The Newsy Neighbour 7th Annual WEDDING Issue

WEDDINGIssue

OUR Seventh

Newsy Neighbour

ANNUAL The

April 2015 Issue 90 • www.thenewsyneighbour.com

The Ultimate Wedding Checklist!

Look Beautiful for Your Wedding!

Pages 22-23

The BIG DAY & Children

Spray Tans Gel Shellac Nails, Eurowave, ZĞŇĞdžŽůŽŐLJ͕ DĂƐƐĂŐĞ And Much More...

Pages 32-33

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Pages 34-35

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Because a Great Experience Begins with a Great Agent!

Getting Married? Starting a new life?

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Cell:

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Stephanie's Monthly Car-Buying Tips April is...

Warranty

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Ask about the vehicle’s warranty

Dare to Compare!!

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Ask me about your new vehicle's warranty - we can go through it together!

Come talk to me about your family's warranty needs!

P.S. Did I mention the no charge roadside assistance for up to 5 years?

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Winner of 2013 Business of the Year - Small Enterprise

Since 2008 Where can you get a copy of The Newsy Neighbour?

We deliver door to door and through the mail to Strathmore, Chestermere, Langdon, Carseland, Delacour, Shepard, Lyalta, Dalemead, Standard, Conrich, Rockyford, Cheadle, Nightingale, Namaka, Speargrass, Cluny, Hussar & Rosebud. We have many paid subscribers throughout Canada. Mainly in Calgary, Alberta. We go to more locations than any local publication.

The Business Awards provide recognition for Strathmore and Area businesses that demonstrate a continued passion for excellence and promote the advancement of business leadership within our community.

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Our Team

Publishers Letter:

Owner/Publisher, Layout, Design, Accounts Payable/ Receivable & Website.

Aleesha Gosling Phone: 403-478-9114

aleesha@thenewsyneighbour.com

Owner, Content Development & Articles

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Advertising; Regional Sales Manager

Denise Geremia Phone: 403-608-0686

The word wedding brings feelings of many different emotions into the hearts of each and every single individual on this planet. For those of us who have been through it more than once, and for those fearlessly and desperately in love, the thought of love and weddings just brings a smile to your face (or hopefully it does). The beauty of LOVE and endless bliss is the goal, and that is what we have made this incredible 7th WEDDING ISSUE about.

You’re going to love it! Especially if you are getting married any time soon!

Kathryn, Aleesha and Denise.​

denise@thenewsyneighbour.com

There were so many great articles submitted in this issue that we were just not able to fit them all in.

Please don’t miss out on:

Our Contributors JockTalk

Life Lines

Jock Wilson

Jody Brown

Shaken & Stirred

Natural Choices

Marcy Field

Cynthia Barnesky

Interior Design

Holdin’ Holden

Emily Hogan

Jenny Schoberl

A Mindful Minute

Stories Musings

1) Creating Lasting Impact Together

by Wanda Reinholdt 2) Overcome Adrenal Fatigue Naturally by Derek Henry 3) DIY Wedding Ideas (On our wedding blog) 4) Contrary To Popular Belief, There Are No Penguins In Alaska 5) Bulletin from Norton 6) 10 Real Differences Between Being in love and loving someone.

These can all be found on both our website and blog www.thenewsyneighbour.com Photo Credits Go To:

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

The REPs

Suzanne Shaver Lomenda Energy

Carla Lomenda

COVER: tongo51 at shutterstock.com All other images in magazine: Horiyan, Stokkete, Hitdelight, Ariwasabi, alexmillos, Iriana Shiyan, Aleutie, Johan Larson, racorn, Michael-John Wolfe, Blazej Lyjak, Gustavo Frazao, TijanaM, Robert Kneschke, CREATISTA, Doctor Letters, Vladislav Nosick, Algefoto, vladilada, Fabio Berti, panbazil, YUSRAN ABDUL RAHMAN all at shutterstock.com

Additional contribution provided by:

Langdon Chiropractic, PJ’s Appliances, Langdon Dental, John Godsman, Anndee King, 5 for Life, Field Stone Fruit Wines, Dominic Rivard, William Pilon, My Bakery, Image Works Photography, Kaleidoscope Travel facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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Nine Wedding & Marriage Jokes 1)

A businessman boarded a plane to find, sitting next to him, an elegant woman wearing the largest, most stunning diamond ring he had ever seen. He asked her about it.

“This is the Klopman diamond,” she said. “It is beautiful, but there is a terrible curse that goes with it.”

“What’s the curse?” the man asked.

“Mr. Klopman.”

2)

Many years ago when I was 23, I married a widow. This widow had a grown up daughter. My father fell in love with her, and soon they got married. This made my Dad my son-in-law and changed my very life. See below how: My daughter was my mother too because she was my father’s wife!

After a few years I became a father of a baby boy, complicating the matter further. My son became the brother-in-law of my father!

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At Coldwell, we are real people serving real people.

A couple was getting married, and it was only three days before the wedding. The bride calls her mother with some bad news. “Mom,” she says, “I just found out that my fiancé’s mother has bought the exact same dress as you to wear to the wedding.”

The bride’s mother thinks for a minute. “Don’t worry,” she tells her daughter. “I’ll just go and buy another dress to wear to the ceremony.” “But mother,” says the bride, “that dress cost a fortune.

What will you do with it? It’s such a waste not to use it.” “Who said I won’t use it?” her mother asked. “I’ll just wear it to the rehearsal dinner.”

4)

A couple had been married for 45 years and had raised a brood of 11 children and was blessed with 22 grandchildren.

When asked the secret for staying together all that time, the wife replies, “Many years ago we made a promise to each other: the first one to pack up and leave has to take all the kids.”

5) A police officer stops a motorist speeding down Main Street.

“But officer,” the man says, “I can explain—“ “Be quiet,” snaps the officer. “I’m going to let you cool your heels in jail until the chief gets back.” “But, officer, I just wanted to say—“ says the driver.

“And I say keep quiet! You’re going to jail!” replies the officer.

A few hours later, the officer looks in on his prisoner and says, “Lucky for you, the chief is at his daughter’s wedding. He’ll be in a good mood when he gets back.” “Don’t count on it,” answers the motorist. “I’m the groom.”

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At the centre of our success are our satisfied and loyal clients and customers. We at Coldwell Agencies pride ourselves on providing solutions to our customers’ insurance needs, (at a reasonable cost). We provide professional insurance advice and problem solving. We are committed to ease of doing business. Our expertise is in home, automobile, farm and commercial insurance.

6) A man inserted an ‘ad’ in the classifieds: “Wife wanted”. The next day he received a hundred letters. They all said the same thing: “You can have mine”.

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All marriages are happy – it’s the living together afterward that causes all the problems.

9)

Representing and accessing over 30 of the worlds leading insurers

thenewsyneighbour.com

8) Marriage is the process of finding out what kind of man your “By all means marry. If you get a good wife, you’ll be happy.

If you get a bad one, you’ll become a philosopher. ” — Socrates

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Wedding

YOUR SPECIAL

gs

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Wedding Feature Pages 13-33

Weddings are a lot of work.

W

And it’s the little things that are always forgotten - because you most definitely have all the BIG stuff handled.

Even before you book your wedding venue, there are a few things you should consider, like the potential for noise (make sure you find out the noise curfew in area of your location) and landscaping (this will be the backdrop for your amazing day, including all your photos!). What about your event’s time of day? Is the landscaping only beautiful when the sun is up? If you are having an evening ceremony, landscaping may not be as important. And then there’s lodging options; will your guests be drinking or coming from out of town? You want them to have a place to relax or sleep after the event. Make sure they have a safe way of getting there, as well. You must check

out accessibility; if a relative is in a wheel chair, that needs to be taken into consideration. And make sure the restrooms are not a 10 minute walk away. Do the guests have to travel far between the ceremony and the reception? Make sure you are happy with the lighting provided (this can be an unexpected cost).

Talking about unexpected costs, don’t forget about alterations, extra beauty needs, a marriage license, insurance, pre-wedding diet and exercise, out of season flowers, postage, gifts for parents, hotel for the night before, coat check, valet parking, lighting, sounds, chairs, transportation, gratuity, unexpected guests, set up and tear down, and gift opening day!

Before you even get to all that, here are a few considerations for your wedding invitations and what you should have on them.

• Names of the Bride and Groom (duh) • Date • Time • Location of the Wedding

Wedding packages are booking up fast so call for a quote today!

We offer limos for any night out, any occasion : Stag, Staggette, Engagement Party, Rehearsal Dinner, Graduations etc.

Call or Text (403) 369-LIMO(5466) www.whitepearllimos.ca

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Weddings Some random genius wedding ideas!

• Add a line for DJ request songs on your RSVP! • Get your Grandmas to be your flower girls!

• Have a waffle bar, a poutine bar, a perogie bar or bring in a food truck for your midnight snack.

• Instead of favours, have a candy bar for people to fill a bag of candy to take home!

• Put crayons at the kids table • Forgo the typical bouquet for one giant flower!

• Set up an Instagram hashtag. Ex. #Goslingwedding • Serve milk, water or juice in a champagne glass at the kids table for the toast.

• Hang name tags of all your guests, bring a Polaroid camera and then hang a sign that says “Find your name, and then replace it with a Polaroid photo of yourself!”

• Location of the reception • All necessary RSVP information • Special instructions, such as if children are allowed and dress code Short notice wedding invitations can make guests feel that you forgot them, or you are just sending the card out and not really wanting them to make the date. 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.

Do you know the proper order of a

traditional

processional? The Mother of The Bride, Groomsmen,

Best Man, Groom, Officiant, Bridesmaids, Maid/Matron of Honour, Flower Girl & Ring Bearer and Father of the Bride & Bride.

AND what about wedding favour ideas like, a little bottle of champagne or high-grade olive oil, macaroons, local honey, caramel corn or coffee?

The Grooms “To Go” Kit.

Brides usually always remember to make an emergency kit for the wedding day, but let’s not forget about the grooms!!

Get some travel-sized products such as bandages, body spray, toothpaste, mouthwash, breath mints, shampoo/conditioner, shaving cream, deodorant, disinfecting wipes, eye drops, hand sanitizer and pain relievers (you know… for the post-bachelor party headache).

What about gifts for

your Bridesmaids?

A pretty robe with a monogrammed name your besties can wear to get ready in on the wedding day or cute little purses to keep their necessities in the day of the wedding (The Red Carrot!).

Beautiful make up is always a great gift; what woman doesn’t like to get new make-up (Value Drug Mart!) Jewelry, of course, is always a great option, like a necklace or bracelet for a keepsake to remember this special day is something they will love. To make it extra special, consider getting it engraved!! Simple and elegant stud earrings can be a woman’s best friend! We all love a massage and a gift card for your local spa would be wonderful (Lakeshore Spa!) Or, a new tote bag they can take to the beach, shopping and on every vacation to always be reminded of your special day.

Stuck for a Father/Daughter dance song?

• Isn’t She Lovely – Stevie Wonder • My Little Girl – Tim McGraw • My Wish – Rascal Flatts • Butterfly Kisses – Tim McGraw or Bob Carlisle • When You Need Me – Bruce Springsteen • My Girl – The Temptations • The Way You Look Tonight – Michael Buble or Frank Sinatra • Unforgettable – Nat King Cole

MOST IMPORTANT

...

And last and Look at each other during the ceremony. Not the officiant. Stay hydrated and make this the happiest day of your life!

Marriage Advice Don’t let days go by where you don’t smile and hug each other. Making dumb jokes and cuddling together over a beer and a movie (or doing whatever you both love together) is one of the best parts of marriage. Don’t take that for granted. ~ Pretti Moberg (My Big Fat Indian Wedding) Kathryn Hartwell All inspiration found on Pinterest

Hair Tips Bridal Season 2015 is full of romantic and whimsical styles.

Chignons are very beautiful. They are created by gathering hair at the nape of the neck, and twirling it into place. A stunning effect can be created by adding a Dutch or Fishtail braid. Pull these braids apart loosely and you achieve a grand statement.

Thinking of leaving it down with some curls? Hair washed the day before will make a major difference in the ease of styling. Freshly washed and conditioned hair, even once it is dry is very slippery, and can be harder to style.

Provided by Urban Avenue Hair Company

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STATION RESTAURANT & PUB

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Weddings Holdin’ Holden

Jenny Schoberl is a 30 year old professional musician turned stay-at-home. In order to keep some semblance of her adult-brain working, she began writing the popular Mommy Blog “Holdin’ Holden” in 2008, which receives over 1,000 unique hits per day. Jenny also enjoys entertaining her ever-growing Facebook Fan Page with over 51,000 fans who have dubbed her the “Howard Stern of Mommy Blogging”. Contact Jenny at http://holdinholden.com or email her at: holdinholden@yahoo.com

I Don’t Know Much About Marriage, But Here’s What I Do Know

Although it feels like an eternity, it wasn’t A

all that long ago that I had to sit down and admit that my marriage was in shambles.

It wasn’t something that happened overnight; it took a long time to unravel to that point, and even longer to actually accept it as the reality of my life in order to repair it. First, I had to decide if I even wanted to. I wasn’t sure. Marriage was not at all what I thought it would be, which made me think perhaps I was in the wrong one.

It was at that moment I really had to think to myself: am I in the right place? Do I want to stay? I took a long, hard look at my marriage and then asked myself one simple question: could I picture myself with anyone else?

The answer was no.

That was when we slowly but surely began to pick up the pieces.

Here we are, over 8 years into this strange thing called marriage, looking back and saying, “We did it!” Looking forward we see just how much farther we have to go, because if there is one thing we learned, it’s that the journey never ends. It’s not always uphill, but it always takes effort. If there’s anything else I’ve learned, it’s that I don’t really know anything at all. Marriage is a strange creature. It is always changing and full of confusing and questionable things.

It is what we expect and isn’t all at the same time. We all have different lessons to learn, hurdles to clear, successes to celebrate – and they are never the same as the couple standing next to us, even though we might want to compare to make sure we’re doing things “right.” Like parenthood, there is no one right way.

In life, I always feel like if I had to go through something terrible and made it out the other side reasonably unscathed, it should be turned into a positive. Why not use our experiences to benefit other people, or to make them laugh, or not to feel alone?

With over six years of marriage, two kids, ups and downs and a couple of fender benders, these are the very few things I have figured out along the way: Love and marriage doesn’t mean you’re never going to fantasize about smothering and then burying your spouse in the back yard.

There’s no such thing as a “perfect” union. Hell, it’s usually the imperfections and the ability to admit them that makes a union stronger.

There is no competition for who is happier, and we shouldn’t even base how happy we think we are in marriage on how happy we think we SHOULD be, or how happy we think everyone else is.

It takes two, duh, but sometimes you are going to have to be the one to kick things into gear. Don’t expect your spouse to always know there is something wrong with you. We might consider each other to be the most predictable person on the planet, but we’re not psychics. Well, most of us, anyway.

Calm down and explain. It doesn’t matter how SIMPLE something seems to you, it may not be to your partner; especially when you are over the top emotional. If you can’t say it without losing your head, write it down.

Talk. For the love of all that is holy, COMMUNICATE! Even if it’s just about the dumb stuff. TALK! To each other! When you live with someone over time, it’s easy to get caught up in routine and monotony. You might not even realize you’re not talking until you’re not talking about anything anymore and you find yourself feeling uncomfortable even bringing certain things up.

If you have kids, it’s important to remind yourself of the couple you were BEFORE them. I know that parenthood changes things in inevitable and BIG ways, but you were a happy childless couple before procreating, who had conversations and did things together as a couple. Remember that. You still need to MAKE time for just the two of you, or you will forget who the two of you were without children, and then you might forget why you two were ever happy in the first place.

It’s okay to argue. Seriously, it really is. Remember that whole communication thing? At least you’re doing that!

If you want something, ASK FOR IT. The most important thing, in my humble opinion (and I am NO expert here) is to remember that there was a reason why I married my husband. I might lose sight of it at times, but we ALL, at one time or another, thought it was the best idea we’d ever heard to marry the person who is currently driving us insane. Maybe we were just batsh-- crazy… or maybe it was love. It’s worth finding out, isn’t it?

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We2ddings at

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For Your Outdoor Wedding!

Let us help you plan your fairy-tale wedding!

Imagine arriving by horse drawn carriage to the beautiful setting 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.

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• 17

Weddings

Wine Pairings

G balance in the mouth. We do not want two

Generally speaking, wine pairing is all about

Available at Strathmore Liquor Stores and at the Winery (Summer Only)

competing flavours in the mouth;

Highway 817 Strathmore, AB

wine must complement the food, not compete with it for dominance. It must accentuate the flavour of the food, not overpower it. On the other hand, if the wine it too light for the food, it will get lost in the mouth. It must not be too weak, but not overpower the food either. Flavours must match. We’re after balance, not competition… sort of like the perfect marriage.

