Okotoks Living - Fall 2016 by Source Media Group

contents FALL 2016 | VOLUME 7 ISSUE 30

51 26

culture | history

people

Time machine Olde Towne landmark honours town’s history

Good neighbours David and JoAnn Gilbert proof community support flows both ways

15 17

business

Play it again, Okotoks Community piano adds element of ‘cool’ to downtown

Check-up time Pulse of Okotoks’ medical community is beating strong

sports

Cover photo courtesy Yvonne Cox

Ready to rock Pinty’s Grand Slam brings top names in world curling

23 17

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18 homes

you said it…

Laws of attraction MLS listings outpacing new home starts

What is your favourite Halloween costume?

items

Clear days, starry nights Green Haven Estates proudly different from other communities

sustainability

Bee story Town all abuzz thanks to bee-friendly plants

a day in the life

08 Editor’s Message 10 Town of Okotoks Message 11 Around Town 47 Events 52 Map

@OkotoksLiving OkotoksLiving

Behind the mask Makeup effects artist Yvonne Cox a hot commodity in Hollywood

community

Dear Okotoks

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editor’s note

Summer of love

PUBLISHER |

FOR MY WIFE Karla and I, this has been the summer of weddings.

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info@sourcemediagroup.ca

My nephew Dave married Kyla in June; Karla’s cousin’s daughter, Breanna, got married in July; our friends George and Laura had their 35th wedding anniversary party July 30; our son’s friend Sean Hughes married Amy August 6; our son Corey married Pam August 20; and my daughter Shelby is marrying her fiancé, Mike Williams, at RPAC on September 10. My own anniversary, which I celebrated with a steak at Heartland Café (Karla had the pecan chicken), was August 29. Yup, it’s been 29 years on the 29th.

A S S O C I AT E P U B L I S H E R / E D I T O R |

ART DIRECTOR |

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jean.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca GR APHIC DESIGNER |

Dave Macaulay

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So it’s only fitting that we have an old-fashioned love

Jim Zang

jim.zang@sourcemediagroup.ca

Vivian Zhang

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story, and an Okotoks one at that, as our main People

P R O D U C T I O N C O - O R D I N AT O R |

feature this edition. David and JoAnn Gilbert actually

Colleen Leier

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met in grade one at Percy Pegler Elementary. It wasn’t

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Andrea Glowatsky

love at first sight, more like “Yuk, a boy”, and “Oooh, girl

andrea.glowatsky@sourcemediagroup.ca

fleas!”, but over the course of 12 years of school they

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

there’s a tragedy in the middle and they live happily ever after in the end. If they ever make a movie called

Robertson

accounting@sourcemediagroup.ca

grew on each other. And, like every classic love story,

EDITORIAL

Karla and Jim Zang

Okotoks Love Story, this is it. Read it on page 18, but you might want to keep the tissues handy. I know I got a little misty doing the interview. Another touching story actually comes to us in the form of a letter written by Rachel Swendseid (nee Hoffman) to her BFF (best friend forever), the town of Okotoks. Rachel grew up here and, after a short time away, has now moved back with her own family, hoping to give her children everything Okotoks gave her. And speaking of Okotokians who have come home to roost, how about doctors Grant Hill and Troy McKibbon? They’re just two of the medical professionals we talk to in our Business feature as we check up (check up, get it?) on the growth of

Lana Armitage, Amanda Brown, Alyssa Burnham, Suzanne Hale, David Shepherd, Rachel Swendseid, Erika Taylor PHOTOGRAPHY

Lana Armitage, Andrea Kirk, Dave Macaulay, Isabel Rodriguez, Allison Seto TOWN OF OKOTOKS LIAISON

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Media Classified, Town of Okotoks, Okotoks Welcome Wagon, Source Media Group, Yellow Pages Group

Okotoks medical infrastructure. Because it’s not just new roads and bridges, Olde Towne Square clocks (story page 15), or public pianos (story page 17), that a town needs to improve as it grows — you’ve got to look after the people too. And Okotoks looks after its peeps in a number of different ways; from sustainability initiatives like planting bee-friendly flowers (page 39), to hosting national events like the Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling (page 26), to the numerous events happening in and around town each and every month (see list beginning on page 47). Of course another thing that makes Okotoks such a great place to live is the selection of family-friendly communities and new and pre-owned homes. We take a quick look at how the local market is shaping up and then take the short drive up the hill to Green Haven Estates where Westridge Fine Homes has a couple of homes slated to be ready for viewing later this fall. And last but not least, because this is the edition that covers Halloween, our cover story on Okotoks resident and Hollywood makeup artist Yvonne Cox. It’s a howling good read!

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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 :

Source Media Group. 6109 – 6th Street S.E. Calgary, AB T2H 1L9 tel 403.532.3101 fax 403.532.3109 toll free 1.888.932.3101 www.sourcemediagroup.ca

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.

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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, take part in exciting fall activities around town such as the Harvest and Blues Festival on September 23 and 24, Alberta Culture Days from September 30 to October 2 and the Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling Masters from October 25 to October 30! Be sure to check out the events page of this publication for more information or visit our website events calendar at www.okotoks.ca/events. In the spirit of starting fresh for fall, we will begin offering enhanced waste services. Universal recycling (blue cart) and organics (green cart) collection will begin on October 3, 2016. Green carts will be delivered to all single-family homes in late September. All food waste will be accepted in the green cart for weekly collection May to October and bi-weekly November to April. Blue carts will also be delivered to all single-family homes that do not have them for recycling collection. Residents that currently have a blue cart subscription (nearly 70 per cent of households!) will have no interruption to their pick-up service. Garbage (black cart) collection will remain the same. For more enhanced waste services information, please visit www.okotoks.ca/rollout. Try downloading the Okotoks Waste app which allows you to have instant access to organics, recycling and garbage information. You can find out collection schedules, what goes in which cart, weekly notifications, service alerts as well as use the search feature to learn where to recycle products that do not go into the blue cart. The Town also offers the Cut ‘n Call collection program for leaves, grass & branches and residents can continue to self-haul their yard waste to the designated drop-off area adjacent to the Okotoks Bottle Depot. As you gear up for fall, we encourage you to sign up for our emergency alert system, the Safe Communities Alert Network, so you can receive alerts when there is an emergency such as a flood, tornado, fire, etc. This system is intended to keep you informed with official, reliable information before, during and after any local emergency event. For more information, please visit www.okotoks.ca/safe. 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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around town with Jim Zang Send your Around Town news to okotoks.editor@sourcemediagroup.ca

Literary legacy

Pathfinders

ay back in 2007, when Okotoks Living was still just an idea, the first phone call I made was to Shane Olson in the Town’s Economic Development Office. “It’s about time Okotoks had its own lifestyle magazine,” I told him, “like Avenue in Calgary.” I had recently worked at RedPoint Media, publishers of Avenue magazine. “We’ll talk about everything that’s great about living in Okotoks, and give Okotoks businesses another marketing vehicle with which to target their customers,” I said. “We’ll even distribute some in Calgary to help drive consumers to Okotoks businesses.” Being the person tasked with growing Okotoks’ economic base, and a smart cookie, Shane saw the benefits to the community immediately and he and I set to work, together, coming up with an editorial line-up that would focus on everything important to people living in Okotoks — things like history, culture, community, recreation, sustainability, homes and, of course, people. Now, after nine years of being an invaluable resource for the magazine and approximately 10 years with the Town of Okotoks, Shane has taken his business development savvy — plus his wife Ana and their two children — and moved on to new opportunities as part of the economic development team with Strathcona County, which includes the city of Sherwood Park. Thank you, Shane, for your contributions to both Okotoks Living and to the town itself. Your knowledge, passion and commitment will be missed.

he Okotoks 1st Pathfinders patrol spent July 9 – 17 at Camp Woods in Sylvan Lake as participants at the National Girl Guiding Camp with international attendance called Guiding Mosaic. This was the 13th National Camp for Girl Guides of Canada Guiding Mosaic 2016 had 13 villages named after peaks and ridges of the Alberta Canadian Rockies with Roche Bonhomme Village our Okotoks gals’ home away from home. Approximately 2,800 girl guides, leaders and volunteers from 14 countries around the world attended, including troops from as far away as Peru, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Nigeria, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, England, the U.S. and, of course, Canada. Eight Pathfinders and two Guiders from the 1st Okotoks Pathfinders (known as 84th Alberta Patrol for the camp) had a great time (despite the rain). Along with all the daily camp activities, the patrol attended the Red Deer Animal Shelter (SPCA) as part of our service project and also spent a day at West Edmonton Mall.

Hail to the chief

he Town of Okotoks welcomes Elaine Vincent as new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) starting September 1. Elaine comes to town from the City of Red Deer, where she has worked in several senior roles including utilities, public works, engineering, financial, legal and legislative services. In Okotoks, she will be tasked with overseeing all Town staff as well as working with the Mayor and Council on a variety of Town matters.

