Okotoks Living - Summer 2016 by Source Media Group

contents SUMMER 2016 | VOLUME 7 ISSUE 29

culture | history

entertainment

Art on the lawn Making Thursdays special all summer long

Listen to the music From classical to big band and country

15 17

All aboard Okotoks Arts Council brings art to everyone

people

Cover photography by Lana Armitage

Chateau Graydon Renaissance man spends summers in south of France

recreation

The 10 coolest parks in Okotoks Just in time for summer fun!

business

Front page challenge Chamber of Commerce Trade & Lifestyle Show photos

Cool Little Towns Marketing partnership proves thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strength in numbers

@OkotoksLiving OkotoksLiving

community

sustainability

Summer camps Kids just wanna have sun!

Cash for trash Foothills Salvage and Recycling Society raises money for charities

Leadership Awards Volunteers of today and tomorrow

you said it…

homes

Who is your favourite singer/musician?

Housing market hot stove lounge New home starts have plenty of time for a comeback

a day in the life

Wendy and Misty Wind Shingoose Spreading peace, love and hair styling

items

08 Editor’s Message 10 Town of Okotoks Message 11 Around Town 48 Events 52 Map

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editor’s note

Nice to meet you

FOR STARTERS, THANKS to all the staff, volunteers and exhibitors who helped make the annual Trade & Lifestyle Show such a fun experience. And thanks to you, too, for dropping by our Okotoks Living booth to say hello. It’s always great to talk to our readers face to face and find out what they think of the magazine. When people tell you, with tears in their eyes, how much a story touched them — in this case the Dan Gaynor feature — it’s very reaffirming that we’re doing something right. And, of course, the kids loved the Lemonade Train. See the photo gallery on pages 28-29. In fact, this edition has a distinct youthful theme to it as we have several kidcentric features including a tour of some of Okotoks favourite playgrounds. They’re not in any order, it’s just a top 10, and you may or may not agree with us but it is fun to try them all out. If you’ve got a favourite that we missed, send in a photo and a note about what you like about it. Still focused on the youngsters, we sent writer/ mom Suzanne Hale out on a near impossible quest: to find and list all the summer camps in the Okotoks area. If we missed one, we apologize, we tried hard to find everything we could. Last, but certainly not least, my wife and I had the honour of being guests at the annual Leadership Awards dinner, co-hosted by the Town and the local Rotary Club. It was a great event and I was super-impressed with the poise of the young winners and the contributions they continue to make to the community. There’s also a real summer breeze blowing through the pages of this edition, with

PUBLISHER |

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Jim Zang

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Robertson

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Lana Armitage, Alyssa Burnham, Darlene Casten, Suzanne Hale, Estelle Park, Julie Robertson, Jody Sanderson, Erika Taylor PHOTOGRAPHY

Lana Armitage, Andrea Kirk, Don Molyneaux, Isabel Rodriguez TOWN OF OKOTOKS LIAISON

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plenty of events on the ‘things to do’ menu. One of them being travel. Whether it’s walking downtown to Art on the Lawn (story page 15), driving around southern Alberta’s Cool Little Towns (story page 31), or flying to the south of France with Dan Graydon (story page 18), everyone’s got their own idea of summer fun. Check out both the Around Town section and the Events pages for more ideas. The third current running through this edition is a musical note as we visited with a trio of local musicians really making a name for themselves in their respective fields. From country and western, to big band jazz tunes, to community vocal ensembles, Okotoks is home to a wide variety of musical talent. Which I hope segues nicely into the You Said It photo essay at the back of the magazine which asked the question: “Who is your favourite musician/singer?” Meanwhile on the front cover, we join Wendy and Misty Shingoose as they spend a day feeling groovy, giving off good vibes and doing what they love to do — hair.

P R I N T E D I N C A N A DA

© 2016 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.

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, Rotary Performing Arts Theatre Centre. There are many fun-filled summer events to take in as well including the Spirit of Okotoks Parade & Youth Festival, BuskersFest, Picnic at the Piano, Canada Day festivities, Art on the Lawn, Taste of Okotoks, Foothills Highland Games and Okotoks Pro Rodeo just to name a few! See page 48 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 conserve 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. It has been said there are a number of thing to do in Okotoks!

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

Become a fan of Town of Okotoks

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around town with Jim Zang Send your Around Town news to okotoks.editor@sourcemediagroup.ca

Grassroots initiative supports community organizations

kotoks MarketSquare started off as a grassroots initiative six years ago when two local women, Adriana Bratu and Andrea Wilton-Clark, were seeking a unique platform to showcase non-profit initiatives, locally made items and home based businesses. “I was at that time raising funds for a non-profit initiative,” says Andrea, “and Adriana was importing silver décor items from her home country of Mexico. With lack of a ‘storefront’ for our ventures, we were both frustrated at the limited exposure we had to the community. We knew a half a dozen other women who were running small businesses from their homes, and decided to do a market.” Their little market has grown over the years, from a dozen or so vendors to more than 600 vendors, and from hundreds of visitors to tens of thousands of visitors throughout the year. From the beginning, summer markets were held in downtown Okotoks with hopes of attracting visitors to the downtown, and winter events were held indoors at the Foothills Centennial Centre. Within a couple of years, the summer markets became

part of the Town of Okotoks summer festivals and now MarketSquare partners with the Town at its annual Buskerfest, Taste of Okotoks and Chilifest events. Today, the focus remains very much local. “We want to serve our community,” says Andrea, “and we want to raise awareness of the artists, artisans and small businesses who live and work here. We continue to have a very strong focus on local non-profit initiatives, and raised close to $30,000 for the Okotoks Food Bank in 2015.” MarketSquare showcases between 85-135 artisans per event, with five events scheduled for 2016. • Spring Fling April 29-30 • Summer Pop-Up @ Buskers Fest June 25 • Summer Pop-Up @ Taste of Okotoks July 23 • Summer Pop-Up @ ChiliFest August 27 • Christmas Festival November 11-13 For more information visit the website at www.themarketsquare.ca

Moved to new location

$25,000 in arena upgrades

he Okotoks Recycling Centre moved into a brand new building on Monday, April 18. The new Okotoks Eco Centre is located adjacent to the old site on the south side. The new Eco Centre is the first building to be completed and operational from the Operations Centre construction program. The main Operations Centre and other fleet buildings are anticipated to open this summer. The building operating hours will remain the same: Sundays from 12 to 5 p.m. and Monday through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling

nless you’ve been living under the Big Rock, you probably have already heard the Town of Okotoks, along with the Okotoks Curling Club, is hosting Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling 2016 Masters this fall. The 2016 Masters is the second major event of the 2016/17 Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling season, featuring the top 15 men’s and 15 women’s teams in the world and will take place October 25-30, 2016 at Pason Centennial Arena. Early bird ticket vouchers are now on sale!Tickets are available for purchase online at www.getqd.com/ okotoksgrandslamcurling or by calling 1-844-438-7352. Watch for full coverage in the fall edition of Okotoks Living magazine.

big thank you to everyone on the Okotoks Kraft Hockeyville committee for their time and effort in showing the rest of Canada the love of hockey in Okotoks. And thank you to all who voted!   “The campaign to secure Okotoks as a finalist for Kraft Hockeyville has brought our community closer together, showcased our tremendous community spirit and love of hockey, as well as the outstanding commitment of the Okotoks Kraft Hockeyville committee, volunteers, local businesses, Town staff and most importantly our residents!” said Okotoks Mayor Bill Robertson. “We have had just a wonderful reception from Okotoks residents, businesses, schools, community organizations, hockey parents, volunteers, the media, and more, it has been incredible! Everyone has done their part to support our campaign and their dedication has been instrumental in getting us into the finals,” said Connie Drake, Co-Chair of the Okotoks Hockeyville Committee. The winner of the contest, Lumby, B.C., get to host an NHL pre-season game and $100,000 in arena upgrades. Second prize is $100,000 in arena upgrades, which went to Saint Isidore, QC. The remaining eight finalists, including Okotoks, will each get $25,000 in arena upgrades. The funds will be put towards the twinning of Pason Centennial Arena, which is expected to have its construction completed by the end of 2017.

