T8N June 2018

June 2018 t8nmagazine.com

GO OUTSIDE AND

PLAY From competitive sports to backyard games

Fathers’ Day Brunch

Athleisure

Active wear collides with high fashion

Bacon, bourbon and biscuits

Sailing the Broughtons

BC’s untapped archipelago T8N June 2018 1

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Contents

T8N MAGAZINE

VOLUME 5 ISSUE 6 June 2018 PUBLISHER

EDITOR

Rob Lightfoot

Shauna Rudd

ART DIRECTION

Brenda Lakeman, Correna Saunders DESIGN & PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT

Correna Saunders PHOTOGRAPHY

Brenda Lakeman DESIGN INTERN

Kim Clarke CONTRIBUTORS

Jennie Drent, Bruce Timothy Keith, Markwell Lyon, Robert Michon, Shima Zonneveld OFFICE MANAGER

Janice Lightfoot CONTRIBUTING AGENCIES

Conversations 6

Child’s Play

Are parents taking the fun out of play? To structure, or not to structure.

Arts & Culture 11

Blowing through the Broughtons

City 28

16

18

THE 8s

Remember the 60s leisure suit? Meet its chic athletic younger cousin, baby.

Living 21

FOOD & GATHERINGS Dad’s the Word

The smell of sizzling bacon is like a homing beacon to dads.

So, this Fathers’ Day, instead of trying to surprise him with brunch, spoil him with choice.

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32

ISSN 2368-7088 (ONLINE)

For editorial inquiries or information, contact T8N magazine at info@t8nmagazine.com. Have something to say? Letters, suggestions or ideas can be sent to letters@t8nmagazine.com.

Sprinting, hurdling, shot put— this club’s got muscle, and a whole lot of heart.

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION Rob Lightfoot rob@t8nmagazine.com 780 940 6212 or visit t8nmagazine.com

THEN & NOW Fowler Athletic Park

T8N magazine is published 12 times a year by T8N Publishing Inc. Copyright ©2018 T8N Publishing Inc. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited.

Take It Outside 30

ISSN 2368-707X (PRINT)

MEET YOU THERE St. Albert Mustangs Track and Field Club

Its famous blue-hued track is historically the perfect place to get your feet wet when trying out track and field.

Pig roasts, happy hours, and teeming wildlife are just a few untapped treasures of this BC archipelago.

Image page 30 © Ulf/Adobe Stock Image page 32 © Bob/Adobe Stock

Pickleball

No, it’s not the latest feat of molecular gastronomy. It’s a game—and a seasoned one at that.

Content marked by the Sponsored Content icon was produced in partnership between content producers and T8N magazine.

PRINTED IN CANADA

T8N PUBLISHING INC PUBLISHER & PRESIDENT

Rob Lightfoot: rob@t8nmagazine.com

Snailmail: #176, 311 Bellerose Drive, St.Albert AB T8N 5C9

Croquet (n.)

A French word for a game with English appeal—and played the world over.

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SUMMERCITY.CA

The Most

COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE to everything happening

THIS SUMMER

In Edmonton PARKS • POOLS • EVENTS

AND SO MUCH MORE!

T8N June 2018 3

From the Editor ABOUT A MONTH ago, I opened my copy

of T8N and flipped to the editor ’s letter.

That’s when I found the publisher’s letter.

He was thanking T8N ’s former editor for her contributions, and wishing her well.

Shauna Rudd Editor

Within minutes, I jumped on the chance to work in my own backyard. I’ve edited many city and regional magazines, and I wanted to shine a light on our community—a city that’s consistently rated one of Canada’s Top 10 places to live and raise a family.

For me, it’s the simple things that make St. Albert special. Biking along forest trails with my husband and our two kids to the library, the parks, The Enjoy Centre, that fabulous farmers’ market. It’s the local shops who offer their best in service, food, flowers, gifts, fashion, décor. Its about how much importance St. Albertans place on time spent with family—this sentiment is everywhere, present in everything we do.

In this issue, we touch on some of these things. We take a serious look at play, a playful look at fashion, and outdoor games that the whole family can enjoy. You’ll find a buoyant personal narrative on sailing in BC, ideas for Fathers’ Day brunch, and a story on how our track and field club keeps us on our toes.

We're excited to continue highlighting all the wonderful things about this place that the ratings lists have caught on to—and what St. Albertans have always known.

On the Cover A special thanks to our athletic cover model, Emma Curle, who leaps off the page in a show of strength and endurance.

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Conversations

Child’s Play Are parents taking the fun out of play?

To structure, or not to structure.

WRITTEN BY MARKWELL LYON, ILLUSTRATIONS BY JAMES GRASDAL

PLAY—IT’S ONE OF the best things about being a kid.

Whether indoors or outdoors, alone or with friends, playtime is an important part of a young child’s day. And it’s not just fun and games: children develop through play, building physical and mental skills and learning to interact with others.

But is it ideal for children to run free all day, so to speak, or should parents and adults aim to instill more structure into childhood activities? While both approaches have benefits, the answer ultimately lies in how well parents know their children, and what works best for them.

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What Is Play?

First of all, what exactly do we mean by ‘play’? We recognize it when we see it, but it can be difficult to put into words.

Play, Participation, and Possibilities, an early childhood curriculum framework developed here in Alberta, describes play as a “pleasurable and highly motivating context in which children can explore possibilities and solve problems.” Put this way, we can see how learning through play can involve more than the activity itself—the time, space, and materials children use to have fun and create new worlds for themselves are additional factors. Yet, how they imagine those worlds, and what they choose to do there, is entirely up to them.