With grape wines, there are certain underlying principles that determine how you pair foods with wine. Underlying these principles are the basic tastes and flavours. These are: sourness, sweetness, bitterness, saltiness, fattiness, hot & spicy, and fruitiness.

To match these tastes and flavours, we must heed three basic principles: 1) Match the most predominant building blocks in the wine to the same ones found in the food.

2) Contrast building blocks only when absolutely necessary.

3) Make sure the wine’s predominant building block is more pronounced than the food’s.

Fruit Wine Pairings

by Dominic Rivard

For those of us that love to make or buy fruit wines, the question of pairing food and fruit wines always comes up. Pairing food with regular grape wines is also an art, but there is so much information out there in books and on the internet, that making pairing decisions is a lot easier than with fruit wines. There simply is not a lot of information available on fruit wines, and most successful pairings come about through trial and error.

Some time ago, I worked with an Alberta winery, Field Stone Fruit Wines, on pairing their wines with food for a group session at Calgary Farmer’s Market. I thought I would share this to get your taste buds flowing and inspire you to come up with your own fruit wine and food pairing. There are so many possibilities, but here are just a few.

1. Black Currant Fruit Wine: dry, delicate aroma, crisp finish.

Food Pairing: Sushi.

Reason for the pairing: The wine is light and delicate and will not overpower the fish.

2. Cherry Fruit Wine: a balanced but intense nose, delicate palate, slightly acidic finish and easy to drink.

Food Pairing: A salmon-based dish.

Reason for pairing: The slightly bigger nose of the wine will be able to match the higher flavoured salmon.

3. Raspberry Fruit Wine: dried fruit nose, off-dry, good structure and mellow finish.

Food Pairing: Rosemary Chicken.

Reason for pairing: The body of the raspberry is smooth and well structured but the tannins are low enough to go well with poultry and not over power it.

4. Strawberry/Rhubarb Fruit Wine: white “zin-like” nose, more musky palate, delicate and drying finish.

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www.fieldstonefruitwines.com

“Alberta’s First Cottage Winery” Food Pairing: A light salad with fruit.

Reason for pairing: A sweeter wine that goes perfectly with light, California style salads.

5. Bumbleberry Fruit Wine (strawberry, raspberry, saskatoon berry): off-dry, more fruity pie flavour, soft but fresh finish.

Food Pairing: Great with easy eating, flavorful meals such as pizza.

Reason for pairing: Smoked flavours and herbs on the pizza will increase the complexity of the wine.

6. Strawberry Dessert Wine: more intense strawberry nose, apricot, rich palate, golden.

Food Pairing: Apricot based desserts.

Reason for pairing: The rich, almost floral flavours will go well with this wine that is reminiscent of a Vidal late-harvest wine.

7. Wild Black Cherry Dessert Wine: musky, ripe stewed fruit, good acid balance finish.

Food Pairing: Crème Brule.

Reason for pairing: The acid balance will go perfectly with a rich, creamy dessert.

8. Saskatoon Berry Dessert Wine: musky, foxy, stewed fruit, canned fruit, some brown sugar, exotic nose.

Food Pairing: Apples, Cheese and Walnut based foods.

Reason for pairing: This port-style wine will go well with the nut flavours and the almost musky flavours of the cheese. The wine is also rich enough to cut through any crisp apple flavours.

9. Raspberry Dessert Wine: rich, decadent, goes with chocolate, alcohol finish can cut through the chocolate, pure raspberry nose.

Food Pairing: Almost anything with chocolate.

Reason for pairing: The raspberry dessert wine is one of the few wines that will pair well with chocolate. A perfect match of intense flavours.

10. Black Currant Dessert Wine: Candy pallet, lively, rich, inviting, pure black currant.

Food Pairing: I recommend mixing it with a sparkling wine and enjoying it on its own.

Reason for pairing: Black Currant liqueurs and Champagne are a famous pairing world-wide, known traditionally as a “Kir Royale”.

Enjoy!

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• 19

Weddings with their starter marriage and have sworn never to do something that ridiculous again. And my kids, or my friends’ kids, aren’t old enough to require me to break out the Mother-of-theGroom attire. Okay, technically some of them are, but gratefully none of them seem particularly inclined.

A Note of Celebration Elegant music for your

Wedding

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not against getting married, per se. I’m just against the insanity that seems to result between the proposal and the first arrival home as the new Mr. and Mrs. So-and-So. I have no idea what happens in that time frame to turn normally rationale people into insane creatures while planning a wedding.

So with that in mind, I offer the following insanity saving tips from the perspective of one who has been there, done that and, more importantly, is cheap:

party or special event

Create customized set lists with the music that moves you Classical, Celtic, Pop, Country, Hymns, Bluegrass

Violin & Piano Duo

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Stories, Musings, A Little Adventure And Humour Suzanne is a native Calgarian that lived in Langdon for 15 years before transplanting to Chestermere in 2013. By day she is an accountant with a frustrated creative side that occasionally escapes in form of written musings, which is far more interesting than adding stuff up for people.

Insanity Saving Tips A sure sign of spring isn’t resetting the clocks ahead an hour, leaving us wandering around like jet-lagged zombies for a few days; it isn’t the sudden appearance of gophers in the form of road kill; it isn’t even the arrival of warm weather, since “Southern Alberta” and “appropriate season weather patterns” aren’t exactly synonymous. No, the surest sign of spring is the arrival of that dreaded magical time of year known as “Wedding Season”.

Oh sure, just like the weather in Southern Alberta can bring snow in July or forgo spring completely, some people buck the trend by having their wedding at some strange time. Like the middle of winter. But statistically, spring is wedding season, either planning or having. And it’s a strange season indeed.

I find myself, for the first time in years, invited to a wedding this June. It’s unusual, as I’m at that point in life where all my friends are either long since married, have wisely determined the single life is for them and they will never get married, or are finished

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1) Bridesmaid dresses #1 – unless you’re going with the classic LBD, there isn’t a bridesmaid’s dress out there that will look good on more than two different women simultaneously. And even LBD’s are style dependent. Be kind to your friends when picking dresses. Or just have one bridesmaid (cheaper!).

2) Bridesmaid dresses #2 – further to point 1) there are virtually no bridesmaid’s dresses that your besties will actually wear again.

Ever. So if you want to keep them as besties, don’t insist that they break the bank buying the horror dress that some celebrity with a huge budget used at their wedding.

3) Destination weddings – suck. For everyone but the happy couple and maybe a couple of close friends. Just remember, you’re asking people to burn a lot of cash and time coming with you and then you’re stuck with them for what should be your honeymoon. Do you really want your mom coming on your honeymoon?? If you do, your betrothed and I need to have a quick chat before the happy day. For the rest of you, save money and just have sand all over the floor of the community hall* you rent for the reception; no one will notice the difference!

4) Reception locations – community halls are cheap. ‘Nuff said.

5) Dance performances – there’s a trend to have the happy couple do some crazy dance performance, ala “Flash Mob”, or maybe drag the whole bridal party into the performance at the reception. Cute, but remember - rehearsals = scheduling nightmare.

And someone has to pay for those dance lessons…

6) Wedding cakes – what’s up with the mashing of cakes into faces? I don’t get that trend – besides seeming like an oddly passive aggressive way to start your life together, it seems like a waste of expensive wedding cake.

7) Guest list – short and sweet. And only those actually paying for a portion of the wedding get to have any influence, re: the content of said guest list.

8) Open bar or not – as an organizer/payer – NO OPEN BAR!!! As a guest? Open that sucker up… don’t be so cheap all the time!!!

Now, where’s the best place to buy a non-mother of anyone type dress, that won’t break the bank, to go to a June wedding?? *check your rental contract before spreading sand all over the community hall floor; some venues have no sense of whimsy. And withheld damage deposits are not cheap at all.

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Altogether Different

Weddings

Wedding DJ A wedding can be one of the most important events of your life.

From the flowers, to the dress and onto the reception, you want everything to be perfect. Your choice of music for the reception can make or break the whole wedding. That being said, how can you choose the right music and the right wedding DJ at a price that can fit your budget?

Wedding DJs can be found many ways. Often, they are found in the local phone book or magazine. Some DJ’s will set up booths at wedding expos or have websites. Sometimes, you hear about a DJ by word of mouth. That’s all great, but how can you tell if a DJ is going to be worth your time and consideration? The first thing to look for in a DJ is professionalism. Chances are you will not be doing yourself a favour if you hire your niece’s boyfriend to DJ your wedding, unless he has experience. A professional DJ will have up-to-date technology and equipment. He will have a professional appearance, including the appropriate clothing and grooming that fits the style of your wedding. If you want to have a 1970’s theme, the DJ should come equipped with bell bottoms and be ready to play a wedding disco. Part of a DJ’s professionalism is being open to whatever kind of music the bride and groom choose. If the bride and groom love country but the DJ is into hardcore death metal, the DJ should be happy and ready to play the selections of the newlyweds. Another part of the flexibility of DJ’s should be the ability to play a wide variety of songs upon request. With modern computer technology, songs are available almost immediately. If 200 rowdy guests are

screaming for the Chicken Dance, a good DJ should be able to oblige.

Besides playing music, a good wedding DJ should be able to accommodate and facilitate wedding traditions such as the first dance for the bride and groom, the Father/Daughter dance, the garter and bouquet toss or whatever the bride and groom request. They should also be able to spend a good amount of time with their equipment without taking too many breaks, including taking advantage of the open bar or chain smoking.

With these tips, you are sure to find a wedding DJ that will make all your reception dreams come true.

“At Last” by Etta James is the number one most popular first dance song according to Time Magazine.

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YourUltimate

Wedding Planning Checklist

Six to Seven Months Before

Nine to Twelve Months Before

• Shop for bridesmaids dresses. Allow at least six months for the dresses to be ordered. 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.

• 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, RSVPs, 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/djs.

• 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

• 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 theand menu. into consideration the day-after brunch for guests, the Take 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.

• 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

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One Month Before

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 favours. Wedding favours 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. he 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 honour. 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)!

• 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.

Resource: www.realsimple.com

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Weddings

Rules For A Happy Marriage 1. Never both be angry at the same time. 2. Never yell at each other unless the house is on fire. 3. If one of you has to win an argument, let it be your spouse. 4. If you have to criticize, do it lovingly. 5. Never bring up mistakes from the past. 6. Neglect the whole world rather than each other. 7. Never go to sleep with an argument unsettled. 8. At least once a day say a kind word or pay a compliment to your partner. 9. When you have done something wrong, admit it and ask for forgiveness. 10. It takes two to make a quarrel, and the one in the wrong is usually the one who does the most talking.”

- Unknown

Dear Lifelines: My partner wants a religious ceremony but I don’t. Do you have any advice on how we can compromise?

Dear Stressed; Thanks for your great question! And certainly there’s hope in devising a way that can honour both of your wishes for a marriage ceremony. But the first question to figure out is why does your partner prefer a religious ceremony and what is it about this process of having a religious service that you don’t like? Is it that you want a very private function and your partner wants something more elaborate? Is it that you do not agree with his religious faith or is it that you just want to have a simple secular service? And why is this?

Capacity 200 people For booking info call Bev at 403-934-4235 thenewsyneighbour.com

This monthly column by Joanne (Jody) Brown, MSW, RSW, is designed to help you make better connections, and live happier lives. Sometimes we just need to ask the question. You can learn more about her practice at www. Authenticbeing.ca or contact her at 403-983-2230 or NLP4you@ shaw. ca to book a free 30 minute consultation today.

Signed, Stressed Near the Altar

Lyalta Community Hall

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Life Lines

There are many options for wedding ceremonies that can be as elaborate or as simplistic as you wish - both for civil marriages

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Weddings with those officiated by a religious delegate. Perhaps you can find out exactly what you both want in a service and then go from there in selecting a process that will honour and meet the needs that you both have.

For instance, assuming that you are both of the same faith, you and your partner can consult with your religious organization and see what options there are for length of service and for the level of religious involvement that will take place during the ceremony. You can speak to them honestly about your dilemma - they may have many excellent suggestions you can work with. Many religious groups attempt to support the wishes of the couple and allow for the selection of certain religious customs that fit with the couples’ level of belief and practice. However, if you do not support your partner’s faith and are resentful of his or her level of involvement with religion, this is a huge red flag that you will want to sort through well before the planning of your wedding.

Another issue you might be contending with is pressure from family and friends to have a certain type of wedding - whether religious or civil. This type of pressure has led many a couple to choose an elopement to a tropical beach or a Las Vegas style drive-thru wedding in order to avoid the expense, emotional pressure, bickering and overriding fear you may have of disappointing family and friends. Make sure you choose the style of wedding that will suit you and your partner’s needs. If part of those needs include having a wedding service that meets the needs of parents and family, make sure you each understand the potential consequences of trying to please others before any booking commitments and deposits are made.

Get the perfect tan for your

Wedding Day Take a few minutes, a couple times 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 Mystic HD sunless tan for those who are looking for a cosmetic colour and are short on time!

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

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Call for details!

So basically, get all of your needs in order and understand what is driving your emotions. Do you want a large, elaborate, expensive wedding? Or do you want a small gathering of friends and family at the cottage? Are you able to compromise and have the wedding in a church? Or would you prefer a community hall with a small religious program that includes a couple of friends doing religious readings that you both select? After you individually come to agreement on what you both want (I’m assuming you both want each other to be happy and this certainly will be one of many compromises that you will have to work through within your couplehood) move confidently towards the creating of this beautiful wedding dream knowing that you are both in total support of each other. With the support of each other, you can achieve virtually anything together.

All the best!

Lifelines

“What makes a happy marriage? It is a question which all men and women ask one another...The answer is to be found, I think, in the mutual discovery, by two who marry, of the deepest need of the other’s personality, and the satisfaction of that need. - Pearl Buck “Marriage has the power to set the course of your life as a whole. If your marriage is strong, even if all the circumstances in your life around you are filled with trouble and weakness, it won’t matter. You will be able to move out into the world in strength.”- Timothy Keller

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Weddings Lomenda Energy

Carla is a wife, a mother and an agent for happiness. As a Senior Life Strategist and Certified Professional Co-Active Coach, Carla helps people get amazing results while having fun and deepening their relationships. Carla founded Lomenda Energy Inc. in 2010 to create community, life balance and wellness for professionals and organizations. Connect with Carla by phone 403-861-4810, by email carla@lomendaenergy.com and on twitter @LomendaEnergy

Are You Planning for a Wedding or a Marriage?

Many of us get caught up in planning for our big day. We find ourselves in overwhelm too often. However, planning for a wedding is really about planning for a marriage. Remember, your wedding is one day, whereas your marriage is for a beautiful lifetime. Practice and repeat these affirmations by saying them to yourself, daily or as needed, to focus on planning for your marriage.

Affirmations for a Blessed Marriage: • I trust that everything will work out exactly as it’s meant too.

• I confidently prepare for my marriage with ease and flow.

• I am already happily married to my fiancé/fiancée in my heart.

• My body is beautiful.

• I visualize our marriage being filled with love and bliss.

• My body is strong and healthy.

Wedding Cakes

• I feel positive about my marriage.

• I nourish my body with healthy foods and practice taking care of my beautiful body.

Have you ever wondered how we have H

• I slow down and savour the beautiful process of life.

• I find moments of peacefulness where time seems to stand still.

• I practice acts of kindness.

• I have a deep, loving and nourishing relationship with myself.

• My body and mind are calm and relaxed.

• Each challenge we face brings a new beautiful layer of depth to our marriage. Embrace your challenges, for they are truly opportunities. A new loving perspective is always available if we only allow it.

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Beginning sometime in the mid seventeenth century, we started out using the “Bride’s Pie”. It was considered rude and bad luck if guests didn’t eat a portion of the pie. Now, imagine placed somewhere inside this dessert is a glass ring. Well, much like the tossing of the bride’s bouquet today, whomever found the glass ring was considered the next to be married.

Going forward, the “Bride’s Pie” eventually became the “Bride’s Cake”. As time went on, the “Bride’s Cake” was made with fruit, which was considered a symbol of prosperity and fertility. Originally, this cake was cut and distributed by the bride because when the guests ate the cake, it was seen as a sign of pending fertility. This pleased the groom, as all married men at the time wanted nothing more than to be fertile and have big families.

These cakes were also covered in white, which was a symbol of purity and virginity. There was a short time period where there were two cakes, the second being the groom’s cake. The

Living the Life of Your Dreams You are Closer than You Think!

lomendaenergy.com

come to have the amazing wedding cakes we have today? Look no further, as I give you a brief breakdown of the history leading us to these wonderfully designed and delicious treats.