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around town Visitor & Activities Guide a winner!

he Town of Okotoks is thrilled to announce that Economic Development has won two Economic Developers Alberta (EDA) Awards of Excellence for its innovative 2015 Okotoks Visitor & Activities Guide and accompanying tourism marketing campaign! Okotoks has won and the Community Award for Business and Investment Attraction for a mediumsized community (population from 25,001100,000) as well as the prestigious Alex Metcalfe Award recognizing the “best of the best” for Business Investment and Attraction in the province. “The Economic Development team is excited and proud to have received this recognition and these distinguished awards,” says Economic Development Manager Shane Olson. “We are delighted to provide this valuable guide to both our residents and visitors. Promoting and strengthening our wonderful community is always a top priority for us.” “We built on the foundation of the Visitor & Activities Guide to launch an extensive tourism marketing campaign in Calgary via Calgary Transit. We use tourism as a tool for business investment and attraction and also to diversify our economy in Okotoks. The strategy was an enormous success as it brought Okotoks

unprecedented attention,” said Alexandra Ross, Economic Development Specialist. The 2015 guide and its subsequent Let Your Summer Unfold in Okotoks tourism campaign garnered national attention when the partial slogan: “there are a number of things to do” L to R: Councillor Ray Watrin, Economic Development in Okotoks went viral. Manager Shane Olson, Economic Development The honours come hot on the Specialist Alexandra Ross, Mayor Bill Robertson heels of the Town of Okotoks being awarded the Growing Rural in Okotoks went viral the Town’s team Tourism Champion Award recognizing its went into action. A #thingstodoinokotoks collaboration with rural tourism partners Twitter account and social media and for providing partners promotional contests were quickly launched and and training opportunities. Okotoks strategic updates to the tourism portion accepted the rural tourism excellence of the Town’s website were made. honour at the Growing Rural Tourism The Growing Rural Tourism Champion Conference held in Camrose, AB in Award recognizes outstanding February. accomplishments, innovation and The Town plays a key role in support leadership in rural tourism and is of the Cool Little Towns initiative, the presented annually in partnership with Foothills Holiday Roadshow and the Travel Alberta, Alberta Culture & Tourism, promotion of farms (Kayben, Saskatoon Alberta Association of Agricultural and Chinook) within Okotoks and M.D. Societies, and Tourism Camrose. of Foothills. The award also recognized A new Visitor and Activities Guide the Town for its ‘innovation through will be available in early June at the adaptation.’ When the Let Your Summer Municipal Centre, Okotoks Art Gallery, Unfold in Okotoks C-train advertisement Recreation Centre and online at: highlighting a ‘number of things to do’ www.okotokstourism.ca.

Savouring sweet taste of success

Make sure to drop by the Okotoks Living Lemonade Train — operated by Emma and Jesse — located downtown on the corner in front of the Royal Duke.

emonade Day will be returning to Okotoks on June 11, 2016. Okotoks first Lemonade day in June of 2015 was a huge success and very well attended and organizers anticipate another amazing event in 2016. Lemonade Day is an international program that introduces Okotoks youth to concepts about how to start and run their own business. Lessons taught through Lemonade Day can become valuable life skills including: communication, managing money, creating and working through a plan, running and hopefully profiting from a business. In addition to these skills, local young entrepreneurs are guided to use these three principals: “Spend Some, Save Some, and Share Some.” In 2015 over 90 per cent of Lemonade Day entrepreneurs made a donation to a charity of their choice from the proceeds they earned. The Lemonade Day experience is about the kids,

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however, it would not be possible without the involvement of businesses in our community. A strong partnership between the lemonade stand owner and their local business owner sponsor can play an integral role in making this project more meaningful and successful for the young entrepreneur. Last year’s inaugural event saw 180 kids run 82 lemonade stands and, with 360 kids signed up, this year promises more of the same. Most stands are open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., the product and prices are great and it’s all for a good cause. For more information please visit okotoks.lemonadeday.org OL

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history | culture

Art on the lawn Making Thursdays special all summer long BY DARLENE CASTEN

hat could be more relaxing than a warm summer night, a gourmet meal, surrounded by art and great music? The answer is: “nothing,” says Okotoks Cultural and Heritage manager Allan Boss. That is why the lawn of the Okotoks Art Gallery is a very popular spot every Thursday night during July and August. Starting on July 7 the Town is inviting artists and artisans to come share their work while musicians are encouraged to take up the open mic on the front lawn of the OAG from 4 to 8 p.m. Across the street, Bistro 1882 is offering a picnic menu for those who would like to take a break from the rush of making a meal. Boss says the number of artists, musicians and browsers grew every weekend last summer and so they brought Art On The Lawn back for another season. “It is great art, great music and great food,” Boss said. “It’s a gathering place. There are events for kids and the whole family.” A family Zumba class will be held at the plaza starting at 6 p.m. and there will be face painting and bouncy castles for children. Okotoks artist Shirley Paradis displayed her metal work at last year’s Art On The Lawn and says she will be back.

“

I think the artists realize people are looking for something affordable to brighten a room.”

Photos courtesy Tracy Wyman and Eagle 100.9

“It was great,” Paradis says. “It was a fun thing to do and it got better and better as it went along.” She says there is a variety of reasonably priced work, from paintings in all mediums, photography, jewelry and multi-media works. “There is everything from 50 cents to $200 to $300,” she says. “I think the artists realize people are looking for something affordable to brighten a room.” Artists must be OAG members and those who sign up for half, or all eight, of the Art On The Lawn evenings will receive a discount on the $40 memberships. Tables will be $10 to $15 and there is no commission taken on sales. Boss says Art On The Lawn is one way the Town supports local artists by giving them a relatively inexpensive way to sell their work. For more information about Art On The Lawn visit okotoks.ca OL

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history | culture

All aboard

Okotoks Arts Council brings art to everyone

BY DARLENE CASTEN

he Okotoks Arts Council is young for its age. In fact, the Okotoks advisory group that promotes education, awareness and participation in the arts and has been guiding arts and culture in the town for 35 years, is always looking to stay fresh. It all started when the Town bought the former CPR train stop building on North Railway Street. The OAC was established as an 11-person volunteer board to run The Station, now known as the Okotoks Art Gallery. Over the years the role of the OAC has changed many times, but what has always stayed the same is the group’s commitment to making arts and culture opportunities easily accessible to all. “We try to provide an opportunity for arts and culture to take place in town,” says OAC vice-president Janifer Calvez These days, the OAC is made up of a nine-person volunteer board and has a large membership. However, OAC president Linda Macallum says they are always looking for members to attend their monthly meetings. Everyone from accountants to glass blowers are welcome, she stresses. “We’ve got a new energy injected into the group,” Macallum says. “We’ve got some young people coming on board. We want to become more diverse.” There is often a misconception that the art council are a group of painters, but that isn’t the case. There are painters, of course, but there are also filmmakers, web designers, and people like Macallum, who do not

“

We’ve got a new energy injected into the group. We’ve got some young people coming on board. We want to become more diverse.”

produce art, but want to make sure that everyone in town has the opportunity to experience it. Their monthly meetings are often brainstorming sessions where events like the Okotoks Kite Festival and the Children’s Festival are born. Town employees then execute the plans. The OAC is able to volunteer at casino fundraisers every three years and that money funds many Town events, like concert series and performers. The OAC also holds its own events. One relative newcomer to the OAC, filmmaker Shawna Koski, is reviving the Zooom Film Festival. They are accepting three to five minute videos from any genre produced by youths aged 11 to 18. The winner will receive a $1,000 prize and the public can watch the top videos at a yet to-be scheduled screening. The OAC is holding a wine and paint night at Grand Central June 1. People of all artistic talent and experience will get together over a glass of wine and with the help of instructor everyone will create their own painting. To learn more or contact the OAC go to their website at okotoksartscouncil.ca OL

Left to right: Filmmaker and Zooom Film Festival organiser Shawna Koski, OAC president Linda Macallum and artist and OAC vice-president Janifer Calvez.

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people

Chateau Graydon Renaissance man spends summers in south of France BY JIM ZANG

f you Google the term ‘renaissance man’, don’t be surprised if you come across a photo of Okotoks resident Dan Graydon. Indeed, it’s a term he appears to have been born into. Born in North York (now Toronto), in August, 1959, his mother was a model/ airline stewardess (that’s what they were called back then) and his father a jazz musician. He spent the first five years of his life in Colorado Springs, where his father played in the NORAD band, before moving to Ottawa until he graduated from high school and from there on to B.C. He worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway since he was 18, with a break to return to study Animation Filmmaking at Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario. “I have always produced art in one form or another to create income. And I freelanced as an animator for over 20 years. However, since I had a family I also had a “real job”,” he laughs. “I started on the railway at the bottom swinging a spike maul, worked my way up through the ranks in various departments, to eventually becoming the Operations Manager for western Canada and the northern United States. I am retired from that profession, but I’m still producing commercial art.”

