in the Formula GP

My main goal is to race in Moto GP. It’s the world stage. You have to get recognized, get scouted, get sponsors.”

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people

class. We had ex AMA riders, CMA champions, all in our series, and Connor just couldn’t be caught. I’m not going down without a fight. But if someone is going to beat me, it may as well be Connor. But I’m not racing for second place.” “And no one ever should,” says Connor, who has his eyes on an even bigger prize. “My main goal is to race in Moto GP or World Superbike. It’s the world stage. You have to get recognized, get scouted, get sponsors.” Despite Connor’s success, he has one significant disadvantage: he’s Canadian. “It’s hard to get recognized in Canada,” says Jonathan. “It’s 99.99 per cent European guys. One of Connor’s influences, Brett McCormick, is the only Canadian to make it in World Super Bike. Connor needs to keep racking up titles and getting sponsorships.” Some of Connor and Jonathan’s current sponsors include Rocky Mountain Honda, Rhino Power Sports Supplements, and, of course, Image Property Services. “But we’re always looking for more sponsors.” Father and son both know it’s a difficult path. Most things worth having are. “Whether Connor ever makes it on the big stage, it’s yet to be seen,” says Jonathan. “Our role is to keep him on the track for as long as he wants to be.” And that means providing moral support as much as financial. For example, last year, Connor had a bad high side in Chilliwack. “A nasty crash,” says Jonathan. “And he said to me: ‘Dad, should I go back on the track?’ Of course you should go back on the track.” The result? Connor returned to the track and broke the all-time Formula GP lap record that afternoon. For Connor McCarroll, the road to Moto GP might require him to maneuver through road trips, sponsorships and scouts. But when he’s on the track, he only has to do one thing to reach his dream: Go faster than everyone else. OL

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A Claire and Jonathan on their wedding day, and have now been married for 17 years. B The McCarroll family at a baseball game. C Taylor and Claire getting ready to go on the road. D Connor with parents Claire and Jonathan. E Connor during a road race, whipping around a paved track at speeds in excess of 160 kilometres per hour.

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entertainment

Lem nade day Young entrepreneurs take part in international phenomenon

HE OKOTOKS LEMONADE DAY organizing committee is very proud to bring Lemonade Day to Okotoks. Youth of all ages, from pre-K through high school, can register to set up an official Lemonade Day stand, with more than 210 kids and 125 lemonade stands registered at press time. Community support from schools, youth organizations, and local businesses will be essential to the success of Okotoks Lemonade Day. Once a child is registered he or she receives a backpack with an informational workbook that outlines the steps needed to start a business: from setting goals, creating a business plan, forming a budget, finding an investor, to saving money, generating a return and donating back to their community. Working with a mentor (parent, trusted adult) they will work through these lessons to successfully open their business on June 13, 2015. Everyone is welcome to be involved with Okotoks Lemonade Day. Mentors, investors, and lots of customers are needed to support participants! Sponsors and volunteers are also needed

to make Lemonade Day a success! Okotoks Lemonade Day is a not-for-profit organization set up by local entrepreneurs — all funds collected through local sponsorships will be used directly to support this exciting program! Lemonade Day is a North Amerca-wide phenomena first introduced in 2007 by Michael Holthouse, a Houston entrepreneur and philanthropist. Holthouse founded Prepared 4 Life (P4L), a not-for-profit organization that provides fun, proactive, and experiential programs infused with life skill, character education, and entrepreneurship. Inspired by the lessons he was able to teach his young daughter and her friend when they set up a lemonade stand, Holthouse launched Lemonade Day in Houston, Texas in 2007 as a community-wide, educational initiative, which has now become P4L’s number one outreach and educational priority. Since 2007, almost 750,000 kids have participated in cities across North America and this year it is expected that more than 150,000 students in over 50 cities will participate in this tremendous program. This course material, along with the experience gained from planning and operating their own businesses, will provide our local youth with self confidence in

many facets of their lives and introduce a better understanding of small business and money. The program is founded on three major pillars; “Save Some, Spend Some, Share Some,” each of which will be directed by the individual lemonade entrepreneurs. OL

June 13

Links for some great videos that really give you the energy of Lemonade Day.

» http://youtu.be/gfT7F_NKNsY » http://youtu.be/8FZ6sm2N6cM

» More information is located on the Okotoks Lemonade Day website okotoks.lemonadeday.org

