The Newsy Neighbour March Issue 113

OUR Ninth

ANNUAL

WEDDINGIssue

March 2017 Issue 113

5 Important Things

to discuss with your partner before marriage

2017 Gown Trends What Brides will be wearing

Wedding Expenses You might forget to budget for

The Ultimate Wedding Checklist Support Local Live Music

We’ve Provided Some

Invitation Inspiration

It’s the explosive combination of art, passion, and rhythm.

ACTZ Of INDUSTRY www.actzofindustry.com

Services

FULL SERVICE BAR PACKAGES

BARTENDING ONLY CATERING ENTERTAINMENT

actzofindustry@gmail.com

Weddings Fundraisers Corporate Events Christmas Parties Grand Openings Milestone Celebrations Festivals & Concerts

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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

www.wildflowerranch.ca

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

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e m o H er ship Ownnd a ing a d d e W le! sib

os IS p

Congratulations

on your Upcoming Wedding

To find true love and share one dream is a blessing.

May you have many happy years together!

Now you don't have to choose between a

Home and a Wedding.

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Calgary Rural PCN Strathmore and Langdon Programs learn more @ crpcn.ca/programs Better Choices Better Health Chronic Pain Workshop Registration Needed - 6 part series Thursday Afternoons Dates: March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 April 6 Time: 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm Location: Strathmore Municipal Library (85 Lakeside Blvd, Strathmore) Phone: (403) 943-2584 Getting Started with Healthy Habits Registration Needed 2 Locations and Times Monday Mornings Dates: March 20, May 15 Time: 8:30 am - 10:30 am Location: Strathmore FCSS (85 Lakeside Blvd, Strathmore) Phone: (403) 901-0142 Mondays Afternoons Dates: April 24, June 19 Time: 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm Location: Strathmore Municipal Library (85 Lakeside Blvd, Strathmore) Phone: (403) 901-0142

Pre-Diabetes: Are you at risk?

Diabetes Essentials

Smoking Cessation

NO Registration Needed - Monday Afternoons

Registration Needed - Wednesday Afternoons

Registration Needed - 4 part series Thursday Evenings Dates: April 6, 13, 27 and May 4 Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Location: Strathmore High School Library (100 Brent Blvd, Strathmore) Phone: (403) 901-0142

Cholesterol and Blood Pressure Essentials

Health Check In

Dates: February 6, March 6, April 3, May 1 & 29, June 26 Time: 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Location: Calgary Rural PCN Office (Downstairs, 231 2nd Ave, Strathmore) Phone: (403) 901-0142

Registration Needed - Wednesday Afternoons

Dates: March 1, May 3, September 6, November 1 Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Location: Strathmore Municipal Library (85 Lakeside Blvd, Strathmore) Phone: (403) 901-0142

Dates: February 1, April 5, June 7, October 4, December 6 Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Location: Strathmore Municipal Library (85 Lakeside Blvd, Strathmore) Phone: (403) 361-7210

NO registration needed - Thursday Evenings

Dates: March 23, April 20, May 18, June 22 Time: 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Location: Calgary Rural PCN Office (Downstairs 231 2nd Ave, Strathmore) Phone: (403) 901-0142

All classes are FREE thanks to:

Registration Needed - Wednesday Afternoons

Dates: April 5 Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Location: Langdon Crossing (Back Room 716 Centre Street, Langdon) Phone: (403) 901-0142 Forgiveness and Resentment

Indoor Walking NO Registration Needed Monday, Wednesday and Thursday Evening

Dates: February 27 - May 25 (Excluding April 17-20) Time: 6:00 pm - 6:50 pm Location: Trinity Christian Academy (630 Westchester Road, Strathmore) Phone: (403) 901-0142

Cholesterol and Blood Pressure Essentials

Registration Needed - Thursday Evening

Dates: May 18 Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Location: Langdon Crossing (Back Room 716 Centre Street, Langdon) Phone: (403) 936-5990 Stepping Out of the Drama Registration Needed - Thursday Evening

Dates: March 16 Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Location: Langdon Crossing (Back Room 716 Centre Street, Langdon) Phone: (403) 936-5990

HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT PERSON IS “THE ONE” FOR YOU? Kathryn Hartwell

M

arriage is a huge step of faith. How do we know we are making the right decision when choosing that perfect partner? How do you know that person is “the one” for you? These questions may help you out a bit to making the biggest decision of your life.

1. When they love you for whom you are, NOT what they want you to be.

2. When they respect you as an individual, let you grow as yourself, into your own, and do not impose their expectations on you.

3. When you smile just by thinking of them.

(And you can’t help but

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think about them).

4. When you can’t wait to see them again.

5. When you will do whatever it takes just to be with them.

6. When they will do whatever it takes just to be with you.

7. When they inspire you to be more than who you are.

8. When both of you bring out the best in each other. They inspire positive emotions in you, such as happiness, inspiration, contentment, and hopefulness, rather than negative emotions such as unhappiness, apprehension, doubt, fear, or anger.

9. When they make you feel good about yourself, do not put you down whether directly or indirectly; neither do they induce self-doubt in you.

10. When you can simply be yourself around them, without ever trying to be like someone else or behave in a certain way that’s not you at all. You are able to shine in your own light without having to dial yourself down, as they do too when both of you are together.

Does your current crush or significant other measure up? This is definitely one list to cross-check your romantic partners with now or in the future, if you are ever unsure whether they are the one.

“A happy marriage has in it all the pleasures of friendships, all the enjoyment of sense and reason – and indeed all the sweets of life.” ~ Joseph Addison The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

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A Unique Venue for Your Wedding!

Let us help you plan an Enchanting Wedding Weekend!

Imagine arriving by horse drawn carriage to the beau�ful se�ng where your wedding ceremony will take place. The sun shimmers off the lake and your guests are seated in white chairs set amongst the trees. Everything is lush and green and there is magic in the air.

• Private Venue for the En�re Weekend – Only 40 Minutes from Calgary • Includes Luxurious Guest Co�ages for two nights • Beau�ful White Wedding Pavilion for your Recep�on • Professional Chef and Catering Team On-Site • Amazing View of the Sunset, Lake and Rocky Mountains • Shu�le Service to Local Hotels • You can Supply your Own Alcohol Tel:

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THIS MONTH WITH

At Coldwell, we are real people serving real people.

We’re committed to you and your family’s PEACE OF MIND.

LOVE is in the air and within the pages of this 9th Annual Wedding Issue. How often in our busy lives do we sit down and think about LOVE? What the world needs now is Love Sweet Love so that is what we have given you. I know without any doubt that you are going to Love this beautiful “Wedding Issue”. You are going to Love all the beautiful articles and admire all the stunning photography.

Call one of our experienced agents today at (403) 934-3221 and let Coldwell Agencies demonstrate our dedication to delivering quality insurance policies.

COLDWELL INSURANCE 133-2nd Ave Strathmore, AB Phone: Fax:

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Representing and accessing over 30 of the worlds leading insurers

Marriage is a huge step of faith. How do we know we are making the right decision when choosing that perfect partner? What will fashionable brides be wearing this year? Where do I start? What about my wedding invitations? And my flowers? Should we do a destination wedding? Do I need a wedding planner? Who do I invite? And, the ten thousand other questions you have running through your pretty little head will all be answered within the beautiful pages of our Wedding Issue.

Staying true to your budget can be downright impossible. You've probably got an estimate for the venue, the dress, and the rings, but what about the hidden costs of a wedding? All your questions will be answered on Page 30.

Strathmore & District Chamber of Commerce AGM

Not to disappoint those of you not planning a wedding or paying for one, we have all the other fabulous articles, recipes, contributors, and hilarious jokes. I just don’t know how we keep coming up with all this incredible content? Might have something to do with our hard-working team. Thank-you everyone.

DATE: March 30, 2017 (Thursday) TIME: 7:00 PM PLACE: Chuck Mercer Room Strathmore Civic Centre 120 Brent Blvd, Strathmore, AB T1P 1E9

Solo entrepreneur, retail store owner, accountant, realtor, dentist, community member; whatever your role is in helping to make Strathmore and area grow and thrive consider sitting on the Chamber Board.

Go Team Go!!

Aleesha, Denise, Tifannie, Kathryn & Kyle

Join us on March 30.

Light refreshments will be served.

strathmoredistrictchamber.com 403.901.3175

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Winner SBC 2013 Business of the Year - Small Enterprise

/TheNewsy Neighbour

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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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!

Head of Distribution Sales Assistant

Tifannie Hartwell Phone: 403-804-0771

Larry & Rodger

JockTalk

tifannie@thenewsyneighbour.com

Jock Wilson

Content Development Multimedia Writer

Women Talk

Vicki Myhre Councillor

DarlisKeily Ireland

Rolly Ashdown

A Little bit of everything

Shaken & Stirred

Content Development Multimedia Writer

Gaylene Smith

Marcy Field

Phone: 403-919-3558

A Mindful Minute

digital marketing solutions

Kathryn Hartwell Phone: 403-561-0888

kathryn.newsyneighbour@gmail.com

Kyle Penn

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.

Rebecca Stone Proof Reader & Content

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MLA

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Natural Options

Derek Henry Ask The Vet:

Animal Care Centre The Bank Athletic Club

Please Recycle This Magazine!

Thriving Since 2008

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

Martin Shields

The REPs

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N E W S Y C O N T R I B U T O R S • 9

9 WEDDING GOWN TRENDS BRIDES WILL BE WEARING IN 2017 JC MAY

T

Oversized Bows he new year is well under way, and wedding season is about to begin. What will fashionable brides be wearing this year? These are some of the looks to recently hit the runways at the latest bridal fashion shows.

Bows are back, and you can find them almost anywhere on modern gowns. Trendy brides will be sporting bows in the back or on the bodice. Some fit-and-flare styles have bows on the back of the dress where the fabric flares out and creates a skirt. One pretty look is a bow of soft fabric at the side of the waist.

Deep Necklines In 2017, expect to see a lot of plunging necklines. Some of them are so low, they go almost to the waist.

Lace cut-out necklines are popular, as well as deep plunges with a layer of sheer fabric or mesh filling in the space. This look might require some tape to prevent wedding wardrobe malfunctions.

Shoulder Wraps While many wedding gowns are still strapless, there are other options for today's brides. Sleeves and jackets are great ways to add pretty details and cover up any arm issue. This year, you'll also see old-fashioned shoulder wraps.

These can be in a light, flowing fabric or made of lace. Also look for fur or faux-fur wraps for weddings in colder weather.

Colors White will always be the most common choice in bridal wear, but you will see color popping up this year. Look for color on the dress itself, especially ombre patterns on the skirt in pink or blue. You'll also see gowns in light lavender and in gold tones.

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Long, Lacy Sleeves Many of today's brides want sleeves, and some of them are going for the romantic look of lace all the way down the arms. Some dresses have a strap that wraps around the fingers, allowing the sleeve to keep going up the back of the hand.

The sleeves can be the only lace pieces on the whole dress, or they can be combined with a lace overlay on the rest of the gown.

High Necks With Lace Classic lace also stands out this year in high necklines. Usually, part of the bodice will feature just the lace, while the rest will be lined with satin or other fabric. High-neck styles can complement long sleeves or can be a halter fit with no sleeves at all.

Tiered Tulle Full skirts in 2017 will be lighter than in previous years. Rather than the satin ballgown with embroidered details, skirts are being crafted from layers of tulle.

In some dresses, the layers fall in a pattern, with one layer peeking out beneath the next. In other dresses, each layer is gathered up into a balloon style with layers repeating all the way to the floor.

Off the Shoulder Strapless gowns have dominated the bridal world for the past 15 years, but other options are slowly emerging. One great choice is a gown that falls off the shoulders. This kind of dress can be understated, with silky straps hanging down from the shoulder, or with layers of fabric or puffy tulle for a more dramatic look.

Every girl

dreams of her

wedding dress

Pants with a Train Jumpsuits and pants are great options for brides who are uncomfortable wearing skirts. This year, the trend is to make pants more feminine by adding an overskirt in the back. Sometimes the skirts are removable, and many of them flow into long trains that float behind the bride.

These nine wedding gown trends will set the stage for brides in 2017. If you're getting married this year, consider trying on a trendy gown that suits your unique style.

That moment:

When you find

THE dress

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1 Don’t compliment your wife for how she used to look in outfits that no longer fit. Tell your wife she looks great NO MATTER WHAT. 2. Go to Bed Angry: It's better to go to bed angry than stay up all night fighting – you'll need your rest in order to win the fight tomorrow.

3. Don't Expect Dinner to be Made: Do not come home and ask your wife “What’s for dinner?” Implying that she's responsible for dinner will surely anger her.

This isn't the 1950s. Both sexes are capable of preparing a meal.

4. Dads Are Not Babysitters: If you're spending time with the kids while your wife is out, do not refer to it as babysitting – not unless you want to anger your wife.

Just because she gave birth to them, it doesn't mean that she claims sole responsibility of their care.

5. The Thought Doesn't Count: Don't tell your wife about the gift you almost got her. Although it's nice to know that your spouse was thinking of you, it's nicer to know that he thought of you and brought you a present.

6. Women Lie: When your wife says, "I won't be mad," she's lying. When she says, "You don't have to ask permission to go out with your friends," she's lying. When she says, "Bald men are sexy," she's lying. When she says, "I want you to be honest with me – do I look fat in this?" she's lying.

7. Smile and Nod: When your husband needs to bare his soul, even if you have absolutely no interest in what he's saying, at least pretend to listen. After all, women often try to convince men to be more communicative. So let him complain. Allow your eyes to glaze over and daydream about something else. It's a safe bet he'll never notice.

MARRIAGE IS

FUNNY

8. Don't Sweat the Small Stuff: If you insist on putting your foot down about everything, you're bound to get exhausted. Instead, let the small stuff slide and save the big fights for important stuff, such as finances, children and picking the movie.

9. Help Him Improve Himself: If your husband is a hunter or fisher and brings home some sort of trophy, say, "I thought it would be bigger." It will encourage him to try harder next time.

10. Correct His Driving: How will your husband know he's going too fast unless you continuously slam the imaginary brakes on the passenger side of the car?

11. Play the Damsel in Distress to Get What You Want: When you need an unpleasant job done around the house, don't ask your husband to do it. Instead, attempt the job yourself, do it badly and let him show you the "right" way to do it. He gets to be the hero, and you get to go relax.

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“Everything was exactly the way I always dreamed it would be!”

For All Your Wedding Needs...

Your DREAM WEDDING becomes a reality at the Travelodge Strathmore. Entertain your guests in our formal ballroom and enjoy a delectable feast prepared to your taste. Our beautifully decorated Heritage Ballroom is 4500 square feet with a dance floor that can accommodate up to 300 guests.

The Strathmore Travelodge is a unique and comfortable venue for a range of wedding events; from bridal shower and rehearsal party, to wedding ceremony and reception.

Our staff will gladly assist with every detail of your event. We take the stress out of your day, to make it a most memorable occasion For private events both social and corporate, the Strathmore Station Restaurant & Pub is here for you. Our unique restaurant combines an exceptional menu with Strathmore’s rich train history. We offer such components as private dining rooms, fireside seating, vibrant bar and an outdoor patio. A short drive from Calgary, the Strathmore Station provides an ideal venue for every occasion.

Our menu accommodates on - and off-premise events. We’ll even assist in planning your upcoming Birthdays, Anniversaries or Wedding Receptions for up to 300 people.

TRAVELODGE: 403.901.0000

350 Ridge Rd, Strathmore www.TravelodgeStrathmore.com

STRATHMORE STATION: 403-934-0000

350 Ridge Road,Strathmore, AB. facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour • 13 www.strathmorestation.com

Your Ultimate

Wedding Planning

Checklist!

Six to Seven Months Before

• Shop for bridesmaids dresses. Just like the bridal dress, you will need time for fittings.

• Meet with the officiate. Plan out the ceremony, what everyone is going to say and confirm that you have all the official documents for the wedding.

• Order you invitations. There are countless options when it comes to invitations. They can also be very expensive. Do your research before deciding who to order them through.

• Arrange transportation. Consider limos, buses and town cars.

• Start planning a honeymoon if you plan to take one right after the wedding. Make sure that your passports are up-to-date.

• Reserve structural and electrical necessities.

• Book portable toilets for outdoor events, extra chairs if you need them, tents, an altar, lighting components, etc.

• Book a florist. Florists can serve multiple clients on one day, so make sure to find a florist now and book your date.

• Start composing a timeline. Do up a schedule of how you would like everything to play out that day like cake cutting, first dance, late night snack, etc.

Nine to Twelve Months Before • Start a wedding folder, box or binder.

Something you can keep all your ideas and inspiration in.

Magazines and Pinterest are a perfect place to start.

• Work out your budget.

• Book your officiate.

• Pick your wedding party • Start the guest list. Make a list to use throughout your planning process, make sure to include contact info, RSVP s, gifts, and any other relevant information in your list. (Want to keep costs low? It may be tough to do, but the best way to save money is to reduce your guest list.)

• Reserve your date and venues. Do you want to have separate locations for the ceremony and the reception? If so, factor in travel time between the two places.

• Research photographers, caterers, florists and bands/DJ’s (there are a few great suggestions in this issue!)

• Throw an engagement party, if you wish. Make sure to only invite people that are also going to be invited to the wedding.

Eight Months Before • Purchase a dress. If you are ordering a dress, it’s fairly standard for it to take 3 months to come in. Plus, you’ll need to schedule time for fittings. Veil shopping can be postponed.

• Book the entertainment. Attend events of potential entertainment to see if you will like them before you hire them.

• Hire the photographer and the videographer.

• Meet caterers. If your wedding venue doesn’t offer its own catering service, look for one right away. Booking them this far just takes one less worry off your plate.

• Reserve a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests. Pick hotels at different price points close to the reception venue. See if the hotels will give you a discount for booking multiple rooms.

• Launch a wedding website or blog. Create your personal page through a free provider – there are so many online. Make sure to include the date of the wedding, travel information, and accommodations. Then send the link to everyone you are inviting.

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Four to Five Months Before • Schedule hair and makeup artists. Make a few appointments with local salons to test them out. Take a look at their portfolios and it wouldn't hurt to snap photos at each trial so you can compare results.

