The Newsy Neighbour July Issue 117

NEWSY NEW LOGO | NEW BRANDING | NEW AWESOME-NESS

July 2017 Issue 117

The

Neighbour Magazine

Camping Battle of the Bands LANGDON DAYS Gotta’ Love Summer!

www.huberts.ca

9th Annual Pet Issue FESTIVAL SUCCESS!!!

The 3rd Annual Get to Know Your Neighbour Festival

August 4th - 7th

The entire schedule of events is found inside

Happy Birthday Canada!!!

Proud to be a MADE IN CANADA product carrier!

Dog | Cat | Reptile Bird | Fish | Small Pets

250 Edgefield place Strathmore, AB Across from the new Co-Op

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A Master Planned Residential Community in Strathmore, Alberta

Phase 3 Lots NOW AVAILABLE 4 New Showhomes Now Open Single Family Homes starting from the $350’s /WildflowerRanchStrathmore

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Exclusive Wildflower Builders Congratulations to Aquilla Homes on winning the Readers Choice Builder of the Year Award for 2016 & 2017

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Opening Event! Friday, July 14 6:00pm – 10:00pm: Cruise Night on Main Main Event! Saturday, July 15 Registration: 9:00am – 2:00pm • Show ‘N Shine: 9:00am – 4:00pm Live Entertainment / Kids Games / Concessions / Vendors Door Prizes 50/50 Draw / T-Shirt Sales / Swap Meet / Cars, cars and more cars!

Awards Presentation @ 4:00pm – over 15 Categories to be won! $10 entry for Show ‘N Shine Call Shawn for more information at: 403.901.9303 4 •

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Winner SBC 2013 Business of the Year - Small Enterprise

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Winner of SBC 2015 Chamber of Commerce Award

@TNewsy Neighbour

Thank you!

www.thenewsyneighbour.blogspot.ca

/Newsy Neighbour

@TheNewsy Neighbour

ca.linkedin. com/in/thenewsyneighbour

After receiving The Newsy Neighbour Best in Business Award for Best Bakery in 2016, I spoke with The Newsy Neighbour staff to thank them for what they did for my small business – creating local awareness and increased traffic.

It still sounds rehearsed, and I wish people could hear what I say about it – the emotion [ just] comes out. [It] was a heartfelt thank you because you had no idea what you did for me as a small business. It meant so much to me that so many people came in to check out My Bakery Shop and then vote for us! ~ My Bakery Shop, Langdon

AN IMPORTANT NOTE TO OUR READERS:

The opinions expressed in the advertisements and articles of this publication are those of the advertisers and authors and not of The Newsy Neighbour Inc. The information in this magazine is believed and fully intended to be accurate but not warranted to be so. The Newsy Neighbour Inc. disclaims responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas or products referred to in the articles or advertisements. The mention of any brand in article or photos does not imply endorsement. Images are supplied by readers, advertisers and from shutterstock.com.

Our database is confidential, we will not share our information with third parties. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent of The Newsy Neighbour Inc.

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We accept Cheque, Visa and M/C PLEASE DO NOT MAIL CASH! Please make cheques payable to “The Newsy Neighbour Inc.” Total subscription cost for one full year is $39.95 including G.S.T. Please return this voucher to: G-510 Highway 1, Strathmore, Alberta T1P 1M6 Questions please call 403-478-9114 aleesha@thenewsyneighbour.com

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Editor-In-Chief / Art Director / Publisher Personal Relations

We Are More Than Just A Magazine

Aleesha Gosling Phone: 403-478-9114

aleesha@thenewsyneighbour.com THE GET TO KNOW YOUR

Regional Sales Manager / Account Manager Personal Relations

Denise Geremia Phone: 403-608-0686

denise@thenewsyneighbour.com

Presented by

Our Customer Service Sets Us Apart. We GUARANTEE it!

Content Development Multimedia Writer

Kathryn Hartwell Phone: 403-561-0888

kathryn.newsyneighbour@gmail.com

Content Development Multimedia Writer

Kyle Penn

Phone: 403-919-3558

kylewpenn@gmail.com

Advertising can be expensive but integral to the survival of any business. Anyone who is willing to give us their hard earned advertising dollars, will get a promise from us, to do everything we can to promote and advertise their business and return the support in multiple ways. We are passionate about supporting local and it's the local businesses that are to thank for the existence of The Newsy Neighbour Magazine.

In a magazine, one can get - from cover to cover - 15 to 20 different ideas about life and how to live it. ~ Maya Angelou

Larry & Rodger

JockTalk

Jock Wilson

Vicki Myhre

Women Talk

Councillor

DarlisKeily Ireland

Rolly Ashdown

A Little bit of everything

Shaken & Stirred

Gaylene Smith

Marcy Field

A Mindful Minute

Leela Sharon Aheer

Rebecca Stone Proof Reader & Content

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Natural Options

Sue Kirk

Derek Henry

Natural Choices

MP

Cynthia Barnesky

Martin Shields Ask The Vet:

Animal Care Centre

Please Recycle This Magazine!

Thriving Since 2008

MLA

Guiding you OVER the steps .....of Real Estate.

The REPs

Langdon Dental Leah Sinclaire

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Join The Chamber The Chamber of Commerce offers a number of unique business levels to suit your current size and stature.

As you grow, your plan can grow with you.

CHAMBER MEMBER BENEFITS • Chamber Health Plans • Payment & Banking Solutions • Audio Conferencing, Web Conferencing & Webcasting Program • Chamber Merchant Services • Shipping Discounts • On Hold Marketing Program, Members Save 20% • Email-Events-Social Media-Surveys • Maintain Control, Save Time & Money with Esso Business Cards • Fuel Discount Program • It’s Easy With VersaPay! • Best Rate Home & Auto Insurance

WE’VE GOT SOME PRETTY FANTASTIC NEIGHBOURS

READY TO GET STARTED?

The 3rd Annual Get to Know Your Neighbour Festival Was a Blast!

Put the Strathmore & District Chamber to Work for Your Business Today

Phone: 403 901 3175

Even though it was early in the morning on Saturday, June 17, you could tell it was going to be a hot one. The air hadn’t gotten the chance to warm up yet, but the sun was bright and fiery, even as it just started to climb into the sky. I slathered on the sunscreen, grabbed my camera, and hopped in my car – destination: downtown Strathmore.

Email: info@strathmoredistrictchamber.com

www.strathmoredistrictchamber.com At Coldwell, we are real people serving real people.

Even before I got there, you could tell that something special was happening in town. Maybe it was that early feel-good boost of Vitamin D – or it could have been the fact that it was Saturday – but it felt like there was a certain buzz throughout the town. The air just seemed to have a positive, friendly vibe to it as I rolled through Strathmore with my windows down, enjoying the morning air. Then, as I turned onto Lakeside Blvd, a smile broke across my face as I saw streams of people heading toward 2nd and 3rd Ave. Today was the 3rd Annual Get to Know Your Neighbour Festival, and people were already out in droves.

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As morning melted into afternoon, things only got busier and more exciting. Local business owners lined the avenues, eager to share their services and success stories with burgeoning crowds. In addition to the many Strathmorites who filled the streets, I bumped into people who had come in from Langdon, Chestermere, Lyalta, Indus, and even Calgary to see what the buzz was about, and to enjoy the beautiful weather outdoors with their fellow community members.

We’re committed to you and your family’s peace of mind. Call one of our experienced agents today at (403) 934-3221 and let Coldwell Agencies demonstrate our dedication to delivering quality insurance policies.

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After snapping photos up and down 2nd and 3rd Aves, I headed east to Kinsmen Park, where I could hear the familiar strums, pops, and bangs of a sound check taking place. This new element of the Get to Know Your Neighbour Festival – Sessions in the Park – was what really turned the festival up to 11 this year, in my humble opinion. Starting shortly after 11 in the morning, Kinsmen Park played host to a fantastic, all-day-long music festival, featuring some of the biggest and best local acts around.

There were bands that would be familiar to anyone who’s kept up with The Newsy Neighbour’s monthly music column, and some

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new faces to keep things interesting. The ticket kicked off with a brilliant edition of The Newsy Neighbour’s Backyard Jam music series, where we shone the spotlight on some incredibly talented local musicians who brought a level of energy and excitement to the stage that’s rarely seen from even the hardest-working bands at the biggest festivals in the country! Then, as afternoon turned to evening, The Newsy Neighbour had the pleasure of welcoming Sarah Beth Keeley, The Beautiful Scars, Envy and New Soul Duo to the stage, all one after the other. We couldn’t be more grateful to all the bands for taking the time to come down and perform at the Festival – the live music in the air really contributed to the fun and excitement of the event, and everybody brought their A-game throughout the whole day. Whether people came to Kinsmen Park to grab a bite from the many food trucks cooking up tasty treats, take a load off in the beer gardens, or just plop down on the grass to enjoy the music, the scene was one of good times and neighbourly fun all day long.

I think that, more than anything, is what I took away from the 3rd Annual Get to Know Your Neighbour Festival. It was a wild and crazy day, full of great music, beautiful weather, and lots of fun, but ultimately, it was the people – our neighbours – who made it what it was. Even in its third year, as we’ve gotten into a pretty good routine preparing and getting things lined up for the big event, this festival still takes a lot of work to get up off the ground.

Aleesha and Denise took on a ridiculous amount of work when it comes to planning, arranging, and setting up the festival each year, and all deserve a big pat on the back for their efforts – but ultimately, the Get to Know Your Neighbour Festival was only as amazing as it was because of the incredible people we’re blessed to call our neighbours.

Low Kilometers

900 Westridge Road, Strathmore Fred Armstrong Sales

Les Smith Sales

Like Us on Facebook Mike Zarokostas

Financial Services Manager

That’s where the genesis for the Get to Know Your Neighbour Festival came from initially – and The Newsy Neighbour itself, for that matter. We live in an incredible group of communities out here east of Calgary, and our neighbours – whether they live next door to us, or one town over – are some truly amazing people.

All of that came out on display at the Festival, and we couldn’t have been more excited to see it. People were smiling, waving to one another, supporting local businesses, and genuinely enjoying the company of one another. Spirits were high all day long, and everywhere you looked, neighbours were connecting, re-connecting, and enjoying the warmth and energy of the day.

All of this is to say: thank you. Without the participation, positivity, and good vibes of everyone who took part in the Festival, there wouldn’t have been a whole lot going on that Saturday.

The Get to Know Your Neighbour Festival can only ever be what our communities make it – and after seeing what a runaway success it was this year, it’s clear that our neighbours are all some pretty special people! We’re already excited for next year, and can’t wait to bring the Festival back to Strathmore’s streets once again! See you then!

THANK YOU TO OUR INCREDIBLE SPONSORS: All Decked Out, The Town of Strathmore, Exceed Home Inspections, New Space Construction, The Real Estate Reps, Legends Kitchen & Bar, The Strathmore Times, Intents Party Rentals and then of course the amazing Huxted Waste and Recycle. We would not have been able to pull of this event without your support.

Also, a HUGE thank you to the community of Strathmore.

Your continued support means everything to us. facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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84 M FINA

WHO, WHAT AND WHERE IS CHESTERMERE THERAPY DOGS SOCIETY? About 5 years ago Steve King was inspired to create an organization to help the community after watching a Jane Goodall feature that showed kids in Oregon reading to dogs to increase their confidence in reading out loud.

So began the initial planning, which led to “Chestermere Therapy Dogs Society” (CTDS) being created at the end of 2013. From starting at the Chestermere Public Library in March 2014 with 2 dogs beginning the reading program “Listening Tails”, CTDS now

Answers Psychology Services Is Your Preteen Or Teen Anxious Or Sad?

Therapy with a horse may help reduce worry and build confidence. Meet with Dr. Natashya Stronach R. Psych. and her horse Lucky for individual sessions on a private farm south of Langdon.

Call (403) 604-8990 or email answers.psychology.services@gmail.com

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has around 60 dogs, of varying breeds, servicing 17 schools, 8 seniors’ homes and 2 libraries through 3 programs. In addition to “Listening Tails”, a program designed to add value to seniors’ lives was launched in 2014 called “Visiting Tails” and a third program helping individuals or groups experiencing stress or high anxiety called “Caring Tails” was launched a year later.

“It is clear to me that people are really starting to appreciate the benefits of interacting with therapy dogs” said King. “The non-judgemental nature of dogs allows young and old to relax in their company. Add to that the unconditional love that dogs have for humans, and it is no surprise that more and more people are looking for our help.”

From an initial base in Chestermere, CTDS has expanded in 3 years to Calgary, Langdon, Strathmore, Kathyrn, Crossfield, Cochrane, Bearspaw and Airdrie, with Carstairs also planning activity in the fall of this year.

CTDS is very active in the community, appearing at numerous community events and have already this year taken part in the “Get to Know Your Neighbour” event in Strathmore and “The Mutt Show” in Calgary, with “Langdon Days” just round the corner. “Everywhere we go, people want to know more and a number of our therapy dogs have come out of casual chats at trade shows” says King.

So what differentiates a therapy dog from any other dog? Sometimes, not a lot! The process that CTDS uses to see if a dog is appropriate for therapy dog work is a 2 stage assessment: the first stage consists of assessing a dog’s temperament, obedience and overall physical condition. The temperament must show an attitude of wanting to be around people, without being jumpy and licky, and radiating a pleasant personality. The dog must be receptive to being touched on various parts of its body without responding in a negative way. As well, the dog’s quality of obedience is assessed with the handler and dog needing to work well as a team, with the dog firmly focused on the handler for instruction. Simple tests are also performed to assess the dog’s tolerance to loud noises. If the dog (and handler) pass the first stage of assessment, the dog will go for a thorough medical at one of 2 veterinary clinics in either Chestermere or Airdrie and the handler will be asked to have a “Vulnerable Sector” police check done.

“Although I don’t tell them, when myself or one of my colleagues is carrying out an assessment, we’re also assessing the handler as well as the dog. You can have the best dog in the world but if the handler is tentative, negative or not particularly attentive, this is not going to work for us,” says King.

With safety in mind, all dogs on the programs are always on leash and accompanied by a handler.

CTDS is a completely volunteer run charity with no paid employees and, since early 2015, has been a Registered Charity with Canada Revenue Agency (#81093 3770 RR0001).

Does CTDS need more dogs? You bet! We would like to add more dogs in Langdon and Strathmore. Currently CTDS has therapy dogs going to Langdon School and Sarah Thompson School in Langdon as well as Wheatland Lodge and Sagewood seniors’ facilities and Brentwood School in Strathmore. The demand is for more dogs at the schools particularly. “In school year 2015-16, we were able to help Westmount School in Strathmore as well but we just didn’t have handlers available for the school year 2016-17, which was unfortunate,” commented King. “We would very much like to have dogs going back to Westmount next school year.”

Other initiatives where therapy dogs can play a positive role are being considered and a Youth Committee is being struck to encourage young adults to get involved in therapy dog work.

To learn more, check out the CTDS website www.ctds.ca , become a friend to Chestermere Therapy Dogs Facebook page or call Steve King (President and Founder) on 587 581 5571. We look forward to chatting more about how CTDS can help you or vice versa.

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Natural Choices

Cynthia Barnesky is a Holistic Practitioner/Certified Professional Spiritual Life Coach and owner of SunRise Healing Center: Specializes in helping you with the natural ways of healing through her services of Inner Clarity Spiritual Life Coaching, Intuitive Massage, Reflexology, IonCleanse Detox Foot Bath, Intuitive Readings, Reconnective Healing, and many natural healing products. For more information visit her website: www.sunrisehealingcenter.com or give her a call: 403-934-6416.

As a Massage Therapist, I know how important it is to get a massage and also in providing massage. There are countless benefits to receiving one and as a pet owner to a 17-year young cat and a 9-year-old dog, I have come to realize that they like one, too! I routinely give both of my pet family a message, giving both of us time for one another and that unconditional love we need so much. Here is an article that got my attention and I will leave it to the experts in the why we should give our dogs a massage. I hope you enjoy and learned just like I did!

WHY YOU SHOULD GIVE YOUR DOG A MASSAGE

By Josh Weiss-Roessler

Treats Training Ring Rentals Off-Leash Your dog loves it when you pet him, rub his belly, and scratch behind his ears. But dogs, like humans, also love it when you give them massages.

You’re probably thinking, “You want me to massage my dog?

Really?”

While it might seem silly, it’s actually extremely beneficial for your pup. It feels good when you get a massage, right? Well, that feeling is the same for dogs. A massage can relax her and give you another opportunity to connect and bond with your best friend. But those aren’t the only benefits.

THE BENEFITS OF DOG MASSAGE Here are the top reasons why giving your pup a massage is a great idea: • Stress and anxiety reduction. Dogs can easily get stressed or anxious. It could be a loud noise, a thunderstorm, or the glimpse of a cat. Regardless of the reason, a massage can ease your dog’s tension and relax him into comfort so he forgets about his worries.

• Healing aid. If your dog has hurt herself, then a massage might be just what the vet orders. Massaging your dog can help to rehabilitate, reduce pain and swelling, heal strains and sprains faster, and keep scar tissue to a minimum. Of course, you should let your vet advise you on how to do this properly and safely first!