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sports

Kick start

Okotoks Minor Soccer gets a British boost BY DAVID SHEPHERD

ATT LUMSDEN EFFORTLESSLY juggles a soccer ball with his feet. Born in Wales, he brings a European passion for soccer, as well as a degree in sports management, to Okotoks, where he is the Technical Programs Director for Okotoks Minor Soccer (OMS). OMS is home to nearly 800 athletes across three different soccer programs: competitive, developmental academy, and recreational. Costs vary between $70 and $350, with competitive programs being more expensive. The different programs are part of OMS’s long term goal to offer something for everybody. Players in the competitive program play in the Calgary leagues. “It’s for players who want to develop themselves into strong characters and strong players through soccer,” says Lumsden. Competitive players have up to three training sessions a week — one with a parent volunteer, and one or two with OMS’s academy coaches. “These are all highly qualified soccer coaches. They aid in developing the kids’ core tactical and technical skills.” In addition to Calgary league games, competitive teams will travel to various tournaments within Alberta. OMS’s house league offers recreational players a chance to play once a week without worrying about scores and standings. “The recreational league is basically designed for kids who don’t want to take it that competitively. They want to get some exercise, have a go at soccer,” says Lumsden. The developmental academy splits the difference. It’s designed for U14 and U16 players who are considering making the jump to competitive soccer. There’s a technical training session with academy coaches each week, and games against High River,

Black Diamond, and other surrounding communities. “It’s there for 14 and 16 year olds who want to play fairly competitively but not travel great distances to Calgary.” OMS’s outdoor season runs from April to August, while the indoor season runs from late September to the middle of March. Thanks to the Legacy Regional Field House, the popularity of indoor soccer has exploded: registration has increased by 92 per cent over the previous season. “The field house is our competitive advantage,” says Lumsden. “We’ve now got probably the best facility in southern Alberta. It’s going to be attractive to the higher competitive players, the ones who want better facilities to train in. It’s a home for Okotoks Minor Soccer and hopefully we can see the club grow even further than it has already over the next few years.” While adult beer league hockey is popular, Okotoks didn’t have a soccer equivalent — until last

Photo courtesy Okotoks Minor Soccer Association

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sports

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We want to develop the youth of Okotoks into model citizens. We’re using sport as a vehicle to provide good character building skills, good life lessons.” indoor season. “We were expecting 40 to 50 participants to have a kick around and we ended up with over 140,” says Lumsden. OMS plans to use that success to springboard an outdoor soccer program for adults. This will include a competitive Okotoks team that plays in the Calgary leagues. “It’s something for when the kids leave the youth program. If they still want to play competitively, there’s a senior competitive level.” Ultimately, for OMS, it’s about the kids. “I’m hoping they get enjoyment out of soccer,” says Lumsden. “They’re learning how to engage with their peers, how to deal with their friends, how to deal with their teammates, as well as learning the core technical skills of the game to improve

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themselves and get fitter as well.” Long term goals? “We want to provide a participative opportunity for each player no matter what their desire or target is. We want to develop the youth of Okotoks into model citizens. We’re using sport as a vehicle to provide good character building skills, good life lessons.” Lumsden catches the soccer ball he’s been juggling and tucks it under his arm. “Sport is a great metaphor for those.” To sign up, or for more information, visit www. okotoksminorsoccer.com. Anyone looking to volunteer should email Lumsden at omsaprograms@shaw.ca. OL

Matt Lumsden. Photo by Allison Seto

sports

POOL TIME

Swim clubs, Town recognize need for new facility BY ERIKA TAYLOR Todd Melton. Photo by Allison Seto

OLD MEDALS, BIG wins and breaking records signify the start of something great. Especially when those accomplishments are the work of an eight-year-old. Foothills Stingray swimmer Summer Fedor is proving she will be on to watch on the swim podium over the next few years. Her career as a swimmer is on the right track. At a recent meet Summer shattered two club records held by former teammates who both held national records in their event. The future of the Foothills Stingrays Swim Club is a bright one. But, there are challenges, says Foothills Stingrays head coach Todd Melton, the biggest being the lack of space. He believes, as do many others, the town is in need of a new pool. Right now, the demand for kids to be a part of the program is huge, he says. Okotoks is a young town full of young families and parents who want their kids to participate in a sport. In years past, the Stingrays have turned away as many as 50 kids a season. Melton clearly struggles with this fact. “It’s unfortunate,” he says, “that we have to turn kids away from swimming and they don’t even have an opportunity to train because we don’t have a spot.” In order to cope with the numbers, Melton has been forced to set restrictions on tryouts for even the youngest swimmers. This is something he doesn’t approve of but says for now the restrictions are the only option. “It’s a horrible thing to do,” he says. “We have had parents who are upset in the past, but our hands are tied. Unless Okotoks has a better facility we have no choice.” The town of Okotoks is all too familiar with the space crunch the Stingrays are facing. It’s the same challenge other sports face as well. Susan Lauren is the community services director with the