• Send your guest list to the host of your shower. Tell her who you would like at the shower and let her send out the invitations.

• Book the rehearsal and rehearsal-dinner Venues.

Negotiate the cost and the menu. Take into consideration the day-after brunch for guests, and the gift opening.

• Check on the wedding invitations. Are they getting close to being done? Did you get a sample of one before they were ALL printed?

• Select and order the cake. Some bakers require a long lead-time. Remember to book some taste tests.

• Purchase wedding shoes and start dress fittings.

Bring the shoes along to your first fitting so the tailor can choose the appropriate length for your gown.

• Choose your music. What should be playing during the ceremony? During dinner? To kick off the dancing? Keep a running list of what you want—and do not want—played.

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Three Months Before • Purchase the rings. This will give you time for resizing and engraving if you desire.

• Finalize the menu and flowers. You’ll want to wait until now to see what will be available, since both food and flowers can change with the season.

• Order favors. Wedding favors are small take-home tokens that will help your guests celebrate and cherish your special day.

• Finalize speeches and make a list of the people giving toasts. What would you like your speech to say? How do you want to thank everyone for supporting you on this special day? Which loved ones would you like to have speak at the reception?

• Purchase your undergarments. Want to wear something special for the night of the wedding? Start thinking about that now.

• Schedule another dress fitting.

• Finalize the order of events for the ceremony and the reception.

• Print menu cards and programs. You can easily create these on your computer at home. You could also get these designed to match your invitations.

• Send your event schedule to the vendors. Giving them a first draft now allows time for changes and feedback from your vendors.

Two Months Before • Send out the invitations. Four weeks’ notice is best for simple, in-town weddings. If it is going to be an out-of-town wedding, then at least six weeks’ notice is best. Make the RSVP cut-off at three weeks after the postmark date.

• Touch base again with all the vendors.

• Meet with the photographer. Discuss specific shots and ideas, and walk through the locations and start planning now.

• Review the playlist with the band or DJ. You probably don‘t want to dictate every single song played, but you should come prepared with a list of songs to play and NOT play.

• Submit a newspaper-wedding announcement if you wish to do so.

• Enjoy a bachelorette party. Arranging a night out with your girlfriends generally is the responsibility of the maid of honor. But if she hasn’t mentioned one to you by now, ask her about it and get a date settled that works for you. Start getting excited! This pre-wedding celebration is just about YOU (...and him)!

One Month Before • Write vows, if necessary.

• Get your hair cut and coloured, if desired.

• Finalize RSVPs. Phone people who have not yet responded.

• Get your marriage license. If you are changing your name, remember to change it on your Canadian passport, social insurance number card, with the Canada Revenue Agency, your health card and your driver's license.

• Mail the rehearsal-dinner invitations or send the emails.

• Purchase bridesmaids’ gifts. There are so many great ideas online of the perfect gift to remind your bridesmaids how grateful you are.

• Visit the dressmaker for your last dress fitting. For peace of mind, you may want to also schedule a fitting the week of your wedding. You can always cancel the appointment closer to the date if you feel it is not needed.

• Stock the bar. Now that you have a firm head count, you can stock the bar accordingly.

• Send out as many final payments as you can.

• Confirm times for hair and makeup and all vendors.

• E-mail and print directions for drivers of transport vehicles. This gives the chauffeurs ample time to navigate a route.

• Assign seating. Draw out table shapes on a layout of the room to help plan place settings. Write the names of female guests with pink and the names of male guests with blue.

Sticky notes are great, as you can move people about without re-sketching the entire setting.

Week of the Wedding • Pick up your dress. Do a final fitting JUST to make sure.

• Book a spa treatment. Make an appointment for a manicure and a pedicure the day before the wedding. (You might want to get a relaxing massage, too.)

• Reconfirm arrival times with your wedding party, parents and vendors.

• Delegate small wedding-day tasks.

• Choose someone to be in charge of gifts (especially the enveloped sort), someone to hand out tips, and someone to be the point person for each vendor.

• Send a timeline to the bridal party. Include every member’s contact information, along with the people you’ve asked to deal with the vendors and other things.

• Check in one last time with the photographer. Make sure you have all your locations and times set up and agreed on.

• Set aside cheques for the vendors. And put tips in envelopes to be handed out at the event.

• Send the final guest list to the caterer and all venues hosting your wedding-related events. Typically, companies close their lists 72 hours in advance.

• Break in your shoes. You don’t want your feet killing you on the day of your wedding.

• Pack for your honeymoon.

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• 15

INVITATION INSPIRATION Like one of the designs below? Contact The Newsy Neighbour, we can help you with your invitations! Call: 403-478-9114

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“ Playing What You Want!”

Jason Tomchishin DJ Relic info@abetterwaydj.com 403.714.3529

We may not have it all together, but together we have it all.

- Unknown

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• 17

WEDDING

JC May What do Your Wedding Flowers Say About You? 19 Unique Plants and Flowers to Symbolize Your Love Flowers are a magical detail that can make your wedding more beautiful and representative of you. Your choice of arrangements for your reception, flowers used during your ceremony and your personal bouquet are all expressions of your love for your intended and a message to everyone celebrating your union.

Most brides opt for traditional wedding flowers like roses and lilies, but you can choose flowers that reflect your own unique style as well. Plants and flowers have symbolic meanings based on folklore, literature and cultural traditions. What do your wedding flowers say about you? What would you like them to say?

Take a look at this list of distinctive and special flowers and their meanings. You might want to incorporate one or more of them in to your wedding ceremony.

Almond

The delicate, white blooms of the almond plant are a symbol of making a promise. This can have a special meaning as you and your future spouse promise your love to each other.

Lupine

The beautiful lupine comes in blue, purple, pink and white. This flower is commonly found in the northeast and represents imagination and creativity.

Begonia

Do you have a playful nature with just a hint of a dangerous side? The early spring begonia represents that mischievous attitude toward life.

Lovers of fantasy may want to consider adding mauve carnations to a bridal bouquet. A mauve colored carnation represents magic and fantasy.

China Aster

The China aster is a stunning flower with its bright yellow center and petals in pink, purple or white, and it carries a traditional message from Victorian times.

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Moonflower

The silky, white moonflower is symbolic of dreams. If you and your intended are daydreamers at heart, consider adding some moonflowers to your floral décor.

Lotus

The gorgeous lotus has an unusual appearance and represents new beginnings. Symbolize your new life with your partner by including a lotus in your wedding. These flowers are perfect floating in a glass dish or in a pond or pool.

Wisteria

This incredible purple flower is formed on a vine and grows in amazing, hanging groups. Wisteria means welcome, and this plant would be perfectly beautiful over an archway welcoming guests as they step into your ceremony or blooming on a canopy as you say your vows.

Bells of Ireland

Bring some of the luck of the Irish into your union with this pretty green plant that represents good fortune and blessings for your future.

Peach Blossom

Lovely pink and white peach blossoms represent the hopes and dreams of the bride to be. If you want to celebrate the innocence and sweetness that is in your heart as you get married, carry peach blossoms.

Coriander

Mauve Carnations

18 •

When a suiter sent a China aster to his beloved, the message was that his heart belonged to her alone.

At first glance, you might think coriander is more appropriate in your tacos than in your wedding, but consider a few coriander leaves tucked into your bouquet as a special message to the love of your life. This spicy plant signifies lust and sexual passion for your lover.

Nasturtium

This tropical looking flower comes in variety of orange, red and yellow hues and is much prettier than its name. Nasturtium is symbolic of patriotism, making it a great choice if you or your future spouse serve in the military or want to express a special connection to your country.

Grass

Open your mind to see grass as more than just something green that keeps your yard from being a mud pit. There are many difThe Newsy Neighbour Magazine

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ferent kinds of grasses in a variety of beautiful shades. Grasses can be lovely as part of a floral arrangement and can add significant drama when used in vases at your ceremony or reception.

Grass symbolizes submission. This could be meaningful to you if you subscribe to the Biblical idea that a wife is submissive to her husband or if your sexuality tends toward power play.

Grass has also become a traditional part of the floral décor at same sex weddings.

Protea

Protea is an unusual and eye-catching flower that looks great as a focal point in a bouquet or arrangement. This fantastic flower symbolizes courage and makes a wonderful statement for a couple that has successful come through adversity or is currently facing a challenge.

Lovely purple violets represent dreams for your life and for your marriage.

Snowdrop

Hope is what keeps you going through good times and bad, and a hopeful attitude can be very positive to a marriage. Use snowdrops to symbolize the hope that is part of your relationship.

Your floral arrangements and wedding bouquets are more than just pretty decorations. For centuries, flowers have been used as symbols and communication. Choose flowers for your wedding that perfectly express your style and the story of your love.

Ivy

Vines of ivy are not traditionally seen in wedding ceremonies, but they bring a dark beauty that is both unique and surprising. Ivy represents faithfulness.

White Heather

Do you and your intended serve as protectors to each other, or do you need special protection for your marriage from something difficult in your life? Add some white heather to your wedding flowers to symbolize protection.

Purple Violets

What are your aspirations for the future? Do you and your partner spend countless hours discussing your dreams and personal goals?

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• 19

Q

20 •

TOP 10 REASONS FOR A DESTINATION WEDDING Tracy Thomas UALITY TIME Destination weddings provide 3-7 days in a relaxed, vacation atmosphere with lots of time to visit with family and friends, whereas a traditional wedding only gives you approximately 6 hours to meet and greet your guests.

2. ECONOMICAL Destination weddings average 50 guests and cost anywhere from $0 (free) to $5000 for a resort package (which includes the venue, reception, flowers, photography, beverages, decorations, cake, and much more). Traditional weddings average 100 guests and cost anywhere from $25,000 to $100,000.

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3. STRESS FREE Destination wedding resorts have on-site wedding co-ordinators that ensure everything is organized and that your wedding runs smoothly – you just have to sit back and enjoy yourself!

Traditional weddings require you to keep things organized so that your wedding goes off without a hitch – or you hire a wedding planner, which increases the costs.

4. LOCATION Get married in a unique or exotic location! Think of the incredible week-long photo ops! Traditional weddings tend to have limited or similar looking venues and photos. Do you want your wedding to look and feel like everyone else’s?

5.YOUR WEDDING, YOUR WAY Families can have expectations on how you plan and have your wedding. Traditional weddings allow them to project their ideas. Destination weddings allow YOU to have your wedding exactly how you want it to be and everyone will be happy because the unique location prevents traditional thinking.

6. SECOND WEDDINGS Destination weddings are the perfect setting for blending families together and provide neutral ground for everyone to meet. The relaxed vacation atmosphere and extended time period allows everyone to get to know each other.

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7. ALL GUESTS ARE VIP Traditional weddings make you feel you need to invite everyone you know but perhaps the guest list has to be limited. Who do you remove from the list, as you know that there will be hurt feelings? Destination wedding guests decide for themselves whether they can attend or not. It also allows you to only invite close friends and family, keeping the guest list manageable.

8. NO FAMILY FEUDS, NO DRAMA Do you have family members that don’t get along? Or perhaps family members that create drama? Destination weddings limit the feuding and drama by creating the vacation atmosphere.

Resorts are large and have many different areas to enjoy the beach or the pool. You can even request that the guest rooms are farther apart.

9. HONEYMOON EARLY Your wedding week feels like the start of your honeymoon! You

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can even stay in a separate section of the resort to create a private experience. Reduce the cost of a honeymoon by extending your stay for an extra week for intimate celebrations. Switch to a new resort to create a separate honeymoon feeling.

10. GUYS LIKE IT TOO! Many grooms find the details of planning a traditional wedding overwhelming or boring – much to the bride’s dismay. However, with a destination wedding, most grooms love to help! Which destination should we get married in? Should we have the ceremony on the beach or at the gazebo? Beach or poolside reception? Do you want to have a beach party bash? They love to get involved!

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• 21

Photo credits: Heidrich Photography

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I

KYLE PENN

’ve been married for two and a half years now – hardly a big number in the grand scheme of things, but longer than most Hollywood marriages seem to last, so I feel like I must be doing something right! I often look back on our wedding day of August 2, 2014 with fondness and warmth. It was an entirely amazing day filled with love and joy, and aside from a few hitches (including a missing Batman action figure…it’s a long story), everything went pretty much perfectly.

We’d been planning it for months, of course, and it seemed at the time like there would be no end to the list of tasks, chores, and errands that needed to be taken care of before the big day.

Save the dates had to be sent out, followed by invitations; dresses wanted choosing; flowers needed to be picked out; meals required sampling; and cake simply had to be tasted – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg! We spent months scouring every Target and Walmart in Calgary for matching jars to create the perfect cookie bar. Bridesmaids dedicated entire afternoons to spray-painting books a sparkly golden colour and building fun, kitschy centrepieces. Whole evenings were devoted to gluing striped bits of paper to envelopes so that our invitations matched the motif of the rest of the wedding, just in case the Canada Post workers were checking up on us. We all knew going in that planning a wedding wasn’t going to be a cakewalk, but the number of

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22 •

THE BEST WEDDING ADVICE I CAN GIVE

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Wedding and Honeymoon Specialist Meet Jolene

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403.777.0709 jolene.bulmer@visiontravel.ca www.visiontravel.ca/jolenebulmer tasks and the level of detail that goes into organizing an event like that truly cannot be overstated.

Now, it might sound like I’m looking back on the weeks and months leading up to my wedding with a slight resentment, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. I cherished the time I got to spend with my wife and our friends during all those busy mornings, afternoons and evenings. I count myself lucky to have had the means to plan a celebration on the scale that our wedding was, and to have people in my life who were there to share in our love, even if it meant that they found themselves playing with glitter and hot glue a bit more often than anybody could have anticipated. Our wedding day really was the happiest day of my life, and I wouldn’t go back and change a single thing about it.

One piece of advice I will give, though, is a pearl of wisdom my dad passed on to me during the thick of the preparation: keep things simple.

It’s so easy to get caught up in a hundred different Pintrest boards and Martha Stewart apps when you’re planning your wedding.

Mason jars become must-have items, and suddenly it seems like the entire ceremony will be a failure if the wedding party doesn’t get the choreography just right for that entrance dance down the aisle. Before you know it, you’re driving down country roads at 3AM looking for reclaimed barn wood to make a sign in the shape of an arrow that says “This way to Happily Ever After,” eyes bleary from sleep, while different renditions of The Wedding March play on repeat over the car stereo.

Okay, that might have gotten a little extreme, but I’m coming up on my point! I loved our wedding, and there were lots of special little touches that made it feel truly unique and special. As I look

back on that day, though, what stands out most vividly in my mind isn’t the cake, or the wedding favours, or even the venue.

Instead, I remember the way my wife looked at me as she came down the aisle; high-fiving our ring-bearer after the ceremony; hearing the kind and loving words that were delivered by our friends and family; and being surrounded by the warmth and support of those people who are dear to me.

I guess what I’m trying to say is this: enjoy planning your wedding. Make it special, and spend the time doing too much research on candles and creating special name tags for each individual place setting. While you’re at it, be sure to check out the other great wedding articles in this issue of The Newsy Neighbour, which are full of fantastic advice for planning a beautiful event. It’s not every day that you get married, so dive in headfirst and make it a celebration to remember. When push comes to shove, though, keep in mind that all these little details are simply window dressing, and that the true star of the show is the love and commitment between two people that everybody is there to celebrate – so take a step back, enjoy the ride, and don’t be afraid to keep it simple. facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

• 23

The Royal Canadian LegionStrathmore Branch #10

We have many things to offer the Community: Facilities for banquets, weddings, meetings, receptions, anniversaries, birthdays, business luncheons, Crib, Darts, Pool, Bingo

Our kitchen provides, breakfast, lunch and supper – special suppers every Friday. Meat draws every Friday evening and Saturday afternoon.

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THE MIRACLE A little girl went to her bedroom and pulled a glass jelly jar from its hiding place in the closet.

She poured the change out on the floor and counted it carefully three times, even. The total had to be exactly perfect. No chance here for mistakes.

Carefully, placing the coins back in the jar and twisting on the cap, she slipped out the back door and made her way 6 blocks to the local drug store. She waited patiently for the pharmacist to give her some attention, but he was too busy speaking with a customer at the till.

Tess twisted her feet to make a scuffing noise. Nothing. She cleared her throat with the most disgusting sound she could muster. No good. Finally, she took a quarter from her jar and banged it on the glass counter. That did it!

“And what do you want?” the pharmacist asked in an annoyed tone of voice. “I’m talking to my brother from Edmonton whom I haven’t seen in ages,” he said without waiting for a reply to his question.

“Well, I want to talk to you about my brother,” Tess answered back in the same annoyed tone. “He’s really, really sick… and I want to buy a miracle.”

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“His name is Andrew and he has something bad growing inside

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his head and my Daddy says only a miracle can save him now. So how much does a miracle cost?”

“We don’t sell miracles here, little girl. I’m sorry but I can’t help you,” the pharmacist said, softening a little. “Listen, I have the money to pay for it. If it isn’t enough, I will get the rest. Just tell me how much it costs.”

The pharmacist’s brother was a well-dressed man. He stooped down and asked the little girl, “What kind of a miracle does your brother need?”

“I don’t know,” Tess replied with her eyes welling up. “I just know he’s really sick and Mommy says he needs an operation. But my Daddy can’t pay for it, so I want to use my money.”

“How much do you have?” asked the man from Edmonton.

“One dollar and eleven cents,” Tess answered, barely audible.

“And it’s all the money I have, but I can get some more if I need to.”

“Well, what a coincidence,” smiled the man. “A dollar and eleven cents… the exact price of a miracle for little brothers.” He took her money in one hand and with the other hand he grasped her mitten and said, “Take me to where you live. I want to see your brother and meet your parents. Let’s see if I have the miracle you need.”

That well-dressed man was Dr. Carlton Armstrong, a surgeon, specializing in neuro-surgery. The operation was completed free of charge and it wasn’t long until Andrew was home again and doing well. Mom and Dad were happily talking about the chain of events that had led them to this place. “That surgery,” Andrew’s Mom whispered, “Was a real miracle. I wonder how much it would have cost?” Tess smiled. She knew exactly how much a miracle cost… one dollar and eleven cents… plus the faith of a little child.