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The Newsy Neighbor ADD.pdf

1

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Weddings

MY BA K E R Y S H O P C

M

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CM

custom cakes cupcakes mini cupcakes

MY

CY

cakepops

CMY

K

frozen yogurt

&

Shop

Cupcake Frozen Yogurt

whole wheat bread homemade jams OPEN Monday to Saturday 10 to 7 #111- 355 Centre Street N Langdon, AB 403 880 9875 facebook.com/mybakeryshop groom’s cake died out though, with the bride’s cake taking over as the main cake.

In the nineteenth century, sugar became more refined. This lead to Queen Victoria using this refined sugar to make a white icing, which came to be known as Royal Icing. With weddings becoming larger, cakes had become bigger, leading to thicker icing to support the immense size of the cake. After this began, the groom would need to help cut the cake, which is what lead to the bride and groom sharing a piece ahead of distributing the cake, symbolizing their commitment to forever be there for one another.

The layered cakes we have come to know today originated in

1882 when Prince Leopold, the duke of Albany, was the first to have his cake made to be completely edible. Prince Leopold’s cake was created in separate layers with a very dense icing. The tiers would then harden and were stacked, which lead to our current cakes. Our cakes today are now made with supports inside due to their larger size and covered in a fondant that allows for more of a polished finish with perfect edging. Today, cakes are beautiful pieces of artwork.

When you see your next wedding cake, remember that they are not only tasty but a work of art created just for the bride and groom!

Written by William Pilon submitted by My Bakery Shop

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TRAVEL and WEDDING STATIONERY Your one stop shop!

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• 27

Weddings

Don’t let accidents or misfortune ruin your big day!

403-204-3003 403-934-6121

M

What would be the absolute perfect wedding shower menu?

Most wedding showers are an afternoon event and when I imagine a shower, my old-fashioned mind goes to tiny finger cucumber sandwiches, without the crust, of course. Plan for a small event, perhaps 10 to 15 at the most, something light, a springtime-feel, happy and easy. Some beautiful light pink punch, served in a crystal bowl with a little spike; not too much, you don’t want this to turn into an all and all free for all!

Let’s start with the perfect punch – it is a must to greet each guest with a pretty glass of happiness and, fortunately, I have found the most extravagant punch that each of your special shower friends will be sharing until the end of time.

The Best Wedding Shower Punch Of All Time

This sparkling punch recipe pairs tangy pink lemonade with tart cranberry juice for an irresistible sweet-and-sour combination.

Add some bubbles by mixing in club soda, and garnish with a few fresh mint leaves.

1 (12-oz.) can frozen pink lemonade concentrate, thawed 4 cups white cranberry juice cocktail 1 qt. club soda, chilled Garnish: fresh mint sprigs. Stir together lemonade concentrate and cranberry juice cocktail in punch bowl. Cover and chill at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours. Stir in club soda just before serv-

Cuts On Wheels Strathmore, Alberta

If it was my wedding shower, I would include a healthy, fresh, easy garden salad.

Basic Garden Salad

2 hearts romaine lettuce 2 small plum tomatoes, diced 1 seedless cucumber, diced 1 small yellow onion or 1/2 red onion, chopped 1 carrot, peeled and shredded 1 /4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, 2 to 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 tsp sugar Coarse salt and black pepper Place salad greens in a salad bowl and top with tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, and carrot. Place oil, vinegar and sugar in a small plastic container. Put the lid on the container and shake dressing until sugar dissolves, about 1 minute. Pour dressing over salad. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and toss to combine.

Next, for the main course! I would serve pinwheel sandwiches; they are so dainty and there are so many types, textures and unique little sandwiches, a little something for everyone. Your fillings can include egg salad, deviled ham with a pickle in the middle, tuna or salmon salad, peanut butter with banana in the center, or coloured cream cheese and sliced roast beef, just drop a few drops of food colouring into your cream cheese.

1 loaf white or whole wheat bread (ask bakery to cut sandwich loaf horizontally, or Pullman style) 1/3 cup butter, at room temperature 12 hard-cooked eggs, peeled and finely chopped or grated 1/2 cup chopped green onion 1/2 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill 1 tbsp Dijon mustard Salt and pepper, to taste Sweet gherkins (about 12) or cooked thin asparagus spears.

Set aside top and bottom crusts and trim crusts from remaining slices. Flatten slices slightly with a rolling pin. Spread each slice lightly with butter. In a medium bowl, combine eggs, green onion, mayonnaise, dill and mustard. Season with salt and pep-

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ing. Garnish, with mint leaves.

Or, The Way I Would Serve It: Same as above, but add one bottle of Champagne or sparkling wine and 1/4 cup orange liqueur instead of club soda.

Egg Salad Pinwheel Sandwiches

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28 •

Protect against the unexpected!

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per. Spread about 1/3 cup (75 mL) filling evenly on each slice of bread. Place a couple gherkins or an asparagus (trimmed to fit) across short end of bread. Starting at short end, roll up each slice into a cylinder. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap or cover with a damp tea towel. If possible, refrigerate for at least an hour.

Unwrap sandwiches. If ends look a little ragged, use a serrated knife to trim them. Slice each roll into 4 to 5 pieces.

Sandwich-making tips: * Butter should be at room temperature. Spread bread with butter right to the edges. This will prevent filling from leaking through the bread and making the sandwich limp and soggy. * These sandwiches can be made a day ahead. Cover with a damp towel, then with plastic wrap. Keep refrigerated. * Instead of pinwheels, make a regular sandwich with two slices

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of bread (try using two different types of bread in the same sandwich). Cut sandwiches into different shapes – e.g. rectangles, quarters, triangles. Or use a round, oval or other simply-shaped cookie cutter to cut out sandwiches.

Finish your beautiful luncheon with this quick and easy Luscious dessert.

Milky Way Brownie Bites. Find this recipe on our web-

site at:

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Kathryn Hartwell References: somethingswanky.com, mybakingaddition.com and perfectpinwheelsandwiches.com

Charles (Chuck) Weissig, Catering Manager

Cellular: 403-901-9640 Office: 403-934-6141 Fax: 403-934-5248

Kitchen Address: 101-717 Westlake Rd., Strathmore, AB charles @simpleeleganceincatering.ca

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• 29

Weddings

Upcoming Events: • Annual Men's Auction (minor sports fundraiser) - April 18, 2015 • Dry pad rentals (Please call for availability) • Indus Preschool registration has begun

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For more news and events please visit our website.

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Some Beautiful Words “Marriage: If you want something to last forever, you treat it differently. You shield it and protect it. You never abuse it. You don’t expose it to the elements. You don’t make it common or ordinary. If it ever becomes tarnished, you lovingly polish it until it gleams like new. It becomes special because you have made it so, and it grows more beautiful and precious as time goes by.” - F. Burton Howard “Love is patient. Love is kind. Love does not envy. Love does not boast. Love is not proud. Love is not rude. Love is not self-seeking. Love is not easily angered. Love keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil. Love rejoices with the truth. Love always protects. Love always trusts. Love always hopes. Love always perseveres. Love never fails.”

- 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8

“There are two basic motivating forces: fear and love. When we are afraid, we pull back from life. When we are in love, we open to all that life has to offer with passion, excitement, and acceptance. We need to learn to love ourselves first, in all our glory and our imperfections. If we cannot love ourselves, we cannot fully open to our ability to love others or our potential to create.”

- John Lennon

And remember, once in a while, right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale.

- Anonymous

30 •

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The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

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See some of their work here

Interview with Image Works Photography

Newsy: How and why did you get into photography, particularly weddings?

Image Works: I have been shooting weddings since I was 13. It has always been a great pleasure to be involved in the celebration.

Newsy: What type of cameras do you shoot with and what is your favourite accessory?

Image Works: I have used Nikon for 25 years and it has never let me down. Great optics and an overall great feel.

Newsy: Do you have backup equipment? What about a backup plan if you are unable to shoot your scheduled wedding for some reason?

Image Works: We always have a backup shooter. My wife has shot weddings for 15 years. Luckily, we have not missed any in over 20 years.

view

Inter

the length of the shoot ad the size of the party.

Newsy:How would you describe your working style? (e.g.

Do you prefer to blend into the background and shoot what unfolds naturally, or do you create a more visible presence by taking charge and choreographing shots?)

Image Works: I feel you need to control the shooting to keep on track and be efficient with time. We can get a lot done in a short period of time. When the wedding party is having a great time, it goes by quickly.

Newsy: What do you think makes your work distinct?

Image Works: I have always worked on shooting in a very comfortable, easy going fashion. This always inspires great natural images to remember for a lifetime.

Newsy: Do you shoot digitally or with film? Or both?

Image Works: We have been digital since 2000.

Newsy: How would you describe your wedding-photography style? (e.g. traditional, photojournalistic, artistic) Image Works: I focus on capturing the enjoyment of the day.

That always includes a combination of shooting styles.

Newsy: How far in advance to you recommend a wedding to be booked with you?

Image Works: We book first come first serve.

Newsy: How many photos do you take at a wedding, on average?

Image Works: I usually shoot 700-1000 images, depending on

Newsy: What is the best advice you can give a bride and groom for their wedding photos to turn out the best?

Image Works: Have fun, don’t force anything. Let the day happen because it goes by extremely fast! facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

• 31

Weddings

The Big Day &

Children

I

In this day and age, being a blended family is common. Many brides and grooms have children from previous relationships and are going beyond tradition to find ways to incorporate them into their weddings. Yes, the kids add cuteness… but it’s often more about blending families.

If you are trying to think of a way to involve a child in your second wedding, there are plenty of imaginative and exciting ways children can be involved, especially in the ceremonies. Having children from a previous relationship, whether the bride, the groom, or both, the question to address very early on is, ‘what will the children do on the wedding day?’ Whatever you do, don’t leave this until the last moment.

So what can you do to make your wedding a special event to include your children? There are actually quite a few different ideas. Children can help light a “unity candle” or participate in what’s become known as a “sand ceremony,” in which the bride, groom and child(ren) pour different-coloured sand into a container to symbolize a new union. Instead of having a traditional processional, event planner Sandy Sloane and her husband, Bob Czworka, danced down the aisle with their four children to the

32 •

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song “Love is Strange.” And, for the first dance, the bride and groom can dance with their children.

Getting married is one of the biggest decisions you will make in your life and involving your children in this BIG event is critically important, especially when blending your new families together. But, this raises another question – with your own children involved in the wedding, what do you do about inviting other people’s children to your special union?

The question is: Children or No Children?

Deciding whether or not to have children at your wedding can be tricky. If you are inviting children and you can afford it, hiring some babysitters or child entertainment is a great way of ensuring adults can become inebriated enjoy themselves. Have some disposable cameras or colouring books, paper, crayons and pencils can help guest children get through the speeches.

Children can be a LOT of fun at weddings (especially busting their cute little moves on the dancefloor!) but long periods of sitting still and being quiet can be difficult for young children who naturally have very short attention spans. Boredom kicks in, they may become restless, hungry and overtired, which can lead to tantrums, tears and frazzled parents. The two parts of a wedding day that are the trickiest for children are the ceremony and the speeches; hopefully you can feel safe in the knowledge that parents will be watching their children carefully throughout the ceremony and may even provide their favourite snacks/ The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

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Weddings

toy/comforter to keep them happy and entertained. No parent wants all eyes on them as their child misbehaves during the bride and groom’s sacred marriage vows! But a gentle reminder at the beginning of the ceremony: it’s ok to leave the room if needs be, and doing so may encourage other parents to escort any screaming babies/children having full on temper tantrums away from earshot.

Beauti by Nature Strathmore's Sugaring Salon

What if you don’t want children at your wedding?

This can be a little tricky if you have no children of your own and you don’t want anyone else’s children at the wedding; how do you handle the situation so not to upset your intended guests? First, you must be very clear on your invitations about whether children are invited. That doesn’t mean just addressing the invitation to the parents and hoping they get the message.

It means explaining that you are not having children at the wedding and are only having a few family children. Sometimes hurt feelings and misunderstandings can be avoided by having an actual conversation on the telephone. If you decide not to have children at your wedding, let friends and family know well in advance so that they can arrange a babysitter. Hopefully they’ll look forward to a ‘night off’ celebrating your nuptials with you!

Either way, it’s important to be clear on the save-the-date and/ or invitation whether children are actually invited or not. First of all, when addressing your wedding stationery be very specific – is it simply Mr. & Mrs. Jones or The Jones Family that you’re inviting? On the invite itself a simple ‘children welcome’ or ‘no children under the age of 10 please’ (or whatever your cut off age is) should suffice. But you could also include a little message popped inside the envelopes with something along the lines of: As much as we love your little ones, our wedding/wedding venue won’t be suitable for children under 10, so we kindly request that you leave them at home with a guardian.

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The Cheadle Hall for Your Wedding

There are a lot of big decisions to make when planning your very special day and deciding to have or not to have children attend is not a decision that is always made lightly. Just make sure you are comfortable with your decision, because it is yours to make. It is all about the style of wedding you wish to have.

Kathryn Hartwell References: bridalmusing.com, mumsnet.com, globalnews.ca, idotaketwo.com and congratulations.com

LASHES

by Sanja Sanja Jovanovic Lash Technician

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Chestermere

The Cheadle hall is a fair sized facility of approximately 3700sqft located in East Cheadle.

The building features a dance floor, stage, exceptional dining area and kitchen. The facility also features an outdoor patio area. While renting the Cheadle Community Hall, you also have the opportunity to have your function catered.

Information on the hall is located on our website:

www.cheadlealberta.com Catering Available! Call us 403-934-5628 facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

• 33

Ch this eck out !

HEA

LTH

What On Earth Is Kombucha?

Kombucha is a living health drink made by fermenting tea and sugar with the kombucha culture. The result can taste like something between sparkling apple cider and champagne, depending on what kind of tea you use. It’s not what you’d imagine fermented tea to taste like.

The origins of Kombucha have become lost in the mists of time. It is thought to have originated in the Far East, probably China, and has been consumed there for at least two thousand years.

The first recorded use of kombucha comes from China in 221 BC during the Tsin Dynasty. It was known as “The Tea of Immortality”.

The Kombucha culture looks like a beige or white rubbery pancake. It’s often called a ‘scoby’, which stands for ‘symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts’. It floats, it’s rubbery and it has slightly spongy, brown stringy bits that hang from it, and it transforms sugary tea into tangy, fizzy kombucha. The ‘scoby’ culture is placed in sweetened black or green tea and turns a bowl full of sweet tea into a bowl full of vitamins, minerals, enzymes and health-giving organic acids.

As the Kombucha culture digests, the sugar produces a range of organic acids like glucuronic acid, gluconic acid, lactic acid, acetic acid, butyric acid, malic acid and usnic acid, vitamins, particularly B vitamins and vitamin C, as well as amino acids, and enzymes. And, of course, there are all the benefits of the probiotic microorganisms themselves.

Helpful Hint: in case you’re confused, the thick rubbery pancake-like product floating on the top of your kombucha is the ‘scoby’ – you keep it for future Kombucha. Alternatively, you can also buy a ‘scoby’ on a few online sites or health food store (check out our website for a few links!).

The Kombucha culture is a biochemical powerhouse in your kitchen. You might wonder if fermenting tea with yeasts would produce an alcoholic beverage; and that’s a good question. The yeasts do produce alcohol, but the bacteria in the culture turn the alcohol to organic acids. Only minute quantities of alcohol, typically 1% by volume remains in the kombucha brew.

With every brew you make, the kombucha forms a new layer of scoby on the surface of the liquid. These can be left to thicken the scoby or can be divided, giving you spare cultures that you can store in some sweet tea in the fridge in case something should happen to your active culture. Or, you might want to pass on spare Kombucha cultures to friends or use a new scoby to start another batch of kombucha.

Many health claims are made for kombucha, but there is less research on the benefits of kombucha than there is on fermented milk products. It has certainly been shown to have similar antibiotic, antiviral and anti-fungal properties in lab tests. In rats, it’s been shown to protect against stress and improve liver function. There is a lot of experiential evidence from people who have been using kombucha over many years.

Many of the benefits reported include improvements in energy levels, metabolic disorders, allergies, cancer, digestive problems, candidiasis, hypertension, HIV, chronic fatigue and arthritis. It‘s also used externally for skin problems and as a hair wash.

And while the homebrewed nature of kombucha makes some home cooks nervous, it is unlikely that kombucha will ever make you sick. Like all things, you need to use common sense when brewing it and pay attention to what you’re doing. It’s natural to feel nervous and unsure at first. Bottom line: if the scoby is healthy, then the kombucha will be healthy.

