airdrielife spring 2012

spring 2012

airdrielife.com

AMAZING AIRDRIE WOMEN MEET THE NOMINEES

The NEW look of the Airdrie Home & Lifestyle Show

secondhand

ROSES

Fashion consignment is a big business

Singing Sensation sHELLY FULLErtoN

PLUS

oN trACK WitH tHE AirdriE ACEs, A LooK At tHE NEW AirdriE rotArY FEstiVAL oF PErForMiNG Arts, ANd MUCH MorE LiFE iNsidE!

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Bayside by Sovereign Honesty • Integrity • Commitment Sovereign Custom Homes exemplifies these words, and it’s not something the owners, Bryan and Rachel Grosul take lightly. Bryan, president of Sovereign Custom Homes has grown up in the home building industry, starting as a framer and culminating in his designation as Master Builder.

Currently building in Bayside Phase 7 in West Airdrie, Sovereign has opened its doors to a brand new sales center focusing on a collection of inspired openconcept floor-plans for its affordable Side-by-Side home designs. Offering options such as bonus rooms, finished basements and a wide range of finishing touches, Sovereign has raised the bar in Side-by-Side living. 9 ft. ceilings throughout accommodate large windows that bathe the interior spaces with natural light contributing to a grand sense of space.

“We designed and re-designed until the homes were just right.” says Bryan.

Dedicated to building homes of exceptional quality, design and value, Bryan and Rachel are passionate about building each home as if they were moving their own family in. That means you’ll have the owners of the company ensuring your home is being built to the highest standards.

Homes starting at: $289,900.00 12-5pm sat, sun 2-8pm Mon-Thurs Please contact Peter Mackenzie (403) 980-1140 for more information

Drive West on Big Hill Springs Road (Yankee Valley Blvd. toward Bayside • Turn right onto Baywater Blvd SW • Turn left onto Baywater Drive SW (1st left)

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How Do You Build A Great Community?

One Street At A Time.

Windsong Streetscape.

When you are both the builder and developer of a community, (as we are in Windsong in Airdrie), you can try things that others can’t. Things such as Even-Flow construction.

This is a method of building that works on the objective of completing one street before we move on to another. Many residents of Windsong have mentioned how much better this is than having construction here, there and everywhere throughout the neighbourhood.

Less construction noise. Less traffic. Less disorganization, dirt and dust. It also means that the street is completed so neighbours quickly feel like part of the community and less like a work under construction.

Windsong is a well-planned community of natural park spaces, parkettes, playgrounds, walking/biking trails and lots of interesting architectural styling creating more interesting streetscapes. If you don’t have Even-Flow construction where you live, we know where you can find it. n Mai

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To Pre-Register For This Community, Please Visit www.mattamyhomesalberta.com Sales Centre Hours: Monday to Thursday 1pm-8pm; Friday 1pm-6pm; Saturday, Sunday and Holidays 11am-6pm All illustrations are artist’s concept. All dimensions are approximate. Prices, specifications, terms and conditions subject to change without notice. E.&O.E.

Contributors spring 2012

Photographer Kristy Reimer, columnist Sarah Deveau and writer Carolyn McTighe talk about amazing women in their lives Kristy Reimer, photographer

Airdrie’s new definition of value.

I remember an absolutely amazing woman from my childhood. Her name was Mrs. Wilson, but we often called her Grandma Three. Although she wasn’t actually related, she treated us like we were her own grandchildren. Every time we saw her, her eyes lit up and she gave us big hugs and a brown paper bag with licorice inside. She passed away when I was still a child, but is never forgotten.

Sarah Deveau, columnist My honorary godmother, Susan, is an

Starting from

extraordinary woman. She is kind, generous,

285,900

$

has a beautiful spirit and is a serious force

including GST!

of nature!

Eight semi-detached models, with attached garages.

Enjoy your deck, and huge yard backing onto green space.

Convenient access to amenities and major arteries. $1000 landscaping certificate included.

And no condo fees!

Carolyn McTighe, Writer For me, the most amazing woman in my life has to be my mother. I was definitely not an easy child and I think as a teenager she was about ready to disown me, but she always handled me with

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Hours: 2-8pm Mon-Thurs, 12-5pm Sat, Sun & Holidays 115 King’s Bridge Road, Airdrie Contact: Al Stuckert, Sales, 403-620-1744

6 airdrielife.com | spring 2012

respect, kindness and love. As I’ve gotten older I’ve come to better understand the sacrifices she made for me and my older brother, and that despite her not having the best childhood she was able to overcome it and be an exceptional mother.

NO WO PEN IN BA YS IDE !

We build Big Dreams.

For 25 years, we’ve built the best into every detail of every McKee Home.

Because we know what life’s dreams and memories are made of.

403-948-6595  mckeehomes.com SINGLE FAMILY COOPER’S CROSSING NANCY HARRIS 403-948-4635 | KING’S HEIGHTS DONNA HINDS 403-948-7881 | RAVENSWOOD DOUG KIRK 403-980-1092 BAYSIDE KARI ANN HODGE 403-948-9726 | REUNION DENNIS FITZPATRICK 403-948-2399 | MULTIFAMILY KING’S HEIGHTS AL STUCKERT 403-948-4839

GROUP PUBLISHER EDITOR

editor’s note

COPY EDITOR DESIGN MANAGER CONTRIBUTORS

ADVERTISING SALES PRINTING

IT’S ALWAYS A LOT OF FUN PUTTING TOGETHER OUR SPRING ISSUE WHEN THERE’S SNOW ON THE GROUND AND THE THERMOMETER ISN’T TERRIBLY UPLIFTING. NONETHELESS, THIS ISSUE IS A FAVOURITE OF MINE, ESPECIALLY SINCE PUBLISHER SHERRY SHAW-FROGGATT INITIATED THE AMAZING WOMEN AWARDS IN 2011.

Sherry’s vision of what was possible was clear and true, and it appears that Airdrie agrees. Now in our second year of the awards program, we are thrilled with the response we received from the community once we put out the call for nominees.

The women to whom we were introduced – and the women we already know – represent the best of the best in so many ways. From young women at the top of their game to volunteers who donate their valuable time to worthy causes, from local business owners who give so much back to their community to women who have shown grace and dignity in the face of incredible challenges – Airdrie’s

Sherry Shaw-Froggatt Anne Beaty Vanessa Peterelli Kim Williams Joan Bell, Sergei Belski, Linda Bruce, Michelle Carre, Sarah Deveau, Alex Frazer-Harrison, Aaron Holmes, Ellen Kelly, Kurtis Kristianson, Adam Kuzik, Tina McMillan, Carolyn McTighe, Carl Patzel, Kristy Reimer

Wendy Potter-Duhaime Print West

CoNtACt Us

Community Investment sherry@frogmediainc.ca Editorial anne@frogmediainc.ca Advertising wendy@frogmediainc.ca Accounting carla@frogmediainc.ca WHErE to FiNd Us

airdrielife is delivered to all homes in Airdrie and surrounding areas. If you do not receive an issue please contact sherry@frogmediainc.ca airdrielife is also available at more than 50 locations around the city including the Airdrie Calgary Co-op. You can also find airdrielife in every showhome in the city and at more than 100 locations in Calgary. airdrielife is published quarterly by Frog Media Inc. with the co-operation of the City of Airdrie Economic Development Department.

female half is mighty impressive and it is a joy to highlight this.

Another special aspect of Amazing Women this year is that the program has also expanded to incorporate a full-day women’s conference. Read more about this from Sherry on page 54.

VOLUME 9, NUMBER 1

ISSN 1916-355X

around Airdrie, but there’s always next year! And please feel free to nominate that someone special

Contents copyright 2012 by Frog Media Inc. May not be reproduced without permission. The publisher does not assume any responsibility for the contents of any advertisement, and all representations of warranties made in such advertising are those of the advertiser and not of the publisher.

more than once.

