Routes Magazine May June 2013

CULTURE

LIFESTYLE

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SOUTHERN ALBERTA

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MAY JUNE 2013

S h an n on L a w l or EXQUISITE equine artist

Caring C A N I N E S Per maculture

EARTH CARE

SFastUn’SFresh HI FISH TALES Contest Winners

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Celebrating 2011 25 Years

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F E AT U R E S 8| Cover Story

contents MAY JUNE 2013

Artist Shannon Lawlor Unbridled Passion for Horses 12| Canine Angels

Dogs with a mission 26| Permaculture Digging Deep and Giving Back 16| Antiquing

Day Tripping Vintage Style 34| Fish Tales

Flash Fiction Contest Winners

D E PA RT M E N T S 20| Arts & Entertainment

Spotlight on Talent 22| Book: Old Man 24| Music: Wildflower

30| Food - Sushi 38| Detours - Planking

CULTURE

LIFESTYLE

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SOUTHERN ALBERTA

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MAY JUNE 2013

S h an n on L a w l or

Cover photo Shannon Lawlor at her home in Nanton.

EXQUISITE equine artist

“Casey,” acrylic on board.

Yokozuna, Okotoks.

Photo by Neville Palmer

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Caring C A N I N E S

Photo by Neville Palmer

Per maculture

EARTH CARE

SUSHI Fast n’ Fresh

FISH TALES Contest Winners

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Editor’s Note

Ready to

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remember my first, and worst sunburn ever! I also remember my first belly flop and my first (and last) bikini - all wrapped up in the smell of chlorine, the feel of paint peeling from concrete blocks and the deafening sound of happy, screaming kids.

My hometown outdoor swimming pool no longer exists but the sights and sounds of an outdoor pool bring back a flood of memories.

As the second youngest in a large family, I am sure my mother used that swimming pool as a bribe, a relief and a reward. I am certain she looked forward to that pool opening every June as much as I did.

She would bribe us with lake time or pool time as a way of getting the garden weeded or the peas shelled. I can’t speak for my siblings, but I would do almost anything, quickly, to get into that outdoor pool. Our nearby lake was great but it had leeches and we learned to enter and exit the shallows of the lake quickly and body scan each other upon leaving!

Maybe it’s because I was born under the sign of the Aquarian, or because

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growing up we really had no other source of cheap fun, I still cannot get enough of the water – rivers, pools, lakes and oceans.

So, like this picture of the Routes staff at the pool’s edge, I am ready to jump in!

Eagerly waiting for that spring sun to melt the snow and let the summer memories begin!

If your summer water memories are built around fishing, you are going to love the fish tales we are showcasing. See the winning entries from a recent short story fiction contest with the Okotoks Art Gallery. If horses or dogs are your thing, the art of the talented Shannon Lawlor, or the story of incredible therapy dogs are sure to inspire. And if digging in the dirt is more your pace, then the permaculture story will have you running for the seed catalog!

Whatever your summer desires, I hope that you take some time to relax and read… and don’t forget your Routes!

Sandra Wiebe Publisher/Executive Editor

About Dr. Lander Memorial Pool

One of the last remaining outdoor swimming pools in Alberta, this Turner Valley pool was handdug by volunteers and opened near the Sheep River in 1936. The pool was named after long-serving community members, Drs. Harry and David Lander.

Since then the pool has undergone numerous changes and upgrades, many of which can be attributed to volunteer Cheryl Gross. Cheryl, Pool Operations Coordinator, won her first swimming award in this very pool in 1969 and has been volunteering ever since, even taking her summers off from her City of Calgary position to make sure the facility is fit for families every summer.

Jump In !

MAY | JUNE 2013 Issue #22

Publisher Routes Media Inc. Executive Editor Sandra Wiebe Copy Editor Pat Fream Art Director Sharon Syverson Photographer Neville Palmer Sales/Design Melissa Driver melissa@routesmedia.ca Sales Angie Payne angie@routesmedia.ca Contributors Pat Fream, Michelle Greysen, Veronica Kloiber, Sandra Wiebe

In this photo, left to right, Sandra Wiebe, Sharon Syverson, Terry Middleditch, Veronica Kloiber, Pat Fream and Melissa Driver bid winter an urgent farewell, at the Dr. Lander Memorial Swimming Pool in Turner Valley. Photo by Neville Palmer.

Contributors Michelle Greysen has written several features for Routes but this one is dearest to her heart and her love of vintage. After a whirlwind eight-year engagement, Michelle finally married the man of her (thrift-store) dreams last summer, vintage style, in a short notice prairie cottage family affair. One of her favourite keepsakes of the special day is her handmade bouquet showcasing her love of vintage jewelry. To read more on their unique day, visit her Thrifty Diversions blog at http://thriftydiversions.blogspot.ca/2012/08/the-man-of-my-thrift-store-dreams.html

Southern Alberta native Doris Daley makes her living writing and reciting western poetry at festivals, conventions, private parties and campfires all over Canada and the US. Doris and her husband Bob, a fly fishing guide, live in Turner Valley.

Proofreader Doris Daley Routes Media Inc. 19 – 3 Ave. SE High River, AB T1V 1G3 Ph: 403.652.1100 ext 201 info@routesmedia.ca Subscriptions: 1 year: $18.90 (GST incl.)

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Routes magazine publishes 13,000 copies, six times per year.

They are distributed throughout southern Alberta via Wall2Wall Media, local retailers and by subscription.

We want to hear from you.

Please post comments on stories at www.routesmagazine.ca Printing by Mitchell Press For permission to reprint articles, excerpts or photographs, please email info@routesmedia.ca Copyright Š 2013 All rights reserved.

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New to our SALES TEAM

Angie Payne grew up in Grande Prairie and attended college in Calgary for Computer Information Systems. Angie worked in the Okotoks area as a Welcome Wagon representative, event coordinator and later as an area manager. She lives near Okotoks with her husband and two children.

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Cover Story

T H E O CF HA AT RNU EG HI ONR GS E WLOIMFA EN

By Veronica Kloiber Photos by Neville Palmer

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Photo processed to resemble a favourite printing technique of Shannon’s called Tintype.

Photo by Neville Palmer

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Her horse paintings are exquisite, more like photographs than brushstrokes. They capture the true essence of the animal from each hair and contour to their spirits. And in her art, the stories unfold, both of bridle horses and of Lawlor’s life.

S

hannon Lawlor knows horses.

“I’ve never not been around them,” she said.

“If I wasn’t riding them I was drawing them.”

From an early age, Lawlor found her path in life.

While she may not have known it as a child, looking back it’s apparent that she would make her way with horses.

She grew up in a Manitoba town barely big enough to fill in the dot on the map. The small farming town of Kenton shaped her early years. Horses featured strongly during her girlhood with most of her time spent at a small barn on the outskirts of town.

“As a kid I was always painting and drawing them,” reminisced Lawlor. “All I wanted to do was be around them.”

As time passed, Lawlor’s girlish crush grew deeper still. By high school she knew her life’s work was to be with horses, be it as a trainer or somewhere in the equine industry. What she didn’t know was that she was to become an artist.

After years of western competitions, equine companions loved and lost, and working in the equine industry, Lawlor found herself in Alberta (currently Nanton). She continued to live and breathe horses until 2005 when everything changed.

“I worked so hard for so many years I became exhausted, physically burnt out,” she said. “I rode so many horses I wasn’t enjoying it anymore and I was mortified because I never thought I’d feel that way.”

So she quit riding, sold all her horses and sat down for some hard thinking.

“I never took the art seriously. I never thought I could make a living at this, ever,” said Lawlor. “I had no other source of income besides art and no idea what I was doing but somehow I made it stick.”