I’m breaking the kombucha-making process into very small steps here. It looks long and complicated, but this is actually a very straightforward and streamlined process.

Once you get into the rhythm of it, bottling a finished batch of kombucha and preparing the next only takes about 20 minutes every 7 to 10 days.

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How to Make Kombucha Tea

Come on in for our Daily Special!

Makes about 1 gallon

Ingredients • 3 1/2 quarts water • 1 cup white sugar • 8 bags black tea • 2 cups starter tea from last batch or 2 tablespoons of cider vinegar if you don’t have any kombucha

Phone:

403-901-1877 #1 Highway Across from McDonald’s We are next to Leroy’s Motor Inn.

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• 1 scoby per fermentation jar Equipment • Stock pot • 1-gallon glass jar or two 2-quart glass jars • Bottles: Six 16-oz glass bottles with plastic lids, 6 swing-top bottles, or clean soda bottles • Small funnel Instructions Note: Avoid prolonged contact between the kombucha and metal, both during and after brewing.

This can affect the flavour of your kombucha and weaken the scoby over time.

1. Make the Tea Base: Bring the water to a boil.

Remove from heat and stir in the sugar to dissolve.

Drop in the tea and allow it to steep until the water has cooled. Depending on the size of your pot, this will take a few hours. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the pot in an ice bath.

2. Add the Starter Tea: Once the tea is cool, remove the tea bags or strain out the loose tea. Stir in the starter tea. (The starter tea or cider vinegar, which makes the liquid acidic, preventing unfriendly bacteria from taking up residence in the first few days of fermentation.)

3. Transfer to Jars and Add the Scoby: Pour the mixture into a 1-gallon glass jar (or divide between two 2-quart jars, in which case you’ll need 2 scobys) and gently slide the scoby into the jar with clean hands. Cover the mouth of the jar with a few layers of cheesecloth or paper towels, secured with a rubber band.

4. Ferment for 7 to 10 Days: Keep the jar at room temperature, out of direct sunlight, and where it won’t get jostled. Ferment for 7 to 10 days, checking the kombucha and the scoby periodically.

It’s not unusual for the scoby to float at the top, bottom, or even sideways. A new cream-coloured layer of scoby should start forming on the surface of the kombucha within a few days. It usually attaches to the old scoby, but it’s ok if they separate.

You may also see brown stringy bits floating beneath the scoby, sediment collecting at the bottom, and bubbles collecting around the scoby. This is all normal and signs of healthy fermentation.

After seven days, begin tasting the kombucha daily by pouring a little out of the jar and into a cup.

When it reaches a balance of sweetness and tartness that is pleasant to you, the kombucha is ready to bottle.

5. Remove the Scoby: Before proceeding, prepare and cool another pot of strong tea for your next batch of kombucha, as outlined above. With clean hands, gently lift the scoby out of the kombucha and set it on a clean plate. As you do, check it over and remove the bottom layer if the scoby is getting very thick.

6. Bottle the Finished Kombucha: Measure out your starter tea from this batch of kombucha and set it aside for the next batch. Pour the fermented kombucha (straining, if desired) into bottles using the small funnel.

7. Carbonate and Refrigerate the Finished Kombucha: Store the bottled kombucha at room-temperature out of direct sunlight and allow 1 to 3 days for the kombucha to carbonate. Until you get

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a feel for how quickly your kombucha carbonates, it’s helpful to keep it in plastic bottles; the kombucha is carbonated when the bottles feel rock solid. Refrigerate to stop fermentation and carbonation, and then consume your kombucha within a month.

8. Make a Fresh Batch of Kombucha: Clean the jar being used for kombucha fermentation.

Combine the starter tea from your last batch of kombucha with the fresh batch of cooled sugary tea, and pour it into the fermentation jar. Slide the scoby on top, cover, and ferment for 7 to 10 days.

Additional Notes: • Batch Size: To increase or decrease the amount of kombucha you make, maintain the basic ratio of 1 cup of sugar, 8 bags of tea, and 2 cups starter tea per gallon batch. One scoby will ferment any size batch, though larger batches may take longer.

• Putting Kombucha on Pause: If you’ll be away for 3 weeks or less, just make a fresh batch and leave it on your counter. It will likely be too vinegary to drink by the time you get back, but the scoby will be fine. For longer breaks, store the scoby in a fresh batch of the tea base with starter tea in the fridge. Change out the tea for a fresh batch every 4 to 6 weeks.

• Other Tea Options: Black tea tends to be the easiest and most reliable for the scoby to ferment into kombucha, but once your scoby is going strong, you can try branching out into other kinds. Green tea, white tea, oolong tea, or an even mix of these makes especially good kombucha. Herbal teas are ok, but be sure to use at least a few bags of black tea in the mix to make sure the scoby is getting all the nutrients it needs. Avoid any teas that contain oils, like earl grey or flavoured teas.

• Avoid Prolonged Contact with Metal: Using metal utensils is generally fine, but avoid fermenting or bottling the kombucha in anything that brings them into contact with metal. Metals, especially reactive metals like aluminum, can give the kombucha a metallic flavour and weaken the scoby over time.

patches, or clear jelly-like patches, it is still fine to use. Usually, these are all indicative of changes in the environment of your kitchen and not a problem with the scoby itself.

• Kombucha will start off with a neutral aroma and then smell progressively more vinegary as brewing progresses. If it starts to smell cheesy, rotten, or otherwise unpleasant, this is a sign that something has gone wrong. If you see no signs of mould on the scoby, discard the liquid and begin again with fresh tea. If you do see signs of mould, discard both the scoby and the liquid and begin again with new ingredients.

• A scoby will last a very long time, but it’s not indestructible. If the scoby becomes black, that is a sign that it has passed its lifespan. If it develops green or black mold, it is has become infected. In both of these cases, throw away the scoby and begin again.

• To prolong the life and maintain the health of your scoby, stick to the ratio of sugar, tea, starter tea, and water outlined in the recipe.

You should also peel off the bottom (oldest) layer every few batches. This can be discarded, composted, used to start a new batch of kombucha, or given to a friend to start their own.

• If you’re ever in doubt about whether there

is a problem with your scoby, just continue brewing batches but discard the kombucha they make. If there’s a problem, it will get worse over time and become very apparent.

If it’s just a natural aspect of the scoby, then it will stay consistent from batch to batch and the kombucha is fine for drinking.

The general consensus seems to be that with regular, daily consumption, you’ll notice improvement in immune system functioning and energy levels within about a week, the healing of more minor ailments within a month or so, and the healing of more radical illnesses within a year or so. Although there is no proven medical evidence, most of the websites I visited doing my research for Kombucha showed health benefits as it is an extraordinarily anti-oxidant rich tea, and you all know the benefits of anti-oxidants for boosting your immune system and energy levels.

Like anything in life, you just never know until you try it yourself!

Kathryn Hartwell

References: mayoclinic.org, foodrenegade.com, thekitchn.com and seedsofhealth.co.uk

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Troubleshooting Kombucha • It is normal for the scoby to float on the top, bottom, or sideways in the jar. It is also normal for brown strings to form below the scoby or to collect on the bottom. If your scoby develops a hole, bumps, dried patches, darker brown facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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All served with soup, green salad or fries. Sub caesar or onion rings, add 2$. Any burger or sandwich can be served in a wrap for no extra charge.

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Two half pound patties; that’s right! One full pound of Alberta beef, bacon, ham, cheddar, lettuce, tomato and mayo on a toasted brioche bun.

A half pound patty, jalapeño jack cheese, cilantro jalapeño pesto, pickled habaneros, fresh arugula and tomato on a toasted brioche bun.

A half pound patty, marinated pineapple, fried spam ‘bacon’, caramelized onion, lettuce and tomato on a toasted brioche bun.

The Hangover Classic

A half pound patty, bacon, cheddar and a sunny side up egg on a toasted brioche bun.

Ruben

Shaved pastrami, sauerkraut, melted Swiss and secret sauce on toasted rye bread.

Andale Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Grilled lime cilantro chicken breast on a toasted ciabatta roll with cucumber relish, guacamole, arugula and fresh tomato.

Open Faced Patty Melt

A half pound patty, with caramelized onions and melted Swiss on a toasted slice of rye.

Ultimate Grilled Cheese

Three slices of Texas cut whole wheat bread with melted cheddar, bacon and ham.

Smoked Pulled Beef Sandwich

Comes on a ciabatta roll with Chipotle Moonshine BBQ sauce and house pickled onions.

Bill’s Big Dipper

Thin sliced, slow roasted Albertan beef on a ciabatta roll with a rich homemade au jus for dipping

13 12 12 12 12 12 13

All served with seasonal vegetables and fresh cut Yukon fries, rice pilaf or loaded mashed potatoes.

Traditional Fish & Chips

Freshly battered with locally made ale and served with homemade tartar sauce and pickled onions.

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The Ultimate Meat Lovers

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The Spicy Sicilian

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The Veggievore

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Smokey BBQ Beef

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Queso Taco Pizza

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Buffalo Chicken Pizza

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Double Hawaiian

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Chicken Caesar

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The Five Alarm Inferno

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The Philly Cheese Steak

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Choose between 10”, 12”, 14” thick or thin.

Choose your sauce, marinara, bbq, meat, Alfredo. Choose your toppings $1 each, pepperoni, ham, bacon, chicken, ground beef, salami, pineapple, olives, peppers, onions, pickled jalapeños, sautéed mushroom, pickled habaneros Meat sauce, pepperoni, ham and ground beef.

Salami, olives, onions and pickled jalapeños.

Onions, mushrooms, olives, bell peppers and topped with arugula.

BBQ base, house smoked pulled beef, onions, peppers and cheddar cheese.

Alfredo base, ground beef, pickled jalapeños, peppers and cheddar cheese.

Chicken, pepperoni, onions, then finished with a drizzle of Louisiana hot sauce and ranch dressing.

Double ham, double pineapple.

Chicken, bacon, parmesan cheese, then finished off with a drizzle of Caesar dressing.

14 Joe’s Big Bash

Ham, pineapple, pepperoni, jalapeños, with a hint of Sriracha to spice up your night.

15

Brick Chicken

14

Grilled cilantro marinated chicken breast pressed with a 600 degree brick to seal in all the juices, then finished with our chipotle moonshine bbq sauce.

10” 12” 14”

Alfredo base, ground beef, onions, peppers and cheddar cheese.

Lemongrass and Ponzu Cedar Planked Salmon

Fresh Atlantic salmon glazed with our own secret recipe then topped with citrus dressed arugula.

Pizzas

Salami, pickled habaneros, onions pickled jalapeños then finished off with a drizzle of chipotle ranch.

Bigger Plates

10

sauce: marinara, meat, Alfredo. Pick your meat: chicken $4, steak $4, ham $1, bacon $1, and/or pepperoni $1. Pick your vegetables 50¢ each, peppers, onions, olives, mushrooms, hot peppers. Served with garlic toast.

The Venetian

A half pound patty, meat sauce, pepperoni, and melted mozzarella on a toasted brioche bun.

14

facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

• 37

Revitalize Downtown Strathmore Revitalize Downtown Strathmore

1

DOWNTOWN

NOW OPEN!

2

STRATHMORE

Complimentary Market Evaluations 403-934-5533 Locally owned & operated, AND Proudly Independent serving Strathmore and area since 1993

Helping You Find Your Dream Home!

Kyla Anderson-Janes, Stylist Toni Comstock, Stylist 101-307-3rd Ave. Strathmore • 403-901-0049

#106, 304 - 3rd Ave. Strathmore, AB T1P 1Z1

WWW.AZTECREALESTATE.CA

STRATHMORE, AB

Downtown

Match the number on each ad in the Downtown Section (Pages 38-43)

Wheatland Trail

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Ave s ’ ran e t Ve

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esi Lak

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et

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3S

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2S

20 ve 15 3A 9 11 14 13 8 Kinsmen Park 7 12 6 10 3 45 12

Trans-Canada Hwy

REVITALIZE DOWNTOWN STRATHMORE Revitalize Downtown Strathmore

2015 Project

38 •

thenewsyneighbour.com

Fax: 403-934-6278

1. NV Hair & Body Studio 2. Aztec Real Estate 3. Ideal Nutrition 4. Lil Hoots Consignment 5. The Red Carrot 6. Macarina Sari-Sari Store 7. Beautiful Shenanigans 8. Sole Discretion 9. Family Dental Clinic 10. Beltone 11. Masala Hub 12. Bubbles Drycleaning 13. The Royal Canadian Legion 14. Valley Dental 15. The Standard Shoe Shop 16. Value Drug Mart 17. Ripperz 18. Active Solutions for Health 19. Nancy Stairs Realty Re/Max Horizon 19. Debbie Mitzner Re/Max Realty Horizon.

20. Strathmore Dental Centre

The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

•

Altogether Different

Revitalize Downtown Strathmore

Revitalize Downtown Strathmore

Ideal Nutrition You loose on average 3 3-5 lbs per week!

7

Email Estelle, RN and Lead Coach at hiestelle@shaw.ca

www.idealnutritioncalgary.com

Lil Hoots Children's and Maternity Consignment Boutique

Come check out our new location!

Visit us on

We’ve Moved!

5

403-934-9979 /lilhootsconsignment 239 - 3 Avenue, Strathmore

(old Music Centre Canada building)

clothing – crafts – gifts

403-934-6112

223 – 3rd Ave., Strathmore, AB

Across from the Co-op. Downtown.

EstheticAB #203 205 3rd Ave Strathmore Services Tanya Rycroft | Manicures, 403-983-3100 Pedicures,

BEAUTIFUL

236 - 3 Avenue (downtown) Strathmore, AB · 403-934-6065

4

BEAUTIFUL SHENANIGANS

All occasion gifts, décor, women’s fashions & more.

Visit our website @ www.theredcarrot.ca

Facials, Reflexology, Waxing, Tinting & SHENANIGANS Microdermabrasion

#203 205 3rd Ave Strathmore AB Tanya Rycroft | 403-983-3100

BEAUTIFUL SHENANIGANS

Have you started the Newsy Neighbour Shopping Challenge yet?

#203 205 3rd Ave Strathmore AB Tanya Rycroft | 403-983-3100

I have had a couple people message me on Facebook telling me that spending $25 in 10/14 stores on the challenge was “too difficult”, so I took the challenge and decided to see how “difficult” it was!

And let me tell you: it’s NOT difficult at all!!

As of April 26, I have completed: -The Standard One Stop Shoe Shop: A nice new pair of white Converse!

Macarina Sari-Sari Store

6

211A - 3rd Avenue Strathmore, Alberta Macarina Ford Store OWNER

Phone:

403.852.3055

Small business ownership. I think it’s the backbone of Canadian innovation. But to be successful, you first have to have the courage to go for it. All these business owners have that courage. Support them!

- Value Drug Mart: I am a regular shopper there… I get everything there! Prescriptions, toys, kids clothing, unique items for my home, makeup, etc! And the staff are the BEST! - Sole Discretion: Beautiful new sandals that are needing a hot day to be worn!

- Lil Hoots Consignment: My kids needed new spring clothes; shopping DONE! - Red Carrot: Have you seen their beautiful wooden wine racks upstairs? GO SEE THEM! - Masala Hub: My husband and I celebrated our 8th Anniversary with the most delicious butter chicken. Do yourself a favour and eat there! You won’t be disappointed.

The best part of this challenge? I am buying things I actually facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

• 39

Revitalize Downtown Strathmore need, and instead of putting that money into huge box stores where only $.45 is reinvested locally, I am putting that money into LOCAL businesses that reinvest $1 locally.

I can’t wait to check out the rest of the 14 businesses in the challenge over the next few months!

9

Not only have I got some awesome items from LOCAL businesses, but I really got to see what our town has to offer. If you haven’t been to all the stores in the Shopping Challenge, I recommend you checking them out and see how easy it is to fill this form out!!

Family Dental Clinic

• Family Practice EVENING & SATURDAY • Fillings/extractions APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE • Crowns/Bridges & Implants • Dentures • Sports Mouth Guards DIRECT BILLING TO • Grinding Habit Appliances INSURANCE COMPANIES • Teeth Whitening with "Service provided by a General Dentist" every Exam and Cleaning Strathmore, Ab

Bay #2, 410 Lakeside Blvd

Oh, and don’t forget the PRIZES for completing your shopping challenge!!!

403-983-2001 Dr. Murai Khalifa

HEARING TEST SET FOR SENIORS

We have gift baskets that are being added to daily. As of right now, we expect to have at least 3 baskets valued at:

10

3rd PLACE: Gift Basket valued at $500!

Our Certified Hearing Specialists will evaluate your hearing, explain your test results, and provide you with straightforward answers and solutions in cases where hearing loss is discovered.