In our lives, we never know how many miracles we will need. A miracle is not the suspension of natural law, but the operation of a higher law!

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Altogether Different

NOW THAT I'M OLDER AND WISER

T

here's always a lot to be thankful for if you take time to look for it. For example, I'm sitting here thinking how nice it is that wrinkles don't hurt.

When I'm feeling down, I like to whistle. It makes the neighbour's dog that barks all the time run to the end of his chain and gag himself.

If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.

A penny saved is a government oversight.

The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight, because by then your body and your fat are really good friends.

The easiest way to find something lost around the house is to buy a replacement.

He who hesitates is probably right.

If you can smile when things go wrong, you have someone in mind to blame.

The sole purpose of a child's middle name is so he can tell when he's really in trouble.

Living on earth is expensive, but it does include a free trip around the sun.

Birthdays are good for you; the more you have, the longer you live.

How long a minute is depends on what side of the bathroom door you're on.

Ever notice that the people who are late are often much jollier than the people who have to wait for them?

If ignorance is bliss, why aren't more people happy?

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If Wal-Mart is lowering prices every day, how come nothing is free yet?

You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.

Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.

Don't cry because it's over: smile because it happened.

A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.

Happiness comes through doors you didn't even know you left open.

Once over the hill, you pick up speed.

I love cooking with wine. Sometimes I even put it in the food.

If not for STRESS, I'd have no energy at all.

Whatever hits the fan will not be evenly distributed.

Everyone has a photographic memory. Some just don't have film.

You don't stop laughing because you grow old; you grow old because you stop laughing. facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

• 25

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

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Hey there, Larry and Roger here. We heard it is wedding season!

We wonder if our human will ever allow us to enjoy this most amazing transition in life. We hear it is a splendid, yet super busy time in one’s life. We are not going to pretend to know what this amazing day has to offer, but a friend of ours asked for some advice on how to get through the day as a Type 1 Diabetic. So, we did what we love to do – we did some research to see what we could find to help her. AND FIND WE DID. We took some notes off of a terrific website, healthmonitor.com.

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The last thing you want to stress about when getting married is your diabetes – counting carbs, testing your blood sugars, hiding a pump etc. The good news? You can get married without worry, thanks to these tips.

Camouflage your diabetes supplies Hidden pockets can be created in your wedding gown to hold your pump or other diabetic supplies. If the fabric of your dress can’t be easily snipped, invest in a medium-sized chic clutch that can hold your meter case.

Adopt this mantra

Practice makes perfect! Do a run-through schedule for your wedding day. That’ll help you figure out when and what to eat and when to test your blood sugar. But don’t expect it to go exactly that way—chances are you won’t feel the nerves on the trial day that you’ll feel on your wedding day. You will still be able to figure out what problems may pop up when it comes to the timing of blood sugar testing or meals.

Put safe indulgences on the menu

Choose fare with few carbs, but lots of flavour. For example, hand-passed hors d’oeuvres over a pasta station, so portions were smaller and healthier. Instead of mini pizzas or quiches, choose things like shrimp and fish—foods that taste great, but don’t severely affect blood sugar. You can also choose trout over steak for the main course, which has less fat and calories.

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26 •

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…And that includes cake!

Have your cake and eat it, too! There are tons of sugar substitutes for baking. When it comes to frosting, choosing whipped instead of a thicker style is key. Whipped means less volume, which means less sugar and calories.

www.jenericay.com /jenericay

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Altogether Different

Buy shoes in twos

It’s important for people with diabetes to keep their feet healthy, and that means avoiding blisters and cuts. If you want to dance the night away, comfy heels or flats are a must. A cute pair of shoes for pictures, and another pair for dancing.

On the day of your wedding . . .

Jump-start the day

You will be distracted in the morning worrying about hair, makeup, getting ready and running around, but make sure to eat a filling breakfast. A protein-and-fibre combo (eggs or Greek yogurt and fruit) can help keep your blood sugar stable throughout the day. The day of your wedding is not the time to try new foods. Eat what you are used to eating.

Hide your glucose

Your bouquet! That way, you can easily treat a low without having to run off—especially if you’re already down the aisle or in the middle of taking pictures. Men, tuck some glucose into a pocket on your pants or jacket.

Get the perfect tan for your

Wedding Day Take a few minutes, a couple �mes a week, just for you - to work towards the perfect tan for your wedding day. Come in and talk with us about a package and a schedule to get the perfect results you desire. For those wishing for a UV tan we recommend you start early and tan slowly for best results. We can also provide a Mys�c HD sunless tan for those who are looking for a cosme�c colour and are short on �me!

Ask about our special packages and rates for brides and wedding parties.

Designate a helper

Looking for something special and fun for the bride?

Enlist the help of someone who’s willing to remind you to test your blood sugars at certain times (such as before the walk down the aisle or first dance).

Make sure you eat

Whether due to nerves or too much going on, many brides and grooms barely get a chance to eat at their wedding. You don’t want to go too low, get dizzy and faint. Have your entertainer halt the music as a cue to sit for dinner. That way, you’ll feel less pressure to get up and mingle, and you’ll enjoy your meal.

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Pay attention to alcohol

If your healthcare provider says it’s okay, one alcoholic drink with a meal is fine. But alcohol adds lots of empty calories and sugar and may affect blood sugar levels. Your best bet: Drinks that have less sugar—small amounts of liquor mixed with club soda or diet soda, light beer, dry wines or wine spritzers (wine mixed with club soda).

Keep cool, calm and collected

It’s normal to have wedding-day jitters. But, because your blood sugar may go up due to the stress, you must test your blood sugar to make sure you’re in a target range. And speak to the people around you. Let them know you want to remain calm, and that they should, too! If you’re noticing the stress building, try going into a room away from the crowd, taking a few deep breaths and thinking positively.

What an amazing list! We were thrilled to have found it. Wishing all you TO BE BRIDES AND GROOMS, and families and friends an amazing wedding. Now, we are going to chat with our human and see if we can guide him to consider checking out some online dating sites… Haha. Pretty sure we know what the answer will be.

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• 27

Attention Brides and Bridesmaids!

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GelMoment Gel Nail Polish not only lasts 2 weeks, it's Non-Toxic, dries in 60 seconds, only costs about $1.66 per coat and comes with a 100% money back guarantee!

The GelMoment Manicure kits make a great gift for the Bridesmaids!

For more information please go to www.FabuNails.GelMoment.com or contact Michelle Plante on Facebook or e-mail at michelle.plante@telus.net or text or call at 403-934-0740.

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 $50 Gift Certificate to any advertiser of your choice in this issue. You could also email it too: aleesha@thenewsyneighbour.com

#TheNewsy Neighbour

/TheNewsy Neighbour

/TNewsy Neighbour

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WHY DOES MY BACK ALWAYS HURT? BARBARA SMAIL

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You have heard the old adage that knowledge is power. We need to know the location and function of a

muscle when we are performing an exercise. When we visualize, then we can feel if the muscle is actually working.

There are many muscles that play an integral role in making your back function without a twinge or that chronic ache of the lower back. Let us focus on one of those muscles; the quadratus lumborum, (QL) The QL is also known as the “king of compensation.” It is merrily working away as you shovel your driveway, cut your lawn, vacuum your house, carry your baby or lift weights. It can go into spasm if you work for an extended length of time beyond your strength. I have described it as the tent wires of your body; similar to how tent wires hold up your tent, the QL supports the core body (shoulders to hips) as you work or exercise.

The QL originates at the top of the hipbone and attaches to your lumbar spine and lower ribs.

Let’s get started on how to strengthen the QL. Side plank is one solution, either balancing on your forearm or your hand with your feet staggered or with the bottom knee resting on the floor. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds, rest and repeat.

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this is the revolving DDS plank,•where you begin a face Dr.exercise Ashkan Hamzehi Dr. Jason Panin DDS down plank and roll to a side plank.

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• 29

10 WEDDING EXPENSES YOU MIGHT FORGET TO BUDGET FOR

S

ERIN WEAVER

Staying true to your budget is one of the trickiest parts of wedding planning and it's downright impossible if you forget some expenses in the first place.

You've probably got an estimate for the venue, the dress, and the rings, but what about the hidden costs of a wedding? Read on to find out which sneaky expenses you need to add into your budget.

The Marriage License

Many couples forget that they have to pay for the actual mar-

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riage license but that little piece of paper can cost almost as much as a night at a hotel depending on where you live, so remember to include it in your budget.

Alterations

Your wedding dress and groom's suit probably aren't the perfect fit (unless you're very lucky!) so don't forget to factor in the cost of alterations to the length and shape of wedding attire.

Postage Stamps

Posting out invitations can be an expensive business, particularly if your invites are heavy or bulky. The more guests you have, the more you'll pay, so keep the cost of postage in mind.

Beauty Treatments

You've probably factored in the price of bridal hairstyling and makeup on the big day but what about other beauty treatments like haircuts, spray tans, and manicures and pedicures? Decide which you'll want and research the prices before your big day.

Pre-Wedding Fashion

You may also be planning pre-wedding events like a bridal shower, a rehearsal dinner, or bachelor and bachelorette parties, so remember to budget for any new clothes you might want for these occasions.

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crockery, glasses, and table linens, so make sure to ask about these fees when you're booking the wedding reception.

Clean-Up Fees

It's common for clean-up fees to be included in the price of venue rental but it's not a given, so check with your wedding planner or venue coordinator in case you'll be landed with a hefty charge the day after your nuptials.

Corkage

Another unexpected venue fee is corkage, when venues charge for the opening and serving of alcohol. Some venues only start charging for corkage after a certain hour so ask about their policy beforehand.

Wedding Party Gifts

You may want to buy gifts for your families, bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other members of the wedding party for all their help, but don't forget that even inexpensive gifts can add up when you're looking at a dozen or more people.

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The last thing you'll probably think about is gratuity but many services expect a tip and you may want to give one if your florist was particularly helpful or you really loved your caterer's work.

Keep a tip budget in mind at the planning stage so you aren't out of pocket after the wedding.

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Sticking to your budget is much easier when everything is accounted for, so keep these expenses in mind and enjoy your big day without unexpected financial stress. facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

• 31

AR WO E Y RK OU AH A OL IC

?

I think I am becoming a bit of a sceptic in my too-close-for-comfort-to-old-age old age. I was

recently at a work-related event where I was forced to engage in the ritualistic behaviour of small talk. I personally enjoy making small talk about as much as a root canal; a root canal, without freezing, while suffering from a hangover while a band of accordion players perform polka music at an absurdly loud volume. I do not enjoy small talk.

As a result of my vigorous disgust of this social norm, I am somewhat lacking in the motivation to become good at it and I do tend to try and avoid having to dig out this set of somewhat lacking skills whenever possible. Unfortunately, this was not an event I could have skipped in favour of staying home in my Lulu’s happily and contently Google searching anyone I was motivated to know more about. It should come as no surprise then that when someone shared with me that she was a workaholic happily married to the job, I suggested she should have an affair.

Apparently, this was not the response that was expected. I think I was expected to say things like “how great to show so much dedication”, or “your company is so lucky to have you.” I knew I didn’t give the anticipated response when she looked at me like a Kardashian would look at a Wal-Mart sales rack; a mixture of disgust and horrid fascination. I chose to focus on the thought that the words I offered were indeed fascinating and then proceed to

ramble on as to why being married to the job isn’t a good thing.

It went something like this…

A year is made up of 365 days, 8,760 hours, 525,600 minutes and now consider this: a typical worker works 35 hours per week, takes two weeks’ vacation with five public holidays and ends up working 1715 hours per year. (I am better at math than small talk). If you are married to your job and you are spending way more than the average amount of time working, then you are going to have to sacrifice that time from somewhere.

Sleep maybe? According to a recent study done by the Insurance Company Aviva, Canada is the third most sleep deprived country in the world. When we give up sleep we increase our risk factors for accidents, illnesses and at least in my case – tantrums. The time has to come from somewhere; skipping out on time with family and friends, no longer playing or even watching your favourite sport. Eating at your desk so you can squeeze an extra 15 minutes of productivity in – hope you bought antacids in bulk.

What do you think is going to happen if you take a break from the job? Will the world stop spinning? Ross and Rachel took a break and they ended up just fine. There is a tremendous difference between being hard working and being a workaholic.

A workaholic will be at the beach thinking about work, a hard worker will be at work thinking of the beach. That’s the difference.

Hard workers are able to balance life and work. Yes, they will work long hours when needed or miss the occasional event due to deadlines but they do not allow work to define who they are.

In our current economy, hard workers may be working multiple jobs to make ends meet, which leaves little time for other activities, but given the opportunity to spend time with family and friends, they take it.

If you really are a workaholic, that’s not healthy. You need to take a break. It is okay to enjoy work but not be addicted to it. You need to find something that doesn’t come with a pay cheque attached that makes you feel passion. You need to have an affair on your job.

A little bit of everything

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.

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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, In-

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tuitive 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.

STRESSED OUT BRIDE? TRY A RAIN DROP HOT STONE MASSAGE!

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The “Big Day” is approaching and you are feeling excited and nervous simultaneously and time is running out!

Your stress levels are starting to increase exponentially as the days go by. There is so much for a bride to do in such a short amount of time that you are stressing out to the point that your body is starting to shut down. You are troubled by headaches, or you are getting dizzy, or sleep is eluding you night after night. The days are becoming increasingly more difficult to stay focused and you feel like you are starting to fall apart at the seams. You think, “What am I going to do?” Here is a great solution – rejuvenate by combining two therapeutic treatments in one by enjoying a Rain Drop Hot Stone Massage. This unique experience couples the health benefits of Raindrop Therapy/Massage with those of a Hot Stone Massage. What more could a stressed-out bride ask for?

Method and benefits of a Rain Drop Hot Stone Massage: First, a Rain Drop Therapy/Massage begins by using 9 different kinds of essential oils that will help balance the mind, body and soul. These oils assist in reducing inflammation and increasing circulation, which allow tight sore muscles to relax, resulting in a reduction of muscle pain. The combination of oils help to boost the immune system and support detoxification of the body’s systems.

As these essential oils begin to absorb into the body, the Massage Therapist gently applies smooth warmed stones to massage your back. The stones facilitate even deeper penetration of the essential oils into your systems, enhancing the benefits of the oils. The

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warmth of the stones guides you to a deep level of relaxation, loosening the muscle tissues, increasing flexibility and range of motion, and reducing tension. The resulting improved state of being helps to promote restorative sleep, which we all could use!

The Hot Stone used by a trained therapist is like being wrapped up with a warm, cozy blanket and having your whole body relax and let go of tension and stress that can cause many different illnesses. Both Rain Drop Therapy/Massage and Hot Stone massage can also promote healthy skin and glowing complexion, which in turn will help you look and feel younger. So, if you are the bride or mother-of-thebride, or just someone that takes on too much and is stressed out, why not try a Rain Drop Hot Stone Massage? If you have a chronic condition that causes pain, please talk to your Doctor to see if a Rain Drop Hot Stone Massage is a good option for you!

Stay relaxed, calm and feel younger. Call your Massage Therapist today and we wish you all the best in the joining of souls!

Our bodies communicate to us clearly and specifically, if we are willing to listen. ~Shakti Gawain

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• 33

been slowly revealed over the centuries. Long known for my anti-inflammatory properties, recent research has revealed that I am a natural wonder, proving beneficial in the treatment of many different health conditions from cancer to Alzheimer's disease. I’m a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns. When combined with cauliflower, I have been shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer; I have even prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice. They say I may prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide. I can reduce the risk of childhood leukemia; I am a natural liver detoxifier and may prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain. People even use me as a natural painkiller. I have even been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression. Because of my anti-inflammatory properties, I am a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer. One of my ingredients, curcumin, may provide an inexpensive, well-tolerated, and effective treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn's and ulcerative colitis, recent research suggests.

I AM A …

TURMERIC ROOT

Clinical studies have substantiated that curcumin also exerts very powerful antioxidant effects. As an antioxidant, curcumin is able to neutralize free radicals, chemicals that can travel through the body and cause great amounts of damage to healthy cells and cell membranes. This is important in many diseases, such as arthritis, where free radicals are responsible for the painful joint inflammation and eventual damage to the joints. Epidemiological studies have linked the frequent use of me to lower rates of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer. Laboratory experiments have shown curcumin can prevent tumours from forming; and research conducted at the University of Texas suggests that even when breast cancer is already present, curcumin can help slow the spread of breast cancer cells to the lungs in mice. I am a miracle!! I could go on and on, but I’m getting embarrassed.

KATHRYN HARTWELL Swagatam, welcome! I am known as “haldi” in Sanskrit. In Sanskrit I have at least 53 different names-- bhadra (auspicious or lucky), hemaragi (exhibits golden colour), hridayavilasini (gives delight to heart, charming), jayanti (one that wins over diseases), and jawarantika (that which cures fevers) are just a few.

As you can tell, I live in India. India produces nearly the world’s entire turmeric crop and consumes 80% of it. With my high content of the important bioactive compound curcumin, I am considered to be the best in the world. My home is Erode, a city in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu; it is the world’s largest producer of, and the most important trading center for, turmeric. I am native to southern India and Indonesia where I have grown for more than 5,000 years. I have served an important role in many traditional cultures throughout the East, including being a revered member of the Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia (Ayurveda is India's ancient holistic health system. Ayurveda means "knowledge of life" with herbs lying at the very heart of Ayurvedic practice). I was probably cultivated at first as a dye, and then became valued as a condiment as well as for cosmetic purposes. I reached China by 700 AD, East Africa by 800 AD and West Africa by 1200 AD. Arab traders introduced me into Europe in the 13th century and Jamaica in the 18th Century and the ancient Polynesians carried me with them on their incredible voyage across the Pacific Ocean to Hawaii. Today, Hawaiians call me Olena. Today, I am widely cultivated throughout the tropics. I have always been considered an auspicious material in the sub-continent, both amongst the Aryan cultures and the Dravidian cultures. My value has extended far in history with Susruta's Ayurvedic Compendium, dating to 250 BC; it recommends an ointment containing turmeric to relieve the effects of poisoned food.