“Trusting us with the care of your pet is the greatest of compliments.”

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• Improves body functions. A massage can increase your dog’s circulation, decrease blood pressure, improve lymphatic fluid movement, strengthen his immune system, aid digestion, stimulate the kidneys and liver, and encourage deeper breathing.

• Promotes overall well-being. When humans get a massage, they feel refreshed, balanced, and revitalized. Your dog will feel the same way after you give her a good rub down.

• Strengthens your bond and relationship. A massage may be a new concept for your dog, but once he realizes how great it feels and that you’re the one making him feel great, your bond and relationship will be that much deeper.

With all of the advantages of dog massage, how can you not give it a try? Let’s look at the best way to massage your dog to get the most benefits.

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HOW TO MASSAGE YOUR DOG You don’t want to massage your dog like you would massage another person. That will most likely be too rough for them and cause adverse effects. Instead, you want to use gentle motions and techniques to make sure she’s comfortable. Here are some steps to get you started on giving her a relaxing massage.

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1. Make sure that your dog is in a calm, submissive state before you begin the massage. While one of the goals is relaxation for your dog, starting when she’s anxious or fearful may reinforce that mental state instead. Try going for a long walk before you start.

2. Start your massage by petting your dog gently all over. While you begin your massage, talk softly to your dog to keep him calm and relaxed.

3. Massage your dog’s neck by making circular motions. Remember to keep the pressure gentle so she’s comfy.

4. Continue massaging down toward your dog’s shoulders. Since dogs can’t reach this area of their body, take a little extra time so he can enjoy it!

5. Move to the chest and front legs. If your dog doesn’t like it when you massage her legs, move on to a different body part. If she does like it, see if she wants her paws massaged too. Be careful with the pads, though. Many dogs have an automatic “kick” reflex to anything touching between the pads on their feet.

6. Massage your dog’s back using circular motions, going up and down on both sides of the spine.

7. Keep gently massaging your pup until you get to his back legs and tail area. Once you finish, he should be totally calm and stress-free.

8. A massage is a great way to get in tune with your dog so you know what’s normal for her. In future massage sessions, you’ll be able to notice any differences in your dog’s reactions, which might alert you to any issues she may be having.

So when you get home tonight and you’re sitting on the couch with your pup, give him a massage and see how much he likes it!

Tracy: 403-901-5162 www.facebook.com/groups/ tracysallbreeddoggrooming

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EQUINE EMERGENCIES COULD IT HAPPEN TO YOU? Whether you’re a horse lover or a horse owner, you’ve likely heard the common phrase “it’s not a matter of IF a horse gets into trouble, it’s a matter of WHEN.” Horse emergencies are a common occurrence, and we see them frequently in and out of the vet hospital. Naturally born with an instinctive ‘fight or flight’ response, the horse’s mechanism of reaction is due to its evolution as a prey animal. When horses feel frightened or startled, they will initially try to flee to increase the distance between themselves and the suspected predator.

While this response is life-saving in many circumstances, it can also put a horse in a dangerous situation. A wire fence, a nail protruding from a board, or an exposed piece of tin from a shelter are a few common sources of injuries that we see in our equine patients. For this reason, it’s important for horse owners to ensure that all areas of a horse’s enclosure are evaluated for safety, and hazards are removed from the area.

Emergencies can include anything from lacerations and bone fractures, to colic and choking. Illness can also be cause for emergency and that’s why we routinely vaccinate against disease, and establish a deworming protocol in our horse herds.

Keeping an emergency plan in place will not only help you and your horse in an emergency situation, but will also help anyone else who uses the barn facilities, or looks after the animals while you’re away.

• Post your Veterinarian’s number, along with a secondary number in case your vet is unavailable for any reason • Ensure your trailer is in good working order and ready to go, or have a trailer option available to you if you do not have one • Prepare a first aid kit to keep at the barn, and a small one for transport in the trailer or truck • Provide a phone list of neighbours, friends, or family that can be contacted to help in an emergency situation In the event that an emergency arises, it’s important to keep calm, and if possible move your horse to a safe area to evaluate him. Always have another person with you when dealing with an injured animal, as they may have behavioural changes or stability concerns that are unexpected. Call your veterinarian right away, and avoid the use of medications unless your vet has advised to give them.

Whether you’re hauling the horse to a veterinary facility, or expecting the vet to arrive any minute, there are some very important steps that can be taken to keep your horse comfortable, and properly assess his condition. Being prepared and knowing what to do in an emergency can improve your horse’s recovery time, and possibly save his life!

Dr. Becky Bezugley has a knack for staying calm, cool, and collected in emergency situations, and she would like to pass these skills on to you! On July 22, 2017, The Animal Care Centre of

Keep your pet protected this summer.

Awareness and prevention is key.

Book an appointment with your veterinarian before you hit the trails.

403.901.1800 clinic emergency info@animalcarecentre.ca animalcarecentre.ca North of Trans Canada Hwy on RR 254, 2 km West of Strathmore.

Strathmore will be hosting a Client Education Seminar focusing on Equine First Aid to help prepare you for those unforeseen situations. Dr. Becky will be offering emergency bandaging techniques, how to assess and manage colic, what to do with a choking horse, how to stabilize a bone fracture, and much more!

Contact us at 403.901.1800 for more details on this event.

The Animal Care Centre of Strathmore References: American Association of Equine Practitioners, Guidelines to Follow During Equine Emergencies, accessed June 29, 2017,<https://aaep.org/issue/guidelines-follow-during-equine-emergen-

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reduces the chance of injury and improves balance and coordination. If you have stiff, tense areas, such as the upper back or neck, performing specific stretches can help "loosen" those muscles, helping you feel more relaxed.

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Controls Weight

Exercise is also a key to weight control because it burns calories. If you burn off more calories than you take in, you lose weight. It's as simple as that.

Improves Quality of Life

Once you begin to exercise regularly, you will discover many more reasons why exercise is so important to improving the quality of your life. Exercise reduces stress, lifts moods, and helps you sleep better. It can keep you looking and feeling younger throughout your entire life.

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How Often Should I Exercise?

Why is Exercise Important?

If you don't exercise, your muscles will become flabby and weak.

Your heart and lungs won't function efficiently. And your joints will be stiff and easily injured. Inactivity is as much of a health risk as smoking!

Helps Prevent Diseases

Our bodies were meant to move -- they actually crave exercise. Regular exercise is necessary for physical fitness and good health. It reduces the risk of heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes and other diseases. It can improve your appearance and delay the aging process.

Improves Stamina

When you exercise, your body uses energy to keep going. Aerobic exercise involves continuous and rhythmic physical motion, such as walking and bicycling. It improves your stamina by training your body to become more efficient and use less energy for the same amount of work. As your conditioning level improves, your heart rate and breathing rate return to resting levels much sooner from strenuous activity.

Strengthens and Tones

Exercising with weights and other forms of resistance training develops your muscles, bones and ligaments for increased strength and endurance. Your posture can be improved, and your muscles become more firm and toned. You not only feel better, but you look better, too!

Enhances Flexibility

Stretching exercises are also important for good posture. They keep your body limber so that you can bend, reach and twist.

Improving your flexibility through exercise

The benefits of any exercise program will diminish if it's disrupted too frequently. A "stop-start" routine is not only ineffective, but can cause injuries. Being consistent with exercise, therefore, is probably the most important factor in achieving desired results.

People often assume that more is better. Wrong! Doing too much too soon or performing intense exercises on a daily basis will have deleterious effects, such as muscle/tendon strains, loss of lean tissue, and fitness-level plateaus.

Cardio

If you are a beginner, start off slower than you think you should.

Three days per week is realistic, safe and effective. If you are experienced, do cardiovascular (aerobic) exercises such as walking, jogging and bicycling for no more than 200 minutes per week with no more than 60 minutes per session.

Lifting Weights

Weight training should be done no more than three times per week targeting the same muscle groups. Exercise the same muscle groups on non-consecutive days because muscles need adequate time to recover and cannot be effectively trained if they are tired or sore.

Stretching

Many people forget to stretch or make the excuse that they don't have the time. Flexibility is important, so make the time! Stretching can be done every day, but stick to a minimum of three times per week in order to reap the benefits. When the body is warmed up, such as after a workout session, perform five to 10 stretches that target the major muscle groups. Hold each stretch for 10-30 seconds.

Armand Tecco, M.Ed.

http://www.healthdiscovery.net/articles/exercise_importa.htm

In the June 2017 Issue #116, The Newsy Neighbour Magazine regrettably gave the article Top Tips for Runners to Avoid Injury and Optimize Performance (page 28) credit to The Bank Athletic Club for writing the article. The article was actually written and provided by Samuel Down, physiotherapist at FSM Physiotherapy, which is located in The Bank Athletic Club in Strathmore.

SPARKLING LIME-MINT QUENCHER

1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, loosely packed 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, more to taste (stevia or agave nectar can be used as an alternative...you may prefer your drink a little sweeter as this recipe is slightly tart) 2 cups sparkling seltzer water (be sure it says Sparkling Seltzer Water and not club soda or tonic water...seltzer water contains only carbonated water) 1 cup ice 16 •

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HEARING TEST SET FOR SENIORS

3 INGREDIENTS TO WATCH FOR IN YOUR PROTEIN POWDER Somewhere along the way we have developed an obsession with protein powders. In fact, if most people were to make a list of their top survival needs, protein would rank right up there next to oxygen.

It’s not that protein isn’t important, because it is, but we have put far too much thought into this single nutrient, and ironically, not enough thought into the format in which we tend to consume it. You see, it’s one thing to secure protein sources that contain a lot of protein, and it is a completely different thing to get clean, quality protein sources that are assimilated properly.

With that in mind, let’s focus on protein powders, and 3 common ingredients that have made them toxic to our bodies.

Soy Protein Isolate

Soy protein has been a core ingredient in many protein powders for a long time, probably coming into favour the same time as soy milk as an alternative to conventional dairy. Regardless of its origin, soy has been found to be toxic to the digestive system and creates the following concerns: • Disrupts thyroid and endocrine function • Interferes with leptin sensitivity which can cause metabolic syndrome

• Throws off estrogen and testosterone balance • Blocks the body’s ability to access key minerals like iron, zinc, calcium, and magnesium It is also estimated that soy is over 95% genetically modified, and one of the most pesticide ridden crops on the market.

This makes any non-organic soy protein (especially isolate) found in protein powders, indigestible and toxic to the human physiology.

Whey Protein Isolate

First of all, whey protein itself can be a quality protein, but the fact remains that there are very few on the market that make the cut.

For example, whey from conventionally raised cows that have been fed non-organic grains and genetically modified foods, and been injected with antibiotics and hormones, are NOT a quality source of protein and this makes up a substantial piece of the market. What is also important to note is that whey in an isolate format is not properly absorbed by the body.

If you choose whey protein, it is vitally important to source whey from raw, grass fed milk, to obtain the majority of its benefits. Grass fed cows are nutritionally superior compared to grain fed, and they contain an impressive amino acid and immune-supportive nutrient profile.

Rice Protein

As with whey protein, the devil is in the details. Although there are protein powders that contain rice protein that are an acceptable source of protein, there are far too many that are not.

Thanks to a report unveiled earlier in 2014 by Mike Adams, we have been able to discover that there are many rice protein powders on the market that have been heavily contaminated with tungsten, cadmium, and lead. It is very conceivable that the reason for this high level of contamination is due to sourcing rice from China, where air pollution can trump the “organic" label placed on many products, including rice. facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

• 17

TOP SIX ALKALINE FOODS TO EAT

EVERY DAY

FOR VIBRANT HEALTH The typical American diet is a deadly one, consisting primarily of toxic and acid-forming foods like processed sugars, artificial sweeteners, refined grains, conventionally produced meats and dairy, and hidden genetically modified organisms.

All this, combined with a plethora of other challenging environmental factors (such as lack of rest, psychological stress, and pharmaceutical drugs), mean it’s no wonder that more and more people are being diagnosed with chronic, degenerative illnesses or otherwise deadly conditions for which modern conventional medicine claims to have no known cure.

One of the basic underlying problems with this unsustainable lifestyle – and there are many – is the average consumer’s lack of understanding that the body must balance the blood’s pH levels at a slightly alkaline level of 7.365 in order to survive. When a person ingests food to “burn” for fuel, the digestive and metabolic process transforms it into a kind of ash which is either acidic or alkaline. The laws of modern biochemistry further explain that it is not the organic matter of foods (whether the food itself is acidic or alkaline), but their inorganic matter (such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, sulfur, phosphorous; that is, how they break down in our bodies), that determines either the acidity or alkalinity of this ashy residue.

For this reason, and because all foods in nature contain both acid and alkaline-forming elements according to the Conscious Living Center , balance is either achieved or thwarted as a direct result of the foods we choose to eat. Too many acid-forming foods can have dire consequences for our health, with “acidosis” being a common diagnosis in diabetics, for example. This is because when the nutrients required to maintain this slightly alkaline state cannot be obtained from food, the body will instead draw from

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its own stores, like the bones or other vital tissues – damaging its ability to repair itself and detoxify heavy metals, thereby making a person more vulnerable to fatigue and illness. And the margin for error is small. Even an only slightly acidic pH of 6.9 can actually lead to coma and death.

Of course, the ultimate goal is balance.

Eating too many alkalizing foods can lead to its own fair share of complications over time, but the risk of this is seemingly less likely, given the current sorry state of today’s highly addictive consumerist diet. To combat the effects of such a diet, here are six of the most alkaline-forming foods to work into your everyday meals:

1. Root vegetables

Due to the healing “yang” nature of these foods in traditional Chinese medicine, and their tendency to be more rich in minerals than many other vegetables, it may be safe to say that you can’t get enough of them. Look for radishes especially (black, red or white), as well as beets, carrots, turnips, horseradish and rutabaga. Ready to eat after steaming for just 15-20 minutes, root vegetables will help you feel both satiated and better grounded.

2. Cruciferous vegetables

These are the veggies we all know and love, made even more delicious with just a small amount of healthy, homemade sauce like pesto. Choose from broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and the like.

3. Leafy greens

These include kale, Swiss chard, turnip greens and spinach – of which spinach may in fact be the best pick. Known especially for its rich vitamin K and folate content, spinach is also packed with vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, antioxidants and fiber, helping to improve digestion and even vision.

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We Offer Botox 4. Garlic

A true miracle food, garlic appears at the top of innumerable lists of foods that encourage overall health, and alkaline-forming food is no exception. Among its other benefits are its ability to promote cardiovascular and immune health by lowering blood pressure, cleansing the liver and fighting off disease.

5. Cayenne peppers (capsicum)

As part of a family of potent, tropical peppers which contain enzymes essential to endocrine function, cayenne is among the most alkalizing foods. It is known for its antibacterial properties and is a rich supply of vitamin A, making it a helpful agent in fighting off the harmful free radicals that lead to stress and illness.

6. Lemons

Lemons may be the most alkalizing food of all. As a natural disinfectant, it can heal wounds while also providing potent and immediate relief for hyperacidity and virus-related conditions, as well as coughs, colds, flu and heartburn. Lemon also works to energize the liver and promote detoxification.

So it can’t hurt to think twice about what’s on your plate at your next meal, but not doing so might. Just applying that age-old motherly advice to “eat your vegetables” can be a solid first step in achieving better health.

(Natural News – Angela Doss) http://healingthebody.ca

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• 19

WHAT YOUR BODY DOES

EVERY SINGLE DAY

Most of us are creatures of habit.

We normally do the same things every day, have the same morning and evening routines and pretty much carry on life as if it was just another day. As you are making your way through your day, I’m wondering how many of you ever consider what may be going on, on the inside of your body.

We all seem to be more worried about the outside of our body!

Well, there is some incredible work that is taking place inside of us. There is so much going on and everything fits together so well, that it’s almost impossible to comprehend!

Let me share just a few of the miracles happening at this very moment: Your heart pumps approxi-

mately 2000 gallons (7571 litres) of blood through its chambers every single day. It beats more than 100,000 times a day to achieve this incredible feat.

You take around 17,000 breaths a day on average, and don’t have to think about a single one of them. Yet if you want to stop breathing temporarily, you can voluntarily hold your breath. A typical pair of adult lungs can hold a huge six litres of air.

Every day your body ensures ,you don’t contract cancer thousands of times over. Cancer is formed when cells are altered in a way which re-programs their DNA and it’s estimated that tens of thousands of cells suffer cancer-causing lesions every day. But the body sends special enzymes scuttling around to inspect DNA strands for faults and fix them before they turn into tumours. (In most cases).

Your brain doesn’t stop working. It’s estimated that about 50,000 thoughts pass through it each day on average, although some scientists put the figure closer to 60,000. That is a whopping 35 – 48 thoughts every minute.

The cells in your stomach lining produce an alkaline substance every few milliseconds to neutralise stomach acid. If they didn’t do this, your stomach would digest itself because some of the acids are strong enough to even dissolve metals.