Clichés best detail what happened next for Lawlor: One door closes, another opens. It’s always the darkest hour before the dawn. The people and things you need most somehow materialize right when you need them. Enter Lawlor’s mentor, friend, teacher and confidant David Kitler. They met in 1998 and in 2005 when Lawlor changed horses mid-stream so to speak, she began taking art lessons from Kitler.

Fifteen years on and the lessons have worked well. Lawlor’s talent, obvious from the get go, has grown into a type of mastery. The fine details she sees and coaxes off her canvas are intense. You have to take a break from looking at her work or your eyes will become lost in the precision.

Amber Wind 40” x 30” acrylic on board

Big Medicine 48” x 30” acrylic on board

Cover Story

Cholo 36” x 24” Giclee print

“I’m obsessed,” she joked. “I close my eyes and there’s a horse. It’s like breathing, I know them so well.”

Her bond with the horse is apparent in her work. It’s not just her comfort with the anatomy and conformation that makes her paintings mesmerizing. Lawlor can capture a feeling of being in their presence and share it on canvas.

Two of her most acclaimed works are Cholo (right), a close-up study of a flea bitten grey in a tooled silver bridle and bosal, and Casey, a portrait of a beautiful bay with a mane and forelock to die for. Both paintings won the Ex Arte Equinus International Equine Art Competition in 2007 and 2011 respectively. To date Lawlor is the only artist to have received this award twice.

Cholo also won the People’s Choice Award at the Phippen Museum Wild Horse Exhibit in Prescott, Arizona.

Lawlor considers Cholo her signature piece and one of her most recognizable works.

It wasn’t always so. When she first broke into the western art scene, naturally no one had heard of her. She recalls

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Piaff 48” x 60” acrylic on board

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Left: Having travelled to Poland in 2011 to embrace and photograph the Polish Arabians, Shannon has been working on a collection of paintings from that trip for almost two years now.

Shannon’s roots are deeply tied to the Arabian horse and she felt compelled to travel abroad to gain knowledge, insight and inspiration from these much soughtafter worldly steeds.

She hopes to have her new collection completed in the next few months.

bringing her own lunches to weeklong shows in the United States and watching longingly as other exhibitors walked by with fancy coffees she couldn’t afford.

“I hope that phase is over,” Lawlor said. “I did the starving artist thing for the first five or six years. It took a long time, but a couple of years ago it started to change.”

Her next big show will be this July at the Calgary Stampede where she plans to unveil the next phase of her art, something she’s been working on for some time and something that will bring her full circle.

“The work is changing and it’s a little exciting and a little scary,” she said.

Shannon Lawlor knows horses. She can ride them, train them and capture their very spirit in paint, but perhaps her greatest gift is recognizing her dreams from the past when they play out in real life.

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2013

Angels

Feature

Canine

By Pat Fream

Thomas at ease with Thistle.

Photo by Neville Palmer

For centuries humans have enjoyed the company of dogs, a pairing as rich and enduring as sun and sky. In enlightened circles canines serve as more than best friends; they are shepherds, guardians, conductors of courage.

D

ogs are something else. They are professional comforters ushered into Intensive Care Units to nurture victims with serious illness. They are silent therapists enlisted in personal missions to accompany war veterans on their treacherous journeys back from unspeakable hell.

Recently, they served as grief guardians on scene just hours after the Newtown School shooting; their mere presence a healing balm coaxing children back to the realm of sweet innocence.

In the foothills there is plenty of enlightenment when it comes to the profound effects of canine therapy. There are dogs everywhere, and everywhere there are stories of hope and healing with dogs in the wings.

Resident Therapist

Thistle is a remarkably well-trained 15-month-old black lab whose very reason for being is a tender, dimpled, five-year-old boy named Thomas. When Thomas was four he was diagnosed with Autism, a disorder he shares in varying degrees with his brother who is older by one year. Just before Christmas, Thomas found himself with a new best friend – a dog of his own – a buffer against his jittery world.

“With Benjamin and Thomas both having Autism, things have been quite challenging for us,” said Leanne McPherson, indicating that their third child Zoe, is a normal four-year-old. “You can’t believe the difference in our house since Thistle has come to live with us.” routesmagazine.ca

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Feature

Reading with the dogs gives him confidence; he doesn’t have to worry about what they think.”

- Amy McDonald

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Leanne shares a picture of life with three young children, two affected with different spectrums of Autism, both stricken with anxiety, restricted communication, impaired social skills and sleeplessness. She tells their story softly and with no apparent regret or bitterness.

“You just love them no matter what,” she says smiling at her son, downplaying the toll sleep deprivation takes on the average human being.

When the Black Diamond family learned of Dog Guides Autism Assistance Program in Ontario, they went through the rigorous process of applying for a dog guide for their older son Benjamin, who, after intense therapy still suffers with pervasive symptoms. In the end, they qualified for two dogs, one for each of their boys. But the dog guides come one at a time and Thomas was a perfect match for Thistle, his dog came first.

Steve, devoted dad and strong advocate for the special needs of his family, took the required 10-day training course in Ontario to learn how to manage Thistle and utilize the dog’s astonishing skills.

“The team at Dog Guides was amazing,” Steve commented. “I learned about Thistle and dogs in general and we went to

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public places to learn how to handle the dogs in real life settings.”

After the training, Steve brought home a new family member – an incredibly affectionate four-legged therapist.

The first test was a shopping trip with the dog and both boys – an outing normally fraught with anxiety and stress for everyone. “I cannot express what a huge difference the dog made,” said Steve.

“Everyone was relaxed. Thomas and Thistle just walked together without issue or complaint. It was totally different from two weeks before.”

Thistle sleeps with Thomas, his role to provide comfort during Thomas’ restless nights. He plays hide-and-seek with him, lays on a mat near him at meal times and accompanies him pretty much everywhere he goes, including school when and if it's required. In his working dog vest, Thistle is allowed in grocery stores and restaurants and most other public places, and being tethered to the small boy, he has put a stop to Thomas’ dangerous propensity to bolt and run away.

“Thistle’s job is to love and be a constant companion to Thomas. She gives him unconditional acceptance and makes him feel secure and confident,” said Leanne gratefully. “Thomas is so much more comfortable with himself with the dog around.”

The McPhersons eagerly await the arrival of their next family member – Benjamin’s dog guide.

Perhaps then the family can enjoy regular outings, unbroken sleep and a semblance of peace in a home teeming with kids and dogs.

“Thistle has brought incredible calm to our home and we are so lucky to be getting a dog guide for Benjamin as well,” said Leanne. “With the dogs we have hope that our boys will grow up healthy and have a chance at a happy life.”

Tutors with Tails

Eight-year-old Owen found reading a challenge until his mom stumbled upon a new literacy concept that pairs young readers with attentive furry tutors.

Dog Tales unites struggling or reluctant readers with screened dogs and

their owners for weekly reading sessions at libraries in Okotoks, High River and Turner Valley. The kids choose a book, pick a dog and read with the dog on a mat for 30 minutes. The dogs nestle close and offer steadfast attention, silent affirmation and the occasional lick.

“Families who have participated say their children have an increased desire to read and they also notice improved reading skills and self-confidence when they read out loud,” says Olone McDonald, High River literacy facilitator, adding that the dogs are calm, gentle, non-judging reading buddies.

These days Owen can’t wait to crack a book. In the delightful company of one of his reading buddies (Dirty Rascal, Duff, Bold Girl or Red Boy), he is focused, relaxed and able to practise reading with ease.

“It has really helped him a lot,” says his mom Amy, looking pleased as her son eagerly selects his books and his dog.

“Reading with the dogs gives him confidence; he doesn’t have to worry about what they think.” Amy adds that the family recently lost their own dog and the program is also helping to mitigate the grief for Owen.

The program, an initiative of Literacy for Life, is free of charge and has been operating in the foothills for three years.