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town and says updating a recreational master plan is a top priority for council. This master plan is the first step in getting more facilities. “The town does recognize the need for all of our recreation facilities which includes aquatics.” Lauren continues, “we need to make sure we build the right thing at the right time, in a logical priority and have a comprehensive plan instead of doing a bunch of one-offs.” The master plan update is a top priority for council and will be addressed in the fall. At that point, the different user groups of the current recreational centre pool and residents will have a chance to let council know what amenities are needed. Lauren says it’s important for everyone to start thinking about the future and be prepared to let the town know what recreational facilities should take priority. “This plan is coming up. We will be doing public consultations in the fall and early 2016 and we’ll be looking for everybody’s feedback.” There are other issues like funding and determining a location that will have have to be dealt with as well. Lauren says getting new facilities are at the top of the list for the town. She believes the earliest construction could start on a new facility would be 2017. Until then, Stingrays like Summer Fedor will continue to make waves in the swimming world. The practices, swim meets and persistent training will pay off. But it’s the kids who don’t even get a chance to participate that concerns Melton as the club moves forward. “We have a problem that needs to be dealt with in order for these kids to have the opportunity to get into the sport,” he says. OL

It’s unfortunate that we have to turn kids away from swimming and they don’t even have an opportunity to train…”

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sustainability

WATER WISE Plans in place to keep the water flowing BY DARLENE CASTEN

ORE WATER IS THE ANSWER, of course. Where will it come from? is the question. When the Province announced a moratorium on water in the South Saskatchewan River basin in August 2006 the Town of Okotoks only had enough water licenses to continue building new homes for a few years. At the time the Town’s plan was to only grow to 30,000 people, but their water licenses wouldn’t provide water for that population. Okotoks began seeking water licenses from private owners and companies with water rights on the Sheep River. Most notably the Town purchased a license for $1 million from Legacy Oil that gave them enough water for another 320 people. Since then the Town has bought three more water licenses that will allow for a population of around 30,000. Since lifting the 30,000 population cap the Town decided to end their water woes with a pipeline from the City of Calgary that will supplement their own water supply. However, the Province hasn’t yet committed to the $31.5 million Calgary to Okotoks pipeline that would see water from the Bow River travel south through 16,500 metres of pipe to the town. Strathmore received 90 per cent funding for its water pipeline from the Province and Okotoks town officials are asking for the same commitment. However, the line-up for Provincial funds through the Water For Life program is long and cuts to the program in this spring’s provincial budget of $20 million have kept Okotoks off the recipient list this year. Okotoks municipal engineer Marley Oness says they haven’t thrown in the towel on getting a commitment from the Province for pipeline funding this year. “The Town is continuing discussion with the Province about innovative funding,” Oness says. “Those discussions continue to be positive.” The Town expects it will be three to five years before a pipeline will be operational, Oness add. If the Town can just get the Province to say they will fund the pipeline, then the next move is to ask water license owners on the Sheep River to lend the Town their license until the water is flowing through the pipeline. It’s a short-term solution, but when it comes to water in Okotoks the Town is used to that.

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities honoured the Town of Okotoks for its water programs. Okotoks created a water allocation policy that governs development. Under the policy developers are on a wait list and as water becomes available new subdivisions are approved. If a developer can find their own water license they jump to the front of the line and the Town buys the license, which is then paid back by the developer over a number of years. Last year the Town saw 250 housing starts and Okotoks Mayor Bill Robertson says he expects to see that number double when the pipeline from Calgary reaches Okotoks. Developers are still buying land in Okotoks, with plans to build more homes when water is available, he says. In the meantime, the Town needs to find more ways to conserve water, a job that residents have been instrumental in carrying out. The Town has been a leader in water conservation for more than 10 years and residents have been a big part of it. Mayor Bill Robertson says he has been told Okotoks has the lowest rate of water consumption per capita, at 285 litres, per day. But Robertson says that doesn’t go far enough and the next goal is 10 litres less water usage from each Okotokian every day. When the pipeline comes, Robertson says wasting water will still not be an option. “We are going to continue on with all these conservation measures.” OL

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Front page challenge HUNDREDS OF VISITORS dropped by the Okotoks Living booth at the annual Okotoks Chamber of Commerce Trade & Lifestyle Show April 10 and 11 to have their own magazine front cover photo shoot. People are able to access the photos online via a special QR code or web link. Thanks to everyone for being such good sports and, even though you might not have made it onto the real cover, a few of you did make it into the magazine on these pages. Scan QR code to download your photo, or visit http://goo.gl/JEnPVE Photos by Don Molyneaux

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community

Food Bank

Growing with the town to meet community needs

STORY AND PHOTO BY JULIE ROBERTSON

HE OKOTOKS FOOD BANK has a new home at Unit 7, 109 Stockton Point in downtown Okotoks. The move to the new location was made possible through community support from residents, volunteers, corporate donors, facility donations and the Town of Okotoks. The growth of the Town and the needs of the community made the move necessary in order to provide space for more cold storage, dry storage and fresh produce. The new location is 500 square-feet larger than their previous facility and has large bay doors making it easier to handle larger deliveries and food drives. The Okotoks Food Bank is a volunteer organization directed by a board and a part-time Executive Director. Darial Poxon, Board President, says that they have a rotation based volunteer list with over 200 volunteers. Many come from 10 different local churches on a 10-week rotation and each volunteer typically does three to five volunteer hours per week. Anyone interested in volunteering can register with the Town at the Recreation Centre, or call, email or visit the Food Bank during business hours and speak with

