Grande Prairie Smart Guide Magazine Apr/May 2015 by Smart Marketing & Communications

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ISSUE 2 NO. 6 APRIL/MAY 2015 gpsmartguide.com

Grande Prairie Faces:

Terry SCERBAK

Flat City Swing Where Energy Meets Opportunity

Seeds of the Kitchen

Peace Region Petroleum Show

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Contributors

SUE FARRELL HOLLER

GAVIN YOUNG

SOMEH NIENGOR

LEE WRIGLEY

Sue Farrell Holler is familiar face in Grande Prairie who is known best for her work as a newspaper columnist and a children's author. Often inspired by the people she meets, she claims to have “the best job ever” as she visits with people over cups of tea and shares their stories.

Gavin is a seasoned culinary chef who has traveled the world and is now a culinary instructor at the new Charles Spencer High School. Enjoy his ramblings as he tempts your palate with spice and sauce! He is from Northumberland England - the land of castles, coastlines, and the great Geordie people!

Born in Grande Prairie. Background in Fund Development and Community/Social Development. Someh is currently heading up a 3 year youth project she founded called IGNITE GP 4 YOUTH as well as network sales at Towne Centre Furniture. In her spare time she is a mother of 4 and writes about social causes/charities for GPSMARTGUIDE.

I moved to Grande Prairie over 10 years ago for a career change, and have completely made it my home! I have an incredibly supportive husband who encourages me to go after my dreams, even if it means I drive my family crazy in the process. I am addicted to reading, sometimes with 2 or 3 books ‘on the go’ at any given time. My 2 sons are a constant reminder that children learn what they live. I love creative writing, have been writing poetry since I was a teenager.

PATRICIA SCHNEIDER

ARLENE KARBASHEWSKI

ERIKA SHERK

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Pat has been writing articles, newsletters and poetry for two decades and since 2010 has had a weekly blog on the Presbyterian Record web site. Her Air Force husband and her spent three years in Germany and twenty years in the travel business seeing the world, but Grande Prairie, AB is home. She has two daughters, two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. An avid hospital volunteer for thirty-five years she now spends her time enjoying her family and friends and keeping her computer humming.

Arlene Karbashewski lives and works full time as a Canine Massage Therapist in Grande Prairie and surrounding area. She loves to travel with her husband Darcy and two sons, Logan and Tieran who support her insatiable need to write in her ‘spare’ time. Her publications include articles in Kiki Magazine and her first novel, The Treasure Kings, available on Amazon.com.

A lifelong writer and creative spirit, Erika has a degree in journalism from Carleton University with a minor in political science. The Beaverlodge native has worked as a full-time journalist in both the Canadian Arctic and the Middle East and freelanced from Nunavut, Spain, Oman and the United Arab Emirates as well as, of course, the Peace Country.

We will consider articles by writers who are Grande Prairie and region residents. Your articles must be original, they need to be related to Grande Prairie, should be informative or related to your experiences or expertise. Length of articles can be either 300-400 words or 700-1000 words approximately. If you are interested in submitting an article or require more information email; info@gpsmartguide.com include your name and address, phone number and email address.

CHRISTINA McMULLAN Charley is an Australian born, Texas raised, Canadian photographer who dibble dabbles in the media and has lived in the Peace Region for five years.

April/May 2015 Issue 2, No. 6

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Contents 4

Contributors

I Remember When We did the “Mall Walk” By Patricia Schneider

What’s in Store By Lee Wrigley

Editor’s Note By Emilia Hovorka

Food For Thought Seeds of the Kitchen By Gavin Young

Grande Prairie Faces: Terry Scerbak Reel Shorts Film Festival: This is my art By Sue Farrell Holler

Adventures with Charley Flat City Swing By Christina McMullan

Community Club Faces Aurora Home By Someh Niengor

2015 Peace Region Petroleum Show Where Energy Creates Opportunity By Arlene Karbashewski

24 History at a Glance

26 Entertainment Spotlights April and May

Pull Out

Places in Grande Prairie

Blue Feathered and Future Rodeo Stars Stompede rolls out new youth-focused event this year By Erika Sherk

TAKE ME HOME Complimentary Copy

$4.95

ISSUE 2 NO. 6 APRIL/MAY 2015 gpsmartguide.com

Grande Prairie Faces:

Terry SCERBAK

Flat City Swing Where Energy Meets Opportunity

Seeds of the Kitchen

Scan this QR code to read Grande Prairie Smart Guide online or visit gpsmartguide.com

Cover: Terry Scerbak Photo: JKP Images

Peace Region Petroleum Show

CORRECTION, Political Corner - Jackie Clayton article - Feb/Mar 2015 issue

Photo : T. Sedore Photography

Our sincere apologies to Jackie Clayton. We made an error and a correction needs to be made. In the Political Corner - Jackie Clayton article on page 15, February/March 2015 issue of Grande Prairie Smart Guide Magazine, a interview question that was printed, had the response for another question that was asked. The correct responses are as stated below from Jackie Clayton.

Political Corner By Emilia Hovorka

Councillor Jackie Clayton Got a question or comment for Councillor Jackie Clayton? Contact her at jclayton@cityofgp.com

(E) What would you say is Grande Prairie’s biggest political challenge with the Province so far? (J) In my opinion, the biggest political challenge going forward currently for Provincial Government is getting the Municipal Government Act (MGA) revised and complete. It is currently under review and it affects so many communities across the province. It is a big task at hand and I think the province is working hard to get that complete, but for the City and for all cities it is really important to have that done in a timely manner. Our single biggest issue for the City exclusively would be getting the Municipal Governance Review Board’s decision back on our annexation hearings sooner than later. We need to have a decision in order for us to plan for the future as the City needs to be competitive on all levels of taxation from residential, commercial and industrial. In order for us to plan for the future on those tax levels we need to understand where the province is leading us in regards to the annexation land.

(E) There was a time in Grande Prairie when you could leave your doors unlocked, however it seems that lately crime has escalated, do you think we are a safe city? (J) I am a parent with a young family, I have lived in some much larger cities in the past, and I feel that this in my mind is still a very safe city. We are facing a lot of growth in crime, and sometimes it is to do with how it’s being reported, in compared to other cities our size. We haven’t heard a lot about crime in the past. So anytime we hear anything, we get a little bit frightened. I think that as we grow at rapid speed and have a transient community, we don’t know our neighbors as well as we used to, so there is opportunity for unfortunate things to happen. As we grow we need to be more aware of our surroundings, and get to know our neighbors better. We need to be conscious that there is crime out there and be aware of what is going around you. If you aren’t aware you may be subjected to crime. Overall we are still a safe community.

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Editor’s Note

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APR/MAY 2015 Issue 2, No 6 Publisher: Smart Marketing & Communications Editor: Emilia L. Hovorka Web Listing Coordinator: Terri-Lynn Browne Graphic Design: Irons Design Contributing Writers: Sue Farrell Holler, Emilia L. Hovorka, Someh Niengor, Patricia Schneider, Erika Sherk, Lee Wrigley, Arlene Karbashewski, Christina McMullan and Gavin Young Photo contributions: Janice Kretzer-Prysunka, South Peace Regional Archives, Lee Wrigley, Randy Vanderveen Photography, Christina McMullan, Rob Ganzeveld FX Photo. Printing: Transcontinental Printing Grande Prairie Smart Guide Magazine & Smart Marketing & Communications makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information it publishes, but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from errors or omissions. The statements, opinions and points of view expressed in articles published in this magazine are those of the authors, and publication shall not be deemed to mean that they are necessarily those of the Smart Marketing & Communications, the publisher, editor, or the Grande Prairie Smart Guide Magazine. Advertising in Grande Prairie Smart Guide Magazine does not indicate an endorsement by Smart Marketing & Communications. Smart Marketing & Communications is a proud member of the Grande Prairie Chamber of Commerce, the Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association & Alberta Magazine Publishers Association Printed in Canada. Copyright 2015 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. ISSN 2291-5389 APR/MAY 2015, ISSUE 2, NO.6 Subscription in Canada $24.95 plus GST = $26.20 for one year (6 issues); add $12 per year outside of Canada. Single copies $4.95 plus GST. Smart Guide Magazine is published six times per year. We print 20,000 full colour/glossy copies. Distribution is throughout Grande Prairie, Alberta and region via Canada Post, Basic Stops Distributor, local retailers and by subscriptions.