CALL TODAY Phone: (403) 901-6332

• AADL Vendor • DVA Taps Cards Accepted • WCB Claims Provider

2nd PLACE: Gift Basket valued at $1000!

Fully Licensed

1st PLACE: Gift Basket valued at $2000!!

11

And I can’t win, so‌. I challenge you to do the #NewsyShoppingChallenge and post your photos on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with that hashtag!

• MON - FRI 11AM - 10PM • SAT 12PM - 10PM • SUN 12PM - 9PM

403-983-1114

Denise Geremia

134 - 2ND STREET, STRATHMORE, AB

NOW OPEN!

Sole Discretion is a NEW boutique shoe and accessory store that will inspire you to express your individuality through fun, adventurous and unique ladies footwear.

8

Please visit us on Facebook

Quality shoes and boots from brands such as..

124, 3rd Avenue. Strathmore, AB (Between CIBC and the old SAAN store)

thenewsyneighbour.com

A True Community Based Local Family Business!

12

Proudly Serving Strathmore & Area for 13 years. Looking forward to the next 13!

Wedding Gowns cleaned from $150 All work is done on site. Quick turnaround!

™Ž—ȹ Čą Š¢ȹÂ?Â˜ČąÂœÂŽÂ›Â&#x;ÂŽČąÂ˘Â˜ÂžČąÂ‹ÂŽÄ´ÂŽÂ›ÇŻČą Žȹ‘ŠÂ&#x;Žȹ‹ž’•Â?ČąÂ˜ÂžÂ› Â‹ÂžÂœÂ’Â—ÂŽÂœÂœČąÂ˜Â—ČąÂŠČąÂœÂ˜Â•Â’Â?ČąÂ?˜ž—Â?ŠÂ?Â’Â˜Â—ČąÂ˜Â?ČąÂ?Š—Â?ŠœÂ?Â’ÂŒČąÂŒÂžÂœÂ?Â˜Â–ÂŽÂ›ČąÂœÂŽÂ›Â&#x;Â’ÂŒÂŽÇˇ NOW 100% ECO FRIENDLY 316A 2nd Ave, Strathmore, AB • 403-934-1807

• Miz Mooz • Gold Button • Pikolinos • Josef Seibel • BUENO • Cloud • Art • Minx

40 •

All Day Sunday Buffet $12.99 Lunch Special $10.99

The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

•

Altogether Different

Revitalize Downtown Strathmore

THE GET TO KNOW YOUR

Presented by

We have many things to offer the Community: Facilities For Banquets, Weddings, Meetings, Receptions, Anniversaries, Birthdays, Business Luncheons, Crib, Darts, Pool, Bingo & More.

13

Our kitchen provides, breakfast, lunch and supper – special suppers every Friday.

The Royal Canadian Legion Strathmore Branch #10 403.934.5119

Meat draws every Friday evening and Saturday afternoon.

Jamming sessions on Friday evenings and too many more events to list.

16

25% off Wedding Giftware & Supplies Expires Aug 31, 2015

Bring in a copy of your wedding invitation and be Entered to Win a $50 VDM Gift Card. Draw Date Aug 31, 2015

www.valuedrugmart.com E: strathmore@valuedrug.ca

132-2nd Ave Strathmore AB T1P 1K3

403-934-3122 ph 403-934-6474 fax

Valley Dental Clinic

Valley Clinic GENERALDental FAMILY DENTISTRY GENERAL FAMILY DENTISTRY

Ph: (403) Gentle Dental 934-2882 Care GentletoDental Care Direct• Billing Insurance • Direct Billing to Insurance Extended Hours

14

• Extended Hours • Sedation Dentistry

New Patients & Emergencies Welcome

Patients & (403)New 934-2882

Emergencies Welcome

@TheNewsy Neighbour #Newsy Shopping Challenge

231 2nd Avenue, Strathmore

231-2nd Avenue, Strathmore

Family Owned and Operated by

Kelly Warrack, Katelyn Haffner & Jillian Warrack Shoes, handbags, wallets & accessories. Offering brands such as Nine West, Clarks, New Balance, Vionic, Toms, Fluevog, Naturalizer, AS98, Sanuk, Converse and much more!

15 403-983-0020

thestandardshoeshop@gmail.com

136 - 2nd Ave. Strathmore, AB (in the old Strathmore Standard Building)

/TheNewsy Neighbour

@TNewsy Neighbour #Newsy Shopping Challenge facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

• 41

Revitalize Downtown Strathmore

Ripperz

Strathmore Dental Centre

Rippin' with skateboards, longboards & supplies.

17 Bench.

20 EĞǁ WĂƟĞŶƚƐ ĂŶĚ ŵĞƌŐĞŶĐŝĞƐ tĞůĐŽŵĞ͊ Dr. Terry Lee Alston Dr. Hugh Kennedy ƌ͘ ŚƌŝƐƟŶĞ >ŝůŐĞ ƌ͘ ZŽďĞƌƚ <ŝŶŶŝďƵƌŐŚ 115-2nd Ave. Strathmore, Alberta

Come in and check us out!

129 - 2nd Ave. Strathmore, AB • Ph: 403-934-2420

;KƌƚŚŽĚŽŶƟƐƚͿ

Ph: 403-934-5620

www.strathmoredental.ca

Suffer from Bunions?

The Bunion Bootie Protects-Aligns & Rehabilitates. In Stock

18

Shockwave Therapy, Chronic pain issues, Myo-Fascial Release, Custom Orthotics including Sport specific, Knee and Ankle Bracing

activesolutionsforhealth.com 121 Second Ave Strathmore, AB •

Phone:

403-983-3675

How To Play:

19

Go shopping for some treats, or lunch with your honey, visit these stores, share some of your money!

Visit all of our listings & virtual tours at

www.nancystairs.com

RULES:

Proud A+ Members of The Better Business Bureau

RE/MAX REALTY HORIZON, P.O. Box 2116. Strathmore, AB

Call DEBBIE MITZNER Now For a

FREE MARKET EVALUATION of your property

19

(403) 934-5555 1-800-661-6262

debmitzner@gmail.com www.debbiemitzner.com NO EXPIRY DATE. File with important documents.

30 Years Of Award Winning Service!

Join us on Instagram #NewsyShoppingChallenge #TheNewsyNeighbour @TheNewsyNeighbour

42 •

thenewsyneighbour.com

Post your photos of you doing the shopping challenge. We will be giving away additional prizes!!!

1) Spend $25 at 10 of the 14 stores on this brochure by June 20th 2015.

2) Make sure the store owner/employee initials the card in the white circle and then takes down your first and last name for their records.

3) Once at least 10 of the spaces below are full, deliver or mail the completed page (next page) to us to be entered to win one of several AMAZING PRIZES. Visit: www.thenewsyneighbour.com for more details on these prizes.

You can bring this page to us at our booth at the festival on June 20th, which is where the draws for winners will be made, or you can deliver it or mail it to: The Newsy Neighbour Magazine, G-510 Highway 1, Strathmore, Alberta T1P 1M6. (At Studio 86 Tanning) Good luck and have fun!

SUPPORT LOCAL! WIN PRIZES!!

The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

•

Altogether Different

Revitalize Downtown Strathmore

Name:

THE GET TO KNOW YOUR

DOWNTOWN STRATHMORE

Phone #: Email:

Presented by

Beautiful Shenanigans

203 3 Ave., Strathmore 403-983-3100

Lil Hoots

2

239 3 Ave., Strathmore 403-934-9979

Red Carrot

3

223 3 Ave., Strathmore 403-934-6112

1) Spend $25 at 10 of the 14 stores on this brochure by June 20th 2015.

2) Make sure the store owner/employee initials the card in the white circle and then takes down your first and last name for their records.

3) Once at least 10 of the spaces below are full, deliver or mail this page to us to be entered to win one of several AMAZING PRIZES. You can deliver this page to our booth at the festival on June 20th or you can deliver it or mail it too: The Newsy Neighbour Magazine, G-510 Highway 1, Strathmore, Alberta T1P 1M6. (At Studio 86 Tanning)

4 Ideal Nutrition

5

236 3 Ave., Strathmore 403-934-6065

Beltone

8

136 2 Ave. Strathmore 403-983-0020

Valley Dental

231 2 Ave., Strathmore 403-934-2882

9

10 12

13

14

Bubbles Drycleaning

316A 2 Ave, Strathmore 403-934-1807

11

Standard One-Stop Shoe Shop

Sponsors:

Rob Desjardins

132 2 Ave., Strathmore 403-934-3122

121 2 Ave., Strathmore 403-983-3675

134 2 Street, Strathmore 403-983-1114

Ripperz

6

Value Drug Mart

Active Solutions for Health

Masala Hub

Thank You Shopping Challenge Downtown

129 2 Ave. Strathmore 403-934-2420

7

325 3 Ave., Strathmore 403-901-6332

Go shopping for some treats, or lunch with your honey, visit these stores, share some of your money!

RULES:

1

How To Play:

Sole Discretion 124 3 Ave., Strathmore 403-901-9350

Nancy Stairs

COLDWELL INSURANCE Strathmore, AB

Macarina Sari-Sari Store

211A 3 Ave., Strathmore 403-852-3055 Strathmore Branch #10

Debbie Mitzner

For more details visit:

www.thenewsyneighbour.com facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

â&#x20AC;˘ 43

l

e Trav

Amsterdam This destination has so much to offer and is one of my favourite cities in the Europe.

I had the pleasure of spending two days in the city in May of 2013 before boarding a cruise ship setting out for Northern Europe, and will again be spending time there in October 2015 before a river cruise. I can’t wait to explore more of the city! The first sightseeing cruise of the Amsterdam canals took place in 1621 for Queen Elizabeth, Stuart of Bohemia. Now, a canal cruise is a must-do attraction.

From the comfort of a glass topped boat, you will cruise past 17th century warehouses, churches and the narrow houses for which Amsterdam is so well known on your 60 minute cruise.

The incredible museums are one of the main tourist attraction in Amsterdam. The most popular ones being the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum, but there is much more. Amsterdam has over fifty museums which attract millions of visitors each year.

165: That’s the number of canals in Amsterdam. In total, these waterways add up to more than 100 kilometers, or about 60 miles. experience to walk thru the rooms of the attic.

The Redlight district is also a very interesting destination within the city to visit. We took a walking tour through the area and I would recommend this to everyone. You will get the history of the area and much more of an understanding to why it is an important and safe part of Amsterdam.

One of my daughter Alicia’s favourite things about Amsterdam are the tasty treats of “Stroopwafels,” which are two waffle cookies put together with sweet syrup filling in the middle, and I have to admit I enjoyed a few of them too!

Amsterdam should definitely be on your list of must see cities.

Article by Kaleidoscope Travel & Cruise

Anne Frank’s house is another major attraction in the city. We found that the best way to visit the house was on a tour; we were able to walk right in, ahead of the line-up outside. Without a pre-bought ticket you can spend up to an hour or longer in line. We had watched the movie the week before our trip and it was a very sobering

In this travel section last month, we showed a picture of penguins with our Alaska article written by The Newsy Neighbour, and we were quickly informed, contrary to popular belief, there are no penguins in Alaska. The Newsy Neighbour apologies for this mistake. To read our article about penguins please visit our website: www.thenewsyneighbour. com/#!highlights/c1srt

44 •

thenewsyneighbour.com

Amsterdam Canal

Photo taken by Kaleidoscope Travel & Cruise

The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

•

Altogether Different

We Will Meet Or Beat Competitors Pricing!

Join Kaleidoscope Travel & Cruise aboard the Avalon Affinity cruising Amsterdam to Paris in October 2015 Owner's escorted group cruise Canals, Vineyards and Paris!

Country Lane Mall 510 Hwy 1 Bay G. Strathmore, AB

info@kaleidoscopetravel.ca 403-934-9447 • 1-888-Y-CRUISE

www.kaleidoscopetravel.ca

River Cruising River Cruising is one of the most convenient ways to see the world at a slow and relaxing pace.

On a river cruise you will find cruising with a personal touch on an intimate ship. They are small in scale, with usually just under 200 guests. Many ships are newly built and designed for comfortable travel, with amenities like hotel-style beds, restaurants with panoramic views, spacious public areas, open air promenade deck, floor to ceiling window and verandas. These are just a few of the reasons why river cruising is truly the most relaxing way to travel.

In the last decade, river cruising’s popularity has grown dramatically, and more than 500,000 people now take a river cruise each year. The most popular destinations are Europe and Asia. In Europe, you will find 6 rivers that most ships cruise on. The Danube is Europe’s second-longest river and the only major European river to flow from west to east. The Rhine Flows from the Swiss Alps to Holland’s North Sea, and is most famous for its medieval castles that line its banks. The Rhone River was an important inland trade and transportation route since Greek times and flows south to the Mediterranean. The Main River travels through some of the most stunning areas, past hilltop castles and storybook villages of Germany. The Seine River is northwest of Dijon and flows through Paris before emptying into the English Channel at Le Havre. It’s one of Europe’s great historic rivers and, since the early Middle Ages, has been considered the River of Paris.

The Moselle River flows through France, Luxembourg and Germany and, known for the excellent wine it produces, along its banks as well as for its picturesque medieval castles. Any of these journeys are an incredible experience; my favourites are the Moselle and the Rhine.

DID YOU KNOW? The Eiffel Tower weighs about 7,000 tons and uses 50 tons of paint every seven years.

The Eiffel Tower swayed 13 cm during a storm in 1999, which blew at 240kph.

The rivers of Asia are also starting to gain popularity. Here, you will find 3 major rivers.

The Yangtze is the most important river in the history, culture, and economy of China. It is the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world, flowing for a total of 3,900 miles. The Mekong River runs for over 3,000 miles through China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, providing a lifeline for millions of people. By spending time on the Mekong, you will have a better understanding of life along the river and the friendly people who depend on it. The Irrawaddy River travels more than 1,300 miles through central Myanmar. From its glacial origins in the Himalayas, it courses through the highlands and plains to the Andaman Sea. My top bucket list river in Asia is the Yangtze combined with a land tour from Shanghai to Beijing.

It’s truly a unique experience, no matter which river you choose.

Article by Kaleidoscope Travel & Cruise

facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

• 45

s

y da

th Bir

IT’S OUR 7TH BIRTHDAY

We can hardly believe it! But it is true! We have been publishing The Newsy Neighbour for a whole seven years.

For us it has been a wonderful celebration of our magazine and the people who are a part of it. It has been a wonderful life journey and every year has been a different adventure. We have grown and expanded and brought more and more new people into our lives. We have shared and learned a lot from each other, readers and advertisers alike. Everything that has happened to us over the past seven years has been like a big plan that was set in motion the day we published our first issue.

We are so thankful for what we have accomplished and seven years ago I never would have thought our first little 12 page flyer would grow into this unique and incredible magazine. Not blowing our own horn or anything, just telling you what you tell us each and every month. It makes us feel very proud that we have such loyal readers and advertisers.

SO WE JUST WANT TO SAY A GREAT BIG THANK YOU AND MAY SOMETHING WONDERFUL HAPPEN TO YOU TODAY!

Kathryn, Aleesha & Denise 46 •

thenewsyneighbour.com

The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

•

Altogether Different

S T R A K O Gare now OPEN!

Join the party, Work at Shakers!

Various positions available on the Shakers Team and all come with awesome perks!

Go Karts - Mini Golf - laser tag - arcade Indoor playground - climbing tower

Applications can be found on our website.

9900 Venture Avenue SE • Calgary • (403) 236-2213 • www.shakerscalgary.com

IT’S OUR 7TH BIRTHDAY Birthdays are such a wonderful occasion to celebrate, and this April we are celebrating our 7th birthday – an event to be commemorated!

The best birthday I have ever seen was Bilbo’s 111th birthday in the “Fellowship of the Ring”; that was a wing-dinger. He gave gifts to all in attendance and that’s exactly what we intend to do. Well, maybe not everyone, as that would break the bank.

We would not be celebrating this monumental birthday if it were not for our amazing advertisers and readers, so we are celebrating all of you!

For our May advertisers, your names will be entered into a draw to win an amazing prize package, including a round of golf on us! Just contact our outstanding Sales Manager Denise and she will fill you in on all the details. Advertise in the May issue, and you can win. Simple as that.

For our readers, we are offering terrific gift baskets, including a $50 gift certificate to the Strathmore Station Restaurant and Pub! All you have to do is share your best birthday story (which we will publish in our May Issue)! One lucky birthday story author’s name will be drawn April 30, 2015.

You may email your story to aleesha@thenewsyneighbour.com Happy 7th Birthday to “The Newsy Neighbour Magazine”!