“I’ve always had the knack and the desire to draw,” he says. “Teachers would have me illustrate pictures for different assignments in grade school, and I became the resident artist and illustrated the year books from grade seven on. Ironically I was kicked out of art class in grade nine and was never alowed to enroll again throughout high school.” Cartoons are what initially interested Graydon, and they were easy for him to do. He started doing caricatures in his teens, mostly of friends and disrespectful pictures of some teachers. “I became more serious about caricatures later as I became aware of politics and felt it was a good way to take jabs at some politicians.”

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people

Since then he’s broadened his art interests from portraits, logos, watercolour painting, photography, animation, even pottery. He’s animated for different studios over the years (he names Walt Disney as an early inspiration), had photography and drawings published in newspapers and magazines, and has illustrated numerous books. “I have designed logos for different companies as well as some sports teams. And over the years I have received countless requests for everything from painting portraits to designing tattoos. “Art comes natural to me,” he says. “I find it is kind of like knowing a different language. Especially if I’m trying to describe something, I can often simply draw a picture to convey my idea. And it has been a fundamental, intrinsic characteristic that everyone I have ever known associates me with.” Along the way, he found time to meet Julie, his wife of 33 years, and have three boys: Jake 30, Sam 23, and Max 20. “No grandchildren...yet,” he smiles. They’ve lived in Okotoks since September, 1996, nearly 20 years.

TOP : Dan Graydon’s France maison FAR LEFT : Dan Graydon on the roof of his home in France. FAR LEFT BELOW: Dan Graydon and family holding roofing stones in 2009, Don, son Sam, wife Julie, son Max. OTHERS: Illustrations / Cartoons By Dan Graydon

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people

Christmas Card by Dan Graydon

“The company I was working for at the time (CPRail) was centralizing the network management and relocated in Calgary. My position went with it. And instead of moving into Calgary, we chose to move to Okotoks. It was a small town back then, similar in size from where we had moved from. We figured it was a nice alternative to the big city and more conducive to raising our family.” These days, Graydon splits his time between Okotoks and his maison in the south of France. “I literally started my life travelling,” he says. “When two weeks old I was shipped from Toronto down to Colorado in a sugar cane box, safely tucked between my mother and father on the front seat of our station wagon.” He’s been bit by the travel bug ever since. So much so, that he created his own tour company “Europe Along the Scenic Routes”, offering small group tours. “Since my wife and I had become Europhiles many years earlier and had become quite experienced with travel in Europe, that family, friends and colleagues were constantly requesting information, ideas and advice for their trips to Europe. “Eventually, after a few groups asked if they could hire him to design an itinerary, organize a tour and accompany them, handling the driving, dealing with the language barrier, etc. Graydon began to recognize that there was a demand for an authentic memorable, affordable tour experience. These days, when he’s not at work guiding a tour, Graydon likes to keep busy working on various projects at his home in France. “Because we love Europe as much as we do, we found ourselves returning year after year, for longer and longer stays, so we decided to buy a villa to use as a home base over there. After a number of years researching buying property in Europe and everything that it entails, we began narrowing down where the best area to focus on for us. In 2004 we ended up purchasing a 300-year-old stone farm house, located in a tiny hamlet, quietly tucked away in the Massive Central, in the south of France.” The house, on a one-third acre lot, is about 800-squarefeet on the main floors, not including the loft and

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“

Art comes natural to me, I find it is kind of like knowing a different language.”

not including the barn, with three bedrooms. “The interior was in good shape,” he says. “It had been renovated a number of years prior. However, we have since made numerous upgrades, renovations, alterations, and repairs.” His current project — he spends May through Septmber in Europe — is replacing the roof on the ancient barn. It is an overwhelming endeavor, he says, as the roof is 250 square-metres. “But the real challenge is with the material which covers it. Instead of like your conventional shingle used here in Canada, the traditional material in the region over there is slabs of stone or schist called “lauzes”. They are laid down in consecutive rows overlapping the previous row just like the scales on a giant fish. Working with these “lauzes” is no easy task. They can be extremely heavy and awkward. They range in size from one metre long by one half metre wide, all the way down to the size of your hand. They have to be individually nailed down, however they are not uniform and need to be chipped and trimmed to sit just right. A mind boggling jigsaw puzzle. But, before recovering the roof, all those lauzes had to be removed and brought down by hand. Did I mention they are heavy?” Fortunately, he says, these roofs last 100 years before having to be done again. OL

Dan Graydon’s family in 2015, Dan and Julie, with sons Sam and Max.

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entertainment

LISTEN to the

MUSIC

From classical to big band and country

Photos by Andrea Kirk

BY ERIKA TAYLOR

Maddison Krebs

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he music scene here in Okotoks is hitting a high note these days. From classical music, country and even big band sounds, there is a song for everyone. Tim Korthuis conducts the Foothills Philharmonic Chorus and says the interest in classical music in town has been surprising. “We thought it was time to organize a classical choir and in the spring of 2014 we had 94 people show up to audition,” Korthuis marvels. The group ranges in age from 17 to mid 80s and is open to anyone who wants to sing. Some members have music or vocal degrees and some started with the group not knowing how to read music. Korthuis says it all works because he likes to keep the atmosphere light. “I cannot be strict,” he insists. “However, I can still drive for excellence and have lots of fun with everyone doing it.” It’s a formula that’s working. Success has come quickly for the group, having been invited to sing with the Calgary Opera Chorus and most recently performing with St. David’s United Church choir. The group is now tackling advanced choral music. “The choir on the whole has risen to the challenge,” Korthuis says. “Everyone helps each other and they want to succeed as a group.” Korthuis is a true maestro. His conducting credentials have spanned the globe and his music career has taken him to Vienna, Bulgaria, Vancouver and Calgary. Here in Okotoks, it has been Korthuis’ enthusiasm that has helped the choir to keep moving forward. He’s also working to build Okotoks’ first philharmonic orchestra. Local country music star, Maddison Krebs’ career has never been better. In February her album “Bulls Eye” hit number six on the Canadian Country Music iTunes chart. Her single “Pink Roses” has also earned her three Alberta Country Music Award nominations for Song of the Year, Video of the Year and Female Artist of the Year. “If you’re true to yourself, good things will happen,” Krebs says. “I’ve surrounded myself with an honest group and I’ve always had a vision as well and no one can take me off that route. I’m a very determined person.”

Okotoks has seen this determination from Krebs since she was young. In grade 5, she started singing in between the innings at Dawgs games. Now, her relentless efforts are very much starting to pay off. Krebbs was also named to the Canadian Country Music Association’s Discovery Program. She was one of six finalists selected and has been mentored by other Canadian Country musicians, including Paul Brandt. The many opportunities coming her way have helped Krebs define who she is as an artist. In an industry where pop and country are constantly overlapping, she has made her mark. “My music is more of a classic tone,” she admits. “People have described it in more a fifties and sixties era of country music. It’s very simple and I’m just defining myself as more the outlaw in country music.” Outlaw or not, Krebs continues to follow her dream and sings high praises for all the local support she’s received over the last few years. “Music is culture and people have a greater connection here with local talent,” she believes. “It gives people a reason to go support them.” Professional trumpet player, Jim Murray also calls Okotoks home. Murray has been praised as one of the top trumpet players in North America. His career and climb to the top began as a young teen when his father encouraged him to take up the trumpet. It

“

If you’re true to yourself, good things will happen. I’ve surrounded myself with an honest group and I’ve always had a vision as well and no one can take me off that route.”

didn’t take long for his school band teachers to realize Murray had great talent. Now, he’s taking that talent to schools here in Okotoks. “I’m doing a lot of clinics here,” Murray says. “The Foothills Music Society and clinics that run out of schools are helping. The education here is a little more personalized that way.” Murray says when he works with the youth in town, he’s impressed. “When I do a clinic here in Okotoks, I find the players are high calibre.” Murray has also expanded his teaching career. This past year, he has been working with a number of private students and he’s hoping to take on even more. “I love private teaching because you can really mold and take students far,” he says.