You blink about 28,800 times every day, with each one lasting just a tenth of a second. This is a an involuntary reflex the body uses to keep the eyes clean and moist, which is pretty crucial given that 90% of the information you process is visual, and you can weigh up any visual scene in just 0.01 seconds. Consider how many people and objects you look at every day – it’s remarkable!

Most of the body’s energy is expelled via heat. Your body produces the same heat as 25 light bulbs over the course of a single day.

Red blood cells literally shoot around the body, taking less than 60 seconds to complete a full circuit. This means that each of yours makes 1440 trips around your body every day, delivering oxygen and keeping your body energised. Each cell lives for about 40 days before being replaced by a younger model. It’s no surprise their life span is short, having made 60,000 trips around the body, they must be exhausted!

You shed more than 1 million skin cells every day but they are constantly replenished automatically, to save you from turning transparent and becoming rather exposed! Your skin is actually an organ; in fact, it’s the largest organ you have, with a surface area of 18 square feet (2 square metres).

Your hair (if you still have any) grows about half a millimetre per day, and the average adult with a full scalp has around 100,000 hairs on their head. So that’s a combined 50 metres of hair growth every single day.

The brain and mouth work together to allow us to speak an average of around 5000 words a day. Well, that’s if you’re a woman, because studies suggest that men only speak 2000 words, yet both

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sexes utter 500 – 700 of real value (i.e., that get the job done, or provide useful information). Will the women out there have something to say about this suggestion?

Your liver is so busy over the course of a day, it is almost impossible to summarise its activities. It manufactures Cholesterol, vitamin D & blood plasma; it identifies the nutrients your body needs and stores some away for future use; it filters 1.53 (U.S.) quarts (1.43 Litres) of blood every minute and produces a (U.S.) quart (0.94 litres) of bile every day to help you break down your food. Basically, you have a factory plant running inside of you every day, which is pretty amazing!

The glands in your mouth produce an incredible 1.5 litres of saliva every day. That’s a lot of dribble! If this didn’t happen, your mouth would dry up and become overrun with bacteria, and you wouldn’t be able to digest your food.

Each of your kidneys contains 1 million tiny filters that work together to filter an average of 2.2 pints (1.3 litres) of blood every minute – that’s 3168 pints (1872 litres) every single day, despite each kidney only being the size of a fist. If that wasn’t enough, they also expel an average of 2.5 pints (1.4 litres) of urine from your body every day too.

You grow 8mm every night while sleeping, before shrinking back down again the next day. This saves you from some pretty hefty clothing bills and ensures you don’t have to raise the door frames every year or two.

Your body works overtime to digest your food and the process starts before it even hits the mouth. When you smell food, your mouth automatically produces more saliva to prepare the digestive system for work. It takes about 6 – 8 hours for food to pass through the stomach and two days to complete the digestion process. The average person will eat over 50 tonnes of food in his or her lifetime, which seems ridiculous!

And most amazing of all, your body cells are regenerating themselves every single day without any prompting. This means you have an entirely new set of taste buds every ten days, new nails every 6 – 10 months, new bones every ten years and even a new heart every 20 years.

So, next time you are thinking about pushing the limits on your body by unhealthy eating, drinking or smoking habits, remember all the incredible things that are happening inside it every day, because all of us really are a miracle!

Look after yourself!

Kathryn Hartwell and (What your body does in a day) @ thestoryreadingapeblog.com

https://www.5percangol.hu/olvasasertes_nyelvvizsga/what-your-body-does-ina-day

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• 21

THE CHRONICLES OF LARRY AND ROGER: A Pair of Diabetic Feet Written by: Vicki L Myhre CPOD (I) CMP PFRP. Jenericay Wellness and Footcare.

Internationally Certified Podologist. Registered through the Canadian Examining.

Board of Health Practitioners

HAPPY SUMMER! Happy summer, everyone! Larry here.

July is the month that we celebrate 150.

The year 2017 marks 150 years since Canada’s confederation. So many activities and celebrations are planned for this special time. We plan to take in as many as we can, and we hope you will, too.

While we are busy taking in so many of these activities that are outdoors, we have to make sure we do this in a safe manner as diabetics. We found this great list of things to consider, thanks to thearticle we found published on www.diabetesselfmanagement. com Diabetes in Hot Weather — Things to Know * High body temperatures can lower blood pressure. You should check your sugars more often in the hot weather. * Sunburn can raise blood sugar. Wear a good sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat while out in the sun. * Warm skin absorbs insulin faster, while dehydrated skin absorbs insulin more slowly. The closer you can keep your injection site to normal temperature and hydration, the better. * Dehydration from sweating can raise blood sugar and can lead to heat exhaustion. High glucose levels leads to urinating more, which increases risk for dehydration. This may be especially true if

you’re on an SDLT-2 INHIBITOR drug. Keep drinking water with a bit of salt if you are blessed to live in an area where water is available. Have a bottle with you and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. * Learn to check yourself for dehydration by pinching up some skin on your arm and letting it go. It should snap right back into place. If it goes more slowly, you are getting dehydrated. Don’t drink alcohol or caffeine in super-hot weather, as they are dehydrating. * Heat can damage insulin, other medications, and test strips.

Keep insulin cool, but not on ice. If you take medicines with you while you’re away from home, get a cooler bag to keep your medicines and test strips in. Extreme heat or cold can affect test results and degrade diabetes drugs. * Insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors should do OK in hot weather if they are not exposed to direct sun for long.

Cover them with a white towel. * Perspiration can loosen adhesives on continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps. * It becomes harder to exercise in the heat. Movement is important, but it’s more important to keep cool. Exercise and do more strenuous activities in the early or later hours of the day when the temperatures are cooler and the sun is not at its peak. * Summer shoes can affect feet. Everyday Health makes the point that summer footwear such as sandals, flip-flops, or going barefoot expose feet to injury, including burns from hot sidewalk. To be safe, always wear shoes, and check your feet carefully at the end of each day. * Know the signs of heat exhaustion. With diabetes, your risk for heat exhaustion is greater, because diabetes can affect the ability to sweat. If you don’t sweat, you can’t stay cool.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion are similar to hypoglycemia (low blood glucose): dizziness, fainting, confusion, and for some people, excessive sweating. “You may think it’s the heat and not recognize that your blood sugar levels have fallen to dangerous lows,” says Dr. Lori Raust of Mayo Clinic in Arizona. Check your blood sugar and get medical help for any of these symptoms. * Keep as cool as possible. Wear light-coloured, lightweight clothes, and stay out of direct sun. Go to air-conditioned places.

Try to set up a cool space for yourself and family. North sides of buildings are normally cooler than the south side. Basements are often several degrees cooler than higher floors.

You can cool your own space more affordably and ecologically by setting up a single air-conditioned room instead of putting the whole house on AC. Keep the cool-room door closed. Don’t run the AC if you’re not there.

Swamp coolers or fans also use less electricity than AC. Close your blinds in the day; open blinds and windows at night; don’t use the oven. * For the future, take keeping cool seriously, because coming years are only going to get hotter. A house and roof painted white will be cooler. White colour reflects heat instead of absorbing it, so white clothes keep you cool and a white house is one way to slow global warming.

I think that’s a wrap, folks!

Stay cool and safe, and have fun!

Until next month,

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A Mindful Minute Becky is an Alberta girl, yoga teacher, writer, sometimes artist, budding guitar star and serial entrepreneur that enjoys looking into what makes people tick and what makes life a vibrant and loving experience. Through classes, workshops, online offerings and writing, she enjoys sharing the wisdom of yoga, self-knowledge, learnings from her fellow humans, and encouraging and empowering all to take ownership of their life, health and happiness. She can be reached via email at iambeckystone@ gmail.com. Follow her on Facebook @ayogapath and on Instagram @a_yoga_path.

MOVE LIKE A KID AGAIN Many people over the age of 25 have said it, I am sure, to a child: “How can that be comfortable??”

“What a monkey!” “Can’t you sit still?” “Where are your shoes?!”

Kids move. It's what they do. And should do. Children move in all sorts of ways. They run, jump, climb, hang, spin, go upside down, sit in a tumbled heap of crossed limbs on the floor. As adults, we don’t question a child's motivation or any potential benefit they may see for doing these things, it is just what kids do.

I don’t know about you, but I am no spring chicken. Yet. We may not be able to do all the things we once could in our younger days, but adding in some of the way kids MOVE may just help keep us healthier, sharper and more capable as we age.

One thing that science is teaching these days is just how darn important movement is. And not just any movement. ALL kinds of movement. You know, like kids do. Which tends to be different from the movement patterns of adults.

The movement that adults tend to choose is what we call exercise, and in general, exercise is a good idea. But one thing exercise tends to be is repetitive. Repetitive movement creates strain.

Not only do we often do repetitive movements in our exercise regimens, we have a lot of repetitive movements happening unconsciously all day – our walking and standing patterns, the way we cross our legs, how we drive, typing on a keyboard, using a power tool. Repetitive movement will eventually create strain, and strain can often become pain. Something that many of us are familiar with!

Recent movement research is proving that by moving our bodies in a myriad of ways as often as possible offers many benefits.

Muscle and fascia discomfort can be eased by moving the body through a more diverse range of activity (of course, within the bounds of our health), and can offer relief to our over-used areas. Joints can become more stable, bones more dense. Proprioception (our ability to be aware of and control our body) not only improves, but so can cognitive function. Motor control is located in the cerebellum and is associated with improved awareness, strategic thinking and decision making. Increased movement is also associated with increased memory! (http://www.ascd.org/ publications/books/104013/chapters/Movement-and-Learning. aspx)

So there is something to be learned from child's play. Move in as many ways as you can, every day. Here are a few ideas to get you moving like a kid again!

1. Go barefoot. There are so many bones and joints in your feet – and since a lot of the time we are in shoes, those joints tend to get “stuck”. When your shoes are off, your feet can spread nicely (very important) and the toes can relax (also important) and the foot and ankle will now do a lot of the tiny little stabilizing movements that the shoes were doing for them (most important). So enjoy the grass, the garden, the beach in your bare feet – simple and effective!

2. Get off the FLAT and LEVEL. You know how kids like to jump from rock to rock, or walk barefoot on gravel, or run up or down the grassy hill?? Well, most adults stick to the path. If we stick to the path long enough, our body no longer needs to remember all the important ways to move with ease and safety on not so level ground. That is one reason that ankles tend to roll or we become prone to falls as we age – the body no longer has the strength, flexibility or intelligence to handle uneven terrain. Whether you choose to go barefoot or to leave your shoes on, follow the kids every now and then to the less-beaten path.

3. Hang from something. If you are anything like me, letting my entire body weight be suspended from my arms is NOT a good idea. This can be done in a lot of ways, even if you’re not comfortable hanging from the monkey bars. Hanging from the bars with your feet on the ground would work. Or hang from a door frame, or bent over with hands on a counter, or doing a partner yoga stretch holding hands and leaning back against each other’s weight. This is an easy way to get a bit of physical movement not normally found in our day to day lives. Plus the stretch feels great!

4. Get dizzy. Swinging. Spinning. You know – those things that make your inner ear get a little loopy. Getting on the swing next time you pass a playground, or twirling circles along with the 5 year old not only can improve balance, stimulating the inner ear is associated with improvement in attention. Oh yes, it is fun too!

I encourage you (and me!) to get out and move in more diverse ways this summer. Let children be your inspiration! Exercise is well and good, but it is a different idea from movement, as I hope these examples show. I hope you run, jump, and skip your way to better health and well-being with this simple concept, no matter your age.

Namaste, Becky

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In a small town, it is important that we all work together in promoting and supporting each other’s businesses. Keeping the dollars local means a much larger share of revenue is put back into the local economy, enriching the whole community!

That is exactly what “A Business Affair” is about. We, as business owners, want to encourage the Langdon people to support their local businesses. We are showing our passion and support for this community, by working together and supporting each other’s businesses.

We have one-of-a-kind businesses that add distinctive character to Langdon, and we want to help build stronger local relationships by linking neighbours, boosting economic and social relationships and contributing to local causes.

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When you come into any one of our businesses, please make note of the campaign posters on display that explain what we are supporting, also make sure to put your name and phone number on the back of your receipts and place them into the Shopping Challenge Boxes. Simply spend $10 or more, write your name and contact on the back of the receipt and you are eligible to win. The more times you shop and the more locations you support, the better your chances are of winning 1 of 5 incredible prizes with a grand prize of a $250 shopping spree.

Make sure to join the Langdon Businesses in this campaign on Facebook.

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LUSCIOUS JOYS

WATER

Do you ever get tired of drinking water? I certainly do! But I also think it is very important to keep your body hydrated. I have a daily routine so I can accomplish the dreaded 8 glasses of water a day.

First thing in the morning, I drink a large mug of Oolong Tea (great for weight loss), then I drink a large mug of ginger tea (antibiotic and anti-inflammatory), then I drink a large mug of half coconut water (low in calories, naturally fat and cholesterol free, more potassium than four bananas, and super hydrating) and half spring water. I drink these three throughout the day and I finish off just before bed with a large glass of water. All this totals my eight glasses of hydration.

Now, comes the Luscious part. You can use Coconut water in an assorted different ways. If you are on a weight loss spree, coconut water should be a musthave in your diet chart. Low in fat, drinking this beverage can help one feel full and reduce cravings.

You will love: TROPICAL COCONUT WATER SANGRIA This refreshing tropical coconut sangria made with white wine, tropical fruits and juices and coconut water to help you get a nice summer buzz on, the healthy way. This recipe is a real crowd pleaser and you’ll find yourself wondering why you ever drank sugar-laden sangrias in the past!

1 cup pineapple, chopped 1 cup mango, chopped 1 orange, sliced ½ cup vodka 1 bottle of white wine 2 cups coconut water Combine all in a large pitcher or bowl.

Let sit for at least 2 hours (longer is better).

Serve on ice.

COCONUT WATER ICED COFFEE This coconut water iced coffee recipe is easy to make, and naturally sweetened with the delicious flavour (and hydrating benefits) of coconut water.

It is also naturally vegan and gluten-free.

1 cup coconut water 1/3-1/2 cup strong coffee Ice Put coconut water and coffee together in a glass with ice. Stir to combine. Add more/less of either ingredient if needed until you reach your desired flavour ratio. Drink cold.

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30 Years Serving Southern Alberta and raspberries for garnish and plenty of ice.

LUSCIOUS JOYS

WATER Continued...

FRUITY COCONUT WATER SLUSHES 1 cup coconut water 1/2 cup frozen fruit (bananas, strawberries, or blueberries) In a high-speed blender, combine the coconut water and frozen fruit of your choice.

Blend and serve.

COCONUT WATER REFRESHER 1.5 litres coconut water 10 mint sprigs 3 limes, quartered into wedges ½ cucumber, cut into thin strips ice cubes Muddle 4 mint sprigs and the juice of ½ lime in a pestle and mortar. Place remaining mint, cucumber and lime wedges into a large jug or pitcher. You can squeeze the juice from the limes before adding them for an added citrus kick. Top up with coconut water, and stir in the muddled mint and lime mixture. Finally add the ice cubes to serve. Note: For a stronger flavour, leave the pitcher in the fridge for at least 2 hours to let the water infuse. Add the ice cubes upon serving.

RASPBERRY-ORANGE WATER Place 1 thinly sliced orange and 1 pint raspberries (lightly crushed) in a pitcher. For still infused water, add 2 quarts of water. For sparkling water, add 1 quart of seltzer during prep and a second quart just before serving. Refrigerate 2 to 4 hours to allow the ingredients to infuse. Stir well and strain, discarding the solids. For serving, add fresh orange slices thenewsyneighbour.com

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26 •

Roofing Siding Licensed

TOMATO-BASIL WATER Place 1 diced ripe beefsteak tomato (about 10 ounces) and 3 sprigs basil (lightly crushed) in a pitcher. For still infused water, add 2 quarts of water. For sparkling water, add 1 quart of seltzer during prep and a second quart just before serving. Refrigerate 2 to 4 hours to allow the ingredients to infuse. Stir well and strain, discarding the solids. For serving, add diced tomato and basil sprigs for garnish and plenty of ice.

ORANGE-FENNEL WATER Place 1 thinly sliced orange and the coarsely chopped stalks and fronds from 1 bulb fennel in a pitcher.

Refrigerate 2 to 4 hours to allow the ingredients to infuse. Stir well and strain, discarding the solids. For serving, add fresh fennel, fronds and orange slices for garnish and plenty of ice.

This summer, live a little and instead of your old standby, try these amazing coconut water recipes and use your imagination; you could add coconut water to any of your favourite cocktails. And your added incentives for using coconut water are: it boosts hydration (better than sports or energy drinks), regulates blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol, aids weight loss, facilitates digestion, improves skin appearance and ageing, is rich in nutrients, particularly electrolytes AND can be an effective hangover remedy.

Happy Summer!

Kathryn Hartwell

www.wellandgood.com, www.foodnetwork.com The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

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Altogether Different

WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS AND HOW DO THEY WORK? How’s your dental vocabulary? Did you know that dental implants are basically artificial teeth roots? They replace a natural tooth’s roots to support artificial replacement teeth.