Buy One-Get One

Unlimited day pass FREE

GIFTS, TOYS, Party ..and a little bit of everything else!

Find us...

Like us...

Follow us... www.facebook.com/ ChestermereGeneralStore

Not to be combined with any other offer or discount. Expires Oct. 31, 2015

9900 Venture Ave. SE 403-236-2213 • shakerscalgary.com

Phone: 403-207-2006 Monday - Friday 9am-8pm Saturday 9:30am-6pm Sunday and holidays 10am-5pm

Independent business 209 - 175 Chestermere Station Way. Chestermere, AB Servicing Chestermere And Area Since 2007 facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

• 47

Kids

Article by: 5 for Life An Early Childhood Development Coalition

www.5forlifeforever.com

Earth Day is a name used for 2 similar global observances. While some people celebrate Earth Day around the time of the March Equinox, others observe the occasion on April 22 each year. This year, Wednesday, April 22, 2015, marks the 45th anniversary of this observance.

The April 22 Earth Day was founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970. Its goal was to promote ecology and respect for life on the planet as well as encourage awareness of the growing problems of air, water and soil pollution.

Earth Day Activities for April: Pick up trash on the playground Help mom and dad with recycling garbage at home Plant a tree Start a composting bin for your family garden Make an egg carton greenhouse Use eco-friendly cleaning products Hold a swap meet with family and friends and exchange toys, games, clothes

WHEATLAND

• Inspire our appreciation for earth’s environment • Recognize how we influence our limited resources • Spark us to do our part in sustaining the world around us

Upcoming Events:

Here are some upcoming 5 for Life events. See more on our website.

• Indoor FREE Family Play - Friday, April 17 from 6:00-7:30 at Brentwood School • Volunteer Appreciation Tea - Wednesday, April 15 1:30-3 pm at Hope Com munity in the Youth Wing Resources of the Month: www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/earth-day www.earthday.ca/home

Art on the Boardwalk

FAMILY & COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES

Art Exhibition and Sale Saturday April 18, 2015. 11am - 3pm Langdon field House in Langdon Park

Enhancing the well-being of individuals, families and communities!

Paintings, Drawings, Photography & Prints by Local Artists Free Admission · Door Prizes

403-934-5335

Donate to the Autism Society of Alberta for a chance to win!!

Serving Wheatland County since 1978!

Children’s art cards with local, original art for $5 Proceeds going towards the Alberta Children’s Hospital

Phone:

Check out our website for current programs & events: wfcss.org

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Expressions The Dance Gallery Dance classes for anybody, with ANY BODY!

New 8 week programs beginning in April Tot Trot (18 months and up)

Jump Hop Skip

(hip hop for 3/4 yr olds)

KinderKombo (3,4,5 yrs)

Adult Dance Fit Saturday Sampler (6 years and up)

Aerial Dance

(Children & Adult programs)

Hand Balancing

(No experience necessary)

Summer Dance and Activity Camps July and August

Uniquely Deadly Animals in the World

Now Taking Registrations *Princess Tea Party *Tutus and Tiaras *Pop Stars *Kaleidoscope*

www.expressionsthedancegallery.com 126 Canal Garden. Strathmore, AB Ph: 403-901-6392

Hooded Pitohui One of the only poisonous birds in the animal kingdom, the Pitohui family of birds are, at times, lethal. The Hooded Pitohui typically gets the most press because it’s not only seen more often, but its attacks have been reported more than other birds.

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Scientists call it “The Flying Venom.”

So, what poison does it use?

You read about the Poison Dart Frog earlier, and it’s really the same thing. The Hooded Pitohui has the exact same effect, as its skin and feathers are the poisonous part of it. The most horrible aspect is that the venom found on these birds is the most harmful venom known to mankind. Yeah, just when you thought it was fine to go outside, right?

A study was done on a mouse by injecting some of the Hooded Pitohui’s poison into it. Normally it takes a few minutes for poison to enter the animal, and then death will occur within a few minutes, on average. When they tested the Hooded Pitohui venom, the mouse was dead within seconds, showing just how lethal it is.

Normally, we won’t be affected by this animal. Similar to the Poison Dart Frog, the poison has to hit the bloodstream. If it does not, though, a few side effects can still happen, such as numbness (usually where the poison was), tingling, or sneezing.

Paralysis and death can occur if the bird delivers a good portion of poison. Usually, it’s rare that it gives out that much, though. Either way, it’s a good idea to be careful if you go to Papua, New Guinea, the native area of this bird. www.oddee.com

Established in 2011 this basketball program is designed to teach the game of basketball to all children. #1 Hoops has grown immensely over the five seasons. We are now able to offer two sessions for children, kindergarten to grade 7. This year the basketball program will run every Monday, in May and June. The program not only offers expert instruction of the game of basketball, but also focuses on the rules, teamwork and etiquette of the game. As head coach, I am a strong believer in everyone being able to play the game of basketball no matter what your skill level.

This six week program will run for one and half hours once a week. In this time, there will be a skill learned as well as game time in the last half hour to put that skill to the test. Coaches of #1 Hoops all have a background in the game of basketball and will be there to offer one on one instruction. #1 Hoops will have 30 spots available in each session. Spots can only be held with payment (Cash or Money Orders only, No Cheques, Thank you.) If payment is made and later on decided to cancel there will be a cancellation fee of $40.00 to cover costs. Included in the #1 Hoops program is a reversible jersey, water bottle, and a basketball.

The cost of the program is $98.95.

The program will run once a week on Mondays.

We only have 15 spots left in each session!

Kindergarten - Grade 3 will run from 6:00pm - 7:30pm Grade 4 - 7 will run from 7:30pm - 9:00pm Location - Strathmore Junior High School April 20, 2015 will be the final day registration will be accepted.

No late registrations will be accepted.

Please contact: Coach Shantelle Gieck Phone: 403-660-3896 Email: basketball1hoops@gmail.com facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

• 49

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Crazy Volunteer Project of the Month The Volunteers Who Got Drunk to Help Train Police A group of volunteers in Hampden Township, Cumberland County purposely drank as much alcohol as they can handle, and it was all to help police test their skills in detecting drunk drivers.

PennDOT invited four women and two men of all ages and body types. Each chose to drink either beer, wine, or hard liquor. Every hour, the volunteers blew into a breathalyzer to measure their blood alcohol content. After the volunteers had been drinking for about five hours, officers tested them on the Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST).

Pennsylvania is one of the few states that is still allowed to use live subjects for sobriety field test training.

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Taking Care of Your Dental Health in Mid-Life As we age, our bodies move from supple, fast healing machines to slightly slower versions that seem to develop more health issues with each passing decade – and the mouth is no exception! It too shows signs of aging and the impact of neglect.

What might you notice when you stare in the mirror? Some patients report a definite dulling of tooth colour – as if the vibrancy of our twenties has slipped out of our bodies and our smiles. Teeth do naturally darken with aging and we’ve all seen pictures of some aged aunt or uncle who is proudly revealing their dark yellow or brownish in colour teeth. Teeth darken for a few reasons – one being that the outer tissue of the tooth, the enamel, thins as we age, revealing the darker and softer under layer known as dentin. Now, some people might be reading this and thinking that fifty is young and our teeth shouldn’t start to show the signs of wear and tear – but just like all things in life, it really depends how well you’ve taken care of them.

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that can interfere with the mouth’s ability to self-cleanse and stay hydrated, leading to increased risk of plaque formation, irritated gums and decay.

Sometimes, dentistry that was performed in a person’s early twenties also starts to show the signs of wear – especially if tooth grinding and clenching has been brought on by a stressful career. Clenching and grinding may lead to jaw joint discomfort in some patients, so headaches, neck pain and strange noises emanating from jaw joints can reveal themselves once ‘middle age’ rolls around.

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Tobacco use, coffee, wine and some foods can cause teeth to stain and darken; also, certain medications can cause teeth to appear darker. And of course, as we age we tend to need the odd Rx medication – maybe for high blood pressure, cholesterol or developing arthritis – all of which can impact the health of the mouth by either altering the colour of teeth or impacting tissue health by drying out the mouth. Dry mouth is a condition facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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3 Ways

My Practice Has Blessed My Marriage A Mindful Minute

By Rebecca Stone – Becky is a yoga instructor and the owner of Pranava Yoga in Strathmore, AB. Pranava yoga is a community minded studio, fostering the growth of the yoga community in Strathmore (and the world) by promoting the values of personal practice, creativity, abundance and community spirit. Make sure to check out her website at www.pranavayoga.ca, call her at (587) 365-3651 or email her at: info@pranavayoga.ca

I

a consistent yoga practice, a consistent effort to developing your relationship skills will create lasting strength and flexibility.

It has been 13 years since I married my wonderful husband. Our relationship has run the gamut of emotions - wonderful highs, terrifying lows, with many twists and turns, pot holes, obstacles, and many long boring stretches. Anyone who has been in a committed relationship for an extended period of time will relate to this!

3. CONTENTMENT is within me.

I began my yoga practice as a physical form of exercise. I stayed with it when it began to soothe my soul. The lessons I have learned have carried far beyond the bounds of my mat, and influences many parts of my life. It has impacted my marriage in so many wonderful ways, and I thought today I would share with you!

1. How to recognize my EGO. Mine was (is??) loud and obnoxious.

This is the voice inside your head that compares your experience to its expectations of yourself and the world around you – including your spouse and marriage. It is that part of us that insists that “I” am right, that demands its needs be met, that unless it is satisfied then we cannot be satisfied. In a yoga practice, we learn to recognize this voice and set it aside when it comes to communicating with our self. If we allow our ego to rule our yoga practice, we will constantly seek to fulfil its demands and eventually hurt our body, mind or spirit. This is true for our marriage, as well. Hear this – the EGO is one of the most dangerous, sneaky predators of true communication in any relationship.

This was a tough one for me to learn. I came to my yoga mat hoping that the practice would heal my hurts. What yoga ended up teaching me is that healing power already exists within me, I just needed to become present enough, quiet enough, to tap into it. We often blame our marital dissatisfaction on the failings of our partner. Once we acknowledge that contentment comes from within our self and begin the process of tuning into that, we can begin to find the joy in every moment of our marriage. Even in times of great stress, high emotion, disappointment or tedium, we can have internal contentment and peace. Watch as that spills out into all aspects of your life.

What a blessing this learning has been for my marriage! It has blessed every aspect of my life. There are so many ways to learn these lessons, not just in a yoga class. Walk in nature, learn to meditate, practice mindfulness throughout your day, take a painting class... And then love on one another from an overflowing cup.

Namaste, Becky

Interested in learning whether yoga is for you? Join us for a FREE Introductory class that includes discussion on the benefits, history and philosophy of yoga, as well as a short and simple intro to basic breath and movements.

Free Intro to Yoga class: 7pm, Thursday, April 16

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2. It takes WORK.

It is not all roses and sunshine on a yoga mat.

Neither is a committed, loving relationship. Just like there are days that I don’t want to attend to my practice, there are many days that my marriage has felt like too much work. Like my commitment to my health, my commitment to my marriage will waiver occasionally – the key is to do the work anyway. Just like

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Altogether Different

Don’t forget to spring clean your temple!

Several years ago, I heard the human body as a whole referred to as ‘our temple’. I think that is a very adept analogy. If we took care of our bodies like we do our favourite shrines or places of worship, how different our overall health would be! But alas, most use our bodies like a rented car instead. We run it hard with minimal maintenance and expect it to last and never breakdown.

Now is the time to change that. While you are taking the time to clean out all your closets, why not take the time to clean out the most important housing? Your body houses everything that you are and it requires your ongoing care and attention. But where do you start?

Cleanses do not have to be hard. The word “cleanse” often brings to mind sticking to very restrictive diet programs, taking multiple supplements or fasting for long periods of time. Your body is an awesome mechanism with self-cleaning powers. We just need to support that process. Here’s how: 1. Drink lots of water every day. The body uses water to flush toxins and by-products of our normal every day activities. For added benefit, add fresh lemon slices to your pitcher of water overnight for a refreshing, detoxifying bonus to your daily water intake.

2. Eat only fresh fruits and vegetables, natural products with minimal to no processing and antibiotic-free, hormone-free meats.

3. Cut out all refined sugars. That means ALL sugar... sugar in your coffee, sweetened “juice” products, flavoured yogurts, etc., even if it seems “healthy”.

4. Avoid mouldy foods, yeasts, peanuts, wheat and caffeine and you are well on your way to allowing your body the room it needs to clean itself.

But is it all just about the food that we take in? Of course not. Several daily or weekly activities can support your “spring cleaning” efforts. Daily walks in the sunshine helps to move toxins and release good endorphins that support the reduction of stress hormones as well as helps move the bowels more regularly. Chiropractic adjustments balance and calm the nervous system, which plays an important role in facilitating a detox program to purify the body’s metabolic system. Massage can help increase blood flow, move toxins through the lymph system to be purified and disposed of by the body.

Article by Langdon Chiropractic.

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• 53

Wedding Plans Stressing You Out?

Self-Massage Can Help!

Natural Choices

By Cynthia Barnesky – Holistic Practitioner/Certified Professional Spiritual Life Coach and owner of SunRise Healing Center: Specializes in helping you with the natural ways of healing through her services of Inner Clarity Spiritual Life Coaching, Intuitive Massage, Reflexology, IonCleanse Detox Foot Bath, Intuitive Readings, Reconnective Healing, and many natural healing products. For more information visit her website: www.sunrisehealingcenter.com or give her a call: 403-934-6416. a Massage Practitioner. They can also help themselves with self-massage, thus relaxing and increase the closeness of their relationship. Self-massage can be fun, easy and an inexpensive way to help each other relax and is a great way to get to know one another on a whole new level. Giving one another a massage increases endorphins that will help the body stay in a relaxed state while you are planning and organizing for your big day. Massaging the feet, shoulders, neck and hands are great places to start. When one’s body is totally relaxed, even under pleasure, it can help promote a healthy immune system, thus making you and your partner look and feel your best. So why not give each other a massage to help relax for The Big Day?!

Do you want to look and feel wonderful for your perfect day? That includes both the bride and groom!

You are running around getting the final touches ready for the big day, every detail is very important, but the most important detail should be you! Both the bride and groom need to look after themselves in order for it to be the perfect day. Here are some tips to reduce stress in the days ahead before your wedding day.

Being organized and having a plan is essential. Second, both the bride and groom should try having several massages with

Learning self-massage with a partner can be the greatest gift you can give one another. All it takes is to learn some simple techniques that can be used on oneself or shared with someone you care for.

Here are the five major techniques that should be learned first so self-massage can be safely done.

Effleurage (long strokes) Kneading (lifting, squeezing, along with rolling) Vibration (quick movement of skin) Friction (pressure on skin) Fanning (gentle, soft finishing stroke).

Once you have learned, practiced, and experienced these strokes, you can share, teach and pass on this life changing gift of touch, “Self-Massage!” So go ahead and share the gift of touch, for it will be a day you both will never forget and guess what? You can always give each other a massage to help reduce stress in your everyday lives together!

To your happily ever after!

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Altogether Different

Do you know the difference between Fruit Pectin and Gelatin?

Fruit pectin and gelatin can both be used to thicken, jell and set certain foods, but there are some important distinctions between the two. They come from very different sources, so they have different nutrients as well as health benefits. In addition, they can have different applications in food preparation and manufacturing.

Pectin and Plants Many fruits are high in pectin. Pectin is a carbohydrate substance derived from plants, usually fruits. It’s found in the plant cell walls and often binds cells together. Most fruits and some vegetables contain pectin, but apples, plums, grapes and citrus fruits like grapefruit, oranges and lemons are the best sources of pectin. Its concentration is highest when the fruit is at the just-ripe stage.

Most commercial pectin is made from apples.

Gelatin Production Gelatin is made from meat protein and this protein substance comes from the collagen in cow bones, cow hides, pig bones, pig hides and fish skins. Vegans and vegetarians should be aware that gelatin is produced from animal-based proteins. Gelatin dissolves when heated and congeals when cooled, which allows foods to set. Agar is a vegan alternative to gelatin and is made from seaweed.

Pectin and Gelatin are found in all sorts of different food products such as jams, jellies, fruit spreads, some milk products, yogurt, beverages, protein drinks and health products. Gelatin is used to thicken soups, desserts, mousses, marshmallows, frostings, candies and jellies. The pharmaceutical industry uses gelatin to make capsules, cosmetics and ointments.

Why low calorie diets don’t work!

You have probably read or heard many success stories about people who have done calorie restrictive diets and have lost huge amounts of weight. What we don’t hear is how they are doing 1 month, 6 months, or 5 years down the road.