Event season has sprung! Grande Prairie, the next two months is the beginning of event season. It is filled with endless choices and variety. By variety, I mean VA-RI-E-TY! The long list includes Monster Trucks, major concerts and biannual events like the Peace Region Petroleum Show. The best part is that most events won’t always break your bank account, and there is many free ones you can attend too! By the way if you are looking for the City’s full entertainment events visit us online at www.gpsmartguide.com as there is too many to list in the entertainment section on page 26. Honestly, I find that the worst part is the overlap of events and having to choose. It makes me tired just trying to think of which ones to go to. Our part as a patron at an event is fairly easy. We purchase a ticket, attend, and then judge whether it was worth it or not. For the event organizers, it is not so easy. These amazing people keep it altogether and have created a buzz of things to do in our city. With this being said, it couldn’t be more appropriate that Terry Scerbak is Sue Farrell Holler’s FACES feature this issue. She is an above and beyond volunteer event organizer for the Reel Shorts Film Festival that we are so fortunate to have. Make sure to check out the feature on page 8 . Now on to the last order of business. We had a problem in our last issue with the Political Corner article - so please make sure to read the correction! Again, my apologies to City Councillor Jackie Clayton. Enjoy this issue of Grande Prairie Smart Guide-and have an eventful spring! – Emilia L. Hovorka, Editor

GP Smart Guide phone apps are available for FREE download now in Apple’s App Store and in the Google Android market place. Together with www.gpsmartguide.com, our mobile apps feature the magazine, comprehensive local event listings, dining information, news, weather, photos, videos, local activities and more! Inquiries/Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Smart Marketing & Communications P.O. Box 25272, RPO Wapiti Centre Grande Prairie, AB T8W 0G2 P 780-402-1157 F 780-532-9452 info@gpsmartguide.com www.gpsmartguide.com Advertising/Sales Inquiries to: 780-402-1157 sales@gpsmartguide.com

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Grande Prairie Faces: Terry Scerbak

Reel Shorts Film Festival:

‘This is

By Sue Farrell Holler

Admittedly, Terry Scerbak had no idea what she was getting into nine years ago, when she heeded a little voice in her head that said, “There is a way…You could do it.” The originator and still the powerhouse behind the Reel Shorts Film Festival had never before so much as chaired a volunteer committee, and public speaking was well beyond her realm. But the playwright, screenwriter and poet found herself inspired by the spirit of artists she’d met in Grande Prairie, who took dreams and made things happen. “Before I came here, all I wanted to do was write,” she says, but then that little voice encouraged her to bring her love of film to a broader audience. Still, she says, “I would have never done it if I thought I’d have to speak publicly.” It’s a surprising fear for someone who bubbles with energy, possibilities, and can-do spirit. “No one asked about my qualifications,” she says. “I was completely unqualified.” Her only prerequisite was the important one: a passion for the art form that sees filmmakers construct and deliver a story in less than 40 minutes. A mere five-and-ahalf months after she conceived the idea on the drive back from Edmonton, her first Grande Prairie festival was hitting the screen. That first year, the weekend festival showcased 39 films, a panel discussion, and several workshops on filmmaking and screenwriting. “It was much bigger than the two or three packages of short films I'd first envisioned, and that's been the story of the fest every year: Always bigger than what I think we can handle,” she says. Today, less than a decade later, with more than 4,400 films under consideration, the Reel Shorts Film Festival is the largest celebration of short films between Toronto and Vancouver. The festival has grown every year, but never more so than this year. Entries exploded after Terry’s blog discussing the

pros and cons of various submission platforms went viral among filmmakers. It opened the floodgates for the local festival, which received six times the number of films it received for consideration last year. Six times! That’s 3,770 films from 108 countries, making Reel Shorts anything but an obscure little festival in a remote, northern Alberta city. Added to that, are top films Terry requested from other festivals. But don’t get your hopes up. You won’t get to see all of them at the six-day festival that runs from May 5 to 10. Terry’s job – and the job of her team of about 30 screeners in six communities – is to whittle that number to a manageable 120 films that will be broadcast at various Grande Prairie venues. But with so many films and so many styles, how do they pick? “Story,” she says, without hesitation. “Story is what every single person relates to. We love a good story. It’s what we respond to.” Unlike other film festivals, Reel Shorts has a juried competition, but does not offer a cash prize. Neither, however, does it charge filmmakers a submission fee. It also does something else unique: It pays the filmmakers whose work is chosen for the festival. Not a lot, says Terry, more an honorarium than a payment, but money coming in is something the makers of short films rarely see. But even more than screening international films to entertain, and introduce new people to the medium, there’s a myriad of activities behind-thescenes of Reel Shorts to inspire and build filmmaking in the Peace Country. The Peace Region Independent Media Arts Association, for instance, fledged from Reel Shorts’ programming. Whether it’s scriptwriting competitions, workshops, mentorship programs, Q and A’s with filmmakers, or expanding the festival to include school groups, Terry takes an idea and not only runs with it, she

makes it sing, all the while deflecting personal praise and promoting the contribution of others. But it’s Terry who does the bulk of the work. She logs about 2,600 volunteer hours a year organizing the festival; that’s more hours than most people put into a full-time job. What’s happened as a result of Terry’s relentless devotion to short film and her infectious optimism is a burgeoning interest in creating local films, some of which have already debuted at Reel Shorts. Terry is quick to credit Vancouver filmmaker Scott Belyea, who grew up here, and who has supported her from the beginning. He, she says, has driven the filmmaking side of things. “It's because of him that we have a filmmaking community in the Peace Region,” says Terry. “There are quite a few short films that likely never would have been made without the fest.” The festival director may have started with few qualifications, but she is now a seasoned veteran led by passion and driven by focus. “There is a ton of opportunity. What is most needed for a community of filmmakers here to thrive? That’s what we need to look at,” she says. “You need three things: a film festival to showcase their work, a filmmakers' cooperative to rent gear from, and a film school,” says Terry. “We still don’t have a film school, but the college has a great instructor teaching their Film and Video Production course.” In the meantime, Reel Shorts and the filmmakers co-op, PRIMAA, will continue to host workshops and professional development opportunities for emerging filmmakers. “I knew from the beginning I was on a journey,” she says. And, like the best journeys, she hasn’t always known where the road will take her. Every year, there is something new to learn. And yes, there have been days she wanted to pack it in, like the first Saturday of the first festival, when she swore, “I will

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my art.’ never, ever do this again!” That was just before a filmmaker approached her. “That was so great!” he said, “Tell me you’ll do it again next year.” It was a scene that would repeat itself in each of the first four years: She’d be ready to give up, usually over some technical problem she didn’t know how to solve, and someone would tell her she couldn’t give up, that the show, as they say, must go on. There is no great master plan for the festival, but rather it has evolved organically, adding, changing and retrofitting as needed. It’s always a moving target. “If a person could ever stop, and repeat last year…,” she says, and then, in the next breath, “I don’t know how we can keep growing, but we have so far.” “I do it because the community appreciates it, and it’s something I can do. And, obviously, I get a lot of enjoyment out of it,” she says. She no longer has the time to write, but she claims no regrets. “It’s not a sacrifice,” she insists. Her fulfilment comes from inspiring, bringing people together, and helping others create. “Every creative muscle and every ounce of my energy goes into this. I haven’t any room left,” she says. “This festival is my work of art.”