“It’s very fulfilling to see the bonds that form between the children and the dogs and the enjoyment they get from reading to their new friends,” said McDonald. “I have seen tears in some parents’ eyes – it’s really quite an amazing experience.”

End-of-Life Mates

Roxy is a seven-year-old yellow lab with firsthand experience in death and grief. When she was two, her owners found her curled up next to her mother who had passed away silently and unexpectedly in the night after complications from a routine spaying. For weeks Roxy would not enter the kennel where she last enjoyed the comfort of her mother. For months she was despondent, suffering deeply from her loss.

Today, Roxy is strong and vibrant and enjoying life on the farm with her loving owners and a new lab sibling. But her tragic past has given her a higher purpose. With wordless compassion and an instinct for end-of-life care, she has a twice-weekly job nurturing patients and their loved ones at Foothills Country Hospice. Her owners drop her off at the home-like setting where a volunteer trails her as she wanders around the building poking her nose into patients’ rooms.

When invited in, she lies at their bedsides or climbs up next to them, delivering gentle love and warm tenderness.

“She hasn’t had any formal training but she has a quiet, caring spirit and she is very in-tune with people’s feelings,” said Irene Bastian, Roxy’s owner. “We feel we have to share her love with others.”

Lacey is another gifted consoler at Foothills Country Hospice. The sevenyear-old Bichon Frisé is a fluffy ball of tenacious love and boundless affection.

With a nod of encouragement from her watchful owner Mary, she clambers into the laps of delighted dog lovers and wig wig-

gles into the weak embrace of patients who sometimes weep with joy.

“She’s a sight to behold,” said one patient as she cuddled with Lacey. “Just seeing her gives me such a lift.”

Be it silent counsellors or inspiring guides, no doubt some dogs are here to serve. With unreserved acceptance and unconditional love they mend wounds, undo harm and evoke unexpected joy – four-legged champions of the human spirit.

Owen reads with his buddy ‘Dirty Rascal’ at the High River Library.

Hospice helpers, Lacey (above) and Roxy with her new sibling, Kelsey (right).

Read more about therapy dogs: 15

Therapy Dogs and Healing - www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2011/11/04/in-themagazine/health-in-the-magazine/rescue-dogs.html Bringing Dogs to Heal: Care for Veterans with PTSD www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2030897,00.html#ixzz2M2Iq25Fq The Healing Power of Dogs - http://news.nationalgeographic.com/ news/2012/12/121221-comfort-dogs-newtown-tragedy-animal-therapy

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DAY- T R I P P I N G ‌ Feature

VINTAGE STYLE

By Michelle Greysen

Photos by Neville Palmer

Sentimental Journey Antiques, Nanton

H

itting the road for a day of antiquing is no longer just about scouting out a fine collectible. Artists and collectors alike are repurposing everything from ephemera to printers lead typeface.

Everyone, from scrapbookers to home decorators, is on the hunt for their next must-have vintage treasure.

Even vintage weddings are topping the charts and have brides-to-be scurrying for the next best vintage idea. In this retro multi-fashion world of anything goes, home and personal style has taken

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on a whole new iconic look, and there is no denying that what was once tacky beyond the sentimental is the new hot kitsch.

The southern Alberta circuit of treasure hunting would not be complete without a stroll through Nanton, known for its famous art and antique walk. The historic pioneer setting is reason enough to visit the town, but for any vintage-lover this is the mecca of great finds. From the fine antiques and collectibles stuffed to the attic and cellar at Sentimental Journey Antiques in the century-old

Keeley Building, to the little but mighty Nostalgia Antiques and Collectibles around the corner, this town is a vintagelover’s paradise.

Antiques N’ Things, Nanton’s newest antique shop, owned by Karen and Jerry Richert and their daughter Amberly, is located on the south end of town and has grown into a happening spot. The shop, known for its endless selection of antiques including a stunning inventory of fully functioning wall and tall case clocks, grew from Jerry’s passion for tinkering.

“When I first met Jerry his old restored house had 15 ticking chiming clocks,” said Karen, adding that she got used to the oddity and now the couple has even more clocks in their home.

Moving from a previous location in Drayton Valley, the Richerts are now settled in Nanton and ready to expand.

Look for new construction on one side of their large space where they are busy with the opening of Kay’s Coffee Kettle, featuring an old treasured family recipe for vintage donuts.

Nanton is home to many unique shops, such as Iron Horse Gallery and Mosaic Art Gift Gallery, offering antiques alongside artisan glass, forged iron and unique hand-crafted wares reflective of the love of vintage and an era gone by.

Half the fun of the hunt is the conversations along the way. In Longview, stop in at Wow and Then and visit with shopkeepers Pam Mikolayenko and her handy husband Gord. They share many interesting tales, along with their talents in creating unique treasures from cast-offs displayed alongside the antiques and collectibles.

“I don’t consider myself an expert at anything specific but I do consider myself hospitable to my guests,” says Pam. Her greatest keepsake is her shop guestbook with names from as far away as New York.

But Pam knows her stuff; she is also the sole organizer of the upcoming Vintage with Flair sale held this June in Priddis.

When in High River, stop and enjoy the old downtown with its colourful murals and historic buildings, including the must see Vespucci consignment with its adjacent High River Antiques. Owner Dianne Rawlinson says her love of collecting vintage art glass, chalet and chalkware was a natural fit for the store, which features 50s and 60s era items, the hot trend in retro mid-century modern.

Rawlinson’s second retro-antique store in Nanton is open weekends only for now and waiting to be named. “We get a lot of tourists who buy from us and we ship their items home to them worldwide.”

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Mosiac Art Gift Gallery, Nanton

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Feature

Rawlinson also clears estates and she notes that many of the great finds on her shop shelves come directly from customers walking in the door looking to sell, a good reminder that your own collection can be traded up along the road.

The love of a great vintage find has never been more popular. Be it the collective shift to greener living, to re-using instead of mass consuming, to repurposing by up-cycling a great funky find, or to truly discover a treasure, a day spent on the open road discovering quaint little rural towns bustling with vintage and antique shops has fast become a favourite pastime.

And don’t forget to check out the many thrift stores and garage sales along the way.

Mosquito Creek Trading Post, Nanton

1.

Mid-Century Modern – retro hot ceramics, glass, furniture and lighting in the decorating craze to marry modern household items with mid-century great finds.

2.

Cowboy Chic – native and pioneering collectibles, saddles, furs, fashions and tack.

3.

Garden Uniquities – bringing repurposed and re-imagined furnishings out into your garden, everything from chippy doors to rusty bedframes.

4.

Kitschy Kitsch – cultural, iconic,

sentimental, “grandma’s kitchen” - from clothing to kitchenalia, ephemera and more.

5.

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Industrial Functional – fascinating manual workings, pre techno-age from clocks to cameras and typewriters.

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Your 100 Mile Art Diet

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Arts & Entertainment

Leighton Centre Clothesline Sale June 1-2

May 1-9 Studios Pottery and Metal Sale Pikes Studios www.pikesstudios.com [HR]

May 1 - June 16 Exhibits: Children of Icarus and The Crooked Trees of Alticane Okotoks Art Gallery Children of Icarus by Keith Harder features drawings from the storage yard of the Bomber Command Museum in Nanton and digital prints of some of its derelict aircrafts.

