Okotoks Living - Fall 2015

contents FALL 2015 | VOLUME 6 ISSUE 26

history

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Not just for Vets Okotoks Legion welcomes new members

18 sustainability

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people

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Love and laughter Nelson family moving forward on solid foundation

Business

entertainment

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Cover photography by Lana Armitage

Harnessing nature Riparian drainage system helps keep water clean

HarvestFest Events celebrate Okotoks’ rural roots

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Open for business Okotoks continues to attract a wide variety of enterprises

community

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Firefighter’s ball Fantastic night of food, fun and fundraising

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you said it …

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Leaving a legacy Okotoks Hall of Fame honours citizens

What is your favourite dessert?

feature

items

Ohmmmm Buddhist meditation seeks inner peace

08 Editor’s Message 10 Town of Okotoks Message 46 Events 49 Youth Beat 52 Map

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homes

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Hot spots Where will Okotoks grow next?

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Pocket community Parkhouses popping up in Drake Landing

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13 @OkotoksLiving OkotoksLiving

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a day in the life

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Erica Hendry Dancing the days (and nights) away

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editor’s note

Positive vibrations

PUBLISHER |

IT’S BEEN AN eventful summer.

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info@sourcemediagroup.ca

Our son finally moved out, into his own brand new condo with his fiancé. So, yes, we are now empty nesters. We travelled to Saskatchewan to see the wife’s friends and family. I flew to Vancouver to visit my father (just in time, I might add) before he passed away. We vacationed in Kelowna, with a day trip to join up with family in Osoyoos. Note to self: it’s hot there! It’s also worth noting that we were able to take my Honda Civic (from Okotoks Honda) for the first time ever — now that there’s just the two of us — and made it door to door from our home to our hotel in Kelowna on threequarters of a tank of gas. At $1.30 per litre in B.C., I’m pretty excited about it!

Which brings us back home to southern

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Jim Zang

jim.zang@sourcemediagroup.ca ART DIRECTOR |

Jean Faye Rodriguez

jean.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Dave Macaulay dave.macaulay@sourcemediagroup.ca

Megan Sereda megan.sereda@sourcemediagroup.ca P R O D U C T I O N C O - O R D I N AT O R |

Colleen Leier

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Alberta. No matter how great holidays are, I’m always happy to come home. And not just

ADVERTISING SALES |

Andrea Glowatsky

for the cheap gas. We may not be able to grow

andrea.glowatsky@sourcemediagroup.ca

our own peaches or vineyards, but, for some

A C C O U N T I N G | Norma

pedal on the way home. I’m like a horse on it’s

EDITORIAL

Amanda Brown, Alyssa Burnham, Darlene Casten, Aaliya Essa, Suzanne Hale, Anna Quick, Stephen Smith, Erika Taylor

way back to the barn, and you don’t want to be in the way.

Of course home means work and lucky for

PHOTOGRAPHY

me work means Okotoks Living magazine. Don’t

Lana Armitage, Suzanne Hale, Isabel Rodriguez

tell my boss I said this, but it hardly qualifies as work; attending social events (see photo),

TOWN OF OKOTOKS LIAISON

meeting and writing about interesting people, and just generally hanging out around town.

It’s a tough job but, as the saying goes …

Fall is always one of our larger editions and this time is no different. Many of our features are focused on interesting people

Shane Olson, Economic Development Manager Okotoks Living editor Jim Zang drops

by Emma Glowatsky’s Okotoks Living Lemonade Train outside the Royal Duke Hotel on June 13th. Emma’s stand was just one of many that helped raise money for Rowan House women’s shelter.

and how they are uniquely connected to the community. From the re-opening of the local Legion, to HarvestFest, to the Firefighter’s Ball; from a dance instructor to Okotoks Hall of Fame inductees; we meet many people who are having an impact on the community in their own special way.

On the cover this month is the story of the Nelson family. It’s a touching story about how a mom and her six kids are carrying on after the passing of their husband and dad, Rob, in the 2013 floods. I have to admit, I got a little misty proof-reading this one.

With any luck, some of the positivity and strength of this amazing family can rub off on all of us.

Also on a positive note, we talk about a couple of different kinds of growth in Okotoks: new homes and new business. And yes, there is a relationship between the two. Did I just use the ‘R’ word (relationship)? Oh well, speaking of that, and things like getting in touch with one’s feelings, we wrap things up with a Buddhist meditation session, Okotoks style.

Now, if you’ll excuse me … ohmmmmmmmmm

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Robertson

accounting@sourcemediagroup.ca

reason, my foot always gets heavier on the

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Okotoks Living™ is published four times per annum and is available free through select distribution points in Calgary and Okotoks.

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mayor’s message

Message from Mayor and Town Council

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

Become a fan of Town of Okotoks Follow us on twitter: www.twitter.com/ town_of_okotoks

n behalf of Okotoks Town Council and Administration, I offer warm greetings and hope you have had a wonderful summer and are excited for fall! We encourage you to explore our community and enjoy the many unique things to do around town.

As summer comes to a close, there are exciting fall activities to look forward to in our community such as Alberta Culture Days from September 25-27 and HarvestFest on September 26 which both take place in downtown Okotoks. We encourage you to participate and have fun! Be sure to see the events page of this publication for more information or visit our website events calendar at www.okotoks.ca.

As you start gearing up for fall, we encourage you to sign up for our brand new emergency alert system, the Safe Communities Alert Network, so you can receive alerts next time there is an emergency. This system is intended to keep you informed with official, reliable information before, during and after any local emergency event. Notifications can be sent regarding critical emergencies where there is an immediate or potential threat to public safety, including flooding, tornados, major fires or hazardous material spills, and any other emergency that might affect you or your family. To subscribe and for more information, please visit www.okotoks.ca/safe.

In the spirit of starting fresh for fall, there are a number of new Town apps that you may want to consider downloading to make your life easier and help keep our community picturesque!

Try the Okotoks Waste app, our new waste collection app that allows you to have instant access to garbage and recycling information. You can find out your garbage and recycling schedules, what goes in what cart, weekly notifications, service alerts and there is a search feature to learn where to recycle products that do not go into the blue cart (e.g. landfill, etc.).

Also, check out Click n’ Fix, the Town’s public service app that gives residents the ability to report and track non-emergency issues on public land such as vandalism, potholes, broken street lights, and more, anywhere in Okotoks via the Internet. This new technology allow us to maintain a safe and beautiful community and encourage users to provide suggestions through comments, vote on issues, and help document them with photos.

For more information and to download these website integrated and mobile apps, please visit www.okotoks.ca.

As you enjoy this magazine, we hope that you get inspired and embrace all that Okotoks has to offer which makes our community a remarkable and safe place to live and visit.

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

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culture

Not just for Vets Okotoks Legion welcomes new members

STORY BY SUZANNE HALE | PHOTOS BY JENNY CHURCHILL-HUGHES

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KOTOKS’ POPULATION EXPLOSION has been a boon for those who worked tirelessly to re-open our local Legion. Closing in 1993 due to dwindling membership, our Legion successfully reopened in October of 2014, after a call for members to start anew was met with an overwhelming response.

Offering membership to anyone with military ties or none, the Legion’s arms are open wide. “You do not need to be a veteran to join, only wish to serve your community and enjoy the fellowship of like people,” says Malcolm Hughes. While acting as Deputy Commander of District 5, Malcolm along with his wife Jenny, was instrumental in re-establishing a Charter in this area and has facilitated this project from the beginning. “Many questions were asked during Poppy Campaigns: why was there no branch in the hub of this area?” says Malcolm, who credits the Town of Okotoks with “terrific support” in obtaining the sole Charter granted in Canada in many years. Moving up after 40 years of continuous Legion service, Malcolm was recently promoted to Vice President of the Colour party and escort Alberta Command. in Okotoks parade.

With space secured in the local Elks’ hall, the Elks and Legion partnership has been a natural fit for both groups. “It works for both services, and thus benefits the Okotoks community,” Malcolm says. Centrally located in Okotoks, the facility houses a large kitchen and bar with license, which features enhance the Legion’s mission to serve veterans, active military, RCMP members and their families, promoting remembrance and serving our community and country.

Also involved in many local and national initiatives, Legion members participate in regional, provincial, and national sports competitions.

They honour ceremonies in addition to Remembrance Day; remembering The Battle for Vimy Ridge, D-Day, Korea and Global Peacekeeping Efforts.