I have yet to meet or hear of anyone who has kept the weight off. Typically, the dieter regains the weight they lost and then gains even more. This can be caused by a several different reasons, each being different from person to person. Usually, the #1 reason why calorie restrictive diets don’t work is because the dieter is hungry! When you’re hungry, your mood is affected, your decision making is hindered, and your hormones are even affected by hunger. Your energy levels are down; basically low calorie diets are not sustainable. Eventually, the dieter breaks down and binges.

When starting a low calorie diet, the dieter usually sees results on the scale right away. The drop on the scale is water weight, not fat loss. Then eventually this becomes a loss in lean mass.

The body is built to survive, so it thinks there is a famine or

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Yes, the dieter gets smaller but they do not get leaner. Depending on the dieters choices they may actually increase their body fat.

Each person is different, holds and stores fat differently. Remember: there is not one solution for weight loss, and low calorie diets only work for short periods of time and can do more damage than good.

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• 55

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McMahon Stadium

Home of the Calgary Stampeders

Jocktalk Bo-liever in Stampeders and CFL! “I plan on staying in Calgary a long time!”

“It wasn’t about the money,” says Mitchell. “I wanted to make sure the team had flexibility under the cap and you can have issues in the dressing room when one player is making so much more than everybody else.”

That was a quote from Grey Cup MVP quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell just after the Stampeders clinched the 102nd Championship in Vancouver. At the time, I didn’t believe him. The same could likely be said for most people who follow the CFL. In November, Mitchell was 24 years old. He had one year left on his existing contract and the general feeling was the Katy, Texas star was eying a shot and opportunity for big dollars in the National Football League. It only made sense. Following in the footsteps of Warren Moon, Doug Flutie and Jeff Garcia he would use his time in the CFL as a stepping stone to NFL stardom.

That all changed last month when Stampeder GM John Hufnagel shocked the city and the league announcing that he had extended his starting QB to a new 4 year contract. It was a signing that sent notice to the rest of the league that the Stampeder organization was going to remain a force in the West for years to come.

“Of course I thought about the NFL,” Mitchell told Mark Stephen and myself on Sportstalk on Newstalk 770. “However, there are no guarantees in life. I love Calgary, I moved here full time in the off season and I feel like I am just getting started. I wanted to make the same commitment to the Stampeders. I thank Dave (Dickenson) and Huff so much for everything they’ve done for me since I arrived in Calgary in 2012 and I’m excited for the future as we build on what we accomplished together last year.”

Even more impressive is the fact this signing didn’t break the bank for the Stampeders. Henry Burris, Ricky Ray and Darian Durant are all in a higher tax bracket than Mitchell. Which quarterback would you rather have on your team?

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Point well taken, as the Stampeders were also able to hand out contract extensions to Drew Tate, Jock Sanders, Dan Federkeil, Edwin Harrison, Josh Bell, Brandon Smith, Fred Bennett, Marquay McDaniel, Corey Mace and Jamar Wall. In addition, the team retained potential free agents Simon Charbonneau-Campeau, Matt Walter and Glen Love.

While the contract extension doesn’t completely kill the NFL dream for Mitchell, it will put him at a huge disadvantage at the age of 29 when the contract expires. Stampeder offensive coordinator Dave Dickenson (and soon to be head coach) knows only too well!

“The problem is when you go to an NFL camp, unless you have a coach that really has your back, you are too old to be third on the depth chart and you don’t have enough experience to be number two because they really don’t look at your CFL resume,” says Dickenson who spent the entire 2001 season as the number three QB for the San Diego Chargers at the age of 27. “It really is a difficult situation!”

If NFL teams do come calling in the next couple of years, it will be interesting to see if the Stamps would release Mitchell from his current obligations as that precedent has been set with other players.

Outstanding defensive player Shawn Lemon was released in the off season so he could sign with the Pittsburg Steelers. It was the second straight year the Stamps lost a key piece on the

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www.phdautomotive.com defensive line as Cordarro Law bolted last season to sign with the San Diego Chargers. The loss of Lemon forced the Stamps to be active on the free agent market signing CFL veterans Brandon Boudreaux and Eric Taylor. Taylor coming over from the BC Lions organization where he was very familiar with defensive coordinator Rich Stubler. The Stamps were also quick to replace special teams ace Keenan MacDougall who signed a free agent deal with his home town Saskatchewan Rough Riders. The Stamps landed 2010 first overall pick Shomari Williams who just happened to be a former Rider.

The biggest loss for the Stampeders in the offseason was on the offensive line. 2013 rookie of the year and 2014 Most Outstanding Offensive lineman Brett Jones was given an NFL opportunity with the NY Giants and starting left tackle Stanley Byrant left as a free agent to sign with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Fortunately, the Stampeders were well prepared for this setback. Last year’s trade with the Ottawa Red Blacks hooked them up with the number one pick overall and center Pierre Lavertu while veteran International tackle Edwin Harrison was quickly re-signed to replace Bryant. The Canadian depth on the offensive line is impressive with the likes of Lavertu, Federkeil, Brander Craighead, Spencer Wilson, Shane Bergman, Billy Peach, Brad Erdos and newly signed Paul Swiston. The Stamps will have no issues starting four national players when the season opens in June.

It was sad to say goodbye to Nik Lewis in the offseason. The former rookie of the year and two time Grey Cup Champion was one of the longest serving members of the organization and his

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leadership will be missed. I hope he has a great year in Montreal, but again the Stampeders are blessed to have some great depth at the receiver position. The same can be said with the loss of national receiver Brad Sinopoli to Ottawa.

While the 2015 CFL season does not start until June, Stampeder fans are already jacked with the potential of watching their team do something they have never done in their history: repeat as Grey Cup Champions!

About Jock Wilson: Jock has been involved in the Calgary sport media scene for over 30 years.

He hosts the Calgary Stampeder football broadcasts on News Talk 770 and is the co-host of Sportstalk with Mark Stephen from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm.

Jock@am770chqr.com

On Twitter: @talkwithjock

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• 57

The Accountable$ “We help your dollars make sense”

Corporate Taxes Self-Employed Bookkeeping Payroll Services Business Plans CRA Appeals Contact:

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Ph: 587-717-7621 Email: theaccountables@yahoo.ca Visit us on the web at www.theaccountables.ca

It’s your money, let us make sure you keep as much as you can.

Sitting at the kitchen table with family was the first place I learned about honesty, equality, transparency and justice for all. My mother and father shared these values; they however carried differing political viewpoints, so we grew up listening to and eventually participating in some interesting discussions. There I also was taught that your opinion becomes valuable when it takes action, which began with voting. Imagine my delight when I exercised the privilege of voting during Alberta’s 1971 election, when the Progressive Conservative hegemony was established. The rhetoric remains the same today, only the faces have changed.

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.

Pol

itic

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Every Voter Counts

Albertans are asking for honesty, openness and transparency.

Social media, albeit a cacophony of opinions, doesn’t permit indiscretions to be easily swept under the carpet. The #PrenticeBlamesAlbertans trend following his “look in the mirror” comment outraged Albertans and fueled an unanticipated backlash across the province, drawing national awareness in a matter of hours.

Mr. Prentice later denied he ever said Albertans were the problem in the province’s current financial crisis; however, the 2015 Budget confirms that Albertans are being shown they will make up the difference. Duane Pratt, a political analyst at Mount Royal University, broke down the numbers as follows: 71% deficit, 22% tax increases, and 7% spending cuts. Alberta’s debt clock at taxpayer.com shows the province’s current debt and reveals that every Albertan’s share is currently $2877.01, the lowest in the country. Aside from Saskatchewan ($4153.00/person), other provinces current debts range from $13,814.00/person to $25,702.00/person.

Alberta’s 2015 Budget is being called a re-election budget. Budgets die with an election, allowing a new one to be released af-

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“Because we

terwards. Remember changes to the 2012 Budget following that election.

To work properly, democracy requires a healthy opposition to create checks and balances. While social media is on fire asking “Albertans to wake up” and make a change, pundits in traditional media repeatedly state that even the budget will not stand in the way of Mr. Prentice easily extending his party’s next four years as government.

A majority PC government is in office with support from less than 25% of Alberta’s eligible voters. Should an election be called this spring, opposition parties will be working hard to provide a slate of candidates in many ridings. In doing so, they are providing Albertans with an option. Our role is to be informed and vote.

When a significant number of Albertans across all demographics decide it is time to take action, they create a wild card and game changer by participating in the vote.

In 1962, John G. Diefenbaker said, “The right to vote is one of the great privileges of democratic society, for, after all, it is you the people, not the Gallup poll, who determine into whose hands the guidance of public affairs may best be entrusted.”

Discussions around the kitchen table may have changed, but perhaps not so much. The next generation is watching and dependent on what we do. Actions still speak louder than words.

Every voter does count.

Asphalt”

www.8ballpaving.com

I am honoured to be the Wildrose Candidate for Chestermere Rocky View.

We will likely face an election soon and I have been busy reaching out to over 3,000 of you at the doors already. We have held events in Bearspaw, Langdon and in Chestermere to have open and free discussions about the future of Chestermere Rocky View and Alberta.

The Wildrose is strong and I look forward to continuing to be that strong voice for you in Edmonton. The challenge ahead is to earn every vote and to re-engage voters that currently feel despondent about what they see in Alberta politics. Please know that I CARE: • About smaller government that can be achieved without impacting front line services. For example, an amazing 50% of Travel Alberta employees are managers. We can do better.

• About better local healthcare that is cost effective and meets the needs of our community and communities across Alberta.

As a business person, our company was able to bring AHS to Chestermere in the Chestermere Health Centre.

• About integrity that means I will listen to you and do what is best for Chestermere Rocky View and Alberta and not what is just best for me.

The best way we can show We Care is to vote. There is clearly an election being planned for this spring and my greatest hope is that Alberta will see that the citizens of Chestermere Rocky View truly do care and come out and vote.

Please let me know what YOU CARE about at Leela@ VoteLeela.com or visit my website at VoteLeela.com.

VoteLeela.com Let’s Restore a Strong Wildrose Voice to the Alberta Legislature

Leela

SHARON AHEER

OUR NEW CAMPAIGN OFFICE 288 KINNIBURGH BLVD, CHESTERMERE facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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Wheatland FCSS Income Tax Program:

Please note: bus will now be going only once a month on the second tuesday.

Tues. Aprill 14/15- Northland Mall Tues. May 12/15 -Cross Iron Mills Mall Tues. June 9/15 -Sunridge Mall The Fee Will Be$ 25.00 Return. This service is for the County of Wheatland. To reserve a ride call before 9.00P.M. Thursday.

For Strathmore call Carol (403) 934-4106 or Ruth (403) 934-3106. For Standard call Marie (403) 644-2147or Joan (403) 644-3860. For Rockyford & Drumheller call Frances (403) 677-2278 or Irene (403) 677-2235. These numbers are not long distance for Drumheller.

This is a perfect opportunity to leave your car at home and meet new people. In order to ride the bus, you do not need to belong to a senior club.

Pickup in Drumheller is across from the Dollar store at 7 A.m. leaves Calgary at 3 P.M. and arrives back in Drumheller about 5:30 P.m.

Call DEBBIE MITZNER Now For a FREE MARKET EVALUATION of your property

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We are pleased to offer FREE income tax preparation for Seniors and Low-Income.

You are eligible if: You are not able to prepare tax return on your own. It is a simple tax situation.

Excludes: self- employed, rental properties, mileage claims, T3 returns, bankruptcies, & deceased.

Call us to book an appointment! 403-934-5335 We do offer this program year ‘round!

The I Am A... Series

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A Light-Hearted Guide to the Health Benefits of Fruits & Vegetables.

Includes Dozens of Easy-to-Prepare Recipes!

Only $27.95 www.thenewsyneighbour.com

Ph: 403-561-0888

Business Directory!

Advertise in our online business directory

Only $12

for only $85 for a full year.

You get a 3.3x1.3 ad space (same size as you see on this page) on our website with a direct link to your website.

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www.thenewsyneighbour.com No matter what you’re looking for, check out our Business Directory FIRST support your local businesses!!!

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WEBSITES

For more information or to book your ad space, please contact:

Denise Geremia · Phone: 403-608-0686 Email: denise@thenewsyneighbour.com

www.aleeshagosling.com

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SJMB ACCOUNTING SERVICES INC. Helping You To Achieve Peace Of Mind

Bookkeeping and Accounting Services Corporate and Personal Income Tax Strathmore, AB. T1P 0C1

Gillian Parmar Ph: 403 399-9588

sbeaud@telus.net

Canada Revenue Agency Generally, your return for 2014 has to be filed on or before April 30, 2015.

Self-employed persons If you or your spouse or common-law partner carried on a business in 2014 (other than a business whose expenditures are primarily in connection with a tax shelter), the deadline to file your 2014 income tax and benefit return is midnight on June 15, 2015. However, if you have a balance owing for 2014, you still have to pay it on or before April 30, 2015.

Review of your tax return by the CRA

Canada’s tax system is based on self-assessment. This means that individuals voluntarily complete an income tax return to report their annual income and claim all deductions or credits that apply to their situation. In this way, you are able to calculate the amount owing or the refund to be received.

Each year, the CRA conducts a number of review activities that promote awareness of and compliance with the laws it administers. These reviews are an important part of the compliance activities they undertake in order to maintain the Canadian public’s confidence in as well as the integrity of the Canadian tax system.

How tax returns are selected for review

There are a number of reasons why an income tax return may be

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selected in one of our review programs. These reasons include: • random selection; • comparison of information on returns to information received from third-party sources, such as T4 information slips; • types of deductions or credits claimed and an individual’s review history.

The process of selecting returns for review is the same whether the return is filed on paper or electronically. Therefore, the chances of a return being selected for review are not impacted by the method used to file the return. We refine the focus of our reviews annually based on review results and problem areas identified.

Most income tax returns filed each year are processed within two to six weeks. The CRA processes most returns without conducting a manual review of the information reported so that a Notice of Assessment and/or refund can be issued as quickly as possible. However, all returns are screened by the Agency’s computer system and may be subject to review at a later date. www.cra-arc.gc.ca

Have You Filed Your Taxes Yet?

eFile Tax Service QuickBooks eFile Tax Service ProAdviser QuickBooks ProAdviser

Bookkeeping Services Personal & Small Business Tax Maggie Peters

27 yrs in the Trucking Industry

Phone: Maggie Peters 403-934-3220 Phone: 403-934-3220

Fax: 800-706-4058

Fax: 800-706-4058 maggie@trucktaxation.com maggie@trucktaxation.com

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May 30, 2015 Easy Going

$110 Early Bird $125 after APR 30, 2015

STRATHMORE SCRAMBLE

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To Register:

2:00 PM Shotgun

FCSS- 85 Lakeside Blvd,

18 Holes  Cart  Driving Range Balls  Steak Dinner  Hole-in-One Prizes  Great Prizes

Payment: Cash, Cheque

Strathmore M-F 8:30-4:30



Or Games Office -233, 3 Ave Proceeds support the Strathmore 2015 Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games

Phone: 403.934.1580 Payment: Cash, Cheque, Visa, Mastercard or Debit

The Newsy Neighbour is a proud media sponsor of the Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games!

Rechargeable They are in everything. Everywhere you look something is running on a rechargeable battery. When they wear out, we simply throw them away and get another one or, in some cases, throw the whole unit away. While the marketing media may have convinced us this is good, there’s one rechargeable device we might want to keep a little longer. That’s us. Our body. That thing we see in the mirror every morning.

Our body and mind need recharging or it gets tired, rundown, and unable to cope very well and all the magical mysterious cures in the world won’t help. Fortunately, there is a big battery recharger unit in our lives: sleep.

If we are stressed, run down or cutting our sleep time, we pay a price. Like a battery needs input energy, our body and mind need solid quality sleep to recharge. Our sleep system is a major factor in sleep quality. Our mattress and foundation are critical partners in this system.

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A mattress system must support evenly while keeping

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SALE

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our natural body alignment, reduce pressure areas and provide a healthy environment to allow us deeper uninterrupted sleep.

As we age, this becomes even more important. It is too easy to get used to creaks and groans that don’t need to ever happen because our mattress is not what it used to be (in some cases, ever was…).

Mattress selection?

First, take your partner along. Commonly, both of you will be sleeping on it. Either one can check out some mattresses, but generally both should be in on the final selection.

Take a few minutes to lie down on the mattress in your usual sleep position. A good one is the position you’re in when you wake up in the morning.

Ask: What makes this a suitable mattress for you? Mattress construction? Springs type? Foam types and body support features?

Environmental issues? Canadian made?

Don’t be afraid to ask about pros and cons of various mattress features; it’s your sleep.

What size works best for you? Room size can be a factor here.