Implants - the basics: Implants are titanium screws that are inserted into the bone tissue of your jaw. This is where tooth roots would normally anchor a tooth. Roots that are broken or diseased can be replaced by these screws. Titanium has many biomedical applications because human tissue will bond to it, and it’s chemically inert — which means it doesn’t rust or break down. Titanium is very light but also very strong. Bridges or crowns can be attached to the titanium implants after the bone tissue has grown fully and anchored the implants.

Implants for anyone: Almost anyone can have implants inserted. Teens, adults, and older Canadians are all good candidates for implants, and there’s a variety of reasons that someone may need one. A younger person might have an accident or injury to one or a few teeth. An older person may have lost some teeth to decay or malnutrition as a child. Usually implants are used for tooth gaps where only one or a few teeth are missing. Some patients who are considering removable dentures actually end up choosing a full set of implanted dentures. This is because removable dentures present a number of

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• 27

out in the world to see what fortune awaits. It just reminded me of when I graduated, and it amazes me where we end up, it also amazes me that it was over 40 years ago that I graduated. Time goes by so incredibly fast.

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25 Years Experience

I am sure many of you know people or have family that are involved in graduation somehow right now. I offer my highest and heartiest congratulations to you and anyone you have anything to do with that is graduating. This time in a person’s life is monumental, you never forget it, and it becomes one of those times that you will always look back on, hopefully fondly. It also is a starting time of the somewhat unknown, the direction becomes like a stream of water, it takes the path of least resistance from time to time in a seemingly wild pattern but it also has the ability to forge through the hardest of rocks and boulders that can sometimes get in the way.

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Rolly Ashdown, Councillor Division 4 Rocky View County email: rashdown@rockyview.ca 403-999-2722 Cell, 403-936-0777 Res

I graduated from High School in 1976. I was never a scholar and actually was not one of the more literary guys in English or Literature Class. Life is interesting; here I am writing articles for a few different publications a few times a month, giving speeches from time to time and speaking in public a lot of the time. I can now type reasonably fast, not well, but thanks to spellcheck, reasonably fast. All this occurred to me because we are attending one of the grandkids’ high school graduation events on Friday. Hunter Roberts, that cute little kid that we have been buying toys for over the last few decades it seems, is going

Sandstone Pharmacies Langdon Is your Full Service Community Pharmacy.

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It probably wouldn’t be right talking about graduation without saying please be careful in your celebrations and your path forward. I’m sure everyone shares a little fear. Those graduating must have a bit of fear of the unknown and uncharted territory and those who know the graduands carry some apprehension about what the future will bring and the newfound freedom and how it will turn out (Mr. Kalio, my Lit. teacher would be proud to see me using that word graduands; it is correct, go ahead and check). The celebration is another caution, the best advice I can give

According to the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Canadian Heart and Stroke Founda�on (CHAF), modest weight loss can result in drama�c health improvements like: Improved blood pressure; Improved blood sugars; and Improved cholesterol levels More ADDRESS energy; Langdon Be�er 201, 97 Centresleep; St SW Langdon, AB T0J 1X2 Reduced risk for Phone: (403) 936-5006 heart disease; Decreased risk of stroke; Lowering blood pressure and cholesterol

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Pharmacy Hours: :SW Langdon, FrontAB Store Hours: Sun : 936-5006 ADDRESS 201, 97 Centre StFri ● (403) Mon-Wed : 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Mon - Fri : 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Langdon

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28 • thenewsyneighbour.com 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Sun/Holidays:Closed 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

201, 97 Centre St SW Langdon, AB T0J 1X2 Phone: (403) 936-5006

is “let’s be careful out there” to quote a line from the Staff Sergeant’s daily sendoff from Hill Street Blues.

To the graduands I wish you every success and be aware that sometimes things aren’t as difficult as they seem, you can always find a way but sometimes you have to adapt. I look forward to watching you succeed in whatever you do.

Best Regards, Rolly Ashdown Hunter’s Proud Grampa Division 4 Councillor, Rocky View County 403-999-2722

The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

•

Altogether Different

Open Art Classes – Any Medium Tuesdays 7– 9:30

individualized instruc�on $15 ($13 members) Bring own supplies or use ours for a $5 dona�on Encaus�c now an op�on Tuesdays – all supplies on site (fee for encaus�c supplies paid to instructor)

Wine and Paint Night last Friday of each month 7-10pm *MUST register in advance

Weekly Classes:

$35 ($30 members); supplies and wine included

Themed Summer Camps all of July & August 3 age groups, $250 /week, 9-4, arrangements can be made for before and a�er July 3-7: ages 15-17+ and 8-10 Theme: Out of the Box July 10-14: ages 11-14 Theme: Picasso Moose July 17-21: Ages 15-17+ and 8-10 Theme: Graphic Art July 24-28: Ages 11-14 Theme: Western Art

Teen Night Wednesdays

7-9 free - dona�ons appreciated 12:30 – 3:30 *$5 dona�on for supplies

(feature youth art at rodeo)

July 31-Aug 4: Ages 15-17+ and 8-10 Theme: Western Art (feature youth art at rodeo) Aug 7-11: Ages 11-14 Theme: Out of the Box Aug 14-18: Ages 15-17+ and 8-10 Theme: Picasso Moose Aug 21-25: Ages 11-14 Theme: Graphic Art

403-901-1500

Seniors Classes Tuesdays Accessibility Art classes EVERY Friday

for ALL ages and abili�es 2 classes: 10:30 – 12 and 1 – 2:30 free - dona�ons appreciated

Open Studio

(no instructor, a�endant will assist you) $5 dona�on for supplies Wednesdays 1 – 4; Thursdays 11 – 4

Studio: 115 3rd Ave Strathmore Email: info@wheatlandarts.ca

Master Coloured Pencils with Marda Write Saturday July 22 1-4 pm

Learn the secrets to ge�ng the most out of coloured pencils! $25 ($20 members) Supplies included; but feel free to bring your own!

Wine and Paint Night last Friday of each month 7-10pm

No pain�ng experience required!! We make it easy for you to finish a pain�ng in one night!

Open to Members and invited guests only.

Call for details. $35 ($30 members); supplies and wine included

Sign up to paint a �le in our Canada 150 Community Mosaic Mural!!

www.wheatlandarts.ca

Your dog is as smart as a 2-year-old toddler.

terrier, and Rottweiler. In comparison, human beings exert 120 pounds, white sharks exert 600 pounds, and crocodiles exert a whopping 2,500 pounds! Dogs also have ten more adult teeth than humans — 42 versus 32.

Dogs and cats both slurp water the same way.

Your one year-old pup is as physically mature as a 15-year-old human.

There’s a reason your tot and your pup get along so well: they speak the same language. Or at least, they likely understand roughly the same number of words and gestures — 250!

This may be hard to believe since dogs are such messy drinkers, but just like cats, our canine friends bend the tip of their tongue and raise liquid in a column up to their mouths.

Your dog does have a sense of time — and misses you when you’re gone.

If you think your dog knows when it’s time for dinner or a walk, you’re right! Dogs pick up on our routines and habits, and they also sense how much time has passed. One study showed how dogs responded differently to their owners being gone for different lengths of time.

Your dog’s whiskers help him “see” in the dark.

Okay, it’s not quite night-vision or a super power, but those whiskers pick up on even subtle changes in air currents, providing your pup with information about the size, shape, and speed of things nearby. This allows your dog to better sense approaching dangers or prey — even at night.

Dogs only have sweat glands in their paws.

More specifically, they are found between their paw pads. That’s why it can help to wet the bottom of their feet on a hot day, and it’s also why dogs rely on panting as a means of cooling down.

On average, a dog’s mouth exerts 320 pounds of pressure.

The tests were done on a German shepherd, American pit bull

Of course, different breeds age a little differently. Large dogs age faster than small ones.

Your dog’s sense of smell is 1,000 to 10 million times better than yours.

Depending on the breed, your dog has between 125 million to 300 million scent glands — compared to only 5 million for humans. And the part of your dog’s brain that controls smell is 40 times larger than yours — that’s true, even though the canine brain is much smaller than the human, relative to size.

Dogs can hear 4 times as far as humans.

Puppies may be born deaf, but they quickly surpass our hearing abilities.

Dogs can also hear higher pitched sounds, detecting a frequency range of 67 to 45,000 hertz (cycles per second). The human range is from 64 to 23,000 hertz. In both dogs and humans, the upper end of hearing range decreases with age. facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

• 29

Leela

SHARON AHEER

MLA Chestermere - Rocky View We now offer Commissioner For Oaths services (Free!)

See Our Facebook Page For Updates

Phone: 403-207-9889 Fax: 403-216-2225 Chestermere.RockyView@assembly.ab.ca

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After seeing this bird, I did some research to find out what it was.

I took this picture as she was watching me on my deck--she looks innocent enough, but she is the terror of the sky (as my husband puts it)! This, my friends, is a Peregrine Falcon. In Alberta, peregrines have been known to nest in most natural regions, having suitable nest sites in northern, central, and western portions of the province. But this year they have decided they quite like our neighbourhood, probably due to the over abundance of squirrels.

They also do eat a wide variety of prey, including: grebes, gulls, small songbirds, small rodents, and insects. As found on aep.alberta.ca, they say that once they have their territory, a pair will carry out courtship rituals (mutual roosting, cooperative hunting excursions, courtship flights and feedings) before copulation and nest selection. I know for a fact my pair has mated as I snapped this photo as they were a little frisky in my Birch tree.

I have come to love these fantastic birds of prey and I noted my squirrels seem to be a lot more cautious when crossing the roads, (not just looking left and right--just kidding), now looking up before hopping across to cover. The peregrine falcon is classified as At Risk in the current General Status of Alberta Wild Species report and is also listed as Threatened under the Wildlife Act. They say there are between 50 to 60 breeding pairs in Alberta. Declining pesticide residues in prey species are helping recovery. And populations have recently recovered somewhat from near-extinct levels.

Just off the Trans Canada Highway, 1 block South on Highway 871

30 •

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I’m a little torn as I write this article as I have not quite decided if this topic is good or not so good. You see, I am one of those Strathmore residents who feeds the squirrels in my neighbourhood. I have a bird feeder hanging in one of the trees that surround my deck and I put peanuts in the feeder in the morning for their breakfast and in the evening for their supper. I have noticed in the past few months that their numbers have seemed to be on the decline. I have also noticed a loud cry from the tree tops.

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Altogether Different

They truly are amazing birds and if you have ever had the chance to watch them fly -- it is a sight to see. The peregrine falcon is probably the fastest and most skilful flier of all birds and consequently, for centuries, has been highly regarded for falconry. They dive at their bird prey from great heights, attacking at speeds that can exceed 300 km/hr. Prey are usually disabled or killed instantly in the air by a single blow from the clenched talons. Smaller birds may be snatched from the air, while larger birds may be allowed to tumble to the ground. They begin breeding in their second year. Although the average lifespan is 4 to 5 years, some birds have been known to live much longer.

They lay on an average of 2 to 5 eggs. Hence, I soon expect to see many more gracing out neighbourhood trees.

As predatory birds at the top of their food chain, peregrine falcons are important both to the ecosystem and to biodiversity in Canada, which makes me feel a little in awe that they have become a part of my life. They continue to be vulnerable to the effects of chemical pollutants such as pesticides. Anyone who has seen the amazing aerobatics of peregrine falcons in flight would agree that this majestic bird should be protected for the benefit of future generations.

In Canada, the Canadian Wildlife Service has a lead role in the management and protection of peregrine falcons, with the assistance of other partners. Management and protection of the Northeastern Alberta population has been a joint effort between the Canadian Wildlife Service, the Alberta government (Sustainable Resource Development), and Parks Canada (Wood Buffalo National Park of Canada).

Mother Nature is all powerful, as we all know by watching the news; she controls our environment, whether we like it or not.

There is a reason she has sent these birds to us and now when I feed my squirrel’s every day I stand on my deck and listen for the now familiar voice of the Peregrines; they truly are magnificent.

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Take a minute everyday and become aware of the nature around you there is so much to enjoy!

Kathryn Hartwell

www.pc.gc.ca, aep and alberta.ca/fish-wildlife/wild-species/birds/falcons

YOUR DOG CAN SMELL YOUR FEELINGS.

Your pup can pick up on subtle changes in your scent, which can help him figure out how you are feeling — such as by smelling your perspiration when you become nervous or fearful. It’s also likely how dogs can detect certain diseases or know that a household member is pregnant.

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316A 2nd Ave, Strathmore, AB • 403-934-1807 facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

• 31

Jock

Flames general manager Brad Treliving checked off all the major boxes last month, starting with Mike Smith in goal and then adding defenseman Travis Hamonic in a blockbuster deal with the New York Islanders.

THE CALGARY FLAMES ARE ALL IN

While a 35 year old goaltender may not be a major upgrade on Brian Elliot, all Smith has to do is provide consistent, quality puck stopping as the Flames can roll out 4 of the best defensemen in the NHL. There's really not a lot of separation when you have a top four of Mark Giordano, Dougie Hamilton, TJ Brodie and Hamonic.

In the mid 80s, the road to the Stanley Cup went through Alberta. The Edmonton Oilers were a young dynasty and the Calgary Flames had to build a team that could compete against some of the biggest names in the game.

Of course it did come with a price. 2 first round picks, 5 second round picks and a third round pick if you want to include the Michael Stone trade last season. It's safe to say the Flames are "all in" as the future is now.

Fast forward to 2017 and here we go again.

"We've traded draft picks but you have to give to get - that's a reality. We felt it was a price we were willing to pay but it's not lost on us that we paid a significant price."

Led by 20 year old Conner McDavid and 21 year old Leon Draisaitl, the Oilers are set up to be an NHL powerhouse for the next 7 to 10 years. How do the Calgary Flames compete? How do you slow down two of the most dynamic forwards in the game?

The answer is very obvious as you build your team from the back end out.

32 â&#x20AC;˘

thenewsyneighbour.com

"I've heard that suggestion," smiled Treliving. "But as a manager you're always trying to be all in. We're always trying to make our team better - you do that every day."

Fans don't care about the future. They care about now and it's safe to say the Calgary Flames are a better team heading into the 2017 - 2018 season than they were when they were swept away earlier this spring by the Anaheim Ducks.

Flames fans will fall in love with the "Hammer." 26 year old Travis Hamonic lost his father at a young age and in New York he worked with kids who had to deal with similar situations. If you The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

â&#x20AC;˘

Altogether Different

have not seen the ESPN2 feature titled "In the Name of the Father," an inspirational segment on the Harmonic story, I suggest you Google it.

"He's a tremendous individual with very high character and great hockey IQ," beams Treliving. "He's a hard nose, two way defender who leans a little more to the defensive side of the game - and he has an edge."

He was a top pairing defenseman on the Island who could easily log 24 to 26 minutes a night. He won't have to play those types of minutes here in Calgary.

Are the Calgary Flames a better team than the Edmonton Oilers?

Maybe or maybe not - but I think it's safe to say the Battle of Alberta is back and no team in the league is looking forward to rolling through our province next season.

Muirfield Lakes Golf Club Seniors: Any Golfer born in 1957 or prior qualifies for our MLGC Senior Rates.That’s anyone aged 60 and older. These rates are good through the whole day subject to availability and include GST.

Monday – Thursday

18-Hole Golf Fees with Cart $48.00 18-Holes Golf Fees Walking $33.00

Friday All Day: Jock has been involved in the Calgary sport media scene for over 30 years.

He hosts the Calgary Stampeder football broadcasts on Newstalk 770 and is the host of Sportstalk from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.

Jock@am770chqr.com On Twitter: @talkwithjock

AUTOMOTIVE & TRANSMISSION REPAIR

PHIL & DALE 2 Licensed Technicians

Car & Truck Maintenance & Repair Needs GENERAL REPAIRS SPECIALIZING Like us on facebook IN TRANSMISSIONS 2 Licenses Technicians 403-934-5774 Phone:

14A BAYSIDE PLACE. STRATHMORE, AB

18-Hole Golf Fees with Cart $52.00 18-Holes Golf Fees Walking $37.00

UNLIMITED GOLF ON DAYS OF PLAY

Saturday & Sunday

18-Hole Golf Fees with Cart $56.00 18-Holes Golf Fees Walking $41.00

7 DAY ADVANCE BOOKING

Please identify yourself as a Senior when booking Tee Times.

Lyalta, AB 403-983-3311

Golf Shop 403-983-3311

www.muirfieldlakesgc.com facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

• 33

MartinSHIELDS,MP

CONSTITUENCY OFFICES: Strathmore – Box 2070, 129 2nd Ave, Strathmore, AB. T1P1K1 Hours: Tues – Thurs 9am – 4pm

Phone: 403-361-2980

fax: 403-361-2989 mar�n.shields.c2@parl.gc.a Brooks office: 1-844-241-0020 mar�n.shields.c1@parl.gc.ca www.mar�nshieldsbowriver.ca

Please contact our office:

• If you are having issues with any Federal programs or departments • If you are holding or celebra�ng a local event • If you have an Anniversary or Birthday you would like Cer�ficates for • If you would like to speak to the Member of Parliament See Our Social Media Pages for Updates

@MartinBowRiver

/MartininBowRiver

on July 29th. The Escape Room in Aspen Crossing opens August 1 - featuring a 1912 restored Victorian home - but I’ll save the rest of the August schedule for a future update, so stay tuned!