EditoriAL PoLiCY

We do realize that we cannot possibly know or have heard about every deserving woman in and

Our Amazing Women section is, well, amazing, but this issue we are also pleased to be able to offer a catering couple with smiles on their faces (page 24), a retired educator who hasn’t slowed down (page 96), a mother-and-daughter rodeo team (page 52) … and so much more. We’re also introducing a new feature profiling Airdrie’s neighbourhoods. Visit airdrielife.com and tell us about your neighbourhood – we’ll be featuring it in a future issue.

So sit back, peruse airdrielife and enjoy our special paean to spring.

Anne Beaty, EDITOR

8 airdrielife.com | spring 2012

airdrielife editorial is not for sale. Editorial is completely independent from advertising, and no special editorial consideration or commitment of any kind can form any part of the advertising agreement. All editorial inquiries must be directed toward the editor. A copy of Frog Media Inc. Writers’ Guidelines can be downloaded from the editorial page on our website. airdrielife does not accept unsolicited submissions. Freelance writers and photographers interested in assignments are asked to send an inquiry, with samples from at least three published magazine articles, to editorial@airdrielife.com airdrielife is produced from well-managed forests, printed with canola-based inks and is 100% recyclable.

20 On the Cover

Musician Shelly Fullerton hits all the right notes PHOTO BY KRISTY REIMER

52

Columns and regular features

life in the moment

10 airdrielife.com | spring 2012

22

life online

28

lifesmarts with sarah Deveau

34

events / around town

36

Fitlife with Joan Bell

47

lifelines with linda Bruce

51

lifetimes with ellen Kelly

52

rural roots

68

lifemoves with michelle carre

70

lifestyles with tina mcmillan

94

last look – a moment in time

17

Cultured Palette – Char Vanderhorst lives her art

20

Labour of Love ¬– Musician shares her craft

24

Customized – Community embraces caterers

26

Spring Menu – Welcome season with easy-to-prepare dishes

31

Stylish – Casual is the new cool

If Frank Lloyd Wright lived in Airdrie, he’d live here.

The famous architect believed in building homes in harmony with people and their environment. Add in a reasonable budget and that’s the kind of home you’ll find in Ravenswood. So why choose a community that only offers shades of beige when you can have a home that’s alive with color for the same price. Visit Ravenswood today to see for yourself how you can get affordable homes without sacrificing style.

STARTER HOMES FROM THE $290’s AND MOVE-UPS FROM THE $380’s.

ravenswoodairdrie.ca Eight showhomes now open Monday through Thursday from 2pm to 8pm or Saturday, Sunday and holidays from noon to 5pm.

Broadview Homes (403.980.5600), McKee Homes (403.980.1092), NuVista Homes (403.980.9525) Pacesetter Homes (403.980.8625) Crestmont • evanston • silverado • the hill • ravenswood Coming soon – redstone • Painted sky • double Creek

17

48

54 life in the

community 48 Sprinting Ahead –

New club makes strides 50 Rotary Performing Arts Festival – Youths take centre stage 54 Amazing Women – Gracing our city

life at home 72 New Look –

Annual homeshow evolves 75 Neighbourhood Profile – The Village is heart of Airdrie 76 All in the Family – McKee Homes celebrates anniversary 78 Style at Home – Ravenswood draws on English village style 82 Get Growing – Gardening season is almost here

12 airdrielife.com | spring 2012

life at work

84 Economic Development – City expects busy year 87 Taking Control – Businesswomen enjoy success 89 Time and Time Again – Consignment stores prove popular 92 Second Life – Retired educator keeps going strong

Don’t Let Condo Fees Weigh You Down

Side by Side in Bayside with Genesis.

Get rid of your anchor. Experience all the freedoms of home ownership with a side by side home from Genesis Builders Group.

Choose from five models including two storey and bungalow designs located in Bayside 7 - Airdrie’s maritime themed community. A side by side home is your opportunity to own a quality built home reflecting your lifestyle and needs - without condo fees.

Get side by side in Bayside with Genesis starting from the $280’s.

No Condo Fees | Granite | Hardwood, Ceramic Tile, Carpet | Stainless Steel Appliances | Sod and Fence | 5 Models to Choose From

Visit Our NEW Show Home:

2306 Baywater Cresent SW Contact Anni Jansson: 403.980.3105 bayside@genesisbuildersgroup.com

Also Building in:

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Six kilometres of canals with a five acre lake Quick and easy access to pathways Close to schools and Airdrie Regional Health Centre 10 minutes to CrossIron Mills Mall and Airport Genesis Place (Recreational Centre) close by

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AS 0% K A D BO O U W T N

Room to Live.

Williamstown by VESTA is an award-winning master planned community offering the perfect setting for your family to live and grow. Choose from a wide variety of spacious bungalows, townhomes or single-family residences featuring upscale architecture, modern open plans, private yards and full basements. Enjoy 60 acres of open green space in your backyard including scenic nature paths that wind alongside Nose Creek and plenty of ponds and park space. Best of all, you’ll be close to Airdrie’s best amenities and just 20 minutes from Calgary.

It’s all here for you at Williamstown. Isn’t it time to make a move?

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Bungalow Inquiries 403.912.0077 Reflections Inquiries 403.980.0741 * Based on 10% down payment, 30 year amor tization, Var iable r ate mor tgage, 5 year s ter m OAC . Rates subjec t to change without notice E&O apply.

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moment life in the 17 Nature-Inspired 24 Culinary Custom 30 Spring Fling

life in the moment | artist profile

Other cultures influence artist’s palette and canvas

A

CHAR’S storY BY ELLEN KELLY | PHoto BY KristY rEiMEr

VISION

rtist Char Vanderhorst, owner of New Vision Fine Art & Mural Studio, combines her love of nature and her interest in various cultures in the paintings, sketches, sculptures and murals she produces.“I love nature, especially being by water, and using it in my art is fulfilling. It connects me to what I love,” says Vanderhorst, many of whose paintings are set against a backdrop of water.

She has also developed an appreciation for various cultures and their histories, incorporating patterns and designs from these into her artwork. “When I see something I really like, I try to adapt my art to it,” she says.

Born and raised in Winnipeg, Vanderhorst studied fine arts at the University of Manitoba and taught art for Winnipeg Parks and Recreation before moving to Kelowna in 1989, then to Airdrie 10 years later.

Her family included a musician father and a great-grandmother who designed clothing and did beautiful, complicated embroidery.

But her greatest mentor has always been her artist mother who, she says, has believed in her the whole time and has always been there to encourage her.

“She had a studio in the basement of our house and I would go there and watch her,” says Vanderhorst. “I was exposed to a lot of art and we went to art classes together.

spring 2012 |

airdrielife.com 17

life in the moment | artist profile

Char Vanderhorst brings culture and history to life through her art

We painted Ukrainian Easter eggs together.”

Inspiration for much of her art and a love for her Ukrainian heritage came from that early exposure, she says.

In school, she was mentored by a gifted teacher who encouraged her in her art and also believed in her.

Vanderhorst appreciates art of all kinds, but likes realism and detail. The Masters are her favourite artists, especially Leonardo da Vinci.

The Airdrie artist often paints from photographs and focuses on the beautiful, intricate patterns found in the cultural trappings of her subjects. She has painted cultural depictions with Ukrainian, Spanish, Jewish, Japanese, African, Guatemalan, Indian, Greek, Dutch, Irish, Chinese and several Middle Eastern themes. “I am drawn to the elaborate designs of the costumes and I gravitate toward colour, especially red and blue,” she says.

She also paints stylized animals, trees and leaves. “I find an image that I really love,” she says, “and develop it from there.” She has painted or sketched on request and loves to use her art as a service to others, but always manages to find a way to let her personality shine through.

Part of giving back to the community is teaching and, through the Airdrie Artist

18 airdrielife.com | spring 2012

Guild, Vanderhorst has offered art classes to seniors at the Over-50 Club. She teaches at Bethany and has given workshops for children.