Providing educational bursaries to children and grandchildren of military, RCMP members and veterans, the Legion also has a presence in area schools. “We will be sponsoring poster and essay contests, planning to visit schools here this fall to discuss veterans’ contributions,” says Malcolm.

This fall, Okotoks residents will witness a Legion-oriented approach to Remembrance Day, with the Colour Party parading in a format resembling the National Ceremony. “We are hoping the ceremony will be held in the arena,” Malcolm says of this year’s plans for November 11th. As the official Keeper of Remembrance in Canada, the Legion will follow a formal programme.

Following Malcolm’s promotion, Presidential duties have been handed

to Bob McLeod, who served with the Canadian Forces from 1963 to 1995 in Canada, Germany, England and Egypt. The son of a veteran, Bob’s Legion involvement began as a youth in New Brunswick where he took part in family track and field events. Retiring in 2014, Bob now has time for a new role with the Legion.

With the selfless service that Bob and Malcolm have offered in the Legion’s opening and ongoing operation, we can be grateful for the efforts of these men in keeping remembrance alive in our community.

Malcolm offers his own appreciation in return. “The unselfish volunteering and caring of so many of our members makes our roles gratifying and humbling at the same time,” he says, with a huge display of the very heart instrumental in providing remembrance of those who sacrifice selflessly for us all. OL

Bob McLeod (L) and Malcolm Hughes (R) FALL 20 1 5 O KOTO KS LIVI N G

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Love

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people

and laughter Nelson family moving forward on solid foundation STORY BY ERIKA TAYLOR PHOTOS BY LANA ARMITAGE

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ALGARY, KINGSTON, TAIWAN and Dubai are dots on the globe that Jennifer Nelson knows well. Each place marks the careful crafting of a foundation she and her husband Rob laid together for their family.

Today, that solid foundation is now firmly settled in Okotoks with the real work of building the family left solely to Jennifer.

Her husband Rob was killed during the 2013 flood while helping a neighbour near their acreage East of Okotoks. Some days it’s still hard for Nelson to process.

“I think the best word is probably still disbelief,” she says. “To receive the news that my husband had passed away and to see the images of Calgary and High River being flooded, the whole day and the events around it literally just seem unbelievable.”

But moving forward was never a question, their foundation as a family was a solid one.

“We packed so much living into our 13 years of marriage,” Nelson says.

In just 10 years they moved five times (two were overseas) they changed jobs, sold homes, and welcomed six children into their family. Nelson says these many changes have brought the family closer together.

“Our outlook and our perspective and our approach towards life is the same,” she says. “Life is for the living and we are going to live and celebrate.”

Nelson has always loved life. She was born in Kitchener, Ontario and her family moved to Calgary when she was five. Her childhood was filled with climbing trees and playing soccer.

The Nelson family

“I was a tomboy and built forts,” she remembers.

“I was really into sports and just loved being outside.”

This is something that continues for Nelson today. She has taken up running and is working her way towards her tenth half-marathon. For her, it’s a great stress reliever and one of the few things she does for herself.

“I’m toying with the idea of a full marathon.” she laughs — not wanting to fully committ to it just yet. This determination and passion is evident in all aspects of her life.

After high school, Nelson attended the University of Calgary and received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. In 1998 she graduated with her second Bachelor of Science, this one in Occupational Therapy. She has since been able to manage both work and kids.

“I love my job. I love what I do,” she says. “I get so much fulfilment and joy out of working with preschoolers with special needs.”

One of Nelson’s biggest turning points came in 1999 when she met her husband Rob.

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people

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Immediately behind us a full moon was rising and it just felt like one part of our lives was ending and the full moon rising was our new beginning.”

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Jenn looks back and smiles, “As soon as we went on our first date, we both knew that we wanted to marry each other.”

In October of 1999, the Nelsons eloped to Mesa, Arizona where they were married in the Latter-day Saints temple. For their honeymoon, they drove to the Grand Canyon where red smoke from forest fires made for a memorable sunset.

“The sun was setting and it was this brilliant ball of red in the sky,” she remembers. “Immediately behind us a full moon was rising and it just felt like one part of our lives was ending and the full moon rising was our new beginning.”

The new family settled in Lethbridge where Jenn worked as an OT and Rob went to school. By 2001 Taryn and Seth made up the happy family of four and the Nelsons decided to move to Taiwan as part of Rob’s schooling. Asia was another milestone for Nelson.

“It was my first time experiencing an entirely different culture and I found out within a week after we got there I was pregnant with Eton.”

Son Eton was born in 2002 and in the fall the Nelsons moved to Kingston, Ontario where Rob began law school. Jen was able to juggle work as an OT and her three young children.

2004 brought the birth of daughter Maysa and a move back to Calgary.

Then three years later, a job change took the family to Dubai and Nelson embraced the idea even though she was now pregnant with her fifth baby. The birth of son Asher marked the start of the Dubai adventure and it didn’t take long for the family to feel at home.

“When we first moved there and we didn’t really know anybody. It was mom and dad and the kids joining hands and going boldly out into this new world,” she says. “We took that attitude with us everywhere we went.”

The family traveled to Egypt, Oman and Sri Lanka and their many adventures brought them closer together.

“Dubai was the start of our family really defining itself,” Nelson says. “Moving across the world and being there together helped us to know the kind of family life we wanted to have.”

Nelson is a mother who lives in the moment, laughs at the little things and has a fine-tuned schedule that plays out like a

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well conducted orchestra. On a daily basis, she tires to make each one of her children feel loved. Seven yearold Asher says the special kiss they share together is the best part of his day.

“It’s our special way of saying good-bye,” he says.

“School is six hours and I don’t see her until school is over so I have her kiss all day.”

2010 brought a move back to Canada and after the birth of daughter Ellery in early 2011 — the family of eight was now complete. The Nelsons decided to move to Ravencrest, just East of Okotoks and quickly learned to love the area. When her husband died, there was no question in Nelson’s mind, she would sell the acerage and settle in Okotoks.

“When he passed away, the community as a whole was amazing,” she says. “Everybody had heard about the tragedy and it was like our family became Okotoks’ family.”

Jen has been able to rise to the challenges life has handed her and remains optimistic about the future.

“We want to be a strong family unit who are adventurous and supportive of each others goals and dreams,” she says. “We want to be able to accept other people and get to know what this world has for us. I try very hard to promote that idea with the kids and in my own life.”

This famiy motto is now more meaningful than ever for 18-year-old Taryn. After graduating from high school with honours, she has decided to attend the University of Lethbridge.

“Through her entire life, no matter what, she has been committed,” Taryn says of her mom. “When my father passed away she was able to accept it and stay committed to being full of life and full of energy and it helped us too.”

The Nelson home is one of love and laughter. They are all determined to make the good times outweigh the bad and Nelson is determinded to keep building on the strong family foundation they already have. OL

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A November 2000, In Cardston, Alberta with Taryn and baby Seth.

B Wedding day 2001.

C Jenny 3-years old, at brother Cameron’s second birthday party.

E Jenny and Cameron, Yoho Valley, 1978.

F Jenny and daughter Taryn G Egypt Nile cruise, December 2007.

H The Nelson family

D At Dead Sea in Middle East, March 2007.

Photos on these pages courtesy the Nelson family.

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entertainment

HarvestFest Events celebrate Okotoks’ rural roots

BY AMANDA BROW N

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Photo by Michelle Hartsburg

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ARVEST SEASON HAS always been a special time of year in western Canada.

Across the prairies, it’s a time when folks come together to work, to bring in the harvest, and also give thanks for and celebrate nature’s bounty.

Okotoks’ own harvest celebrations have a long tradition and have taken a variety of forms over the last century.

“Historically, there was an Okotoks fair which ran for many, many years,” says Kathy Coutts, historian at the Okotoks Museum and Archives, sharing her vast knowledge of local harvest traditions. “It included livestock as well as bench exhibits such as vegetables, baking, and handiwork. The main event, if I recall, was a horse show. It started before the 1900s.

“It was also common for some of the churches to create massive harvest displays around Thanksgiving. The

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inside of the church would be adorned with sheaves and produce.”

Fast forward to modern times and Okotoks still celebrates the season with a special HarvestFest, this year taking place on Saturday, September 26th in Ethel Tucker Park.

HarvestFest 2015 will be community events co-ordinator Mark Doherty’s fourth year working on the event, and he’s had it penciled in as one of his calendar highlights for a while. The scarecrow tour, he says, which was introduced here last year, has turned out to be a real crowd pleaser.