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entertainment

“

It’s so important to hear live music and it would be nice to get people to hear more of this kind of live music.” Jim Murray

BUSKERS FESTIVAL • June 5, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. • Downtown Okotoks • Open to all musicians and performers • Free event

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BIG ROCK SINGERS • 26 years in Okotoks • 50 voices, all ages • Two major performances a year • All voices welcome FOOTHILLS MUSIC SOCIETY • Over 20 years in Okotoks • Concert and Jazz Bands • No audition required • 3 performances each season FOOTHILLS PHILHARMONIC CHORUS • Open auditions • www.foothillsphilharmonic.com

Photo by Andrea Kirk

PICNIC AT THE PIANO • Free lunchtime Concerts • Downtown Plaza • Noon- 1 p.m. • May 25, June 22, July 20, August 24 Riley's Cattlebarn • Open mic, Thursday's at 8:30 p.m. • Live music every Saturday

When he’s not teaching or running clinics, Murray is the lead trumpet player for Prime Time Big Band, one of Canada’s leading big band groups. Murray says he would like to see people in Okotoks embrace this kind of music even more. “I’m trying to make a bit more of a niche here in Okotoks. I’m trying to create more opportunity for it here,” he says. “It’s so important to hear live music and it would be nice to get people to hear more of this kind of live music.” Listening to all types of live music has become an important part of life in Okotoks. Music styles here are diverse and no matter the sound, there is opportunity to listen and participate. After all, without music life would be flat. OL

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recreational

The

10PARKS

COOLEST

in Okotoks

kotoks Living wanted to challenge residents to visit the 10 best parks in Okotoks, so we went on a quest to discover and visit the 10 Coolest Parks in town. With 96 parks, 48 playgrounds and 79 kilometres of pathway systems, of which 25 kms are paved, this was a bit of a challenge. We hope that you enjoy visiting these parks as much as we enjoyed seeking them out.

WATER SPRAY PARK/SKATE PARK, OKOTOKS RECREATION CENTRE Open from Victoria Day to Labour Day, weather permitting, and open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. the Spray Park features picnic tables, an adjacent playground, a grassy area with large surrounding trees and is located beside the local Skate Park. The Skate Park is also pretty cool since when it was designed, it was with the help of park users and predominantly contains “street skating” elements prior to construction in 2014.

B GOOD SHEPHERD SCHOOL PARK This park has something for all ages, including a lot of green space for walking. It features a basketball court, three jungle gyms, nearby full tennis court, two ball diamonds, a small football field, picnic tables and a fully upgraded and updated jungle gym on the North side of the school.

DR. MORRIS GIBSON SCHOOL PARK This park is cool for it’s very large soccer field filled with an abundance of green space, picnic tables, a jungle gym and a basketball court. If walking is your thing, traversing the vast green space here is a good place to start.

STEWART PARK Located in Westridge, this park is entirely fenced and features a jungle gym at its’ centre. What makes this a cool park is that it’s within a short walking distance from both Tim Horton’s and Wendy’s, making it a great spot for enjoying an impromptu picnic in the park.

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recreational

Just in time for summer fun! BY JULIE ROBERTSON PHOTOS BY JIM ZANG

F C ARDIEL PARK Located in an older and rather quiet area of town, this park features swings, green space for tossing Frisbees, a jungle gym, large trees a picnic table and benches, makes it a cool place to enjoy a quiet afternoon.

ST. MARY’S PARK/CIMARRON PARK This is another large park with lots of green space. It features two large jungle gyms, a soccer field, lots of green space and access to a walking path. It’s cool because it borders Cimarron Park, which features public washrooms, a jungle gym, swings and a picnic table area east of the school.

gle gym, ball diamond, lots of green space, large trees and backing onto a walking trail that parallels the Sheep River.

A Water spray park, Okotoks Recreation Centre

CRYSTAL SHORES BEACH

B Crystal Shores Beach Park

SHEEP RIVER PARK

The playground next to Crystal Shores Beach House is literally right on the beach, mere steps from Okotoks only lake. Need we say more?

C Riverside Community Park

RIVERSIDE COMMUNITY PARK

E Sheep River Park

This large park features swings, a jungle gym, picnic benches, soccer field, public washrooms, lots of green space, access to a walking path, and three outdoor workout gyms. In addition to being a cool park, it is also the location of the town’s annual Kite Festival which takes place every April. OL

F Good Shepherd School Park

A popular park located within the Lion’s Park Campground this park features a jungle gym, swings, green space, public washrooms, access to walking paths, the river, and a sheltered day use area complete with several adjacent picnic tables.

ETHEL TUCKER PARK Next door to the library and the site of the Annual Children’s Festival, this park features a small jun-

D Stewart Park

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Front page challenge HUNDREDS OF VISITORS dropped by the Okotoks Living Lemonade Train at the annual Okotoks Chamber of Commerce Trade & Lifestyle Show April 16 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://bit.ly/1QaNALT Photos by Don Molyneaux

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business

Cool Little Towns Marketing partnership proves there’s strength in numbers BY JODY SANDERSON

kotoks is one. So are Turner Valley and Black Diamond. Nanton is definitely one. High River and the MD of Foohills too. Bragg Creek used to be the newest one, but Longview joined this year, so they’re really the newest. But not everyone can be a member of this exclusive club. For starters, you have to be asked to join and are required to meet some pretty stringent criteria. Oh, and it helps to be just south of Calgary. Cool Little Towns is a dynamic partnership between all of the above communities. Although created in 2009, it wasn’t until after the flood of 2013 that it began to flourish. “The initial idea of Cool Little Towns as a marketing initiative can be credited to a group of Black Diamond merchants led by Evonne Smulders, then co-owner of Terra Cotta Dudes Gallery,” explains Monique LeBlanc, who represents the Town of Turner Valley on the team. The purpose of the designation was to increase visitation, promote downtown businesses and as a regional effort, share resources. All the Cool Little Towns are within a half an hour of each other, making it conducive to day trips.

“Cool Little Towns received a significant provincial grant after the flood,” explains Alexandra Ross, Economic Specialist with the Town of Okotoks and Regional Lead of the project since 2014. “And as a result we have been able to trade-mark our name, create a Facebook page that is our main source of promotion, and be able to map the tourism assets of our member towns.” Cool Little Towns has also created a new logo, and is in the process of redeveloping their web site which should be live again as you read this at coollittletowns.com. A second provincial grant has provided considerably more opportunities. “We are currently in the process of developing themed tours of the Cool Little Town region, and have developed a brochure outlining the various options,” says Ross. “We are also offering workshops…for instance, Entrepreneurial Workshop, which are tourism specific. We want to become the Region of choice for Calgarians and visitors to Calgary, and encourage our collective residents to visit their own backyard. With more dollars being spent in our towns, we will definitely attract new business and promote healthy economic growth,” she adds. How successful has it been? “A quick drive along the Black Diamond and Turner Valley main streets helps us to measure success,” says LeBlanc. “The storefront businesses are full of people and the streets are speckled with cars, motorbikes and bicycles!” Summer traveling in Southern Alberta has now become a whole lot more fun! Check out coollittletowns.com to plan your own memorable adventures! OL

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community

Summer camps

Kids just wanna have sun!

STORY BY SUZANNE HALE

ree time is tight during the school year. Swim meets and schedules, hockey tournaments and hard work — and most families know well in advance which activities they’ll be perfecting through the coldest months. But with longer days and summer approaching, it’s time to turn routines upside down, and introduce kids to an activity they never knew they loved. Okotoks organizations offer a vast selection of camps for all ages during the unscheduled weeks of summer break. From immersion in a farm where they will commune with animals and nature, to hopping on horseback to explore the equestrian world, to sharpening their academic skills for the coming school year — the choices are nearly endless. Read on to discover what area camps have to offer your kids this summer — come fall, they may have a new favourite activity!

AIRBORNE TRAMPOLINE AND TUMBLING Jumpers and tumblers will take flight at Airborne Trampoline and Tumbling Club. Options for kids from ages 3 – 12 years include full or half days. Campers will learn to jump safely on a trampoline, and enjoy additional activities including crafts, games and special guests. Before and after care is available for an additional cost; camps start at $100. Newly offered this year is a Junior Coach Camp where kids 12 years and up will learn skills to become a great coach. Coach camps are $30/week. Check it out at www.airbornetandt.com or call 587-583-2720 or email airbornettoperations@gmail.com

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August, for ages three-and-a-half years and up. Half day and full day camps are available starting at $225. Visit www. hearttosoledanceworks.com or call 403-995-9630 for more information.