“Play is what children do, it’s where they learn about life,” says Margaret Mykietyshyn, Assistant Professor in the Early Learning and Child Care program at MacEwan University. “It should be done on their own time, on their own terms, and in relation to what is meaningful to them.” Like Mykietyshyn, many early childhood educators view free play as an empowering act for kids, one that puts them front and centre and lets them make decisions for themselves. It’s a view that has global clout: The United Nations, too, acknowledges the importance of play for children—in its 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child, Article 31 of that treaty states that children “have the right to relax and play,” enshrining play as a fundamental right.

Stages of Play For young children, especially, free and unstructured play is crucial to learning about themselves and the world around them. This can be seen in Parten’s stages of play, a classic theory developed by sociologist Mildred Parten Newhall almost a century ago. The theory discusses six stages or styles of play among preschoolaged children, and shows how play becomes more complex as children develop cognitive and social skills. The youngest children, those aged two or three, may engage in simple unoccupied play where they merely observe their surroundings. Or, they may take part in solitary play where they focus on a single activity and little else. Older preschoolers, meanwhile, typically

UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD Article 31 (Leisure, Play and Culture): Children have the right to relax and play, and to join in a wide range of cultural, artistic, and other recreational activities.

engage in more sophisticated types of play, such as cooperative play where they take an interest not only in the activity at hand but also engage with other children taking part.

Parten’s theory highlights the symbiotic relationship between play and learning.

As children play, they pick up important motor, cognitive, and social skills.

And as they pick up these skills, their play becomes richer, setting them up to improve those skills even further.

Obviously, not all children develop in the same way; nor do they progress through a neat sequence of stages. The point is that unstructured play can provide a sort of ‘dress rehearsal’ as children ease themselves into the world outside of their homes. “When children play in ways that have meaning to them,” Mykietyshyn says, “that is the basis for all of their learning.”

The Case for Structure Nonetheless, for many parents, the idea of letting their kids run wild all day might seem less than ideal. In recent decades, it’s become common for parents and educators to provide more structure for children. When we speak of ‘structured’ play here, we mean activities that have

objectives in mind—completing a game, solving a puzzle, or learning to play an instrument. It’s play with a purpose, and it generally involves rules or instructions to follow. Structured play might also require the supervision or involvement of adults—to explain or enforce rules, to provide guidance and help, and possibly to ensure safety.

If bringing in rules and adults sounds like a great way to ruin a good time, keep in mind that structured play does have a valid place in childhood development.

In her online CBC article, Make Time for Play: How to Balance Structured and Unstructured Play, Sarah Prowse of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority estimates that up to 25 per cent of a child’s physical activity comes from structured play, with school activities and organized sports as major contributors.

Structured activities are excellent for developing motor skills in kids, or what Prowse calls the ABCs: Agility, Balance, Coordination, and Speed. Also, having a trained adult coach present minimizes the risk that can come with certain activities—imagine a kid trying to learn to swim on their own and it’s clear why adult involvement isn’t always a bad idea.

T8N June 2018 7

NOW THAT’S SOME OLD TOYS Archaeologists excavating at stone-age burial grounds near Lake Itkul in Siberia have unearthed eight figurines they believe are the oldest rattles ever found. Decorated with the carved faces of humans, birds, and other animals, the figurines were discovered with an infant’s remains.

The Freedom to Play The difference between unstructured and structured play is that the former puts children in control. It allows them to make up their own rules as they go along, in whatever way they see fit. It’s no surprise, then, that kids associate unstructured activities with “fun, pleasure, choice and freedom,” as Prowse writes.

Educators are onboard when it comes to child-directed play, even to the point of defining play as inherently (and exclusively) unstructured. “When we talk about structured play, we generally talk about play that’s organized by adults,”

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Mykietyshyn explains. “Usually it has some intended outcome, and that, by definition, is not play at all.” The qualities that make play valuable, fun, and worthwhile for kids—active, initiated and ruled by kids, focused on process rather than results—are also what define free, unstructured play.

This may also hint at changing trends.

While the 80s saw the rise of two working parents and latchkey kids, the last few decades have seen the rise of helicopter parents taking a more active role in their children’s upbringing and social lives, such as planning and organizing

a plethora of goal-oriented activities.

However, this constant hovering, though well-meaning, may have gone too far toward the other end of the spectrum.

“Play has been kind of lost for children over the last 20 years, with so much structure and parental angst,” Mykietyshyn says. “There’s been a decline in opportunities for free, unstructured play, but I think awareness is coming back.” While goal-oriented play places value on results and outcomes, the value of free play is more intrinsic. It’s play for the sake of play, and it doesn’t need to be justified.

Play and Older Children Even so, as kids mature they may come to see play as something only little children do. Many teenagers wouldn’t describe what they do recreationally as “play.” But whatever we call it, for older children, structure can be very beneficial. Organized sports and other pastimes centred on a particular interest such as school chess clubs or coding clubs are good examples, as older kids can gain a lot from them. Taking part in an activity that has rules or instructions requires that kids learn and understand a process. Having structure and objectives to work toward also helps keep older kids interested and engaged in the activity.

As well, aside from new abilities, there are the life lessons that kids pick up through structured activities: the value of teamwork, sportsmanship, developing a good work ethic, and improved communication and social skills. A certain element of risk, too, can be healthy for older kids. Activities with a

bit of risk built in, such as hockey and other contact sports, can add an extra level of difficulty (as well as excitement) and this can teach kids to test and push their limits, and overcome their fears.

As Mykietyshyn puts it, “There’s certainly potential for learning from those kinds of structured experiences, but there needs to be a balance. The real benefits of play come from the motivation being in the hands of the player.”