Kyrsten Brown, who can answer any questions you may have. Most volunteers usually prepare individual hampers and sort food donations, while others may be asked to do pick-ups, such as purchasing food items or collecting donations from food bins at Safeway and Sobeys. “We assist between 60-70 families per month,” says Darial Poxon. When asked about “typical” clients of the Food Bank, she says, “In reality, families and individuals of the Food Bank can be anyone. Those who make use of the Food Bank have more to do with personal Darial Poxon and individual circumstances as opposed to any specific demographic.” In other words, anyone at any time may need the services of the Food Bank and everyone is welcome. The Food Bank is open Tuesdays from 1 – 3 p.m. and on Thursdays from 6 – 8:30 p.m. To request a hamper, call 403-651-6629, Mondays from 12 – 2 p.m. and Wednesdays from 6 – 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit okotoksfoodbank.ca OL

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community

LEADING by EXAMPLE S

OME PEOPLE ARE born leaders. And, lucky enough for Okotoks, a lot of those people live right here. On April 15th, the place to be was D’Arcy Ranch for the 20th Annual Leadership Awards presentation gala. Among those jostling to express appreciation and encouragement was Mayor Bill Robertson, former Highwood MLA Danielle Smith, Okotoks Rotary Club president Jeffrey Foss, all alongside schoolteachers, awards alumni, and families of award recipients. Two awards were presented; the Leaders of Tomorrow Award recognizes students for their exceptional dedication to volunteerism, and the Heart of Okotoks Award credits a group, or an adult individual.

“

We all think that volunteerism has to be some big commitment, but volunteering to rake the park or volunteering to help a neighbour with snow shoveling — those are equally as big in my mind.”

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Ellie Kitchen, a grade one pupil at Dr. Morris Gibson School won the Leaders of Tomorrow Award in the elementary school category. Her compassionate help with a non-English speaking classmate inspired her teacher, Donna Gordon, to nominate her. Ellie describes taking the new student under her wing, “well, I just listened to her read, and if I hear there's some mistakes, I tell her to go, well, she goes a little fast sometimes.” Speaking at the gala, Ellie’s school principal Kevin Newman said, “even when Mrs. Gordon doesn’t know she needs help, Ellie is up there helping out.” Alyssa Gutowski, a St. Mary’s School grade six student, also won in the elementary category. When she’s not volunteering at Heaven Can Wait animal adoption centre in High River, she’s handing out ‘well done’ tickets to parents parking considerately and who don’t idle their vehicles at school pick-up time. How she also finds the time to volunteer for her school’s leadership committee, set up environmental initiatives, play piano, and look after her llamas, is anyone’s guess. According to Alyssa, great leadership takes “organizational skills” and “being firm, but listening to everybody else’s opinions.”

community

Awards honour contributions to the community STORY AND PHOTOS BY AMANDA BROW N

Amlika Nair, a Westmount School grade nine pupil, was being wined and dined by senators and MPs at a student forum in Ottawa when her Dad informed her she’d won the award in the junior high category. Musician, chef, face painter, debater, and golfer, Amlika has fingers in many a volunteer pie. Asked about the difference she hopes she’s making in Okotoks, Amlika says, “well, I think that when people see others volunteering and actually notice how many it takes to make something work, hopefully they'll see that we need people and they'll be inspired to volunteer." University-bound Holy Trinity Academy student and winner in the high school category, Tegan Donnelly knows volunteerism looks great on your résumé. It’s not why she does it, of course. She explains that appreciation of her volunteer efforts is uplifting, “you see that people visibly relax when one more thing is taken off their task list, it creates a positive attitude.” Many hours for the Foothills Country Hospice annual gala, the Foothills Magic of Christmas backpack program, and basketball scorekeeping keep her motivated. “Once you start doing it and you see the effect it has on other people, you never go back. It's so important that you understand that you, as an individual, can have that effect on other people.”

Heart of Okotoks Award recipients, Shari and Andrew Gustafson’s list of volunteer commitments is so long, it’s hard to know where to begin and to imagine how, along with family and owning and managing Natural High Fitness, they fit it all in. Individually, Shari and Andrew sit on a number of Okotoks boards and committees. As president of KidSport Okotoks, Shari feels she’s making a difference, saying, “if there are kids out there that aren't playing sports and are not going to be able to experience the benefits of sports in their life, then I want to see that change.” About his volunteer role as Vice-chair of the Sheep River Health Trust, Andrew says, “we raise and manage funds for five different pillars of things in the foothills area — children, youth, families, seniors, community outreach programs, and medical equipment.” His other positions include Commissioner of the League for the Okotoks Minor Basketball Association and Okotoks area citizen representative for the Legacy Regional Fieldhouse. Phew! Volunteerism is the glue that holds a community together and, great or small, every act counts. As Shari Gustafson encouragingly puts it, “we always think that volunteerism has to be some big commitment, but volunteering to rake the park or volunteering to help a neighbour with snow shoveling — those are equally as big in my mind.” OL