THERE IS AN EXCITING SUMMER IN STORE FOR RESIDENTS OF SOUTHERN ALBERTA.

As you can see, the July schedule is packed with fun-filled activities. We Albertans sure know how to throw a party or two!

With so many great events coming up, featuring activities for people of all ages, there are plenty of excuses to get out and enjoy the summer weather. I can’t wait to attend numerous festivities taking place across Bow River riding this summer, and I hope to see you there!

July certainly started off with a bang, with a tremendous number of Canada 150 celebrations taking place all over Bow River riding. I was lucky enough to attend Canada Day events in Brooks, Rosemary, Taber, Chestermere, Strathmore, and Dalroy.

While our beautiful Canadian national parks have free admission for 2017, don’t forget the great locations in and around Bow River riding – they make perfect day trips! Be sure to check out Little Bow Lake, Lake Newell, Crawling Valley, Blackfoot Crossing, and many more.

I hope that taking part in the fantastic celebrations marking our country’s historic milestone got everyone in the spirit for even more summer fun, because there are a lot of wonderful events taking place in the region over the course of July.

My office remains available to assist you over the summer months, and I can be reached in Ottawa at 613-992-0761 or martin.shields@parl.gc.ca.

My Brooks office can be reached at 1-844-241-0020 /403-7936775 or martin.shields.c1@parl.gc.ca.

Strathmore office 403-361-2980 martin.shields.c2@parl.gc.ca or martin.shields.c1b@parl.gc.ca

A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken. ~James Dent

Some of these can’t-miss events include the Alberta Summer Games from July 5-8th in Brooks, which will include 2500 athletes, and the Taber Pro Rodeo July 7-8th. Mossleigh is holding their Community BBQ on July 8th as well, and their Mossleigh Pancake Breakfast on the 9th. On July 10th, the Chestermere Community Association Golf Tournament is taking place.

Shur-Lock Self Storage

Jumping forward to July 15th, we have Barnwell Pioneer Days and the Vulcan Show & Shine, and on July 21st don’t miss the Standard Municipal Library Golf Tournament in Bassano and the Chestermere Music Festival.

Commercial or Residential

On July 22nd the Langdon Parade is being held, and the Chestermere Water festival is taking place on the 22nd as well. July 2223rd is Vul-Con, and the Rockyford Rodeo and Parade is on between July 28th and 31st. Finally, the Bassano Street Car Show is

34 •

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13 Bayside Place. Strathmore AB, T1P 1C8

Storage Solution Centre

www.shurlock.ca Keith: 403-333-8411 shurlock@outlook.com Wayde: 403-333-8155 Ph: 403-934-3502

The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

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Altogether Different

Strathmore Poker Run Legendary Fundraisers Like many great western legends, it began with a wager at a local watering hole. A leath-

er-clad biker named Dirtdog bet a good ol’ cowboy that he could raise more money for charity by bartending than he could. The cowboy took the bet and the challenge was on. That first weekend the cowboy and his friends tended bar and the following weekend, the biker and his crew took over.

As with all legendary tales, someone won by a landslide. Dirtdog and his crew walked out of that bar and off into the sunset the victors.

The challenge was all in good fun. The money raised was to be donated to charity. Dirtdog, also known at Matthew Janzen, caught the fundraising bug. The challenge inspired him to begin a local motorcycle rally, with proceeds going to charity. And with that, the Strathmore Poker Run was born.

In its first couple years, the event was small but mighty, with funds raised going to a local children’s charity. Riders set off from Strathmore and hit five stops in southern Alberta. At each stop, riders pull a card out of a shuffled deck of cards. By the last stop, and many hours later, the motorcyclists will have a complete poker hand. The best and worst hand receive various prizes and plaques.

It was a labour of love by Matt and twelve other committee members. Matt led with his charismatic, friendly, brazen, hardworking attitude.

What started as a challenge between two very different groups of locals – bikers versus cowboys, –became an annual event that brought the community together. People of all backgrounds, lifestyles, and experiences came together to ride or participate in the weekend’s events.

And a stereotype was beginning to soften. Bikers, often judged as a bad group of tough guys, were out on the road doing good, raising money for a good cause.

A couple years into the annual event, Matt was diagnosed with cancer. It was a tough blow to the friendly, outgoing biker, who had dedicated the last few years to the big fundraiser. While undergoing treatment, Matt became inspired by the children who fought the disease. Going through his own battle as an adult, Matt was heartbroken to learn that children, so young and vulnerable, were faced with the rigours of cancer treatments. He spoke with his fellow committee members.

In its third year, the Strathmore Poker Run chose the Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta to be the beneficiary of their event, in honour of the children undergoing cancer treatment who had inspired Matt. Sadly, Matt lost his battle with cancer in 2002.

The legacy left by Matt grew from there. Today, the Strathmore Poker Run is a three-day celebration. On Friday night, there is a Shave Your Lid for a Kid® head shave. In 2011, Matt’s mom shaved her head in honour of her son’s memory. Saturday features the poker run, the longest poker run, in kilometres, in southern Alberta. Stops include Rockyford, Carbon, Wayne and Standard, all of which open their community and their hearts to the riders. In the evening, the riders return to Strathmore for their

Strathmore Elks Lodge No. 491

The Elks provide specialty catering & bartending services for 50 to 500 persons. We cater weddings, memorials, golf tournaments, anniversaries or any occasion where you have a large group feed!

Our specialty is BBQ beef on a bun, with all the fixin’s, but we can create almost any menu your heart desires. Our rates are compe��ve and all the funds raised stay in the County of Wheatland and Rockyview communi�es. Last year the Elks donated over $31,000 to local communi�es and chari�es.

Call Greg at 403.888.6155 to get your party started! last stop and a dinner and dance. A local band plays, while bikers and their supporters dance the night away. On the Sunday, the focus turns to families, with a motorcycle rally and other activities for everyone to enjoy.

The event is run solely by volunteers and local sponsors. Without these generous members of the community, t-shirts wouldn’t be printed, silent auction items wouldn’t be sourced and won and dinner wouldn’t be served (to over 160 people!).

And they know, Matt would be proud of what they have achieved in his memory. Over the past 17 years, they have raised $219,496.69 for Kids Cancer Care. The funds raised support families through the entire continuum of childhood cancer — fighting the disease on all fronts by igniting joy and laughter at camp; funding innovative science in the lab and providing the best care and treatments at the hospital; and creating brighter futures for survivors through education support and post-secondary scholarships.

And it’s still a labour of love for the 13 committee members. They have been known to be out mowing grass and setting up tents on Friday, rolling up their sleeves to serve dinner on Saturday and cleaning up when the event is over on Sunday. They do it because they know it’s what Matt would have done. Some of them are even permanently inked themselves with Strathmore Poker Run tattoos.

Sandy Scobie, one of the organizers of the events says, “It’s great to look back at where we’ve been and the impact we have made.

It’s lots of work but it’s worth it.

When she’s asked what the goal is for 2017, she simply says, “Any amount raised for us is a success.”

We think Dirtdog would agree.

The 18th Annual Strathmore Poker Run took place June 23 to 25th, 2017. facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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The Chet DeFreese Band

Playing for the Love of Music Immediately upon sitting down to chat with Chet DeFreese, it was clear that I was talking to someone with a profound, deep-seated love of music. Some people get bit by the bug, and never look back; I’m intimately familiar with that feeling myself, and it was obvious in conversing with DeFreese that I had found something of a kindred spirit, in this regard.

“I’ve played guitar my whole life,” he told me. “As a guitar player, I always looked up to all the old electric blues players from the 50’s and 60’s. Albert King, Freddy King, BB King…

Lowell Fulson, Buddy Guy…all of the first or second wave of blues guitar players that came out. That’s what I was listening to when I got into playing.” Take one listen to DeFreese’s catalogue of tunes, and it’s clear that these artists have played a hugely influential role when it comes to his own music.

“Straight-ahead rock and blues,” DeFreese declared when I asked him to describe his sound. “If you like guitars, you’ll like my stuff!” Digging a little deeper, DeFreese also points to some rootsy, country-esque sounds in his work. “A while back, I was doing a lot of outlaw country. Even now, when I’m doing blues and rock, there’s still quite a bit of twang that comes through. Everything I do is painted with that brush a little bit.”

DeFreese’s unique, genre-bending sound is backed up by some long-standing, talented players.

About six or seven years ago, he started making music accompanied by James Bulcho-

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lz on bass, and Wane Summers on drums. Then, he married Troti – a musician he’d spent time playing alongside in other projects – and it only seemed natural that she become a regular member of the Chet DeFreese Band.

“We already gelled musically, so it was kind of a natural thing,” he explained to me. Troti DeFreese took over bass duties, Bulcholz picked up the rhythm guitar, Kenton McDonald joined the team as the new drummer, and the four-piece has been making music ever since, touring and bringing their love of music to every stage they play.

DeFreese doesn’t just limit himself to playing guitar, though.

“I’ll play anything strings on it,” he told me, that love of music shining brightly through the conversation. “I do a lot of banjo, lap steel, pedal steel, and mandolin – the mandolin’s a great instrument, it’s basically just a little fiddle with frets on it!” he joked. This multi-instrumental talent lends itself to making DeFreese’s live stage presence a pretty incredible sight to behold.

“At a show, I’ll bring quite a few instruments with me,” DeFreese elaborated for me. “I’ll have four or five guitars, mandolins, lap steels, and whatnot. Our sound kind of depends on the show and the room, but there’s always some originals in the mix. Other than that, we’ll play anything for Waylon Jennings to John Lee Hooker to classic blues-rock like ZZ Top. It’s generally a mix of 50’s rock, blues, and outlaw country. And that’s kind of how my originals come out, too.”

If you’re interested in hearing some of those original tracks on an album, you won’t have to wait long – over this past year, when he’s not been on stage, DeFreese has been recording. “I’ve got a studio in my basement, and we’ve been working on recording an album for about the past year,” he tipped me off. He wouldn’t reveal the working name of the album – “We’ll see if I get it finished, then I’ll worry about what to call it,” he joked – but he did say that it’s about three-quarters completed, and should be finished up sometime in the next year.

“It’s a whole different animal, the process of recording,” DeFreese reflected. “How you put a song down on tape is totally different than playing live. It’s a lot of work, but you get to really put the songs under a microscope and fine-tune them. But, it’s definitely worth it, when you have a good track.”

At the end of the day, it seems, everything DeFreese does come back around to that undeniable, lifelong love of music. “I need to play every once in a while,” he told me. “It’s a big release. Getting up there, breaking a sweat, connecting with the audience – it’s just the best feeling in the world.”

To witness DeFreese’s love for music in person, don’t miss his upcoming performances at Legends Kitchen and Bar, where he’ll be playing live with the Chet DeFreese Band on July 21, and unplugged on July 22. Don’t miss out on what are sure to be two amazing performances!

Kyle Penn

The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

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Altogether Different

Alberta Presented by The Town of Strathmore

13 -

17 Every Thursday @ LEGENDS Kitchen & Bar 960 Westridge Rd, Strathmore, AB

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

www.strathmore.ca/events Submit (strathmoreBOTB@gmail.com, or in person at Strathmore FCSS Office

$1500 cash prize, opportunity to co-host morning show OR drive home show on a Golden West Radio Station, and opportunity to participate in our Canada 150 Music Festival held in Strathmore, Alberta on August 26. facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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what a huge problem feral kittens and cats were in Strathmore and the surrounding Wheatland area. My eyes have been opened!! After receiving the kittens, Michele and the few foster homes she does have care for them, have them vaccinated and all of them spayed or neutered. Then comes the endless task of finding wonderful “forever loving homes”.

The kittens I have brought to Michele come from an acreage just outside of Strathmore. The poor people who own this property have had to struggle with this ongoing problem of kittens since last year when someone dropped off a litter of 6 kittens. The problem is, wild cats will breed with the smaller cats and before you know it, you have 3 litters and 30 cats. Unless you can catch the kittens when they are small enough, the cycle will keep repeating itself until it is out of control. I have caught just about 2 litters and still have one litter to go. The problem is, poor Michele has run out of foster homes, as this time of year is breeding time for the cats, and she has taken in more than she even has room for. Amazingly enough, she keeps saying, “If you bring them I will take them.” Like I said, dedication! The people on this acreage have been more than helpful with the catching and we have even had a bit of fun with it all. Only one bit finger, but the poor kittens are afraid and do not know we are helping them.

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What I’m getting at is, WE NEED MORE FOSTER HOMES!

Just to give you an idea of what Happy Cat Sanctuary does, these were just a few of the questions I asked Michele about Happy Cat.

www.expressionsthedancegallery.com

1. How many cats do you take in?

It averages at approximately 100 per year, sometimes more. I am guessing for 2017 we will be over a hundred by year end. This is a lot for a small rescue that is primarily a network of amazing foster homes and volunteers.

126 Canal Garden. Strathmore, AB • Ph: 403-901-6392

LOVING HELPING HANDS NEEDED! Have you ever been to a foreign country and seen stray cats and dogs in the streets? I know I have and my heart goes out to those poor homeless animals. I know, I know, there are lots of homeless starving people in this world and that is a completely different article. This article is about the “feral cats” in Strathmore and surrounding area. Here in Strathmore we are lucky enough to have a very determined and dedicated lady name Michele. I have taken her 15 kittens in the past two weeks and she is always happy to see me and the pretty little faces. Michele has been rescuing kittens and cats for the past 14 years in the Strathmore area. She has turned half of her garage and part of her house into areas for the felines and works tirelessly to find foster and adoptive homes for them. Her dedication is truly admirable. There is also Barb, who is the co-founder of The Happy Cat Sanctuary Society of Alberta and she has a sanctuary on her property where many of their longterm residents reside; it's a beautiful place! They have also relocated several feral cats to this property. All the volunteers play a part at The Happy Cat Sanctuary.

Until this year, I had no idea

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2. How many do you "fix" in a year?

Including our available-for-adoption cats, we also have a TNR (trap neuter release) program and we fix dozens of feral cats through this. This is a program we would like to see grow and get more local support for, especially in rural areas that have an excess of cats and kittens. I would say for 2017 we will be looking at closer to 150 cats fixed through Happy Cat Sanctuary. If you think about that more, that's ultimately preventing the birth of thousands of cats over the years! And 95% of the cats we have fixed and taken in are from Wheatland county and Strathmore so we are doing our best to help here, but there is always a need for more.

3. Does anyone help you with the cost of fixing them?

Our veterinary clinics in Strathmore are very supportive of our mission and they all help us with this by subsidizing a portion of the costs. We work with all the local veterinary clinics. Some people will sponsor a cat privately and this will help cover any costs associated with spaying and neutering.

4. Do any companies help you in any way?

Current: Along with our veterinarians, we work with the Strathmore and District Agriculture Society. The Red Carrot has an ongoing donation for us - all gift wrapping done at the store is donated to Happy Cat Sanctuary. We receive donations from Purina, as well as donations of food and litter from another charity called Project Pal. We volunteer at the cash casino in Calgary every 3 years and get a large donation from Alberta liquor and gaming. The Newsy Neighbour has also donated money through their fundraising campaigns.

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Altogether Different

5. How can people help you?

If you aren't in a position to adopt a cat, we are always looking for foster homes! Donations are always welcome; monetary, food, litter, bedding, supplies and toys! The cats love getting new stuff just as much as the volunteers enjoy giving it to them! 100% of donations goes directly to the cats. At this time, we don't have a public facility that people can come and volunteer at. But we are looking for people who would be interested in helping transport cats and supplies. And of course, if you are looking to adopt a cat, please contact us!

I know you all want to help and trust me, every little bit of help makes a difference when you are taking on such a huge project. My admiration goes out to Michele and all the volunteers at Happy Cat for making a difference in our community.

Please open up your heart and your hands to help. What would be so bad with having a sweet, cuddly and loving kitten if only just for a little while?

Kathryn Hartwell

6. Do you get any corporate donations?

Yes! Current: The Red Carrot and their ongoing donations. PetValu in Strathmore raised money for Happy Cat through their Paws fundraiser; they also let us showcase a cat at the store that's available for adoption!

7. What does it cost you to do this in a year?

It varies year to year but I would say $25,000+/year.

Some years we have more extraordinary cases come in and it costs more, or private donations are lower (due to economy) so our expenses on supplies are higher.

Being a registered charity, we can issue tax receipts for any donations made.

If someone is already feeding and caring for a group of cats, contact us at www.happycatsanctuary.com to talk about how we can help get them altered and vaccinated to help reduce the population growth and keep the cats healthy.