“Structured play has an intended outcome, and that, by definition, is not play at all.”

Finding Your Balance Finding that balance between unstructured and structured play takes thought and planning. The prevailing view in early child care (preschool age) is that educators should provide the time, space, and open-ended materials

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“Play is what children do, it’s where they learn about life.” necessary for children to engage their imaginations—and then stay out of the way as much as possible. Because every child is different, of course, that means educators must observe and get to know each child in their charge to discover their personal interests and find ways to encourage what’s important to them.

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Parents face the same considerations.

However, parents at least have the benefit of knowing their children better than anyone. While younger children in general benefit from having less structure, older children and teens might quickly become bored when structure is lacking.

But apart from age, parents also have to consider the personality, temperament, and interests of their children, as well as how much structure they’re getting outside of the home—at school, for instance.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but simply providing some opportunities where kids can be in control is step one to ensuring they gain maximum fun and value from play. t8n

Blowing through the

Broughtons

Riches await when you sail the hidden treasures of BC’s less-travelled archipelago.

BY BRUCE TIMOTHY KEITH

SOMETIMES, THE URGE to go where the

wind takes us is too much to ignore. So much so, in this case, that we bought a boat and decided to sail up the coast of Vancouver Island to explore the isolated but intriguing Broughton Archipelago.

Only a small percentage of Pacific Northwest boaters ever head north of the Salish Sea—and my sailing partner Leslie and I were determined to be among them.

T8N T8NJune June 2018 11

It was the end of July last summer when we slipped our 38-foot sailboat Never for Ever into the crowded anchorage of Squirrel Cove at the north end of the Georgia Strait. Squirrel Cove lies just south of a set of tidal rapids that create a physical and psychological barrier between the Broughtons and the southern cruising grounds. Though Broughton Archipelago proper is the collection of islands across the Queen Charlotte Strait from Port McNeill, the area generally encompasses everything between Desolation Sound and the northern tip of Vancouver Island. It’s home to few full-time residents, but it houses stunning scenery, incredible wildlife, amazing culture,

GOT BOAT? If you don’t own a boat, bareboat and captained charters are a good option, and many outfits offer a selection of powerboats and sailboats. To name a few: Nanaimo Yacht Charters and Sailing School in Nanaimo (nanaimoyachtcharters.com), Desolation Sound Yacht Charters in Comox (desolationsoundyachtcharters.com), and Cooper Boating in Vancouver, Sidney and Powell River (cooperboating.com). and the most fascinating collection of marinas and resorts.

There must have been a hundred boats there when we arrived, but we would soon be leaving them all behind.

The next morning, we transited some intimidating tidal rapids and continued up Johnstone Strait, eager to head full-tilt into our adventure. Dropping our sails just off East Cracroft Island, we tied up at Port Harvey. This is the traditional first stop for cruisers headed to the Broughtons or Alaska. Owned and operated by a couple of Alberta expatriates, Port Harvey Marine Resort features docks and a small floating general store and restaurant. That evening, we joined some fellow cruisers 12 T8Nmagazine.com

CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS Midden Beaches Centuries-old white-shell beaches that contain archeological artifacts. They were formed by First Nations’ shellfish harvesting and are found throughout the Broughtons.

Village Island An abandoned village in Johnstone Strait (central coast region) featuring the remains of long houses, totem poles, and a beautiful midden beach.

U’mista Cultural Centre A museum and extensive art gallery, that offers tours, presentations by dance troupes, and a gift shop. It also supports researchers and hosts international scholars.

‘Namgis Original Burial Ground Century-old burial ground dotted with traditional memorial totem poles featuring the work of some of the best carvers in the area. for fresh-made pizzas, and put in our order for the next morning’s fresh-baked cinnamon buns.

Cinnamon buns happily consumed, we waved our goodbyes and cast off to negotiate Chatham Channel. In just a few hours, we pulled into our next stop, Lagoon Cove. The marina was hosting a prawn potluck that night, so we rummaged through our galley for something to contribute (a tomato salad with onions, garlic, olive oil, and fresh basil) and headed up the docks.

One of the joys of the Broughtons are the little resorts that host nightly potlucks or happy hours, and running into same boaters again and again, making friendships that often last a lifetime. During our three-week trip, we sailed to Pierre’s at Echo Bay for their Saturday night pig roast, spent a few nights at Sullivan Bay for fresh-baked Danishes, and stopped at Shawl Bay (sadly, now closed) for their traditional pancake breakfast.

We like to spend only a night or two at a marina, topping up batteries and water before setting out for one of the hundreds of isolated anchorages scattered throughout the archipelago.

One of our favourites is Lady Boot Cove, named for its shape (and its serene beauty is breathtaking). While there we took our dinghy to nearby Insect Island, landed on an ancient midden beach, and hiked through the

light-dappled forest. We discovered First Nations’ culturally modified cedar trees, traces of old logging operations, and met up with some kayakers.

One thing all Broughton visitors do is compare notes on wildlife because the entire area is a guaranteed wildlifespotting extravaganza. We’d already seen several pods of orca whales and a few humpbacks. And by the end of the trip, we had added a pair of black bears hunting for shellfish on the rocky beaches, a huge pod of dolphins, a colony of sea lions, and eagles and osprey hunting for their dinners.

In fact, one of the highlights occurred as we were approaching Pierre’s at Echo Bay. Glancing to my right, I was just in time to spot a humpback whale surfacing less than a hundred feet off our starboard side. I grabbed my camera and even managed to video a few moments before he raised his mighty tail and dived deep.

Finally, we sailed into Port McNeill to gather provisions for the trip home.