KAYBEN FARMS

ALBERTA DANCE ACADEMY Choose from a variety of dance styles for a variety of ages, from half-day Happy Feet classes for three to fiveyear-olds, to full day sessions for serious dancers. Camps run from July 4 right through August 27th with a performance at Taste of Okotoks and Chilifest. Costs range from $115 to $225 with before and after care available for some camps. For information call 403-938-3125 or visit www.albertadanceacademy.com

CRESCENT POINT REGIONAL FIELDHOUSE At the fieldhouse there is a wide selection of camps for ages five and up. Single-sport and multi-sport options will satisfy any athlete, while in Nature Engineers, campers explore the world of industrious creatures including bees, beavers and more. An introduction to martial arts is available, as is a hands-on cooking class where young participants explore the garden-to-table concept, ultimately preparing simple snacks. Camp costs vary. For these options and others, please visit www.cpregionalfieldhouse.com, or call 587-757-0338

For an outdoor experience akin to the times before the mindless distraction of electronic devices, consider Kayben Farms. “Completely unplugged!” is the order of the day, says Kayben’s owner Judy Kolk. Kayben’s camp mandate is enticing: “It’s a week of natural play fuelled by imagination, where building and creating come first.” Kids aged six to 10 will be immersed in the inner workings of a farm, spending time with animals and nature alike, playing and helping. Camps start at $225 and are offered for full days in July and August, with options for food and before/after care. Please call 403-938-2857, or visit www. kayben.com/summer-day-camps

LEIGHTON ART CENTRE Kids six years and up will get in touch with their inner artist at art-themed camps through the Leighton Art Centre. Campers will be coached in various techniques using many mediums, while having a chance to explore the Leighton property. From wire sculpture to landscape art, there is something for all interests. Classes address all skill levels, and kids will leave camp with a renewed love for the outdoors and enhanced artistic skills. Camps are $260+fees/child. Visit www.leightoncentre.org or call 403-9313636 for more information.

EDISON BADMINTON CENTRE

MICHAEL’S CAMP CREATIVITY

Edison Badminton Centre offers several full-week, halfday options for all levels, from non-competitive introduction to the sport, to competitive instruction where campers will hone their skills through strategy, conditioning and match play. Camps target ten years and up, but accept younger kids if they can keep up. Prices start at $160+GST. View options at www.edisonbadminton.ca or call 403-306-0001

Your local Michael’s store has summer camps running from July 4 to August 19. For kids ages three and up, these camps run two hours per day, three days per week, featuring themes like Castles and Princesses, Woodland Forest, Land of the Dinosaurs, Under the Sea and Life on Pluto. Cost is $5 per session or $12 for three sessions and includes supplies. For information call (403) 938-0381 or visit the website at http://locationsca. michaels.com/ab/okotoks/3977

HEART TO SOLE DANCEWORKS AND CHEERLEADING From introductions to cheerleading and various dance styles, to structured camps for returning athletes planning to participate in the upcoming competitive season, find your camp at Heart to Sole Danceworks. HTSD offers week-long camps for all levels throughout July and

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OKOTOKS ALLIANCE CHURCH The Okotoks Alliance Church has many options for half-day, four and five day. Choose from sports camps, art camps, MADD Camp (Music, Art, Dance and Dra-

community

ma) and Vacation Bible School for preschool age on up. Camps start at $30. For more information, please call the Okotoks Alliance Church at 403-938-2614 or visit www.okalliance.ca

OKOTOKS UNITED SOCCER CLUB Your soccer star (or star-in-the-making) will get a kick out of the camps offered by Okotoks United Soccer Club. With half and full day camps taking place throughout July, players aged four to 16 years of all skill levels are invited to join. Register before June 15 for a 10 per cent early bird discount. Players will receive an OUSC t-shirt and ball with registration; camps start at $100. Call 403-938-6502 for registration information, or visit www.okotoksunitedsoccer.ca

ROCKY HILLS RANCH

STIX HOCKEY CAMP

Is your cowboy or cowgirl itching to swing into a saddle? If so, Rocky Hills Ranch will make this a summer to remember. Rocky Hill’s owners will guide your athlete whether they’re just starting out, or ready to advance their horse sense. Rocky Hills accepts ages seven and up; all that’s needed is a helmet and boots with a heel. The training will culminate in a gymkhana-style event at week’s end, as the students showcase their new skills for you. Camps are $450+GST. Call 403-8632484 or visit www.rockyhillsranch.ca/summer-camps

From Initiation to Peewee level, Stix Hockey Camp has a selection for your athlete. Running Monday through Friday from 8:30 – 4:30 the week of August 22 – 26, these camps take place at the Black Diamond and Nanton arenas for $410 including GST. Check out www.globalsportacademygroup.com for registration information, or call 403-819-9749.

SYLVAN LEARNING ACADEMIC CAMPS No need to worry about brain drain. The perfect antidote for summer’s lazy days, Sylvan Learning offers several academic camps for kids in grades two to eight. There are many options in a broad age-spectrum environment that’s suitable for kids of all ages, and ideal for siblings. Kids can choose from robotics, coding or engineering instruction, or keep their academic skills sharp with reading and algebra classes and more. Camps start at $199. For information, call Sylvan at 403-938-9145 or visit sylvanlearning.com

TOWN OF OKOTOKS The Town of Okotoks offers a considerable variety of camps. With options for preschoolers to teens, the 2016 Summer Community Guide truly offers something for everyone. Pick from sports and outdoor choices, or consider one of the fine arts options. In partnership with the Rotary Performing Arts Centre, kids will release their inner actor through a variety of acting exercises. Explore the Broadway Bound option for singing, dancing and acting instruction...write and perform music with the Okotoks Idol choice, or fall in love with theatre through a performing arts option. Camp costs vary. Walk into the recreation centre to register, call 403938-8954, or visit www.netreg.okotoks.ca Email at programs@okotoks.ca. OL

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homes

Housing market hot stove lounge New home starts have plenty of time for a comeback

ometimes numbers speak louder than words. Such is the case with the current state of Okotoks’ new home market. You can spin it as the ripple effect of a slow economy, or sugarcoat it by pointing at all the commercial growth going on around town, but the fact is new home starts in Okotoks are down. See chart. Okay, but by how much, and compared to what? That’s where things get interesting. Sure, when compared to the first quarter of last year, when 74 new

Starts By dwelling type

Q1-2016

Q1-2015

2015 total

Single family

185

Semi-detached

8 0 0

Row

0 16 16

Apartment

0 0 0

Total

40 74 201 Source: CMHC

BY JIM ZANG

homes were started, the first quarter of 2016, with just 40 starts, is off last year’s pace by close to 46 per cent. Even when you take away the multifamily projects, single family starts, which make up the vast majority of construction activitiy in Okotoks, were down 45 per cent. However, looked at in a broader historical perspective, perhaps things aren’t so bad after all. New home starts in the first quarter of 2014 were only 34, only two more than this year. The first three months of 2013 saw 52 starts, while 2012 was only 35 and 2011 42. So maybe it’s more a combination of things, including the fact that the first couple months of the year are traditionally slow months of the year for new home sales and starts. Historically, interest picks up in spring, sales close and construction starts in fall so folks can move in for the next spring. Which means new home sales still have nine more months to catch up to last years totals. In hockey, that’s like saying you’re down a couple goals but there’s still two periods left to play. And, as anyone knows, two periods is plenty of time for a comeback. OL

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community

Leadership

AWARDS

Volunteers of today and tomorrow STORY BY JIM ZANG

Marg Cox Heart of Okotoks Award

he torch was passed at the 21st annual Town of Okotoks Leadership Awards on April 13. Not officially, mind you, because in the world of volunteerism nobody ever really retires. Especially not Marg Cox. Just because she won the Heart of Okotoks Award, don’t expect Marg to go quietly into the night. That’s just not who she is, as anyone who knows her (and who doesn’t?) will gladly attest. In fact, don’t be surprised if she’s more energized than ever, encouraged by the recognition of her contribution to the community over the years. It’s not why she does it, of course, but still, a little appreciation goes a long way. So does youthful enthusiasm, a quality shared by the three young Leaders of Tomorrow Awards winners proudly following in Marg’s community volunteer footsteps. Co-hosted by the Town of Okotoks and the local Rotary Club, no slouch in the volunteer department themselves, the banquet, held at D’Arcy Ranch and attended by 80 or so people, was truly inspiring. From the proud parents and families, to the teachers/nominators, to past winners, even Mayor Bill Robertson and a couple of Town Councillors, were impressed by this year’s honourees.