For her part, Elaine is thrilled to be coming to a Town with such positive prospects for the future, both in terms of growth and, especially, a commitment to sustainability. “I am excited to move to Okotoks with my family,” she says, “as it is an attractive community with many amenities. I also look forward to working collaboratively with Council, staff and the community to maintain and enhance the quality of life.”

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around town

Bibles for Missions

uly 15 was the official ground breaking ceremony for the new Okotoks Bibles for Missions building at 212 Stockton Ave. The new 17,400-square-foot location will be exactly three times larger than the current facility, allowing for both more receiving and retail space. The building is being built by Eagle Builders from Blackfalds, Alberta. “We’re hoping to get possession later this year,” says store manager Dale Attrill, “and move in early next year. We’ll be open all through the move.” Okotoks is just one of 50 Bibles For Mission Foundation Canada locations that helped donate a total of more than $8 million to worthy causes in 2015. “About $190,000 came through us,” says Attrill, noting they’ve raised about $1.2 million in Okotoks over the past seven years. “And it’s not just Bibles,” he says, “it’s also things like literacy programs and working with at risk youth.” The current Okotoks Bibles for Missions (BFM) Thrift Store opened its doors on November 14, 2009, selling donated items to help provide the Bible League Canada with funds for Bibles and

From left to right, Sharon Brandsma (Bibles for Missions Foundation of Canada Western Canadian director of store development), Robin Thomas (Bible League Canada area director for Alberta and Saskatchewan), Dale Attrill (store manager), Scott Milne, Verna Thomas, Theo Grier, Highwood MLA Wayne Anderson and Steve Schaufele (chair of the Okotoks Bibles For Missions board)

training materials. BFM also provides assistance to those in need in the community through several local charities and offers fellowship and prayer opportunities for customers and volunteers. The store is staffed entirely by volunteers with the exception of the store manager and assistant manager.

Chamber of the Year

he Alberta Chambers of Commerce AGM was held in Red Deer in late May and our very own Okotoks Chamber of Commerce was awarded the Chamber of the Year award for medium sized chambers. To anyone involved with the local chamber, it really shouldn’t come as any surprise. Chamber president Andrew Gustafson is quick to give credit where it’s due. “We are all obviously very proud of the accomplishment,” he says, going on to thank the current board, recent past board members, staff and the Town’s Economic Development team for their contributions. Andrew singles out past president Amber Chapman for special mention. “Under Amber’s leadership starting in 2014 we learned of the many ways Chambers are impacting their communities around the country in very meaningful ways. She introduced us to a whole new level of opportunity to be

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relevant in a changing economic reality. Therefore, as you know, we underwent strategy changes to venture into those expanded rolls, and we’ve obviously made ourselves noticed throughout the province for the impact we’re starting to make through those initiatives. We’re proud of our connection to the Town, of the growth in our membership, our ability to engage in important conversations at all three levels of government, of the many volunteer hours we’ve accumulated and continue to see from our many dedicated stakeholders, of the events we do every year, and of the amazing staff we have.” Of course the Chamber’s biggest event of the year is the annual Trade & Lifestyle Show, but their next two biggest events are right around the corner: the golf tournament at Crystal Ridge on September 14, and the Annual Business Excellence Awards Gala on October 20. The just for fun

golf tourney features pre-game golf clinics, putting contest, nine holes of golf, a tenth hole ‘mixer’, steak dinner, a silent auction and, of course, lots of prizes. Meanwhile, the Business Awards, a somewhat more formal event, will see recognition given in eight different categories this year: Business of the Year (large and small), New Business of the Year, Business Person of the Year, Outstanding Customer Service Andrew Gustafson (team and individual), Employee Relations, Social Profit, and Environmental Responsibility. To sign up for golf, or to nominate a business for an award, visit the website at okotokschamber.ca

around town

We’re On-It

he Calgary Regional Partnership will launch the On-It Regional Transit System through a pilot service over two years, within Calgary’s sub-regions: High River, Black Diamond, Turner Valley and Okotoks. The service will head to the Somerset Bridlewood LRT Station in Calgary every morning, with return trips in the evening. Buses will run approximately every 30 – 35 minutes from Okotoks (departing from the south and north Park and ride muster points) making four trips in the morning and four in the afternoon to and from Okotoks and up to an hour intervals from the other municipalities. The CRP’s two-year transit pilot project beginning this fall will provide DEPARTURE LOCATION regional transit service. Initially, this project is geared towards the working Black Diamond commuter in Calgary’s southern Turner Valley regions. Black Diamond If the pilot is successful, CRP would Turner Valley look to expand service and grow to Okotoks include even more of the region. For Okotoks residents it’s a real winSomerset/Bridlewood LRT win-win situation: by partnering with other municipalities the cost of such a High River service becomes more acceptable, town residents have a reliable transportation Okotoks alternative, and — important to the

Town of Okotoks especially — it helps to achieve sustainability goals by potentially reducing the number of cars on the road. “I’m very excited that this is going forward,” says Okotoks Mayor Bill Robertson. CRP has an agreement with Southland Transportation to provide coach buses and operators through a private/public partnership and contract. They will be full sized refursbished coach style buses, with 55 passenger seating capacity and equipped with washrooms. Four will be in service and one spare on hand for emergencies.

PROPOSED FEES ARRIVAL LOCATION

ONE WAY FARE

MONTHLY PASS

Okotoks

N/A

Somerset/Bridlewood LRT

$170

Somerset/Bridlewood LRT

$155

Okotoks

$155

Okotoks or Calgary

$170

Okotoks

N/A

Nous sommes Canadien

tudents and staff at Ecole Good Shepherd School attempted a new world record for the largest human maple leaf on May 18. It all started as the brainchild of former school French Monitor Leonie Gagnon. Tasked with infusing some genuine French culture into the school, working with both students and teachers, Gagnon, who has since returned to her home province of Quebec, noticed that the Guinness Book of World Records credited the largest human maple leaf to a group in, of all places, Japan. She also noted that they achieved their record with only around 400 people — which is when the little lightbulb went on in her head. The maple leaf is OUR flag, after all, and, combined with the 25th anniversary of the school, it seemed like a great way to celebrate by doing something the entire school could participate in. An official application was made to the Guinness Book of World Records, a stringent list of rules was provided and followed, including having eight independent witnesses, and then 970 students, staff, parents and volunteers donned their red t-shirts and took their place in history. And, while the official word isn’t yet back from the folks at Guinness, it’s something the kids will definitely remember for a while. “It was a real big day for us,” says vice-principal Jacealyn Hempel. “The kids talked about it for weeks before and after.” OL

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history | culture

Time machine Olde Towne landmark honours town’s history BY SUZANNE HALE

hat better monument for Okotoks residents to celebrate the passage of time than a grand timepiece erected in the heart of Olde Towne Plaza? Setting out to secure an apropos memento in honour of our town’s 100th anniversary, a group of Town of Okotoks employees devised and executed a plan to offer the gift of time — from Okotoks residents, to Okotoks residents. Locating an enduring landmark to enhance the downtown landscape was the group’s goal. “We wanted something meaningful to recognize our centennial,” says group member Marg Cox. “The group knew that whatever we ordered, it should be something classy — something simple,” Cox says. In a year recognizing 100 years of Okotoks history, a monument that would continue to mark the passage of time seemed apt. With Town Council’s approval and after much research, the group located Paul Gregoire Ltee., a Quebec supplier who had previously worked in Alberta. The group that was so eager to witness the clock’s arrival ended up missing the delivery. “We came in to work one Monday morning, and there it was sitting at the door to the rec center,” Cox laughs. Though time waits for no one, Okotoks found itself waiting for time as the downtown plaza was then in the construction phase, and would not be ready for the clock’s installation until 2005.

Subsequent to the clock’s installation, it was christened the Linda Boychuk Meeting Place, honouring respected and beloved Okotoks resident, Town Council member and volunteer Linda Boychuk, who passed away in 2010. Adding to the historic nature of the clock’s framework are photo depictions of several Okotoks sites, circa early 1900s. “It symbolizes connections to our heritage, and keeps us mindful of the present,” states the dedication plaque; its words resonating with the concept behind its purchase. “We think it is representative of our community,” Cox says, her words in turn echoing the sentiments of Okotoks residents. “We are just exceptionally proud of it.” OL

In a year recognizing 100 years of Okotoks history, a monument that would continue to mark the passage of time seemed apt. Photo by Andrea Kirk FALL 20 1 6 O KOTO KS LIVI N G

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history | culture

Play it again, Okotoks Community piano adds element of ‘cool’ to downtown WRITTEN BY JIM ZANG

PHOTOS BY LANA ARMITAGE

fter spending the winter in storage, the brightly painted public piano returned to the Okotoks plaza for another season with a grand unveiling at the Olde Towne Plaza on May 25. Earlier this year, the Town of Okotoks ran a Paint the Piano contest and a jury awarded the opportunity to local artist Danzel Carrasco. Carrasco’s colourful design is innovative, reflects the welcoming nature of the community, and literally invites peolple to ‘come play’ the piano. The winning Paint the Piano design was unveiled jointly by Carrasco; Okotoks Mayor Bill Robertson, Culture and Heritage Manager, Allan Boss; Art Gieck, who donated the piano; and Okotoks Arts Council president, Linda McCallum. “Outdoor pianos help people connect to their community through music and placemaking,” said Boss, who led the piano installation initiative and contest. “People want to hang out in great places and the piano helps the plaza be one of them.” Public pianos have been appearing in other communities in recent years, and Boss felt it would be a great addition to Okotoks.“The plaza is a great gathering place downtown — since the installation we’ve seen the piano help people enjoy the space even more.” The piano, a joint initiative between the Town of Okotoks Culture &

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People want to hang out in great places and the piano helps the plaza be one of them.