But first, we decided to catch the ferry to Alert Bay and see the totem poles at ‘Namgis Original Burial Ground and visit the nearby U’mista Cultural Centre. The museum houses repatriated Kwakwaka’wakw regalia confiscated by the Canadian government early in the 20th century when potlatches were banned.

The visit was a world-class experience.

T8N June 2018 13

And with that, our adventure came to an end—well, almost. As we left, we were thrilled to be escorted down Johnstone Strait by three Pacific white-sided dolphins riding in our bow wake for over an hour. Occasionally, one would roll on its side and wink at us—knowing that the hidden magic of this place is now something we share. t8n

NOTABLE RESORTS Every resort claims its own specialties, and cruisers have their favourites, but they’re all worth a visit.

Pierre’s at Echo Bay Get there in time for their famous Pig Roast on Saturday evenings, or the BBQ Prime Rib roast on Mondays and Thursdays. pierresbay.com Sullivan Bay Marina Enjoy fresh Danishes every morning and play their celebrated one-hole golf course. sullivanbaymarina.com Port Harvey Marine Resort Boasts a wood-fired pizza oven and homemade cinnamon buns each morning. portharvey.blogspot.ca Lagoon Cove Marina Renowned for good hiking and fresh prawns each evening at happy hour. lagooncovemarina.com Kwatsi Bay Browse their gift store filled with local artists’ work, and enjoy daily potlucks on the dock. kwatsibay.com Jennis Bay Marina A quiet, out-of-the-way marina and resort.

Oh, and it’s breathtaking. jennisbay.com Nimmo Bay Resort This luxury resort features a spa, fine dining, and adventure tourism. nimmobay.com 14 T8Nmagazine.com

STURGEON VISION CENTRE A

GETTING OLDER MAY BRING CHANGES TO YOUR VISION

t Sturgeon Vision Centre, we want to help you address your changing visual needs, as well as help you receive the appropriate medical care that you may need.

Follow Carl, our fictitious friend, through his vision care as he may have some of the same issues that you may be experiencing.

Carl is 68, retired and now works on his golf game. He plays four days a week—more if his wife lets him, less if his grandkids visit.

When he’s not golfing, he spends time on the computer or iPad reading newspapers, playing solitaire and keeping up with the stock market. Lately, he’s been having trouble seeing the golf ball, and finds night driving challenging with the glaring headlights.

Because his mother and brother both have glaucoma (loss of peripheral vision), he worries about his risk of developing it.

To test for glaucoma, the optometrist does a visual field test to assess his central and peripheral vision, and used the optical coherence tomography (OCT) to determine if there is optic nerve damage. The tests

discovered he has borderline high-intraocular pressure (glaucoma suspect), so he’ll need to be tested annually for changes. For his blurred vision, the optometrist did a thorough, non-invasive external and internal examination of the eyes, and discovered Carl has significant cataracts in both eyes. A consultation appointment was set up with a local cataract surgeon.

Carl was encouraged by his optometrist not to get new progressives since his prescription would change again after the cataract surgery.

Until his surgery, to help with his neck strain when he’s on the computer, Carl decided he wanted personalized computer glasses with blue light protection. He also wants to try and improve his golf game; the Maui Jim sunglasses have special lenses that offer extra contrast and colour on the fairways and greens, which may help him.

Your vision is precious, which is why you should choose your eye-care provider based on your trust and comfort level. Your questions should be thoroughly answered,

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and you should be treated in a respectful and caring manner.

Sturgeon Vision Centre is now accepting new patients and we want to earn your trust. We would be honoured to be part of your health care team. We look forward to seeing you.

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This sponsored content was produced in partnership between Sturgeon Vision Centre and T8N magazine.

Then & Now

DID YOU KNOW? Fowler Athletic Park was only one suggested name for the facility. Others included Summer Games Athletic Park, Doug Gilbert Memorial Track, and Sir Winston Churchill Athletic Park.

Fowler Athletic Park Then & Now

BY ROBERT MICHON

16 T8Nmagazine.com

TUCKED AWAY AT the edge of Brae-

1970s

side sits Fowler Athletic Park, with its track painted in that familiar, calming shade of blue. The track and field facility has been a staple of the St. Albert athletic community for almost 40 years, and while it’s been long beloved by local athletes, it may come as a surprise that it was once a destination for track stars from all over Alberta. And though it may be less busy than it was during its glory days, Fowler Athletic Park continues to serve as an essential facility for aspiring athletes.

Fowler Athletic Park wasn’t built just for locals; it was built for all Albertans to enjoy, as part of the 1979 Alberta Summer Games.

At the time, the idea of a provincial sporting competition was relatively new, with the first games taking place five years earlier in Calgary. The games weren’t a proven success yet, and the impact it would have on host communities wasn’t entirely known. But St. Albert’s community leaders saw the games as an opportunity to feature our city on the provincial stage, and made a bid for St. Albert to act as the 1979 host.

Former St. Albert mayor Dick Fowler took on the task of organizing the bid, and when it was successful, he became the chief

Musée Héritage Museum: Sod Turning at Track, 1979. Mayor Richard Fowler and others at the sod-turning ceremony at Fowler Athletic Park.

organizer for the event. But Fowler and his fellow organizers faced a problem: St. Albert did not have an adequate track and field facility. They realized they would have to construct one, but this came with a challenge.

Many sporting event planners are infamous for overspending on facilities, only to have them go unused after the event.

Fowler and his team wanted to avoid this trap, prioritize sustainability, and give St. Albert a track facility that would be used for generations to come. As such, their design made use of low-cost options, but also allowed for future expansion. For instance, they went with a rubber asphalt track instead of using traditional shale because asphalt could be easily upgraded.