The Crooked Trees of Alticane is a visual study of the mysterious, mutated aspens found near Hafford, Saskatchewan. www.okotoksculture.ca [OK]

May 1 - 30 11th Annual Juried Members’ Show Transcending Traditions Leighton Centre www.leightoncentre.org [MV]

May 4 Okotoks Men’s Chorus presents Men with Tunes Okotoks United Church Concert and silent auction in support of Rowan House. 7 pm, Adult $15, Senior $12 E: Englishelm@gmail.com [OK]

Enter your event at www.routesmagazine.ca

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[OK] Okotoks [HR] High River [MS] Mossleigh [LV] Longview [NT] Nanton [CH] Claresholm [KK] Kananaskis

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[FM] Fort MacLeod [PS] Priddis [BC] Bragg Creek [DV] Diamond Valley [MV] Millarville [CY] Calgary [SY] Stavely

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Half Marathon Run to the Market June 15

Scott Cook Trio May 10 photo by Oscar Sun

JUNE 2013

Ode to Van Gogh June 1-29

May 8

May 2 - 4, 9 - 11 Anne of Green Gables, The Musical Empress Theatre Adapted from the novel by L.M. Montgomery by Donald Harron, music by Norman Campbell. 7 pm, $10. www.empresstheatre.ab.ca [FM]

May 4 Jill Barber Bragg Creek Centre With the 2013 release of her latest album Chansons, Jill brings her own interpretations of classic French songs. $38, 7 pm. www.braggcreekperformingarts.com [BC]

Women’s Connection Group Highwood Memorial Centre Stonecroft Ministries presentations by Abbeyfield House and the High River Handibus. Free daycare available with reservation. $14.

9:15 - 11:15 am E: dm_labelle@yahoo.ca [HR]

May 10 Scott Cook Trio Gitter’s Pub $10 cover www.gitterspub.com [HR]

May 10 On the Edge Concert Series Red Deer Lake United Church Featuring Doris Daley and Eli Barsi $20. www.rdlunitedchurch.org [CY]

May 5 Cinco De Mayo Museum of the Highwood Celebrate the Mexican holiday of Cinco de Mayo with an afternoon of fun activities for children and adults at the Museum of the Highwood in High River. Music, games and a piñata! Free, noon - 4 pm. www.museumofthehighwood.com [HR]

May 10 - 11 High River Art Society Spring Show and Sale High River United Church All original artwork. Our friendly artists willbe on hand to greet you at the door and answer any questions. Friday, 3-8 pm, Saturday, 10-4 pm E: highriverartsociety@ hotmail.com [HR]

Arts & Entertainment

May 11

Jack Semple Carlson’s on Macleod

May 18 - 19

www.carlsonsonmacleod.com [HR]

One Act Plays Festival Highwood Memorial Centre

Windmill Theatre Players presents Alberta Drama Festival Association winning plays from across Alberta. $10 per session or $20 for a pass. E: wtp@shaw.ca [HR]

May 11

Hope and Healing Gala Highwood Memorial Centre Fundraiser for Rowan House Emergency Shelter, 5:30 - 10 pm, $200. Entertainment

by Calgary Fiddlers, cocktails, dinner and silent auctions. www.rowanhouse.ca [HR]

May 11

Girls’ Night Out Pajama Party Okotoks Art Gallery

Grab your girlfriends and celebrate the perks of being a girl! Dress your best in your fave comfy pj’s and fluffy slippers for fun, food, Tarot Card readings, mini spa treatments, and wine and cocktails. $20, 7 - 10 pm P: 403.938.3204 [OK]

May 11

The Dambusters Raid Bomber Command Museum 70th Anniversary Commemoration to honour those who participated in the greatest tactical air raid of WW 11. With Lancaster Bomber engine start-ups, a special display of 15 pieces of Dams Radi original artwork and limited edition prints and the unveiling of a display honouring the 30 Canadians who flew on the raid and the 15 who did not return. www.bombercommandmuseum.ca [NT]

May 18 - 31

International Museum Day Okotoks Art Gallery This year’s theme: Museums (Memory + Creativity) = Social Change. Visit the Museum to explore this theme during its two-week exhibit. www.okotoksculture.ca [OK]

May 23, 30

Alfred Hitchcock Films Okotoks Rotary Performing Arts Centre 7 pm $2 at the door. www.okotoksculture.ca [OK]

May 24-25

House Concert and Workshop With Jennifer Berezen Diamond Willow Artisan Retreat Jennifer has a unique blend of singer/ songwriter, producer, and activist. House concert May 24 at 7:30 pm. Workshop with Jennifer on Saturday 10- 4 pm. www.diamondwillowartisanretreat.com [DV]

May 25

May 17 Jennifer Berezen The Stop Coffehouse

Malcolm John VI Gitter’s Pub www.gitterspub.com [HR]

May 17 - 18

Little Britches Rodeo and Parade High River Rodeo Grounds www.hragsociety.ca [HR]

Enter your event at www.routesmagazine.ca [OK] Okotoks [HR] High River [MS] Mossleigh [LV] Longview [NT] Nanton [CH] Claresholm [KK] Kananaskis

[FM] Fort MacLeod [PS] Priddis [BC] Bragg Creek [DV] Diamond Valley [MV] Millarville [CY] Calgary [SY] Stavely

8 pm. [DV]

May 24

Allen Christie Gitter’s Pub www.gitterspub.com [HR]

May 24 21

Yuk Yuks on Tour Okotoks Rotary Performing Arts Centre Featuring Scott Dumas and Jeff Toth $15, 7 pm www.okotoksculture.ca [OK]

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Arts & Entertainment

Spotlight

onTalent BOOK

Petunia Gitter’s Pub

Nanton Celebrates History

$10 cover www.gitterspub.com [HR]

Old Man

May 25

by David Poulsen

Fifteen-yearold Nate Huffman has a five point self-improvement plan for the summer that will not only make him smarter, stron stronger and better looking, but will almost guarantee him a shot at Jen Wertz.

But just as the long awaited summer vacation is about to arrive, Nate’s plans are unexpectedly shelved with untimely reappearance of his estranged father. Not only is the ‘old man’ back, he’s got some goofy idea about a road trip the two of them are going to take.

Nate finds himself heading off in a pickup with a 62-year-old man he doesn’t know, doesn’t like and doesn’t want to be with. But this is just the beginning. Nate’s father wants to reconnect with his son, and more than that he wants Nate to really know him and understand him.

How Larry Huffman has chosen to accomplish all this is to take his son into his own past, a past centred around the Vietnam War. During their time in Vietnam, both father and son are forced to face some of their own demons. And as they do, they learn a lot about the other and life.

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David A. Poulsen has been a teacher, football coach, rodeo cowboy, stage and film actor and writer. His writing career began in earnest when his story The Welcomin’ won the 1984 Alberta Culture Short Story Competition. Now the author of more than 20 books, David visits dozens of schools across Canada annually, teaching kids about his successful strategies and the importance of reading. David divides his time between his small ranch in the Alberta foothills and a second home in Arizona.

routesmagazine.ca

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June 1

May 25

The Bomber Command Museum of Canada, Ultimate Trains, Grain Elevator Discovery Centre and Museum of Miniatures in Nanton will be hosting special events, tours and demonstrations. There will be a free shuttlebus between sites. [NT]

Land’s End Chamber Ensemble with James Campbell Clarinet High River United Church John Lowry (violin), Beth Root-Sandvoss (cello), Susanne Ruberg-Gordon (piano) and special guest James Campbell (clarinet). Land’s End is one of Canada’s leading ensembles dedicated to bringing chamber music into the 21st century. 7:30 pm [HR]

May 31

The Ruminants Gitter’s Pub

June 1 Lobster Boil High River Rotary Club Lynwood Ranch Fun evening of food and entertainment. Silent and live auction to raise money for the High River Hospital Cancer Treatment Centre. See High River Rotary Club members for tickets.