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homes

On tour

COMPILED BY A ALIYA ESSA

Home builders active in several new communities

KOTOKS CONTINUES TO GROW. In fact, according to the 2014 Civic Census, the town’s population increased by more than 1,000 residents from 2013 numbers. All those folks need somewhere to live, of course, and that means building new homes. With so many new homes to choose from in a half dozen new communities, the task can seem overwhelming to newcomers and other would-be buyers. Okotoks Living took a quick tour of our own and here’s what we came up with. Every effort was made to connect with all builders, although some information was not available by deadline. Apologies in advance if we somehow missed any homes. Hours: Monday – Thursday 2 – 8 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday and holidays 12 – 5 p.m. Closed Fridays. Unless otherwise listed. OL

Cimarron/Cimarron Estates

Drake Landing

Developer: Tristar Communities

Developer: United Communities

BUILDER : Timbercreek Homes MODEL: Custom SIZE : 1,921 sq. ft. STYLE : Bungalow, 4 bdrm, 4 bth PRICE : Starting from $1.15 million ADDRESS : 15 Cimarron Estates Gate WEB : www.timbercreekhomes.ca

BUILDER : Lifestyle Homes MODEL: Park Homes SIZE : 1,269-1,700+ sq. ft. STYLE : Villa bungalow, 1 & 2 bdrm PRICE : $520,000s ADDRESS : 2 Drake Landing Hill

BUILDER : Sterling Homes MODEL: Montego 2 SIZE: 2,377 sq. ft. STYLE : Two storey, 4 bdrm 2.5 bth PRICE : Starting from $520,000s ADDRESS : 146 Drake Landing Gardens WEB : www.sterlinghomesgroup.com

Green Haven Estates Developer: Green Haven Dev. BUILDER : Cornerstone Homes MODEL: Bordeaux SIZE : 2,823 sq. ft. STYLE : 2 storey, 3 bdrm 2.5 bth PRICE : From $1 million ADDRESS : 116 Green Haven Court HOURS : Saturday and Sunday 12-5

p.m. and by appointment. WEB : www.cornerstonehomes.biz

(Mossburg show home sales office) WEB : www.lifestylehomes.ca

BUILDER : Farrelly Custom Homes MODEL: Custom homes SIZE : 2,918 STYLE : 2 storey, 4 bdrm 2.5 bths PRICE : From $1.15 million ADDRESS : 202 Green Haven Court HOURS : Saturday and Sunday noon-

BUILDER : Coco Homes MODEL: Provence SIZE : 1,880 sq. ft. STYLE : Bungalow, 3 bdrm, 3.5 bth PRICE : Starting from $800,000s ADDRESS : 17 Cimarron Estates Gate WEB : www.cocohomes.com

4 p.m. and by appointment. WEB : www.farrellyhomes.com BUILDER : Lifestyle Homes MODEL: Weatherby SIZE : 1,984 sq. ft. STYLE : 2 storey, 3 bdrm, 2.5 bth PRICE : from : $520,000s ADDRESS : 144 Drake Landing

Gardens WEB : www.lifestylehomes.ca

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BUILDER : Prominent Homes MODEL: Henko SIZE : 2,459 STYLE : 2 storey PRICE : Starting from low $500,000s ADDRESS : 148 Drake Landing Gardens WEB : www.prominenthomes.ca

homes MountainView Developer: Apex BUILDER : Sterling Homes MODEL: Kingston 2 SIZE : 2,383 sq. ft. STYLE : 2 storey, 3 bdrm, 2.5 bth PRICE : From $555,000 ADDRESS : 287 Mountainview Drive WEB : www.sterlinghomesgroup.ca

BUILDER : Excel Homes MODEL: Kimberley SIZE : 2,376 sq. ft. STYLE : 2 storey, 4 bdrm, 2.5 bth PRICE : From $489,615 ADDRESS : 285 Mountainview Drive WEB : www.excelhomes.ca

Ranchers Rise Developer: Bordeaux Dev. BUILDER : Sterling Homes MODEL: Berkshire 4 SIZE : 2,655 sq. ft. STYLE : 2 storey, 4 bdrm, 2.5 bth PRICE : From $570,000 ADDRESS : 289 Mountainview Drive WEB : www.sterlinghomesgroup.ca

BUILDER : Baywest Homes MODEL: Aria SIZE : 2,596 sq. ft. STYLE : Two storey, 3 bdrm 2.5 bth PRICE : Starting from $608,685 ADDRESS : 207 Ranch Road WEB : www.baywesthomes.com

BUILDER : Sterling Homes MODEL: Berkshire 2 SIZE : 2,518 sq. ft. STYLE : Two storey, 3 bdrm, 2.5 bth PRICE : Starting from $570,000s ADDRESS : 211 Ranch Road WEB : www.sterlinghomesgroup.com

BUILDER : Wolverine Homes MODEL: Atlantic SIZE : 2,693 sq. ft. STYLE : Two storey Craftsman/

Victorian, 3 bdrm 2.5 bth PRICE : Starting from $553,372 ADDRESS : 205 Ranch Road WEB : www.wolverinehomes.ca

Sheep River Cove Developer: DreamWest Land Corp.