“I did it back east and it was huge. I don’t know if it was getting the word out…but last year we introduced the scarecrow tour. There were seventeen scarecrows from the library along riverside and there was a wagon ride that would take you to see all the scarecrows,” says Doherty.

“Then from that, the Olde Towne Okotoks Merchants Group…started a competition amongst the merchants, so there was another fifteen, or so, scarecrows and it became really popular.”

“All (the) scarecrows are designed and created by businesses downtown,” says Mandy Patterson of the Olde Towne Okotoks Merchants Group. “Any businesses wishing to participate must register by September 11th by emailing us at oldetownokotoksnews@gmail.com.”

The event’s success is always a great team effort, explains Doherty. “I have some help with United Way because they’re in partnership. So, United Way runs the old-fashioned carnival games. It’s a fundraiser for them. It’s $5... you get to play 10 games. Every kid wins a prize.”

And there will be games aplenty to choose from! Hockey fans can get their game on at Hockey Shot, there will be Ring on a String, Bean Bag Toss, water pistols, and Candy in the Hay. Candy in the Hay? “It was huge last year!” Doherty says. “All the kids were

entertainment

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C A Face painting.

B Support the United Way. C Sheep River Bandits. Photo by Amanda Brown.

going through there. When the event’s over, kids are going through the hay looking for that last piece of candy.”

The United Way partnership also helps HarvestFest bring in some great music to polish off the celebration’s carnival atmosphere. The Sheep River Bandits is a rock cover band comprised of six Okotoks residents, including Ed Sands, vocalist and rhythm guitarist, and, yes, also Town Councillor and local chiropractor, who shares a little about the band’s participation.

“The Sheep River Bandits are really looking forward to playing at United Way’s HarvestFest in September. Our lively set-list of ‘60s and ‘70s rock songs is sure to stir memories as well as get the audience’s feet moving.”

Other attractions planned for this year’s event include a petting zoo, select vendors from the Okotoks Farmers Market, a vintage collection of antique farm equipment, tractors and engines, and kids’ crafts. OL

The United Way partnership also helps HarvestFest bring in some great music to polish off the celebration’s carnival atmosphere.

» For more information, visit www.okotokstourism.ca FALL 20 1 5 O KOTO KS LIVI N G

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sustainability

Harnessing nature Riparian drainage system helps keep water clean

BY JENNIFER BARBER

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he most effective water filtration system is the ground beneath an existing forest. But if you can’t build within a forest, it is possible to bring the benefits of a forest to you. A riparian bio-retention storm water management system being constructed at the new Town of Okotoks Operation Centre aims to do just that.

“Most water doesn’t run off in a healthy forest, instead the water goes through the roots of trees and plants and is filtered deep down into the ground,” says Bernie Amell, co-owner and senior ecological designer with Source 2 Source Environmental Design and Engineering who designed the system. “We are tapping into this way of treating water by building a natural barrier between the Operations Centre and the river. With this water management system, a living soil system takes the water down through the root zone and deeper into the ground in order to remove contaminants and release clean water to the bed of the Sheep River.”

The bio-retention area starts with the construction of a structured soil base under the ground to facilitate drainage. The soil is a mix of wood mulch, manure and topsoil for high absorbency. Created to mimic what you’d find in a 200-year old forest, it is also the ideal medium to grow the woody plants that will be used in the system.

With this all-natural water filtration system, water comes off the building roofs and paved areas around the Operation Centre, and is directed to two catch basin

areas, which drain into the riparian areas. Riparian areas sit between a waterway and land. While there will not always be standing water in the bio-retention system, it will be able to hold a large amount of water and move it efficiently through the living soil.

“The plant material and soil mix in these areas are able to hold water even in the case of a major water event,” says Dawn Smith, Sustainability Coordinator with the Town of Okotoks. “In drier periods it can filter water within 24 hours, and when there is a large amount of water running through the system it can take several days to permeate all the filtration areas. This also helps with flood mitigation.”

Amell and his team had been researching this form of natural filtration for several years and were on the lookout for a location that would work to showcase the process. At the same time Amell was looking for a host, the Town had begun construction on their new Operations Centre adjacent to the Sheep River.

“If they had called us three weeks later it would have been too late,” says Smith. “One of the Town’s objectives is to be a leader in environmental stewardship, with a focus on water quality. The idea of processing storm water in a very clean way works well with the Town’s sustainability goals.”

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In drier periods it can filter water within 24 hours, and when there is a large amount of water running through the system it can take several days to permeate all the filtration areas.

This also helps with flood mitigation.”

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sustainability

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Okotoks is known for its interest in water and other sustainability initiatives so we think this system will be a great interest to people in this community.”

There is also a large research component to this project. “We will also construct several test flow beds where researchers from the University of Calgary will be able gauge the effectiveness of the types of plant materials being used, look at what is being removed from the water, as well as test for water quality,” says Amell.

“We will also have walkways, signage and an interpretive centre to show people how the system works,” adds Smith. “We hope to encourage local classrooms to visit the centre and learn more about natural filtration. Okotoks is known for its interest in water and other sustainability initiatives so we think this system will be a great interest to people in this community.”

The project is a partnership between the Bow River Basin Council, the Town of Okotoks, Source2Source and the University of Calgary.

The estimated cost for the project is $300,000, which will primarily come from existing budget allowances for storm water management.

The multi-year research program and testing beds will be an additional $300,000. This portion of the project is to be fully funded by grants from the Alberta Watershed Resiliency and Restoration Program,

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Bernie Amell National Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada, and Source2Source, with research support from the University of Calgary.

Phase One of the project is completed with all the soils in place, and the ground crop will be seeded before fall. Phase Two starts next spring when all the trees and shrubs will be planted around the building. The system should be fully functional by fall 2016. OL

business

OPEN for BUSINESS Okotoks continues to attract a wide variety of enterprises

BY STEPHEN W. SMITH

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URING THE TIME of a provincial economic down turn the Okotoks business scene has continued to thrive.

By mid-July in the neighborhood of 265 new business licences had been issued by the town of Okotoks putting the community on the path to surpassing the 2014 total of 336.

According to the town’s year end economic development numbers there was 564 storefront operations and 656 home-based businesses operating in Okotoks in 2014. That amounted to a 2.3 per cent increase over the 2013 total of active local businesses.

While restaurants and retail operations are naturally drawn to Okotoks due to the large number of households and the high level of average income, there are some enterprises the community is actively recruiting.

“In economic development we do have strategic sectors of focus,” explains Shane Olson Economic Development Manager for the Town of Okotoks. “Those include IT and innovation related businesses. Anything to do with professionals and office space users is a target of ours.”

Olson also pointed at the green industry and light manufacturing as other areas of business the town is actively looking to attract. A region of town that’s particularly active now with new business construction is in the south right across from Westmount School.

“In the Westmount area we have five new commercial buildings going in there including one two-story building for office users,” Olson details. “What’s really encouraging about that is Shane Olson professionals are moving in there.”

Nattress Kuntz Chartered Accounting and Nakeyan Environmental Consulting are moving into the area.

Also coming is a Kids & Company daycare facility and Café Cancun, described by some as a Mexican Starbucks.

Another ongoing hot spot for new business arrivals is the Southbank Business Park whose current tenants include Costco and GoodLife Fitness. A large Save On Foods grocery store is

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Jazmine Harbour Ladies Boutique Diesel Punk

coming just west of the Costco and a yet to be named new standalone restaurant will be arriving in front of the Best Western Hotel. Near the current Great Canadian Oil Change location, a Drewitz School of Dance will be bringing a little culture to the Southbank Business Park.

“Over at 44 Riverside Gate,” Olson reports of the building site just behind the Okotoks Country Inn, “there’s commercial buildings going up there as well and they have confirmed The Happy Place Preschool will be opening up in that location.”

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In the Westmount area we have five new commercial buildings going in there including one two-story building for office users. What’s really encouraging about that is professionals are moving in there.”

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business

FLAVOUR FUSION

Cha Cha John’s tempts the tastebuds An ongoing perceived shortfall in the Okotoks retail sector continues to be clothing stores. Men’s professional clothing outlets are almost nonexistent but one business owner who recently stepped up to help fill the apparel gap for women is Nikki Williams-Davis. She and her mother Linda Williams opened Jazmine Harbour Ladies Boutique in Olde Towne Okotoks back in March and it’s been a hit with many local shoppers.