FUN FACT While the Alberta Summer Games have not returned to St. Albert since 1979, the city has played host to a few of its spin-offs: The Alberta Winter Games in 1994, and the Winter Games (for ages 55 and up) in 2011.

The park was constructed on time, on budget, and the games were deemed a success. It was given the name Fowler Athletic Park in honour of the man who lead the charge.

1980s If there were any worries that the park would sit unused after the completion of the games, they were quickly quashed. One year after the games ended, in 1980, the track became home to a new sports organization: The St. Albert Track and Field Club.

The St. Albert Mustangs, as they’ve become known, provide training for young athletes ages 8 to 25 years. The club has since produced a number of young track stars, with many who

have gone on to compete in the summer games themselves, bringing Fowler’s vision full circle.

The park also became a standard go-to for school gym classes.

The location chosen by Fowler and his committee was no accident —it sits within walking distance of four schools, and quick bussing distance of many more. If you pass by on a school day in the fall or spring, it’s common to see students jumping and running around the track.

Today While St. Albert isn’t hosting the summer games these days, there are still annual competitions in the park. Every spring, the St. Albert Mustangs Track and Field Club hosts a local track meet, where young athletes can exercise their competitive spirit.

Fowler Athletic Park continues to be a much-enjoyed and valued asset of our community. In addition to the clubs and schools that make use of the park, the facilities are open to the public when there are no other events booked. If you’re not ready to join a club, but you want to give track events a try, the blue-hued Fowler Athletic Park is the perfect place to take the plunge. t8n

T8N June 2018 17

The 8s

Athleisure The sport of being at the height of fashion.

WRITTEN BY MARKWELL LYON PHOTOGRAPHY AND STYLING BY BRENDA LAKEMAN CLOTHING MODELED BY KIERAH JORGENSEN

18 T8Nmagazine.com

IF YOU’VE EVER felt self-conscious running

out of the house in your sweatpants, don’t fret, you couldn’t be more on trend—sort of.

‘Athleisure’ is a bona fide look that melds the comfort of athletic wear with high fashion—tailored lines and luxe materials—for a cool, easygoing vibe. But it’s more than an excuse to wear yoga pants all day (not that there’s anything wrong with that); the trick is pairing casual active wear with chic pieces for an outfit that’s stylish yet relaxed. Here’s how to sport the look.

1

J/Slides Adelynn Sneaker, $230; J/Slides Alara Sneaker, $218; both from Bella Maas Boutique.

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S-Q Chloe Convertible Backpack, $75, from Diverse Boutique.

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Bella Dahl Frayed Seams Back Dress $225; Matt & Nat ‘Drew’ (Large) Crossbody, $194; both from Bella Maas Boutique. Apollo Originals Classic Snapback Cap, $39, from Diverse Boutique.

Reebok Footwear, $49, from Winners.

4

Brunette The Label “Blonde” Crew, $84; Pink Martini Express Yourself Lace Ballet Skirt, $94; Steve Madden Dylann Block Heel Sandal, $116; all from Bella Maas Boutique.

5

Kendall + Kylie Long Trench, $250; UGG Cas Perf Slip-on, $150; both from Bella Maas Boutique.

Always Leggings, $15; S-Q Cecilia 2-in-1 Reversible Hobo Bag, $90; both from Diverse Boutique.

6

LazyPants Lucas Striped Jogger, $115; Bano eeMee ‘AKL for Her’ Leather Jacket, $648; Steve Madden Dylann Block Heel Sandal, $116; all from Bella Maas Boutique.

7

Team Canada T-Shirt, $12, from Walmart; Pink Martini Side-to-Side Skirt, $187; Kendall + Kylie Leopard Hoodie, $158; both from Bella Maas Boutique.

8

Apollo Originals Bomber Jacket, $89.99, from Diverse Boutique. MinkPink Madagascar Midi Slip Dress, $109, from Bella Maas Boutique.

1 Donning athletic-inspired accessories are an easy way to get the look. Step into casual sneakers or slip on a backpack-style purse when you’re on the move.

2

3 Nothing elevates your game quite like denim—classic and easy, it never goes out of style. Try a denim dress with your go-to ball cap and running shoes for a look that’s as cute as it is timeless.

T8N June 2018 19

Showing some team pride doesn’t mean you have to dress down. Just tuck a tee with your favourite team’s logo into a sexy pencil skirt, and you’ll look fabulous on game day.

4 5 6 8

The right outerwear can go a long way (in this case, literally), lending elegance no matter what you’ve got on underneath.

Throw a luxe trench over a pair of tights and you’ll look chic coming and going from the gym—or anywhere else.

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7

Elastic waistbands, anyone?

Don’t underestimate the fashion potential of your humble track pants.

Paired with a black leather moto jacket and some strappy heels, your comfy joggers have never looked so fine. t8n

Food & Gatherings

DAD’S THE WORD RECIPES AND FOOD STYLING BY SHIMA ZONNEVELD WRITTEN BY SHAUNA RUDD

SURPRISING DAD WITH breakfast on

Fathers’ Day is like sneaking out with the car after curfew and expecting him not to notice—your chances are slim at best. But that’s besides the point. We’ve got a selection of dishes to make every dad smile, whether he’s got a savoury streak or a sweet tooth, and he’ll appreciate every bite (even if he was on to you the whole time).

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Bacon-and-Egg Hotdish This tasty casserole is a real time-saver because it’s prepared the night before. Perfect if you’re expecting a hungry crowd in the morning (but remember, it does need an hour to bake).