So many young people committed to being involved in the community, the future of Okotoks is in good hands. 40

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community

“

If you think you’re too small to make a big difference, you haven’t spent a night with a mosquito.” Emily Penzo with Bear and Charlie Okotoks Junior High School

As always, there was no shortage of nominations and the selection committee definitely had their work cut out for them. In fact, a total of 30 Elementary, Junior High, and High School students were nominated, which is one of those good news/bad news situations. The good news is that, with so many young people committed to being involved in the community, the future of Okotoks is in good hands. The bad news: with so many outstanding citizens to choose from, not every deserving person can win. Indeed, the decisions were so difficult and

Mya Jones with Cyrus Big Rock School

the nominees so impressive that an ‘honourable mention’ was added to one of the categories. The list of accomplishments of some of these young people is humbling. How many of you can stand in front of a room full of people and give an eloquent acceptance speech? Mya Jones did, and she’s in grade four. The line of the night, however, goes to Junior High award recipient Emily Penzo, who quoted an old African proverb: “If you think you’re too small to make a big difference, you haven’t spent a night with a mosquito.” Words to live by, Emily, thank you. OL

Gabby Gibbs with Jasper Holy Trinity Academy

Katelyn Knierim Senior High School Honourable Mention

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a day in the life

Wendy and Misty Wind Shingoose Spreading peace, love and hair styling

STORY BY ALYSSA BURNHAM PHOTOS BY LANA ARMITAGE

he sun hasn’t yet risen, but years of fitness training have conditioned Wendy Shingoose’s body to wake by five a.m. without an alarm. Her days as a competitive power lifter are in the past, but she still starts every day with a set of 100 push ups. Wendy’s busy Elizabeth Street salon, Image Hair Design, doesn’t open for a few hours, so she turns on the TV to watch the morning newscast and takes her time to get ready for the day, carefully styling her hair and picking out her clothes. She believes it’s important for a successful business owner to look and feel her best, which for her means no jeans and lots of bright colors. Breakfast is a bowl of porridge and a healthy concoction of warm water, apple cider vinegar and honey. By seven a.m., she is out the door and on her way to a friend’s house for her first cup of coffee and a quick visit. “I have a ton of friends, so I give a lot of time to them. They’re very important in my life.” By eight, she’s pulling her vehicle — a Dodge Avenger in the winter or a funky 1969 VW minibus on days when heating isn’t required — into the salon’s parking lot ready to wash, cut, colour and style dozens of clients’ hair. “I book a little differently than most stylists. I

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book every 15 minutes...and take no breaks.” It’s around this time (or maybe a little later) that Wendy’s daughter, 31-year-old Misty Wind Shingoose, wakes up to the sound of her alarm and snuggles from her 13-year-old pitbull named Cain and one-year-old foster pup named Lexi. Misty hits the ground running. “From the second I open my eyes to the second I close them I don’t stop,” she says. “I only have seconds to spare.” She runs a brush through hair and pulls on what she refers to as her “ninja suit” of black lululemon pants, a neutral shirt, and comfy shoes that will see her through a full day on her feet. Seven days a week, Misty’s breakfast consists of green tea and a bowl of Red River cereal with goji berries, raisins, nuts and honey. It’s enough to keep her full for most of the day. Misty is also a hair stylist who works beside her mom five days a week. Wendy, or Mama Goose, as she’s known at the salon, has more than 40 years of experience as a hair stylist in Okotoks. She opened Image Hair Design in 1985, the same year Misty was born. Some of Misty’s earliest memories revolve around the salon where she jokes that she’s worked “since I was six and standing on milk crates at the sink.” All these years later, the mother-daughter

a day in the life

Their lives are hectic and stressful, but they go to great lengths to make time for each other, for their friends and even for strangers in need. duo are still side by side, even being honoured as co-recipients of the 2015 Okotoks Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award in Customer Service. Misty doesn’t officially begin her shift at Image Hair Design until one p.m., but she often sees one or two clients in her Calgary home before or after work hours. Her specialties are artistic trends like hair etching and complex colours like silver and pastels. Around 12:30 p.m. she hops into her Lincoln MKT and drives south on Highway 2 to Okotoks, Sirius Radio’s Christian music station The Message in the background. Both Wendy and Misty are almost fully booked every day with little downtime. They skip daytime meals in favor of snacks they can consume while completing tasks like mixing dyes. Cut up fruit and veggies are their go-to choices. Wendy wraps up at the salon around five p.m., a few hours before Misty typically finishes. She drives home and dives into a 30-minute free weight circuit with a

couple women she trains out of her house. It’s a disciplined fitness routine, but it pales in comparison to Wendy’s days as a competitive power lifter, the height of which saw both her and Misty achieve world records, Wendy in the master’s dead lift (363 lbs) and Misty in the sub-junior squat (217 lbs.) After her workout, Wendy showers off the stress and grime of the day, pours herself a glass of red wine and turns on the evening news. Then, she prepares a healthy supper with her roommate. If she isn’t getting together with friends the remainder of her evening is relatively quiet, a much deserved rest after a long and busy day. She practices guitar and watches a couple sitcoms — Two Broke Girls and Two and a Half Men being favourites — before crawling into bed. When Misty finishes up with her final salon client, she walks across the street to Almira’s Mediterranean Grill and orders her usual: four salads to go. Hands stained light blue or purple from a day’s work, she returns home to a pile of donations in need of sorting. Throughout the week Misty collects gently-used clothing for Calgary’s Drop-In Centre. Every Sunday, she, Wendy, and a few friends drive to downtown Calgary in a van that Misty converted into a mobile salon last year. They spend the afternoon dropping off donations and providing free food and haircuts to Calgary’s homeless. They have set up a GoFundMe account to help cover expenses with more than $4000 donated so far. To contribute visit www.gofundme.com/ homelesshaircutyyc. That Misty and Wendy give of their time at the end of such a busy week is a clear illustration of the energy, generosity and can-do spirit that the two women share. Both of their lives are hectic and stressful, but they go to great lengths to make time for each other, for their friends and even for strangers in need. By the time each woman closes her eyes at night — Wendy at 10 p.m. and Misty closer to midnight — each has earned the peace and quiet of a good night’s sleep. OL

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| ADVERTISING FEATURE |

OKOTOKS

Ford Lincoln New models speak for themselves

or an automotive salesperson, Okotoks Ford Lincoln general manager Rick Cherrington is a man of few words. Instead, he prefers to let the numbers do the talking. Numbers like 27 years in business in Okotoks. Numbers like more than 130 new vehicles on the lot plus about 800 total new vehicles readily available through the Wood Automotive Group. Numbers like F-150, the top selling truck in Canada for 50 — yes, 50! — years in a row. And, of course, when you’re talking new vehicle numbers, you can’t forget the small town pricing, factory incentives and ongoing deals on items like tires add considerably to the appeal. Numbers like the many major sponsorships given to local groups; including the Salvation Army, Okotoks Ag Society, Kids Sport, various sports groups and many other community associations, because owner Gerry Wood is a longtime Okotoks area resident. But there’s more to buying a car than just checking off a

Ken Brown, Rick Cherrington and Rory Wood of Okotoks Ford Lincoln.