Heritage and the Okotoks Arts Council, will be located at the Olde Towne Plaza from May 25 through October 2 and available for the public to play. The design reveal was followed by a live music concert by Marc Houde, who presently works as a music therapist at the Alberta Children’s Hospital and teaches Suzuki Piano at the Mount Royal University Conservatory. It was the first of four free lunchtime summer concerts at the plaza, as part of the Picnic at the Piano concert series. The final Picnic at the Piano concerts is scheduled for Sunday, October 2nd during Alberta Culture Days. Then the piano goes back in storage for the winter. For more information on the Picnic at the Piano concert series visit www.okotoksculture.ca. OL

The newly-painted piano is unveild, May 25.

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people

Good neighbours WRITTEN BY JIM ZANG

PHOTOS BY LANA ARMITAGE

OR DAVID AND JoAnn Gilbert, life was the stuff fairy tales are made of. Both were born in Calgary, in 1973, and grew up in Okotoks. They first met in grade one, and knew of each other throughout their school lives. “We didn’t really date in high school,” says Dave of their time at Foothills Composite. “We knew each other,” says JoAnn, “but he didn’t really do anything but play sports.” And work at his dad’s store, of course, the Okotoks IGA. “My dad was always in the grocery business,” says Dave. “He and his business partner started their first store in Okotoks in 1974. My mom used to work in the library at the Big Rock school, but in 1992 she came to work with dad at the Garden Market IGA too.” Indeed, the grocery business seems to be in the family blood. Dave’s very first job as a young boy was peeling onions and bagging oranges in the downtown IGA. During his high school years he spent summers working for Jack and Keri Imler on their cattle and grain farm east of Okotoks. After graduating in 1991 he went to work right away for his parents in their store located where Staples currently is. In 2001 he became a partner in his parents’ store, and in February 2004 he took Sobeys up on an opportunity to open a store on the present site. “It was a good move for us, for sure,” says Dave. “The first few years, as with any business, were tough. But as the community grew we’ve continued to get support.” Unlike Dave, JoAnn wasn’t born into the business. Her dad was a race car driver and is now a master mechanic. Her mom was in nursing and is now a support worker with the Foothills Advocacy in Motion Society (FAIM). JoAnn’s first job, “other than my parents paying

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people

David and JoAnn Gilbert proof community support flows both ways

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David and JoAnn, Grade 1 at Percy Pegler 1978/79. Engagement portrait. Wedding photo in the store.

us to pick up cigarette butts outside, just to keep us busy,” she laughs, “was probably babysitting.” She also worked at the HiHO gas station, and took some post secondary courses in accounting and marketing, working in the oil and gas industry before eventually joining Dave at the store, mostly as a cashier and in the office. Both sets of parents, now grandparents, still live in town, as does JoAnn’s older sister and both Dave’s younger sisters (one of whom works part time at Sobeys) and their families. JoAnn also has a younger brother who lives nearby in Calgary. Growing up, summers were spent with family, camping, riding dirt bikes and fishing for Dave; travelling to Manitoba to stay at her grandparent’s lakeside cottage for JoAnn. “We had a cottage up at Buffalo Lake, by Stettler,” says Dave. “So we had lots of family up there.” Married now for 13 years, both Dave and JoAnn feel blessed to have grown up in Okotoks, to still be part of the community

— they live in Cimarron — and most especially to be able to raise their two boys, Raymond, 11, and Jack, 10, here. Not to mention the latest addition to the family, Fergus the labradoodle. “We’re so fortunate to be able to live, work and raise our kids here with family so close,” says Dave of life in his hometown. “We know so many great people, friends, co-workers, volunteers …” “Even though it’s growing, Okotoks still feels like a community,” says JoAnn. “Everything’s here now, so there’s less and less reason to ever leave town. And you have to absolutely love the river valley location.” Then, one day in August 2011, five years ago, in an instant, everything changed forever. “Even now,” says Dave. “It happened so fast it’s hard to remember.” Heading south on Highway 22 with travel trailer in tow, their vehicle was T-boned from the side at full highway speed. The impact dislodged the fifth-wheel from the truck, which rolled. Jack, just five at the time, was thrown from the vehicle, even though in a booster seat, and miraculously avoided serious injury. Raymond’s seat held. Dave somehow avoided serious injury but JoAnn, who took the worst of the impact, suffered serious multiple injuries. A group of motorcyclists just heading out of Longview happened by minutes later, one of whom just happened to be

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“And the Lions Club who just gave us a scooter for JoAnn to keep as long as she needed.” As overwhelmed as they still are at the outpouring of support, they shouldn’t be surprised. Okotoks has always taken care of its own. And, if the old saying is true that you get out of something what you put into it, then Dave and JoAnn are definitely deserving. For years they’ve been quietly doing their thing in the community; coaching hockey teams, supporting local business and events, and giving generously to groups like the Okotoks Food Bank. Not for any kind of recognition, but because that’s just what good Okotoks neighbours do. These days, when he’s not at work, most of Dave’s time is spent with family, either coaching or driving the boys around. He plays the odd game of golf and would like to teach the boys to fly fish. When she’s not playing the other half of the chauffeur team, JoAnn likes to putter around the yard. “Planting and pruning,” she says, adding with a chuckle, “not weeding!” Meanwhile, back at the store, training the next generation is already underway. Raymond and Jack have each been given a short shopping list and sent to gather their items while Dave and JoAnn do this interview. It’s probably not what they’d prefer to be doing on this summer Friday afternoon but, after all, it’s in the blood. OL

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a doctor. Emergency services were called and, as fate would have it, an empty ambulance just happened to be on the road nearby, enroute from a patient transfer. While traffic was upheld due to the accident scene Dave’s sister, who was just an hour behind them, held up in traffic because of something — she didn’t yet know what — got word of what was going on and the RCMP let her through so she could assist Dave and his family. She rode in an ambulance with one of the boys, says Dave, who also got an ambulance ride that day. The boys were okay. STARS air ambulance was called for JoAnn, who was not. A passenger in the other vehicle died. “With regards to my breaks,” she recalls matter-of-factly, “two legs, two arms, right wrist, left ankle, neck, collapsed right lung, tracheotomy. From the impact, ruptured bowels. The first surgery was so I didn’t become septic, followed by neck surgery, then a team of surgeons on each limb. Outpatient surgery to remove broken glass that was still inside my right side.” She was in a coma for nearly 10 weeks due to the traumatic brain injury. “My first memories were right before Halloween. I would normally make their costumes, but Janeil McFarlane helped get the boys the costumes that they wanted to be. I missed Jack’s first ever day of school and John and Louise Barlow made me a beautiful iBook to keep those memories.” JoAnn was in Foothills Hospital in Calgary for six months recovering and rehabilitating. Everyday tasks like walking, talking and eating had to be re-learned. People’s names didn’t come easily. “One day,” she says, “I just gave up my wheelchair and moved to a walker. Then one day I gave that up too. “I’m always going to have physical reminders,” she says. “There’s a list of stuff I can’t do anymore, but there’s a list of things I can, like golf. My memory’s not always the greatest, but that could just be aging,” she laughs, showing the strength of spirit that has brought the family through this. “Humans are amazing because we just adapt.” Of course it’s a journey they didn’t travel alone and the couple are quick, again, to point to the community as a huge source of support. “You don’t realize how big your circle is,” says Dave. “I had shoeboxes full of get well cards. People were bringing us so much food to eat that I literally had to keep some in the freezers at the store.” “You need people who care,” adds JoAnn. “Like Mr. Richard Ellum, who was the building construction teacher during our high school years,” says Dave, “who built a ramp for our house so Jo could access inside in her wheelchair.”

You don’t realize how big your circle is. I had shoeboxes full of get well cards. People were bringing us so much food to eat that I literally had to keep some in the freezers at the store.”