Ticket prices to see the best short films from around the world range from $12 for a single package, where you’ll see several films, to $65 for a full festival pass. For details about packages and prices, visit reelshorts.ca. Photo: JKP Images/Janice Kretzer-Prysunka

Community Club Faces: Aurora Home

By Someh Niengor

Aurora Home

She looked around surrounded by darkness, shadows threatening the very breath that the cold air revealed in the night. The eerie sounds of a city and the people who had forgotten her crept through her bones, leaving her with a chill that could not simply be healed with a warm coffee or bed. 13…… alone…..terrified. Then, a man with seemingly kind eyes but a menacing smile approached. He offered her food first, then a bed for a night. It was the first two weeks that she had ever felt safe in her life. She was 3 years old when her mom first offered her body. At 5 she offered her body so that they would leave her 3 year old sister alone. At the age of 13 and alone on the streets, alcohol and whatever drugs she could get became her focus so that she could face the horror of her life. Feeling like a

shell, with a deep knowing she was dying inside……she found herself drowning in loneliness and belonging nowhere. He took her in and it was only 2 ½ weeks before she realized exactly what her place was with the dangerous subculture of the streets. She was the lowest cast of the gang. Her job was to make money for them. She lived this way for 5 years…….everyday…..using whatever she could to escape her reality. They led her to believe her only hope of escape was to recruit other girls on the street to replace her income ... until at 18 she heard about Aurora Home. Women enter the sex trade because of many common experiences and societal pressures that include: • Sexual and/or physical abuse as children

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• Vulnerability due to lack of family support, employment and safe housing • High demand for prostitution • Exploitation by others who profit from their situation • Dependency on drugs and alcohol This is a reality. They constantly live in fear of contracting HIV or AIDS, being forced into sexual acts for drugs, fear of rape, assault and even death. Many are fed drugs to numb them and are now addicted to that numb feeling of their spirit dying or crying for help. A tiny advertisement in the church bulletin caught the attention of Joan Manhas, the current Program Director of Aurora Home. It is a cause that she has always been passionate about. Aurora Home is a project of the Northern Alberta Home for Women Society,

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formed by a group of front line workers that identified a gap in services to women on the streets. Opened in March 2014, Aurora Home gives sexually exploited women and/or women recovering from addictions a safe place to stay while waiting to enter a longterm treatment program. Ideally, the women accessing the program have a desire to change their circumstances. All of them are scared, with many abused since childhood. Recovery is a long process. While at Aurora Home, in addition to receiving assistance connecting with other services available in the community, the women participate in programming to initiate the recovery process, which includes sessions for the traditional 12Steps, relapse prevention or recovery, life and healthy living skills and more. This gives them a good start, as on average it can take between 3 and 6 weeks to gain admission into treatment centres in Edmonton, St. Albert, Calgary, or other cities. Aurora Home is to the best of our knowledge, the only facility of its kind north of Edmonton. It is modeled on Servants Anonymous Foundation in Vancouver, which is a program that was started by one woman in 1989 in Calgary. It is specifically and uniquely designed to meet the long term needs (up to 7 years) of sexually exploited women and their children. Grande Prairie’s Aurora Home is a registered charitable organization and, as such, receives its funding from various sources, not the least of which are the generous people this city and the surrounding districts. Since opening, they have seen several women move on in their journey to a better life, and have given others a taste of what it might be like when they are ready to try again to turn their life around. These

women and others can be comfortable in knowing that Aurora Home is a safe, secure place for them to seek refuge. Also, as most non-profit services, Aurora Home always welcomes volunteers to help as mentors, fundraisers and more. Like much of society, the sex trade is transitioning from the street corner to the internet, where it is easy for identities to be hidden until it’s too late. As a result, many women are left in a completely vulnerable state without the option to say no or to identify a potential john as being unsafe. An already high-risk lifestyle has become even more so. The Society currently has a Spring Dinner and Auction coming up May 9th at Elks Hall. For more information how you or your business can help out please contact Joan Manhas, Program

Director at 780.897.1544 or aurorahomeab@gmail.com How do we provide the opportunity for “woman” to overcome barriers? I really believe it takes a culture of people to help others not forget “who they truly are”. No matter what anyone has been through, no matter their circumstance, no matter what they have done, their spirit has immense and incredible worth. It takes a community to stand by women. I believe Grande Prairie is one of the most incredibly giving communities in Canada. When a woman overcomes barriers, she doesn’t keep it to herself. She helps others break cycles, will encourage, and will uplift. Instead of a cycle of dismay, turn it into one of hope. Aurora Home gives us another opportunity in our community to assist in changing people’s lives.

Photo © Rob Ganzeveld, FX Photo

By Erika Sherk

Blue Feathers and Future Rodeo Stars

Stompede rolls out new youth-focused event this year “As the old saying goes, when you do something good, that’s a feather in your hat,” says Willie Kempin, Stompede community events director. That’s the inspiration behind the Blue Feather Youth Event - a brand new addition to the Grande Prairie Stompede this year. “We want to help our youth experience our Western Canadian heritage and inspire future generations of rodeo and chuckwagon stars,” says Terri Sudnik, president of the Grande Prairie Stompede.

The Blue Feather event is focused on bringing rodeo and chuckwagon racing to kids in a way that’s full-participation. They will bring classes from the Peace Wapiti School Division to the PARDS (Peace Area Riding for the Disabled Society) facility, the week before the Stompede. It will be a fun, raucous introduction complete with cowboys, chuckwagons, a heavy horse pull and horse rides. “We want to help these kids connect with their past, their heritage,” says

Kempin, who was one of the original Stompede founders in 1978. “We want to give them a better idea of their roots in this area: people coming in covered wagons over the Edson Trail. If that’s lost, their history is gone.” Beyond the two days at PARDS, the other component of the Blue Feather event is the blue feathers themselves. There are 40,000 blue feathers available for purchase, as well as stickers and feather hair extensions.

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Proceeds from the sale of the blue feathers will go into programs for kids. “We are starting a youth initiative at Stompede to fund different youth programs,” says Sudnik. “All the money we take in goes directly back out to youth programs or bursaries.” Some businesses have already gotten involved by buying blue feathers in bulk to hand out to their staff. Stompede is asking more businesses to support the youth event, says Kempin. “These are their future customers,” he says. “If we can keep the kids involved in their heritage, they’ll stick around this area.” “We believe that Canadian western

heritage is vitally important because it is a form of our arts and culture,” says Sudnik. “Canada is a young nation compared to other countries and we were founded on the cowboy way.” The organizers of the annual event say they are working to reach all segments of society. “That’s what Stompede’s about - for the community, in the community long-term. We’re not going anywhere and we want to hear from the community about how to make it better.” The rodeo and chuckwagon races are unique in Grande Prairie, Sudnik says, in that they have pro competitors but it’s not as huge and impersonal as other

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professional events. “You can get up and close and personal with a chuckwagon driver and a horse in a way that you wouldn’t be able to in Calgary,” Sudnik says. The Grande Prairie Stompede includes three pro circuits of chuckwagon racing, pro rodeo, a midway, live bands, the beer gardens and many vendors. And of course, the Blue Feather Youth Event. It makes sense to focus on the youth, says Kempin. “They’re our future audience, they’re our future [chuckwagon] drivers,” he says, “kids are our future, period.”