Offering a wide range of ethically sourced for fair trade women’s fashions in sizes 2 to 20, Jazmine Harbour has come to Okotoks in no small part due to Williams-Davis’ ongoing love affair with the town.

“I really, really like Okotoks from my own personal view,” she says. “I grew up in High River so Okotoks for me kind of was the place you went to. I knew lots of people here. I have moved back to the Okotoks area more recently. It’s vibrant and it’s growing.”

Growing indeed, especially from a new business sense and that momentum shows no signs of slowing. OL

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Cha Cha John’s Fusion Kitchen is a new Okotoks restaurant that takes the flavours of East India and blends them with North American favourites. When the restaurant’s general manager Thomas John decided to bring his new eatery concept to life he saw variations of it in his home city of Calgary but nothing like it just to the south.

He opened Cha Cha John’s in mid-March next to Okotoks Cinemas in the 100 Stockton Avenue business complex. What followed was a stream of glowing online reviews and a growing collection of appreciative customers.

“The community has been phenomenal,” John reveals. “It’s the best response I could have hoped for.”

Obviously the decision to serve his restaurant’s Butter Chicken Fettuccini and lamb and beef Cha Cha Burgers in Okotoks has paid off for John. He is not alone. OL

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community

FIREFIGHTER’S BALL Fantastic night of food, fun and fundraising

BY JIM ZANG

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HEN YOUR LIFE DEPENDS on the person next to you, teamwork is critical.

Which is why it’s no surprise members of the Okotoks Fire Department (OFD) put the same kind of team effort into the bi-annual Firefighter’s Ball, on Saturday, September 12 at the Foothills Centennial Centre.

“The concept of the Firefighters Ball was brought to Okotoks by Fire Chief Ken Thevenot in 2012,” says Dave Hodgins, a 17-year veteran of the Okotoks Fire Department. “It was held in 2012 and 2013, and at that time the decision was made to hold it every second year.”

The Ball is a semi-formal affair comprised of firefighter tradition, a delicious meal, dancing to a live band, silent and live auctions, and a raffle for a Trip for Two. Doors open at 5:45 p.m., with the Grand March at 6:15 and dinner 6:30.

“The fire service is based on, and proud of, its traditions,” says Hodgins. “An Honour Guard of Okotoks Fire members will be piped in to the hall to begin the evening’s activities. The March will be followed by the Helmets ceremony and Ringing of the Bell, in tribute to fallen firefighters.”

The Eagle 100.9 will be emceeing, keeping the festivities going throughout the evening, while Low Tide, a Calgary-

based band, provides the dance music.

“In our first year (2012),” adds OFD administrative assistant and three-year committee member Sharon Forbes. “Our focus was to pay tribute to firefighters and to firefighter tradition, fundraising was not our goal. So in its inaugural year it broke even. In 2013, we were able to incorporate the firefighter tradition and tribute portion of the event, but also focused more on fundraising, glitz, glamour, and fun.”

There will be a live auction of three or four major items, says Craig Stewart, a nine-year OFD community firefighter and three-year committee member, and then numerous silent auction items. “We have already received some fantastic support and donations, including flight passes from WestJet, as well as a very generous gift certificate from Fountain Tire Okotoks. Some of the silent auction items include jewelry, gym passes, wine, coffee systems and everything in between.” The live auction is scheduled to take place immediately after dinner, with the silent auction anticipated to run from approximately 7-10 p.m.

Thanks to Pace Setter Travel here in Okotoks, there is also a fantastic Alaskan cruise for two to raffle off. Tickets will be $20 each and will only be available for

purchase at the Ball.

“Donations from 2013 were divided between the Alberta Firefighters Burn Camp, repairs to the Town’s 1956 Parade Firetruck, and a small donation to the High River Fire Department Betterhalves Society in support of the HRFD members whose homes were affected by the 2013 flood,” says Stewart. “We raised more than $7,000 at the last Ball and hopefully we can double that this year. We have two great, deserving charities to give to, so any amount would be greatly appreciated.”

This year’s proceeds will be donated to the Alberta Firefighters Burn Camp and to the Cancer Care Close to Home campaign.

“We’re proud to be supporting both of these causes,” says Forbes, “as they are very near and dear to firefighters and their families.”

“Approximately 280 people attended in 2013,” says Stephan Mazubert, a threeyear OFD community firefighter. “We’re hoping to increase that number to 400 this year. Anyone 18 years of age and older is welcome to attend. The dress code is semiformal, it’s a great evening to dress up, and support two wonderful causes.”

Tickets can be purchased individually or as a table for groups of 8. Cost is $75 each, available at Okotoks fire station #1 or call 403-938-4066. OL

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community

LEAVING A LEGACY Okotoks Hall of Fame honours citizens

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VERY YEAR, THE ARTS & CULTURE – COMMUNITY BUILDER: Okotoks Hall of Shirley Paradis Fame recognizes and Shirley’s passion for arts and culture has helped honours some of the town’s cultivate a strong cultural community in Okotoks. most outstanding citizens She’s is a skilled professional artist who works in in the areas or sports, arts a multitude of mediums, from oils and acrylics to and culture, and community stained glass, silversmithing and metal sculpture. service.

She has been an active and long-serving member The Town of Okotoks hosted of the Okotoks Arts Council, fulfilling numerous the third annual Hall of roles including president. As president, Shirley Fame induction ceremony on spearheaded the drive to save the former Okotoks Friday, June 19 and, after the United Church and transform it into a space for Culture, Parks and Recreation the performing arts in Okotoks. Shirley shares her (CPR) subcommittee was done love of art unconditionally and inspires others as a reviewing the nominations teacher, a mentor, a volunteer and as a leader. two people were selected for the class of 2015.

SPORTS – COMMUNITY BUILDER: Shirley Paradis “The 2015 Inductees Greg Wedderburn have exemplary records of Greg has made it his life’s work to champion service when it comes to Okotoks and, more specifically, sports in Okotoks. community building in Okotoks,” says Mayor Bill Robertson.

Born and raised in Okotoks, Greg grew up at the local hockey “Both individuals selected this year have each shown extreme rink. When he wasn’t playing, he was coaching. In fact, he commitment to working with the youth in this community started coaching as a teenager back in 1963 and continued to over many years. We are grateful for the time and effort Mr. inspire new generations of hockey players for the next 30 years.

Wedderburn has dedicated to this community to champion Greg was instrumental sports, and to Ms. Paradis for tirelessly cultivating the arts.” in bringing the Junior A Each inductee will be honoured with a plaque on the Oiler to Okotoks in 2004, Okotoks Hall of Fame Wall, which is permanently located building the foundation at the Okotoks Recreation Centre outside the Shane Homes for what the orgnization Gymnasium. is today.

This year’s inductees join the following eight individual Greg’s roots in the inducted into the Hall of Fame the previous two years: community ran deep; he taught school in Okotoks for 30 years, Sports – Athlete: Bill ‘Cowboy’ Flett first at Percy Pegler and Sports – Community Builder: Brad Banister then at Okotoks Junior Sports – Athlete & Community Builder: Ray Watrin High, where he coached Arts & Culture – Community Builder: Tracie Ward volleyball, track and field, and football — encouraging students to Sports – Athlete: Dr. Doyle ‘Doc’ Mullaney succeed in everything Davis Edels – Community Services: Community Builder they did. Greg passed Greg Wedderburn Award of Distinction: Jim ‘Bearcat’ Murray away February 2,

2013

2014

Sports – Athlete: Annabelle (Murray) McLean

2013. OL

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feature “I am burdened with what the Buddhists call the ‘monkey mind’— the thoughts that swing from limb to limb, stopping only to scratch themselves, spit and howl.”

– Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat Pray Love

Ohmmmm Buddhist meditation seeks inner peace

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HOSE SWINGING, SCRATCHING, spitting and howling thoughts. Those monkeys in all of our brains keep us up at night, force the acid in our stomachs up our esophagus and are distracting at best, depressing at their worst.

How to make them stop? How to bring the mind to a peaceful state? It might sound as possible as finding the fountain of youth, but there is a place to attain peace of mind in Okotoks. The Crystal Shores beach house serves as the backdrop for finding peace, enlightenment, compassion and wisdom every Thursday evening. That is when Liz Rees, a Dharma practitioner from the Akshobya Kadampa Buddhist Centre, located in Kensington in Calgary, comes to visit.