[OK]

June 1

www.gitterspub.com [HR]

May 31 - June 1

Tim Williams Carlson’s on Macleod www.carlsonsonmacleod.com [HR]

Diamond Valley Parade and Discovery Days Black Diamond and Turner Valley Parade June 1, 10 am in Black Diamond. Family activities both days in both towns. [DV]

June 1 Go Girl Okotoks Recreation Centre Girls 9 to 13 years old are invited to a fun day of indoor and outdoor activities including: team and individual sports, wellness workshops and useful information on nutrition, self-esteem and street safety. $20; register online using code #37800 http://netreg.okotoks.ca [OK]

June 1 First Saturdays Olde Towne Okotoks www.okotoks.ca [OK]

June 1 - 2 Ian Tyson Rotary Performing Arts Centre 8 pm. www.okotoksculture.ca [OK]

June 1 - 29 Ode to Van Gogh The Sunflowers Sessions High River Centennial Library Artists Alice Clarke, Suzette Jones, Valerie McLenahan, Janet Nash and Wendy McLean have come together and created their own Sunflowers Sessions inspired by Vincent Van Gogh’s love of sunflowers. Large and small paintings in watercolour and acrylic sing a symphony of happiness mixed with passion.

Meet the artists June 8, 1 - 3:30 pm. [HR]

June 2 - 8 Environment Week Okotoks

Enter your event at www.routesmagazine.ca [OK] Okotoks [HR] High River [MS] Mossleigh [LV] Longview [NT] Nanton [CH] Claresholm [KK] Kananaskis

[FM] Fort MacLeod [PS] Priddis [BC] Bragg Creek [DV] Diamond Valley [MV] Millarville [CY] Calgary [SY] Stavely

Special activities to celebrate the environment and sustainability will be happening around Okotoks throughout the week. Hosted by the Town of Okotoks’ Conservation Educators. www.okotoks.ca [OK]

CLOTHESLINE AND

FESTIVAL ART SALE Original unframed artworks hung outdoors on clotheslines

Plus sculpture and fine craft from over 80 Alberta artists

SUNSET SOIREE PREVIEW AND WINE TASTING FRIDAY EVENING

June 1-2 10 – 5 AM

PM

FREE ADMISSION

ENJOY THE 80 ACRE PROPERTY, OUR MUSEUM AND GALLERY, LIVE MUSIC, CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES, ART DEMONSTRATIONS AND YYC FOOD TRUCKS.

MAY 315-8 PM

T I C K E T S AVA I L A B L E O N O U R W E B S I T E

403. 931.3633 leightoncentre.org

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Arts & Entertainment

Spotlight

onTalent MUSIC

June 5 Spruce Meadows National Tour Spuce Meadows Come enjoy international sport, world-class shopping and entertainment for the whole family! $5, seniors and kids 12 and under are free. Full schedule online. www.rsprucemeadows.com [HR]

June 12 Women’s Connection Group Highwood Memorial Centre Walker’s Country & Western Wear fashion show. FREE daycare available upon reservation. $14. 9:15-11:15 am. Stonecroft Ministries E: dm_labelle@yahoo.ca [HR]

June 6, 13, 20, 27

Wildflower

is a Canadian country music duo featuring talented Alberta singer-songwriters Jennifer Clarke (vocals) and Dean Selby (vocals, guitar).

The pair, Clarke from Airdrie and Selby from Okotoks, began their music careers as solo artists then formed the duo Wildflower in 2011.

In 2012, with only a handful of songs and a limited budget, the two made the decision to record an acoustic EP and began working with Kelowna-based producer Jordan Wiberg (Paul Brandt, Jon Bryant) to record their six original songs.

The self-titled acoustic EP was released on iTunes and two of the tracks, Friday Night in Big Rock, (inspired by spirited nights out in Okotoks) and Hey Mama were picked up by local radio stations.

Wildflower has performed as part of the Okotoks concert series A Room Full of Sound and continue to perform live at stages and festivals throughout western Canada.

They are currently recording their first full-length album with plans to launch new music this summer.

To listen and learn more go to www.wildflower-music.ca

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Editor’s Note: Selby and Clarke were also featured nationwide in 2012 on Global TV's Canada Sings. Both musicians are WestJet employees and they joined their workmates to compete as a group called Cabin Pressure. The group went on to win $25,000 for the Alberta Children’s Hospital.

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Stanley Kubrick films Okotoks Rotary Performing Arts Centre $2 at the door, 7 pm www.okotoksculture.ca [OK]

June 14 Dice Deluxe Gitter’s Pub www.gitterspub.com [HR]

June 15

June 7 Millarville Market Millarville Racetrack

Jay Aymar Gitter’s Pub

Open Saturdays from 9 am - 2 pm. www.millarvilleractrack.com [MV]

www.gitterspub.com [HR]

June 7 Grate Groan Up Spelling Bee Rotary Performing Arts Centre Five teams representing Okotoks, High River, Black Diamond, Turner Valley and the MD of Foothills #31 will battle for spelling supremacy they are in a competition to see which team can raise the most pledges to support literacy and learning in the Foothills. Are you a better speller than our participants? Come out and watch. Test your own skills. There is limited seating and a cash donation will be collected at the door. John Barlow of the Okotoks Western Wheel will be Bee-Master of Ceremonies and Daryl Janz of CTV as the Master Bee Pronouncer. www.okotoks.ca [OK]

June 8 Gary Fjellgaard and Friends Carlson’s on Macleod Country/prairie roots music featuring JUNO and multi award winner Gary Fjellgaard, Saskia and Darrel Delaronde. www.carlsonsonmacleod.com [HR]

June 9 Bar U Chuckwagon Cook-Off Bar U Ranch Sample our competitiors’ versions of beef stew and biscuits cooked over an open camp fire just like they did 100 years ago. 1 pm www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/ab/baru [LV]

June 15 Spirit of Okotoks Parade and Children’s Festival Olde Towne Okotoks and Ethel Tucker Park Don’t miss our annual parade, pancake breakfast and the Children’s Festival, featuring Norman Foote and Natasha Platt. 8 - 4 pm. www.okotoks.ca [OK]

June 15 Run to the Market Half Marathon Millarville Market Our beautiful, rural, 21.1 km, point-to-point race will start at 7:30 a.m. in Black Diamond, run through Turner Valley and past rolling pasturelands to end at the Millarville Farmers’ Market as it opens for its 31st season. www.millarvillehalfmarathon.com [MV]

June 15 - 16 Train Days Aspen Crossing Saturday in the greenhouse will be an entire system of G-scale model trains by the Rocky Mountain Garden Railway Society. Family activities include train rides, a petting zoo and a hay ride. Pancake breakfast in the greenhouse from 9 - noon, $8. Treat dad to brunch in the 1887 Pullman dining car’s Father’s Day Brunch Buffet, $22.95. www.aspencrossing.com [MS]

June 23

June 20-23 Guy Weadick Days High River Rodeo Grounds

Annual rodeo and chuckwagon racing. www.hragsociety.com [HR]

June 21

Wild Tea Party and Hike Kananaskis Many of native tea plants can be grown in your garden. Join us to learn to identify these plants, how to harvest and dry them and what nutrients are found in each plant. Walk on private lands south of Calgary and enjoy a local bag lunch along with three different tea samples. www.full-circle-adventures.com [CY]

Western Chic III Okotoks Art Gallery 3rd annual event featuring art, food, drink, music and a one-of-a-kind silent auction. $20 , 7 - 9 pm. www.okotoksculture.ca [OK]

June 28 Mike Lynch Gitter’s Pub

we ke e

www.gitterspub.com [HR]

June 21 Rob Hollis Trio Gitter’s Pub

our music lives here, th e b e e r p it ri g h t n e x t to

July 1 Turner Valley Triathlon Turner Valley

www.gitterspub.com [HR]

June 21 - 22 Vintage With Flair Spring Sale Priddis Community Hall

Join us for the 5th annual family triathlon and celebrate Canada Day. Also Kids of Steel Tri for ages 3 - 17. 500 m swim, 20 km bike and a 5 km run on the friendship trail.