She also holds art classes in her home.

Along with painting, she also sketches, sculpts and paints murals which are displayed both publicly and in private homes. “Murals,” she says, “are a great way of producing public art – [they’re] fun and rewarding and good publicity for the business.”

Vanderhorst is a member of the Airdrie Artist Guild, the Calgary Sketch Club, Airdrie Regional ARTS Society and the Alberta Council for the Ukrainian Arts. Through the latter she has had art displayed during performances by the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers.

Vanderhorst has donated her art for auction at a YWCA fundraiser and was asked to produce sketches of African children for the African Children’s Choir 2005 calendar, which was sold all over the world to raise funds for the choir. In 1989 she received the James Richardson Scholarship and her art has been recognized, among other places, by Red River Exhibition, Canadian Federation of Artists and the Calgary Stampede.

Vanderhorst exhibits in various locations in Airdrie and Calgary and has displayed her sketches in shows with the Calgary Sketch

Club. In both 2011 and 2012, a piece of her aboriginal-themed art has been included in the Multifaith Calendar produced by the Multifaith Action Committee and her art was a People’s Choice runner-up at the 2011 art show in conjunction with the Airdrie Trade Show. She has participated in Empty Bowls, the AIRdirondack chair project and the Creative Airdrie mural, and one of her paintings is the Airdrie Art in Motion selection for September 2012.

Despite the accolades, Vanderhorst remains humble about her artistic ability.“It’s a gift and I want to share it,” she says.“If I’ve accomplished anything I want to give my higher power credit. I can’t shine in the darkness, but He can shine through me.”

Aside from her art, Vanderhorst has a keen interest in genealogy. Always fascinated by culture and history, she says, “I want to find out who my ancestors were and where they came from.” She is also a musician and sings with the Korinnya Ukrainian Folk Ensemble. Recently, she has taken up playing the harp, as well.

“I love Airdrie and I love the growth,” she says. “There are so many great people here who are working very hard together to make the artist community strong in Airdrie. I think it’s going to get even bigger.” life

Smile More.

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life in the moment | musician profile Watch the air drielife 360 vid eo on t h is stor at aird y rielife. com

Shelly Fullerton voices her enthusiasm

Shelly Sings Y storY ANd PHoto BY CArL PAtZEL

ou’ve probably heard Shelly Fullerton, even if you haven’t heard of her.

Even if Fullerton’s moniker doesn’t ring a bell, chances are you’ve been exposed to the perky-voiced, fair-haired talent on radio, television or stage.

Resonant in the teaching and entertainment community, the unofficial voice of Airdrie has been promoted as energetic, authoritative, expressive, wry, sarcastic, and even sexy and deep – although the popular voice coach hesitates slightly over that last description.

“Yeah, that’s the one I want to get off [my description list]. That’s not my go-to word of description at all,” says Fullerton with a slight chuckle.“Mostly if I get hired it’s for a commercial, girl-next-door kind of soft sell.”

Known on the professional scene mainly for her voice-over talents, Fullerton has also struck a chord on the operatic stage, tinkling the

20 airdrielife.com | spring 2012

piano ivories, and occasionally vocalizing a sweet melody alongside her children.

Ironically, though, the gifted vocalist may be most recognizable for an unexpectedly popular, non-speaking role in an estate-planning television commercial.

In this 30-second spot Fullerton depicts a mother in a Norman Rockwell-type setting, as characters slowly fade from the picture leaving just a youngster on the couch.

“I thought it was a one-month buyout,” laughs Fullerton. “It’s a nice, classy little ad … but they have played this commercial to death.

Everyone has seen this commercial. If I got paid five cents for every time it was on….”

With near-perfect pitch, Fullerton found her voice early in life while growing up in a musical environment. Because of somewhat limited finances, she was given the choice of only one musical discipline and opted for piano, eventually achieving Grade 10 on the keyboard.

But her true abilities always ventured toward the lyrical.

“I always sang. Mom said I sang before I talked. But I studied piano and that was a great foundation,” says Fullerton.

“Piano is almost always a tool for my singing,” she adds. “It was a way to accompany myself; a way to discover new music and stretch.”

That melodious upbringing led to brief stints singing in lounges and restaurants and performing in summer stock musical theatre.

After graduating college, Fullerton had a brief career as a television and radio news reporter for CBC Saskatoon and eventually earned a half-hour feature entertainmentinterview program, where she became a natural in front of the camera.

She has also stretched her vocal chords with Calgary Opera, using her International Phonetic Alphabet knowledge to belt out tunes in Italian and French. Fullerton also earned

GE_2012_Impact Advert_4.75 x 4.75_Editable.pdf

12-02-01

11:19 AM

From seedling...

COMMUNITY

small roles with the Cowtown Opera and Opera Nuova companies, performing on several stages including Jubilee Auditorium, Jack Singer Concert Hall and Bert Church Theatre.

“One of the reasons I went into Calgary Opera was I wanted to keep stretching myself,” she says. “If I’m trying to teach my students in foreign languages in a classical style I want to be pushing myself so that I’m continuing to develop my craft.”

Passing on her craft has always been a labour of love for Fullerton, who began teaching piano and voice early on in her career.

The occupation flourished with the growing demands for a voice coach while she was a stay-at-home mom in Drumheller.

Fullerton found an instant connection with the apprentice songsters, which grew into a mutual respect and appreciation from her students.

“The demand for singing teaching was so high, I had a waiting list … so I ended up focusing on just singing, which was probably my first love anyway,” she says.

That success continued to grow once Fullerton moved to Airdrie, where she has helped produce talents who have gone on to compete in Canadian Idol competitions and at the Calgary Stampede Youth show, as well as recording in Nashville.

Because of the Idol culture, Fullerton sees more students gravitating toward pop and musical theatre. But entertainment-contest television programs have been a doubleedged sword: increasing interest in singing, yet elevating expectations of success.

“You have to have the combination of real gumption and a lot of talent, and the gumption may be more important,” says Fullerton, who encourages serious students to find a good theatrical or artistic school. “[With] some kids, it’s not about enjoying the singing, it’s not about getting to be a better singer,” adds Fullerton, who is quite satisfied in her own voice-over niche.“That’s a disservice to music and the difference it can make in your life.” life

1

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35 MacKenzie Way Airdrie, Alberta (403) 948-3100

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Find the perfect baby gift.

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spring 2012 |

airdrielife.com 21

life in the moment | more life

airdrielife is showing up at events around town and bringing you more life online this spring!

Check out exclusive features, contests and extra fun at airdrielife.com

.com

Get more LiFE online!

• VOTE for your Amazing Airdrie Woman! The 2012 nominations are in and 29 amazing women are featured on pages 54-63. Go online and vote for your choice in five categories: Amazing Promise, Amazing Determination, Amazing Heart, Amazing Leadership and the Tracy Work Award for Amazing Courage • Look behind the scenes at our spring fashion shoot with cool video and stills • Get more recipes from the new ATCO Blue Flame Kitchen cookbook • Discover surprising finds at Airdrie’s thrift stores

WIN with airdrielife

We have $1,000 in prizes

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does your man need a makeover?

Are his flannel shirts, ’80s glasses and beard getting a little old?

Has he changed careers but not his style? We are here to help, with the airdrielife MANover. Send us a picture of your guy, tell us why he deserves a whole new look and we’ll do the rest and feature his new “cool dude” look in the June issue of airdrielife

Are all your family pictures taken in a hurry, on your phone?

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Send us that snapshot of your family and we might choose your entry to win a professional family portrait sitting with Studio 35, valued at $150 (includes one 8x10, two 5x7 and two 4x6 prints). Finally, a photo you will not only share, but display on the mantle, too! Contest closes April 15, 2012.