Ok now, let’s get to how you can eat me. I have a peppery, warm and bitter flavour and a mild fragrance, slightly reminiscent of orange and ginger. While I am best known as one of the ingredients used to make curry, I give ballpark mustard its bright yellow colour (yes, I am beautiful too!)! You can use me on sautéed apples or steamed green beans and onions or how about adding me to a low-calorie dip with dried onion and creamy yogurt.

OR,

Add me to egg salad.

Mix me with brown rice with raisins and cashews.

I can give salad dressings a beautiful orange-yellow hue.

For an especially delicious way to eat me, cut cauliflower florets in half and add a generous spoonful of turmeric and sauté for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and toss with olive oil, salt and pepper to taste.

Once you start using me, you will find new ways to use me every single day.

I am awesome with fish, meat or lentils or just mix plain yogurt with a little turmeric, salt and pepper to taste and serve with raw cauliflower, celery, sweet pepper, jicama and broccoli florets.

Let the FUN begin….

Modern medicine has begun to recognize my importance, as indicated by the over 3000 publications dealing with turmeric that came out within the last 25 years. Turmeric is an excellent source of both iron and manganese. It is also a good source of vitamin B6, dietary fibre and potassium and the active ingredient curcumin. The medicinal properties of who I am have

34 •

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Turmeric Tea

Turmeric tends to stain anything it comes into contact with, so be careful.

1/3 cup/ 80 ml good, raw honey

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2 1/2 teaspoons dried turmeric Lemon Lots of freshly ground black pepper Work the turmeric into the honey until it forms a paste. You can keep this on hand, in a jar, for whenever you'd like a cup. For each cup of tea, place a heaping teaspoon of the turmeric paste in the bottom of a mug. Pour hot (but not boiling water) into the mug, and stir well to dissolve the turmeric paste. Add a big squeeze of juice from a lemon, and a good amount of black pepper. Enjoy! Stir now and then as you drink so all the good stuff doesn't settle to the bottom, or top off with more hot water as you drink it.

Rice Pilaf with Lime & Cashews

1 cup basmati rice 1 1/2 cups cold water 1 tablespoon canola oil 1 teaspoon black or yellow mustard seeds 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped cashews 2-3 tablespoons lime juice 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro, chopped 2-3 fresh Thai, cayenne or serrano chiles, or 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced 1 teaspoon turmeric 1/4 teaspoon salt Place rice in a medium saucepan with enough water to cover by about 1 inch.

Gently swish grains in the pan with your fingertips until the water becomes cloudy; drain. Repeat 3 or 4 times, until the water remains almost clear. Cover with 1 1/2 cups cold water; let soak for 30 minutes.

Bring the rice and water to a boil over medium-high heat, turn to low and cook for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let sit undisturbed for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, heat oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat; add mustard seeds. When the seeds begin to pop, cover the pan until the popping stops. Reduce heat to

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medium; add cashews and cook, stirring, until golden brown, 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Remove from the heat; add lime juice, cilantro, chiles (or jalapeno), turmeric and salt. Add the mixture to the cooked rice; mix well.

Yummy Vegetable Dip

1 cup mayonnaise 2 teaspoons dried minced onion 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish 1 teaspoon garlic salt 1 teaspoon white vinegar 1 teaspoon white sugar Stir together mayonnaise, turmeric, garlic salt, sugar, onion, horseradish and vinegar in a small bowl. Chill 2 hours before serving.

Turmeric should not be used by people with gallstones or bile obstruction. Though turmeric is often used by pregnant women, it is important to consult with a doctor before doing so as turmeric can be a uterine stimulant.

Shanti, peace be with you!

Haldi References: whfoods.com, mnn.com, kew.org.html, Wikipedia.org, ncbi.gov books.com, 101cookbooks.com

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• 35

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Do You Want Kids?

Many people make the mistake of assuming their partner wants kids, or thinking they'll be ready for children by a certain age.

The reality is, everyone has different ideas about parenting, and you need to discuss whether you're interested in having children, when you might like to start trying, and who might stay at home or continue working after you have children. These factors can be real deal-breakers, so discuss them sooner rather than later.

Is Religion Important To You?

Your religion affects your morals, your attitude toward your family and your children, and the wedding itself. If one or both of you adheres to a religion then you should discuss how it might affect your married life. Will you want to raise your children with certain beliefs? Do you feel strongly that you don't want religion to be part of your life? You need to reach a compromise regarding any religious differences before the wedding.

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Where Will You Settle Down?

Regardless of where you live currently, you should discuss where you see yourself settling down or growing old, particularly if the two of you aren't originally from the same place. Maybe you both feel strongly about moving back home, but each has a different idea of where "back home" is. Don't leave the debate until later on, when you're emotionally and legally bound together. If one of you is dead-set on moving somewhere the other doesn't want to go, it will become a problem down the line.

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What Are Your Family Obligations?

Your relationship to your families will change as you get older,

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2AM on a weeknight just to see a band play their second encore.

People will say that you can just listen to the band on iTunes if you want to hear a song, or that you can YouTube them if you want to see them play something on a stage.

Now, this is the part of the article where I intended to counter all of those arguments and write definitively about exactly what makes live music so special. As a stare at the screen and my fingers rest on the keyboard, however, my mind’s coming up blank.

What is so special about live music?

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.

I

was having a conversation earlier this month with a friend on the topic of live music. Being something of a concert addict, I was going on and on about a show I had recently seen up in Edmonton. Halfway through my musings on just what exactly made the experience such a great one, my friend stopped me and asked what else I had been doing in Edmonton that I was up there and able to check out the concert.

“Nothing,” I replied.

Zach de la Rocha once famously asked, “What better place than here? What better time than now?” I think, for me, those lyrics sum up perfectly what I find so intoxicating about live music.

There’s something about the perfect culmination of details and events swirling within and without each other at a concert that draws me back, repeatedly, over and over again, to live music.

It’s the coming together of an artists and fans; the harmony of notes, tempo, bass, and treble; the feeling of community and the collective appreciation of talent; the emotional energy that comes with being part of something bigger than yourself; and the base, instinctual pull that we feel in our lizard-brains when groups of people come together to celebrate and dance with one another. Live music is all about everything happening at the right time and the right place – the explosive combination of art, passion, and rhythm. There’s no feeling on earth comparable to making eye contact with a singer as she delivers a particularly poignant lyric, or the tactile sensation of a kick drum beating out a cadence so punchy that you can feel it in your bones.

Live music is my raison d’être. I’m never more excited or contented than when I’m watching a band play onstage, whether it’s to a crowd of five or five thousand. If it’s been a while since you’ve seen a show, make plans to get out there and check one out.

Support local live music – you might be surprised at some of the talent you’ll come across!

“Nothing?”

Join the Support Local Live Music Community

“Nothing.”

“So, you just, drove to Edmonton, saw this concert, and what…drove back?”

/ locallivemusicsupport

@SupportLiveM

“…Yup, that’s about right.”

@locallivemusic

My friend couldn’t believe it. She was completely agog that I had spent the time and money to drive to a city hours away just to see a band play a show in a weird little venue, only to turn right around and drive back that night.

“But weren’t you tired the next day? You had to work!” she exclaimed.

“Well, yeah, I was a bit tired. But it was worth it.” In utter disbelief, my friend stared at me until we changed the subject.

Live music’s a funny thing. Some people get it, and some people don’t. You’ll often run into folks who balk at the expensive ticket prices of the big shows that roll through the Saddledome, or scoff at the idea of hanging out in a bar until

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y ’t Get An! n s e o D c i Live Mus citing Than This More Ex

A

A s an avid music lover, I’ve witnessed more live shows than I can count. During my time going to concerts, I’ve come to realize that more often than not, bands fall into one of two categories when you put them on stage. The first type of band will get up there, play some great tunes, get the crowd moving, maybe play an encore, and will leave you feeling like you got your money’s worth.

Then, there are bands like Envy.

Watching Envy perform is like grabbing a live wire with your bare hands. Their stage presence is thrilling, their chemistry is a tangible element in the air, their talent level is off the charts, and their energy is contagious. Playing a mix of modern hits, some classic/80’s rock, and a few original tunes peppered throughout to keep things fresh, Envy brings a wide range of musical variety to the stage during each and every set, and does a great job tying everything together through the simply astronomical amount of talent that each member brings to the group. From the moment Envy takes the stage and lead singer Joelle confidently steps to the mic, you know you’re in for something special. The tight guitar riffs, rhythmic bass lines, punchy drumming, and phenomenal vocal stylings of the band all come together and work in tandem with Envy’s commanding stage presence and dynamism to create a truly unforgettable evening for anybody who happens to witness them play live.

Of course, none of this came about by accident, or overnight. Like all talented artists, the members of Envy have worked long and hard to hone their craft. Frontwoman (and Gotcha Records CEO) Joelle and lead guitarist Jeff Dan have been playing together for a little over eight years now. They started off creating and playing original music, before recognizing after a few years that there was a big opportunity within the local bar scene to bring cover tunes into the

mix – and just like that, Envy was born. The lineup has seen some changes over the years, but it currently consists of drummer Patrick Handlovsky and bassist Quay Evano joining the original duo of Joelle and Jeff Dan. “We wanted to be able to offer anything to anybody that approached us,” Joelle explained to me, when I asked her how Envy came to be. “If they wanted a cover show, or an original show, or an acoustic show, we could offer that. We love what we do, we love performing both covers and originals, and people ask for both, so it’s good to be able to offer all those things.”

It’s not often you come across a band capable of such a wide stylistic range, which was something that definitely struck me while seeing Envy play live – they’d bounce from playing a contemporary chartbuster to an 80’s classic, all without losing a single audience member from the front row. This has a lot to do with the truly captivating visual performance that comes part and parcel with seeing Envy live. Over several hours and multiple sets that I saw them play, the band brought a truly unbelievable amount of performative vim and gusto to the stage, all of which combined with their raw musical aptitude to create a concert that you simply couldn’t help but enjoy.

“When you put on a show, it’s very visual,” Joelle reflected when I commented upon Envy’s clear attention to stage presence. “When I go to see a show, I look for that…it affects me. It’s important for us to give the audience a show.

We really try to work hard on upping what we bring visually to each show as well.”

Envy certainly has nailed this element of their live set – I don’t know that I’ve

found simply watching a band quite so enjoyable in a long while. To hear Joelle tell it, a lot of their success and current chemistry comes from playing with the right people, and working together until you get things right: “Looking back from now to when we first started, we’ve grown so much. We talk about it all the time – we’ve come a long way. You get your core group that you just click with musically and professionally and on a friendship level, and that’s when magic happens. But it takes a long time. There’s a lot that’s changed since our very first gig, which was at the Stetson with a seven-piece. (laughs) Yup, a seven piece.”

At the end of the day, though, the energy that Envy puts into doing what they do comes from a pretty humble place. It’s not about blowing up the radio charts or becoming famous; instead, it’s about supporting the music scene, and giving people a bit of a break from it all.

“The scene’s been changing,” Joelle reflected. “People were flooding places just to get in, and that’s not the case these days, unfortunately, and I think there are many reasons for that. However, I also feel that – compared to even five months ago – the bars are getting busier again. People are going out again, and they want to let loose, and they want to dance. It’s been heavy in the past few years with world events, and politics, and all that stuff, and I think people are tired of it, and I think they just want to get out and have an experience. That’s what we want to give. We want to try and give everybody an experience.” Personally, I can’t think of any better reason to get up on a stage and sing your heart out.

Envy will be performing live at Legends Kitchen and Bar, March 10 and 11. Support local live music and come check out this incredible band – you’ll be glad you did!

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• 39

STEPS FOR SUCCESS

BY H. JACKSON BROWN, JR.

“I failed my way to success.” - Thomas Edison 1. Marry the right person.

This one decision will determine 90% of your happiness or misery.

2. Work at something you enjoy and that's worthy of your time and talent.

3. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

4. Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.

5. Be forgiving of yourself and others.

6. Be generous.

7. Have a grateful heart.

8.

Persistence, persistence, persistence.

9.

Discipline yourself to save money on even the most modest salary.

10. Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated.

11. Commit yourself to constant improvement.

12. Commit yourself to quality.

13. Understand that happiness is not based on possessions, power or prestige, but on relationships with people you love and respect.

“If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking.

Don’t settle.”

– Steve Jobs 14. Be loyal.

15. Be honest.

16. Be a selfstarter.

17. Be decisive even if it means you'll sometimes be wrong.

18. Stop blaming others. Take responsibility for every area of your life.

We are all 100% in charge of our own lives.

19. Be bold and courageous.

When you look back on your life, you'll regret the things you didn't do more than the ones you did.

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” - Helen Keller

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k

20.

Do Not Settle.

Success is a process – not an event.

Some goals may happen overnight.

Others require more time, energy, and alignment of some planets.

Do not get discouraged.

Keep plotting forward with your plan.

22. Set Goals.

People who set a course for achieving their goals are generally happier than those that just let life happen to them.

‘Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.”

Treat knowledge like a new friend. Life is so much more satisfying when we make a new friend every day.

23.

Don’t Fear Failure.

Failure is almost always placed at odds with success.

Yet without failure few would know the way to success.

25.

Don’t Stop Learning.

The more 24. you know, Take Risks. the more At the end you realize of the day you do not there is know. truth to the Make it a statement, habit to “nothing learn someventured, thing new nothing each day. gained.”

26. Take good care of those you love.

27. Don't do anything that wouldn't make your Mom proud.

28.

Network.

No one in this world achieved success on their own.

Success requires that you lean on someone for support.

29.

Carry a Notebook Our lives are busy and getting busier. Over the course of a day we’ll have ideas, solutions, and epiphanies

30.

Seek a Mentor.

The best way to achieve success and limit failure is to work with someone that has already been down the same road.

“Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”

“Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?” “That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” said the Cat. “I don’t much care where,” said Alice. “Then it doesn’t matter which way you go,” said the Cat. - dialogue between Alice and the Cheshire Cat in Lewis Carroll’s book, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

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MY FAVOURITE – FANTASTIC – FABULOUS AND FUN STUFF

FETA CHEESE KATHRYN HARTWELL Isn’t food just fabulous?

I love food. I also love to cook; there is not a day that goes by that I am not creating something new. I am always looking for creative and delicious recipes and I love to experiment with different herbs and spices, just by adding a little bit of this or that you can completely change the way your dish will taste. Cooking and creating just seem to go hand in hand.

Out of all the thousands of food creations you can make, one of my favourite ingredients to change up a recipe besides herbs and spices would be cheese. I suppose cheese is considered a food but in my books, it is so much more than that.

Specialty cheese comes from all over the world and they all have a

distinctly different flavour. I could never tell you I have one or two favourite cheese’s because I have dozens of favourites. There’s Brie, Asiago, Muenster, Swiss, Gouda, Roquefort, Camembert, Mozzarella, Emmental, Cheddar, Gruyere, American, Smoked, Goat (Chèvre) Cheese, Blue, Havarti, Danish, Farmer, Jarlsberg, Feta and a few thousand more. There are also thousands of recipes for each and every one of these different cheeses; oh, just think, the possibilities are endless!!

Doesn’t it make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside dreaming of all the possibilities? For the sake of a total cheese meltdown for this article I must focus on just one of these delectable choices and I chose “feta” because I love it so.

I am going to share just a few of my most favourite feta recipes, but remember there are so many other ways you can serve feta—in your salads, soups, casseroles, stews, even desserts.

This first recipe is perfect for entertaining and is extra delicious and easy!

Spicy Feta Dip

Made with feta cheese and spicy peppers. A great addition to any cheese board.

8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled 3 tablespoons good quality olive oil (plus a little extra for drizzling on top) 2 teaspoons fresh spicy peppers, chopped 1 teaspoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar In a small food processor, combine all ingredients and process until smooth. Add more olive oil, a little at a time, as needed to produce a smooth and creamy textured dip. Serve immediately or place covered in the refrigerator for at least one hour to allow flavours to develop. Can be topped with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh or dried oregano.

This easy recipe for Garlic Feta Dip is ready to go in less than 10 minutes and a guaranteed crowd pleaser! This "skinny dip" is lightened up with Greek yogurt, but no one will ever guess your secret.

Garlic Feta Dip

6 ounces crumbled feta cheese, divided 4 ounces light cream cheese, at room temperature 1/3 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt

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2 cloves garlic 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley Crackers, fresh veggies, and/or pita bread or pita chips, for serving In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade, place two-thirds of the feta, the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, garlic cloves, lemon juice, oregano, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.

Transfer the dip to a serving bowl, then sprinkle with the remaining third of the feta, diced bell pepper, and parsley. Serve immediately with crackers and veggies as desired, or refrigerate for up to 1 day. If making ahead, sprinkle with bell peppers and parsley just before serving.

You will be making this over and over.

Oven-Baked Feta Cheese Dip

1 cup crumbled feta cheese 3 cloves of garlic, minced 1/4 cup of your favourite tomato sauce 1/2 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded HOME DÉCOR & THE LATEST FASHIONS! 1/2 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded Preheat oven to 400°F. In a small oven-safe baking dish, or a { ç47&1 { 2.77478 clay pot, layer the crumbled cheese,{ 5499*7> covering the entire bot{ 1&258 tom of the dish. Sprinkle { 2*9&1<470 the minced{ ,&7)*3 garlic on top of the feta cheese. Spoon on the tomato sauce, covering { +:73.9:7*the entire cheese { 8.,38 { 2:(- 247*I cheese and the { 89&78 the mozzarella and garlic mixture. Mix together >> TRENDY TOPS & TEES, SWEATERS JEWELRY, cheddar cheese; layer on top of the tomato sauce. Bake it in the LEGGINGS, CARDIGANS, PONTE PANTS & MORE oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Serve it warm with a side of flatbread or tortilla chips.

HOME DÉCOR & THE LATEST FASHIONS!