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few numbers, and here again Cherrington defers to the experts, letting the vehicles speak for themselves. The brawny F-150 boasts military grade aluminum, a new power train and the highest trailer towing capacity in its class. You can feel the brute strength and almost see the muscles rippling under the skin. Yet the interior, with extended cab, is roomy and comfortable. Ford’s SUV family, meanwhile, virtually screams out ‘active lifestyle!’ With or without kids in tow, they combine functionality that is truly ingenious — multiple wi-fi outlets anyone? — with a versatility that makes them at home in the city, on the highway and even off-road. Whether you’re an Explorer, want to Escape, or like to live on the Edge, there’s a Ford SUV to fit everyone. Further down the show room, the reliable Fiesta is still the life of the party. “Look at me, good value never goes out of style.” Dressed up (Sedan) for a night on the town, or down (hatchback) for the weekend, the Fiesta gets you where you’re going with enough money left over to still have a good time. The family-friendly Fusion is a step up but still fuel-effiecient and priced in the low to mid $30,000s. At the end of the showroom, where the cool kids hang out, are the Lincolns. L is for Luxury, and it doesn’t matter whether it’s in the sportier MKX and MKZ SUVs, the Navigator, or the granddaddy of them all, the Continental, you arrive in class. Later this summer, a couple of new kids arrive on the block, the F-250 and F-550 Super Duty one ton pick-ups, with both expected to have a lot to say about truck sales. Check out all the Ford and Lincoln models online at www.okotoksford. com, follow on their new mobile app, or drop by the show room in person. Who knows, maybe a new car will speak to you. n

You can feel the brute strength and almost see the muscles rippling under the skin. Yet the interior, with extended cab, is roomy and comfortable.

what’s happening

events

Compiled by Estelle Park

june

Paint Nite at The Grand Central (49 Elizabeth Street) offers an opportunity to create a piece of art alongside an art instructor and a glass of wine. 7 – 9 p.m. Tickets: $45; register online at www. paintnite.com/events/1069317.html

Toddle Down to the Art Gallery invites parents to enjoy the exhibitions as their toddlers explore hands-on activities and art activities. Recommended for ages 1 – 5. Drop in: $5/ family. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Okotoks Art Gallery.

Love that Fiddle with Scott Woods and his band. 7 p.m at Highwood Memorial Centre (128 5th Ave W in High River). Tickets: on sale at Bob Snodgrass Rec Complex (228 12th Ave S.E. in High River), or online at 1-855-726-8896. Adults $25, children $10. Rotary Soap Box Derby at Crystal Ridge Dr. and Downey Rd. For info visit http://portal.clubrunner.ca/970. The Narrow Road Run – 5K Walk/Run & Kids Race at George Lane Memorial Park & Campground in High River. Schedule: 5K run at 9:15 a.m. 5K walk 9:20 a.m. 200M to 1000M Kids Races (Ages 2–12) 11 a.m. Cost $50; Register online at http://narrowroadhome.com/ the-narrow-road-run

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Turner Valley Discovery Day. For info visit www.turnervalley.ca

Black Diamond Parade 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Oilfields Regional Arena

National Health and Fitness Day – Free activities and events all day at the Okotoks Recreation Centre, Pason Centennial Arena and Crescent Point Regional Field House. Full details can be found at www.okotoks.ca/healthfitnessday

to 11 Environment Week. Watch for FREE activities every day around town. Check www.okotoks.ca/events for times and locations.

, July 13, August 10 Free Car Seat Safety Checks are offered by the Okotoks Fire Station at 132 Milligan Drive from 1 to 4 p.m.. No appointment necessary; just come with the child that uses the car seat.

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Seniors Week Tea from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Okotoks Recreation Centre in the Curling Rink. All seniors are invited to join the celebration and enjoy a complimentary light lunch and refreshments as well as live entertainment. Lots of door prizes to be won! Lemonade Day. For more information see story page 11 or visit okotoks.lemonadeday.org Bring your family and a picnic and enjoy some fun activities at Picnic in the Park with Artist, Jennifer Stables at Okotoks Art Gallery. Noon to 1:30 p.m. Free.

Millarville “Run to the Farmer’s Market” Half-Marathon begins at 7:30 a.m. and includes a 21.1K half-marathon, a two-person half-marathon relay, and COBS Cinnamon Bun Run 8-Miler (12.8K). Starts in Black Diamond and ends at the Millarville Racetrack. Register online at millarvillehalfmarathon.com.

to October 8 Farmer’s Market at the Millarville Racetrack is open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. $3/car. For info visit www.millarvilleracetrack.com

Spirit of Okotoks: Parade Day and Children’s Festival features a pancake breakfast (8 – 10 a.m. at 27 McCrae Street), a parade (begins at 11 a.m. downtown Okotoks), and the Children’s Festival (noon – 3 p.m. at Ethel Tucker

Park). Pancake breakfast is by donation with a suggested donation of $10/family or $5/person.

Picnic at the Piano free, hour-long concert at Olde Towne Plaza at noon with Sheldon Zandboer.

to August 5 “Clock plaza” thursday fitness. Come be part of the energy Thursday nights, June 23 – August 25. Activities offered include: Yoga, Booty Barre, Zumba, Bootcamp, Pound, HIIT, PiYo, Bellyfit, Kickboxing, etc with the help of some awesome local fitness instructors. Participation is Free, donations for the Heart and Stroke Foundation are greatly appreciated (tax receipts provided for donations over $15). Bring a yoga mat or towel, running shoes, water and your friends each week. Weather dependent, please contact Okotoks.ca (for alternative indoor location.) 6:15 – 6:45 p.m. is “Family” Fitness (All ages). 7 – 7:55 p.m. adults. Registration opens 15 minutes before class. For info contact Tamara at 403.607.9574 or Okotoks.ca

Okotoks Buskersfest takes place in downtown Okotoks from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Watch performers or participate by registering for free starting from 11 a.m. Market Square street market with over 100 vendors. Prizes: $300 for 1st place, $200 for 2nd, and $100 for 3rd.

Okotoks & Area Health Show at Foothills Centennial Centre 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For information visit www.eventbrite.ca/e/okotoks-foothillshealth-show-tickets-24417825373

, July 25, August 22 La Leche League (LLL) is an international support group that helps mothers to learn, celebrate, and share their breastfeeding experiences. Meetings: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Okotoks Public Library. Free.

events

For information on Town of Okotoks events contact: Janette Messer, Manager of Programs & Events 403-938-8955 or jmesser@okotoks.ca or visit www.okotoks.ca/events For full Okotoks Culture and Heritage events listings visit www.okotoksculture.ca

july

Canada Day Multi-Cultural Celebrations will take place outside of the Okotoks Recreation Centre and will feature multicultural entertainment and games and crafts. The Okotoks Recreation Centre is also hosting a free family aquafit class (10 – 10:45 a.m.), and two free public swims (11 a.m. – 1 p.m. & 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.) At 7:05 p.m. the Okotoks Dawgs will play against the Brooks Bombers at Seaman Stadium with fireworks after the game.

Bikes and Bombers at Bomber Command Museum in Nanton. Lancaster Merlin engine run at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. For more information visit www.bombercommandmuseum.ca/eventschedule.html.

Teddy Bear Picnic – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Okotoks Recreation Centre in the Murray Arena. This free community event is for children ages 2–10, their parents (and their favorite stuffed animal!). Bring a picnic or buy lunch on site. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Millarville Races annual Canada Day festivities starting at noon. For details visit www.millarvilleracetrack.com

Town of Black Diamond Canada Day celebrations. 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Scott Seaman Sports Rink.

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Turner Valley Triathlon. For information visit www.turnervalley.ca

, July 14, July 21, July 28, August 4, August 11, August 18, August 25 Art on the Lawn See story on page 15.

Turner Valley Legion annual family Stampede pancake breakfast. For info visit www.rcl78.com

Picnic at the Piano Sing-along with Kenna Burima: Come to the Olde Towne Plaza at noon for a free, hour-long sing-a-long. to 24 Millarville Rodeo features local arts & culture, live music, family fun, and a beer garden. Check back for more info at www.millarvilleracetrack. com/millarville-events/rodeo. Tickets: Adults $15; Children $5. Singer Drew Gregory will also be performing Saturday night at the cabaret at 8 p.m. Tickets $15 per person, no minors.

to 24, July 29 to 31 Dewdney Players present “The Trial of the Big Bad Wolf,” a kid-friendly 1950’s style rock ‘n’ roll play. Admission by donation.

Takes place at Okotoks Olde Towne Plaza at 7:30 p.m., and at 2 p.m. on July 23 and July 30.

Flower Festival. Area residents will decorate Millarville’s Christ Church and grounds with bouquets, flowerpots and hanging baskets filled with flowers collected from their yards, fields and gardens for the 52nd annual flower festival on July 23 and 24.