16 slices white or whole-wheat bread, crusts removed 1 pkg bacon, cooked and chopped (see our oven-baked method for easy prep) Cheddar cheese, thinly sliced (enough to cover the bread) 6 eggs ½ tsp pepper, freshly ground ¼ tsp salt ½ - 1 tsp dry mustard

cup onion, finely chopped ¼ cup red, orange or yellow bell pepper, finely chopped ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce 3 cups milk Dash of hot sauce (such as Tabasco) ¼ - ½ cup butter Corn Flakes, crushed to sprinkle overtop (or use the prepared ‘crumb’ variety )

Butter a 9 x 13-inch glass baking dish and line the bottom with slices of bread (make sure the bottom is completely covered).

Top with bacon and slices of cheddar cheese.

In a bowl, whisk the eggs, pepper, salt, mustard, onion, bell pepper, Worcestershire sauce, milk, and hot sauce. Pour over the bread, cover, and refrigerate overnight.

In the morning, melt the butter and pour over the casserole. Sprinkle with crushed Corn Flakes.

Bake uncovered at 350°F for 1 hour. Remove from oven and let hotdish cool for 10-15 minutes. Cut into squares and serve.

OVEN-BAKED BACON That’s right—no more hot spatter as you try to flip sizzling slices of bacon. Once you jump out of the fry pan and into the oven to cook bacon, you’ll never look back.

Preheat oven to 425°F. Line two 11 x 17-inch baking sheets with foil or parchment paper that extends just beyond the edges of the pan (for easier clean up). Arrange bacon onto the pans (two sheets should be enough for a whole package), leaving space between each piece.

Bake in the oven, one sheet at a time, for 10 minutes.

Remove from oven, turn bacon, and bake for another 5 minutes or until you’ve reached desired level of crispiness.

Transfer bacon slices to a plate lined with paper towel to absorb excess drippings. Enjoy as is, or chop for use in our Bacon-and-Egg Hotdish.

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Faux ‘Pop Tarts’ Who says Fathers’ Day is just for dads? This recipe is great for kids who want to ‘help’ make a special breakfast—with icing and sprinkles, of course. These will keep in an airtight container for up to three days…if they last that long.

For the pastry: 2 cups flour 1 tbsp plus ½ tbsp sugar ½ tsp salt 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and chopped into tbsp-size portions 2 large eggs 2 tbsp milk 1 tbsp 35% cream

¾ cup jam (cinnamon sugar or Nutella work well, too) For the glaze: 1 cup icing sugar, sifted 2-3 tbsp 35% cream 1 tsp vanilla extract Candy sprinkles

Combine the flour, sugar and salt in a food processor and pulse.

Add the butter and continue to pulse. The mixture should have a nice crumbly texture with pea-size lumps of butter.

Add 1 egg, milk, and cream. Pulse until the dough comes together into a ball. Remove the ball of dough and knead a few times.

Divide the dough in half, shape into two small rectangular forms, and seal in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 1 hour. Remove from fridge and bring to room temperature (15 minutes).

Flour your work surface. Roll out one piece of dough into a rectangular shape, about 1/8-inch thick. Square off the corners by trimming the dough. Cut into 9 even rectangles, and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Give them a quick egg wash using the remaining egg.

Repeat the above process with the second piece of dough, but omit the egg wash.

Spoon 1 tbsp of jam (or other filling) onto each of your eggwashed pieces of dough, and cover with the non-egg-washed pastry. Using a fork, seal the edges, and prick the top of each a few times so the steam can vent. Chill pastries in the fridge for 15 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove pastries from the fridge and brush the tops with remaining egg wash. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until pastries are a light golden brown. Let the pastries cool for 10 minutes on the sheet, and then place them on a cooling rack. Cool completely.

For the glaze, combine the vanilla, cream, and sifted icing sugar (if you prefer a thinner glaze, add more cream). Glaze the cooled pastries, and top with candy sprinkles. Have fun!

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Sunrise Smoothie A smoothie is a refreshing brunch addition—the yogurt and fruit combo adds balance and lightens the meal. This one features fresh summer flavours, but really, anything goes.

1 bag (or 600 g) frozen fruit blend of strawberry, peach, and mango

1 cup vanilla yogurt 1 cup watermelon/apple juice blend

Blend all ingredients together (feel free to adjust the ratios for a thinner or thicker beverage). Pour into glasses and garnish with fresh fruit. Enjoy!

Hair-of-the-Dad Brew Uh, huh—nothing like fighting a hangover with… well, another possible hangover. The ‘hair-of-the-dog’ idea (when you remedy an overindulgence of alcohol with more alcohol) has been used across the ages (admittedly, with varying levels of success).

This Fathers’ Day edition relies on cold-brewed coffee (which has to help) along with bourbon and amaro, an Italian liqueur. Amaro can be made with grain alcohol or wine (vermouth is wine-based amaro), and flavoured using a blend of herbs, roots, flowers, bark, and citrus peels. Try it made in the ‘medium’ style—the nutty, citrus flavours complement the coffee beautifully.

4 oz cold-brewed coffee (see below) 1.5 oz bourbon 1.5 oz amaro

1 oz vanilla-infused simple syrup (see below) Tonka bean, finely grated

Cold-Brewed Coffee Combine coarsely ground medium or dark-roasted coffee beans with cold water in a French press (you should have about a 4-to-1 ratio of coffee to cold water). If you like, add a pinch of grated tonka bean to the ground coffee for an almond-like note.

Steep overnight (but don’t depress the plunger until morning).

Vanilla-Infused Simple Syrup Pour 1 cup of water into a saucepan. Add 1 cup of white sugar and bring to a slow boil, making sure all the sugar is dissolved.