Deadline to register is June 24. www.turnervalleytriathlon.ca [DV]

A unique venue showcasing artists, entrepreneurs and recreators. Friday 4 - 8 pm. Saturday 9 - 4 pm, $4. http://vintagewithflair.blogspot.ca [PS]

June 21 - Sept 7

Great Food • Great People • Great Music

112 - 4th Ave. W., High River 403.652.4995 www.gitterspub.com

JULY 1st 2013

108th

RACES START NOON

Exhibits: The Art of Fishing and Gemstone Horses Okotoks Art Gallery www.okotoksculture.ca [OK]

June 22

BEER GARDENS PARI-MUTUEL BETTING $10 /person or $20 /car

The Fishin’ Musicians in Concert Okotoks Rotary Performing Arts Centre $30, 8 pm www.okotoksculture.ca [OK]

Enter your event at www.routesmagazine.ca [OK] Okotoks [HR] High River [MS] Mossleigh [LV] Longview [NT] Nanton [CH] Claresholm [KK] Kananaskis

[FM] Fort MacLeod [PS] Priddis [BC] Bragg Creek [DV] Diamond Valley [MV] Millarville [CY] Calgary [SY] Stavely

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403.931.3411 403.931.3411 www.millarvilleracetrack.com www.millarvilleracetrack.com Millarville Racetrack Racetrack (30 (30 min. min. SW SW of of Calgary, Calgary, off off Hwy Hwy 22) 22) Millarville routesmagazine.ca

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Feature

PLANT

S e e d s HARVEST CHANGE

By Sandra Wiebe Images provided by Sage Permaculture

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P

eruse Pinterest for a few min minutes (if you dare) and you’ll see such ideas as how to turn wood pallets, used tires or leftover eavestroughs into herb or flower gar gardens. More than a trend or a pack rat’s dream of repurposing, this is an undeni undeniable desire to take back a little earth for ourselves, to nurture it, watch it grow and to teach our children where food really comes from. This is permaculture.

Buzzwords like sustainability, carbon neutral, organic, wholistic and diversity are a growing part of our vocabulary and lifestyles but like many things, every everything old is new again. The way we eat, grow food and care for the earth is no exception.

Referring to a local grassroots movemove ment, Evonne Smulders, permaculpermacul ture leader and designer, explains the philosophy.

“It’s a systems design that looks at everything encompassing our lives: the food we eat, how we grow it, the energy we use, the people that surround us and how we connect with nature,” says Evonne. “We can integrate into our lives how nature works symbiotically.”

Evonne, an avid gardener for 34 years, former midwife, potter and busi business owner (formerly Terra Cotta Gallery in Black Diamond, now Bluerock Gal Gallery) has turned her energies to being a permaculturalist. “Everything I’ve done has been a step to get me to this,” says Evonne.

She was first introduced to the con concepts of permaculture over 16 years ago when her husband came home from a

straw building conference and declared that he wanted to move his life in that direction. Evonne was too busy operating her business, raising children and working in the community to join in her husband’s enthusiasm at the time.

After selling the store about three years ago, she took a 72-hour course to learn the basics of permaculture, then several more courses to understand all the concepts. “I have no formal biology or horticulture background - anyone can do this,” she says.

munity and friendships.

She also took her knowledge to the next level, organizing the 2012 Western Canadian PC Convergence (now in its third year) and establishing Sage Permaculture in Black Diamond along with Robert her husband of 34 years.

The Convergence offers hands-on workshops, teaching skills that will serve you whether you’re camping in the wilderness or rebuilding after a major disaster. Specifically, participants swap tips and learn techniques for such functions as

It’s a systems design that looks at everything encompassing our lives: the food we eat, how we grow it, the energy we use, the people that surround us and how we connect with nature.”

- Evonne Smulders

Evonne has always found herself immersed in the concept of “growing community.” Marrying permaculture with community building seemed, for her, the best and most natural fit and she now organizes permaculture workdays with groups of people who wish to integrate the concepts into their yards.

“It’s like an old fashioned barnraising,” she says, explaining that the groups rotate from yard to yard, working and learning while fostering com-

composting, cob oven building, and even composting toilets.

This summer Sage Permaculture will launch phase one of a three-part permaculture integration design for The Diamond Valley Community Garden. The garden will use social permaculture skills of community building to bring together volunteers and potential new gardeners to implement changes that will enable water harvesting, composting and an education area.

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2013

Feature

For some, permaculture is an ethos for living – a practical initiative for their lofty ambitions to help save our planet. For others, such as Judy Kolk, Kayben Farms co-owner (with husband Claude), permaculture is a natural exercise; a practical extension of life and work.

“Everything we know about permaculture (and recycling) we learned from Claude’s mom,” says Judy, referencing the time span of the concept.

Over time we have learned, and continue to learn, how to grow food on the particular piece of land that we steward. It is important to us to use resources wisely.”

- Penny Marshall

She explains that while there is a resurgence in permaculture popularity, the concept is not new.

“In the past, many of these practices were followed for practical reasons rather than for philosophical ones. Now they serve both purposes,” she says.

Kayben Farms is home to acres of fruit bushes, several greenhouses and a café. The pigs and chickens are fed the scraps from the café.

“If you have chickens, pigs or goats and a wood-burning stove you don’t need to throw much away,” says Judy, explaining that they rarely haul garbage to the dump.

Many of these practices save money, but in the end Judy says that if these measures are not practical they won’t be

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sustainable. For example, she suggests that when homeowners purchase a rain barrel, they should buy a really huge one.

Small ones fill up in a single rainfall and the water only lasts a few days. There is less value if the process is not efficient.

For people who want to try to grow their own food, Judy suggests simple steps like adding cabbage or lettuce to your flowerbeds, integrating fruit trees into your landscape, and swapping out grass for edibles.

Much like Kayben Farms, Highwood Crossing Farms, located along the Highwood River near Aldersyde, follows some of the same environmental principles on the farm and in its foods business.

The goals of owners Tony and Penny Marshall are to produce limited waste, integrate and diversify field crops, and protect natural resources such as the riverbank adjacent to their property.

“Over time we have learned, and continue to learn, how to grow food on the particular piece of land that we steward. It is important to us to use resources wisely,” says Penny.

Whether you plant acres of crops, raise animals for food, or simply collect rainwater for a few potted plants on your patio, practicing the movement of planting seeds to harvest change can be as meaningful as it is now for Evonne.

“Two years ago we were blessed with our first grandchild; he has been a wakeup call for what we value in life and we think more about the legacy we will leave behind,” she says.

What could be more soul satisfying than knowing you’ve taken a small step to help your neighbour, your health and your planet.

Mankind | | Nature crafting harmonious solutions for your transitional spaces since

Countryside

Landscapes & Garden Centre beautiful hanging baskets / large perennials shrubs and trees / succulents / terrariums

1985

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Visit us in the hamlet of Dewinton Open April - October www.csgcl.com 403.938.1835

Join us this spring for great hands on workshops!

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fuzei.ca discover

european craftsmanship traditional landscape techniques journeyman landscape gardener ISA certified arborist fuzei gardens & tree service ltd. call email:

403 . 931. 3817

edzard @ fuzei.com

F R O M J U N E 1 5 t h T H R O U G H O C T O B E R 1 2 t h 2 013

403-931-2404 www.millarvilleracetrack.com

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At the Millarville Racetrack 30 min. S.W. of Calgary off Highway 22 routesmagazine.ca

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TIPS for Making SUSHI at HOME The Rice Use Japanese rice (japonica), a short grain, sticky rice. Using jasmine, basmati or other rices will not give you the desired results.

Always rinse the rice well to clean and release extra starches. Let the rice cook completely. Do not refrigerate your rice, serve at room temperature.

The Vegetables Finely slice or julienne cut vegetables such as Japanese cucumbers (they have a thinner skin than English or hothouse cucumbers and are less watery), radishes, carrots, sprouts, Shiso leaves (from the mint family but nicknamed Japanese basil for its similarities in taste), avocada, ginger and Wasabi root.

Sushi fast, fresh and gluten free *!