BUILDER : Excel Homes MODEL: Edison SIZE : 1,856 sq. ft. STYLE : 2 storey, 3 bdrm, 2.5 bth PRICE : From $444,452 ADDRESS : 283 Mountainview Drive WEB : www.excelhomes.ca

BUILDER : Baywest Homes MODEL: Makena SIZE : 2,367 sq. ft. STYLE : Two storey, 3 bdrm 2.5 bth PRICE : Starting from $552,720 ADDRESS : 209 Ranch Road WEB : www.baywesthomes.com

BUILDER : DreamWest Homes MODEL: Mackenzie SIZE : 2,209 sq. ft. STYLE : Two Storey, 3 bdr, 2.5 bth PRICE : Starting from $600,000

including lot GST and upgrades ADDRESS : 169 Sheep River Cove WEB : www.dreamwesthomes.com

Westmount Estates Developer: DreamWest Land Corp.

BUILDER : Sterling Homes MODEL: Beaumont 2 SIZE : 2,694 sq. ft. STYLE : Two storey, 4 bdrm, 2.5 bth PRICE : Starting from $580,000s ADDRESS : 213 Ranch Road WEB : www.sterlinghomesgroup.com

BUILDER : Cornerstone Homes MODEL: The Merlot SIZE : 2,014 sq. ft. STYLE : Bungalow, 3 bdrm 2.5 bth PRICE : Starting from $900,000s ADDRESS : 14 Westmount Point HOURS : Mon-Thurs 2-8 p.m., Friday

closed, weekends and holidays 12-5 p.m. WEB : www.cornerstonehomes www.westmountokotoks.ca

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events

what’s happening Compiled by Estelle Park

For information on Town of Okotoks events contact: Mark Doherty, Community Events Co-ordinator 403-938-8950 or mdoherty@okotoks.ca or visit www.okotoks.ca

may

– June 30 ‘Sustainable Society’, a temporary exhibit at the Okotoks Museum & Archives which brings awareness to being environmentally friendly citizens.

– June 20 ‘OAG Exhibit: ‘The Human Animal and Catalyst’ and ‘Developing Prairie Roots’.

– October 10 ‘Fields of Dreams: Our Farming History’, temporary exhibit at the Okotoks Museum & Archives.

Girls Get Active, Okotoks Recreation Centre, 1–5 p.m., $20. Girls 9 to 13 years old are invited to a fun day of healthy activities. Register at netreg.okotoks.ca

june

– 8 Environment Week: Free activities throughout town. Check the Town’s community event calendar at www.okotoks.ca/events for details.

First Calgary Financial Rain Barrel Sale, 4p.m.. Pre-sales strongly recommended through Green Calgary, starting May 1. Visit First Calgary Financial’s Okotoks Branch, 141 Riverside Drive to purchase a rain barrel, and receive free advice on how to maintain and install them.

Seniors Week Celebration Tea, Okotoks Recreation Centre, Curling Rink, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Free. All seniors are welcome to attend and enjoy a complimentary light lunch as well as live entertainment and door prizes.

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26th Annual Rotary Soap Box Derby 6–9:30 a.m. to completion. Participants, children 9–14 years old inclusive. Check out Okotoks Rotary Soap Box Derby on Facebook for future details.

Join the Millarville Race Track Half Marathon, which starts in nearby Black Diamond, and finishes at the 32nd season-opening of the Millarville Farmer’s Market. There are three options available: 1) a Half Marathon 2) a two-person Half Marathon Relay 3) the new, fun COBS Cinnamon Bun Run. Visit www.millarvillehalfmarathon.com for registration and package pickup info.

Okotoks Parade & Children’s Festival, Downtown Okotoks & Ethel Tucker Park, 8 a.m.–3 p.m., FREE. Don’t miss our annual parade — this year’s theme is the Year of Sport, pancake breakfast with live music and the Children’s Festival, featuring Dave the Checkerboard guy, Mary Lambert and a special appearance by Ronald McDonald.

– September 5 OAG Exhibit: ‘Working the Land’ by Rosanna Marmont. Opening Reception: 7–9 p.m.

BuskersFest, Downtown Okotoks, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Free. Entertainers of all ages and acts busk throughout the streets of downtown Okotoks for this fun, free street festival that also features a street market with over 100 vendors from Market Square.

events

july

Canada Day Multi-Cultural Celebrations, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Okotoks Recreation Centre Ball Diamond 10. The town is pairing with Calgary Catholic Immigration Services to celebrate different cultures though music, dance and food. The event is free.