I Remember When …we did the “Mall Walk” By Patricia Schneider

About

50 determined individuals walked 6,500 miles one winter in the Grande Prairie Mall. The year was 1996 and the ‘Mall Walk’ was in full swing. In response to support from Janet Ophus and Gordon Astle, as a steering committee, Janet, Gordon and I organized the first meeting of the Heart Healthy Support Group. The vision of the group was to supply support and education for heart patients and their families and to promote good heart health through exercising. The Hospital generously offered us a room to hold our meetings, which carried on from February 1994 to October 1996. The diversity of speakers was astounding... we had Librarians, Dieticians, Pharmacists, Fitness experts, Nurses, Reflexologists, Stress Management, Music Therapists, and someone speak to us on safe landscaping for those with heart

conditions. The Hospital Chaplain, the Funeral Parlour and a Comedienne were part of the group speakers…we were not afraid to laugh at ourselves or face the probability that some of us could die. There were nineteen speakers all told, all from Grande Prairie, all qualified and all gave generously of their time and not a penny was spent. To complement our efforts we started a “Mall Walk”. With the Mall’s support we instigated a walk, three times a week from 8:00-9:00 am... often ending with us having coffee together in the cafeteria. You had to sign a disclaimer and keep tabs on your mileage but there were only a few rules... 1. Ensure you were fit enough to walk. 2. Wear comfortable clothing. 3. Do some stretching exercises before you began. 3. Walk at a comfortable pace. Rest when tired. Start with a 20 minute walk , have the first 5 minutes

and the last five be at a slower pace and to remember…This is not a competition!...One lap around the mail is equal to half a mile. Sound rules. That winter we did our 6,500 miles and another winter we did 7,300. We had a lot of fun and were sometimes joined by new mothers, pushing baby carriages. It was a warm, safe place to get back into shape... and fun for the seniors who loved smiling at the babies. At Christmas I would go begging at some of the outlets and invariably they would offer me gift certificates to be given out during our Christmas party at the Cafeteria. Eventually my husband and I went south for the winter and the Mall Walk group disintegrated. Some hearty souls still walk but I doubt if they formed the wonderful fellowships we did or have the fun we once had so many years ago at our very active “Mall Walk” club. Watch for Strollercise in the Prairie Mall October through March. Mondays and Wednesdays - where Moms have a fun, clean and climate controlled environment to exercise and meet new people!

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Seeds of the Kitchen

Photo © mayakova/Dollar Photo Club

By Gavin Young We use seeds sometimes without even realizing that they are seeds. Wheat, rice, sesame are all seeds. Flax and the new trendy seeds like chia and the one from the Incas - Quinoa is of course a seed. But have you considered rice? I’m 99.9% it’s a seed. You can roast some seeds, grind some others into flours or pastes, and then use them to thicken or simply as a side or indeed as a main ingredients for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Lots of the “new seeds” are not new at all, their all making a comeback from way back in old days. These precious little packages of nutrient glory are popping up everywhere, and for good reason. They are nutritional powerhouses—loaded with dietary fiber, protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. There are many different types of seeds to choose from, and they’re easy to incorporate into a variety of dishes, adding a boost of flavor, nutrition, and crunch. Here are some tips from the whole grain council on getting more grains

d a l a S a Quino ango with M nt and Mi

into your diet in a novel way; - Substitute half the white flour with whole wheat flour in your regular recipes for cookies, muffins, quick breads and pancakes. Or be bold and add up to 20% of another whole grain flour such as sorghum. - Replace one third of the flour in a recipe with quick oats or oldfashioned oats. - Add half a cup of cooked bulgur, wild rice, or barley to bread stuffing. - Add half a cup of cooked wheat or rye berries, wild rice, brown rice, sorghum or barley to your home-made soup. - Use whole corn meal for corn cakes, corn breads and corn muffins. - Add three-quarters of a cup of uncooked oats for each pound of ground beef or turkey when you make meatballs, burgers or meatloaf. - Stir a handful of rolled oats in your yogurt, for quick crunch with no cooking necessary.

- Make risottos, pilafs and other ricelike dishes with whole grains such as barley, brown rice, bulgur, millet, quinoa or sorghum. - Enjoy whole grain salads like tabbouleh. - Buy whole grain pasta, or one of the blends that’s part whole-grain, part white. - Try whole grain breads. Kids especially like whole grain pita bread. - Look for cereals made with grains like kamut, kasha (buckwheat) or spelt. Some things that I personally do like is toasting seeds. Toasting seeds used in salads takes them up a huge notch! When I say toast I should say dry fry over low heat until they start to change aromas and maybe colour. And finally, the medical evidence is clear that whole grains reduce risks of heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and obesity. Few foods can offer such diverse benefits. People who eat whole grains regularly have a lower risk of obesity, as measured by their body mass index and waist-to-hip ratios. They also have lower cholesterol levels, will have better skin, and use the washroom more often. And, as a side note from this, they will read more.

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Enjoy the special pull-out.

Grande Prairie Restaurant Guide

FEATURED RESTAURANTS Better Than Fred’s 9903-101 Street - 780-532-4450

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt Unit 106, 6829 Kateri Drive - 780-532-3113

Burger Heaven #103, 9805-116 Street - 780-814-7015

Moxie’s Grill & Bar Taj Grill & Bar Prairie Mall, 11801-100 Street - 780-532-4401 #103, 9927-97 Avenue - 780-532-4500

Egan’s Restaurant & Pub 11920-100 Street - 780-402-7090

Padrino’s Italian Ristorante 10745-117 Avenue - 780-814-7171

The Den Pub & Carvery 10702-108A Street - 780-513-5511

Jax Grill & Lounge 10612 99 Avenue - 780-830-4241

Ramona’s Pizza 10120-100 Avenue - 780-532-1534

Township 71 Bar & Grill 10622-99 Avenue - 780-539-7422

Major’s Homestyle/Tractor Jacks 11201-100 Avenue - 780-830-7208

Seasons on Forty 9816-107 Street - 780-532-4201

For a full list of restaurants, and more visit our website

goodeatsgp.ca

Shark Club Bar and Grill 9898-99 Street - 780-513-5450

Photo © Christina McMulllan

Adventures with Charley:

Flat City Swing By Christina McMullan It’s Saturday night and we have finished our dinner. There aren’t any movies we want to see. I can’t play pool if my life depended on it and it’s still not really warm enough to do something outside. We've got a sitter so going home now would almost be like admitting defeat. Oh woes me whatever shall we do? Okay, so maybe this was how I wanted Marcel, my husband, to think our date night was going but the truth was I knew exactly what we were going to do. I just didn’t think I could convince him to go, so I had to pretend it was all spontaneous. I know you’re wondering what could I possibly be up to that I would have to pretend that I wasn’t up to anything to get Marcel to go? One word… Dancing. There are countless things my man would do for me, but dancing is not one of them. Maybe it’s because... He can’t dance. That’s right I said it. I’m taking Marcel dancing knowing full well he can’t dance!