For children aged 3 to 5 Now registering for September

104 Springmere Way, Chestermere For more information: www.littleacorns.ca

facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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The Ultimate Camping Checklist 2017 The best stress free and easy camping and glamping trick is to get yourself the most comprehensive camping list and gear checklist to use when packing for your road trip.

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But no one knows you, your family or your style of camping better than you do so we’ve pulled our knowledge together, and that of our readers, to come up with the best ultimate camping checklist that’s gonna blow your socks off. All you have to do is cross off those things that don’t apply to you and you’ll never forget another camping or glamping essential again.

Tent, Campervan And Caravan • • • • • • • • •

Folding pick/shovel Set of jumper cables Tent pegs Heavy canvass or plastic ground tarpaulin 3 Lb short hammer Full can of fuel and funnel Tow chain or rope Road Hazard sign & high visibility jacket Tool box

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Spray oil such as WD40 Spirit level or spirit level app on your iPhone & leveling chocks Gaffer tape & superglue Copies of important documents including insurance, breakdown recovery, driving license, MOT, vehicle manual Maps & Sat Nav Toilet & environmentally gentle chemicals Give your vehicle the once over: check cables, tyre

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For The Kitchen

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Gated, secured, gravelled sites. Large pull-through sites.

pressure, cooking gas levels, oil levels, water levels, brake fluid, washer levels, battery levels, etc.

If you have a tent or awning make sure you check it before you leave to make sure the pegs, ropes, groundsheet, etc, are still packed and the damp, rust, or moths haven’t attacked it since you last used it.

Large flexible plastic tubs with handles make great storage & carrying containers when travelling and setting up camp Picnic hamper & blanket with waterproof backing Cooking stove, barbecue or way of cooking on an open fire Washing up liquid, bowl, cloths & small scrubbing brush Dustpan & brush Bin bags Tea towels & hand towels Drinking water container Coffee pot Dutch Oven, tripod and chain Large pan with lid Kettle with a whistle Cups, cutlery & plates Vegetable peeler, tin opener, sharp knife, wooden spoon & bottle opener (cork & lid) Chopping board Tin foil Cool Box & Ice Packs Folding table & chairs

Sleeping • • • • • • •

Roll Mat, roll mattress, self-inflating mattress or airbed & pump Pillow Hot water bottles Duvet or sleeping bag Silk sleeping bag liner Blankets CO2 & Fire Alarm Monitor

Foot Wear • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Light weight walking boots Wellington boots Walking sandals Lightweight trainers Flip flops

Bathroom Toilet roll Wash bag with pockets and hanger Glasses & contact lenses Quick drying towel Small mirror Hand sanitiser Wet wipes or flannels Contraceptives Nail clippers & Scissors Tweezers Razor Toothbrush, paste, floss & mouthwash Comb & travel hair brush Sun cream Lip balm with SPF Creams, shampoo, conditioner & body soap

Gadgets • • •

Torch Charging wires & adapters Solar Power charger

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Altogether Different

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Mobile phone laptop computer Digital camera Portable DVD player & DVDs Digital Camcorder iPod & head phones Small travel speakers to plug into your iPod Small external hard drive Additional SD cards for cameras iPad, iPhone & camping Apps (see our 20+ recommendations)

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First Aid •

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It’s useful to make a large and small kit for both your everyday bag and your base camp Assorted sized waterproof plasters Re-hydration sachets: helping you recover from food poisoning or hangover Paracetamol tablets Imodium tablets Hand sanitising gel Alcohol wipes Surgical tape Bandage Mosquito repellent After bite cream for mosquito bites Antihistamine cream and tablets for bad reactions to bites Antiseptic cream Arnica cream Burn spray Tiger balm or muscle rub Personal vitamins & medicine

Wind break Small waterproof bag for swimming Day bag backpack Head lamps & torches for everyone to have as their own. This helps reassure kids at night.

Lightweight thermos & water bottle Washing line in a rewind case, pegs & clothes wash Pen, journal or notebook Guide books & maps Novel, reading material, iPad or Kindle

Games And Activities • • • • • • • • •

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Save your time on landscaping and spend your time at the lake instead.

Get a Grasshopper!

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Wet suits & snorkel gear Kite Musical instruments such as guitar & ukuleles 124 Orchard Way. Strathmore, AB 403-901-0018 Outdoor games like Friswww.clarkssupply.com bee, cricket, rounders, footYOUR NEXT MOWER ® Visit grasshoppermower.com for more information. © 2008 The Grasshopper Company ball, swingball, Boules, etc.

Pack of cards Travel games such as scrabble, chess, checkers, domi1 3/31/08 4:08:26 PM noes, snakes & ladders, GRA.9907_2cx5_powerfold_4C & backgammon Colouring books & pens Puzzle books Scrapbook & glue for collecting flowers, grass, feathers, sketches of what you find on your trip Small treasure hunt prizes & paper & pens to draw the map Buckets & spades

Useful Bits And Pieces • • • • • • • • • • • •

Firewood or small axe Multi-tool, Swiss Army Knife or Leatherman Lighter, matches and firelighters String Sun Cap Bandanna Ear plugs Sunglasses Suncream Sun shade tent or umbrella Rain shelter or umbrella facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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Colouring

Psychologists Say Colouring Is The Best Alternative To Meditation

Share your completed work on our facebook or instagram accounts for a chance to win a $25 Gift Certificate to any advertiser of your choice in this issue. You could also email it too: aleesha@thenewsyneighbour.com

#TheNewsy Neighbour

LAST MONTH'S WINNER !

• Laundry Drop Off (Wash & Fold) • 10% Senior Discount • Shirt Service • Horse Blankets • Leather Club Jackets • Wedding Gowns (Preservation Boxes)

Quality Repairs

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OnSite Dry Cleaning Same Day Available

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403-934-1807

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McBride Career Group is proudly Canadian and ready to help you succeed in your career and employment goals.

We are happy to serve the citizens of Strathmore, Wheatland County, Chestermere and Langdon.

HAPPY 150th BIRTHDAY CANADA!

We Provide: Individual Coaching

Customized Workshops

Job Search Resources

REALITY CHECK TIME!

Assistance with resumes, A little bit of everything cover letters and more.

403-934-4305 202—2nd Avenue Strathmore, AB www.mcbridecareergroup.com

Gaylene Smith has been a waitress, tree planter, canoeing instructor, cemetery caretaker, fund development officer, communications officer, marketing coordinator, and currently is a career coach, and first aid instructor on the side.

She still isn’t sure what she wants to be when she grows up other than healthy, wealthy and wise, although right now she is willing to take just one of the three. Gaylene can be reached by phone at 403-934-4305 or gsmith@ mcbridecareergroup.

REALITY CHECK TIME!

Somewhere along the way, when I wasn’t looking, my little boys have turned into young men.

Honestly, I just dropped my youngest off at the Little Flower Preschool with Mrs. Reeves a year or two ago. Now my baby is taller than almost all the teachers (and yes, Mom too) and he is heading off to Junior High where his brother, for better or worse, has already had a year to acclimatize the faculty to the Smith boys.

Now you might think that I was “one of those mothers” that spent the first day of school with tears in my eyes and you’d be wrong; way, way, way wrong! Oh heck no. I was the momma dancing in the halls and burning rubber out of the school parking lot ready to celebrate my new found hours of freedom.

I love hanging with my lads, even more so now that every sentence they utter no longer begins with Mommy! They are intelligent, articulate, empathetic individuals with their own unique outlook on the world. I think they’re perfect, well except for the “eau-de-puberty” that often wafts off them and their friends. On Phys. Ed. days it is like those old Pepe Le Pew cartoons. There is an entire hallway at the Jr. High that has “that smell.” Those of you with sons know what I am talking about… just imagine the three hour ride home with my oldest

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and one of his besties after a week of horseback riding, hiking, campfires and, shudder, no showers. So despite the occasional odourous assault on my olfactory senses, there really is no two other people on this planet that I love and enjoy spending time with more.

And that is why, for at least part of the summer, I am kicking them out the door to live somewhere else; to have adventures without Mom and Dad and more importantly to stumble and fall and pick themselves up without Momma running to solve all their problems.

You see, as a Career Coach, I often have young adults come in my office. Usually because they need help writing a resume or preparing a cover letter and, quite frankly, it amazes me how many of these perfectly capable young men and women are accompanied by either mom, dad or - heaven help the career coach - both parents.

If your 18 year old can’t make his own appointment and get his butt down to my office on HIS own, then somewhere along the way, something went wrong. Unless your daughter has a legitimate barrier such as learning or physical disabilities, then you really don’t need to hold her hand when she meets with me.I really am not that scary a person and if you really are in fear for your baby’s safety, then send chocolate with them. Please don’t join them. If they can’t talk to someone being paid to help them, then how are they going to survive the interview process? Please, please don’t say you will go to an interview with them. HR frowns upon that, they also frown upon having you call in sick for your child once they are out of school. I apologize if your reality check just bounced, but that is the way it is.

I want my boys to thrive in the grown-up world so despite how much I will miss them, their Dad (yes, he will miss the boys too) and I are shipping them out for part of their summer vacation. Two weeks at Grandma and Poppa’s where they will learn that yes, in this house, you do make the bed every morning and you will clear your plates and ask to be excused from the table. Heaven help them if they forget and wear their hat in the house too! Pretty sure that was the cause of last year’s phone call of “come and get me, Gramma is crazy.” I didn’t go and get him, Gramma’s house – Gramma’s rules. After two weeks of hanging with my folks they get to come back home before being shipped out again. The oldest is off to CFB Cold Lake for three weeks of survival training and the youngest to water polo camp. Both boys will come back covered in bruises, bug bites and smelling oh so sweet. They also will be coming back with a higher level of confidence and new skills to survive life on their own, because after all, our job as parents is to help them grow so that they can go. But they better darn well phone home and come home to visit their momma bear often!

Gaylene Smith

Kristel Lang

Independent Consultant

403-901-8450

ke_kristel@hotmail.com

Facebook:

Kristel’s Norwex Information Group

www.kristellang.norwex.biz The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

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Altogether Different

Congratula�ons to our big BVAS 50/50 cash prize winner - Ryan McMullin!!!

The winner of the trip for two to Costa Rica is Natasha Serrurier THANK YOU TO ALL THAT BOUGHT TICKETS THIS YEAR.

Banquet Hall Rentals and Catering Services

Darlis is an entrepreneur with a passion for helping people in business, organizations and entire communities recognize their uniqueness and achieve possibilities they may not have thought possible. She believes growth and success start at the grassroots level… with people, and she uses training, coaching and facilitating to inspire positive change. She is a Board member of Women Talk Strathmore. Contact her at Darlis@ DownToBusinessSolutions.com.

Pet Blessings

“Pets are humanizing. They remind us we have an obligation and responsibility to preserve and nurture and care for all life.” ― James Cromwell Often we hear about the wonderful gifts that pets provide to their human ‘owners’ with their unconditional love. You may have heard how having a pet may help lower your blood pressure and cholesterol, improve your immunity and heart health, and they can even cause a decrease in depression, stress and anxiety. But what else do pets bless us with? For each of us, it may be something different but it is likely exactly what we need.

Growing up, we almost always had a dog and sometimes cats, and for a while we had three turtles, too. The dogs and cats were outdoor pets and had specific jobs like keep strangers out of our yard and keep mice out of our house. To me, they were playmates who made sure I didn’t walk, play or hang out in the shade by myself. As an only child, this was such a blessing.

Shortly after being married, I had an itch for a dog and someone in the family had a miniature toy poodle that they needed a home for and Keila arrived. She was a very devoted and loyal friend, as long as you were regularly nice to her. Treat her poorly and you eventually would find that she had used one of your shoes as a bathroom! She brought many life lessons into my life including teaching me to show love towards everyone but not to accept disrespect.

When I became a single parent, I decided the kids would benefit from having a pet and within a couple weeks, someone looking for a home for their 2-year old miniature poodle found one with us.

A very patient and low-maintenance member of the family, all she asked for was attention (which I gave her lots of). When we moved to Alberta, however, my new schedule had me regularly out of town and she was alone much of the time, leaving me feeling sad. My mom offered to give her a home and they are great company for each other. This taught me that showing our love for someone sometimes requires letting them go, and that they may be needed more by someone else.

Then came a series of pet blessings from dogs that weren’t mine. The first was when my teenage son decided he needed a dog. I agreed as long as he first fostered three dogs to be sure he was a committed

403-936-5474 www.indusrec.ca

Indus is located approximately 15km East of Calgary on Hwy 22x

pet owner because I had no interest in inheriting that responsibility. He was very excited. By foster #3, he no longer wanted one.

This was a double blessing in that my son was of service to these dogs waiting for their forever home while learning valuable lessons about the realities of owning a pet.

Then came Biscuit, a friend’s dog who moved in while his family focused on healing after an accident. He was at least 15-20 times bigger than any dog I’ve ever had indoors and the only one who shed hair. My goodness, he left a trail of hair everywhere he went and there was a lot of time spent sweeping, vacuuming and giving him a good brush down – although that didn’t seem to help! He is a loving, quiet and well-behaved dog, and is a living example of how easily it is to accept what we don’t want in our lives when we open our hearts to possibilities.

And now, there is another puppy in the house who came for a few weeks… eight months ago! She needed time to get over her “I’m lonely” whining when her owner went to work. The whining is long gone and she’s been dewormed, groomed and continues to be taught discipline, tricks and other important doggie things. She has even graduated to homemade dog food (some is in the slow cooker now and smells delicious!). This tiny, cute, quiet bundle of cuddle-love has found a place in my heart and although I have said for years that I would not be getting another dog, this blessing has reminded me of the importance of never, ever, ever saying never.

If this is her forever home, I’ll be forever happy.

Pets are not the only source of blessings, they come in human form as well. Each month at Women Talk, real life stories are shared and each brings its own message of inspiration, hope and humour.

Just as a pet will enhance many areas of life, so will this community of women who gather in fellowship and leave as friends. Join us… you’ll be forever happy that you did.

For more information about WOMEN TALK in Strathmore, please visit www.WomenTalk.ca/Strathmore.

July 27, 2017 7-9pm Strathmore Station Tickets $17 online or $25 at the door Food & Drink menu available Melanie Bradford Choosing Happiness

Marcy Field

Dare to Believe

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Valley Dental Clinic

FRIDAY

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August 4th

~CERVUS STADIUM~

GENERAL FAMILY DENTISTRY TOOTH EMERGENCY??

Rodeo – 1PM Chuckwagons – 7PM

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~HERITAGE ZONE~ Grounds - 11AM - 11PM Tradeshow - 11AM - 10PM Molson Beer Gardens - 11AM Co-op Wine Cellar - 11AM Cobb’s Travelling Adventure Park – 11AM Monster Truck – 11AM Superdogs – 12, 3, 530PM Cutest Show on Earth - 1230, 330, 6PM Kids Tractor Pull – 1, 4, 630PM Comedy Juggler -130, 430, 7PM Friday Night Barn Burner – 8PM

New Patients & Emergencies WELCOME 231-2nd Avenue, Strathmore valleydentalstrathmore@hotmail.com

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~HERITAGE STAGE~ Little Buckaroos – 12PM The Magic of Aaron Matthew – 1PM Colin Christopher – 2PM Little Buckaroos – 3:30PM Aaron Matthews – 4PM Colin Christopher – 4:30PM Little Buckaroos – 6:30PM HOJA – 9PM

SunRise Healing Center Muscle Check

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Information Tent for enquiries and Stampede apparel

Strathmore Stampede Tradeshow Special: When you buy 2 - 120 ml Muscle Check *at regular price, Recieve 1 30ml Muscie for 50% Off For more info, call Cynthia at 403-934-6416 or visit: www.sunrisehealingcenter.com.

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Come in and enjoy our fabulous

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY BRUNCH Saturday August 5, & Sunday August 6, 2017 Buffet Hours: 10am-2pm and 4pm-9pm AUGUST LONG WEEKEND

MONDAY Brunch on August 7, 2017 Buffet Hours: 9am-2pm

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WANT TO RUN WITH THE BULLS?

IF YOU ARE BRAVE ENOUGH TO RUN WITH THE BULLS, THEN JOIN 80 OTHER ADRENALINE SEEKERS IN THIS ONE OF A KIND EVENT FOR A CHANCE TO WIN $1000!

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EVENT AND TICKET INFO The Strathmore Stampede Running with the Bulls Event is included during the evening Chuckwagon performance on Saturday and Sunday only. An inner circle of fencing is set up within the infield, creating a track. Approximately 80 runners will face 3 rounds of wild, untamed bulls. The objective for these brave runners is to be the most daring and entertaining runner alongside the bulls. A panel of judges will determine the winner for a prize of $1000 and bragging rights.

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• Bull wrestling, practiced long ago in Mediterranean countries including Spain, may have been an Olympic event in ancient Greece.

• The first recorded rodeo was held in Arizona in 1864.

• William F. Cody, also known as Buffalo Bill, created the first major U.S. rodeo and Wild West Show in 1882, in North Platte, Nebraska.

• Women joined the rodeo circuit in the 1890s.