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business

CHECK-UP TIME

Dr. Grant Hill checking his car

Pulse of Okotoks’ medical community is beating strong WRITTEN BY ERIKA TAYLOR PHOTOS BY ANDREA KIRK

kotoks now boasts more medical facilities, dental offices, massage therapists and alternative treatment options than ever before. It’s a change that long time resident and doctor, Grant Hill is delighted in. Hill was the lone doctor in the 1970s in Okotoks, then with a population of about 1200 people. Dr. Hill worked and watched the medical system stretched beyond it’s capacity. Then in 1993, he was elected to Parliament where he hoped to change all that. “I felt that the waiting lines for procedures and seeing a doctor were too long and one of the main things I tried to do as a health critic was to bring that to the awareness of the both the public and the politicians,” Hill remembers. Hill is now retired from politics and medicine. He and his wife Sue have just recently returned home from serving an 18 month mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where Hill served as the LDS Area Medical Advisor in West Africa. Coming back to Okotoks and seeing all the changes, Hill is adamant a lot of the credit should go to the town. “I’m thankful to the town council and the individuals who have gone about making Okotoks look popular to doctors.” Hill says. Some of that work started six

Dr. Brad Harper and patient.

Dr. Troy McGibbon with his team

years ago when the town set up a committee to bring more doctors to Okotoks. Today there are now more doctors in Okotoks accepting new patients than ever before. Shane Olson, the town’s Economic Development Manager says this was an important goal. “Growing the medical services industry and bringing these services to Okotoks decreases the town’s bedroom community status,” Olson says. “It contributes to the quality of life in Okotoks.” It’s not just the traditional medical industry that has seen growth. Summer 2016 started with the Okotoks Health, Lifestyle and Fitness Show at the Foothills Centennial Centre. The exhibition showcased 45 small businesses in the industry. Kendra Kane with Opulence Alliance Events organized the show and says it was a huge success. “It gives the community a chance to see what local products, services and resources are all ready here,” Kane says. “It gives visibility to our local independent businesses.” As new businesses make their way in Okotoks, some of the more established ones in the industry are looking back with a broader scope of why they’ve seen success.

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business

“ Dr. Cindy (right), 23 years in Okotoks.

It contributes to the quality of life in Okotoks.” Optometrist Cindy Kruschel has been practicing in Okotoks for the past 23 years and says the health care community works well together. “There is good cooperation between different health care providers in this town,” Kruschel says. “I think the rate of it is higher here because you know them both personally and professionally.” This cooperation of care is about to take on a very new form in Okotoks. Local chiropractor and developer Dr. Paul Hicke says South Bank Medical Clinic will change the face of health care in town. This new 16,000-square-foot medical facility will house doctors, a pharmacy, chiropractors, massage and physio therapists all under one roof. “The whole clinical picture has changed,” Hicke says. “We want patients to know that we’re going to create a team of medical practitioners that’s going to work together for the patient and we’re going to communicate and provide the best care possible for them.” The facility is set to open February 1, 2017. Pinnacle Medical Clinic will also be part of the new South Bank Development but the group has just opened their first location in town. Dr. Troy McKibbon is one of the five doctors who will practice at both locations. McKibbon was raised in Okotoks and now that he’s finished medical school, says there’s no place better than home to start his medical career. “I always saw myself back here,” McKibbon smiles. He says he is confident the team at Pinnacle Medical will serve the community well. “Part of my philosophy for medicine is that you should be able to have same day access,” McKibbon says. “I’m going to keep a block of time open for patients every day so they can get in if they need to. That’s important to me.” There are five new doctors who will practice at Pinnacle and all are accepting new patients. Premier Health Clinic is also welcoming walk-in’s and new patients as well. There are plenty of healthy smiles in Okotoks. The town is also well staffed with a number of dentists. Dr. Helen Robinson has been practicing dentistry in town for the past 20 years. She says dentists in Okotoks have embraced new technologies and have stayed current with the very latest techniques.

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“You have to keep up,” Robinson says. “There’s so much science behind dentistry now. It’s pretty exciting.” This devotion to learning and technology has served residents in Okotoks well. It means they no longer have to travel to Calgary for dental work. “A lot of general dentists now are taking on more of the procedures that used to only be done by specialists.” Robinson says. Okotoks is also well serviced when it comes to chiropractors. Dr. Brad Harper set up shop here in 2004 and says here in Okotoks, there is a strong working relationship between the entire medical community. “There’s a lot more cooperation that goes on because of the small town atmosphere and the health care reflects that,” He says. “Your chances of getting better in Okotoks are far greater because of the cooperation between us all.” From doctors, to dentists, chiropractors and alternative medicine, the town’s health services industry is growing and thriving. And according to Dr. Harper, the future is in good shape too. “It’s only going to keep getting better for the people of Okotoks,” He says. “The real winners are the patients. They have a lot more options in terms of regaining their health.” OL

Dr. Paul Hicke

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sports A B

READY TO A

fter a curling match, it’s tradition for the winners to buy the losers the first round of drinks. When the World Financial Group (WFG) Masters comes to Okotoks this October, expect to see more than a few drinks shared among curlers and enthusiasts alike. As for spokesperson Shannon Kleibrink, herself a curling Olympic medalist and somewhat of a local hero — though she laughs and roll her eyes if you call her that — she’s just excited that Okotoks has the chance to host such a prestigious event. “We’ve always had a great curling community, and now we get the opportunity to show that to all of Canada.” The Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling is the largest series of professional events on the world curling tour, and the only events which showcase international teams. This fall, Okotoks hosts the WFG Masters, the first of seven events that encompass the Pinty’s Grand Slam. It’s the first time the WFG Masters will be held

E F

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in Alberta — a thought not lost on Kleibrink. “Having the opportunity to host an event like this means we’ll get to showcase Okotoks, and how excellent the community support for curling is in Okotoks. So many members of the Okotoks Curling Club have stepped up to the plate to help out with organizing. We have a huge curling community, so to have event like this here is a really great fit.” Taking place at the Pason Centennial Arena, the tournament opens on October 25th, with the finals taking place on Sunday, October 30th. It will feature the top 15 men’s teams and top 15 women’s teams in the world. Early favourites include Winnipeg’s Mike McEwen, who will be aiming to defend last year’s title, and Ottawa’s Rachel Homan, who has won the women’s title three times in the past four years. It’s not just about the prestige either, as over the course of the Pinty’s Grand Slam, $2 million in prize money will be awarded.

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ROCK The WFG Masters was first held in Gander, N.L., back in 2002, with the women’s division added in 2012. The Okotoks Curling Club had planned to host a major curling event for a long time, and managed to win the bid. Since 2012, Sportsnet has owned and operated the Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling. Throughout the 20-plus hours of broadcast coverage, the series routinely out-

“

Pinty’s Grand Slam brings top names in world curling BY DAVID SHEPHERD

draws regular season Raptors basketball. It’s a major tournament, and it’s a major undertaking for the Okotoks curling community. So how are things coming together? “It’s going great,” Kleibrink says. “Ticket sales are going well, the majority of the planning is in place, and we have over 300 volunteers ready to help.” In addition to the volunteers, a planning committee of

It takes a lot to put on a tournament like this, and it couldn’t happen without the strong partnership with the Town of Okotoks. We’ve also had amazing support from local and regional businesses, who see the value to the community of hosting such a prestigious event.”

A Rachel Homan of Ottawa. B Kelsey Rocque of Edmonton. C Eve Muirhead of Scotland.

D Brad Gushue of Newfoundland and Labrador. E Team Koe of Calgary: Ben Hebert, Marc Kennedy, Brent Laing and Team Edin of Sweden: Niklas Edin and Oskar Eriksson. F Kevin Koe of Calgary. G Val Sweeting Edmonton. H Team Jones: Dawn McEwen, Jill Officer and Jennifer Jones.

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sports

By hosting the biggest names in curling, Kleibrink is hopeful to see interest in the sport continue to grow. over 30 community members has been tasked with nailing down the finer points. “It takes a lot to put on a tournament like this, and it couldn’t happen without the strong partnership with the Town of Okotoks. We’ve also had amazing support from local and regional businesses, who see the value to the community of hosting such a prestigious event.” And the challenges? “It’s been smooth sailing,” Kleibrink says. “Usually the hardest part is finding sponsors, but our community has rallied around this event, so that hasn’t been a huge hurdle.” For the week of the WFG Masters, the Foothills Centennial Centre will be transformed into the Grand Slam Social House. “We’re going to have some awesome live bands,” Kleibrink says. “We have the country band Kixxsin playing on Friday, and Liquid Rhythm playing on Satur-

day.” In true curling spirit, there will also be beer gardens and live game broadcasts starting on Thursday. If you have a ticket for a Friday or Saturday draw, you’ll receive free entry. Non-ticket holders will have to pay a small cover charge. You can purchase tickets at OkotoksCurling.com or call 1-844-4387352. Ticket prices are affordable — weekend passes will set you back $125, while a full event pass is priced at only $249. Single draw tickets are also available (price not available at press time). By hosting the biggest names in curling, Kleibrink is hopeful to see interest in the sport continue to grow. “Our committee believes that interest in curling within the Okotoks community will increase drastically. This event is also a great opportunity for our junior curlers to watch their role models play the game. We think it’ll inspire a new generation of curlers.” This October, the first round’s on you, Okotoks. OL

Shannon Kleibrink

FUTURE ROCKSTARS

JUNIOR CURLERS TAKE CENTRE STAGE Two junior curling events will be taking place at the same time as the WFG Masters. First, the Future Rockstars Event will give the Okotoks Curling Club juniors the chance to play on the same world class ice as their heroes. Kleibrink, who is organizing the junior events, expects over 50 kids will participate. There will also be a junior Grand Slam event. “It's for up and coming curlers in the community,” Kleibrink says. “There'll be four teams that get to participate. They'll have their mentors on the ice while they're playing an actual game.” The junior event is

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expected to take place at the same time as one of the WFG Masters draws, so you'll need a ticket for the draw that day in order to attend. Hosting an event like this does wonders to grow the junior game. Kleibrink explains. “Junior curling is definitely growing in Okotoks. We usually see it peak right after the Winter Olympics, so in the next couple of years we'll see another peak — especially having hosted this event.” To further promote the game and generate excitement among local youth, the planning committee has made over 400 tickets available to local area schools.