Photo © Donald Bartkowiak/Dollar Photo Club

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I’d seen something come up in my Facebook newsfeed a few nights back about a group called Flat City Swing. After checking out their page and their website I thought this could be a really fun date night. The only question was, how to get Marcel to go along? The plan was in motion. After dinner we went to the casino. Once we were there for a little bit I pretended I was getting bored and suggested that maybe we should just call it a night. We slowly walked back out to the truck. Did I mention that I made Marcel park it across the street at the old Bingo Hall? You know, because the parking lot was soooo busy! We were almost to the truck when I pointed over to the front doors and said,

“Wow, there sure is a lot of commotion going on over there. I wonder what’s going on?” We sat in the truck for a few minutes watching all the hustle and bustle when two people came out and started to put up a big banner that said, “Flat City Swing”. Before Marcel even had a chance to comprehend what was going on, I was already out of the truck and half way to the door yelling back at him, “Come on let’s go check it out!” I looked over my shoulder to give him a reassuring smile but didn't wait to see if he was following me in. Once he caught up with me inside I could tell he wasn’t nearly as pumped as I was. I grabbed his hand and said, "Come

on, it'll be fun. Besides its only 8pm do you really want to go home already?" There were all sorts of people there with various levels of dancing skills. For the first hour David and Leah Gray (pictured) who are swing dance instructors, gave a short beginners class. It was great getting to learn a few basic steps and realizing that it's totally okay to make it up as you go along. There was a small break after the beginners class and then the floor began to fill and you could feel the excited as the social was about to start. Although we didn't stay for the whole dance, which ended at midnight, this was something I would totally do again. But maybe next time it will be just me and a couple of girlfriends.

maximstorage.ca

Bernadette Thibeault 780.831.8016 thibeaub@telusplanet.net

7701 Resources Road Grande Prairie, AB T8V 0N1 B 780.538.3288 F 780.538.3256 info@maximstorage.ca

We are Grande Prairie’s Self-Storage Specialists • 700 Units • Secure • Heated • Documents • 25-630 sq ft • Moving Supplies • Indoor RV Storage Now managing Fly’N’ Stor at the GP Airport. Call for more info.

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What’s in Store

Heart of the Peace Grande Prairie is known for its health conscious options, and there’s a store that features over 45 different flavours of high quality Olive Oils, Vinegars, and specialty oils. These oils are based out of Oakland (but imported from as far away as Italy) and are all natural, GMO Free, and Fair Trade. You can choose from ultra-premium olive oils and balsamic vinegars, and the staff will educate you on all the benefits of using them. The best part is, you can TRY before you BUY! Not only are they a healthy option, they enhance the flavour of whatever you are cooking/baking. They have great gift baskets available, offer online and phone orders, and can even ship anywhere in Canada. If you check out the Facebook page, you’ll find great recipes and tips to ensure you get full benefit from using these oils. Visit Heart of the Peace downtown across from the Farmer’s Market 780-533-7351.

Real Deals are Here! Just the name alone gets your attention, but when you walk in, well, it’s sensory overload! This unique store features furniture, home accents, boutique clothing and so much more... all in one quaint store on main street downtown. With a great price point on some great Canadian furniture along with some environmentally friendly imports from the U.S. and Indonesia, you’ll find that one of a kind piece just right for your updates! One product you may get really excited about is Plaster PaintPlaster Paint is very durable, and available in over 35 different colors and metallic, ranging from traditional to vibrant and soft cottage styles. You can even paint your leather furniture, or create a granite look on formica countertops! It’s an updaters/home decorators/fashionistas dream! Check out all the great DEALS at Real Deals on Home Décor 9808 100 Ave.

Do you sell something unique? Do you know of a unique product, item or new store that should be featured in the What’s in Store/Shoppables section? Let us know by emailing lee@gpsmartguide.com

gpsmartguide.com 21

Photo © Brian Enright/Dollar Photo Club

By Lee Wrigley

Curves - Smart Tag for Women There’s a new location, with new owners and a new you! Amaze yourself in a facility that is especially designed for women, and features a complete work out that is only thirty minutes and is fun! Exclusive to Curves is the “Curve Smart Tag” a technology that is like having your own personal trainer. Check out the new location at 10011–97 Avenue.

Great food on the go is what Motley Que BBQ Catering is all about. With a new smoker, they have even more awesome menu items, and it’s NOT your typical bbq! This food truck features HOMEMADE, FRESH, DELICIOUS Southern Style inspired BBQ, with a Cozy Canadian sensation. They are so good at what they do, they have a competition truck that travels across Canada and the U.S. to showcase what they do! With menu items like Apple Butter Pulled Pork, bourbon injected, carmelized bacon on a stick, spicy injected chicken drumsticks, Tommy Hoggs (bacon wrapped italian sausage), brisket and ribs, they’ll have the meat lovers drooling in no time! Plus there’s always some great side dishes on hand, like Caesar salad, smoked beans and pasta salad. If you’re craving some great, award winning bbq, check them out in the Clairmont Industrial Park - the window opens up at 11:30 for the lunch crowd!

Local Business - Global Network BNI is the largest business networking organization in the world with well over 170,000 members worldwide. A new Chapter formed in Grande Prairie, BNI Northern Networks that offer members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and most importantly, business referrals. The benefits of BNI membership include increased exposure to businesses & people, effective tools to network, with opportunities to participate in many networking meetings and more! The new Chapter meets every Wednesday at the Paradise Inn & Conference Centre at 11:30 am, for more information call 780-876-4129.

Photo © stokkete/Dollar Photo Club

Rockin’ BBQ!

I Feel the Need...the Need for Speed If your a golfer you know that increased speed means increased distance. And who doesn’t want to hit it farther? The new Ping G30 driver features “turbulators”. Turbulators are a series of ridges designed to improve air flow around the clubhead. The new G30 also features a larger footprint and one of the highest momentof-inertia (MOI) readings of any of the new drivers on the market. Available in a variety of lofts, shafts and styles including the SF Tec to help players with a slice and the LS Tec with Low Spin Technology there is most certainly one to fit your swing. Head out to The Dunes Golf & Winter Club and ask to demo one of these drivers on the range or call for more information at 780-538-4333.

2015 Peace Region Petroleum Show

By Arlene Karbashewski

Photo © Randy Vanderveen Photography

This year marks the 11th season of the Biennial Peace Region Petroleum Show to be held at the TEC Center in Evergreen Park on May 13 and 14th, 2015. Hosted by the Grande Prairie Petroleum Association in partnership with the Grande Prairie and District Chamber of Commerce this year’s event will once again showcase a variety of local exhibitors who are dedicated to providing their services to the oil and gas industry. “Evergreen Park is a wonderful venue. The people who work there do their utmost best to make the event a memorable and positive experience for

Photo © Randy Vanderveen Photography

“Where Energy Creates Opportunity”

everyone,” stated Tom Pura, Marketing and Communications Manager with the Grande Prairie and District Chamber of Commerce. “The show brings everyone together and exposes the community to all the positive trends and changes that the industry has produced. To come together every two years is a great opportunity to

showcase that new technology that is available in the industry,” said Rob Petrone, President of the Grande Prairie Petroleum Association. Since its inception in 1995 the Peace Region Petroleum Show has attracted an average of 300 exhibitors to its biennial event but this year is exceptional. “We have added 181 outdoor exhibit spaces to this year’s event bringing our total exhibits to well over 500 and the show is over 90% sold out,” stated Pura. As a result, the event continues to be one of the largest petroleum shows in the country. Rob Petrone has been directly involved

Photo © Randy Vanderveen Photography

with the show over the last decade and has watched it grow into the venue that it is today. “Activity levels over the last 20 years in this industry have been a positive influence on Grande Prairie as a community as well as throughout the Peace Region. With much of the work located in our area, Grande Prairie has been the perfect venue to showcase the latest advancements in technology, the different tools and equipment being used in the field, as well as our commitment to the environment and what is being done to protect it.” This time of the year is typically the slowest due to spring break up but Mr.