• Before World War I, competitors couldn’t earn a living on rodeo winnings alone, so many were also Wild West show performers or performed entertainment acts at rodeos. Vaudeville hosted many of these acts during the rodeo offseason.

Rodeo Fun Facts The word “rodeo” is loosely derived from the Spanish word for “round-up,” or literally, rodear, “to surround.”

• The English word “rodeo” was first used around 1834 to refer to a cattle round-up.

• Rodeo events are based on the real-life skills of working vaqueros and cowboys, first in Spain and Mexico, and later in the United States, Canada and Australia.

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• Cowboy competitions weren’t exclusively called rodeos until the 1920s, with professional cowboys officially adopting the term in 1945. Until then, competitions were commonly referred to as frontier days, stampedes and cowboy contests.

• Before the 1930s, rodeos were independent and organizers chose events from almost 100 different possibilities.

• In the era of non-standardized rodeos, cowboys and cowgirls often did not know the exact events being offered or the rules of competition until after they paid fees to enter the contest.

• Before the 1940s, the most popular competitions included trick riding and fancy roping. Also in demand were gymnastic feats performed on horseback at high speed, and Roman standing races where riders stood upon a pair of horses, one foot on each horse.

• Women of this era often rode broncs and bulls and roped steers against male competitors — and sometimes won!

• Rodeo events were popular in cities and were held in such venues as Madison Square Garden.

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• In 1940, Gene Autry became so popular as a rodeo singer that even today rodeo producers attract crowds with country singers headlining at rodeos.

• Today’s Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeos must include calf roping, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding and steer wrestling. Optional events are steer roping and team roping.

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SATURDAY August 5th WEAR RED - SUPPORT THE TROOPS

~CERVUS STADIUM~ Rodeo – 1PM Running with the Bulls - 6PM Chuckwagons – 7PM

~HERITAGE ARENA~ Stock Dog Demo – 1PM Drive a Team – 2PM Hearts of the West – 330PM Draft Horse Hitch – 4PM

~HERITAGE ZONE~ Grounds - 11AM - 11PM Tradeshow - 11AM - 10PM Molson Beer Gardens - 11AM Co-op Wine Cellar - 11AM Cobb’s Travelling Adventure Park – 11AM Monster Truck – 11AM Superdogs – 12, 3, 530PM Cutest Show on Earth - 1230, 330, 6PM Kids Tractor Pull – 1, 4, 630PM Comedy Juggler -130, 430, 7PM Cabaret – 8PM

Visit us in the Livestock Pavilion Relax and Experience a Special Wine-Tasting in a Unique Setting!

Thank you to our Partners:

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Rodeo is about life lessons, and not just about belt buckles and winning. There is so much you can learn from a horse and a cow that you can’t learn from football. -Jim Wakefield It’s boots and chaps, it’s cowboy hats, it’s spurs and latigo, it’s the ropes and the reins, and the joy, and the pain, and they call the thing “rodeo.”

-Garth Brooks, lyrics from “Rodeo”

~HERITAGE STAGE~ Little Buckaroos – 12PM HOJA – 1PM Aaron Matthews – 2PM Little Buckaroos – 3:30PM Colin Christopher – 430PM HOJA – 5PM Little Buckaroos – 630PM Colin Christopher – 9PM facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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Strathmore, AB

IGHBOU NE R Reader’s Choice

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Thank you to all of our voters and supporters!

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I am thrilled to be part of the Newsy Neighbour family. While I do not have the honour of representing Strathmore residents, you are ably served by my Wildrose colleague Derek Fildebrandt.

Please contact his office at: 403-934-4400 or Strathmore.brooks@assembly.ab.ca.

Hello Newsy Neighbour readers!

Since this is the Pet Issue, this column is brought to you by the singing sensation, Elvis the Dog. Our 1/4 Wolf, 1/4 Husky, throw in a dash of German Shepard, a little Great Pyrenees for length, gentle brown eyes and invasive nose 7-year-old puppy, thinks he is a Chihuahua. Especially when he crawls all 70 white fluffy pounds of himself into your lap to share popcorn while watching and singing (with me) to the new Beauty and the Beast movie.

Who needs a blanket? He may not be the king of dogs, but his place in my heart and our family is undeniable. There have been days after days of debate, or door knocking, or unity talks when his sweet, kind and nurturing presence has been the food for my soul. My kids, and nieces and nephews adore him, and use him as a big carpet, my husband will sit patiently and brush out his luxurious coat, and in return we are greeted every day with a wolfy grin and stimulating puppy conversation.

These are epic times in Alberta politics. As you know, the Wildrose and the Progressive Conservatives have reached an agreement in principal to form a new United Conservative Party to defeat the disastrous NDP Government in 2019. The vote on this will be held July 22 but you MUST be a member of either or both of the Wildrose Party or the Progressive Conservatives BEFORE July 8 in order to vote. Please join us and let your voice be heard. Check out www.wildrose.ca for all the details and to join the Wildrose. I am supporting this agreement and I hope to meet with as many of you as possible in the next while to tell you why. Please see my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/WildroseLeela. You may have received a personal call from me or one of our amazing volunteers who are giving up their weekends to ask you to join or renew your Wildrose membership before July 8th so that you can have your say.

I would like to take a moment to thank the Sarah Thompson School for inviting us to their “Summer Camp” musical production. The amazing music teacher and director Portia Crooks continues to inspire us and this musical was just fabulous. Langdon—you’ve got talent! We really liked the comedic relief of the

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Visit trilogyhomes.ca or come see us at the show home.

joke-telling bear. My favourite—what kind of socks do bears wear? None. They have bare feet. Ok, it was better when the bear told it.

I would also like to thank Arrkann Trailer for inviting me to their grand opening. This wonderful family is keeping the RV business in the family as the 3rd generation continues to run this resilient business. Make sure you visit them in their new location just off the Trans Canada Highway ramp heading south to Langdon.

Welcome to Rocky View!

On the Legislative front, we saw initiatives from the Government that had unintended consequences, reflected a lack of thought, or were just plain bad legislation. Let’s look at Bill 1, “An Act to Reduce School Fees”. The Wildrose voted for this legislation as it is our policy to eliminate instructional fees related to the core curriculum. However, we pointed out some consequences to the legislation as written that the NDP Government ignored and have proven to be true. School fees cost Alberta families $200M, so the Government’s stated intention was to reduce these costs to public school families by $54 million. The school fee changes would account for $39 million and the transportation fee reductions would be $15 million. These funds are supposedly coming from “efficiencies.” We raised many concerns after reaching out to school boards and we heard that they appreciated the school fee reduction but had real concerns about the transportation fees and the lack of clarity about what the regulations would mean. We are still waiting for clarity. One example is East Lake School in Chestermere. This is the designated K-9 French Immersion school for the entire East side of my constituency.

French Immersion is classed as an alternative program. The Government has eliminated bus fees for kids going to their “designated” school but not necessarily for students travelling to “alternative” schools. Will French Immersion students from Indus, Langdon, other rural areas, and Chestermere outside East Lake’s “catchment area” have to pay extra for bussing now that the “designated” students are bussed at no cost? We don’t know.

There is no public transit alternative here. Where will all these “efficiencies” come from? Education Assistants will definitely be a casualty.

Remember, Municipal Elections are coming in October of this year. Please take some time to study the candidates, ask them about the issues, and above all: VOTE. To those of you who are eligible to vote for the first time PLEASE do so. Even better, run for office! If you do, you will be well rewarded, win or lose. You are our leaders of the future and remember that thousands of Canadians have sacrificed to give you this privilege.

I hope to see you all at the Langdon Days parade, and as always, we love to hear from you.

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The Parrot With the Largest Vocabulary Knew More Than 1,700 Words

Though parrots are generally famous for being chatty, Puck, a cheery blue parakeet, landed in the 1995 Guinness Book of World Records for his vocabulary skills, with a recognized set of 1,728 words. In addition to speaking, Amazon parrots are renowned singers, including Groucho, who entertained TV audiences with a rendition of “How Much is that Doggie in the Window” in 2010.

Your Pet Parrot May Outlive You

Many parrots have near-human lifespans, a consideration many people don’t truly grasp when seeking a parrot as a companion. Larger species like macaws and cockatoos are known to live for between 35 and 50 years. Tarbu, an African grey in England, lived to the ripe old age of 55.

The current oldest parrot is 82-year-old Cookie, a Major Mitchell’s cockatoo (Lophochroa leadbeateri) that resides at the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago.

Not All Parrots Are Tropical

Of the roughly 350 known species of parrots, most live in the tropical and subtropical regions of Australia, Asia, Central and South America and Africa. But some parrots break that geographic mold. Keas live in alpine regions of New Zealand and nest in ground burrows, while the endangered maroon-fronted parrot (Rhynchopsitta terrisi) dwells at 6,000 feet in the Sierra Madre Oriental Mountains of Mexico.

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With a couple of notable exceptions, males and females of most parrot species look virtually identical.

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Shaken & Stirred Marcy enjoys helping others experience the joy in life. She started Mountain Lion Leadership, in 2003. As a leadership & community advocate, she is actively involved with organizations & businesses working to aid growth and development. This is combined with a passion to see women grow both personally & professionally whatever their stage of life. Contact Marcy: marcy@mlleadership.com. Follow Marcy on Twitter @MarcyLField to my profile.

CELEBRATING MILESTONES: Happy 150th Birthday, Canada!

I remember cycling on a 3-speed bicycle from Banff to Jasper when you turned 100. The markers along the way let us know we were getting closer to our destination; however, the memories are about the journey not the destination. Specifically, milestones along the way provided a sense of purpose, accomplishment and reasons to celebrate (if you're so inclined). Each one an opportunity to reflect on achievements, remain mindful of the present and thoughtfully shape a fearless tomorrow. More than a cause for celebration, when treated properly, milestones affirm lessons learned and provide an important tool for future growth. The trouble is, most of us fail to reap the benefits of these moments.

The Power of Milestones In essence, milestones are victories. Their true power lies in the opportunity to look at the past, present, and future, all at once. In addition, they provide a chance to reflect and celebrate accomplishments. Humans rarely take time to consider where they’ve been, where they are, and where they’re going all at once. People tend focus on only one of the three: either looking back, looking forward, or staying in the moment. Failure to consider them collectively may hinder our ability to recognize our impact or our ability to be the best version of ourselves.

The Past - Our Truths A thought provoking series on the global impact of "The World Without Canada" recently aired on the History Channel. It spec-

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ulates on the global impacts if Canada suddenly disappeared and the catastrophic consequences that might unfold. The series focuses on Canadian contributions and identity through a unique lens that is informative, dramatic and celebratory. Dan Aykroyd narrates this fascinating journey. It is a revealing reflection on Canada’s far-reaching impact.

In addition, it is important we recognize the history of this land did not begin a mere 150 years ago. Almost 5% of Canada's population share a heritage and connection to the land predating Confederation.

The Present - Our Gift For a second year in a row, the True North ranked second in the annual “Best Countries” survey from the U.S. News & World Report.

There is more to celebrate. Canada received the top ranking for "Quality of Life" in the same report. This result is based on nine country attributes related to quality of life: affordable, a good job market, economically stable, family friendly, income equality, politically stable, safe, well-developed public education system and well-developed public health system. When we step outside of our box and look at Canada with a different lens, it becomes abundantly clear how much we have to be grateful for and cherish.

The Future - Our Opportunity Sir John A MacDonald, Canada's first Prime Minister and a Father of Confederation, was well known for his wit and also for his love of drink (truly Canadian). His vision for Canada holds as true now as it did 150 years ago.

"If I had influence over the minds of the people of Canada, any power over their intellect, I would leave them this legacy: ‘Whatever you do, adhere to the Union. We are a great country, and shall become one of the greatest in the universe if we preserve it; we shall sink into insignificance and adversity if we suffer it to be broken."

Both internal and external factors currently are influencing Canada's decisions and actions both at home and globally. The future depends on focus and actions undertaken today. Now matters more than any other time. A golden opportunity exists to unite these three seemingly mutually exclusive frames of mind. The trick is to be intentional about taking advantage of the opportunity to unite the past, present and future.

Hopefully the sense of fulfillment and joy affiliated with milestones is accompanied by wisdom. Little or big they supply power, encouragement and motivation to continue. It is vital to take time to recognize these moments and pause. Celebrate accomplishments; look back at what it took to get there, and ahead to how to tackle the next goal keeping the lessons learned from the past in mind.

Finally, Canada, thanks for the moments, the memories and the journey we've shared thus far. As I learn more about you, my hope for the future grows stronger along with my understanding and desire to keep "the true north strong and free."

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Quick Cat Facts Cats are the most popular pet in the United States: There are 88 million pet cats and 74 million dogs.

In tigers and tabbies, the middle of the tongue is covered in backward-pointing spines, used for breaking off and gripping meat.

When cats grimace, they are usually "taste-scenting." They have an extra organ that, with some breathing control, allows the cats to taste-sense the air.

Your cat recognizes your voice but just acts too cool to care (probably because they are).

Female cats are typically right-pawed while male cats are typically left-pawed.

Cats make more than 100 different sounds whereas dogs make around 10.

A cat's brain is 90% similar to a human's â&#x20AC;&#x201D; more similar than to a dog's.

Cats and humans have nearly identical sections of the brain that control emotion.

A cat's cerebral cortex (the part of the brain in charge of cognitive information processing) has 300 million neurons, compared with a dog's 160 million.

Cats have a longer-term memory than dogs, especially when they learn by actually doing rather than simply seeing.

Basically, cats have a lower social IQ than dogs but can solve more difficult cognitive problems when they feel like it.

A cat can jump up to six times its length.

A house cat is faster than Usain Bolt.

When cats leave their poop uncovered, it is a sign of aggression to let you know they don't fear you.

Cats can change their meow to manipulate a human. They often imitate a human baby when they need food, for example.

Cats use their whiskers to detect if they can fit through a space.

Cats only sweat through their foot pads.

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HEALTH

I AM AN ONION Hello. My name is Onio. Yes, I know, I know, Onio is an odd name. Sounds like I might have been married to a Beatle or something. But as it happens, onio means “one” in Latin, and that Latin word is the source of the word onion – and I just happen to be one – an onion, that is. See? Slightly convoluted, but I think you’ll agree, given who I am, the name’s not so odd after all.

HISTORY

These days most people’s minds do not wander to greatness when they think of the onion. Ah, but that was not always the case.

There have been many times through the course of time that we have been viewed as a very important vegetable indeed.

Traces of onion have been found in Bronze Age settlements alongside fig and date stones, dating back to 5000 BC. While the jury’s out on whether those were traces of cultivated onions or some related, wild variety, the Bible mentions onion cultivation as early as around 3000 BC in ancient Egypt. We were there when the pyramids were built. In fact, we were so popular, the Egyptians worshipped us, believing our spherical shape and concentric rings symbolized eternal life – archeologists found traces of onion in the eye sockets of Ramesses IV when his mummy was uncovered.

In ancient Greece, athletes ate us like we were going out of style, convinced we lightened their blood balance, and this would lead to victory on the playing fields. I guess that makes us history’s first performance-enhancing drug! Gladiators rubbed down with us before a busy outing in the ring to firm up their muscles. In the Middle Ages, we were considered so valuable that people actually paid their rent in onions, and we were often given as gifts (let’s face it: nothing says, “I love you,” quite like the gift of a nice bunch of onions). Doctors on occasion prescribed us to facilitate bowel movements and erections (speaking of performance enhancement!), as well as to help relieve the symptoms of headache and cough, lessen the impact of snakebites, and help slow hair loss.

Doctors also prescribed onions in the early 15th century to help with infertility in women – even in dogs, cats, and cattle (we now know that onions are really the last thing you should be feeding to your pets and milk herd).

We cultivated onions were first introduced to North America by no less a personality than Christopher Columbus, in 1492. The European colonists that followed soon discovered that native North Americans used wild onions as seasoning, as a vegetable, in syrups, poultices, and as an ingredient in dyes. These wild varieties never really caught on with the Europeans, however – the Pilgrims planted bulb onions, the sort you’re used to today, just as fast as they could clear some land, back in the mid-1600s.

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First let me explain, once and for all, why most of you end up crying when cutting us. When we’re sliced, cells are broken, generating something called sulphenic acids. These in turn trigger a process that creates a volatile gas, known as LFS. This gas diffuses through the air and eventually reaches the eye, where it activates sensory neurons, creating a stinging sensation. When this happens, your tear glands do their job, producing tears to dilute and flush out the irritant. Now you know!

Onions (including shallots) contain lots of phenols and flavonoids, and this is what I like to call A Good Thing. My shallot relatives are always quick to remind me they have six times the amount of phenols found in Vidalia onions, the one with the lowest phenolic content. All onions have antioxidant activity, led again by shallots, followed closely by Western Yellow, New York Bold, Northern Red, Mexico, Empire Sweet, and several others, with the Vidalia bringing up the rear.

When tested against liver and colon cancer cells in laboratory studies, Western Yellow, New York Bold, and shallots were the most effective in inhibiting their growth. In general, the most pungent onions delivered many times the effect of their milder cousins. Go bold or go home!