For full details and to enter, visit airdrielife.com

22 airdrielife.com | spring 2012

MorE LiFE AroUNd toWN – WAtCH For Us! airdrielife is pleased to be a sponsor of some exciting events around the city: Brides-to-be flock to the Airdrie Welcome Wagon Bridal shower to get started on their planning for the big day. airdrielife is pleased to present the show March 4 at the Town & Country Centre. All 2012 brides are invited to submit their story and photos to be featured in the 2013 spring issue of airdrielife! the 2012 Amazing Airdrie Women Awards has expanded to a full-day conference on Thursday, April 19! We’ve brought in amazing speakers, such as Patricia Morgan (From Woe to WOW) and the Go Goddess team of Barb Thomas and Jennifer Rochford. A full day of inspiration, laughter, learning and, of course, the celebration of our Amazing Airdrie Women Award winners.

Register before March 31 online at airdrielife.com We are sponsoring the new lifestyle stage at the 2012 Airdrie Home & Lifestyle show at Genesis Place April 28-29. The stage features experts on design, DIY, pets, art, nutrition and wine- and beer-making, as well as the culinary team from the ATCO Blue Flame Kitchen. airdrielife is proud to present this new addition to the show

BriNGiNG LiFE to FUNdrAisiNG! “Hey, George Mac band students, you just delivered 14,000 copies of airdrielife to homes in Airdrie.

What are you going to do next?”

“We’re going to Disneyland!”

Who brought airdrielife to your door? It was the members of the George McDougall High School band, organized by band teacher Jordan Harris, raising money for their trip to Disneyland. airdrielife was pleased to donate $2,500 to the band in exchange for bringing ‘life’ to your door!

(We’re looking forward to the pictures of our delivery team performing with Mickey!)

CoMiNG iN JUNE It’s all about the guys. Cool jobs, cool man caves, men we admire plus Airdrie by the numbers and how philanthropy is the new sexy

new lots released!

all homes feature double front-drive garages.

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8th St. SW

AIRDRIE

Located in Southwest Airdrie, Hillcrest offers easy access to shopping, schools, parks and downtown Calgary. Showhome builders offer an excellent selection of home styles and floorplans, ranging from 1,700 sq. ft. to 3,000 sq. ft., including four bedroom floorplans.

Visit www.hillcrestairdrie.com or contact our showhome builders.

Excel Homes Contact: Angela Kolewaski Phone: 403.948.9359 Email: hillcrest@excelhomes.ca www.excelhomes.ca

Shane Homes Contact: Jeff Brodowski Phone: 403.536.2316 Email: jeffb@shanehomes.com www.shanehomes.com

Trico Homes Contact: Neil Donnelly Phone: 403.980.8510 Email: hillcrest@tricohomes.com www.tricohomes.com

Showhome Hours: Monday to Thursday 2-8pm | Weekends & Holidays 12-5pm | Closed Fridays.

Catering

life in the moment | chef profile

storY BY sArAH dEVEAU

PHoto BY sErGEi BELsKi

GOOD TASTE

Local couple caters to the community

No matter the challenge, dawn and Mike Yancey love what they do

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s with many people who pursue a career in the food industry, Mike Yancey’s love of good, homemade food began at home. “My grandma is from Italy and she’s the best cook. I wanted to learn how to cook as well as her, but I still haven’t managed that yet,” Yancey says with a smile.

He began working in a kitchen at just 14 years of age, starting as a busboy and working his way up through various kitchen positions. After earning his Red Seal from SAIT’s professional cooking program in 2004, Yancey worked in various pubs and restaurants, honing his skills and building his experience with a variety of different cuisines and cooking styles.

24 airdrielife.com | spring 2012

per cent of what we do is custom-designed menus,” explains Dawn.

This unique style of creating custom menus for each event means significantly more work for Mike and Dawn; however, it’s part of their commitment to serving exceptional food sourced locally.

“We don’t want guests eating food that’s been prepped and frozen in advance of the event – we think the difference in taste is enormous. We do very little prep in advance, instead making everything as fresh as possible,” says Mike. “Especially when it comes to weddings or family events – we know how important those special days are, and we want the food to reflect that.”

Local suppliers, such as Shoestring Ranch, are key partners in .357 Catering’s success.

Shoestring Ranch sells its own line of natural Angus beef from its ranch in Acme. This sixth-generation ranching family guarantees that its beef is raised from birth with no growth hormones, antibiotics or animal byproducts, and it is dry aged for a minimum of 21 days.

Produce and eggs are picked up as needed from local Hutterite colonies or from the Airdrie Farmers Market. “The taste is so different,” says Mike. “The eggs we use haven’t been sitting for a month – they’re so fresh.” The pastas and breads they serve aren’t bought frozen; Mike and Dawn make them from scratch from those fresh, local ingredients.

The Yanceys are looking forward to entering their third year in business, and expect this year to be busier than the last two combined.“We just love food and we want people to love eating the food we make as much as if they were in grandma’s kitchen,” says Mike.

“Some of our best memories are of sharing good-quality food with the people we love,” he adds.“We want to share that with Airdrie.” life

Editor’s Note: Enjoy the gourmet catering of .357 Catering Solutions at the 2012 Amazing Airdrie Women Awards luncheon April 19 at Genesis Place.

For tickets, go to airdrielife.com

Chef Yancey shares two foolproof recipes to impress your guests Dijon-Crusted Prime Rib prime rib roast 1 cup Dijon mustard 1 tbsp fresh-cracked black pepper 2 tbsp Montreal steak spice 1/2 cup fresh rosemary, thyme and sage, chopped and combined 2 cloves garlic, grated Let roast sit out for one hour to take the chill off. Combine mustard, pepper, steak spice, fresh herbs and garlic in a small bowl.

Slather roast with the mustard mix on all sides. Cook roast at 350 F until an internal temperature of 125 F is reached. Let rest on the counter for at least one hour.

Yorkshire Puddings 1 cup plain flour, minus 2 tbsp 3 large eggs 1 1/8 cup milk canola oil salt and fresh-cracked pepper Preheat oven to 425 F. Place a muffin tin on a baking sheet and fill each cup with 1-2 tbsp of canola oil. Place in oven and heat for at least 20 minutes.

In a medium bowl, sift the flour, 1 tsp of salt and 1 tsp of pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Pour the egg mix into the flour and whisk until a smooth batter forms. Pour into a water jug or large measuring cup.

Recipes

In spring 2008, he was introduced to and began dating Dawn, who had a background in the hospitality industry. They married just a year later, and a year after that the pair was offered a job working in a commercial kitchen serving a private group residence.

This position was flexible and offered them a unique opportunity to combine their skills and pursue their dream of creating a fullservice catering business. Their company, .357 Catering Solutions, opened its doors in Airdrie in April 2010 with a commitment to providing a custom product. The business was so successful that the pair moved from their home in Calgary to their current home in Airdrie.

“Mike grew up in a small town and really liked the idea of living in a smaller community where people look out for one another and it’s friendlier,” says Dawn. The pair has made it a point to get involved in local events whenever possible, including Airdrie Fest, local bridal fairs and ARTember.

The community has certainly embraced the Yanceys in return. They’ve catered hundreds of events in just two short years, from small business lunches to large weddings and community events. They bring in outside assistance for prep and serving, and are able to accommodate groups of up to 500.

“We cater two to three events a day,” says Mike.“There’s a lot of corporate work, catering lunches in office buildings or on work sites. We have full-service teams, so we can offer the option of dropping everything off and picking up afterwards, or having staff stay and serve.”

The business is also seeing an increase in small, in-home catering jobs for family celebrations. “A lot of people are surprised to find out how reasonable our prices are,” he says, “and that there is a local option available.”

And local it is. Mike and Dawn have set themselves apart from competitors with their unique business model of sourcing local ingredients whenever possible and offering customized menus for every event. “We prefer to find out what the client wants instead of handing them a menu and forcing them to check off boxes in columns. Nearly 100

Remove tray from the oven and quickly fill each muffin cup three-quarters full of batter.