Remove from heat and add ½ - 2 tsp of pure vanilla extract.

The syrup can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Coffee provided by Black Rifle Coffee.

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Hair-of-the-Dad Add bourbon, amaro, and vanilla syrup to a cocktail shaker (proportions can be adjusted to taste) and shake. Add mixture to the cold-brewed coffee (again, to taste), pour over ice cubes, and fine-grind a little tonka bean overtop (if using). Add cream or milk, if desired.

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Maple-Cinnamon Biscuits This delightful cross between a cinnamon bun and a tea biscuit whips up a dough that’s oh-so-easy to work with, and the end result is a kitchen filled with the warm scent of cinnamon.

2 tbsp butter ¼ cup plus ½ cup brown sugar 1 tbsp maple syrup 2 cups flour 1 tbsp baking powder

1 tbsp white sugar ¼ tsp salt ¾ cup milk ¼ cup plus 1 tbsp sunflower oil ½ tsp cinnamon

Add the butter, ¼ cup of brown sugar, and maple syrup to an 8 x 8-inch pan, lightly oiled or sprayed with cooking spray. Place into your oven and preheat to 350°F. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, white sugar and salt. Mix well. Stir in the milk and oil. Combine using your hands, giving the dough a few quick kneads to pull it together.

On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a 9 x 14-inch rectangle. Combine ½ cup of brown sugar with the cinnamon, and sprinkle evenly over the dough. Starting at the long edge, form the dough into a rolled log. Using a sharp knife, cut 9-to-12 even slices.

Remove the warmed pan with the sugar-butter mixture from the oven, give it a stir, and arrange your cinnamon biscuits in the pan. Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Serve warm. t8n

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Meet You There

St. Albert Mustangs Track and Field Club Born to Run (and Jump and Throw).

BY MARKWELL LYON

SUMMER’S UNDERWAY, and for some, this means

outdoor training is back for the St. Albert Mustangs Track and Field Club. For head coach Amy Millar that means a renewed emphasis on athletes’ development, as well as fostering a strong team atmosphere. “It really is athletes first,” says Millar. “Investing in our athletes to build strong athlete-coach relationships is a true strength of our program.

A pediatric physiotherapist, Millar has been involved in track and field since she was 12 years old. Something about it hooked her early on. “I love that the sport is so diverse, that you can run or throw or jump,” she says. “It’s the basis of a lot of other sports.” Throughout high school, and as a student at the University of Alberta, Millar competed in high jump and triple jump—and was part of Team Alberta at the Canada Summer Games—before injuries sidelined her.

Not to be deterred, Millar jumped into coaching, a choice that went full tilt when another coach asked for her help at what was then called the St. Albert Track and Field Club. She’s been with the club ever since—which now sports “Mustangs” in 28 T8Nmagazine.com

the name—with the exception of two years off to pursue her graduate degree in physiotherapy. Three years ago she took over as head coach, a role that involves not only coaching, but also supporting other coaches to develop their skills, as well as working with board members and acting as the public face of the club.

“Investing in our athletes to build strong athlete-coach relationships is a true strength of our program.”

Over the years, Millar has seen the Mustangs grow and improve. When she first came on the scene, there were fewer athletes in the club and most of them were juniors. “We used to lose a lot of kids to Edmonton,” she notes. There were also fewer coaches, with just herself and a distance-running coach on board. Bringing in more coaches, those who share an athletes-first coaching philosophy, has helped provide more structure. “We’re seeing the benefits of it now,” Millar explains. “Our numbers are up significantly [the Junior Development program now keeps a waitlist], and we’re seeing more kids stick around into the senior development portion.” Of the

TRACK AND FIELD AT THE ANCIENT OLYMPICS At the earliest Olympics, the only event was the stadion, a running race of just under 200 m. Longer races were gradually added until the 18th Olympiad in 708 B.C., when the pentathlon appeared, which involved running, jumping, throwing, and wrestling.

Interesting how this idea has endured through the ages, with the modern-day concept replacing wrestling with wheeling in Athletics Canada’s Run Jump Throw Wheel program. nearly 60 athletes at the club, about 20 of them are older teens and young adults in the Peak Performance program, the most Millar has seen during her time with the Mustangs.

But success is more than just numbers. Millar cites the strength of training in their programs, which cover sprinting, jumping and distance running in equal measure – in short, their strengths now fall across the board. “Depending on your coaching staff, you may be really strong in your sprinters or your jumpers, but we’re developing in a lot of different areas,” notes Millar, adding that seeing kids fall in love with the sport and develop as athletes the way she did is a perk.

Millar credits the support of the coaching staff, as well as past and present board members. She also notes parental involvement is up, with parents pitching in as volunteers to help with track meets and fundraisers, as well as tidying up the shed at Fowler Park on weekends. The time and hard work that Millar and others have invested are paying off, not only with their athletes, but also in the club’s growing sense of community.

“It’s nice to see that the Mustangs are on the rise,” she says.

We might say it’s heading there in leaps and bounds.

Mustangs at a Glance Location Training is mainly at Fowler Athletic Park Founded In 1980, as the St. Albert Track and Field Club Programs Junior Development for athletes up to age 13; Peak Performance for athletes ages 14 and over; Cross Country program that runs through the fall Fun Fact The Junior Development program follows the Athletics Canada Run Jump Throw Wheel program that teaches fundamental movement skills (including wheeling for kids in wheelchairs) and allows children to experience a variety of track and field events. t8n T8N June 2018 29

Pickleball

No, it’s not the latest feat of molecular gastronomy.

It’s a game—and a seasoned one at that.