Just made these the other day and served them with soup and { ç47&1 { 2.77478 they are fantastic. { 1&258 Spinach and Feta Muffins { 2*9&1<470

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chunky. It’s dense, so you may need THURS. & FRI. 10-6, SAT.to10-5stir it with a fork once or twice. Taste, and if it’s too salty add more lemon juice. Spoon into 18 Spruce Park Dr a serving bowl, drizzle with a little oil, and sprinkle with a pinch of pepper flakes andStrathmore, some lemonABzest.

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1/2-pound frozen spinach, thawed { 8.,38 If you have ever realdeals.net/Strathmore looked at a container of feta at your grocery 1/2-pound feta cheese { 89&78 store wondered/RealDealsStrathmore “what on earth could I make with that?” well, 2 cups flour >> TRENDY TOPS & TEES, SWEATERSand JEWELRY, you know. Feta has a soft, crumbly texture and a salty, tangy LEGGINGS, CARDIGANS,now PONTE PANTS & MORE 2 teaspoons baking powder flavour. It is lower in calories than many other types of cheese 1 teaspoon salt and can be a healthy addition to any diet. Go ahead, add a little 2 eggs, beaten spice to your life and give feta a chance; you will not be sorry 1/3 cup olive oil you did.

1 1/3 cups milk Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paReferences: tastyeverafter, wellplated, diethood, 12tomatoes, giverecipe.com, per baking cups. Cut the feta into small cubes. Mix the flour, sweetpaulmag.com baking powder and salt together in a bowl. Combine the spinach, beaten eggs, olive oil and milk in a separate bowl. Add the dry mixture to the spinach mixture; do not over mix. Fold in the feta. Divide the mixture evenly in the muffin cups. Bake for about 20 minutes.

The feta with the lemon is completely fabulous.

Sweet Paul's Famous Feta & Lemon Dip

7 ounces feta cheese (about 1 cup crumbled) 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest, plus more for garnish 1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 garlic clove, minced 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving Pinch of red pepper flakes Crackers, chips, toasts, or pita crisps, for serving Place the feta, lemon zest, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil in a blender and whir until combined but still slightly

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• 43

/Real

Women Talk Strathmore

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.

Together with the Cheadle Lions Club, Wheatland & Area Hospice Society:

Steering Towards Hospice

“The best thing in life is finding someone who knows all of your flaws, mistakes and weaknesses and still thinks you’re completely amazing.” ~Yasmin khan

A Charitable Fund Raising Event

e t a D e h t e v Sa

With wedding season just around the corner, I’ve been thinking about the concept of a lifetime of commitment to another person and I’ve realized that lasting romantic and plutonic relationships have the same foundation: a genuine friendship.

Saturday, May 13, 2017 Strathmore Civic Centre

Cheadle Lions Feed-A-Steer Auc�on On-Line & Live Auc�on

A simply story that illustrates a true friendships is a 5-year old boy who asked his friend, “What’s friendship?” He replied, “Friendship is when you steal my chocolates every day from my bag… and I still keep them in the same place.”

Tickets: $100 ea. Only 100 �ckets printed

Relationship dynamics are intriguing and several years ago, I was introduced to the Reason, Season or Lifetime poem. This poem changed my interactions with others and allowed me to appreciate the variety of people I’ve met over the years.

WIN 6 bo�les of 1995 Opus One Cabernet Sauvignon Value $3260 Dinner Tickets: $25/pp Contact: info@wheatlandhospice.ca

Enjoy a steak as you make a stake in future hospice care!

The poem says that every person who comes into our lives will fall into one of these categories: reason, season or lifetime. This includes family, co-workers, neighbours, clients, friends, romantic partners and strangers we strike up a conversation with in the checkout line.

Essentially, when someone shows up for a ‘reason’, they are there to assist you (or you to assist them) in some way. Once that has been done, they will suddenly be gone. This could be a casual encounter with a stranger or a very short-lived friendship or romantic involvement.

Those who are a ‘season’ bring experiences for growth, learning, sharing and joy. They are in your life longer than a ‘reason’ before they either fade away to the sidelines or disappear altogether.

And then there are the ‘lifetime’ people. They teach us lifetime lessons or insights that contribute t o

REASON, SEASON OR LIFETIME? 44 •

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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

CONSTITUENCY OFFICE: 215, 175 Chestermere Sta�on Way, Chestermere, AB T1X 0G1

We collect for: SE Rockyview Food Bank Chestermere Food Bank Veterans Food Bank

Please support local businesses.

They are the BEST! Call, Write or Email!

We want to hear from you!

who we are and how we live. According to the poem, our job is to, “accept the lesson, love the person, and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.”

When I meet someone, I often wonder if they are a reason, season or a lifetime. By wondering what brought us together, I pay attention to the encounter and listen more closely to any resulting conversation and this generally leads to an insightful AH HA.

• We are always respectfully honest when expressing our opinions, feelings and needs.

In the fall of 2015, I had one such encounter that started out with my asking a man working at a training event a question. This led to an intriguing conversation followed by several outings over coffee and tea where meaningful conversations occurred and a deep level of comfort settled in between us. Within a few short months, we acknowledged that we were a ‘lifetime’ and for the past year we have spent at least one day a week together, every single week.

• Spending time together raises our spirits when we are feeling down.

We often reflect on what makes our friendship so incredibly strong, the kind of friendship that will exist forever, and not surprisingly, our friendship has characteristics that exist in all types of healthy relationships. A few of these are: • We are completely accepting of each other, exactly as we are, and feel free to be ourselves without fear of being criticized, judged or ridiculed.

• We appreciate each other’s strengths, positive attributes and ‘amazingness’ and when necessary, we remind each other of what we believe to be true in regards to who they are.

TAXES

• Spending time together is a priority.

• Our unconditional support means that no matter the circumstance, we have each other’s back.

• We have absolute and unconditional trust for each other.

• We have fun, no matter what we are doing.

Women Talk in Strathmore also offers characteristics of healthy relationships. It is a supportive, caring, accepting group of women who come together each month to provide a safe space for women to share their stories and connect to one another. It is also a place of laughter, inspiration and trust.

If you haven’t been to Women Talk, and welcome an opportunity to be appreciated for who you are, consider joining us on the last Thursday of each month for conversation, sharing and support.

For more information about the monthly WOMEN TALK meeting in Strathmore, including how you may participate by attending or being a Talker, please visit www.WomenTalk.ca/ Strathmore.

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February 23, 2017 7-9pm Strathmore Station Tickets $17 online or $25 at the door Food & Drink menu available

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Finding Hope - Stage The Science & Magic of IV Throat Cancer Numerology For more info and tickets go to

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• 45

Your pet will always be treated like a part of our family at the Animal Care Centre of Strathmore We have recommendations, training information, and handouts that will help you and your pet. We provide ultimate in care in a safe, comfortable environment; catered to your pet’s specific needs including: › Annual Health Examinations › Vaccination Appointments › Behavior Consultations › Isolation ward › Breeder puppy vaccinations › Travel documents › Pediatric patient exams › Geriatric patient exams › Insurance › Referrals

Myth 5: Cats can eat dog food.

FALSE. While it’s ok for kitty to sneak a kibble or two from the dogs bowl, it’s essential that she receive a balanced, feline-specific diet.

This is because cats are normally deficient in taurine and need to acquire it through their daily diet. Cat foods are supplemented with this amino acid, while dog foods often do not contain enough to meet the normal requirements for cats. A cat that has a taurine deficiency can develop central retinal degeneration, and dilated cardiomyopathy.

Symptoms are often very slow to develop and if not caught early enough, can lead to blindness, severe heart disease, and even death. Finding a balanced diet catered to our felines will keep them healthy and happy for years to come!

403.901.1800 clinic & emergency | info@animalcarecentre.ca | animalcarecentre.ca We are located north of the Trans Canada Hwy on RR 254, 2 km West of Strathmore.

FIVE COMMON ANIMAL MYTHS BUSTED BY YOUR VETERINARIAN ANIMAL CARE CENTRE

FOOD ALLERGIES AND HOW THEY AFFECT OUR PETS

Myth 1: If your dog gets struck by a porcupine, cut the quill ends to allow them to deflate, making them easier to pull out.

FALSE. Cutting the quill ends do not “deflate” them. In fact, it only makes it more difficult for your vet to pull them out, as the ends become shorter and harder to grab onto. The reverse barbs at the tips of the quills are the reason that they are so difficult and painful to pull out.

PET PLANET

Myth 2: Cows sleep standing up.

Just like humans, pets can develop allergies to just about any food or substance in the environment. But, unlike the typical human response to allergens —

FALSE. The common myth of cow tipping (pushing a cow over while she sleeps standing up) is simply not true. Horses can sleep standing up, but cows cannot.

coughing, sneezing, watery eyes and in rare cases, anaphylactic shock — the most common signs of allergies in pets are skin irritations such as itching, scratching, digging, and gnawing at the skin and chronic ear infections. In fact, veterinarians estimate that about 70 per cent of all skin conditions in dogs are allergy related.

Myth 3: Cats always land on their feet.

FALSE. Cats have a very flexible backbone that allows them to twist their bodies in mid air during a fall. While it seems that cats always land on their feet, it is impossible to assume that they can do this perfectly every time, especially short distances.

Food Allergies Some pets develop allergies to ingredients in their pet food and treats. With respect to a food allergy, the offending ingredient is usually a major protein or carbohydrate such as beef, chicken, pork, corn, wheat or soy. Other potential allergens in food include artificial preservatives, flavours and dyes.

Myth 4: Allowing a dog or cat to lick its wound helps to keep it clean.

FALSE. Dogs and cats have vast amounts of bacteria in their mouths. When they lick at a wound or incision site from a surgical procedure, it can create an infection. This is why the e-collar (cone) was invented.

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Increase your skills – not your mileage.

Prepare for a rewarding career close to home. At our new Bow Valley College campus in downtown Strathmore – opening fall 2017 – you’ll get all the benefits of a big city college without the big city commute. Enrolment is open now for Fall 2017 programs.

Business Administration | Practical Nurse | Medical Office Assistant | Hospital Unit Clerk | English Language Learning | High School Upgrading Contact your Strathmore campus at 403-462-2550 to register for the open house on March 17.

ing the offending food for years with no signs of trouble. This is problematic because the long time frame for signs of a food allergy to appear makes it very difficult to identify the allergen.

Food allergies differ from environmental allergies in a number of ways: • In addition to skin irritations, food allergies may also cause vomiting and/or diarrhea.

• Symptoms of food allergies are not, nor ever have been seasonal.

• Food allergies usually begin later in life between five and six years of age.

• Dogs with food allergies will usually show signs of skin irritations on the face, paw, limb or belly and suffer from recurring ear infections.

• Cats with food allergies will usually show signs they’ve been scratching around the face and neck.

Diagnosing and Treating Food Allergies Figuring out whether or not your dog’s skin condition is caused by a food allergy will take time and patience. A special diet (usually containing a protein source that your dog has never eaten before) is fed for a set period of time, anywhere from four to 12 weeks.

If your pet gets significantly better during this time, his original diet is then fed to him for up to two weeks. If your dog recovers with the special diet and the itch returns with the original diet then a food allergy is diagnosed. To test for a more specific allergen, you’ll need to introduce ingredients one at a time and see what the reaction is.

Unfortunately, dealing with allergies is a life-long problem but there are several things you can do to help pets with food

allergies: •Purchase high-quality pet food and treats containing whole, unprocessed ingredients and no artificial preservatives, flavours or colourings.

• Add immune boosting and anti-inflammatory nutritional supplements such as Omega 3 fatty acids to your pet’s diet.

• Treat itchiness and any skin lesions with topical medications and/or soothing baths.

• Complementary therapies such as acupuncture, homeopathy and aromatherapy may ease the symptoms of food allergies.

Pet Planet Health www.petplanethealth.com

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100 Ranch Market, Unit 105H Strathmore, AB T1P0A8 Email: ranchmarket@ strathmore.petplanet.ca

Tel: 403.934.9934

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#TheNewsy Neighbour

Share your completed work on our facebook or instagram accounts for a chance to win a $50 Gift Certificate to any advertiser of your choice in this issue. You could also email it too: aleesha@thenewsyneighbour.com or drop it off at Studio 86 Tanning in Strathmore. G-510 Hwy 1, Strathmore, AB T1P 1M6

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Bronze Sponsor - Angela Hitch & Sara Hitch (Face Painting & Tattoo's) Media Sponsor - The Newsy Neighbour

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Raffle for door prizes Goodie bags for first 100 families!!!

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New 10 Week Programs

general similarities that can help you recognize the stages of development and offer a nurturing environment where your child may develop to their full potential.

Adult Zumba Hand Balancing - 8 yrs plus Saturday Sampler - 6 yrs plus KomboKids - 2/3 yrs, 4/5 yrs Adult Eclec�c (Jazz/Contemporary) Tumbling Tots - (Intro to Acroba�cs 4-6 yrs) Topsy-Turvy - (Intro to acroba�cs, 7 yrs plus)

As your toddler starts into her third year, you will notice dramatic achievements. Doing things all by herself is important, so be patient and give her time to do things and figure things out even though it may be frustrating to wait. Use every opportunity you can to talk about your day to day experiences with your toddler. This helps her make sense of the world around her and offers the use of language to express emotions, needs, wants and ideas.

Emotionally, your toddler continues to develop traits of resiliency, empathy, sympathy, caring, and assertiveness. He is still moving between wanting independence and needing the security of having a caregiver close by. He can still be very attached to a favourite toy or blanket. Your toddler may demand his own way and may show signs of being bossy or throw temper tantrums. He is also getting better at expressing his feelings through words, as his language develops. He needs an ordered, predictable routine for regular activities like bed time, morning routines and nap time.

NEW PROGRAMS FOR SPRING

Physically, your toddler is becoming even more active and her large muscles are becoming stronger. She can walk backwards and sideways and walk up and down stairs with both feet on one step before moving on to the next. She can run without falling and jumps in place with both feet off the floor. She can climb on a riding toy and make it go using both feet. Your toddler’s hands and eyes work well together and her fine motor control is developing to the point where she is able to string beads using her thumb and forefinger. She scribbles, holding a crayon in her whole hand and will imitate drawing vertical and horizontal lines. She can remove jars from lids and will build towers of five or more blocks.

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126 Canal Garden. Strathmore, AB

Ph: 403-901-6392

AGES AND STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT TWENTY-FOUR TO THIRTY MONTHS

BY JEANETTE MACKAY, REPRINTED Parent Link Centres are provincially funded to support parents and caregivers by providing early childhood development programs and services that are designed to meet the unique needs of children and families in Alberta communities. Each centre offers parent education programs, programs for young children to learn and play, information and referrals, family support services (such as lending libraries, resource exchanges, family counseling, etc.) and developmental screening to support optimal child development. Parent Link Centres are all about connecting parents to parents and resources in their home community.

To access developmental screening or for information about other Parent Link Centre programs and services in S.E. Rocky View, call Community Services at 403-207-7060.

Intellectually, your toddler is using self-centered pronouns like I, me, and you. He puts together simple two or three word sentences and is able to answer simple questions such as, “What is your name?” He performs simple tasks like bringing a cup to you when asked. Language is developing quickly and he enjoys talking about the things he sees and the experiences he is having, so encourage this type of conversation. He is beginning to understand the similarities and differences of shapes and sizes and has an increased attention s p a n .

He is able to sing parts of songs and enjoys looking at books and talking about the pictures. Your toddler can match

This is the seventh in a series of articles on child development written to help parents and caregivers recognize and understand the ages and stages of a child’s physical, emotional, social and intellectual development during the first five years. These are only guidelines, as every child is unique with their own personality, learning style and family background. There are, however, some

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Chestermere Recreation Centre Programs & Events For more info and to register go to: www.chestermerecrca.com R E N T A L S & P U B L I C S K A T I N G

CHESTERMERE MIND BODY & SPIRIT EXPO 2017 No Cost Sat March 18TH 10 – 4 pm Chestermere Rec Centre 201 West Chestermere Dr Do you want to feel better and healthier on all levels - physically, mentally, and spiritually?

The Expo showcases products, services, and resources for your optimal health & well-being.

Over 50 booths to inspire you!

Interested services and businesses please email recreation@chestermerecrca.com.

NEW***CRCA PRESCHOOL CAMPS***NEW An opportunity for little ones to have a summer daycamp experience!

Ages 3 - 5 years 9:00 am – Noon Chestermere Rec Centre Games, activities, crafts, outdoor play and lots of fun!

“WILD WILD WEST” July 12th & 14th “CIRCUS CAMP” July 26th & 28th “JUNGLE FUN” August 9th & 11th “ANIMAL PLANET” August 16th & 18th More info at www.chestermerecrca.com or email recreation@chestermerecrca.com.

SPRING 2017 RECREATION PROGRAMS Preschool Sportball starts March 16th Outdoor Soccer / Preschool Learn to Skate starts March 21st Preschool Swimming Lessons start April 30th Outdoor Soccer for Ages 2—8 starts May 1st Register online or at the Rec Centre Main Office.

&

CHESTERMERE SUMMER DAYCAMPS FOR AGES 6—12

9 weeks of fun with weekly off site field trips, bike days, action packed themes and much more!

Best Deal $1950.00 for the whole summer—includes pre camp care starting at 6:30 am and post camp care until 6:00 pm. Camps run 8:30—4:30.

Weekly and daily rates are also available or pick the Field Trip only option! 8 Off Site Field Trips every Thursday for only $480 for members and $520 for non members.

Socially, your toddler is establishing her own identity. “No, me do it” is a favourite phrase. She enjoys being near other children, but still may not be able to play cooperatively very well. She may display shyness around strangers or in unfamiliar places and situations. She may show signs of aggression like pulling hair or biting when she becomes frustrated.

Comfort, play with, and teach your toddler by providing the appropriate motor and sensory stimulation. Encourage him to show his emotions and talk about them saying things like “It’s OK to cry, can you tell me why you’re sad.” When he is very upset about something move him to a quieter place and give him some time to settle. Praise his efforts and accomplishments, his drawing skills, his running skills, his dressing skills, etc. He is probably good at undressing so give him opportunities to dress himself as well. Talk about things he’s interested in, ask questions about things when grocery shopping, get him to describe what he sees when on walks. When walking, collect rocks, seeds, and leaves and talk about the similarities and differences. Have him help you sort the laundry, picking out all the socks or his shirts. Join him in pretend play, following his lead and letting him develop the play. Give him a container with different small objects and have him sort them into a tray, picking them up with tongs or a spoon, which will help develop his small motor control. Have him help with preparing dinner by doing things like ripping the lettuce for a salad. Make a picture book by using pictures of familiar faces or cutting out different “feeling faces” and then talk

P R O G R A M S &

Info at www.chestermerecrca.com or email recreation@chestermerecrca.com.