110th Annual Millarville Races, Horse racing, kids activities, exhibits and more. 8 a.m.–5 p.m. $6/person or $20/ vehicle. www.millarvilleracetrack.com

, 16, 23 & 30 Art & Music on the Lawn! Every Thursday evening in July (starting July 9) and August enjoy art and music on the lawn of the Okotoks Art Gallery.

Taste of Okotoks, in Downtown Okotoks, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Sampler tickets $1 each. Pedestrian-friendly event, with live music, great food, variety of artists, family fun with crafts and entertainment, boutique shops and an artisan street market.

The Teddy Bear Picnic and Family Resource Fair, open to children ages 2–10, parents, and a teddy bear, free event. Okotoks Recreation Centre, Murray Arena, 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. & 17 Cultural Night Out, Okotoks Art Gallery & Bistro 1882, 6–9 p.m. $100/2 people. A night of art and food! Threecourse meal at Bistro 1882 plus a tour of the Okotoks Art Gallery’s summer exhibition.

Okotoks Cemetery Tour is an opportunity to learn about the hardships and stories of the early pioneers in Okotoks. The tour lasts 1.5 to 2 hours. Meet at the Okotoks Cemetery on Big Rock Trail at 2 p.m.

– 26 Millarville Rodeo. Friday 6:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. Adults $15, children $5. Check out www.millarvilleracetrack.com for details.

Go on the Full Moon Ghost Tour at the Okotoks Museum & Archives at 10 p.m., $5+GST/person. A special summer edition of the popular Ghost Tour! Call the Okotoks Art Gallery at 403-938-3204 to purchase tickets and for detailed information, regarding times.

Discover stories about the businesses and residences that were once in Okotoks’ downtown core during the Okotoks Heritage Walking Tour, Okotoks Museum & Archives, 2 p.m. Free.

august 13, 20 & 27 Art & Music on the Lawn! Every Thursday evening in July (starting July 9) and August enjoy art and music on the lawn of the Okotoks Art Gallery. 19th Priddis & Millarville Fair. More than 500 exhibitors, vendors and displays. This year’s theme is For Kids of all Ages. 8–4 p.m. www.millarvilleracetrack.com

Okotoks Show and Shine, 10 a.m.– 4 p.m., Downtown Okotoks, free. 8 a.m. – Registration Opens $10 plus food bank donations welcome! 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Public Viewing through out Olde Towne Okotoks. Olde Towne Plaza – Live music. Noon – Grand Central Beer Garden – Live Music. For more information visit www.okotoksshowandshine.ca

Okotoks Cemetery Tour is an opportunity to learn about the hardships and stories of the early pioneers in Okotoks. Meet at the Okotoks Cemetery on Big Rock Trail at 2 p.m. ChiliFest, Downtown Okotoks, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Register a team to compete or come down to taste and judge your favourites. Tasting $5. Plus enjoy live entertainment and a street market with artisan vendors from Market Square.

The Foothills Highland Games will take place from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Foothills Composite High School. For notifications about the eventheck check www.foothillshighlandgames.com

– 30 The Okotoks Pro Rodeo will take place at the Okotoks Recreation Center Murray Arena. If features a wide variety of events, from barrel racing to bull riding. It starts at 7 p.m. on the Friday and Saturday, and on 1 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are available at the Okotoks Pro Ticket Hotline – (403) 938-1518 (after July 1st, 2015), or in person at the Rodeo Ticket Office in August 2015. See www.okotoksprorodeo.com for more details.

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youth beat

Get out!

There’s lots of funs things for kids to do in Okotoks

BY ANNA QUICK

F YOU’RE ANYTHING like me, you tend to play video games more than go outdoors, and use social media instead of socializing in person. What if I told you there is more to life than technology and that our town has many opportunities to have fun? Really… No joke, there’s a ton of stuff to do in Okotoks! Do you find that too often your parents tell you to go outside, jump on a trampoline, go to the gym, or just plain get out? But you always find yourself with a TV remote, phone or some sort of technology in your hands, and somehow you usually end up in your room playing games. We at The now live in an era of technology, and it is Basketball Centre Recreat ion hard for our parents to understand how important it is to us. We need to learn all we can about technology, but they want us to be more active and have real social interactions. I hate to say this, but they are right, especially when it starts getting out of hand. We don’t get out enough! So in this article I’m going to name some things that you can do here in Okotoks! Places hangout with some buds, meet friends, and even find some new hobbies. The Recreation Centre has a pool, a fitness centre, a gymnasium, a youth centre, two arenas, a skate park, a baseball diamond, and a spray park. It is a great place to hangout, because there are so many things to do there. The Field House has a walking track, camps, three turf fields, and a hard court. Both centres offer a variety of activities and things to do for fun. If you like golf D’Arcy Ranch Golf Club has a junior night. Think this is it? Nope! I’m just getting warmed up. If you’re not a sports enthusiast and you prefer to do something different there is the Okotoks Library which offers many programs like a chess club, Minecraft Mania, a comic