Developing the next generation of curlers will allow Canada to stay competitive on an international level. “We need to develop the juniors so Canada can stay at the level we're at. We have some great up and coming young teams, Rachel Homan on the women's side, Brad Jacobs on the men's side, there's so many good teams coming up through the ranks. I think Canada will be a power in curling for a long time.” Any children between the age of six and 18 who are interested in taking up the sport can contact the Okotoks Curling Club through their website, OkotoksCurling.com. OL

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homes

Laws of attraction MLS listings outpacing new home starts BY JIM ZANG

f it’s true that opposites attract, then the Okotoks real estate year saw 50 sales with a medimarket is very attractive indeed. an of $463,250. “So,” she states, In fact, the market presents an interesting dichotomy, “although the volume of the sales albeit a consumer friendly one. has gone down, prices have been New home starts in Okotoks are down from 2015’s year-to-date stable.” total by 54 per cent, from 129 to 69, putting things on track for Right now, she says, as of August the slowest year in the past five (see Chart A). Resale homes, 6, there are 145 single-family however, are humming along at just about the same pace as last homes on the market, ranging year in terms of both price and time on market. from $249,900 to $1,988,888 and All but 10 of 2016’s new home starts are single-detached, as with a median price of $519,000. Karen Salmon there’s traditionally just not a lot of new multi-family developThe median days on the marment going on in town (again, see Chart A). Those 10 villa-style ket is 54 days, or about a month duplex units are still the only ones under construction, and will and a half, compared to just 41 days at this time lat year. A bring this year’s multi-family year-to-date number slightly closer typical three-bedroom, two-storey starter home (1,200-1,500 to 2015 (16). square-feet), without garage, will run you about $355,000 to A total of 47 single-detached homes were under construction $400,000. A move-up home in the 1,600 to 2,200-square-foot in the second quarter of 2016, and the number of available derange, with double garage, is selling, says Salmon, “anywhere veloped lots is gradually running out. Right now, other than the from the low $400,000s to the high $500,000s, depending on obvious commercial building activity, there are only a few small size and location.” pockets of remaining lots The most expensive home currently listed in Okotoks is in Cimarron, Drake Landing, Ranchers Rise, Mountainview and in Air Ranch with a price tag of $1,988,888, at the other end just outside the east edge of town in Green Haven Estates. That’s is a one-bedroom apartment on Banister Drive for $139,000. pretty much how things will be until the new United CommuniSpeaking of multi-family homes, there were 27 apartments ties land parcels on the NW edge of town get developed. listed at time of writing, with a median price of $224,900 and Meanwhile, over in resale, there’s significantly more activity in 29 townhomes with a median price of $339,900. what is essentially a buyers’ market with lots of choices when it Salmon’s advice to anyone wanting to sell their home is a comes to size, price, age of build, and location. simple one: “Be patient. It might take a little longer to find the Karen Salmon, who has been selling real estate for over 10 right buyer.” OL years in the Okotoks market and is currently CHART A licensed with Royal LePage Benchmark, likes New Home Starts Year-To-Date (end of June) to think positive. “I don’t believe it’s all doom Starts By dwelling type 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 and gloom,” she says. “If homes are priced and presented properly, they will sell.” Single family 90 74 115 99 113 59 Over the past 30 days, reports Salmon, Semi-detached 4 4 0 0 0 10 there have been 42 single-family detached Row 0 0 0 0 16 0 home sales in town with a median price of $464,450. “I prefer to use median price as it Apartment 0 0 0 0 0 0 eliminates the very high and very low priced Total 94 78 115 99 129 69 homes,” she says. The same time period last

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homes

Clear days, starry O n a clear day you can see forever from Green Haven Estates. Okay, maybe not forever, but the estate development on Okotoks’ eastern edge does boast uninterrupted views of both the entire south side of town as well as the Rocky Mountains to the west. All communities claim to be unique, but with Green Haven Estates you don’t have to look very hard to find the things that make it truly a one-of-a-kind community. It all starts with location. Green Haven Estates is located on top of the escarpment just east of town where 48th Street heads up the hill from North Railway Street (370 Avenue), right next door to the Drake Landing dog park. Technically, it’s not really in the Town of Okotoks, but sits just across the fence in the MD of Foothills. And that’s where things really start to get different. For starters, since they’re not actually in town, regulations on lot sizes have been relaxed. The more than 100 lots in Green Haven Estates all range in size from .8 to 1.5 acres, leaving plenty of space for any style home, but especially the sprawling ranch-style bungalows which

…clear days will turn into spectacular mountain sunsets and then beautiful starry nights with views of the town lights.

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seem to be so popular in the area. About 35 homes are occupied to date. Make no mistake about it, folks, this is a true estate community — not big houses taking up most of an average sized lot. These yards are big — ride on lawn mower big. It’s also developed to be environmentally friendly, with plenty of open spaces, pathways, and community ponds. Although it sits right on the border of the town, literally minutes from shops and services, Green Haven has its own water and septic systems. Sourced from two wells. This carefully designed system will minimize the development’s impact on existing community water systems. The water treatment plant is monitored seven days a week by a water operator, 24 hours a day by remote computer interface, and water samples are tested weekly for quality. “It has the capacity to service all of Green Haven Estates,” says land developer Aiki Yeung. “It’s brand new, state-of-the-art.” The MD even has a by-law regarding nighttime light pollution, meaning clear days will turn into spectacular mountain sunsets and then beautiful starry nights with views of the town lights. The average lots size in Phase 1 is one to one-anda-half acres, says Yeung. “In Phase 2, the lots are pretty much all .8 of an acre, and that will be the

homes

nights

Green Haven Estates proudly different from other communities BY JIM ZANG

same for the second part of Phase 2 and for Phase 3. Phase 2A is 22 lots, with construction already underway. Phase 2 offers ridge lots that range from $300,000 right up to $440,000. “So Phase 2 is something we’re really excited about,” he says. “We’re going to have some wonderful views in here,” he says. “These ridge lots that are coming online this phase have basically uninterrupted views of the mountains. Because you’re on the ridge, no one will ever be able to build behind you.” The community features a large green belt plus a pathway that will circle the storm pond. Many homes back onto green space — especially those on the escarpment — with Phase 5 planned to back onto the dog park and Phase 6 the pond. Lots in Phase 2 have been released to premiere home builder, Westridge Fine Homes and are now available. Homes will start in the $1 million range, says Yeung, with the smallest home allowed in the development sized at 2,300 square-feet. A minimum three-car garage is also required. The architectural controls are right on the website, he says, “but there’s still a great deal of variety for people to choose from, everything from traditional to modern architectural styles. Typically, a person building a custom home in Green Haven Estates will go through a two-month

process to customize a home design to suit their needs. Then the plans go to the architectural committee for review.” “Our target buyer is someone who’s looking to get out of the city,” says Yeung. “And who’s looking for an executive, custom home. Someone who wants to take advantage of all the amenities of town, but still have a semi-rural lifestyle.” With anticipated construction of six to eight home per year, build out of this phase is expected in three years or so says Marc Lehouillier, business development manager for Westridge. They have already completed one home in Phase 2A and have two more currently underway that should be ready for early October. “One is a spec home, for sale,” says Lehouillier, “and the other will be our show home. Of course,” he laughs, “if someone wants to buy the show home, we’ll sell it to them — and then build another one.” From the outside, the Westridge spec home has a familiar, traditional two-storey home look and feel to it, albeit with a split three-car garage. It’s when you step inside that the design really hits you with an “oh yeah, this is a custom home.” “Every home is as different as we can possibly make it,” says Lehouillier. “Our spec homes are built for who we think the buyer market is, but even every spec home is very unique. For example, in Okotoks, we’re seeing more families with two or more kids.” With a price tag of $1.35 million, the 2,800-square-foot three-bedroom home starts out on a grand scale with the front foyer occupying it’s very own level. The front door, garage entry/ mudroom and powder room are separate from the rest of the main floor, giving guests a real sense of arrival. Beyond that, the main floor opens up into a gorgeous open floor plan. Wide plank washed oak hardwood floors provide a sort of rustic charm, while quartz countertops and stainless steel Miele appliances add both form and function — and there’s even a cappuccino maker. Large triple-pane windows let in abundant light

“

These ridge lots that are coming online this phase have basically uninterrupted views of the mountains. Because you’re on the ridge, no one will ever be able to build behind you.”