A student of Buddhism for more than 10 years, Liz’s voice exudes peace and is punctuated with small bursts of happy laughter as she guides her students through meditations, shares Dharma teachings from the Akshobya Kadampa spiritual leader Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche.

She starts by assuring the members of the night’s meditation that you don’t need to be a Buddhist or become a Buddhist to attend the meditation classes.

“I’m happy if someone is here to find peace,” Liz explains. “If they think they can benefit from it they can come. We are teaching Buddha’s teaching. If someone wants to come and learn about meditation and come and practice we are open to that.”

She sought out Buddhism at a time of her life when she needed peace, Liz recalls.

STORY AND PHOTOS

BY DARLENE CASTEN

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feature “When I first started I remember thinking I am going inside, I’m going inside and I needed that — that peace,” she says.

Anyone interested on how to still the hamster in the wheel in their head can attend Liz’s class on Thursday evenings.

She starts the hour-and-a-half long class starts with a prayer song to Buddha and a discussion of what to expect before she guides the class through the process.

“Always try to be present,” she advises, adding it isn’t always easy. “If your mind is racing, you are not alone.”

It takes hard work to get to a meditative state, she explains.

“Meditation can develop peace inside, but that feeling of peace can only come if we try to get away from the distractions,” Liz says. “Don’t expect yourself to be perfect — just try to be present.”

It can be as simple as simply not talking back to the voices in your head, Liz says. As a thought comes in, don’t engage with it, she advises, and it will just go away.

“Don’t expect yourself to be perfect — just try to be present.”

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“I love coming to classes and now its on my doorstep.”

Through the meditation participants focus on their breathing, clearing their mind and visualizing their cares away. With the student’s mind calm and clear, Liz then gives a Dharma talk based on Buddhist principals, such as striving for wisdom or compassion.

A second meditation focuses on developing traits that create a better person.

Jason Barlow, a force in bringing the Buddhist classes to Okotoks, says its great having meditation classes so close to home. “I love coming to classes and now its on my doorstep,” he says.

The Akshobya Kadampa Buddhist Centre outreach classes in Okotoks will start up again September 10 with a free talk at the Okotoks library and then dropin classes resume at the Crystal Ridge Beach House with a small cash donation suggested. OL

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homes

Hot spots

Where will Okotoks grow next?

BY JIM ZANG

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HE MATH IS NOT hard — the Town of Okotoks is running out of land.

It’s simple arithmetic, really. In 2013, the total population of Okotoks was 26,319. The 2014 Civic Census reported the number at 27,331, an increase of just over 1,000 people (1,012), for a growth rate of about four per cent. There were 9,461 households surveyed, which equals an average of about 2.89 residents per home.

For ease of calculation, call it an even three.

Last year, 2014, there were 209 new single family home starts, according to Rob Mueller, Permit/Inspections/ Assessment Manager with the Town, and no new multifamily projects.

If you multiply that number out by three people per home, that’s still only housing for 627 of the 1,000 plus new residents. Sure, some folks move out of town and new people move into their homes, but with more people coming than going, it still leaves Okotoks in a bit of a land crunch as they plan not just for right now, but for future growth.

The math isn’t hard — more people are coming to Okotoks than there are homes for, and existing communities are nearing build-out. (See chart for list of communities currently under development.)

For example, in Westmount the community is very near build-out with just nine lots remaining in the estate portion (phase 2) of the development.

Phase 1 is basically sold out, says Gabe Chou, marketing manager for Prominence Development, who expects the estate lots “won’t last until the end of the year.”

As for future developments in Okotoks, “right now we don’t have any specific plans,” says Chou.

“But Okotoks has been really good to us and we’d definintely be interested in looking at further opportunities, depending on the outcome of the ongoing annexation talks.”

According to Mueller, there were 373 serviced lots available for sale at the end of May. Even if they were all sold and started next year, it would just be enough to meet demand. “This would be about an 18-month supply,” he says.

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Rob Mueller

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homes

Visioning

Housing needs reflect increasing diversity ONE OF 14 MAJOR themes identified by Okotoks residents involved in the Community Visioning process was the importance of design with regards to the Built Environment. In other words, buildings.

Residents expressed a desire for a beautiful Built Environment that reflects pride in the natural landscape, is well-connected, and supports the creation of an active and healthy lifestyle. They want housing that’s affordable, flexible and more diverse, and that meets the needs of all residents both young and old. They want homes that have a distinctive style beyond the typical ‘suburban’ aesthetic.

Part of the problem has been the lack of multifamily projects being developed, as one good sized condo project can provide homes for hundreds of people. Right now there are no new condo projects in Okotoks. Zero. The last one to hit the market was Avalon’s Zen condos and, being the only new condos in town, they sold out quickly.

So far, things are actually looking up for 2015.

In the first quarter of 2015, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation reported 58 new home starts and 16 townhomes underway for a total of 74 starts.

That’s up from the first quarter of 2014, and projects to 296 total starts by year end. Despite the struggling economy and yet-to-be determined impact of the provincial NDPs, if things continue as they are that’s more than a 40 per cent increase year-to-year.

A total of 124 single family homes, 16 townhomes and 21 apartment units (rental and condo) were actually under construction at the end of the first quarter of 2015.

Faced with those kinds of statistics, it’s obvious to one and all, and especially those involved with town planning, that more land is needed. And that means annexation.

There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to the term ‘annexation’. It does not mean that someone (City or Town) can come and take your land. That activity would more accurately be termed expropriation, which is commonly and incorrectly confused with annexation, and which is seldom done.

In Alberta, the growth of cities and towns is accommodated through annexation, a longterm planning process, made possible thanks to partnerships between local municipalities.

That simply means that a municipal boundary is expanding or being changed from the current state of affairs. Changes are determined by the growth of a region and, when a municipality is projected to outgrow its current supply of land, then discussions to start the process usually begin. In Okotoks, extensive landowner and public consultation was undertaken with many meetings with both to make sure all stakeholders are informed Landowners cannot be forced to sell their land

DEVELOPER: DEVELOPER:

Apex Land

United Communities

DEVELOPER:

Bordeaux Developments

DEVELOPER:

DEVELOPER:

Green Haven Developments

DreamWest Land Corp.

Town of Okotoks

DEVELOPER:

Prominence Developments

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Cimarron/Cimarron Estates DEVELOPER: Tristar Communities

homes Lands considered for Annexation United Communities

and, in fact, can hold onto it even if others all around them have sold. How much a developer pays for land is determined by the market in negotiations between the developer and landowner. The municipality involved has nothing to do with the legal sale of the property. The closer the land is to existing infrastructure, the more valuable, in most cases.

In Okotoks, The Town of Okotoks Growth Study and Financial Analysis provides a 60-year growth strategy for the Town of Okotoks, including the rationale for the Okotoks Annexation Proposal which is currently in process. It began September 23, 2013, when the Town gave official Notice of Annexation to the Municipal Government Board, the MD of Foothills and the relevant school divisions, of its intent to annex approximately 33 quarter sections from the MD of Foothills.

The proposed growth is “generally in two directions, south/southeast and northeast,” says Steve Hanhart, planning manager for the Town of Okotoks.

The proposal is part of a 60-year land supply plan to accommodate a balanced mix of residential, commercial and industrial long term land use needs.

Principles guiding the plan include prioritizing locations, ensuring proper infrastructure is in place, and retaining a compact, connected and integrated community that builds on the existing major road network “We’ve had pretty good discussions with the landowners,” says Hanhart. Meanwhile, as of this past February, talks between Town of Okotoks and MD of Foothills have gone to mediation to resolve outstanding issues. Once all the talks are concluded, it’s up to the provincial authority (Municipal Government Board) to give final approval.

After that, it’s even more discussions as the Town “works collaboratively with developers to make neighbourhoods more sustainable and friendlier to the environment,” says Hanhart. Part of achieving that goal, for example, is following Alberta greenspace legislation which commits ten per cent of any new community to school sites, parks and pathways.

As for what the homes themselves look like, in terms of lot size, home style, etc., Hanhart says to expect to see “a transition from lower to higher density. Slowly, though,” he stresses, “not as dramatically as Calgary.” The fact there were literally zero multi-family starts in Okotoks in 2014 would seem to bear this out.

It’s part market driven and part planning driven, he says. With the cost of servicing land increasing, it’s more cost-effective for municipalities, developers, and builders to have smaller lots. That’s the planning end.