M O R E

Register for CRCA Programs online at www.chestermerecrca.com or the Rec Centre Main Office Need more information ? Contact us at 403-272-7170 or email recreation@chestermerecrca.com

shapes, pictures and colours, and has an understanding of the verbal sequence of numbers.

E V E N T S

about these pictures with your toddler often. Children this age like to imitate so use new words, animal sounds and noises to give him opportunities to expand his language. Quiet activities such as sharing books and sitting together talking about the day are important. Simple movement games using stop/go, down/up, backward/forward, and over/under encourage development of motor skills and listening skills. Remember, your toddler is learning through play so offer many opportunities to do different things and to be with others. Give him lots of praise and love while you’re having fun!

EST 2002

To register for 2017/2018 classes visit or contact us at 104 Springmere Way, Chestermere

Email: marilyn@littleacorns.ca

Telephone: 403-663-9542

Open House Saturday March 18 , 10 to 2 Sunday March 19 , 2 to 4 facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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LABOUR PAINS

Q. How will I know if my vomiting is morning sickness or the flu?

A. If it's the flu, you'll get better.

Q. My brother tells me that since my husband has a big nose, and genes for big noses are dominant, my baby will have a big nose as well. Is this true?

A. The odds are greater that your brother will have a fat lip.

Q. Does pregnancy affect a woman's memory?

A. I don't remember.

Q. Am I more likely to get pregnant if my husband wears boxers rather than briefs?

A. Yes, but you'll have an even better chance if he doesn't wear anything at all.

Q. Since I became pregnant, my breasts, rear end, and even my feet have grown. Is there anything that gets smaller during pregnancy?

A. Yes, your bladder.

Q. What do you call a pregnancy that begins while using birth control?

A. A misconception.

Q. Ever since I've been pregnant, I haven't been able to go to bed at night without onion rings. Is this a normal craving?

A. Depends on what you’re doing with them.

Q. Can a woman get pregnant from a toilet seat?

A. Yes, but the baby would be awfully funny looking.

Q. The more pregnant I get, the more often strangers smile at me.

Why? A. Because you're fatter than they are.

Q. What is the easiest way to figure out exactly when I got pregnant?

A. Have sex once a year.

Q. My wife is five months pregnant and so moody that sometimes she's borderline irrational.

A. So what's your question?

Q. What is a chastity belt?

A. A labour-saving device.

Q. Will I love my dog less when the baby is born?

A. No, but your husband might get on your nerves.

Q. What is the most common pregnancy craving?

A. For men to be the ones who get pregnant.

Q. Under what circumstances can sex at the end of pregnancy bring on labour?

A. When the sex is between your husband and another woman.

Q. I normally wear a size 34-C bra. Now that I'm pregnant, should I continue to wear a bra?

A. Not if you don't mind switching in the future to a size 34Long.

Q. What's the difference between a nine-month pregnant woman and a Playboy centrefold?

A. Nothing, if the pregnant woman's husband knows what's good for him.

Q. What is the most reliable method to determine a baby's sex?

A. Childbirth.

Q. What position should the baby be in during the ninth month of pregnancy?

A. Head down, pressing firmly on your bladder.

Q. My blood type is O-positive and my husband's is A-negative. What if my baby is born, say, type AB-positive?

A. Then the jig is up.

Q. Should I have a baby after 35?

A. No, 35 children is enough.

Q. What's the best way to get a man to give up his seat to a pregnant woman?

A. Brute force.

Q. I'm two months pregnant now. When will my baby move?

A. With any luck, right after he finishes college.

Q. How long is the average woman in labour?

A. Whatever she says, divided by two.

Q. My childbirth instructor says it's not pain I'll feel during labour, but pressure. Is she right?

A. Yes, in the same way that a tornado might be called an air current.

The staff of McBride Career Group would like to say Thank You to everyone that voted us Best Business Coach.

Q. When is the best time to get an epidural?

A. Right after you find out you're pregnant.

Thank You

Q. Is there any reason I have to be in the delivery room while my wife is in labour?

A. Not unless the word "alimony" means anything to you.

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Q. I'm modest. Once I'm in the hospital to deliver, who will see me in that delicate position?

A. Authorized personnel only - doctors, nurses, orderlies, photographers, florists, cleaning crews, journalists, etc.

McBride Career Group ~ 403-934-4305 ~ www.mcbridecareergroup.com

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BVAS 50/50 Tickets Are On Sale Now! Check out our website for more details or contact the main oďŹ&#x192;ce.

Banquet Hall Rentals and Catering Services

403-936-5474 www.indusrec.ca

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

Q. What are forceps?

A. Giant baby tweezers.

Q. What happens to disposable diapers after they're thrown away?

A. They are stored in a silo in the Midwest, in the event of global chemical warfare.

Q. Do I have to have a baby shower?

A. Not if you change the baby's diaper very quickly.

Q. Does anyone in this country still give birth in the fields?

A. Not on purpose.

Q. What is colic?

A. A reminder for new parents to use birth control.

Q. Is there anything I should avoid while recovering from childbirth?

A. Yes, pregnancy.

Q. What are night terrors?

A. Frightening episodes in which the new mother dreams she's pregnant again.

Q. What does it mean when the baby's head is crowning?

A. It means you feel as though the baby is not only bringing a crown out, the entire throne with him/her!

Q. Does labour cause hemorrhoids?

A. Labour causes anything you want to blame it for.

Q. Under what circumstances should a baby not be circumcised?

A. When it's a girl, for starters.

Q. Where is the best place to store breast milk?

A. In your breasts.

Q. Is there a safe alternative to breast pumps?

A. Yes, baby lips.

Q. What does it mean when a baby is born with teeth?

A. It means that the baby's mother may want to rethink her plans to nurse.

Q. How does one sanitize nipples?

A. Bathe daily and wear a clean bra. It beats boiling them in a saucepan.

Q. What are the terrible twos?

A. Your breasts after baby stops nursing cold turkey.

Q. What is the best time to wean the baby from nursing?

A. When you see teeth marks.

Q. What is the grasp reflex?

A. The reaction of new father's when he sees new mother's breasts.

Q. Can a mother get pregnant while nursing?

A. Yes, but it's much easier if she removes the baby from her breast and puts him to sleep first.

Spring & Summer Camp & Recreation

EXPO

April 8, 2017

Chestermere Recreation Centre 10:00am-3:00pm Table Inquiries 403.862.1120 kimmcrae@macaronikid.com

strathmore.macaronikid.com / chestermere.macaronikid.com facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

â&#x20AC;˘ 53

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STRATHMORE & DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY SCORES MARKETING WINS AT AAAS

The Strathmore Stampede & Heritage Days runs August 4th through 7th, 2017 at the Strathmore & District Heritage Days Park and Rodeo Grounds.

Herb McLane, General Manager.

403-901-4465

The 2017 Strathmore Stampede & Heritage Days poster entry won first place honours at the Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies held in Edmonton on Saturday. The poster was a double winner, receiving poster honours for events of more than 5,000 attendees and also that of ‘Delegates Choice’, an overall marketing win.

This is the second year in a row that Strathmore has received the two awards for our poster. Strathmore has also won in these categories several times previously.

The 2017 poster is the third in a series produced and shot by Bret and Shawna Kenworthy and depicts three young boys – brothers – and potential future stars of the rodeo. The young cowboys are Dane, Cale and Brett Lewis of Strathmore. They are the sons of Wes and Donna Lewis. “’A picture says a thousand words,’ is the old saying,” says Herb McLane, General Manager of the Strathmore & District Agri-

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This may sound a little strange, but this winter I have become a bit of an avocado freak. I’ve had

one or two in the past, normally in a salad or a sandwich, but never went out of my way to actually purchase one from the store. This winter that all changed and now I crave these rather funny looking bumpy green alligator fruit and they have become one of my favourite go-to snacks.

The good news about my new fetish is that avocados are very nutritious and contain a wide variety of nutrients, including 20 different vitamins and minerals. In a single serving, 3.5 ounces of this little beauty contains:

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Vitamin K: 26% of the RDA. Folate: 20% of the RDA. Vitamin C: 17% of the RDA. Potassium: 14% of the RDA. Vitamin B5: 14% of the RDA. Vitamin B6: 13% of the RDA. Vitamin E: 10% of the RDA.

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It also contains small amounts of magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, zinc, phosphorous, Vitamin A, B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin) and B3 (Niacin). No kidding! It’s a little green bumpy miracle. It has 160 calories, 2 grams of protein and 15 grams of healthy fats. Although it contains 9 grams of carbs, 7 of those are fibre so there are only 2 “net” carbs, making this a low-carb friendly plant food. Avocados do not contain any cholesterol or sodium, and are low in saturated fat. Sounds like my kind of snack.

Now, having shared all that, we all know the most common use for our little healthy friend is to use it to make guacamole, but there are tons of other ways to eat this little powerhouse. One of my favourites is to slice it into my tomato or red-pepper soup; simply amazing. They make just about anything better, even your smoothies. Smear avocados onto toast, or top your morning eggs with a couple of slices. Just make sure they're perfectly ripe.

Phone: (403) 936-0124 Open 8AM-9PM Every Day! #101-97 Centre ST. S.W., LANGDON, AB

LUSCIOUS JOYS

First, I am going to share MY favuorite guacamole recipe because I make it a little differently than most people because I cannot put tomato in mine (fresh tomatoes contain a naturally occurring glutamate, almost like monosodium glutamate and I am highly allergic to both) so this is how I make my favourite guacamole:

AVOCADO KATHRYN HARTWELL

MY FAVOURITE GUACAMOLE RECIPE

Use two green onions (chopped), a couple of fresh garlic cloves mushed (using a garlic press), add the juice from a fresh lime, at least ½ cup fresh cilantro (less if you don’t like cilantro) and ½ tsp. salt or to taste.

Mash the whole bunch together with a fork, leaving some lumps, or not, depending on your preference. You can add more lime depending on the flavour you desire. Fool around this with recipe until you get that perfect taste. Depending on my mood I might add a couple of shots of hot sauce or chili peppers. You could add pretty much anything that inspires you – just use your imagination.

This is the best idea ever!

AVOCADO EGG SALAD

All I do is make my hard-boiled eggs the normal way – just boil them in water for 15 minutes and then run cold water over

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them for a few minutes and let cool (secret: if you add a tbsp of vinegar to your water, they will not crack and I find they peel a little easier too)! I used 4 hardboiled eggs and 1 mashed avocado.

Add a couple chopped green onions, ¼ tsp yellow mustard, ¼ tsp paprika and salt and pepper to taste. Sometimes I add a chopped baby dill pickle. You can add a couple tbsp of mayo but you really don’t need to – whatever your preference is. Mash it all together and serve in a sandwich or with pita chips. You will keep coming back to this recipe again and again, it is really luscious.

This recipe I found on ohsheglows.com and I have never tried it but I know what’s for dinner this evening. You can make this recipe vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar-free and soy-free.

15-MINUTE CREAMY AVOCADO PASTA

9 ounces spiralized or julienned zucchini or on a bed of spaghetti squash or your favourite pasta of any sort.

1 to 2 cloves garlic, to taste 1/4 cup lightly packed fresh basil leaves, plus more for serving 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, to taste 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more if needed 1 ripe medium avocado, pitted 1 tablespoon water 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, to taste Freshly ground black pepper, to taste Lemon zest, for serving Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package. For a lighter option, serve the avocado sauce with zucchini noodles. While the pasta cooks, make the sauce: In a food processor, combine the garlic and basil and pulse to mince. Add the lemon juice,

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Drain the pasta and place it back in the pot. Add all the avocado sauce and stir until combined. You can gently rewarm the pasta if it has cooled slightly, or simply serve it at room temperature. Top with pepper, lemon zest, and fresh basil leaves, if desired. Tips: Because avocados oxidize quickly after you slice them, this sauce is best served immediately.

At the end of the day, avocados are an awesome food and lusciously healthy. What more could you ask for?

References: authoritynutrition.com, gimmedelicious.com,

3.5” x 2.5” | Maximum Font Size: 30 pt

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100 Rainbow Road Suite #203 Chestermere, AB T1X 0V2 403-235-4006

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Member – Canadian Investor Protection Fund

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• 57

Jock

Free Agent Bargain Shopping!

When you’re on a budget you don’t shop at Nordstrom’s.

tion know very early in the process where I wanted to be. To be honest, I really didn’t look anywhere else.”

The good news is, Calgary Stampeder President and General Manager John Hufnagel was able to find some bargains at Value Village last month. True to his word, Hufnagel focused on taking care of his own players during CFL free agency. After re-signing star receiver Marquay McDaniel and DL Micah Johnson the core for the 2017 football club was back in place but with a 5.2 million dollar salary cap the budget was tight.

The biggest loss for the Stampeders last month was the defection of outstanding offensive lineman Derek Dennis to the Rider Nation. Dennis was one of four Stampeders to sign with Saskatchewan. Linebacker Glenn Love, DL Zach Minter and receiver Bakari Grant were the others.

On day two of hunting season (for CFL free agents), the Stamps landed a national linebacker named Beau and a quarterback named Mitchell. Beau Landry was a former first round pick, 8th overall in 2014. A talented player on special teams who could back up Alex Singleton at MLB. When you have a Canadian starter in the CFL it’s so important to have a backup with the same passport. At the time, QB Mitchell Gale was a surprise signing from Saskatchewan but as we later found out the organization had to save some money as he was cheaper and 5 years younger than Drew Tate who was moved to the Ottawa Red Blacks.

Receiver Simon Charbonneau Campeau announced he was going back to school so the team needed a replacement. Rory Kohlert was a starter last season for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and now he will compete with Anthony Parker for the starting wide out position. Once again, the passport was a perfect match.

The Stampeders did not have a national back up for outstanding Canadian Jerome Messam last season. That was addressed with the signing of former U of C star Anthony Woodson from the Hamilton Tiger Cats. It was very clear that the second generation Stampeder left money on the table.

“It has always been my dream to play for the Stampeders,” says Woodson. I live in Calgary in the off season and I let the organiza-

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“I only have so much money to spend,” explains Hufnagel. “He’s not the first all-star left tackle we have lost. He’s a good player but we will find a replacement.”

Believe it or not, this also comes down to the passport and how much the organization is willing to spend on an international offensive lineman. Hufnagel believes in his scouting and development and he is confident they will find the next Derek Dennis at their spring camps in the US. The only other issue that was not addressed in free agency was the secondary. With legal troubles pending for all-star Tommie Campbell it’s likely his days in the CFL are over. High end corners do not come cheap in free agency so once again the organization will have to fill this void through their spring camps.

It’s pretty clear the Stampeders won’t get any gold stars for sexy signings during the free agent period, they have put themselves in a very good position moving into the 2017 season. Let’s break it down in the West.

The Saskatchewan Rough Riders spent like a drunken sailor. Most of the experts declared they were the big winners last month. On paper, they now have a very respectable offensive line, a new running back (Kienan LaFrance) from the defending champions, and some talented receivers. If they ever get the quarterback position figured out they may return to respectability.

The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

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The BC Lions landed a big fish in all-star receiver Chris Williams.

Unfortunately for Lion fans, they also lost 5 players to the NFL and national DL Jabar Westerman to Montreal. The Lions did not get better last month.

For the first time in 3 years, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers were very quiet during free agency. Their budget was blown with the resigning of QB Matt Nichols and like the Stampeders, they also took care of their own.

The Edmonton Eskimos lost two key players to the NFL in all star receiver Derel Walker and Linebacker Deon Lacy. The Eskimos were busy adding to their depth at running back and full back, but the question is did they address the biggest holes?

In the East, the dysfunction award goes to the Toronto Argonauts. With no general manager or head coach in place, players steered clear or signed only when it was the last option.

The Ottawa Red Blacks won the biggest turnover award. The Red Blacks will have a much different look in 2017 as they attempt to defend the cup on home turf. The high powered offense lost big play receivers Ernest Jackson and Chris Williams. Henry Burris officially retired and RB LaFrance moved on to Saskatchewan. The defense took a major hit as DL Forrest Hightower bolted to the NFL. They also lost two key players in the secondary. Jeff Richards to the NFL and Abdul Kenneh to the Hamilton Tiger Cats.

up at the end of the month. The first ever CFL week will take place in Regina from March 20 – 26, 2017.

The off-season gathering will include several major fan engagement events, multi-day media access opportunities to more than 50 prominent CFL players, a Hall of Fame and player Gala Dinner, a coaches’ media junket and a new passing showcase tournament featuring several of Canada’s top university football programs.

The week will be capped off with the CFL’s National Combine, where Canada’s rising stars will come together in Regina for the most social and most accessible Combine – for fans and media – in CFL history.

“CFL Week will bring together everything that is great about our league in one place for one exciting week: important football events such as our national Combine, opportunities for fans to meet and greet our biggest stars, and access for the media to the league’s biggest players and decision makers,” said Jeffrey L. Orridge, CFL Commissioner.

The CFL draft will take place on May 7, then a brand-new season

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

The CFL will take a small pause early in March but things will heat

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What if you wake up someday at 65 or 75, and you realize you never got your memoir or novel written, you didn't go swimming in warm pools and oceans all those years because your thighs were jiggly and you had a nice big comfortable tummy, and you were just so strung out on perfectionism and people-pleasing that you forgot to have a big juicy creative life full of imagination and radical silliness and staring off into space like when you were a kid? It's going to break your heart. Don't let this happen.

Say how you feel, leave the job you hate, find your passion, love with every ounce of your bones, stand up for things that matter, don't settle and don't apologize for who you are.