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homes

Left: Spec Home Inset: Exposed beam archway at show home.

and keep out the cold, while a wrap-around deck adds outdoor living space to the southeast facing rear of the home. A 48-inch wide stairway leads to and upstairs that’s every bit as luxurious as the main floor. The entire master ensuite takes up nearly half the entire floor, and includes a sunken sleeping chamber, huge walk-in closet and spa-like ensuite. Down the hall, two large kids’ bedrooms are serviced by a full bathroom featuring dual sinks and a handy laundry room. “We put the square footage into the living spaces people actually use,” says Lehouillier, adding that usually includes finishing at least part of the basement. Down the street a block or so (both homes are on Green Haven View, left of 48 Street), workers are busy both in and outside the show home. “This one’s more of a classic bungalow style,” says Lehouillier, “with more of a mountain feel thanks to the use of timber beams.” Indeed the beams make a lasting impression as you approach, towering above the front entry like a kind of gigantic wooden picture frame. The home does have that ranch bungalow look, with the notable exception being the loft area

The beams make a lasting impression as you approach, towering above the front entry like a kind of gigantic wooden picture frame. 36

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that’s home to the kids rooms. The master suite is on the main level, providing just enough separation for a growing family. The home even has a four-car garage, with vaulted ceiling suitable for car lifts, for families with multiple vehicles or recreational toys. Inside, the feeling of spaciousness is continued with 14-foot ceilings in the main foyer and 24-feet in the great room living area. The kitchen is a buffet of attention to detail with the full Miele appliance package, dual islands in between the kitchen and dining area and coffered ceiling with herringbone wood accents. The highlight of the great room is the fireplace, which features a very unique concrete surround. “it’s probably one of my favourite ways to do fireplaces,” says Lehouillier. “It’s a type of fibre concrete so they can pour it right into a custom cast.” The master retreat is just that, with oodles of space for rest and relaxation, including soaker tub and rain shower, and a generous walk-in closet with built in hangers, shelves and shoe racks. There’s even a private entry off the separate single garage that goes straight to the master suite. The basement, although undeveloped at time of writing, is worth mentioning simply because it has probably the largest basement windows you’ve ever seen. Seriously, these are some huge basement windows, making downstairs development that much more appealing. Situated on one of the best lots available — with west-facing backyard and right next to a pond — this 2,754-square-foot home will have a total sticker price of around $1.36 million. Of course, it’s hard to put a price on the view. “it’s pretty spectacular most days,” says Lehouillier, “the developer actually took sightlines into account when parceling the lots.” You’ll thank them to yourself every time you look out your window. OL

sustainability

Bee story Town all abuzz thanks to bee-friendly plants BY AMANDA BROW N

t’s literally been a hive of activity around town this summer. And among the busiest of all in Okotoks this past summer have been the humble honeybees, diligently going about their summer business — largely unnoticed by the majority of people in the community. Unless, of course, you’re unlucky enough to get stung by one. Some people, however, have actually been working to ensure Okotoks has a thriving bee population — now and in the future — and De Winton’s Blaise Evelyn is one of them. A Grade 12 student at Strathcona Tweedsmuir School, Blaise’s enrollment in the International Baccalaureate program required him to complete a project that demonstrates learning and the ability to think critically. “The idea for it came from the summer previous to Grade 10,” he says. “On the news they were talking about colony collapse disorder in Europe, and I was really interested in what that was so I did a little more research.” First recorded in 2006, colony collapse disorder is a phenomenon where the vast majority of a hive’s honeybees disappear from the hive leaving only a few nurse bees and immature bees, the queen, and a full hive of stored food (honey). Causes are still unknown but believed to be related to a number of factors, the most significant of which is the use of a group of harsh pesticides called neonicotinoids. “I was sitting in my yard,” explains Blaise, “and there was this bush that was swarming with bees. I just sat there and watched them. I thought about a documentary I’d just watched and saw the plants they were flocking to. I was thinking ‘There has to be a way where, with certain types of plants, we can encourage bees to come somewhere that can help them.’”

Blaise Evelyn Having approached Calgary City Council and Rebecca unsuccessfully with a proposal to plant more beeSmyth. friendly plants in the city, Blaise brought his quest to Okotoks where parks manager, Christa Michailuk, greeted his idea with enthusiasm. “The Town of Okotoks Parks and Recreation was already starting to convert some boulevard and median areas to alternative groundcovers to reduce maintenance and improve worker safety, so it was very simple for us to consider using more pollinator-friendly choices in these plantings,” explains Michailuk. “We’ve had great success with pollinator friendly perennials such as Liatris, Nepeta, Hemerocallus, Achillea, and Rheum,” she says. “By combining these with some less pollinator-friendly ornamental grasses, such as Calamagrostis, Helictotrichon, and Leymus, we are able to achieve landscapes that are visually appealing year-round.” Homeowners can join the crusade to encourage bees by planting bee-friendly plants in their own yards, says Blaise. “Plant your garden with bee-friendly plants — plants with a lot of pollen, and also plants that have, instead of one big flower, a whole bunch of little flowers. Those are especially attractive to bees. It’s a very simple move that I think everyone can take.” OL

TASTE OF HONEY As one might expect, the folks out at Chinook Honey are also keenly focused on the wellbeing of the local honeybee population. Their latest endeavour is developing a half-acre site to create a pollinator garden. Rebecca Smyth, in charge of educational development at Chinook Honey since 2009, explains, “we have a small area immediately behind the Interpretive Centre, so it will be easily accessible. It’s going to be large drifts of white, blue and yellow flowers, which tend to be the most attractive to pollinators.” Smyth also hopes the garden will be a community resource. “There will be some path space too so people can pass through, a little bit of bench space so people can sit and observe. We get a lot of school groups coming through so we want to create spaces for them so they can sit down with sketchbooks.” OL

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a day in the life

Behind the mask Makeup effects artist Yvonne Cox a hot commodity in Hollywood STORY BY ALYSSA BURNHAM PHOTOS BY DAVE MACAULAY

PHOTOS COURTESY Y VONNE COX

hen you imagine a day in the life of a makeup artist you likely have someone in mind who spends their time lengthening lashes and contouring cheekbones, but Yvonne Cox prefers to deal in warts, scabs and fantasy-inspired creature effects. Cox calls Okotoks home, but her work as a freelance makeup effects artist often takes her out of town to work on all kinds of creative projects. This time she’s in Hollywood for a top secret TV production, the details of which she’s unable to share at press time. Cox’s days in Hollywood are long. It’s 4:30 a.m. when her alarm goes off and she wakes to the sight of a nice but unfamiliar condo provided by the production studio. She pulls on an all-black outfit that helps her “blend in to the background” and boots with insoles, knowing most of the day will be spent on her feet. With coffee and a quick breakfast in hand, she’s out the door and in the crew shuttle van, headed to the set just as the sun starts coming up. “Makeup are some of the first people on set, and some of last ones to leave,” she says. “You never know quite what to expect until you get there. You just have to be ready to take on anything and do anything.” Cox is behind the scenes hours before the cameras start rolling. Her kit is full of brushes, tweezers, silicone, glue, sprays and other tricks of the trade she uses to transform regular actors and actresses into screen-ready characters (or creatures, depending on the project.) Initial makeup applications can take Cox

anywhere from two to eight hours depending on the character features or prosthetics involved. She loves intricacy and challenge, but she admits that many actors don’t enjoy the long hours in her chair. Cox grabs a quick sandwich off the catering table when her initial makeup applications are complete, but she never ventures too far because she remains on call throughout the day. As the actors finish their scenes for the day, they’ll stop by Cox’s chair once more, where she carefully removes their scabs, scars and makeup and packs it all away for the following day. Finally, it’s quitting time. Cox tries to take advantage of her time in L.A. to check out new restaurants and sights, but most days she’s left with too little energy to do anything but relax by a pool and find a quick, convenient supper. “It’s exhausting… You’re just running on adrenaline while you’re filming, but I very much enjoy what I do and the changing atmosphere.” Back in her Okotoks home — a bungalow that’s been in her family for years — it can take Cox days to catch upon the rest she missed during the weeks of filming, but eventually she settles into her new, quieter routine.

8-bit and Triceraqueen costumes.

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a day in the life A

A Yvonne Cox with Lothar the Barbarian bust. B Assembling the Big Sister costume. C Completed Big Sister costume. D Applying a latex mask.