book day, and Book clubs can meet there. Lately, I went to Paint It Up Pottery for their Kids Night Out and we had a blast! Bowling at Millennium Lanes is great for exercise and hanging out, but make sure you have a reservation if you go on a busy night. There are many restaurants in Okotoks where youth can get together. Maybe your group of friends can even encourage a kids night out at local restaurants or Okotoks Cinemas. Did you know that there are walking trails everywhere? That’s another thing to do… go for a walk! It’s great exercise and you can have some time to clear your mind. But then there is always the question of safety, you always need to make sure your parents know where you are if they are not with you, watch out for cougars, badgers, etc. Keep a whistle with you so that if you’re in trouble someone will hear you. There isn’t enough room here to name all of the possibilities, but if you do a bit of research you’ll surely find something that appeals to you in our beautiful town. Here is a list of websites to many different places to go to for hanging out or maybe just going on a lone date with you, yourself, and your mind. OL

» www.okotoks.ca » www.okotokslibrary.ca » www.paintituppottery.com » www.okotokscinemas.com » www.legacyregionalfieldhouse.com » www.millenniumlanes.com » www.darcyranchgolf.com

Anna Quick is a grade six Okotoks resident who has appeared in film, TV, and commercials. She loves to read, write, and play video games and is founder of AQ Cares where she works to help others. An animal fanatic, she is the proud mom of a rescued cat (Twilight) and Chihuahua (Squirt). Her future plan is to own a veterinary clinic and continue her work as an actress.

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you said it

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We have a boxer dog named Bella and a rescue dog named Carter, he’s a terrier cross!

Amanda and Benjamin Holt

What is your pet and what is its name? BY TRISTEN HEATHERINGTON

“ “ This is Harley! She’s a shitzu cross with a chihuahua!

I have a pet named Bailey, She’s a Yorkshire terrier!

Kandace McArthur

Fillip Kunca

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This is my Boston terrier pug Ted! Teagen, age 15

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I have a cute mini bulldog named Lucy & a maltese named Pepper! Mason, age 6

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I have a German shepherd named Rex! Mark Edwards

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I have three Siamese cats named Flint, Steel and Stevie Wonder! Dalan Christensen

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I have a hamster named Mr. Wiggles! I name him something different every month! Simon, age 8

| ADVERTISING FEATURE |

MOTION FITNESS Community atmosphere starts with great staff

t may be the eight classes offered daily, the dozens of neatly lined treadmills, and ellipticals, or the bright and spacious weight room that initially attracts members to Motion Fitness. But what keeps the growing number of health enthusiasts coming through the door is the family atmosphere. “Everybody works so well together,” says General Manager Jady Griffin. “From the members to the staff, they feel like its just as much their gym as ours. It really feels like you are part of something when you are a member here.” Their secret, Griffin says, is a seamless blending of customer care and experienced staff. “It’s what sets us apart from other gyms. Experience. No matter what your goals are, if you have injuries or need rehab, we have somebody who will fit your needs.” Motion Fitness staff have an impressive and diverse skill set. While some trainers have backgrounds as nutritionists, others bring their knowledge of sports training and conditioning. One of those amazing people is Maggie Bowen. She is a personal trainer, fitness and yoga instructor at Motion Fitness. In her 30-year career, she says her job here has been by far the most rewarding. “Motion Fitness has a very different feeling than your typical gym. You really feel a sense of community, not competition — there is no judgment. As a member, walking in, you feel there is a classier level of respect.” Staff feels that respect as well. “As an employee you get treated as a valuable and knowledgeable person, not as a number. You are respected for everything you put into your personal and educational experience. You don’t normally find these things in a gym. It’s a place where I wake up in the morning excited to go to work and I can’t believe they pay me to do this. I love it.” Her enthusiasm is contagious and its affects on members are evident. Paula Finnegan hits the gym at least three times a week and when she isn’t in, she misses the community atmosphere. “Motion Fitness has become part of my social scene. I like the space. I like its energy and the people. I like the

positive impact it has on my day. I almost always sit and sip on one of their healthy smoothies after my workout and use that time to visit with another member or talk to staff. It suites me and I love it.” The people make up Motion Fitness, but what makes it even more special is the focus on the details. The little things all add up to produce a spa-like experience: From access to unlimited classes, including hot yoga, which normally isn’t included in a typical gym membership, to complimentary towel service, mints, mouth wash and fresh fruit. Use of the steam room and tanning bed are also perks. It’s no wonder people keep coming back. “We really have it all”, Griffin says. “Because we listen to what our members want. This is very much a member-built facility.” n

TOP: The friendly, experienced staff at Motion Fitness. INSET: Trainer Leanne Garrett works with member Paula Finnegan three times a week.

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