Return muffin tray to the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes. The puddings will be crispy and golden brown when done.

Serve with any roasted meats and gravy. spring 2012 |

airdrielife.com 25

life in the moment | fine food ATCO Blue Flame Kitchen has provided Albertans with reliable answers to everyday household questions for more than 80 years. For great recipes, how-to videos, kitchen safety tips and more, visit atcoblueflamekitchen.com or call 1-877-420-9090 toll-free

Whip up these easy to prepare and simply delicious dishes to crea te the perfect brunch to wel come spring or surprise Mom on her special day

Brunch for Mom Modern Mock Champagne Punch

CoURtesY oF AtCo BLUe FLAMe kItCHeN

1.89 l (1 bottle) white cranberry cocktail, chilled 1.5 l (2 750-ml bottles) dry dealcoholized sparkling wine, chilled 175 ml (3/4 cup) thawed frozen lemonade concentrate 4 l ginger ale, chilled Combine cranberry cocktail, sparkling wine and lemonade concentrate in a large punch bowl.

Stir in ginger ale.

Serve immediately. Makes about 7.5 l (30 cups).

Cook’s Note: The ATCO Blue Flame Kitchen used

Loxton Medea Valley Dealcoholized Wine Sparkling Brut Dry in this recipe.

Crab and Spinach Quiche CoURtesY oF AtCo BLUe FLAMe kItCHeN

A great quiche recipe for brunch entertaining, as it makes two.

5 eggs 50 ml (1/4 cup) flour 5 ml (1 tsp) Dijon mustard 1 ml (1/4 tsp) salt 0.5 ml (1/8 tsp) cayenne pepper 0.5 ml (1/8 tsp) nutmeg 375 ml (1 1/2 cups) light cream (10 per cent) 500 ml (2 cups) Swiss cheese, shredded 125 ml (1/2 cup) Parmesan cheese, shredded 240 g (2 120-g cans) crabmeat, drained and rinsed 300 g (1 10-oz pkg) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry 2 9-inch (23-cm) pie shells, unbaked Whisk together first six ingredients (eggs through nutmeg) in a bowl. Whisk in cream until blended.

Stir in Swiss cheese, Parmesan cheese, crabmeat and

26 airdrielife.com | spring 2012

spinach. Spoon mixture into pie shells. Bake at 180 C (350 F) for 50 minutes or until a knife inserted in centres comes out clean. Let stand for five minutes before serving. Serves 12.

Cook’s Note: Check crabmeat carefully for any small

pieces of shell and cartilage; remove and discard.

Chai Latte Cheesecake CoURtesY oF AtCo BLUe FLAMe kItCHeN

This cheesecake gets top marks for its taste and silky texture. As a bonus, it freezes beautifully.

For an attractive presentation, it may be drizzled with mango sauce.

375 ml (1 1/2 cups) graham wafer crumbs 75 ml (1/3 cup) butter, melted 25 ml (2 tbsp) sugar 2 ml (1/2 tsp) cinnamon 1 ml (1/4 tsp) ground ginger 125 ml (1/2 cup) water 6 bags chai spice black tea

1 kg (32 oz) cream cheese, softened 300 ml (1 1/4 cups) sugar 25 ml (2 tbsp) flour pinch salt 4 eggs 250 ml (1 cup) sour cream 5 ml (1 tsp) vanilla

Wrap outside of a 9-inch (23-cm) springform pan with heavy-duty foil. Grease inside of pan. To prepare crust, combine crumbs, melted butter, 25 ml (2 tbsp) sugar, cinnamon and ginger in a bowl until blended. Press mixture onto bottom and 2.5 cm (1 inch) up sides of prepared pan. Bake at 180 C (350 F) for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Cool crust completely in pan on a rack.

Meanwhile, bring water to a boil in a nonreactive saucepan. Remove from heat. Add tea bags and steep for 10 minutes. Strain tea through a sieve into a bowl, pressing on tea bags to extract as much tea as possible; discard tea bags. Cool tea completely. To prepare filling, use medium speed of an electric mixer and beat together cream cheese, 300 ml (1 1/4 cups) sugar, flour and salt until smooth. Beat in eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Using low speed, beat in tea, sour cream and vanilla just until blended. Do not overbeat. Pour mixture into crust. Place springform pan in a large roasting pan. Pour enough boiling water into roasting pan to come two-thirds up sides of springform pan.

Bake at 160 C (325 F) for 1 1/2 hours or until centre of cheesecake is puffed and jiggles slightly when shaken. Turn oven off and let cheesecake stand in oven with door ajar for 1 hour. Remove springform pan from roasting pan; remove foil. Place springform pan on a rack. Run a knife around sides of pan to loosen.

Cool cheesecake completely in pan. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or up to 24 hours.

Remove sides of pan. Slice cheesecake with a hot, wet knife. May be frozen for up to 1 month.

Thaw in refrigerator. Serves 10-12.

Summerhill Florist Unique, stylish and fresh designs

Weddings Funerals Corporate Events Teleflora Wire Service Same Day Delivery

403.948.4422 | summerhillflorist.com #4 - 2145 Summerfield Blvd., Airdrie

Cook’s Note: The ATCO Blue Flame Kitchen used Stash Premium Chai Spice Black Tea in this recipe. spring 2012 |

airdrielife.com 27

life in the moment | shared experience

lifesmarts

WITH SARAH DEVEAU

Fundraising

SAVVY Sarah shares one Airdrie woman’s successful story on helping charities raise cash frugally

N

o matter how well you prepare for the financial curve balls life can throw you, it’s unlikely you’re prepared to be thrown as big a challenge as Airdrie resident Faith Wood was in 2009. Her twin sister, Fern, suffers from a rare and debilitating disease known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) and needed to access a rare and experimental treatment for her condition. When Wood discovered that the treatment wasn’t covered by the Canadian health care system and that her sister’s only hope lay in raising a staggering amount of money to pay for experimental treatment, she knew she had a lot of work ahead of her.

With no experience in fundraising and no money available to plan a large-scale fundraising event, Wood used her experience as a business owner and professional communicator as a guide, raising more than $60,000 to assist in covering her sister’s treatment. Throughout the endeavour she conducted detailed assessments about which tactics were successful and which weren’t.

“As I spoke with others trying to raise money for various causes, I learned that most groups and individuals have had to use trial and error to discover what works. I received many requests from other desperate families as to how they might go about raising funds for their own unique circumstances,” says Wood. This need inspired the entrepreneur to take her detailed documentation and turn it into a book, Fundraising on a Shoestring.

“The book is devoted to groups and individuals who want to take a fresh or brand-new look at fundraising opportunities and have little or no money to invest in the process,” says Wood.

The guide has helped individuals new to the world of fundraising avoid costly mistakes in their efforts. Through such social media sites as Facebook, Wood has received messages of thanks from people across North America who have used her step-by-step guide to raise funds for their own treatments.

“A gentleman in New York used the book to raise all of the money necessary for his RSD treatment,” recalls Wood. “He had been attempting to raise money alone for nearly a year, and after speaking with him and sending him a copy of the book, he managed to get his old fire department colleagues on board with tangible steps and held three successful events.”

Wood is thankful that her community rallied around her family. “One of the wonderful things about writing the book was that it gave us a chance to communicate our gratitude, and thank those who have supported us.” life

28 airdrielife.com | spring 2012

proudly presents

2012 Conference and Awards Luncheon Thursday, April 19, Genesis Place It’s amazing! The Amazing Airdrie Women 2012 Awards Luncheon has expanded to a full day of inspiration, learning, laughing and living life to its fullest. Don’t miss your chance to be there!

Barb Thomas & Jennifer Rochford Go Goddess

50

2 WIN $

ping p o sh ree! sp

With special guest speakers Patricia Morgan and the Go Goddess duo of Barb Thomas and Jennifer Rochford, and area experts on women’s issues and interests.