Cox treats her days at home much like a work day. Ever driven and disciplined, she sets her alarm for 7 a.m. to make the most of each day. Breakfast is a cereal and a large mug of coffee at the kitchen table, where she begins working on her to-do list for the day. First, she gets her creative juices flowing, spending an hour or so looking through books, magazines, websites and other sources of inspiration for new makeup effects and ideas. “Over time you have to build a library of ideas in your mind,” she says. Next, she’ll retreat to her home studio, a large, bright bedroom filled with tools, supplies and a handful of projects. Typically, Sirius radio is playing ‘80s hits or movie soundtracks in the background while Cox’s ideas begin to take shape through sketches, Photoshop, sculpture or painting. Her most recent project is a full bust of a gargoyle-type creature that looks impossibly realistic. It’s independent projects like this that have helped Cox get

“It’s exhausting… You’re just running on adrenaline while you’re filming, but I very much enjoy what I do and the changing atmosphere.” her foot in the door of the highly competitive television and film industry. Twice she submitted her portfolio of work in application for Face Off, the SyFy Network’s reality competition show featuring makeup effects artists. Twice she was turned down, but finally in 2015 she was accepted as the only Canadian cast member for season 10. “I was very persistent,” Cox says. And, her persistence paid off. The season aired in early 2016, she finished in the top five, and “that’s when work really picked up.” Back at home, Cox periodically steps away from her work to clear her head or grab some food, but her goal is to put in at least eight hours before wrapping things up at 4:30 p.m. when her boyfriend, Chris, comes home. The two then cook supper together, and Cox takes her 12-year-old Pom-chi (a Pomeranian and Chihuahua cross) Oliver for a walk, usually through Sheep River Park. The rest of Cox’s night is pretty quiet, perhaps a movie — fantasy, ideally — or visiting with a couple friends. Around 10:30 p.m. she hops into bed and turns on a nature show to help clear her mind and simultaneously fill her mind and her dreams with a little last-minute inspiration for future makeup effects projects. OL

PHOTO BY SHANNON CHAPPELL

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what’s happening

events

To have your event listed, email info to jim.zang@sourcemediagroup.ca

september

Millarville Vintage Motorcycle Swap Meet. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Millarville Racetrack. General Admission: $5. For information or table booking call Janice Whitby at 403-273-7840 or email jwincalgary@gmail.com

For information on Town of Okotoks events contact: Janette Messer, Manager of Programs and 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

Okotoks Bridal Showcase at Foothills Centennial Centre. If you’re planning a wedding, you will want to attend Welcome Wagon’s Bridal Showcase. We have exciting door prizes, fashion shows, planning guides, special displays and gift bags for the first 60 brides. Please register at www.welcomewagon.ca. Free.

and 24 Country Vintage and Antique Market at All Through the House. Friday September 23, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, September 24, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Watermark is a two-hour documentary from multiple-award winning filmmakers Jennifer Baichwal and Nick de Pencier that brings together diverse stories from around the globe about mankind’s relationship with water. Free at Rotary Performing Arts Centre at 7 p.m.

Okotoks Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament at Crystal Ridge. Enjoy a relaxing day on the links with fellow Okotoks business people. Golf $100, dinner only $40. Contact the Chamber for further info or to register.

Terry Fox Run starting at Crystal Shores Beach House. The run is on pathways and is dog, bike, wheelchair and stroller friendly. Registration for 2, 4 or 8K begins at 9 a.m., run starts at 11 a.m. Fountain Tire will give out free hot dogs and water to all participants and there will be coffee and hot chocolate.

Okotoks Oilers BBQ and donation drive for Jay Magnussen Real Estate Team and Kidsport. 6 p.m. in the parking lot at Pason Centennial Arena.

and 24 Harvest and Blues Festival with John Rutherford. Get a ticket for one night or buy a weekend ticket for both concerts (limited to 75 tickets). Friday, September 23, John Rutherford and special guests evening concert at RPAC, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, September 24. Free blues concert 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ethel Tucker Park, with special guests Tim Williams, Big Dave McLean, Debra Power and Okotoks’ own Darren Johnson. The day also includes activities in celebration of harvest and reminiscent of days past including old-fashioned games, activities and more! At 3:30 p.m. John Rutherford will host a free blues record exhibit and talk at the library. Big Blues Concert with John Rutherford, Kat Danser, Darren Johnson, and Debra Power at RPAC at 7:30 p.m.

and 25 Autumn Jubilee with music theme at Kayben Farms with music, fun and games for the whole family. Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit kayben.com for more info.

Okotoks Women’s Conference is an inspirational day full of fantastic sessions for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Opening keynote: Crystal Salamon, Dream BIG… Making Your Greatest Passion a Reality. Early bird registration is just $45 before Sept. 11 or $55 after. www. okotoks.ca/womensconference

Soup Sisters and the Millarville Racing and Agricultural Society have teamed up to make soup for Rowan House Emergency Shelter. Come enjoy an afternoon filled with conversation, food prep, laughter and kitchen camaraderie culminating in a simple, sitdown meal of soup, salad, bread and wine for participants and 200 servings of fresh soup for Rowan House residents. 1 to 4 p.m. $55 per person.

to October 2 Alberta Culture Days Celebrations offers three days of free activities to celebrate arts and culture in Okotoks including art and museum exhibits, a best of BuskersFest concert, a guided river walk, a performance by Dewdney Players and the final Picnic at the Piano of the season! Full details at okotoksculture. ca.

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events

october

Grate Groan Up Spelling Bee at Wales Theatre in High River. This hilarious, action packed event has teams of adults competing in a battle for bragging rights to spelling supremacy. Each team helps fundraise to support literacy and learning in the Foothills. The Bee will be held on Alberta Arts and Culture Days which will add lots of fun and activity to the day. Dave Poulson, author, rodeo announcer and retired clown is the Honorary Chair for the 2016 Bee and John Barlow is back as our GRATEST MC. 2016 Raffle Tickets — the winner will take home $5,000 in Air Canada Gift Cards are $10 a ticket with only 1,500 printed.

Guided River Walk with Kathy Coutts of the Okotoks Museum and Archives at 2 p.m. Learn the vital role the Sheep River has played in our community’s history. Free.

Euine Clay Sculpture with Christine Pedersen at Okotoks Art Gallery from 7 to 9 p.m. Learn to sculpt a horse-head in clay plus colour your piece with paint or glaze. Sculpting tools will be available to purchase from the instructor. No experience is necessary — just bring a love of horses and any reference materials you would like to use. $250 + GST covers 5 classes October 13, 20, 27, November. 3 and December 8.

Okotoks and Foothills Girlfriends Gathering at Foothills Centennial Centre from 1 to 8 p.m. This empowering event offers both an entertaining and informative experience, where “girlfriends” of all forms — friends, sisters, mothers, aunts, cousins, grandmas — are welcome. Shop the “BFF Mall” with over 45 exhibits packed full of treasures!

, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16 Autumn Jubilee with art and artisans theme at Kayben Farms with music, fun and games for the whole family. Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit kayben. com for more info.

Millarville Community Garage Sale at Millarville race track. For details visit www.millarvilleracetrack.com.

Rotary Maritime Lobster Boil. Cocktails and appetizers at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. at Crystal Ridge Golf Course. Dance to the music of Haggis with proceeds to support the Clubs Community Youth Programs. $50 – 1 Lobster, $50 – 1 Prime Rib, $75 – Prime Rib and Lobster.

Al Simmons at RPAC, shows at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Juno Award winner Al Simmons combines offthe-wall inventions with music and comedy. Tickets at www.okotoksculture.ca Pason Arena and Rec Centre Expansion Celebration. Free celebration for expansion at Pason from 4:15 p.m. to Bisons game time. It’s been 10 years since we expanded the Okotoks Recreation Centre and opened the doors at Pason Centennial Arena. Join us at the Okotoks Recreation Centre 12 to 6 p.m. for a day of Free activities, cake, fun and prizes! Purchase a Recreation Centre facility pass by October 16 for your chance to win a $1,500 travel voucher from Pace Setter Travel or a prize package from Sobeys. For info visit www.okotoks.ca/ recanniversary

Dynamic Drawing: Wolves and Dogs at Okotoks Art Gallery from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Join professional artist Ashley Gaboury in this four week journey to enhance your animal drawing skills. Older teens and adults welcome.Cost is $130 for 4 classes Oct. 18, 25, Nov. 1,8. Course #50163.

Toddle Down to the Art Gallery from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Enjoy exhibitions as you let your toddler explore up to 12 different hands-on activity stations and art activities. Recommended ages 1 – 5. Drop-in cost is $5/family.

Business Excellence Awards at Foothills Centenial Centre from 5:30 to 10 p.m. A gala affair, with awards, sit down meal and the chance to win something big. $75/person. Cocktails 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Drawing Wolves with Ashley Gaboury at Okotoks Art Gallery from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Spend the day discovering more about these unique animals while creating drawings using graphite, pen and ink, and oil-based coloured pencils. Supplies included and all skill levels welcome. Bring a lunch. Ages 9 – 15. Cost is $85 + GST

to 30 Okotoks Ghost Walk. Discover the eerie history of Okotoks and what could be lurking downtown after dark! Pre-booking required. Call 403.938.3204. Cost is $5.

Rocky Horror Picture Show at Rotary Performing Arts Centre. Doors Open at 8 p.m. Ticketed event.