Unfortunately, price is not always an indicator of the right or best mattress, but that old story of “you get what you pay for” still has some truth to it. The bottom line is that over the eight to ten year lifespan of a mattress set, the cost works out to pennies a night but you need to get the right performance and quality for your sleep needs.

Talk to your local independent mattress retailer. They know the product they have selected to carry and will be able to answer questions and advise you on what will be best for you. If by chance you have a little mattress testing nap in the store (which

has happened…) all the better. You spend about 1/3 of your life sleeping or trying to. Do you really need advertising hype and “buy this ‘cause it’s on sale for three days only”? You do need a positive supported sleep on a mattress system that honestly helps recharge you.

The savvy consumer knows there are four sides to every story: One side, the other side, the political/media side and the truth.

Want a fun, interesting and really relevant read? Check out Future Babble by Dan Gardner. Always changing and interesting as well; www.scitechdaily.com and www.scientificamerican.com/ magazine/mind.

Article by PJs Appliances

Wheatland Towing Incorporated

Proudly Serving Wheatland County 24 HOUR SERVICE

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SOMETIMES YOU JUST NEED A GOOD LAUGH

Because a Great Experience Begins with a Great Agent. TM

As your real estate agent, I am committed to providing you with the best possible real estate experience. I will offer you an exceptional level of service and knowledge, whatever your real estate needs.

www.carolwarawa.ca

Did you know that laughter can cause a vital form of medicine to spread throughout the endocrine and neurological systems?

It can strengthen your immune system, boost your energy, diminish pain and protect you from the damaging effects of stress.

Humour is infectious. The sound of roaring laughter is far more contagious than any cough, sniffle, or sneeze. When laughter is shared, it binds people together and increases happiness and intimacy. Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free, and easy to use. Nothing works faster or more dependably to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh. Humour lightens your burdens, inspires hopes, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded, focused, and alert. Laughter is your birthright, a natural part of life that is innate and inborn. Infants begin smiling during the first weeks of life and laugh out loud within months of being born. Even if you did not grow up in a household where laughter was a common sound, you can learn to laugh at any stage of life.

E: cwarawa@cirrealty.ca

Carol Warawa, C.C.S, SRES REALTOR R

C: 403-585-5270 B: 403-291-4440 F: 403-366-6708

Begin by setting aside special times to seek out humour and laughter, as you might with working out, and build from there.

Eventually, you’ll want to incorporate humour and laughter into the fabric of your life, finding it naturally in everything you do.

You could start by just smiling. Smiling is the beginning of laughter.

Truck mounted carpet and furniture cleaning We do furnace and duct cleaning!

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TO CLEAN & PROTECT

Kelly Camden

Formerly of Strathmore Carpet Cleaning

FARM SUCCESSION Farm succession is a process not a single event. With planning you will save taxes and provide all of your children with an equal share value of the farm, thus creating a legacy of harmony and goodwill for your family.

1) So this guy is relaxing, watching TV one night and he hears a banging on the door. He gets up, goes to the door, opens it, looks out, doesn’t see anyone, shrugs, closes the door and goes back to his show. A few minutes later, he hears the knock again. Same thing; nobody there. By the fourth time of getting up, he’s pretty angry, but when he opens the door, he glances down and happens to see a snail in front

Monika (Independent Financial Advisor) or Ken (Certified Financial Planner) 403-512-5227

thenewsyneighbour.com

Laughter is a great cardio workout, especially for those who are incapable of doing other physical activity due to injury or illness. It gets your heart pumping and burns a similar amount of calories per hour as walking at a slow to moderate pace. So, laugh your heart into health! Laughter can increase your overall sense of well-being. Doctors have found that people who have a positive outlook on life tend to fight diseases better than people who tend to be more negative. So smile, laugh and live longer!

AND here are a few ittle stories that might give you a chuckle

CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION ON HOW PLANNING CAN BENEFIT YOU, YOUR FAMILY AND YOUR FARM.

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Like laughter, smiling is contagious. Pioneers in “laugh therapy,” find it’s possible to laugh without even experiencing a funny event. The same holds for smiling. When you look at someone or see something even mildly pleasing, practice smiling. We all should count our blessings! Literally make a list. The simple act of considering the good things in your life will distance you from negative thoughts that are a barrier to humour and laughter.

When you’re in a state of sadness, you have further to travel to get to humour and laughter.

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A-PLUS Developments Serving Strathmore“Strathmore’s Finest” & Area since 1990 Roofing ~ Siding ~ Eaves & Custom Cladding Hail & WIND DAMAGE SPECIALISTS WCB ~ Insured

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of the door on the welcome mat. Angry at being disturbed, he picks up the snail and flings it across the street into an open field. Three years later, there’s a loud banging on the door and he opens it again to find the snail there. The snail says, “So what the heck was THAT all about?”

2) Handy Guide for the Hormone Hostage

Every “Hormone Hostage” knows that there are days in the month when all a man has to do is open his mouth and he takes his life in his hands. This is a handy guide that should be as common as a driver’s license in the wallet of every husband, boyfriend, or significant other: DANGEROUS: What’s for dinner?

SAFER: Can I help you with dinner?

SAFEST: Where would you like to go for dinner?

DANGEROUS: Are you wearing THAT? SAFER: Gee, you look good in brown.

SAFEST: Wow! Look at you!

DANGEROUS: What are you so worked up about?

SAFER: Might you be overreacting?

SAFEST: Here’s fifty dollars.

DANGEROUS: Should you be eating that?

SAFER: You know, there are a lot of apples left.

SAFEST: Can I get you a glass of wine with that?

DANGEROUS: What did you DO all day?

SAFER: I hope you didn’t overdo it today.

SAFEST: I’ve always loved you in that robe.

Have some fun in your life and may something wonderful happen to you today!

Kathryn Hartwell

A-Plus Developments comes Highly recommended by Local builders!

Never make your home in a place. Make a home for yourself inside your own head. You’ll find what you need to furnish it - memory, friends you can trust, love of learning, and other such things. That way it will go with you wherever you journey. ~ Tad Williams

Real estate investing, even on a very small scale, remains a tried and true means of building an individual’s cash flow and wealth. ~Robert Kiyosaki

Ph: 403 777-9393 4321 84th St NE

Every Saturday!

9:00AM - Bargains on www.grahamauctions.com

new furniture, electronics, household goods, shop tools, clothing, food.

12:30PM - Regular Vehicle Sales

SEE YOU SALE DAY!!

www.grahamauctions.com facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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Over 12 years mortgage lending experience Access to over 50 lenders, including the chartered banks 24/7 Availability Evening and Weekend Calls Welcome Unlimited Accessibility A more relaxed qualifying criteria

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We do the shopping, not only saving you time but also finding the mortgage product that is right for you.

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First Comes Love…then comes marriage…then comes Home Ownership

The REPs... Guiding you over the STEPS... Of Real Estate.

We are... 3 REMAX horizon Real Estate Professionals ...

DEDICATED to work together and licensed in Residential, Rural, Commercial, Condo.

We are here to help our clients reach ALL their real estate goals. Contact us: reps. remax@gmail.com.

If you know me, you know I love being married.

My husband and I chose to elope with my friend and her husband on a backpacking tour of Costa Rica. It was a fabulous trip. We landed in San Hose, Costa Rica in March and toured the Monte Verde Mountains, The Arenal Volcano Area, The Rain Forest, and then spent the last 4 days in the Jaco area on the beach, where we had our ceremony on the beach at sunset.

www.the-reps.ca

Your big day is quickly approaching and you’re thinking about home ownership together as married partners. All kinds of thoughts start flooding into your mind, like what kind of home do I want, how many bedrooms do I want, where is this home located, will my husband want a big garage, what will the mortgage payments be, what else will there be for costs…?

Here are some general thoughts. As a buyer, you do not generally pay any commission to your realtor; the seller of the home pays the commission, in most cases. You will, however, need to account for

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legal fees of about $800 plus the mortgage and title registration fee, which is currently 0.02% of the purchase price of the home. After July 1, 2015 you need to account for this at 0.12%.

You will also need to have about $500 available for the property inspection. And last but not least, property taxes, as you will pay for the months of the year you own the property starting on the day you move in.

You will need to pick a mortgage provider if you are not purchasing with all cash. Your realtor can help you with this and will explain the buying process. Or, ask friends and family for a recommendation. The mortgage provider will pre-approve you and determine a comfortable price range to shop in.

to reinvest 2%-4% of your home’s value back into maintenance every year. Don’t forget, there are many tax breaks and write offs, such as Spousal RRSP Contributions, The Home Buyers Plan, The Life Long Learning Plan, student write offs, Spousal Credit, Medical Expenses and more to take advantage of.

For more information on home ownership or to interview one of The Real Estate REPs to be your Realtor, call 587-316-2000, email reps.remax@ gmail.com or find us on Facebook on our Real Estate REPs page. Article by Carey Rose with The Real Estate REPs at RE/MAX Realty Horizon.

Who do you pick to be your realtor? Ask your friends and family who they recommend in the area you want to buy in, and look to see online, newspapers or magazines who specializes in the area you want to buy in. Once you choose a realtor, they will ask to work either exclusively or non-exclusively with you, at which time you will be asked to sign a written service agreement that states all of the details regarding the working relationship and how that all looks.

Then it’s time to go looking at prospective properties!

Home ownership definitely has a lot to offer married partners. You will build, on average, 2-6% equity in your home’s value per year. It is a good idea facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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www.newspaceconstruction.com Renovations, Roofing Residential Contracting, Interior & Exterior Brett Presley 403-888-9931

or wallpaper application, they are a sure way to take a builder-basic home to an upgraded custom look.

Interior Design

Emily Hogan is an interior designer from new and local design company Blyss Interiors. Her strong experience in the window covering industry has inspired her to offer those services to Strathmore and area as well as her savvy & stylish design style. If you have any questions for her call her at 403-901-4467 or email to info@ blyssinteriors.ca. She would be happy to hear from you!

Paint

Paint is the most affordable and easy way to refresh your space.

Whether it is a feature wall on the focal point wall of your space, this is a sure way to revitalize your home and give it a whole new feel. This does not only pertain to your walls – a fresh, bright coat of paint on that old tired dresser could do wonders and work as a new feature piece in your home.

Spring additions to refresh your home

Window Coverings

When the sun starts finally shining and the snow begins to melt, it gives me the itch to organize, clean and refresh my home for the beautiful weather to come. I have put together some simple additions that you can add to your home that are budget-friendly with maximum impact.

Trim and Molding

MDF trim and molding are easy applications that completely change the feel of any space. Whether it is a chair rail around the room, allowing two tone paints or wallpaper and paint, a chunky crown molding to ramp up a home’s character or picture frame molding spaced around the room to either display art work and

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CONSTRUCTION Ltd.

Blinds, shades, or shutters… there is an abundance of different styles to fit every budget and needs of your windows. Everything from UV protecting, light filtering, room darkening and energy efficient applications, window coverings will keep the hot sun outside and keep your inside shaded. Window coverings are the jewelry to your outfit and really finish your space with both style and functionality.

Re-upholstery

Whether you want to reupholster that old wing back chair that has been passed down for generations or a simple DIY re-upholstery project to update your dining room table chairs, this is an easy way to freshen up your existing pieces. Either make them coordinate with existing items in the space or brighten them up with some fun, graphic fabric and create your new feature piece.

Light Fixtures

Light fixtures are an easy item to switch out throughout your The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

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Visit all of our listings & virtual tours at

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Fully Finished 2 bed + Den. The wow factor applies here. 5 bed. 3 full bathrooms facing 3 acres treed with only 1/4 3 bed on 3 acres. Large eat 1734 sqft 3 bedroom, 3 Two sided covered front greenspace. Att 22x20 garage. mile of gravel. 4 bed, 2 bath in kitchen & formal dining. bathroom, 4 level split. Very Open kitchen with island with veranda. 5 bedrooms, 3 Kitchen with cooking island & with a fully finished bsmt! Laminate/tile flooring. The large corner lot complete raised breakfast bar, & natural bathrooms. good size eating area. Newer Fenced for horses with basement is unspoiled. with 22x24 garage, alley gas fireplace. Basement is fully The kitchen boasts of new laminate flooring throughout. shelter. Single att garage.

Triple car garage (28x32) is access. Hardwood flooring, finished with a LARGE family room 4 piece bath, laundry. dark cabinets with loads of Freshly painted, open Well is 1gpm with backup heated. Many trees growing. family room, games room Condo fees include snow features. Large fenced yard, concept. Lower has family 200 gallom cistern.

Comes with a john deere with walkout to brick patio.

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home and have a large impact on the space. Adding a unique piece in your hall way for your guests to marvel at or a romantic chandelier in the bedroom will instantly style and add a personal touch to any space. Changing your light switches to dimmers also provides you the option of “setting the mood” and adjusting how much light you actually need as it gets lighter out later. To add even more impact to your light fixtures, add a ceiling medallion for extra character.

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pensive décor pieces that can be changed throughout the year, season to season. This spring, inject some bold pattern graphic pattern such as the popular pineapple motif for some fun and flirty appeal for spring.

With a few of these additions to your home, you are sure to refresh your space just in time for spring and summer so you can enjoy being inside as much as out!

Hom Desige n

Soft finishes

If you have a quite neutral palette throughout your home, it is easy to change up those pops of colours throughout the seasons. Items such as areas rugs, pillows and throws are inex-

Blyss Int eriors Emily Hogan Custom window coverings & Interior styling Free in home window covering consults!

403 901 4467

●

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$450,000

Shur-Lock Self Storage 13 Bayside Place. Strathmore AB, T1P 1C8

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

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ea Y + Years + 0 3 30*& .**55;;//&&33 rs

&## *& . inniinngg % %&#A#wardd W Winn AwarServviiccee Ser

Based on Based on Calgary Calgary market share. market share.

Debbie Mitzner, AgfefS`V[`Y [` ZWd ÀW^V t t t t t t t t t t debmitzner@gmail.com debmitzner@gmail.com

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Carey Rose Debbie Enslen Hayley Poirier **New Price**

Tigerwood Hardwood, Sought-after Bungalow, Hickory Cabinets, Deep backing Greenspace. 3 Beds, 2.5 Baths, Media Air-Bubbler Tub, Tile Roof, New Windows & MANY Room & more! other Renos. $469,900 $494,900

Beautiful 2-Storey Backs Golf Course.

2nd Kitchen, 4 Beds, 3.5 Baths, Walkout $547,500

NEW AQUILLA Home.

Move Right In! Hardwood, Granite, Bonus Room, Backs Golf Course $699,900

Bungalow in Hussar 50’x125’ Lot, 4 Beds, 2 Baths, Lots of Renos! $99,900

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Fully Dev. 2-Storey, 5 Beds, TRIPLE Garage w/ In-floor Heat, Backs Greenspace in Lovely Cambridge Area $460,000

Hillview on the pond!

2-story walkout, granite, cherry hardwood Bonus Room. $534,900

Why The REP’s

**New Price**

Custom Built Fully Dev. Bungalow, 3 Beds, 3 Baths, BACKING ONTO GREENSPACE $354,900

Stylish Bungalow, Fully Developed 2+2 Beds, 3 Baths, HE Furnace, Granite/Hardwood $395,900

Carey Rose

Debbie Enslen

Hayley Poirier

The REPs are a dynamic group of ladies that take innovative steps to maximize our concierge service for the purchase or sale of your home.

REPs are local...We work, live and volunteer in the communities we serve.

We are committed to donating a portion of each commission earned to our local Childrens Hospital.

Fully Dev. Bi-Level 4 Beds, 3 Full Baths, Fenced w/ U/G Sprinklers, located in Hillview $365,000

Investor Alert!!

Assumable Mortgage. 1/2 Duplex Bi-level with large living space, 5 bdrms, 2 baths, fenced yard, front & rear parking. $269,900

Our goal is to be the BEST thing that ever happened to our CLIENTS - The RE/MAX REPs - Guiding you over the STEPS

HONESTY

Attn: First-time & Investment Buyers!

Newer Renos incl.

Bathroom, Flooring, HWT, Shingles. Single Garage $169,900

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INTEGRITY

5 Beds, 2 Baths, Single Detached Garage, Central A/C, RV Parking $180,000

LOYALTY

Charming Renovated Home on ½ Acre Lot, 28’x28’ Heated Garage $349,900

SOLD

Fully Dev. Walk-out 19.99 acres, Bungalow with 4 Beds, 3.5 Baths, Bi-Level, 3 Beds, 3 Baths, 2 Flex Rms RV Parking Workshop, O/S Garage, Gorgeous VIEWS! Lrg Trees $379,900 $425,000

The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

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Altogether Different