The awards luncheon features a delicious buffet, keynote speaker Patricia Morgan and the presentation of the 2012 awards for Amazing Promise, Amazing Leadership, Amazing Determination, Amazing Heart and the Tracy Work Award for Amazing Courage Luncheon and keynote speaker sponsored by ATB Financial

Patricia Morgan

Personal Resilience Expert, Counsellor, Speaker and Author

All attendees receive beautiful keepsake journals and fabulous swag bags!

REGISTER ONLINE BEFORE MARCH 31: airdrielife.com

Conference Pass $99 (includes all meals) Awards Luncheon & Keynote Speaker Only $49 Earlybird offer: Register before March 21 and enter to win your 2013 Conference Pass FREE! Health/Beauty Sponsor

Amazing Promise Award Sponsor

Conference pass includes: swag bags, keepsakes, light breakfast, luncheon, wine-and-cheese reception, fashion show, optional yoga class and your choice of sessions from health and beauty, business advice, balance and wellness, and much more. See the full schedule online.

Amazing Extra: Special Marketplace open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Luncheon and Keynote Speaker Sponsor

Airdrie Optimist Club

Wine & Cheese Sponsor

Proceeds from this event go towards women’s programming needs at Community Links

Amazing Airdrie Women is produced and managed by

Title Sponsor

life in the moment | fashion forward

SPRING into Style Cool casual looks to take you into the months ahead

Classic never goes out of style as Lauren demonstrates in this rosebud Perfectly Pressed fitted shirt paired with classic-fit black pants

Alynn, from Airdrie, is wearing a caper heather three-quartersleeve soft sweater with blushing floral sequined sleeveless top.

She matches these with Denver Hayes soft classic jeans

30 airdrielife.com | spring 2012

Ashley celebrates spring with this hollyhock floral peasant threequarter-sleeve top with black straight-leg dress pants

Alina is ready for yoga class in a calypso coral 100-wash yoga jacket, white Curve Tech tank with built-in bra and basic black yoga pant in modern fit Ashley looks laid back in a blueberry-and-whitestriped dress shirt with rolled three-quartersleeve and bright blue Curve Tech tank/bra top. Her jeans are the latest look: light indigo curvy-fit boot-cut in soft denim

The weekend is here and Lauren is ready in a white zippered hoodie, grey-and-pink floral beaded T-shirt and Denver Hayes soft classic jeans

Photography: Adam Kuzik, Studio 35 Models: Alynn, Ashley, Elina and Lauren, Numa Models (Calgary) Makeup: Numa International Institute of Makeup & Design (Calgary) Artists: Jaimie and Sydney (Numa artists) Styling: Karen, Mark’s Airdrie Creative Director: Damien T. Mark’s Airdrie All clothing provided by Mark’s Airdrie. Shot on location at Studio 35, Airdrie

spring 2012 |

airdrielife.com 31

Broadview Homes takes pride in supporting our communities as well as our artists.

For each raffle ticket filled out, we will make a $5.00 donation on your behalf to Community Links.

ENTER IN TO TW wo

rie e Aird Creativ ondack AIRdir airs Ch

Community Links is a nonprofit, charitable organization which provides support and services to individuals and families in Airdrie and surrounding areas, with a vision of Strong Individuals, Strong Families, and Strong Communities.

chairs are on display at 1317 ravenswood drive se. visit this or any other of our showhomes to enter. additional donations are greatly appreciated.

www.veronicafunk.com

Name: ______________________________________________________ email: ______________________________________________________ address: ___________________________________________________ PhoNe: ________________________ age: 18-23

24-34

35+

None of your personal information will be shared with any third parties and shall be kept confidential.

Phone number will only be used to contact winning ballot.

32 airdrielife.com | spring 2012

At a cost of $1000.00 we hope to raise $5000.00 for Community Links going to programs and services of Community Links Contact Katia Ferraro 403 212 1604 for more info.

Ballots will be accepted from March 1 – May 31, 2012. Winners will be contacted June 4, 2012

TICKET BALLOT

!

www.charvanderhorst.com

broadviewhomes.com

Airdrie’s only

Tapas Restaurant Airdrie Bridal Showcase

Sunday March 4, 2012 from 2-5pm

136 First Avenue N.E., Airdrie Tel: (403) 980-8055 ricosinthevillage.com Open evenings Tuesday - Saturday Closed Sunday & Monday

Airdrie Town & Country Centre 275 Jensen Drive, Airdrie

GIFT BAGS DOOR PRIZES & FASHION SHOW WIN YOUR WEDDING DRESS!*

* Up to $1,000

FREE to register at welcomewagon.ca

spring 2012 |

airdrielife.com 33

life in the moment | events

PHoto sUBMittEd

PHoto sUBMittEd

MArCH 10 tony McManus trio

MAY 11-12 Follies 20th Anniversary show

Springing to LIFE ART

great events and activities around town

APriL 28-29 Arts show & sale Genesis Place The Airdrie Regional ARTS Society hosts 3,000 square feet of art on display at Genesis Place – your admission is included with your Home & Lifestyle Show ticket. Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Details at artsairdrieab.com

CONCERTS

MArCH 10 tony McManus trio Bert Church LiVE theatre, 7:30 p.m.

Scotland-born and now Canada-based, Tony McManus has come to be recognized throughout the world as the leading guitarist in Celtic music. Through his hands the emotions of Celtic music are transferred to the guitar and the listener is drawn into the driving energy of a reel or the timeless atmosphere of a lament – each finding an authentic voice through his interpretation. Admission is $25 plus s/c and GST. Tickets online at airdrie.ca/bct

34 airdrielife.com | spring 2012

MArCH 11 Calgary opera – the Magic Flute one-Act opera for Young Audiences Bert Church LiVE theatre, 2:30 p.m.

Mozart’s whimsical opera comes to life as Calgary Opera’s Emerging Artist ensemble performs The Magic Flute for its 2012 Opera in Schools tour. This fantastical journey through a mythical world is an ideal 45-minute introduction to opera for young audiences in a fully-staged production with piano accompaniment. Admission is $10 plus s/c and GST. Tickets online at airdrie.ca/bct MArCH 24 the Grapes of Wrath/odds Bert Church LiVE theatre, 7:30 p.m.

Two iconic Canadian alternative rock bands come together for an unforgettable night of music. The Grapes of Wrath singles All the Things I Wasn’t and What Was Going Through My Head propelled the band’s first album Now and Again to platinum status. During the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, Odds was the ‘house band’ at Canada Hockey House. The band’s singles Eat My Brain and You May Be Right have topped charts and won Odds many loyal fans. Admission is $36 plus s/c and GST. Tickets online at airdrie.ca/bct

MArCH 31 Prairie Mountain Fiddlers Bert Church LiVE theatre, 2:30 p.m.

Back by popular demand! This will be a foot-stomping, toe-tapping evening full of good old-time fiddle music.

These fiddlers play for the people and for their love of the music. It is just good old-fashioned fun. Admission is $10 plus s/c and GST. Tickets online at airdrie.ca/bct APriL 21 Crash test dummies Bert Church LiVE theatre, 7:30 p.m.

The band first rose to prominence while based in their hometown of Winnipeg, Man., in 1991 with its Juno Award-winning debut album, The Ghosts That Haunt Me, featuring the band’s first hit single, Superman’s Song. Their 1993 breakout record God Shuffled His Feet has sold over five-and-a-half million copies worldwide. The Dummies are currently touring with an acoustic show to promote their ninth album, Oooh La La. Admission is $39 plus s/c and GST. Tickets online at airdrie.ca/bct

Kelly APriL 23-27 Airdrie rotary Festival of Performing Arts Genesis Place/Bert Church LiVE theatre A brand-new adjudicated music festival for youth, featuring entries in piano, voice, choir and musical theatre. Complete schedule at airdrierotaryfestival.org APriL 27 Festival showcase Bert Church LiVE theatre, 7 p.m.