Petrone anticipates a busy show. “That is why we plan to host this type of event at this time of the year. Things are a little bit slower which gives people an opportunity to come down and take part in the show. Plus, it’s exciting that we have this venue out at the Evergreen Park where we can showcase the “big Iron” without having to haul it down to a Calgary show which would be costly,” said Petrone. Thousands of people attend the show during the two day event and the audience ranges from professionals and producers in the industry to young workers seeking employment. “We

Unreserved public equipment auction Crushing, Construction & Agricultural equipment

strongly encourage the schools to bring the kids out to the show and expose them to the career opportunities available in the industry. Most companies that are looking to hire will have that information available at their display,” said Petrone. For more information on the show, or for more details on how to participate please contact the Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce at www.grandeprairiechamber.com or go to the shows website at www.prpshow.com or follow their Facebook page “Peace Region Petroleum Show”.

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Any number of items accepted. Don’t miss out – call today.

Ask about buying or selling 780.538.1100

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In the Spring of 1935, before the dam and reservoir were built, snow melt and spring rains caused a major flood in the Bear Creek valley. We assume this photograph was taken from the bridge over Bear Creek on 100th Avenue. It shows the water almost up to the top of the picket fences, but a pedestrian still able to walk on the wooden sidewalk. Was the boardwalk that much higher than the yard, or is he walking on a floating sidewalk?

History at a glance

Photograph from the Isabel Campbell collection at South Peace Regional Archives, SPRA 0032.08.08.1120.

Visit us online for upcoming events

museum facebook.com/G.P.Museum

Grande Prairie Museum Muskoseepi Park Mon-Fri: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Sat-Sun: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Phone: 780.830.7090

Heritage Discovery Centre Centre 2000 Mon-Fri: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Sat & Sun: 10:00 am - 4:30 pm Phone: 780.532.5790

FIT TIP #7 75% of people who regularly exercise report not seeing the results they want. What about the 25% who get results? 90% of them use a personal trainer. Want results? Our 6-month “get healthy” membership includes a personalized work-out program and three 1-on-1 training sessions.

The #1 cause of abandoned workout routines is unrealistic expectations. You can't change your body overnight. To see real change, start small and stay faithful.

Only $469 if you mention the GP Smartguide. (A savings of $342!) Want to try before you buy? Print off a free 7-day pass from winstonsfitness.com

Two Names You Can Trust for Honest Answers Sutton Group of Grande Prairie Professionals An Independent Broker

DONNA WILSON REALTOR® Ph: 780.228.2224 Email: donna@donnawilson.ca www.donnawilson.ca Personal. Professional. Patient

MARNIE YOUNG REALTOR® Ph: 780.518.4337 Email: youngm@sutton.com www.myrealestateagentgp.ca Turning your dreams into an address

Entertainment Spotlights

APRIL

GREASE April 9,10,11,16,17,18,24,25 May 1,2,8 and 9 Showcase Centre

April 4 Easter Extravaganza Muskoseepi Park (11:00-4:00)

Grease is a family friendly musical that the whole family can enjoy. The musical is about a wholesome good girl Sandy and renegade Danny who fall in love over the summer, they never expect to see each other again. But when they both discover that they’re now attending the same high school, social differences challenge their romance. The shows are April 9, 10,11, 16, 17,18, 24, 25 and May 1, 2, 8 and 9. The doors open at 7:00 pm and the show starts at 8:00 pm. Tickets are available at www.theshowcasecentre.com.

April 6-11, May 25-30 Jimmy Whiffen Crown & Anchor April 8-11 GPPA Oilmen’s Bonspiel Grande Prairie Curling Centre April 8 City of GP Innovation Awards Revolution Arena / Bowes Family Gardens

28TH ANNUAL FIDDLER’S JAMBOREE April 12 Douglas J. Cardinal Performing Arts Centre

April 9 State of the City Address Montrose Cultural Centre-Teresa Sargent Hall

Foot-stompin’ good time for the whole family. Be entertained by performers of ALL ages, as they showcase their amazing and energetic musical talents. Performers from in and around the Grande Prairie area, as well as neighboaring provinces.Tickets NOW on sale at the Grande Prairie Museum. Call 780-830-7090 for more information or to charge by phone.

April 9-26 Cards on the Table Second Street Theatre

SWAN FESTIVAL April 25,26 Centre 2000 & Saskatoon Island Park

April 10 Spring Break Up Party Spurs Cookhouse & Dancehall

Swan Festival kick-off is Saturday, April 25 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm at Centre 2000 Brian Keating (Honorary Conservation Advisor for the Calgary Zoological Society and Adjunct Assistant Professor of Anthropology at the University of Calgary and owner of GoingWild.org) presenting “Migration: The Run-Away Game.” Music, silent auction and wine & cheese social to follow. Admission is $10. Tickets can be purchase at the door or in advance at the Grande Prairie Alberta Parks office.

April 10 GP Petroleum Association’s Oilmen’s Bonspiel Banquet and Dance Bowes Family Gardens / Revolution Place April 10-12 Sports Expo Entrec Centre

April 17 National Volunteer Week-Annual Volunteer Luncheon People’s Church (11:30-1:30) April 18 YMCA Strong Kids Carribean Night Paradise Inn & Conference Centre April 24-26 Monster Truck Throwdown Revolution Place April 24-25 Motorcycle & Tattoo Trade Show & Festival Evergreen Park-Entrec Centre April 25 35th Annual Art Auction Teresa Sargent Hall-Montrose Cultural Centre

April 11 Toys For Tots Swap Meet D Coy Armories

Swan Festivities are on Sunday, April 26 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm in Saskatoon Island Day Use Area Family activities include crafts and face-painting, educational displays, Barbeque Swan-Viewing Guided Bus Tours are also on Sunday departing every 30 minutes from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm from Saskatoon Island Day Use Area Tours approximately 1.5 hours long, led by Alberta Parks staff and volunteers Cost $5/person or $20/family.

SPURSDAY THURSD

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MAY

REEL SHORTS FILM FESTIVAL May 6-10 Second Street Theatre

The Reel Shorts Film Festival is one of North America’s top 10 short film festivals. Patrons can expect to view over 100 short films from over 20 countries. For more information please contact the Grande Prairie Live Theatre at 780-538-1616 or go to www.gplt.ab.ca. CLASSIC CAR AUCTION & SHOW & OUTDOOR MOVIE May 22-24 Evergreen Park

A full weekend event with auction and vendors. Come out to Evergreen park to see some classic cars. On Friday Night bring your family for the Free Drive in Movie! Doors open at 5 pm. Friday May 22 auction starts at 7:00-9:00 pm. Doors open at 10:00 am. Saturday May 23 Auction starts at 11:30 am and goes to 7:00 pm. Doors open at 10:00 am. Sunday May 24 Auction starts at 12 noon and goes to 5 pm. For more information visit www.mackeeauctions.com.