By Sandra Wiebe

Photos by Neville Palmer

Dining in the foothills now offers two options to satisfy the sushi lover’s palette.

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If you are looking for that dine-in experience with a creative flair, Yokozuna in Okotoks is your place. Owner Sun Jo opened Yokozuna in 2009 at 200 Southridge Drive. Always busy and getting rave reviews, the bright restaurant features a delicious assortment of beautifully presented dishes, including a sushi roll called Town of Okotoks.

In High River, Liane and Franky Li may be new to town but they are not new to sushi.

This young couple moved from Shanghai to Canada, and after a decade of working in sushi restaurants in Calgary, they wanted a place of their own. With some encouragement and support from friends, the couple opened EdoYaki Sushi in High River last December. Visit this friendly new hotspot for a healthy, fresh and fast addition to the food options in High River, 1204 – 16 St. SE, High River.

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But it’s your roll – make it your way: hot or cold, vegetarian or with cooked or raw fish.

The Fish Bluefin tuna includes these cuts: Akami (red meat), Chu-toro (rich and buttery belly meat) and O-toro (fatty, delicate and melt-in-yourmouth belly of the tuna). Big-eye tuna is milder-tasting than the Bluefin. Yellowfin/Ahi tuna offer a mild flavour with firm texture. Red snapper (Tai) is mild with some texture. Japanese yellowtail (Hamachi) is an oily fish with a bold flavour and salmon is rich and flavourful.

The Wrap Place Nori seaweed (or soy or rice wrappers) on top of plastic wrap to keep the paper and rice from sticking. Use a bamboo mat to roll and press firmly. When slicing your pieces wet your knife to keep rice from sticking. *Gluten free only refers to the rice, fish and vegetables. Tempura and soy sauce contain wheat gluten.

Making sushi at home can feed your creative side and offer an appetizer or meal alternative. Remember sushi is all about fresh, be choosey with your ingredients.

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Bunch of Brunches

for Mother’s and Father’s Day

Aspen Crossing, Mossleigh

Dine in an 1887 Pullman dining car, once the private business car for former Prime Minister John Diefenbaker, Hwy 24 to Mossleigh

Calgary Zoo (sleepover) 1200 Zoo Rd NE, Calgary

Carriage House Inn

9030 Macleod Trail S, Calgary

Crystal Ridge

9 Crystal Green Way, Okotoks Ridge House – reservations required

D’Arcy Ranch

174 Northridge Drive, Okotoks

Heritage Inn, High River 1104 11 Ave SE, High River Reservations required

Heritage Park

1900 Heritage Drive, Calgary

Highwood Golf and Country Club 400 - 7 St NW, High River

Infusion

Dr. Lori Darroch CHIROPRACTOR

LINGERING MUSCLE OR JOINT PAIN? GIVE ME A CALL!

23 Balsam Ave, Bragg Creek

Redwood Meadows Golf and Country Club 32

Tsuu T'ina Nation 145, Bragg Creek

The Ranche

Fish Creek Park, Calgary Reservations required

routesmagazine.ca

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Call 403-938-2230 or email lori@drdarroch.com #6 - 87 Elizabeth Street Okotoks AB T1S 1B7 www.drdarroch.com

19 - 3rd Avenue SE, High River 403.652.1100

Your Complete Virtual Office

in downtown High River friendly reception

114 4 AVE SW High River 403-652-2181

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403-938-2224 52 North Railway St. bistro-provence.ca

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Casual French Dining in Olde Towne Okotoks

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Focused on your lifestyle, timothyFred’s friendly furniture, decorating, and mattress consultants would be pleased to help you create your ideal living space. And of course, there are still those “amazing prices” - TOO routesmagazine.ca

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F I S H TA L E S Photos by Neville Palmer

routesmagazine.ca

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Pigeon Lake

By Kevin Weisbeck, Okotoks

M

y stomach growled loud enough to put the run on a grizzly bear. Suffice to say, I’m starving. Today I’m at Pigeon Lake, although I’m generally at one lake or another every day. You see, I’m intrigued with this lake… I’ve heard the stories. Above me there’s an orange and yellow glow revealing yet another beautiful morning rolling in. It’s a great day for fishing.

Moments like these are the ones we all live for, when adrenaline charges through the veins and the dance begins. Idle boats have sat patiently through the night, moored to docks and on trailers. As the moon fades in the unveiling morning light, these boats fill with fishermen and wiggly worms before being set adrift. The nights last forever when you’re a die-hard; there’s nothing to do but wait. Well, the wait is over and like I said earlier, I’m starving.

I was nibbling on a late breakfast when it happened. The line tightened and the fight began. It tensed my every muscle. This doesn’t get any easier with age as the fight drains my strength.

Because of my size it’s tougher on me than most. Still I wouldn’t miss this for anything. Is it okay to confess, this form of fishing is a little new to me? There’s nothing like this back home. But the stories that lured me here, they’re everything they told me… and more.

The line tightens and slackens as our worlds overlap. My heart begins to race, what was once 50 yards is now only 10. The fight, man versus fish, is an old one and I’m so glad to be a part of it. Is it crazy to say I can smell them? I swear I can.

A hearty jump from the water finally gives me a glimpse of my adversary. As the realms of water and air collide, our stare lasts long enough for me to get a read on him. This one won’t be giving up anytime soon.

Reflections off the water dance in my eyes like diamonds, but they don’t distract me. It’s these next few moments that are critical as the net waits. Swirling like a busy stir stick, the line darts left, right, under the boat and back. Then the net sweeps at the water… caught!

After all the excitement I’m exhausted. Lying in the boat, I find myself gasping for breath. It’s been a good fight… but it’s not over. I look skyward, never having noticed the sun before. It’s a lot warmer than I imagined. The pliers work quickly at removing the barbless hook, then the hook of the scale slips painlessly through my gill. I’m a whopping two pounds nine ounces, still small to most.

Firm hands cradle me as I’m held into the water. I take a second to catch my breath before swimming off to my friends. I know they’ll want to hear everything.

A fish could get used to a catch and release lake.

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Bait Robin Van Eck, Calgary

W

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e climbed over the railroad tracks – Dad first, me close behind – down the rocky incline to the river below, the smell of diesel heavy on the air. Stones tumbled down the slope into the water below.

“You coming?” I looked down. Dad landed on the rock ledge. He peered up at me grappling the black shale slipping out from under my feet. He pulled a Players tobacco tin with holes punctured in the lid from his tackle box and set it on the rocks before reaching for me.

The river rushed several feet below. On the other side, waving brush stretched to the mountains. Dad put the rods together, tied hooks to the line. He crouched, opening the tin.

The dirt moved, slippery masses sliding over one another. He dangled an earthworm in my face. “Wanna do the honours?”

No way. “Ewww. Gross.”

“Such a girl,” He laughed, folded the worm in half and skewered it. Certain death.

He handed me my rod. “Remember how I showed you.

Hold the line tight, bring the pole back, careful not to snag anything behind you – especially me – swing it forward with a hard flick and let ’er rip.”

I did as he said. The transparent line sailed across the hazy sky and disappeared.

“Now play with the fish.”

“Play?”

“Tease them. Reel in the line. Slowly. With little flicks.”

Dad pierced another worm onto his hook and cast his line into the water much farther than mine. “Like this.” He gave his line a tug, the pole arched then slackened.

I mimicked. The current fought. I pulled harder. “How do you know when you got one?” I reeled in the line, the worm dangled helplessly.

“You’ll know.”

I cast again.

Dad lit a cigarette. Spirals of smoke curled around his head, turning his dark hair gray. He stared into the river, the cigarette clinging to his lips. A bird circled overhead, diving and floating on the currents.

“She hates me,” I said “She doesn’t hate you.” He blew smoke into the air. “She hates me.”