This monthly article is written by Larissa Stone, Owner of Stone Marketing, a local digital marketing solutions provider. Stone Marketing supports small businesses and start-ups to build a brand, create awareness and increase leads with cost effective, measurable approaches. If you want to rock your business growth contact Larissa Stone at: 403-512-1767 or Lstone@lstone.ca for a free 30-minute marketing analysis. To find out more visit: StoneMarketing.ca 60 •

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2 large avocados, sliced Juice of ½ lime (optional) Salt & pepper ¼ cup flour 1 egg, lightly beaten 1 cup panko bread crumbs 2 tablespoons oil Pre-heat oven to 400°F. Pour 1 tablespoon oil in sheet tray or baking dish; set aside. Squeeze fresh lime juice on avocado slices to preserve their colour while baking (this step is optional). Season with salt, pepper. Dredge in flour, then dip in egg and coat in panko breadcrumbs. Be sure the avocado slices are coated very well in the panko. Place in a single layer on the greased sheet pan.

Drizzle with the remaining oil or spray with cooking spray. This will help the avocado slices crisp in the oven.

Bake for 15 minutes or until the avocados are golden and crispy.

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These avocado fries will last in the fridge for up to 24 hours and are excellent when re-heated in the toaster oven. facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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MartinSHIELDS,MP

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4-H Alberta's 100th anniversary CONGRATULATIONS MARTIN SHIELDS It’s a great honour for me to congratulate 4-H Alberta on their 100th anniversary. There are many provincial celebrations planned for this excellent organization. For the last 100 years, 4-H clubs have been a valuable asset in our rural communities.

4-H has seen a number of transformations in the last 100 years, and one of the biggest is that they have a much broader appeal.

They are now becoming more relevant in more urban parts of Canada.

They teach excellent life-long skills such as co-operation, leadership, critical thinking, organization, public speaking and community service.

The 4-H motto resonates today. “My head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living, for my club, my community, and my country”.

I am proud of the excellent opportunity that 4-H clubs across Canada provide to our youth. I wish 4-H Alberta another hundred years of success!

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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

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WHAT IS 4-H? Many know of this Alberta institution and popular program that has been around since 1917.

Over the years, however, 4-H has quietly evolved into a dynamic program whose projects encompass everything from active living, arts, science and technology, crafts, cooking, agriculture and so much more! Today’s exciting 4-H program gives urban and rural youth and adults life-long skills such as co-operation, leadership, interpersonal relations, critical thinking, decision making, organization, public speaking and community service.

We all want the best for our kids but we know that healthy, active social programs that boost tactile performance and build up self-confidence while being fun and engaging can be costly or inconvenient. That is why 4-H is designed with families in mind.

Parents and children of all ages can participate in age-appropriate meetings and projects at the same time. No more running in two or more directions to accommodate each child’s activities.

4-H is also affordable. Our vested interest in making sure Alberta families have a firm foundation for life means we’ve made our program financially accessible for all income levels. In fact, with our scholarships we may wind up giving you money!

Best of all, the program is fun. We believe to be equipped for success, you must learn by doing. At 4-H you will learn through using your head, heart hands and health:

My head to clearer thinking, My heart to greater loyalty, My hands to larger service, And my health to better living, For my club, my community, and my country

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If this sounds like something you want for you and your family, get ready for:

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In 4‑H, youth run the show. 4‑H clubs typically meet once a month as a large group where youth of all ages take on different leadership roles to make decisions and plan events. Clubs organize fun outings, achievement days and fundraisers, and participate in various activities within their communities. Life-long friendships are formed at the meetings, during the activities and through our camps.

Fun and Friends

We make learning fun. Our flexible projects are designed for solo or partner/group participation. You are limited only by your imagination. If you can dream it up, you can turn it into a project. So go ahead and develop a pest management system for crops, explore your dramatic side on stage, learn how to prepare healthy meals, or even start a small business. You’re never too young or too old to have fun learning by doing.

Family

It just makes sense to belong to an organization that brings the whole family together. 4‑H clubs rely on family support and volunteer leadership from each adult and 4‑H member. That's how we make things happen. Youth and adults are all a part of the 4‑H family.

Personal Development

4-H takes into account everyone’s different personalities and skills. The program is a safe and encouraging place to work in – or push out of – your comfort zone. It is the ultimate place to fit in, explore your passions, and discover new interests all while learning the skills that will take you through school, relationships, post-secondary education and your career.

We believe in excellence and we strive to provide exceptional, affordable and comfortable homes to Southern Albertans, one door at a time.

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Are you ready? A bigger, brighter future awaits. All you have to do is take that first step. Take it now by contacting your closest 4‑H specialist or use our club finder on our website, located under Regional Info. Let’s get started!

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The Accountable$ “We make your dollars make sense”

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Rolly Ashdown, Councillor I am in my second term as a Rocky View County Councillor for Division 4 which includes Langdon. email: rashdown@rockyview.ca 403-999-2722 Cell, 403-936-0777 Res

A Little History on LANGDON Sometimes it is hard to write an article, especially when you would like to always be positive.

Recently, there was an accident in our fair hamlet that resulted in the STARS Air Ambulance picking up a teenage girl with injuries she got from a vehicle hitting her from behind. Thankfully, this is not a normal occurrence. It is a tragic event whenever someone gets injured however it happens, but when a pedestrian and a vehicle collide, it inevitably becomes something that causes anyone hearing about it to question what happened and why.

This one was particularly complicated and shocking; her dad is one of our great volunteer Fire Fighters and was one of the first responders on the scene. From what I understand, he helped the paramedics and assisted in getting her to the helicopter bound for the Children’s Hospital. He joined her at the hospital along with the ground EMS. The good news is that she survived and is now getting better! We can all be thankful it wasn’t worse and hope that she has a full and speedy recovery.

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A little history: Langdon was first settled well over 100 years ago, in 1883. It is twice the age of Rocky View County and has seen ups and downs. At a point in time, it was quite a booming place.

1908 is the theme of one of our commercial areas; that was one of the boom times as far as I know. On May 24, 1908 Langdon was declared a village. In the 20’s, Langdon got as large as 2,000 people. Not long after that it started to shrink as Calgary grew, and in 1950 Langdon had a population of 100. From the 50’s to the 90’s it stayed quite small. Somewhere along the way, Langdon became a hamlet, part of Rocky View County that was formed in 1956, previous to that it was an incorporated town.

As it started to build again in the mid 90’s, the NE section was split into ¼ acre lots, streets were formed and shared driveways over drainage ditches were the norm. I read in one of the history books that Langdon has always had drainage problems; the land is reasonably flat with a high-water table. Rural developments have typically used ditches for their stormwater management and Langdon was no exception. When the rebuild started in the mid 90’s, Langdon was a rural area in Rocky View County, not unlike Shepard, Dalemead, Bragg Creek and many other areas.

Following that first area of NE Langdon was Langdon Crossings West. That was the first area that incorporated sidewalks into their plans, on one side of the street. Drainage went to a system of ditches at the rear of housing lots instead of the front that drain to a storm water management pond that, when full, pumps to another system of ditches. Boulder Creek has sidewalks and no ditches but it has a Golf Course that goes through the area that incorporates a water course that alleviates the need for ditches. The new applications that will be coming in will have

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differing storm water management plans, the days of the ditches that both convey and hold storm water are behind us, sidewalks are now the norm. Rocky View County has never been the developer or the creator of the roadway infrastructure around developments. Municipalities approve developments that developers build under the accepted methods of the day, things like paved alleys or new sidewalks are typically paid for by the adjoining properties under something called a Local Improvement Tax; we haven’t seen that here yet. Given time, Langdon will evolve and improve without an LIT but if residents want, one can apply.

So how does all this tie together? It doesn’t. The first part was something that happened that thankfully didn’t have a tragic ending but does deserve questioning. The rest is just a little history on how things got built. The big thing we must remember is to be aware of our surroundings and always be cautious when people and machines of any kind are in the same areas. I’m sure there will be more discussion. Please stay safe.

A RIDE IN AN AEROPLANE Johnny and his wife went to the State Fair every year. Every year Johnny would say, "I'd like to ride in that aeroplane."

And every year his wife would say, "I know, Johnny, but that aeroplane ride costs ten dollars, and ten dollars is ten dollars."

This one year Johnny and his wife went to the fair and Johnny said, "I'm 71 years old. If I don't ride that aeroplane this year I may never get another chance." " That aeroplane ride costs ten dollars, and ten dollars is ten dollars.", replied his wife.

The pilot overheard them and said, "Folks, I'll make you a deal.

I'll take you both up for a ride. If you can stay quiet for the entire ride and not say one word, I won't charge you, but if you say one word it's ten dollars."

Johnny and his wife agree and up they go. The pilot does all kinds of twists and turns, rolls and dives, but not a word is heard. He does all his tricks over again, but still not a word.

They land and the pilot turns to Johnny, " I did everything I could think of to get you to yell out, but you didn't."

Johnny replied, "Well, I was gonna say something when my wife fell out, but ten dollars is ten dollars."

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Leela Sharon Aheer MLA

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! What a month this has been. The legislature will be

revving up here with a throne speech and a new budget. The session begins on March 2, and we will be jumping into debate over many new pieces of legislation. One of them is the debate over daylight savings - to keep or not to keep - that is the question. Please let our office know what you think about this, as we would like to have some understanding as to what the residents of Chestermere - Rocky View think. Some of the debate around this issue so far has been centered around trade with the United States, as some states do follow Daylight savings, and concerns are that it will impact trade negatively.

Also, I will be putting forward a private members bill co-authored

by Nathan Cooper, MLA for Olds-Didsbury-Threehills, regarding upgrading the system for parents looking to adopt and those who are looking to find forever homes for these precious children. The intent is to bring adoption in Alberta into the modern age by allowing for services such as the Internet. The Internet is a valuable resource for families and this would put us in a similar position to other provinces that have already updated and modernized the way that people pursue adoption. I look forward to the debate, recommendations, and amendments to this legislation and hope that it will receive full support from the Legislature.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of women being granted the right to vote. I had the opportunity to participate in a panel with some very distinguished women involved in the political realm and it was such a pleasure to participate with the young women who have been chosen to participate in this event from all over Canada. They are going to Ottawa to sit in Parliament to honour this milestone in our political history. Quebec was the last province to grant women the vote in 1940. Indigenous women did not receive that right until 1960. Today, women make up 26% of the Members of Parliament, and with the incredible group of

403-819-2002 403-770-8764 (FAX)

young women I was privileged to meet I can assure you that that number is just a jumping off point!

As you know, we have been following the curriculum rewrite very closely and continue to be frustrated by the lack of transparency of this Government. The most disappointing part for me has been hearing the ridiculous statement that somehow the Opposition and indeed all Albertans want to know the names of the participants in the curriculum rewrite so we can “bully” them.

Yes, you read that right. The Government believes that this is the reasoning behind the calls for transparency. We completely trust that the school authorities asked a wide cross-section of teachers who have expertise and a solid knowledge of the curricula and student learning to participate.

We have asked the Government to release the names of the associations and other “experts” involved who are influencing the ideology of the curriculum rewrite. We are not on a witch hunt as the Government claims, but are very concerned that this 7% of participants will unduly and inappropriately influence the student learning outcomes across the subjects and grades.

These anonymous “experts” are a concern for everyone in this province as we have a Government that refuses time after time to consult, regularly spends your hard-earned dollars to advertise their agenda, and wants to change the very essence of our wonderful province. Albertans do not trust this Government.

Across the board, this Government uses divisive policies that undermine community, the relationships that we have built in these communities, and they sit and watch, wanting us to unravel. They cast aspersions on the very people who they work for – you – and blame the opposition parties when we try to hold them accountable. The heart of Alberta is the family. Strong families raise strong children who become leaders, thinkers, and adults who serve others. These are the words of a Mom from my constituency and I couldn’t agree more! Let’s elevate our teachers, and the process by which we grow community. This Government is going to try and tear us down. They forget who we are! We are Albertans, we are resilient and we deserve a voice in this process. Let me know your concerns so I can bring them forward and also write the Government and be very clear that you expect them to listen.

My heart goes out to the young lady who was struck Feb. 17 in a hit and run in Langdon. I wish her a speedy and complete recovery. Kudos to 14 year old Nicholas Junor who made use of his first aid training from Cadets to assist her while waiting for EMS and STARS. I am sure the young lady and her family are grateful and Nicholas’ family and fellow Cadets must be bursting with pride. I am sure you all will join me in thanking Nicholas, EMS, RCMP and of course our wonderful STARS Air Ambulance service. As always we love to hear from you.

Leela Sharon Aheer, MLA

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FUNNY SIGNS

A sign in a shoe repair store in Vancouver read: "We will heel you We will save your sole We will even dye for you."

A sign at an optometrist read: "If you don't see what you're looking for, you've come to the right place."

A sign on a plumber’s truck read: "We repair what your husband fixed.”

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A sign at the electric company read: "We would be delighted if you send in your payment on time. However, if you don't, YOU will be de-lighted."

A sign in the front yard of a Funeral Home read: "Drive carefully. We'll wait."

A sign in a Chicago radiator shop read: "Best place in town to take a leak."

A sign on the back of a septic tank truck read: "Caution - this truck is full of Political Promises."

A sign on an electrician’s truck read: "Let us remove your shorts."

A sign on another plumber’s truck read: "Don't sleep with a drip. Call your plumber.”

A sign at a car dealership read: "The best way to get back on your feet – miss a car payment."

A sign outside a muffler shop read: "No appointment necessary. We hear you coming."

A sign in a veterinarian's waiting room read: "Be back in 5 minutes. Sit.. Stay..." facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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TUTORIAL

WOVEN BASKET SUE KIRK This little project is just perfect if you like to be creative with fabric but do not own a sewing machine. It may sound a little intimidating, but trust me, once you get the hang of it, you will realize it really isn’t that tough—a little trying, maybe, in the weaving part (you’ll be wishing you had three hands!) but possible and fun.

You could even have a craft afternoon with your besties. Have fun with this, and in the end, you will have a perfect little basket for just about anything. Just use your imagination.

What you need: 3 coordinating fat quarters (18” x 22”) 1 ½ yds. fusible interfacing (midweight) Scissors A tape measure Tacky glue Cut the interfacing into 3-18” pieces. Press the fusible interfacing on the back of each piece of fabric, centering it. Cut each fat quarter into 4 strips--4” wide by 22” long so you end up with 12 strips. Fold them in half lengthwise and press them. Then open them up and fold one side to the crease and then the other so there are no raw edges showing and press them again.

To start the basket, lay all four strips of one colour next to each other. Then weave all four strips of another colour through the four lying on the table at the center. That is the bottom of the basket. Tighten up and measure to be sure the strips are even in each direction.

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Pull the leftover fabric from the bottom up and weave the last four strips around in four rows. Don’t cut or glue anything until you are done because you need to tighten things up once you’re done weaving. (Use stick pins to secure things as you weave.) Make sure you weave in and out of each upright strip or your “checkerboard” effect won’t be right. Start each of the new (4) side strips in a different place in the basket so you don’t have all the ends in the same place. Be sure top strip has OPENING facing UP. Once again, tighten up everything and check that you have woven in & out correctly. Then put dots of glue in several places on the bottom and a few places where they cross over up the sides including the loose ends inside the basket.

To finish off the top, you will be cutting off the extra (leaving on about an inch) on each strip—I prefer to do one strip at a time and glue it right away.

IMPORTANT: the strips on the OUTSIDE get folded toward center and tuck into the top horizontal strip—add a dot of glue on each side of top strip. The strips on the INSIDE get folded out and then tuck and glue into the top strip.

If you don’t want to fill with some Styrofoam and a silk plant like my other example, you can cut away the square box of tissue and insert the tissue. Or come up with your own idea.

Gail Schmidt Top Producer 2007 - 2016

Because a Great Experience Begins with a Great Agent!

Cell:

403.993.4550 • gschmidt@cirrealty.ca

gailschmidt.com langdonliving.com facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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Congratulations to the Happy Couples!

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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.

HOW DO YOU WANT TO BE REMEMBERED?

We truly live in the best of times or the worst of times (depending on what you choose to focus on.) Rural communities witness this annually. As spring gets ready to unfold, the sheer determination of nature is evident as we watch it return to fulfilling its destiny of grow, to spread out, to travel and to leave a legacy. It does this successfully and fairly consistently globally year after year.

A Truly Canadian Alberta Legacy “There is no resignation in Nature, no quiet folding of the hands, no hypocritical saying, ‘Thy will be done!’ and giving in without a struggle. Countless millions of seeds and plants are doomed each year to death and failure, but all honour to them – they put up a fight to the very end! Resignation is a cheap and indolent human virtue, which has served as an excuse for much spiritual sloththenewsyneighbour.com

Nellie McClung was a Canadian suffragette (feminist), politician, author, and social activist. She was a part of the social and moral reform movements prevalent in Western Canada in the early 1900s. Being part of Alberta’s Famous Five, who campaigned for women to be recognized as persons, her legacy is evident, despite some efforts to remove it from history.

Suffragists didn’t only focus on the right of women to vote, they also campaigned for improved public health, equality in employment and education, social assistance and condemned violence. Much of the social reform existing today is due to the efforts of women actively engaging in public education and agitation being the change they wanted to see.

One Hundred-Plus Years Later

Do you ever ponder this question? Perhaps it is time to. It could lead to a decision that changes the course and outcome of your life. A similar question was posed to me about 20 years ago and led to the creation of my personal mission statement. To this day, I still carry it around in my wallet on the original scrap of blue paper. I may forget it is there for a while but when I rediscover it, I am always amazed at how my life and what has taken place or is transpiring align.

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fulness. It is still highly revered and commended. It is so much easier sometimes to sit down and be resigned than to rise up and be indignant.” Nellie McClung – In Times Like These - 1915

A bit closer to home, in 1912 a small group of women, who I believe were tuned in and aware of the social and political climate they were living in, gathered together and formed the Carseland Public Benefit Club. Today they are the longest serving independent public service organization in Alberta. Their original Minute Books and other items are preserved at the Glenbow Museum in Calgary.

More important is the living legacy they aspired to continuing in their community, through the vision and efforts of 21st century women, who continue with a belief in their power and ability to make a difference. It is a significant difference in the lives they touch through their fundraising and personal engagement.