Town of Okotoks

Annexation Negotiation: 60-Year Land Supply

Land rush

United stakes their claim in NW Okotoks UNITED COMMUNITIES, award-winning developer of Okotoks communities like Crystal Ridge and Drake Landing, is getting ahead of the curve. They’ve already purchased two large tracts of land, says Steve LePan, United’s director of marketing, and are working with the Town of Okotoks to finalize a land useage plan. “United is currently in the planning process for two parcels of land in north Okotoks,” he says. “Land use has not yet been formalized; however, the property is within the current Town boundaries and represents over 400 acres of future growth that will likely have a mix of single and multi-family residential and commercial use.

“The two parcels of land are divided by Northridge Drive. The “D’Arcy Ranch lands” on the west side of Northridge Drive represent 272 acres and the land on the east side formerly owned by the Wedderburn family represents 160 acres.”

The company’s intent is to start preliminary development of the land (power, gas, water/sewer) as soon as possible after their Area Structure Plan receives approval from Town Council. “It’s too early in the process to provide much detail on land use, outline plans or branding,” says LePan, “but we hope to have much more to share by the end of the year.”

On the market reality end, looming large is the affordability factor.

Smaller lots equals lower prices.

In addition, says Hanhart, “the aging population is going to come more and more into effect, increasing demand for smaller units.”

But, while plans do anticipate for a population of 80,000+ in 60 years, don’t expect to see any highrises on the horizon soon. “It’s only natural there will be some higher density development,” he says, pointing to cities like Lethbridge and Medicine Hat as good snapshots of Okotoks’ potential future. OL

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homes

Pocket community

BY A ALIYA ESSA

“The main benefit of a pocket community, its the ability to get to know one another, to be able to run across the way to borrow a cup of sugar, and really get to know neighbours.”

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HERE MAY NOT be many new communities popping up in Okotoks in the next year, but there is an exciting new ‘community within a community’ that’s undoubtedly worth keeping an eye on.

The Parkhouses, Lifestyle Homes’ first villa project, is a unique type of small-scale community referred to as a ‘pocket neighbourhood. Tucked into the established, award-winning community of Drake Landing, “It’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity for those looking to downsize,” says Michael Tandara, sales and marketing manager. “It’s active adult living at it’s very best,” he says of the 50+ age-restricted development.

It all starts with the design of the community itself and the focus on connectivity and sustainability.

Homes front onto a central common green space, with double attached garages around back, away from the pedestrian-oriented spaces, adding immensely to curb appeal and making the homes look much more like single family dwellings

Parkhouses popping up in Drake Landing

than a traditional semi-detached home.

“The main benefit of a pocket community, its the ability to get to know one another, to be able to run across the way to borrow a cup of sugar, and really get to know neighbours,” says Tandara. “All the while each home has an inner courtyard for a more private setting.”

Snow removal, care of common areas, and garbage pick-up is taken care of via the Home Owners Association (HOA). “Though technically private land, the HOA will also maintain the landscaping at the front of each home in addition to the common areas,” says Tandara. “That way, whether you’re travelling for two months at a time, or simply no longer able to shovel snow, it gives you that peace of mind knowing that things are being taken care of.”

Of course it also has the added benefit of ensuring consistent, beautiful landscaping throughout the entire community.

It’s all about maximizing the value of the lock and leave lifestyle without adding a lot of expensive

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homes The ‘pocket community’ will consist of 31 homes, with two main styles available although each is also offered in a loft version.

amenities like a pool or a common building, he says.

“Maintenance of the residences becomes the homeowner’s responsibility as it’s their own home. The way we minimize it there is, frankly, by building with superior products. All the homes in the community have Hardie Board exterior siding, we have lifetime warranty shingles, the fencing is maintenance-free, and everything is specifically selected so that it will be decades before anything really requires any sort of work on it.

“There’s an interesting sustainability part to that too as it’s the thing you don’t have to replace that’s most energy efficient. One of the focuses was building a better product and that’s one of the reasons the project is BuiltGreen® platinum certified.”

The ‘pocket community’ will consist of 31 homes, with two main styles available although each is also offered in a loft version. Villa 24 is a one-bedroom measuring in at 1,269 square-feet standard, 1,633 with loft. The other model, Villa 26 has an additional flex room, which can be used as an office, or even second bedroom. A Murphy Bed option allows it to be both. This home checks in at 1,363 square-feet or 1,714 square-feet for the loft version. All homes come with full basements, which if fully developed, add close to another 1,000 square-feet of living space.

All the homes have vaulted ceilings and come with upscale finishings, says Tandara,

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“Purchasers may presently customize some interior finishes as well, an opportunity that will not be available later. They can even add another full bathroom to the loft if they desire,” he adds.

Prices at time of writing ranged from $559,000 to $619,000, “an attractive price point well below other projects designed for this demographic,” he says. In fact, they’ve already sold three units and they’ve yet to even put a single shovel in the ground, though construction start is approaching rapidly.

The Parkhouses will be located at 11 Drake Landing Heights. Sales are currently being handled out of Lifestyle’s single-family show home at 144 Drake Landing Gardens. For more information visit lifestylehomes.ca OL

a day in the life

Erica HENDRY

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BY JIM ZANG

FTER DANCING HER way all the way to New York and back, Erica Hendry is in Okotoks to stay.

And that’s good news for local dance students and their parents, as the owner of The Alberta Dance Academy has become more than just a dance instructor to many.

Erica was raised in Okotoks and currently lives in Westmount. A normal day typically begins around 8 a.m. with a latte (“I usually make it at home”) and breakfast of “cottage cheese and yogurt with fresh fruit. Or a piece of toast with an egg. I always do a quick check in to Facebook in the morning with my latte,” she laughs.

That’s often followed by a quick workout in her basement or a walk or run on the paths near her home and maybe a quick tidy-up around the house before heading in to work around 10. “Certain days I work from home, certain days I work at the studio.”

It’s just a 10-minute drive across town to her studio that Erica likes to spend listening to the new sound of Eagle 100.9. On her iPod she’s got a variety of music. “Some of my favorite songs/artists right now are Budapest

by George Ezra, Riptide by Vance Joy, Lean On by Major Lazer ft. MO & DJ Snake. I also love Adele and Serena Rider. I am looking forward to seeing Janet Jackson in September!”

Getting to work involves reviewing her ‘to do’ list, checking emails, making a daily Facebook post and scheduling. “Lots of scheduling.

Rehearsal schedules, community events, competition schedules, summer camp schedules, fall schedules, holidays…”

There’s also the ordering of costumes and dancewear; advertising and marketing; payables and receivables; teacher, staff, student and parent relations — and then comes the actual dance part of things like class preparation, choreography, teaching classes, holding rehearsals and attending competitions.

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a day in the life

Dancing the days (and nights) away

“My dance training began in Okotoks in the ‘80s,” says Erica, “with Margaret Vick. Later I trained with her successor and the founder of Alberta Dance Academy, Brenda Bilozir. I reconnected with Margaret at The Alberta High School of Fine Arts, training in both the dance program and the Mainstage program, and was part of the first graduating class of the fine arts school. After graduation, I studied in New York at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Studying in Manhattan just steps from Broadway was very inspiring.”

Upon her return home she attained her BA, a Collaborative Degree in Dance and Kinesiology from the University of Calgary. “This was an enriching four years of training in contemporary, jazz, ballet and kinesiology,” she says, “with such faculty as Melissa Monteros, Wojciech Mochniej, Michele Moss, and Darcy McGhee. This also included a three-week travel intensive to Guinea, West Africa, to study with Hamidou Bangoura and Les Ballets Africans.”

She graduated from University in 2007 and promptly became the owner of The Alberta Dance Academy. Of course, that doesn’t mean the training stops. Erica has participated in classes and workshops with the School of Decidedly Jazz Danceworks, Broadway Dance Centre, and workshops with professionals like Bree Wasylenko from “The Next Step”.

Additionally, this summer she is looking forward to training with SQx Danza, a European Contemporary Company.

“We are co-hosting a week-long summer intensive at ADA in August!” she enthuses. “My first love is contemporary. But I also will teach/choreograph jazz and musical theatre styles. Currently

I teach dancers ages seven to 18.

But I love working with all ages!”

As a small business owner, Erica’s days rarely follow a strict nine to five format. “Often I am at home on my laptop into the night/morning, she says. “I think that I have always been a bit of a night owl. Generally my most creative and efficient work happens between 7 p.m. and 1 a.m.