There are wide-ranging claims made for the effectiveness of onions in combating everything from the common cold to heart disease, from diabetes to osteoporosis. All onions contain at least some chemical compounds believed to have anti-inflammatory, anti-cholesterol, anti-cancer, antioxidant properties.

In many parts of the world, we are used to heal blisters and boils. If you ever suffer from a dreaded sea urchin wound, you may want to do what a sensible Maltese does, and tie half a baked onion to the affected area overnight (just don’t kick in bed). In Bulgaria, half a baked, sugared onion is placed on finger cuts overnight (make sure you don’t rub your eyes in your sleep). Raw onion is considered by many to be helpful in reducing swelling caused by bee stings. In North America, products that contain onion extract are used in the treatment of topical scars.

Toss in some chromium, vitamin C, manganese, molybdenum, vitamin B6, tryptophan, folate, potassium, phosphorus, copper, and lots of dietary fiber, and suddenly those Egyptians who worshipped us don’t loom as quite so crazy.

Ah, but of course to enjoy the full slate of benefits we bring to the table(!), you’re going to have to eat us. And there are a number of delicious ways to do that, from chopped into your breakfast eggs to using us as a key ingredient in a yummy supper. Try out some of these onion-friendly recipes – you’ll be glad you did!

Yours, Onio Onion

NUTRITIONAL ONION RECIPES FRENCH ONION SOUP 2 onions (unpeeled), cut into thin slices.

1 clove garlic – finely chopped 1 tbsp (15 mL) butter 2 tsp (10 mL) granulated sugar 1/2 tsp (2 mL) dried marjoram The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

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1/2 tsp (2 mL) pepper pinch salt 4 cups (960 mL) beef stock 1 tbsp (15 mL) balsamic or red wine vinegar 4 slices French bread 3/4 cup (175 mL) shredded Swiss cheese In large heavy saucepan, melt butter over medium heat until starting to bubble. Add onions, garlic, sugar, marjoram, pepper, and salt. Stir with wooden spoon until onions are coated with butter. Cover pan with lid; reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes or until onions are limp. Pour in beef stock and balsamic vinegar; increase heat to high, and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, place oven rack on second rung from top. Preheat broiler for 5 minutes. Toast bread in toaster or under broiler until golden brown; set aside. Place 4 ovenproof soup bowls on baking sheet or pan. Ladle soup into bowls. Top with toast slices. Sprinkle cheese evenly over top. Broil for about 3 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.

ONION AND ANCHOVY DIP Anchovies are a good source of calcium, iron, and phosphorus, protein, niacin, and selenium.

2 tbsp (30 mL) vegetable oil 1 Spanish onion (or 2 cooking onions), coarsely chopped 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped 12 anchovy fillets, chopped 1-1/2 cups (375 mL) light sour cream 1/3 cup (75 mL) cream cheese, softened 1/3 cup (75 mL) chopped fresh parsley 1/4 tsp (1 mL) each salt and pepper

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In skillet, heat oil over medium heat; fry onions, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 20 minutes. Add garlic and anchovies; fry, stirring often, until garlic is golden, about 5 minutes. Scrape into bowl; let cool. Meanwhile, in food processor or blender, purée sour cream and cream cheese until smooth. Add onion mixture, parsley, salt and pepper; pulse until onions are finely chopped.

ONION AND SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE 3-1/2 lbs (1.75 kg) sweet potatoes (about 4 or 5 large) 2 cups (500 mL) thinly sliced white onions 1-1/2 tsp (7 mL) chopped fresh sage (or ¾ tsp/4 mL dried) 1 tsp (5 mL) salt 1/2 tsp (2 mL) pepper 1/4 cup (60 mL) extra-virgin olive oil Peel and thinly slice sweet potatoes. In greased 8-inch (2 L) square baking dish, lay one-quarter of the potatoes; sprinkle one-third of the onions over top, then sprinkle with one-third of the sage and one-quarter each of the salt and pepper. Repeat twice. Top with final layer of potatoes; pour oil over top, shaking pan to distribute.

Sprinkle with the remaining salt and pepper. Cover with foil; bake in 325°F (160°C) oven for 1 hour. Uncover; bake in 375°F (190°C) oven until tender when tested with fork and lightly browned on top, about 40 minutes.

Onions contain an array of B-complex vitamins, including pantothenic acid, pyridoxine (vitamin B6), folates, and thiamin.

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NUMEROLOGY FORECAST MONTH OF JULY The lazy hazy days of summer are here as July opens slow and steady.

Expect the first two weeks to unfold like a gentle gestation period where things feel like a decompression from the first few months of the year. The push has now come to a halt giving you a chance to relax and regroup. From the 1st to the 18th, the energy invites you inward to spend time contemplating matters pertaining to areas that hold deep interest to you but for whatever reason have been neglected due to time constraints. Find that peaceful place inside yourself to pursue those interests and take this time to fulfill those needs that nourish your soul. The depth and sensitivity of July feels replenished by nature so get out and enjoy the beauty!

Heads up: Notice where there appears to be blocked or stagnant energy that is perhaps stopping you from fully stepping into who you are and what you want to do. July has a truth serum to it that allows you to tell yourself the truth about what needs to be done and get clear about the next steps to move initiatives forward. Set a worthy goal for yourself and plan to accomplish it.

Intuition is strong and readily available this month but only when you take time away from being ‘busy', reducing exposure to distractions and useless chatter to listen to your own inner guidance system. The theme this month is ‘mood management' dividing your time between necessary alone time and social time.

After the 18th the gestation feeling lifts and opens to produce outward fulfillment and positive expectation. Now all those intuitive messages are beginning to play out in your life. Follow through on your ideas and desires as it's time to reap the rewards of the fruits of your labor. Notice how it feels to take care of yourself first as you now have the energy to care for others.

July 1, 10, 19, 28 It's a deep, sensitive morning with feelings that permeate into the depths of your soul. Read that great book or spend time meditating on those brilliant ideas that you know hold genius.

By Noon the energy opens as the intuition that spoke to you in the morning now nudges you to follow those promptings. Chance meetings with strangers can turn into amazing connections that teach you something and can forge beneficial connections. This day lends itself to over-thinking. What happens when you sit on the fence and wait too long? Nothing. So get off the fence and make a decision.

July 2, 11, 20, 29 Whee! The creative energy is flowing like crazy today and so are the downloads. The morning is best spent creating quiet time to connect to your inner knowing space and Source Field meditation to set your intention for the day. By Noon the fun begins! Reach out meet new people and start new things that get the creative juices flowing. Access your leadership and relationship building skills; as you support others to succeed in their world you succeed in yours.

July 3, 12, 21, 30 Genius is in the house! Ideas are flowing and the urge to share them with others is the desire. Partnership rules the day. When working as a team it's easy to see where others are stuck and pro-

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vide solutions to help them out of the bog. Assisting those that are stuck or suffering in pain can bring you great joy. It's breakthrough barrier time! There are relationship gains and financial wins when you zero in on helping people and being of service.

July 4, 13, 22, 31 The morning is best spent away from people in the recesses of your sanctuary in deep contemplation and connection to the meaning of life and your own evolution. Interest roams to researching nonmain stream information and the study of that which takes you away from the normal everyday activities of life. By Noon your thoughts return to Earth and the matters at hand so that the details can be handled. New ideas come as a result of the deep thoughts in the morning. Decide to mend any miscommunications that may have arisen and strengthen existing relationships.

July 5, 14, 23 Sensitivity grabs on to the heart strings in the morning. Watch out as procrastination can act like quicksand and steal the productive morning hours. You may need to reach for a helping hand out.

Today is the day that you do those mundane things that you know you must do. Noon the energy shifts and picks up the pace to get things done! The entire day needs and feeds off of inspiration either from outside sources or you must inspire yourself. Move forward and complete projects.

July 6, 15, 24 Energy is chomping at the bit today but holding itself back in the morning. Therefore, take the morning to contemplate, strategize and take stock of what's on your plate. There's an air of responsibility and authority today that requires your attention to the matters at hand. Observe your rules and avoid an emotional derail or loss of focus. The restless energy of today needs an outlet. Consider a brisk walk or hike in nature, physical activity to give the energy a positive outlet.

July 7, 16, 25 Deep, sensitive energy mixed with social and leadership qualities give this day a mixed bag of influences. This day holds the abundance principle that wants to serve the community and create financial stability through efforts expended. Challenge influences today are the double worry wart. Bonus: there's deeper spiritual wisdom available when you decide to release worry and open to higher realms of angelic influence and truly trust that you are guided and on the right path. Be ruthless in your focus on the unlimited possibilities that life has to offer.

July 8, 17, 26 Reclusive morning wants its own sanctuary or space to think deeply about what is most important and how those objectives are going to be achieved. The challenge with today is the vision could seem a bit vague almost like it's not possible to see how things are going to work out. Release any limiting beliefs and know you are only one decision away from the next success in your life. By Noon empowerment energy returns, accessing perfect balance and opening to magnetic abundance principle. This is a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;mood management' day as it can dip down if you allow your thoughts to run you and not the other way around. Intuitive voice is strong so listen to the messages.

July 9, 18, 27 Yeah! Big empowerment day that features the maximum abundance principle and allows for huge growth in spiritual awareness.

The morning holds space for creative writing or painting. High-level connection to God Source energy is available and comes into full force by Noon. Magic can happen today! Abundance in financial matters is on the forefront. The afternoon brings in multiple opportunities to problem solve and lend your hand to help people out of predicaments that have gotten out of hand. It's an excellent day for problem-solving and getting back on track.

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WAKING UP YOUR GARDEN

|PRIDE |PASSION |PURPOSE

The “DO NOT DO” List:

• Do not walk on soil or lawn that is wet, as this causes compaction.

Compaction causes loss of air space and you will no longer be able to water from the surface. The soil dries as hard as cement and the roots of your plants or trees are unable to expand. Cultivating and weeding become much harder.

• Do not work soil that is wet.

Again, your ability to water from the surface is compromised. ‘Glazing’ occurs, causing root barriers. The soil dries into hard clumps.

SQUEEZE TEST: Take a handful of soil and squeeze in your hand. The resulting ball of soil should fall apart when poked with a finger. If it does not, then your soil is too wet to work.

But if the soil refuses to form a ball, then the soil needs to be watered.

• Do not remove protective winter mulch too early or all at once.

Not before the beginning of April to (as late as) mid-May. The mulch assists in prolonging dormancy and protects tender buds from frost injury.

• Do not rake your lawn too early.

You have had guests all winter and didn’t even know.

Ladybugs take refuge in your lawn, in piles of leaves and under dead plant material. When the weather warms and food becomes available, out they come! Ladybugs love aphids and are a great natural pest control.

• Do not apply herbicide or weed-and-feed until the weeds are actively growing in order to make contact with the leaves.

• Do not apply mulch until the soil warms up.

This would keep the soil cold and inhibit plant growth.

• Do not apply fertilizer until plants are actively growing and the roots can then pick up the fertilizer.

• Do not prune Maple or Birch until fully leafed out, or you will have an unsightly sap loss.

• Do no plant warm weather plant seeds until the soil warms up (beans, corn, squash).

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The “TO DO” List: When the soil has warmed up: • Do a walkabout and general clean up. This is a good time to plan where you need to add some spring blooming plants/fall bulbs or stepping stones.

• Add soil amendments and work into soil. Organic fertilizers: peat moss, composted manure, compost, bone meal, etc., assist in water holding capacity and lowers the PH. • Plant dormant trees, shrubs, and perennials when ground is workable.

• Cut back and remove dead plant material before plants grow too much.

• Weed and cultivate around the plants to loosen the soil.

Watch those tender roots.

• Divide summer and fall flowering perennials as soon as ground is workable and before too much growth occurs.

Great time to pullout weeds and grasses from the clump.

Exchange with fellow gardeners or start a new flower bed.

• Aerate and dethatch lawn. Allows the water and nutrients to penetrate to the roots. Apply granular fertilizer and or compost when the soil is warm and workable.

• Apply mulch to keep soil moist and loose. Mulch also moderates soil temperature and acts as a weed barrier (about 3” thick).

• Water planted areas that are very dry.

• Now is the time to plant perennial and cool weather annuals or vegetable seeds.

Hopefully this will help with that gardening fever that overtakes us all when we think spring is just around the corner and we want to sink our green thumbs into the soil.

Who loves a garden still his Eden keeps; Perennial pleasures plants, and wholesome harvest reaps. ~A. Bronson Alcott, "The Garden," Tablets, 1868 I say, if your knees aren't green by the end of the day, you ought to seriously re-examine your life. ~Bill Watterson, Calvin & Hobbes My green thumb came only as a result of the mistakes I made while learning to see things from the plant's point of view. ~H. Fred Dale

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Well, 2017 has proven to be an interesting real estate year so far. Better than 2016 and looking like a good recovery year all around.

We are seeing final price corrections and some regions improving in sales. East of Calgary communities like Strathmore, Chestermere and Langdon are seeing steady sales, although it’s taking a little longer. It is starting to quiet down a bit for the summer. That being said, it’s still a great time to buy and sell! There are many beautiful listings available in all our East of Calgary communities and some terrific acreage properties as well!

Now that summer is upon us, we can take a look back at the end of the school year and give a special shout out to our teachers, teacher

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assistants, school staff, administrators, volunteers, bus drivers and all the people who take on the education of our students.

Without their continued effort, commitment and hard work, it would be a bleak outlook indeed. As volunteerism continues to drop off and with Canada’s 150th birthday behind us, many communities are celebrating with a give back program. What can you do in your community to make it better?

Spend time at the school, help with neighbourhood clean-up, volunteer for your child’s sports team, donate to the food bank, pop popcorn at a local community event, help at the humane society… there are so many great organizations looking for volunteers like the Lions Club or Rotary Club and local community clubs. You may even have a neighbour that needs you – take a moment or an hour! It’s priceless when you give someone your time.

So many individuals who give back to our communities are unrecognized and continue to give their time, money, ideas and effort – this is a shout out to you and your tireless spirits.

It is going to be a terrific summer! Come say hi to The REPs at Langdon Days! We also hope you will continue to shop local, support local, give local and spend your time and money local.

Have a wonderful July, everyone!

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Kyle Penn is a writer, a music-lover, and a lover of all things literary. He also owns and operates Ink Slinger, a small business devoted to content creation, copywriting, and social media management.

For innovative writing solutions, reach out to him at kylewpenn@gmail.com.

All Aboard for Adventure!

Discover Fun on the Rails at Aspen Crossing

Everything about the trip was a fun, memorable experience. The food served was incredible, including a variety of teas to choose from, and light finger foods garnished with beautiful, edible flowers. As we enjoyed our beverages, we were treated to some light historical facts about Aspen Crossing and the contributions of locomotives to Alberta’s past, all delivered by enthusiastic staff decked out period-appropriate regalia – think Heritage Park on rails, and you’ll be on the right track (that will be my only train pun this article, I promise).

That’s hardly where things ended, though. Once we’d gotten underway, we were encouraged to head back to the open-air car – a train car right in front of the caboose that is essentially an open platform with railings – to where we could enjoy the wind rushing past and take in the rolling prairie scenery in its totality.

And what scenery we were treated to! It seemed like all of southern Alberta’s beauty came out to greet us as we passed by. Hawks wheeled and cried out overhead, horses whinnied and galloped alongside the train like so many dolphins beside a cruise ship, and folks waved to us from their cars as we crossed over roads and highways.

To cap off the entire excursion, it turned out that some of the costumed characters on the train weren’t entirely law-abiding individuals, and we ended up coming to a halt in front of a “graveyard” to be treated to a good ol’ fashioned train robbery! Luckily, the good guys were faster with their six-shooters than the villains were, and the miscreants were apprehended with all hostages safe and accounted for – if not a little shaken up after all the gunplay!

As the train pulled back into the station at Aspen Crossing, I don’t think my grin could have been any wider. The experience was a treat, and one I would jump at the chance to have again. Alongside their High Tea Excursion, Aspen Crossing also offers a number of other themed events, including Ales on Rails, Meals in the Field, and seasonal Christmas and Halloween tours. Spend an afternoon this summer enjoying the sights and sounds of a simpler time, and book a train tour at Aspen Crossing today!

IGHBOU NE R Reader’s Choice in

Z AGA INE M

The parking lot was full to bursting, and people were bustling all about. Passing through the shop, I headed out to where the train lay waiting, and vaulted up the stairs to my assigned car. I’d been booked on the High Tea Train Excursion, so upon entering, I found my name printed out on a small place card waiting for me at a table. Before long, everyone was aboard, and the train pulled away at a slow, leisurely pace.

E NEW SY TH

Just like many kids growing up, I always held a deep-seated fascination with trains – which may or may not have stuck with me through to adulthood. So, when I was asked if I’d want to go take a ride on a real, bona fide train – FOR WORK, no less! – I couldn’t agree fast enough. You can only imagine my giddy excitement as I pulled off the highway in Mossleigh, then, and found myself in Aspen Crossing.

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