Their major initiatives in 2016 included a donation to National Service Dogs, an organization whose mission is to “empower people to achieve their full potential with strategically trained and certified service dogs, catalysts for restorative change.” Another donation went to Inn From the Cold to provide for homeless veterans. They care and are reaching out to this group of veterans once again, showing they are not forgotten and people care. Other funds were sent through the Red Cross to the victims of the Fort McMurray Fires, to STARS Air Ambulance, to the Veterans Food Drive and to Hope Bridges Society. They recently kicked off 2017 with a $5000 donation to the Wheatland and Area Hospice Society. The vision and mission is still alive and vital after 105 years.

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Altogether Different

Recognize Your Ability to Create Change Every effort, no matter how small or large, does makes a difference to someone. On March 8th International Women’s Day is celebrated globally. One hundred and three years later, the call remains the same as that of the early suffragettes – Be Bold for Change and Equality Matters.

Together, women and men, we are the human race. I believe this brings with it a responsibility to help humanity be all it can be.

It starts with each of us doing our part. It requires each of us to take action for mutual success.

That little blue piece of paper and my personal Mission Statement “Impact the world I touch through belief in myself and others,motivating and encouraging all to become all we can be" continues, twenty years later, to shape the choices I make and the actions I take towards how I want to be remembered.

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Your Duck is Dead A woman brought a very limp duck into a veterinary surgeon. As she laid her pet on the table, the vet pulled out his stethoscope and listened to the bird's chest.

After a moment or two, the vet shook his head and sadly said, "I'm sorry, your duck, Cuddles, has passed away."

The distressed woman wailed, "Are you sure?"

"Yes, I am sure. Your duck is dead," replied the vet.

"How can you be so sure?" she protested. "I mean you haven't done any testing on him or anything. He might just be in a coma or something."

The vet rolled his eyes, turned around and left the room. He returned a few minutes later with a black Labrador retriever. As the duck's owner looked on in amazement, the dog stood on his hind legs, put his front paws on the examination table and sniffed the duck from top to bottom. He then looked up at the vet with sad eyes and shook his head.

The vet patted the dog on the head and took it out of the room.

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145 Orchard Park Road, Strathmore Insurance Claims and Fleet Cards Welcome A few minutes later he returned with a cat. The cat jumped on the table and also delicately sniffed the bird from head to foot. The cat sat back on its haunches, shook its head, meowed softly and strolled out of the room.

The vet looked at the woman and said, "I'm sorry, but as I said, this is most definitely, 100% certifiable, a dead duck."

The vet turned to his computer terminal, hit a few keys and produced a bill, which he handed to the woman.

The duck's owner, still in shock, took the bill. "$150!" she cried. "$150 just to tell me my duck is dead?!"

The vet shrugged, "I'm sorry. If you had just taken my word for it, the bill would have been $20, but with the Lab Report and the Cat Scan, it's now $150."

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We are... 5 REMAX horizon Real Estate Professionals DEDICATED to

working together and licensed in Residential, Rural, Commercial and Condos. We are here to help our clients reach ALL their real estate goals. Contact us: reps.remax@gmail.com. www.the-reps.

FIRST COMES A MORTGAGE… THEN COMES THE MARRIAGE. KATELYN HAFFNER, THE REPS GROUP Why purchasing a house before marriage has become a popular trend among millennials.

With interest rates still low and CMHC rates ever changing, the real estate market has seen an increase in millennials taking the non-traditional route of purchasing a home and co-habiting before marriage.

According to WeddingBells.ca, the average Canadian wedding including a honeymoon costs $22,429-$27,899. Wow! It’s no wonder that many couples are using those savings to invest in the home or lifestyle they desire, rather than renting an apartment or home that doesn’t quite meet their growing needs. By utilizing those “would be” wedding funds, couples can invest and build equity in a home and get a head start on their financial future.

If you are unmarried and are considering purchasing a home with your other half, here are some important points to cover: 1) Talk to a lawyer: Just like marriage, purchasing a home is a legal, binding, contract. You may be advised to have a legal co-habitation contract drawn up between you and your partner should the relationship end. Each of you are 100% liable for the debt…make sure you both are satisfied with the agreement.

2) Get pre-approved for a mortgage: Talk to your local bank or mortgage broker to walk you through the pre-approval process. Once you know the budget of the home you can afford, you can start shopping!

3) Call your favourite realtor! Your realtor will assist you with finding homes within your budget in your market area. They can also provide you with market statistics and sales to ensure that you are making a smart, financial investment.

4) And lastly, much like a marriage proposal… better ask her father!

On another note, I invite you to join myself and The REPs Group of Re/Max Realty Horizon on Wednesday, March 1st starting at 7pm at Humpty’s Restaurant in Strathmore. We will be hosting a Home Buying Info Session for anyone interested in attending. Whether you are a first-time home buyer, investor, or simply just looking for information on the real estate market, we invite you to come out. We look forward to seeing you!

“There is something permanent, and something extremely profound, in owning a home.”

- Kenny Guinn "A good home must be made, not bought."

Joyce Maynard

"I wanna hang a map of the world in my house. Then I'm gonna put pins into all the locations that I've traveled to. But first, I'm gonna have to travel to the top two corners of the map so it won't fall down."

- Mitch Hedberg

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Contact: Bill Jones Public Relations Director Strathmore Elks Lodge 491 Phone 403.968.3911 pr@strathmoreelks.org

Strathmore Elks Lodge 491

Elk’s members Gus Cammer and Ryan Zolmer presenting a $1,000 cheque to Val Sherwick representing the Strathmore Food Bank

Strathmore Elks Service Club Contributes to Local Communities Strathmore, Alberta, February 10, 2017: The Strathmore Elks, Lodge 491 is comprised of 28 local individuals living in the Wheatland and Rocky View County’s. Many of the members live in Strathmore, Chestermere and surrounding communities. The Elks quietly work at donating their time working casino’s, providing catering services and working other fund raising events with the proceeds of their labour used to donate money to support local charities and community organizations.

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JASON ELDRIDGE Since the downturn of the economy, financial institutions and various credit adjudicators have tightened the reins on their lending policies, and in particular, pay much greater attention to an individual’s past credit experience than ever before. Nowhere has this been more evident than in the mortgage industry. With foreclosures at historic levels, most lenders, insurers and their investors have reduced their product offerings, while at the same time, they have placed considerably more emphasis on a client’s credit (beacon) score when making their final decision.

With that being said, there are a number of things you should know, not only when it comes to you qualifying for a specific credit product, but also in maintaining a good credit rating in general.

I WORK ON YOUR BEHALF to ensure that you receive the best interest rate possible.

PLUS, using a mortgage broker does NOT cost you any money!

Due to the level of fraudulent activity that is occurring in the world today, it is prudent that you check your credit report on an annual basis to ensure that all account information that is contained in the report is accurate. There are two main credit report providers in Canada; Equifax and Transunion. Each of these providers can be accessed online at www.econsumer.equifax.ca and www.transunion.ca.

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When applying for credit, it is important that you don’t apply to several different banks or financial institutions within a short time of each other. Each time you do so, it is referred to as a “hit”, and this may result in your score dropping enough to prevent you from qualifying for that particular credit product. In the case of purchasing a home or refinancing your existing property, it is beneficial to use the services of a mortgage broker as we typically access your credit report once, and supply it to the various financial institutions for review. If you access your own credit report by contacting either Equifax or Transunion directly, this does not represent a “hit” on your file, and will not impact your score.

Jason Eldridge Mortgage Specialist Cell:

PFP, B.Admin

403.630.1718

Fax: 866-708-5807 Email: jason@axiommortgage.ca

In order to get your score as high as possible, you may want to consider doing the following. It is best to make at least the min-

Apply Online: http://jason.axiommortgage.ca 74 •

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33 PARKWOOD CRESCENT,

Sally Stang

403-253-1901 Cell: 403-630-4513

sstang@royallepage.ca

imum payment required for that particular credit card or line of credit each month. If possible, keep your balance(s) at or below 75% of their respective credit limit(s). In the event that you are either late with a payment or your account has gone to collection, it is vital that you bring the account up to date as soon as possible. You would be amazed how much your score will drop if you are so much as 30 days late on an account regardless of how much or how little that minimum payment required is. The good, the bad and the ugly stay on your credit report for a minimum of six years.

In situations where there has either been serious delinquency or a bankruptcy in the past, it can be very difficult to re-establish one’s credit rating. One of the easiest ways to do so however, is to get a cash secured credit card. It is recommended that you get a limit of at least $1500, which means you need to pledge at least that much money as security. In order to qualify for a mortgage, you need to have at least two credit products with a minimum of a $1500 limit, and they need to have been open for at least a year with no repayment issues. If you hold the card for a year and continue to make the minimum payment each month, you will find your credit score will go up significantly. This same approach may be used in situations where a client doesn’t have any credit whatsoever. Individuals with no credit history are often viewed in the same light as those clients with bruised or poor credit ratings because there is no previous credit to base their decision upon.

Stra�more

One of the most desirable loca�ons in Strathmore, situated on a quiet crescent, nestled on a private treed lot backing onto the pathway & canal, featuring a two �ered deck capturing the beau�ful sunny south yard. This solid custom built house offers the ambiance of an estate home & space for a large family. Featuring vaulted ceilings & an impressive open staircase which overlooks the formal living room. A formal dining room flows in to the kitchen, featuring granite counters, under mount sinks, stainless steel appliances, �le flooring & a movable granite countered island. Step down to the family room & cozy up in front of the gas fireplace. Enjoy the easy access to the the deck both from the kitchen & family room. A convenient main floor laundry room & powder room completes the main floor.

Upstairs provides three good size bedrooms an updated guest bathroom, a master bedroom with ensuite & balcony. The lo�/den overlooks the main floor, makes a great office or could easily made into a 4th bedroom.

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As always, I welcome any questions or comments you may have regarding the information contained in my articles. Until next month… . facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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Wishing �ne and all a Happy, Healthy & W�nder�ul 2017

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HOW TO PAY OFF CREDIT CARD DEBT

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be a great way to pay for your expenses. But if you aren't careful, you could find yourself stuck in a bottomless spiral of debt. This is especially true after holidays or special occasions like birthdays or weddings. We start binge shopping and nearly pass out from shock when we see our credit card balance at the end of the month. But this doesn't have to happen, and there are ways to manage your credit card debt. If you're looking for a way out, here's how.

This is somewhat obvious, yet many people don't follow this simple advice. The first step in paying off your credit card is to stop using it. If you are buried six feet under in debt, how can you pay it off if you keep digging yourself a deeper hole? Keep your credit cards locked away and don't touch them again until you've learned how to use them responsibly. If you can't afford to pay for something with debit or cash, then don't buy it.

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ELIJAH W. KNIGHT

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PREPARE A BUDGET You will need a budget to determine how much you can afford to pay each month. Create a spreadsheet listing your income and expenses and see how much you are left with. If your surplus is too small or you're in a shortfall, see if any of your expenses can be cut back. This could mean eating out less often or participating in less recreational activities. If you can't cut down your expenses, you may need to find an additional source of income to help pay off your debt.

By doing so, you will reduce the amount of interest incurred on your remaining debt. If you have more than one card with the same interest rate, pay off the one with the lowest balance first.

This small victory will give you a sense of accomplishment and motivate you to stay the course.

One of the most effective ways credit card companies make money off consumers is by offering a low minimum payment. Many consumers opt to pay only the minimum because they simply don't know any better. After all, why should you pay more than you have to? The problem is that whatever isn't paid off by the due date will incur interest charges. The less you pay, the more interest you will incur. If you pay off your balance in full, you won't be charged any interest. So, you should always try to pay off as much as you can.

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SPEAK TO YOUR CREDIT CARD COMPANY If you are overwhelmed with debt, speaking to your credit card company could provide some relief. They want you to pay off your debt, and if you default on your loan then nobody wins.

Reach out to them and see what they can offer. Sometimes they may give you a special offer, like a promotional interest rate or offering to reverse last month's interest charges. You won't know unless you try. The most they can do is say no.

TRACK YOUR SPENDING

Guy Cooley, CCS

In order to avoid another debt crisis in the future, you need to understand how it happened in the first place. Keep track of all your spending and if you are paying with a credit card, make sure you have the means to pay it off at the end of the month.

Be especially careful during the holiday season, as this is the time when most people let their guard down. If you have any doubts, refer to your budget and don't spend recklessly.

There is nothing inherently wrong with using a credit card in everyday life. In fact, it could even be advantageous to do so, as most cards will offer you rewards for frequent spending. Just remember to use them responsibly and not go over your budget.

You can beat the credit card companies at their own game by paying off your balance in full each month and avoiding any unnecessary charges. Don't let debt take control of your life, take control of your debt.

Professional Real Estate Associate

Contact Guy today to help with your Real Estate needs!

Direct Cell 403.462.4899

guycooley@remax.net

www.GuyCooley.com

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Debbie Mitzner, Outstanding in her field!

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LIVE A BALANCED LIFE

SHUT UP AND LISTEN

In life we are constantly be pulled in many different directions.

Family, work, school, faith, community, etc. It is impossible to give attention to all things at once. There are not enough hours in a day to carve out time for each demand. However, over the intermediate- and long-term, we can achieve balance.

A balanced life should include doing a good job at work. Earning an honest pay for an honest day’s work. Balance means taking time to treat the body well and keeping it running properly with good foods, exercise, and rest. Balance means being present for the family. Few can give the family all the time it demands. But

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“I like to listen. I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most people never listen.”

– Ernest Hemingway Too often we spend our time doing all the talking and not doing any listening. Even when we’re listening, we’re thinking about the next thing we’re going to say. By truly listening we can fully understand what we are being told and properly engage in the conversation. If we do not listen we cannot provide what is needed. We cannot give the needed advice, solution, or shoulder to cry on.

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giving it “quality time” will keep the family healthy and happy.

Balance means taking some time for oneself to recharge the batteries. Balance means being of service to the community and giving back. Balance means feeding the soul through religion and/or spirituality.

“My point is, life is about balance. The good and the bad.

The highs and the lows. The pina and the colada.”

– Ellen DeGeneres

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That’s the sign of a RE/MAX agent

Say I Do You’re Invited to our Real Estate Info Sessions

Sessions are FREE & all a�endees have a chance to win a Humpty’s Gi� Card. Please RSVP to: reps.remax@gmail.com

Home Buying - Wednesday March 1st 7:00 pm Home Selling - Wednesday March 29th 7:00 pm Buying Investment Proper�es - Wednesday April 26th 7:00 pm @ Humpty’s Restaurant 503 Hwy 1 Strathmore.

NEW LISTING NEW LISTING Open concept vaulted bungalow.

2 bdrms up & 1 more down.

Fenced yard with covered deck.

Ready to move in. Quick possession. $388,000

Chestermere. Lovely custom built 2 storey home has a great layout & a total of 4 bedrooms. Lots of modern updates & fully finished basement. $579,900

One of a kind custom built bungalow. Over 1550 sq� of living space on main floor plus a fully finished basement. 2+2 bedrooms, 3 full baths, & central air. $389,900

This Home is INCREDIBLE! 3 Bdrms, 3.5 Baths, Hrdwd. Floors, SS Appliances, Quartz Countertops, Walk-thru Pantry, Fully Developed with Double A�ached Garage $349,900

SOLD Langdon Beau�ful 3 Bdrm home on great lot. Updated kitchen, private fenced yard with deck & hot tub backing onto green space. $529,900

SOLD This charming home is situated on a mature lot and features a wrap around porch! Beau�ful trees, single oversized detached garage & RV parking. Lots of poten�al here! $113,900

$899,000

COMING SOON! In Beddington Heights. 5 bedrooms, gourmet kitchen, oversized garage/ shop & a fully fnished basement. Located on a quiet cul-de-sac with huge yard! $638,000

NEW LISTING

Fully developed 3+2 bedroom, 3 full bath bungalow. Open concept layout with modern décor. Large pie shaped lot located on a quiet cul-de-sac in Cambridge Glen. $389,950

Bedroom, 1 bath Condo. Outdoor Storage Shed. South Facing Deck.

Convenient Downtown loca�on. $214,900

Brand new Loreck Home. Show homes located at 157 Wildrose Dr & 128 Wildrose Green. M-Th 4-8 Sat/Sun 12-5

3 acres with house & shop.

Room for the kids, horses & toys.

Country living with city convenience just a short drive away. $630,000

COMING SOON! 3 bed/ 2.5 bath townhouse in Ranch Ridge Meadows. Corner Unit. Fully Finished.

Call for more info.

Well-built fully developed bi-level with over 2300 sq � of living space. 3+3 bedrooms & 3 full baths. Located on wide , fenced & landscaped yard in Aspen Creek. $345,000

Christa Carey Michelle Hayley Katelyn Rose Eldjarnson Poirier Haffner 80Aleman • thenewsyneighbour.com

NEW LISTING

Downtown Strathmore, close to Shopping, Schools and Parks!

NEW PAINT and NEW BASEMENT DEVELOPMENT! 4 Bdrms, 2 Baths, Upscale Appliances, Fireplace and MORE! $219,900

NEW LISTING

3+2 bedrooms, 3 full baths, open plan, upscale kitchen and appliances, par�ally developed basement, 22'x24' detached garage, east facing fenced and landscaped yard with large deck. $335,000

Reliable, Responsive, Respectful.

3 bed/ 3 bath + office fully finished bungalow in Cambridge Glen. Professionally landscaped.

Call for more info.

NEW LISTING

NEW LISTING

NEW Windows and Bathrooms, FRESH Paint, 3 Bdrms, 2 Baths, Double Garage AND RV Parking Backs to Dinosaur Park/Greenspace $319,900

Lovely walkout bungalow on 115 acres

by Rockyford.

Lovely 3 Bdrm, 2.5 Bath home, Central A/C, Fireplace and DOUBLE A�ached Garage.

Turn-Key Property… Please Ask for Details $272,000

Upscale Condo with Lakeview. 2 Underground parking stalls. $179,900

The REPs Group

587-316-2000 www.the-reps.ca • Altogether Different REALTY HORIZON

The Newsy Neighbour Magazine Thank-you!!