My hook dangled in front of me. Empty. Dad’s pole arched. The line taut. He pulled hard, let out some line then reeled it in. Fighting.

I held my breath.

A white fish, the size of two of my feet, gasped on the rocks. Dad grabbed the fish bat and with one wallop to the side of the head, the fish stilled. Bulgy eyes. Mouth frozen.

I laid my rod down and sat cross-legged, swatting at a fly trying to settle on the already drying carcass. “I don’t want to fish anymore.”

routesmagazine.ca

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JUNE 2013

Where The

TWAIN Shall Meet (a true story) Marius Oelschig, Okotoks

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here I come from anglers are divided into two camps.

They call us “fluff-chuckers,” we call them “porridgesoakers” – and never the twain shall meet.

Fly fishermen spend much time tying beautiful, often intricate, imitations of the prey that fish feed upon – both aquatic and terrestrial. Their success lies in finding the fish, then enticing them to feed on the fly. The “other” fishermen spend years concocting some malodorous witch’s brew. The recipe, a closely guarded secret, is mixed into a putty-like paste or porridge of flour or maize-meal. This is affixed to a hook and flung into some likely-looking water – to soak. Their “art” seems to rely on the principle that even a blind squirrel will eventually run into a nut.

On the final day of the summer vacation I drove down to my favourite stretch of the local river. I was delighted to find the adjacent campground practically deserted. As dawn broke I assembled my tackle, donned my waders and ventured into the river.

The morning warmed up and I heard the unmistakable sounds of children at play. I looked over in that general direction and observed a white-haired gentleman seated in a comfortable canvas chair. He was tending two long rods on rests, their lines dipping into a deep pool. I noted that he had a pair of binoculars and was observing my every move. “Tight lines porridge-soaker,” I thought as I raised a hand in silent greeting.

Time passed. I tried Stimulators, Wooly Buggers, Red-eyed Damsels and Bitch Creek nymphs – without a nibble.

In the corner of my fly box I spied a Copper John, a hardy little fly tied (you guessed it) with thin copper wire. I secured it to the tippet with renewed confidence. My next cast was into the tail-waters of the pool, right up against the bank. The fly landed with a satisfying “plunk” and sank quickly. I let it rest for a few moments before giving the line a gentle tug.

The river erupted as a rainbow cock took the fly. It seemed to be the size, and with the power, of a runaway torpedo. During the ensuing fight I heard cheering from the bank. I looked up briefly and saw an audience of some ten noisy children – and the white-haired gentleman, probably the patriarch of the brood. More cheers as I netted the trout, followed by even more cheers as I removed the hook from its lip and lifted my trophy from the water to be seen – and admired – by the onlookers.

The loudest cheers, however, were reserved for the moment that I replaced the fish in the water and released it. As I washed the slime from my hands I looked up and saw that though the children were gone, the old man remained. He lifted his hand in silent salute.

Two camps, aye, but sharing the common bond of a deep love of the splendid natural surroundings, the water and the fish. Long may it be so!

WELLNESS CENTRE

In addition to being published in Routes magazine, our winner also receives a free subscription, his story online at okotoksculture.ca, free admission to the Okotoks Performing Arts Centre and two tickets to the Western Chic III event for the launch of the Art of Fishing Exhibit at the Okotoks Art Gallery.

www.generationschiropractic.com

“Enhancing Generations of Vitality”

Read our Junior Submission Winner at www.routesmagazine.ca

About the

Authors

Kevin Weisbeck When I was younger I didn’t write. I was too caught up in the world of adventure for pen and paper. Now the deluge of memories stream onto paper in order to make room for more. It’s how it works.

My parents often loaded my siblings and I into the back of the truck and headed off to the lake. On the way home, nestled amongst tackle boxes and lifejackets, I often recreated the day in my mind… never how it really happened.

Chiropractic Cold Laser Therapy

Massage Therapy

Acupuncture

Craniosacral Therapy

High River Office: (403) 652-3530 120A 1st Street SW, High River Calgary Office: (403) 230-2559 513 McKnight Blvd NE, Calgary

Robin’s Van Eck stories and book reviews have appeared in FreeFall Magazine, Prairie Journal (online), Alberta Views, Freshwater Pearls Anthology (Recliner Books, 2011), Crack the Spine (online), and The Inanimates I Anthology (Strange, Weird and Wonderful Publishing, 2013). Her stories have been short-listed for contests and this year nominated for an AMPA Showcase Award in Fiction.

Marius Oelschig is a recent arrival to Okotoks, from South Africa. He and his wife, both retired, are now permanent Okotoks residents in order to be close to their daughter and son-in-law and to their two young grandchildren.

Over the past several years Marius has written a number of children’s books, an attempt to cement long-distance ties to his grandchildren and to share some of the history, stories and traditions of South Africa. His book on the genealogy of his family in South Africa, Prussians in the Land of Proteas, was published in 2007.

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Marius is also an avid sportsman and fly-fisherman.

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2013

Detours

PRAIRIE

PLANKING “…an activity that consists of lying face down – sometimes in an unusual or incongruous location, with both hands touching the sides of the body. Some players compete to find the most unusual or original location to play the game.” - Wikipedia

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ou may have heard of it and thought ‘What? Why? That’s just odd.’ But that’s the world we live in – people think it’s fun to lie down and make like a board in strange places. The phenomenon began in 1994 and has since caught on worldwide – honestly! Google it, and you'll see people perched flat as board on equipment, stair rails, fences, signs; the list gets stranger as it goes on. A pro soccer player once interrupted a game with a facedown plank on the turf.

I first learned of it a few years ago when my middle son and his friends were caught planking on a neighbourhood sign in Calgary. At first the police officer thought they were up to no good – 14-year-old boys out on a Friday night. "You're what? Hmm… Right," he said skeptically. Then they showed him pictures on their phones and explained the game. Before he left, the officer tried it himself.

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routesmagazine.ca

MAY

JUNE 2013

By Pat Fream Photo by Sydney Fream

Routes P L A N K I N G CHALLENGE

Dazzle us with your unique planking photo. Remember to keep it safe!

Share your image on: facebook.com/ routesmagazine

New Patients Welcome

Evening and Saturday Appointments Available

Dr. Vicki McMullen

Dr. Scott Spackman

Invisalign Zoom Whitening Digital X-Rays PROGRESSIVE FAMILY DENTISTRY

403-603-3364

201,103-3 Avenue SW, High River

Cosmetic Dentistry

Signature Smiles is pleased to welcome Dr. Scott Spackman to our team and our community.

Scott is accepting new patients and offers evening and Saturday hours in addition to our regular week day hours of 8 am – 5 pm.

Dr. Vicki McMullen opened Signature Smiles in June, 2007, having worked in High River since 2001. She is very community oriented and supportive of local businesses.

As most of our staff has grown up in this area, we are a familiar face to most of our patients.

We pride ourselves in customer service and provide a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.Your satisfaction is our first priority and we strive to meet the unique needs of every patient.

We look forward to establishing long-term relationships with our patients.

Once you come to our office, we are confident that you will send your family and friends to us as well.

Implants Conscious Sedation PROGRESSIVE FAMILY DENTISTRY

www.signaturesmilesdentistry.ca

406 - 1 Street S.W., High River • 403-652-7156 • www.museumofthehighwood.com

Call us or visit our website for more information about our exciting spring programs and exhibits, including an exhibit featuring fascinating stories of High River’s most historically happening street:

Fabulous

MANY FACES. MANY STORIES.

FOURTH AVENUE Homes • Cottages • Additions 39

RODNEY GREEN

403-601-9439

4th Avenue S.E., High River, c.1908

WWW.WILLOWCREEKTIMBERFRAME.COM rodney@willowcreektimberframe.com

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15 minutes South of Calgary

Reward yourself with exquisite dining, boutique shopping and a contemporary arts and culture scene in Okotoks.

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