MRAS Halloween Howl. For details visit www.millarvilleracetrack.com

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events

november

Yuk Yuks on Tour at Rotary Performing Arts Centre with Lori Gibb and Chris Griffin. Doors open at 7 p.m. Ticketed event.

War Series: Naval Warfare and Drawing Ships. Okotoks Museum and Archives presents a series of programs focused on the changing technologies and transportation of war. Historical images and video will be followed by the chance to paint an illustrated warship on canvas under guided instruction $20 + GST. From 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Guided Tour of the Field of Honour. A Free tour at 2 p.m. in the Okotoks Cemetery with stories of the brave men and women who selflessly served with the Canadian Armed Forces.

, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26 Dewdney Players It’s a Wonderful Life Live Radio Show. Doors open at 7 p.m. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. Dewdney Players community theatre group brings this beloved American holiday classic to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. Ticketed event.

to 13 Marketsquare Christmas Festival features 115+ artisans, Santa and photos, children’s workshops. Friday, Nov. 11, from 12 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 13, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost is $5/person with seniors and children under 12 Free, or $8/person when purchasing combined Foothills Holiday Roadshow Ticket which includes both Okotoks Christmas Festival and Millarville Christmas Market as well as specials to local shops/restaurants.

Light Up Okotoks. Celebrate the start of the holiday season with a visit from Santa, lighting of the Christmas tree and festive activities. 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Olde Towne Okotoks. Free.

to December 22 Spirit of Christmas. The Okotoks Art Gallery is showcasing one-of-a-kind holiday ornaments, jewelry, cards and original artwork, all crafted by local artisans! Everything priced under $200.

to December 22 A Heritage Christmas. Celebrate the season with an old-fashioned Christmas at the Okotoks Museum and Archives. “A Heritage Christmas” looks back at the traditions of a turn-of-the-century prairie Christmas — from hanging stockings and trimming the tree, to cooking the Christmas feast. Opening reception Nov. 18 from 6 to 9 p.m.

All-day Screenwriting Intensive at Okotoks Public Library from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Join Scott McPherson for an all-day screenwriting workshop. He will be covering story creation, script formatting, character development, and more. Ages: 16+

Soup Sisters and the Millarville Racing and Agricultural Society are teaming up to make 200 servings of fresh soup for Rowan House residents. 1 to 4 p.m. $55 per person.

Active8 Teen Drop-in Night featuring the Art of Anime. Free from 8:30 – 10 p.m. at the Youth Centre in the Recreation Centre.

Every Saturday until October 15. Millarville Farmers’ Market 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Millarville race track.

Until October 30. The Creamery Community Market at Okotoks United Church. Sundays from 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

November 10 – 13. Millarville Christmas Market at Millarville race track. November 10 and 11 from 12 – 8 p.m. and November 12 and 13 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

September 10 – November 12. “Relationships and Reconfigurations” by Canadian Photographer Edward Burtynsky. At Okotoks Art Gallery. Opening Reception: Saturday, September 10, 1 – 2 p.m. Free.

to December 17 Tree of Warmth. Share the warmth this holiday season — bring in your new slippers, scarves, gloves and toques to the Okotoks Art Gallery to decorate our Tree of Warmth. All items will be donated to local and regional charities.

For a Love of Horses Cartoons at Okotoks Art Gallery from 1 – 3 p.m. Learn about the world of cartoon horses before completing your very own. Pencils and fine-tip coloured markers will be used. No experience is necessary. Ages 6 – 12. Cost is $25 +GST.

ongoing May until November 30, 2018. ‘Okotoks and World War I’ exhibit is at the Okotoks Museum and Archives, Tues. – Sat., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. May until October 29. The ‘Lost Okotoks’ exhibit at the museum commemorates the businesses that have disappeared over time from Okotoks’ landscape. Tues. – Sat., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free.

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community

Dear Okotoks

INTRODUCTION BY JIM ZANG

I love it when I get emails and letters from readers. Whether it’s a comment on a story that ran, a suggestion for a story that could run, or just to tell us how much they love living in Okotoks. So when I received an email from a reader telling me how they’d left Okotoks but now moved back with their own family, and all the things they loved about it, I gave her a call back. “You talk as if you’ve come back to an old friend,” I said, “why not write a letter to the town of

Okotoks as if it’s your friend, and share it with our readers.” After all, I’m always talking about how great Okotoks is, it’s nice if people hear it from someone else once in a while. OL

Little Rachel biking on Lock Cres.

B A Family picture at the plaza downtown this spring. B Daughter Klara in the Sheep River this summer. C Rachel and brothers (Aaron and Simon Hofman) sledding in front of their house. D Rachel and brothers in the Foothills west of Okotoks. E Rachel on swings at Percy Pegler School on first day of Grade 1.

is nd. name old fr ie ar r ied , ks, m o in t a y o g k m but you a Dear O fman, to see t after g reat hel Ho c o a s R ’s s it y, bu It a s r e e m iv ew been to u n You kn never away eid. we’ve I went wends e S n k l m e li e I’ h h t ’s Rac in, it n, bu uch w so soo ou aga lost to y e in h w a it g w a ew you I kno me t im I’d see ing so think ’t again. n aller. s spend h id lot sm d pat ally d e a e s r h s I t o . o r t c b e ere apar t we’v you’ve and I w py tha n! A nd there t, you w e o so hap m y t s since es of m we fir rown n g n o e e h v le a t W uh ore. two lit uch yo er y st ve got por t? e g roc how m n e o Now I’ v d e the air n li f e a o b t e s t g e o id n C nd w le br d hear I can the po he eld an d too. e vehic fi e in n g o s ig n , g t b a o hear t h r e f g ch n h li t a h c c c o t t fi f you to ca ad in ne tra w, and I used avel ro w as o ere no st y g r h er how t u b d e k m e e h p ng t Rem e’s a la e, dee alk alo . Ther ith ag g w w in ld o n u d e ll ev e all were ach. We wo g ing a n you d, as w the be u. gs sin u whe hange o ing on c y h e t n to yo g u e ’v u the fro r o u child kids la ved ab ace yo y ival f f t r lo o m s I u s e e s f s d soun n the thing g to a troduc o e in in h h o o g T g t u . , ho do. park same r illed Even t ing to plash am t h ill the g excit t the s why I u’re st a in o r f ’s h f t y o t f a , o e t h n g dow e som and t ok ou oolin urs lo are. C ys hav o emain a u r b , o h lw g y a ig n f un you ir ne , you nit y ve how all the e park ommu d that g at th They lo n in a D y e e la r s of c p a n , u e n o s oI s y w r o t. You ether, iendly e g downt r e f o r t t w s p o wu es. ve h in the we g re ill shin They lo y play you st you as f t ile the o g my u h t o in r w b k a them te d t a that p most a r t d a a t e t s h v t e t I lo e wen as I’v to see is wha mer w uently appier m q h u e s r e r f b ’t up . This embe couldn us pop . Rem I loved r ies of br idge u and o o y y r m t my a e s a r e M c the lib idge th he pla r y t b b ll , ? e r a h mmer p R ive nder t kids to the su e Shee hole u h in g its t y in o d a t e ang down after d sw imm has ch r o day , cool t e in the p iv e in d r e d n d mpe ou and that w, the g arou ju o I n in d h e s n n you. Y a o la w g s p r o s e is n e h k le to brot . ter lov ing ho to get es new daugh w imm o which d plac in n and . n o That s a g row t s id m y e d y ld famil ces o but m as we d of th y , la a h e p e m c s h r u g m a u o co o od s fr atchin it as m d! childh emor ie and w ver y b aroun whole hed m r iend r iver e f a is r e ld e v ee you o h s a c u h ll o n s I’ y w id d h o k n ur My re a g w it ake yo ake ca nect in w ill m met. T re-con t s o t r fi them d r wa en we ok for did wh I so lo way I e h t ou love y

L o v e, l R ache

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you said it

What is your favourite Halloween costume?

BY ISABEL RODRIGUEZ

“

Money! I saw someone dressed up as money once, and I thought it was really cool and smart.” Jace

“ “

The Devil. The only time I ever dressed up, that’s what I dressed up as. Seemed fitting.”

“

I was a sailor last year, and that’s been my favourite so far. The costume itself was really cute!”

I don’t really participate in dressing up for Halloween, but I would have to say my favourite costume is the tomato I made for my daughter when she was five.”

Jess Fonseca

Janette Messer

Joanne Schinnel

“

I think the boy vampire I did last year because my parents dyed my hair black, and my makeup looked really cool.”

I’ve been a lot of different characters over the years, but Bane from Batman would have to be my favourite.” Nathan Rego

Jazmin, 8

“

There was one boy that came to my Kumon centre, and he had really cool face paint on. One half was Jack from the Nightmare Before Christmas, and the other half was the Joker.” Yazdi Bulsara

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“

I don’t do it myself, but anyone who dresses up as zombies are great. They have some really good makeup.” Jeff Reinhart