Looking for a better work/life balance, she’s recently begun limiting her actual teaching to one night a week, with rehearsals every other week.

Fortunately, a super staff led by Studio Manager Tasha Shukys, leads them, makes this possible.

When the day is done, “my husband and I love to barbeque,” she says.

“Be it salmon, chicken or the occasional steak with grilled veggies! We generally eat a bit later than most, due to our busy work schedules.

Usually between 7–8 p.m.”

She enjoys gardening, both flowers and vegetables, but admits that it does take some time to maintain in the evenings/mornings. “I like to plant spaghetti squash, zuchinni, tomatoes, spinach, lettuce, and beans.

I am still pretty new at this gardening thing. It can be very gratifying to eat the food that you raised!”

While they don’t have children of their own, she’s also got four nieces and nephews who are a joy to see whenever possible. “I do love that my sister and her daughter live so close; we usually see each other once a week.”

Nine times out of 10, though, if you’re looking for Erica, you’ll find her prepping choreography, or working on something for the studio. Because, in the end, dancing isn’t just what she does, it’s who she is. OL

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| ADVERTISING FEATURE |

Fish & Chips & Family British Chippy celebrates one year in Okotoks

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hey say time flies when you’re having fun.

If that’s the case, then the folks at the Okotoks British Chippy must be flying at about a thousand miles a minute as they definitely love what they do.

In fact, it seems like only yesterday that transplanted Brits Gary and Simone Hodgkinson were hanging out their British Chippy sign at their Calgary location in Bridlewood six years ago and in Okotoks just last year.

“I pinch myself on a daily basis,” laughs Simone. “I still can’t believe we are running two restaurants and we are still married! We work hard, but we have each other.”

They also share the same passion for family and work and combine both by getting their own kids involved in the business too. “We are so lucky to have two amazing children who patiently get dragged from location to location and still love Fish & Chips,” she says.

As a family, their hard work extends to personal fitness also, which Simone feels gives them the drive they need “on a daily basis.” A healthy diet, which includes fish, is a big part of it. “Our goal was always to create high quality Fish & Chips and other authentic English dishes with the finest ingredients,” she says. “Something we can be proud of eating. We spend money on quality product like fish that is hand-cut daily and fresh organic potatoes and everything is only lightly battered.”

Whether you prefer the meat pies, mushy peas, or classic deep-fried cod and chips, there’s an authentic English meal waiting for you — from our family to yours. n

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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

september 2

Information about fall programs, clubs, and activities will be available at the Fall Parade of Programs. From 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Okotoks Recreation Centre.

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Preschool Oral Health Clinics are available at the Okotoks Health and Wellness Centre from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Call 403-995-2662 to book an appointment.

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Natural CYCLOCROSS High is an event where both seasoned cyclocross racers as well as beginners can race and compete at Kinsmen Park. Each race takes place over 40 to 60 minutes, and is very spectator friendly.

The event runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Check for registration postings at www. albertabicycle. ab.ca/events.

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Support the awareness of Angelman Syndrome and help raise money for the Canadian Angelman Syndrome Society at the Angels in the Park Fundraiser. The event takes place at Riverside Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and is filled with family fun activities, games, live entertainment and much more.

Lunch runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is $5 per plate. Donations are greatly appreciated.

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to October 10, every Saturday.

Millarville Farmers Market.

From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. $3 per car www.millarvilleracetrack.com

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Opening Reception for Magnetic Fields by Brigitta Kocsis and Here and There by Billie Rae Busby is from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Okotoks Art Gallery.

Runs until November 7th.

Held by the Okotoks Firefighters Association, the Okotoks Firefighter’s Ball is a semi-formal event comprised of a prime-rib dinner and firefighter traditions. Proceeds go to the Alberta Firefighters Burn Camp and to the Cancer Close to Home campaign. Tickets can be purchased at Fire Station #1 on Milligan Dr. for $75.

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Customer Appreciation Day at the Okotoks Recreation Centre. Free cake and refreshments, prizes, special youth events and more.

Best of Buskersfest Concert showcases this year’s best performers from Buskersfest. Preregister online at www.okotoksculture. ca, as space is limited. The event starts at 7 p.m., and is free of charge.

Okotoks Women’s Conference, running from 8:15 to 4:30 p.m., is a day devoted to the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of women. The conference includes a healthy lunch, networking, and customised information sessions. Early Bird registration (by September 2) is $40; Regular registration (after September 2) is $50. Register online at www.okotoks. ca/womensconference

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The 35th Annual Terry Fox Run starts at 11 a.m. at the Crystal Shores Beach House. Fountain Tire will provide free hotdogs and water bottles for participants. Register on site or at www.terryfox.org.

HarvestFest is a familyfriendly celebration with plenty of activities: carnival games, live entertainment, a petting zoo, and much more. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ethel Tucker Park, and is free of charge.

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Toddle Down to the Okotoks Art Gallery is a morning of creative fun for toddlers, with time to take in the current exhibits. 10 a.m. to noon; $5/ family, drop-in.

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Okotoks BMX/KidSport Charity Fundraising Golf Tourney at D’Arcy Ranch Golf Club starts at 12 p.m.

Proceeds go towards Okotoks KidSport and the Okotoks BMX Club and track. Register to golf (18 and older) at www.okotoksbmx.com.

Picnic at the Piano. Families are invited to bring a picnic lunch for a free concert at the downtown plaza.

events

october

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Preschool Oral Health Clinics are available at the Okotoks Health and Wellness Centre from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Call 403-995-2662 to book an appointment.

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Okotoks Curling Day runs from 12 to 4 p.m. at Okotoks Curling Club (99 Okotoks Dr.). A family-oriented event, the day features a barbeque, junior curling clinic, a turkey draw, and much more. Free.

activities. General admission – $12/person, $35/family, Seniors (65+) – $9, Children under 2: Free.

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– 10, 15 – 17, 22, 23, 24 Dewdney Players presents: Calendar Girls at RPAC. Show starts at 7 p.m.; General Admission: $20+GST, Senior/Student: $15+GST.

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– 30 Discover the eerie history of Okotoks and what could be lurking downtown with the Okotoks Ghost Tours.

Tickets are $5 at 403-938-3204.

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Halloween Howler Family Dance is a fun-filled, spooky dance at the Okotoks Recreation Centre.

6:30 – 8 p.m.; $10 per family.

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Teen Night Hallowscream Party, for ages 12 – 17, is at the Okotoks Rec Centre from 8:15 to 11 p.m.

Admission is $3.

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Mini Monster Bash. 10 to 11:15 a.m. at the Okotoks Rec Centre. Ages 0 – 6 with an adult.

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11, 18, 25 (every Saturday in Oct) Pumpkin and Scarecrow Festivals at Kayben Farms run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and feature a variety of family-friendly fall

See the cult classic Rocky Horror Picture Show at RPAC. Show starts at 9 p.m.; tickets $15 in advance at okotoksculture.ca, $20 at the door.

Rated R (18+).

november Yuk Yuk’s On Tour in Okotoks featuring Kevin Stobo. 8 p.m. at RPAC; tickets are $15 in advance at okotoksculture.ca, $20 at the door.

, 7 and 8. 2nd annual FOOTHILLS HOLIDAY ROADSHOW in Okotoks & Millarville marks the start of Christmas shopping! Okotoks Market Square Christmas Festival with 100+ market vendors, food, live music & Santa, held at the Foothills Centennial Centre.

Millarville Christmas Market with three fabulous days of lights, food, hay rides, crafts and many favourite seasonal vendors. And the Town of Okotoks with fabulous shops and eateries. For more information and for passes visit www. foothillsholidayroadshow.ca

Preschool Oral Health Clinics are available at the Okotoks Health and Wellness Centre from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Call 403-995-2662 to book an appointment.

Remembrance Day Ceremony. www.facebook.com/ okotokslegion/events

Join Karen Peters of the Okotoks and District Historical Society for the free, informative, Guided Tour of the Field of Honour. Meet at the Okotoks Museum and Archives at 2 p.m.

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Light Up Okotoks, held in downtown Okotoks, features various family activities, horse-drawn carriage rides, and fireworks. 5 to 9 p.m.

National Sports Day in Canada from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free activities for the family.