The best of the best from the 2012 Airdrie Rotary Festival of Performing Arts are featured in this concert.

Ticket information at airdrierotaryfestival.org

Hegg Your PC Candidate in Airdrie.

403-862-2035 kellyhegg@hotmail.com www.kellyhegg.com

APriL 28-29 Airdrie Community Choir Annual spring Concerts Lutheran Church of the Master Details at airdriecommunitychoir.org MAY 5 8th Annual Yodelfest town & Country Centre Entertainers: Calgary Swiss Yodel Club, Calgary Swiss dancers, World Junior Champion accordion player Michael Bridge, Global Country rising stars the Keister Family of fiddlers, and Miriam and the Mountaineers with different styles of yodelling. Tickets are $25 presold, $30 at the door, $23 for group tickets of 12 or more. Contact Miriam’s Music at 403-948-1961 or yodellove@yahoo.ca

THEATRE

MAY 4-5 While the Lights Were out Bert Church High school Dinner theatre with the Bert Church High School drama department. Contact sbloxham@rockyview.ab.ca

DANCE

MAY 11-12 Follies 20th Anniversary show Bert Church LiVE theatre Celebrating 20 years of shuffles, chausees and pirouettes, the Airdrie Dance Academy features more than 500 (you read that right!) dancers from four to 18 taking their bows on stage at the Bert Church Theatre. Details at airdriedance.ca; tickets available at airdrie.ca/bct

Time to get your hearing checked?

When someone in the family has a hearing loss, the whole family has a hearing problem.

Call us today to book your assessment.

403.980.HEAR (4327) #2, 704 Main Street | Airdrie, AB superiorhearingsolutions.com

spring 2012 |

airdrielife.com 35

life in the moment | events APriL 8 Family Easter Egg Hunt

Serving Airdrie for over 15 years.

Voted #1 Tanning Salon in Airdrie!

Spray Tan • Lotions • Standup West Side: 205 - 304 Main Street

403-948-7252

Use your minutes at Both locations

Tanning… Look Good, Feel Great!

with your Certified Consultant, you will learn about the Simply For Life Program, identify your health issues, and determine your personal goals. Whether your goal is to control your cholesterol, your diabetes, or lose/gain weight safely we can customize a plan for you.

Call to book your Complementary Consultation #302, Station Crossing 191, Edwards Way S.W., 403-948-4424 info.airdrie@simplyforlife.com

36 airdrielife.com | spring 2012

403-948-7213 www.tanlinez.net

www.simplyforlife.com

During your complimentary consultation

East Side: 805 East Lake Blvd.

SPECIAL EVENTS

APriL 8 Family Easter Egg Hunt East Lake Park (NEW LoCAtioN), 10 a.m. to noon This annual event for families – with 100,000 eggs hidden around East Lake Park – is hosted by Living Springs Christian Fellowship. A special area will be set aside for younger guests to also take part. The hunt begins promptly at 10 a.m., so don’t be late. Enjoy refreshments and family entertainment after all the eggs are found. Free admission.

APriL 19 Amazing Airdrie Women Conference and Awards Luncheon Genesis Place, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Celebrating amazing women in our community with a full day of speakers, inspiration and laughter and, of course, presenting the 2012 Amazing Airdrie Women Awards. See nominees beginning on page 54.

Register now at airdrielife.com APriL 28-29 Airdrie Home & Lifestyle show Genesis Place A new name and some exciting new features, including a lifestyle stage with demos from such experts as the ATCO Blue Flame Kitchen Culinary team. Details at airdriehomeshow.ca

BENEFITS/ FUNDRAISERS

MArCH 8 Afghan Presidential Candidate Visit Breaking Bread Potluck dinner George Mcdougall High school auxiliary gym, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Members of the Airdrie community will have a rare opportunity to hear from courageous Afghan activist and member of parliament Fawzia Koofi, in celebration of International Women’s Day (March 8) and the Students 4 Change 9th annual Breaking Bread Potluck Dinner. Please bring a salad, entrée or dessert to contribute to the potluck supper. Donations are encouraged. To RSVP, e-mail G. Hughes at makingchangehappen@yahoo.ca

Enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine; tempura, sushi, maki, sashimi and Udon dishes Experience Korean bbq flavours of Kalbi, Bulgogi and Beebeem Bob Tuesday - Sunday 11:30 am - 9:30 pm 5104 35 Mackenzie Way SW Next to Sobey’s Liquor Store 403 948-3997 zenbu1586773@yahoo.ca

MArCH 17 shamrock shimmy town & Country Centre, 6 p.m.

Annual dinner, dance and silent/live auction. All proceeds benefit Airdrie Food Bank. Tickets $45 per person, now on sale at the food bank or call Gabrielle at 403-948-2669. E-mail info@airdriefoodbank.com APriL 14 Mall in the Hall royal Canadian Legion, 9 a.m. start Charity event to benefit Carter’s Quest for a Cure. Local businesses coming together to sell their wares in one location, plus face-painting, food and amazing raffles.

All money raised will go toward research to cure hemophilia. Contact Jennifer Ruklic at 403-988-6194 or questforacure@shaw.ca MAY 11 Airdrie Public Library Bids & Bites APL’s annual fundraiser silent/live auction.

More information to come at airdriepubliclibrary.ca JUNE 2 Capital one race for Kids Boys and Girls Club of Airdrie 200 East Lake Cres., 3 p.m. start Capital One Race for Kids is an urban adventure race where teams of five compete in a race to the finish line, completing a series of checkpoints along the way.

Challenges are designed for participants to relive the best times of their childhood and build team spirit. A fun, new and exciting adventure that will get the blood pumping and the whole team smiling. This is a great opportunity to provide team-building activities, or to get your existing team, family or work department engaged in a community event and give back to your Boys and Girls Club. Register at raceforkids.ca or e-mail raceforkids@bgcairdrie.com spring 2012 |

airdrielife.com 37

life in the moment | column MAKING A DIFFERENCE fitlife

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38 airdrielife.com | spring 2012

WITH JOAN BELL

N

every day

ot all heroes pull people from burning buildings or travel to foreign countries to build housing for the poor. Sometimes it is the little things you do that make you a hero.

Ten years ago, I met two women who are making a difference in the lives of many people in the Airdrie community.

I met Marcy Jespersen when I first starting taking yoga classes in Airdrie. She was teaching for the City of Airdrie and I was impressed with her gentle nature and her sense of humour. As a yoga instructor, Marcy has always been very much in tune with her students and has the ability to hone in on an injury or area of physical weakness.

She has frequently worked with individuals to recommend poses that will help strengthen the body. However, the difference Marcy has really made in the lives of her students goes beyond the physical. Through meditation practice, breathing techniques and energy work, Marcy has touched people’s lives by teaching them ways to handle stress and find a deeper sense of relaxation.

The impact that Marcy has had on clients is obvious in the comments they have made about her classes. Speaking about Marcy’s positive attitude and the obvious care she takes with her students. Ian says that whenever he thinks of his first experience with yoga“it will be with immense gratitude to Marcy.” Another student, Haley, says Marcy is “so in tune with other people and knowing just how to help.” Haley adds that Marcy taught her how to let go of her fears. Lorna, who originally started taking yoga with Marcy on the advice of her physi-

cian, affirmed that taking her classes was the best thing she could have done. “I couldn’t have chosen a better instructor than Marcy Jespersen,” Lorna says.

When I first opened my studio in 2005, I met and hired a second truly inspirational instructor: Rhonda Forster. Rhonda is a local resident who has taught yoga to all age groups in Airdrie for more than 12 years, from young children and teens to pregnant women, adults and seniors. Rhonda’s gentle yoga class, helping people deal with various injuries and ailments, has been consistently full. This is testimony to the positive impact that she has had on her students’ day-to-day lives. As Rhonda says, “When someone tells me how doing yoga has helped them deal with a health issue or that it has improved their quality of life, I say this is why I teach yoga.”