BY MARKWELL LYON

YOU COULD SAY pickleball is a

mixed bag. After all, it sees players on a doubles badminton-size court knocking a perforated plastic ball back and forth over a tennis-type net. If this sounds like fun, then join the club (literally). The game’s popularity has exploded over the last few yea rs, a nd according to P ickleball Ca nada , 6 0,0 0 0 Canadians enjoy it—including several hundred right here in the St. Albert Pickleball Club.

Part of what makes pickleball so popular is that it’s easy to pick up and play. It combines the tactics and rules of tennis, badminton, ping pong and even volleyball, but without the learning curve or steep physical demands of those sports. “I like it because it’s similar to tennis, only there’s a lot less running,” says John Sandmoen, a member of the St. Albert Pickleball Club, who points

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out that because the court is smaller than a tennis court, the game is not as strenuous. That the sport is active yet easy on the body makes it perfect for ages two to 92. Well, maybe age two is a bit young, but the Pickleball Canada slogan is simply “A Game for All,” and they mean it—they fully encourage bending the rules to make it accessible to everyone, including kids.

The Gameplay Make no mistake, though—pickleball can be competitive, and at higher levels Sandmoen explains that the game is very fast. While pickleball draws from various racquet sports, it’s the energy of tennis that invites the most comparison.

But there are key differences, aside from the court and equipment. Serves must always be underhand, and a doublebounce rule is in effect, where both the serve and the initial return must bounce

GAME ON The St. Albert Pickleball Club welcomes newcomers, and even offers free lessons for beginners. Membership fees are $30 per year; fees for indoor play are $3 for members and $5 for non-members (the outdoor events are for members only). pickleballstalbert.ca once before being played (in tennis, only the serve has to bounce). Then there’s the “kitchen”—a seven-foot zone on either side of the net where players are not allowed to volley the ball. These rules stop the more aggressive tactics of tennis, and help make pickleball a sport of positioning and cunning, rather than sheer power.

Like all well-organized sports, there are governing bodies that standardize rules and equipment, oversee tournaments, and define a ratings system. Pickleball Canada sanctions a bevy of events throughout the warmer months. A big one is the Canadian National Pickleball Tournament being held July 6–8 in Kelowna this year. It’s a serious affair, with players competing in single and double events organized by age group and tournament rating.

didn’t have the proper equipment. So they improvised: ping-pong paddles and a Wiffle ball were brought out, and the net was lowered to 36 inches. The game proved to be a hit in the neighbourhood, and by the 1970s it had started to catch on across the U.S. and into Canada.

Pickleball Comes to St. Albert The St. Albert Pickleball Club was founded as a registered non-profit society in 2014, and in a few short years the club has grown exponentially to upwards of 330 members. “The growth has been steady and significant and shows no sign of letting up,” Sandmoen says. While the club has been playing at venues including Larose Park and

indoors at Red Willow Community Church, as membership grew the need for a more permanent home became clear. As a result, last November the city approved a $276,900 budget to refurbish the tennis courts at Alpine Park in Akinsdale. The result will be 12 individual, tournament-quality pickleball courts, expected to open later this year. As club president Eileen McClean puts it, “This is wonderful for our club.” Indeed—with an enthusiastic membership and a brand new home, it appears St. Albert is on the pickleball map. t8n

WHAT’S IN A NAME? Two sources are often given for pickleball’s odd name. One is the Pritchard’s family dog Pickles, who would often run away with the ball. Another comes from the “pickle boat”—the last boat to finish a race in yachting, its mismatched crew often made up of stragglers from other boats.

Inventing a Sport 101 As you might have guessed, pickleball’s origins are fairly recent—and not so far away. The game was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by the friends and family of state representative Joel Pritchard. Looking to get some badminton going on a dull Saturday afternoon, they found they

T8N June 2018 31

Croquet (n.)

It’s a French word for a game with English appeal—and played the world over.

YOU MAY BE familiar with croquet

A Global Sport

from backyard barbecues or long weekends at the lake. Or perhaps you’re reminded of that famous scene from “A lice in Wonderland,” where Alice and the Queen of Hearts compete in an absurdist version of the game, using flamingos to knock hedgehogs through arches of playing cards. It’s a game that most of us are familiar with, but one that we likely don’t play too often. However, for enthusiasts, croquet is a serious and complex game, and worth learning if you enjoy friendly competition.

We tend to associate croquet with England, and so it should come as no surprise that the oldest known mention of the modern name “croquet” comes from England in 1856, when an English gentleman, Isaac Spratt, registered an official croquet rule set.

But the basic idea of the game—hitting small balls through hoops—has existed in cultures all over Europe since ancient times.

Aim of the Game Croquet sees two players facing off, competing to be first to hit both of their balls through a series of hoops in a specific order, and ending by knocking their balls against a central peg. It gets more complex when you consider the position of the hoops, and the ability to knock other players’ balls out of the way.

But at its most basic, think of croquet as an elaborate putting challenge, with over-size golf balls and wooden mallets instead of clubs.

DID YOU KNOW? Canada has a national croquet league, Croquet Canada, that hosts 11 tournaments every year across the country (mostly in Ontario, Quebec, and BC).

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The popularity of croquet in England during the Victorian Era led to its acclaim throughout

FUN FACT Croquet was one of the first sports to embrace gender equality, allowing men and women to compete alongside each other in the same categories. all English-speaking societies. And while croquet is played around the world, to this day, it’s most popular in former British colonies such as Canada, United States, South Africa, and Australia, and each can have different rule sets. For example, American and Australian croquet have some key rule differences that could cause confusion during cross-cultural games. So, to remedy this, international tournaments follow a common rule set known as “Association Croquet.” World championships have been held every year since 1989. t8n

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