– 28 WP Puppet Theatre Presents: Pigs in a Canoe; Children $10, adults $15. A historic tale of transporting seven pigs down the Red River to Winnipeg in 1817 that will inspire thinking and laughing. Thursday, Friday, 7 p.m., Saturday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at RPAC.

The opening reception of the OAG Exhibits: The Spirit of Christmas annual artisan market is from 1 to 3 p.m.

The exhibit runs until December 23.

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– December 12 Bring in new scarves, slippers, mittens, and other warm winter clothes to decorate the Tree of Warmth at OAG. All items will be donated to charity.

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| ADVERTISING FEATURE |

Book It Pizza Hut supports budding bookworms

P

izza Hut is on a mission — a mission to help Okotoks students learn that reading is not only an important life skill but that it can be fun too.

The Book It national reading program is a joint collaboration between schools, teachers, students, their families and their local Pizza Hut restaurants that provides fun and tasty incentives to young readers. Every year, elementary classrooms in communities across Canada take part. Teachers and students set monthly reading goals, families assist their children with reading at home, and Pizza Hut rewards the successful readers with a voucher for a free personal pan pizza.

Pizza Hut has participated in the Book It program since opening in Okotoks seven years ago, providing upwards of

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2000 free pizza to students each year. As students begin another school year owners David and Karla Fitzgerald hope as many as possible will take advantage of the program.

“We want to provide a free option for teachers to be able to reward their super readers,” explains Karla.

“We really like to be able to give the recognition to the kids, and it’s about more than just the pizza. We want the kids to come into the restaurant themselves so we can give them that high five and ask them about their favorite books.”

This year Pizza Hut will also be supporting the One Book, One School initiative now in its second year at St. Mary’s School. The restaurant will be collecting and matching donations for the purchase of books for the school’s 800 plus students and lending their support for additional fundraising opportunities.

“It’s so rewarding to help create that passion for reading, in those younger grades especially so that reading is something they enjoy later on in life,” Karla says.

For more information on either program, please email okotokspizzahut@shaw.ca n

“We want to provide a free option for teachers to be able to reward their super readers.”

youth beat

Going back Tips on how to have a happy 2015–2016 school year

BY ANNA QUICK

A

NEW SCHOOL YEAR can be very exciting for some, while at the same time stressful for others. The whole process of seeing old friends, meeting new ones, a new teacher, new school, new class, etc., is a lot of pressure no matter what grade you’re in. There are some things that all of us can do to make it easier and make school a fun place to be.

One of the surest ways to enjoy school is to go in with a positive attitude. Our attitude is contagious and others will react to what we show. It’s hard to be mean to someone who is always smiling, and sometimes our smile is just what another person needs to brighten their day. When I asked grade 1 student, Claire, how she feels about the new school year and what her favourite things are she replied “I feel good! I’m going to learn french. My favourite things are; french, learning new things, and making new friends.”

Betcha this beautiful girl with a big smile is going to have a great year!

Of course it’s not always easy to smile when dealing with bullies. We hear so much about bullying that it has almost become one of those words we don’t pay attention to anymore, even though it is still going on. Honestly it’s so easy to be kind. What if this was the year that bullying and shaming became unacceptable? Everyone can play their part by standing up to bullies and never letting peers guide you down the path of shaming others. We can all make school a fun place to be.

For older students there are other issues. I asked Heather in grade 10 what could make school a fun

place to be. She is not impressed with dresscodes. In my opinion she makes a great point that boys should be taught to respect women no matter what they are wearing. She said “what would make school more fun and enjoyable is to lower restriction on dress codes, or to change the way it is being dealt with. I know from experience that being pulled out of class, being forced to change, and in extreme cases being sent home is not only highly embarrassing, but also interrupting the learning process of every student being dress coded. So I guess to answer your question, walking into school without the anxiety of being deemed inappropriate every single day would in fact, make school a lot more fun.”

Of course, the school year doesn’t just mean the time you spend at school. Some fun after school things to do after you’ve finished your work, homework, and everything you needed to do can include sports, arts, and of course volunteering. The Okotoks Volunteer Resource Centre is always looking for new recruits to help out!

Volunteering is rewarding for you and for the people you help.

I hope you all have lots of fun this school year! OL

Anna Quick is a grade 7 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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| ADVERTISING FEATURE |

My Family Dental Worry-free care for the whole family

A

t My Family Dental, you can sit back, relax and forget your worries. Dr. Helen Robinson is the founder of My Family Dental. Her philosophy of quality service has always been her mainstay, which along with friendly, honest service has prevailed during her 20 years of practicing dentistry here in Okotoks.

Dr Robinson has also focused on providing a scope of dental practices and professionals to meet the needs of all her patients. From the “Child Friendly” accreditation for her wee patients, through to the cosmetic and sedation dentistry for the adults.

To provide sedation needs, Dr. Robinson introduced Dr. Mallett to her practice 4 years ago. They were colleagues at dental school at the University of Alberta, where they both trained.

Using sedation techniques, Dr. Lisa Mallett alleviates the discomfort and anxiety of dental work.

In her over 20 years as a dentist, Dr. Lisa recognized many patients neglected their teeth due to fear of seeing the dentist—a phenomenon known as dental phobia.

“I have seen so many people fall through the cracks and not take care of their teeth because of apprehension,” Dr. Lisa says. “I have met patients who have not seen a dentist in over thirty years. Major dental concerns that have been neglected for decades can be resolved using sedation dentistry. It is phenomenal.”

Dental anxiety is a common reason for people not to seek regular dental care, according to Dr. Lisa.

“I definitely like reducing patients’ fears and apprehensions,” she says.

In order to meet the needs of patients with dental phobia, she went back to school to study sedation dentistry.

Dr. Helen Robinson and the staff at My Family Dental.

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Dr. Lisa Mallet

“I have met patients who have not seen a dentist in over thirty years. Major dental concerns that have been neglected for decades can be resolved using sedation dentistry.

It is phenomenal.”

Sedation dentistry is a good option for patients who have a high level of fear, difficulty getting numb, or who have had traumatic dental experiences. It is also beneficial for those with a bad gag reflex, sensitive teeth or complex dental problems.

Dr. Lisa can administer nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, for people with mild anxiety, or provide oral prescription medications that numb pain and the patient’s memory of the procedure. For her most anxious patients, Dr. Lisa uses IV sedation, which provides total relaxation.

“We do not do any work until you are well sedated,” she assures. “You will not be aware of any discomfort. You will not remember any dental procedures.

You will be totally relaxed.”

With sedation, people don’t have to relive the experience in their mind, she says.

Sedation dentistry is also used for teens or young adults who need their wisdom teeth removed. It is also a great option for patients with anxiety over dental work, even if it is just for a cleaning.

“For some, it is a life changing experience,” she says. “Some patients are tearful because they are so happy to have resolved years of untreated dental issues. A healthy smile is so important to your self-esteem.”

In addition to sedation services, My Family Dental has three full-time female family dentists.

Its founder, Dr. Helen Robinson, is committed to providing a comfortable and relaxed environment, and loves to share a laugh with her patients.

Providing a fun and compassionate environment is her top priority.

My Family Dental focuses on dental care education for children and adults.

“Education is the key,” Dr. Lisa says. “We want to encourage children and parents to be involved with their dental wellness and to be confident in maintaining their oral health throughout their lives.”

My Family Dental also focuses on quality and keeping up with the latest technology.

“We are committed to ensuring our patients get the very best care and quality of dental practice.” n

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you said it

What is your favourite dessert?

BY ISABEL RODRIGUEZ

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Hmm, probably huckleberry pie because I get to go out and pick the berries.

Tyson Peterson, resident

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I have a favourite dessert for every season. But for summer, I’d have to say my raspberry lemongrass pie with maple whipped cream!

Our favourite dessert is strawberry shortcake because I [Melba] make it all the time!

Melba and Fred Fabick, residents

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We eat a lot of fruit crumble.

It’s a good way to finish up the [old stuff] in the pantry.

Chris Doney, resident

Ice cream because it tastes kind of yummy.

Liam, age 4

“ “ Kristiyan Bechev, resident

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A Blizzard ‘cause it’s

the best.

Ange Schaffirck, resident

My favourite dessert’s chocolate — any kind of chocolate! Yes, it’s always been my favourite thing to eat as a kid.

Linda Violo, author and chef

I like the marshmallow flavoured frozen yogurt at Menchie’s, and all the toppings there too!

Breanna, age 9

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Nanaimo bars. My mom used to make them a lot.

Douglas Rau, resident