May Peace River Federation of Canadian Artists Centre Gallery: Centre For Creative Arts May 1 Volbeat Revolution Place May 1-2 PWA Grad Evergreen Park May 1-9 Hot Tub Expo Revolution Place May 4-5 The Calverts Crown & Anchor May 7- August 2 Ken HouseGo Exhibit Art Gallery of Grande Prairie May 9 Mother’s Day Craft Grande Prairie Public Library May 22 Charles Spencer High School Grad Revolution Place May 23 Grande Prairie Composite High School Grad Revolution Place

May 23 Scott Woods & His Band St. Paul’s Church May 27 Cinema @ the Library Grande Prairie Public Library May 28 Dora the Explorer Live Revolution Place GRANDE PRAIRIE STOMPEDE May 27-31 Evergreen Park

May 29 Couples Social Night The Dunes Golf & Winter Club

At the Grande Prairie Stompede there will be fun for the whole family. There will be a midway that opens on Thursday at 5:00 pm, and on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 1:00 pm. The All Pro Canadian Chuckwagons followed by Western Chuckwagon Association wagons followed by mini chucks and then the World Professional Chuckwagon Association start at 5:00 pm every day. There will also be rodeo performances every day as well. For more information or tickets go to www.gpstompede.com.

May 30 Grande Prairie MS Walk Muskoseepi Park

DAYS

May 31 Songwriters Circle Grande Prairie Public Library

Local talent performing live every Thursday Competing to be the best in the Peace! Open to all bands and solo performers! CASH PRIZES!

Places in Grande Prairie

AUCTIONEERS Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers Ritchie Bros. is the world’s largest industrial auctioneer. From humble beginnings we've grown to serve equipment buyers and sellers all over the world. How? By staying focused on great customer service and our commitment to unreserved public auctions. 721076 Re Rd 51, County of Grande Prairie, T8X 4G1 P 780-357-3612 TF 1-800-491-.4494 www.rbauction.com BISTRO/CAFE Tito’s Bistro and Cafe Tito's staff and family provide its clientele with a warm casual atmosphere, deliveries, a splendid variety of home-style middle-eastern cuisine and recently western cuisine. Currently, there are (3) locations in the Grande Prairie area, the heart of downtown, the Eastlink Centre and the newest location in the county Sportsplex. Have an event? Contact Tito’s for your catering needs. 101-10006 101 Avenue, T8V 0Y1 P 780-539-4881 www.titosrestaurant.ca BUSINESS SERVICES Business Innovation Group Our services include COACHING; is a teaching or training process in which an individual gets support while learning to achieve a specific goal. HUMAN RESOURCE SOLUTIONS; As your Human Resources Department we will help your business recruit, hire and develop high performance teams. TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT; We provide workshops and seminar's aimed to better the performance of individuals and groups. CONSULTING; Our professional advice and services are available on an hourly and project basis. #111-10530-117 Ave 2nd Floor T8V 7N7 P 780-538-4699 F 780-538-4799 bigadmin@businnovationgrp.com • www.bigbizgrowth.com Grande Prairie Downtown Association The geographic centre of the city, the down town is clean, busy and attractive - a source of great community pride. With over 500 unique and interesting stores and services DownTown represents what the City is, has been and wants to be. It is the epitome of the urban soul and personality. It is the cultural, recreational, services, financial and retail barometer of the City. P 780-538-1909 www.gpdowntown.com Order for life Order For Life works with homeowners to clear the clutter and establish organizational systems that work with the way you think to ensure success in maintaining your sense of order for years to come! The professional organizer wears "kid gloves" and works at a pace in which you, the client, are comfortable. My goal is to teach you the skills and knowledge to become selfsufficient in your organized world and maintain your healthy new lifestyle. 9749-124 Avenue T8V 7K8 P 780-831-8016 Bernadette@orderforlife.ca • www.orderforlife.ca CAR & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS Norlan Chrysler Norlan Chrysler has proudly been serving the Peace Country for over 25 years as the only locally owned and operated Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram retailer. We know that there are a lot of options for people out there when it comes to purchasing their new vehicle. That's why here at Nor-Lan we do everything we can to put the customer first and make sure first and foremost the customers experience is top notch every time. We are not an auto group, we are not a corporation, we are a locally owned and operated business which continues to operate under the same principles we started on- hard work, honesty, and integrity. Come check us out and see for yourself why Nor-Lan is the premier destination for you Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram products and also select from our huge pre-owned department. 12517-100 Street P 780-539-5200 F 780-532-1741 www.norlanchrysler.com DENTISTS South Dental 40 South 40 Dental is a state-of-the-art facility, providing comprehensive care in a warm, relaxing atmosphere. Offering direct billing, sedation dentistry, same day (CEREC) crown restorations, implants, extractions, cosmetic adult braces, and so much more, all in one convenient location! #103-10712-80 Avenue T8W OG9 P 780-539-4222 F 780-539-4208 admin@south40dental.com • www.south40dental.com ENTERTAINMENT Cash & Camping Super Lottery Trucks, campers, boats, ATVs, trips and more! Supporting 12 local community groups. Over 511 prizes to be won and $32,000 in Scratch & Win Cash. Early Bird cash draw May 15, 2015 and final draw July 3, 2015. April 10 - July 3, 2015 The Great Northern Casino Parking Lot P 780-532-0506 • www.cashandcamping.com

Wild West Motorcycle & Tattoo Fest The First Annual Wild West Motorcycle & Tattoo Fest goes in the ENTREC Centre at Evergreen Park on April 24-26. Anyone interested in sponsoring or having a booth at the event can call Peter Robertson. Event Location-Evergreen Park Entrec Centre P 902-247-5117 FITNESS Winston’s Health & Fitness Centre Winston's Health & Fitness Centre -We're more than just a gym. We’re a supportive community dedicated to helping every member build and maintain healthy habits and attitudes. More than just a work-out facility, we’re a training Centre for life itself. Visit winstonsfitness.com for a free 7-day pass. 10518-100 Avenue T8V 0V9 P 780-538-4922 www.winstonsfitness.com GENERATOR & MOTOR REPAIR GPR Industries GPR has over forty years of experience in the Peace Region supplying and servicing electric motors and generators. We have become a leader in Northwestern Canada by being the largest and best equipped service center in the north. We host many trades including Electric Motor System Technicians, Electricians, Heavy Duty Mechanics, Millwrights, Machinists and Parts. 11115-100 Avenue T8V 3J9 P 780-532-5900 F 780-532-5904 info@gprindustries.com • www.gprindustries.com GOLF COURSES The Dunes Golf & Winter Club Lush fairways complimented by immaculate greens edged with elegant spires of jack pine & spruce defines The Dunes - northern Alberta’s premier golf course. With views of the Wapiti River valley and glimpses of natural wildlife this 18 Hole public course is as picturesque as challenging. Located on Resources Rd, 4km south of City limits. 60042 TWP RD 704A County of GP No.1 T8W 5K2 P 780-538-4333 F 780-532-9101 golf@thedunes.ca • www.thedunes.ca www.facebook.com/dunesgolfclub

Karaoke on Sundays. Stop by for dinner and enjoy one of the daily specials. 8022-100 Street P 780-532-5444 crownandanchor1@hotmail.com www.crownandanchorgp.ca Spurs Cookhouse & Dance Hall Spurs Cookhouse & Dancehall is unlike any other venue to ever open in Grande Prairie. A true Western Dancehall this place will knock you out of your boots. Modern country mixed music with live bands every week, and all the classics will keep you boot scoot’n from sun up to sun down! 11920-100 Street P 780-402-7090 • www.spursgp.com www.facebook.com/SpursGP RADIO STATIONS 107.2 2DAY FM Playing 2 Day’s hits!! Join MY GRANDE PRAIRIE REWARDS.com for exclusive members only content like....Fun games, access to the best seats at concerts, contests, and the opportunity to influence the music we play! Your community station! #1-110002-104 Avenue, T8V 7W5 P 780-357-1047 F 780-830-7815 www.104.72dayfm.ca 96.3 REACH FM 96.3 Reach FM is your source for the latest news, sports, weather and the best in Contemporary Christian music that is safe and relevant for the whole family. We’re all about Grande Prairie and area and the families that live here. 96.3 Reach FM – Radio for Life. Online at www.reachfm.ca. #111-10530-117 Avenue P 780-830-7640 F 780-830-7636 office@reachfm.ca • www.reachfm.ca