Taste of Okotoks. Purchase sampler tickets and try a variety of food, shop at a full artisan market with over 100 vendors, and listen to live music. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in downtown Okotoks.

to August 1 The Annual Nanton Round Up Days is fun-filled weekend packed with events for the entire family. This year the Canadian High School Rodeo Finals will be hosted in Nanton during Round Up Days! The event takes place on July 28 — 30. For more details, visit www.nantonagsociety. com. There is the Annual Parade, Children’s Festival, Chili Cook Off, Fireworks and more. For details visit www.nanton. ca/Calendar.aspx.

ongoing May until June 18. ‘If You Wander Far Enough’ by Jessica Plattner explores the relationship between human activity and the natural world. Exhibit is at RPAC. Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May until June 18. ‘Continuous’ by Monique Martin looks at the interplay between humans and small creatures. The exhibit is at RPAC. Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m to 5 p.m. May until June 30. Alberta and the Great War exhibit at OMA explores the ways in

which WWI affected and changed Alberta. Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. May until November 30, 2018. ‘Okotoks and World War I’ exhibit is at the Okotoks Museum and Archives, Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. May until August 31. ‘Just Wait Five Minutes… or 15,000 Years’ examines the weather’s impact on Okotoks and its people. The exhibit is at the Okotoks Museum and Archives. Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free.

May until October 29. The ‘Lost Okotoks’ exhibit at RPAC commemorates the businesses that have disappeared over time from Okotoks’ landscape. Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. June 25 – September 3 Okotoks Art Gallery exhibit: Prairie Princes: A Celebration of the Grain Elevator by Jason Carter. Opening reception June 25 from 1 – 3 p.m.

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events

august

Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer comes through southern Alberta, with Okotoks as its main camp. For information on the event and shuttle bus service to the event start line visit www.ab16. conquercancer.ca/ site/PageServer?pagename=ab16_ event_schedule

and14 Okotoks Show and Shine, Poker Run and Cruize on August 13, Show and Shine August 14, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., downtown Okotoks, free. Website: www.okotoksshowandshine.com

Enjoy a three-course meal at Bistro 1882 and a special edition of the Okotoks Ghost Walk at the Okotoks Museum and Archives during A Cultural Ghostly Night Out. Tickets are $125+GST for dinner and a tour for two at www. eventbrite.ca. Dinner at 7:30 p.m., tour at 9 p.m.

and 20 Bomber Command Museum 30th Annversary celebration. Lancaster Merlin engine run Friday at 10 p.m. and Saturday TBA. For more information visit www.bombercommandmuseum.ca/eventschedule.html

to 21 The 109th Priddis & Millarville Fair presents over 500 exhibitors, livestock classes, demonstrations, and historical fair events

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(such as a pie eating contest). It also features many kids events and a petting zoo. Check back for more info see www.millarvilleracetrack.com/millarville-events/fair

Picnic at the Piano Children’s Concert with Natasha Sayer: Come to the Olde Towne Plaza at noon for a free, hour-long children’s concert. Bring a blanket and lunch and have a picnic.

Okotoks Chili Fest offers a Chili Tasting at downtown Okotoks (Elk Ave and Elizabeth Street) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for $5 each. Enjoy live entertainment and a street market and vote for your favourite chili. Or, register your own team into the Chili Fest Cook Off by contacting Sian Anderson at dmgchilicookoff@gmail.com or 403-690-9520.

to 28 Okotoks Pro Rodeo tickets at Okotoks Pro Ticket Hotline 403938-1518 (after July 1st, 2015), or in person at the Rodeo Ticket Office located across from the Information Desk of the Okotoks Recreation Centre starting in August 2015. For hours and ticket prices visit www.okotoksprorodeo.com

to 28 Composing Art Exhibition & Sale presents an exhibition of fine art showcasing the original works of Alberta’s artists at Foothills Centennial Centre. Artists will be in attendance. Friday: 1 – 7 p.m., Saturday: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday: 1 – 7 p.m. Free admission. Check for participating artists at www.composingart.ca.

Foothills Highland Games 7 a.m. – 5 p.m., at Foothills Composite High School, Okotoks. Website: www.foothillshighlandgames.com/

Okotoks Art Council presents Zooom Student Video Festival, which offers 11 – 18 year olds who live in the Foothills area a chance to win $1000 by telling a storyline in 3 – 5 minutes. Find out more at okotoksartcouncil.ca or zooom.ca.

Fall Parade of Programs. 6 p.m. – 8:30 pm, Okotoks Recreation Centre. Local organizations, clubs and businesses will be on hand to provide information on all sorts of sports and activities available in Okotoks — from sports programs and leagues; to dance, drama and art classes; to scouts and guides.

sustainability

Cash for trash Foothills Salvage and Recycling Society raises money for charities

BY JIM ZANG

hey say one person’s trash is another person’s treasure, and that’s especially true in Okotoks thanks to the Foothills Salvage and Recycling Society

(FSRS). Not only do they have a positive impact on the environment, keeping lots of re-usable items from ending up in the landfill, but they also operate as a non-profit organization, donating cash to various other local non-profits and charities. “We gave out $148,000 in 2015,” says FSRS manager Candice Dupre. “$70,000 to various organizations who applied for funding, $40,000 to volunteers through a special program that lets them earn money for their charities in return for hours worked, and $30,000 to the foodbanks at Christmas.” The Salvage Centre, re-launched in December 2012 and located in an 8,000-square-foot building adjacent to the landfill, just off Highway 783 south of Okotoks, is “one of a kind in North America” in that it exists to keep items out of the landfill. And it seems to be working. In fact, over the past year, she says, they’ve sold about $600,000 worth of goods that otherwise would have gone in the garbage. “When you consider the price that items go for at the centre, twoonies and loonies, that’s a lot of

Candice Dupre (far right) and the gang at the FSRS.

useable items that didn’t go to the landfill.” With just nine paid staff, FSRS depends on more than 30 regular volunteers to help sort, clean and manage the huge volume of donations. They accept clean clothes, small appliances, furniture, bikes, toys, home electronics, plumbing fixtures, cabinets and various household tools and gadgets; just about anything that’s in good working condition, other than large appliances such as fridges, freezers, stoves and washer/dryers which are just too large to deal with. You can get a decent couch for $50 or $60. About a quarter of their donations are clothing, says Dupre, a quarter furniture, plus a lot of household electronic goods and building materials. Even some sporting goods. It’s an idea, she says, that could work at any landfill. The Salvage Centre is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.. They are closed the first Wednesday of every month to reorganize stock. For more information about donating, to volunteer with FSRS, or to inquire about becoming a funding recipient, visit fsrsonline.com or call 403-648-3764. OL

PAST FUNDING APPLICANTS • Boys N Girls Clubs

• Literacy for Life

• Foothills Hospice Society Aim Society • Foothills Composite Music Program • Eden Valley Sports Association • Healthy Moms Healthy Babies • Okotoks Food Bank

• Okotoks Family resource center • Calgary Drop in Center

• Foothills Composite Main stage • FCIS Immigrant Services

• High River Gospel Church • ALS Society Big Brothers

• High Country Sports Facility

• High River Family Resource Center  • Diabetes Association

• Youth With a Mission

• Pound Rescue

• Salvation Army

• Foothills Lyons Club - Eye Glasses and Foothills Spray Park • Big Sisters

• SNAPS

• St Vincent DePaul

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you said it

Who is your favourite singer/musician?

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BY ISABEL RODRIGUEZ

I would say my favourite musician is Michael W. Smith. You know what, I love his musicality, his creativity, and the message in his songs.” Glenn Nudd

“ “

Prince. He’s like Michael Jackson, and I think that he’s really changed music.”

“

We listen to a lot of Raffi at home. He’s catchy.” Jonas and Liam

One of mine is Josh Turner. He’s country, and he’s got really good moral lyrics about living life and making good choices.” Quinn Davis

I’ve been listening to Adele lately. I love how powerful her voice is.” Brianna Loven

“

If I had to choose, I’d have to say Maynard Ferguson. I just like jazz, and he does great things. I mean, I like fast, upbeat songs too, but it’s the “slow stuff” of jazz that strikes me somewhere.” Jacky Tran

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Jenni Bailey

“

Jen Emard

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Jane Sieberry. She does small venues — she’ll even come to your house. Very intimate. Kids can even get into her shows for free if they write a poem. She’ll make a collection of them and release it someday. I first saw her in Vancouver, and she played in a church. It was magical.”

“

I would probably have to pick the Beastie Boys. I think they were one of the first bands that made me excited about listening to my own music. Before that, I would just listen to my parents’ music. They’re iconic, and have lots of political thought behind their songs.” Lynn Newfeld