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Irons Design Branding • Print • Display P 780-539-0982 F 780-539-6399 info@ironsdesign.com • www.ironsdesign.com

REAL ESTATE LEASING & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Grande Prairie Place Enterprises Grande Prairie Place Enterprises understands what people want in buildings and has been getting acquainted with business leaders since 1996. For your convenience, Grande Prairie Place Enterprises is located on the main floor of 214 Place. Local businesses to international corporations call our buildings home-you can too! Leases available for 214 Place, Nordic Court, O’Brien Place, and the Professional building. For a list of preferred suppliers, contractors, and designers, we can assist you to customize your new space to ensure your office is brought to life in an exceptional fashion. 214 Place - 9909 102 Street P 780-539-4015 F 780-539-0644 www.gppe.ca

HOME DECOR JH Interiors JH Interiors is your local window covering specialist, offering custom-made Hunter Douglas blinds and shades. For superior service, competitive pricing, and complimentary in-home consultations, call Judy at 780-882-8698, or email judhein@gmail.com. Visit our website - www.jhinteriorsgp.com., or check us out on Facebook! 4822-94 Street, T8W 2G7 P 780-882-8698 judhein@gmail.com • www.jhinteriorsgp.com

REALTORS Royal Le Page - Evelyne Viens-Dobish Royal LePage has home listings for cities across Alberta. You can search real estate for sale for any type of property, including houses, apartments, commercial, lakefront property, farms and ranches. If you are looking for advice on finding homes for sale in Alberta, we have the experience and know how to suggest specific areas that will match your wants and needs. 9917B - 97 Avenue T8V 0N2 P 780.539.5771 evelyne@royallepage.ca

HOUSING The Residence at Points West Living Seniors living at its best, The Residence has 62 Independent Supportive Living suites which are barrier-free, comfortable with full kitchens and a variety of floor plans to choose from.

Sutton Group - Marnie Young P 780-518-4337 youngm@sutton.com • www.myrealestateagentgp.ca Turning your dreams into an address!

The Residence at Points West attracts seniors who want to maintain their lifestyle in a secure and supportive environment. We enable maximum mobility, with features like roll-in showers, evening meals and extra wide corridors 11460 - 104 Avenue, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 3G9 P 780-357-5706 F 780-357-5710 joanne.freeman@pointswestliving.com • www.pointswestliving.com MORTGAGE BROKERS The Mortgage Centre-Sky Financial Corporation Let the experts at Mortgage Centre find the right mortgage that saves you money today and helps you build your financial security tomorrow! 206-10134-97 Avenue T8V 7X6 P 780-532-4065 • www.mortgagecentre.com MOTORCYCLE DEALERS Mighty Peace Harley Davidson Harley-Davidson of Grande Prairie is dedicated to building lifelong friendships throughout the Peace region. We aspire to fill ‘your’ HarleyDavidson dreams by providing trusted, personalized customer service. We welcome you to join our family! 12401 - 99 Street, T8V6Y5 P 780-882-8883 info@mphd.ca • www.mphd.ca

Peace Region Petroleum Show The Peace Region Petroleum Show (May 13-14) features hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of visitors. Information on exhibitor space, sponsorships, show guide advertising, meeting rooms and golf tournament are now available. For information contact the Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce. Event Location-Evergreen Park Indoors & Outdoors P 780-532-5340 • www.prpshow.com

OPTOMETRISTS Aurora Eye Centre At Aurora Eye Care you will find a team of caring professionals led by Dr. Pamela Giles, Dr. Kyla Hunter and Dr. Kent Manville. They offer direct billing to a number of insurance companies, and invite you to come in and visit their brand new facility. Call (780) 513-2020 to book your appointment today! #101-9920-92 Street, T8X 0E7 P 780-513-2020 www.auroraeyecare.ca

Spring Extravaganza Show & Fundraiser Shopping, Tea, Fashion Show, and Fundraiser for the Aurora Home for Women. Public hours are from 10:00-12:30pm and 2:00pm-6:00pm. The Tea & Fashion Show from 1:00-2:00pm tickets are $15 and available at www.eventbrite.ca. Event Location - Holiday Inn & Conference Centre 9816 107 Street, Grande Prairie, AB P 780-814-3615 or 780-832-7222

PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES Mellon Psychological Services Registered Psychologist. Individual counselling for adolescents and adults. P 780-512-5301 mpservicesgp@gmail.com • www.onesmallchoice.ca PUBS & SPORTS BARS Crown & Anchor The Crown & Anchor Public House is proud to be the only local bar to offer entertainment 6 nights a week. Check out our entertainer schedule at www.crownandanchorgp.ca to mark your favorites or show off your talent at

Sutton Group - Donna Wilson P 780-228-2224 donna@donnawilson.ca • www.donnawilson.ca Personal. Professional. Patient. RETAIL The Bed Shoppe The Bed Shoppe specializes in sales of mattress sets from many top mattress manufacturers, carrying the largest mattress selection in the Peace Country. They also handle bedroom furniture in all price ranges and qualities, a full Futon gallery within the store and a great selection of iron and wood beds. Stop in today or check us out online at www.bedshoppe.ca. 10102-100 Avenue, T8V 0V5 P 780-814-7161 • www.bedshoppe.ca SPA Mirage Holistic Spa Mirage Holistic Spa is a haven for relaxation, renewal and healing with the power to revitalize, restore and transform. Discover a paradise that cares about the “all of you” – rejuvenation, caring and beauty, for both men and women, most of all – good health. A place for specialized treatments for body and soul as well as hair and skin. Leave the world behind in our relaxing sanctuary. Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites 9816 107 St, T8V 8E7 P 780-513-0300 TF 1-877-513-0303 www.mirageholisticspa.ca STORAGE FACILITIES Maxim Storage Inc. Grande Prairie’s storage solution! Full line of moving supplies. Whether you are moving, looking for a home storage solution or need storage for your business, Maxim is here to help meet your storage needs! We offer a variety of storage solutions...Heated storage units, RV storage in enclosed units only, Unheated storage units, business documents/stock storage, Full line of moving and packing supplies. Our friendly and helpful staff is always available to help get you started! 7701 Resources Rd, T8V 0N1 P 780-538-3288 info@maximstorage.ca • www.maximstorage.ca

Interested in advertising? Call 780-402-1157

COMMUNITY SUMMER 2015

Your source for things to do in Grande Prairie.

Visit us online at cityofgp.com/communityconnections

Look for the ‘Redwood’ at participating sponsors and win! Overnight stays, pool parties and meeting room reservations! Redwood Inn & Suites and 96.3 Reach FM

SEEKContest ’n FIND

@2DAYFMGP

2DAYFM GP

2DAYFMGP

Nor-Lan

Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram 12517 - 100th Street • Grande Prairie, AB 780.539.5200 • norlanchrysler.com

We will take

anything in trade!

Quads / Ski-Doos / Trailers Motorcycles / Middle Children

WE WILL TAKE IT! (Okay maybe not middle children)

Chris Ch ris ri is Jone JJones oness

Curtis C Cu urt rti tis is JJones ones on es

Brennan B Bren renna nan n Jone JJones oness

Breanne B Brea reann nne e Bowe B Bowers owers rs

Same values and Great Service

ONLY YOUNGER!