Rhonda’s yoga practice has helped her to live pain-free following a whiplash injury to her neck. Her hope has been to have a similar positive impact on others through her teaching of the art within the Airdrie community.

“Rhonda is a very caring person who treats each of her students individually,” says Carrie, a long-time student. “Rhonda is the reason students keep coming back for more classes.” Carrie emphasizes that one of the reasons she has looked forward to yoga class each week is that Rhonda teaches her students to focus on both their spiritual and physical well-being.

Both these wonderful instructors are proof that you don’t have to experience a cataclysmic event to be a hero; you can make a difference in the day-to-day lives of people within the community by caring and spreading your knowledge.

I personally credit Marcy with being the inspiration for me to open a yoga studio in Airdrie. She and Rhonda have had a huge impact on my life by showing me the merits of a regular yoga practice and by helping me to build my business in Airdrie. life

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spring 2012 |

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Discover the joy of playing guitar with the finest blues performer in southern Alberta, Lou Rye.

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www.nosecreekdental.ca 40 airdrielife.com | spring 2012

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aDvertorial

T

he former Homestead Restaurant has a new name, a fresh new interior and a new attitude.

Now called The WOODS, the

restaurant has stepped up to the demands of a growing market who appreciate a finer dining experience.

Woodside executive director Chris McNicol says, “We’ve been planning this for a long while and are really excited to open the doors on a brand-new experience you’ve never had when dining at the Woodside Golf Course, we’ve kicked it up a notch in style, in service and, most importantly, in our menu.”

Alberta Culinary Team member Tony Hon is The WOODS’ executive chef and McNicol has encouraged Hon’s creative whims to create a more defined menu. The traditional clubhouse fare is still available to golfers in the lounge area, but the lunch and dinner menus on the dining side are worth reviewing.

The new lunch menu includes grilled, prosciutto-wrapped shrimp with pineapple chutney, fried brie, bison burger and grilled

The

WOODS Stepping out of the ordinary...

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Dinner specialties include PEI mussels, tossed smoked-salmon salad, braised short ribs with a bordelaise sauce, butternut squash ravioli, the catch of the day and Chef’s Muse.

Even the wine list has been completely revamped, acknowledging the palates of the restaurant’s more discerning clientele.

Speaking of wine, The WOODS will be offering special wine and cooking classes in the coming months.

Good news to the brunch crowd: the famous Sunday brunch is now expanded with a more diverse mix of flavours and menu items.

The WOODS will continue to offer exclusive events such as the popular Couple’s Night OUT where two can enjoy a fourcourse dinner and a bottle of wine.

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community life in the 48 Running Wild 50 Taking the Stage 54 Absolutely Awesome

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life in the community | dedication

lifelines

WITH LINDA BRUCE

I

roar!

We are women, hear us

n any great community it is the people who define its spirit; airdrielife is celebrating that spirit through the recognition of Amazing Women. The who’s who list of Amazing Women contains some familiar names and some names of women who have been too busy to be recognized.

Amazing people give so much of themselves to the community through their passion. They squeeze a lifetime into a day. They nurture and care for family, friends and neighbours. They run committees and organize school carnivals. They work full-time and try to get the laundry done and the toilets cleaned. They coach and judge children’s events; get food into the cupboards and then onto the table. Some amazing juggling of routines and events goes on in Airdrie every day. A perpetual game of Twister plays out until the last pretzel move collapses these ladies into a heap on their beds at night to ready themselves for the same game the next day.

Could this be why so many amazing women never seek office?

Who has time?

When I was mayor, every Alberta Urban Municipalities Association conference and every Federation of Canadian Municipalities conference struck committees that would turn themselves inside out trying to figure out why more women don’t run for municipal, provincial or federal elected positions. Many ideas were

vetted to figure out how to encourage more female participation, but little was ever achieved.

There have been some amazing women over the years who stepped into the political arena. In 1917, the first woman in the British Commonwealth to be elected into municipal government was from Calgary.

The first woman elected to a provincial legislature was in Alberta, also in 1917. It took until 1921 for the first female to be elected into the House of Commons. Twenty years later Alberta sent its first female representative to Ottawa. Once women were recognized as “persons” there was no stopping them from becoming even more AMAZING. Airdrie took a while to elect its first woman to municipal council. Prior to 1995, there were only two women elected to that position. Over the following 15 years, four women served on council, with three of them in 2004. The 2010 election saw 20 people offering to serve their community; seven amazing women let their names stand. Only one woman was successful.

That was AMAZING! We have so many women willing to give their time, their commitment, their dedication and their love to support, build and envision a community. Take a moment to thank the amazing women you know. They could be your mom, friend, lover, neighbour or anyone you know who is working to build a better Airdrie. life

spring 2012 |

airdrielife.com 47

life in the community | sports

Airdrie’s new track-andfield club takes hurdles (and races) in stride

Field Aces

storY ANd PHotos BY CArL PAtZEL

48 airdrielife.com | spring 2012

‘P

utting your best foot forward’ is taken literally around the Airdrie Aces Athletic Club (AAAC).

Despite this being the inaugural season, the AAAC track and field members have hurdled themselves into the competitive arena and immediately taken strides at impressing more experienced competition.

Much of that initial success – after forming in May 2011 – has come from building an encouraging training environment, says club president Jodie Matsuba-Szucs.

“It’s all positive. In this atmosphere everyone is smiling,” MatsubaSzucs says.

The creation of a competitive environment, in which participants battle others, themselves and the clock, is met with all grins.

Utilizing a philosophy of ‘practice doesn’t make perfect, practice makes permanent,’ emphasis is placed on bettering the last output, as well as improving fitness and endurance levels.

Sam Rajah and Danielle Tritscher (above) and Alistair Baron (at left) give it their all at the track

“How well you do is up to you. It’s up to you to attend practice, it’s up to you to try and beat the last time you had,” says Matsuba-Szucs.“The more you train regularly the better you will do.”

Although track and field is an individual sport that balances the external physical hurdles of timed and measured events with the internal mental aspects of self-improvement, emphasis with the Aces is also placed on building team solidarity.

“When we have a meet we want you to cheer on your teammates.

We want the same team camaraderie, developing friendships,” MatsubaSzucs says.“[The members] look forward to coming to practice and seeing their buddies and cheering each other on.”

But keeping pace in the running world was only a dream just a few seasons ago.

As with many fringe recreations lacking the exposure of organized team sports, Matsuba-Szucs recognized a lack of running events for both the casual and competitive trotters in the city.

After arriving in Airdrie six years ago, the avid runner soon became the driving force behind the Airdrie Mayor’s Run Society along with fellow organizer and AAAC treasurer Kathy Schulze.

But the dynamic duo also wanted to pursue a running lane for their active children and a motivated track community. They were soon hosting a Hershey’s Track and Field event in Airdrie.

“We know we have some talent here and we would be creating opportunity for not only our own children but for the community,” says Matsuba-Szucs.

“Because we had such a great turnout at the May 12 (2011) local Hershey’s track meet we decided at that time to start a competitive track-and-field club in Airdrie.”

The Aces’ indoor season, which consists mainly of running disciplines from the 60-metre dash to the 3,000-metre event, runs from November to March.

The full track-and-field outdoor season – including javelin, shot put, triple jump, long jump, high jump and discus – goes from April through July. Cross-country running takes over in the fall months.

So far the club has close to 30 competitive members, ranging from eight years old to the 35-and-over masters category. The newly formed club is heavy on the younger age groups, with most competing in the 11-and-under peewee, 12-13 bantam and 14-15 midget divisions.

Although always looking for new members, there is a strict tryout session for making the competitive club.

“We are creating opportunity to come and compete at a high level.

We’re very up front with that,” says Matsuba-Szucs. “We formed this group for the purpose of top competition.”

Some of the relatively inexpensive club fees of $500 per year are directed toward professional head coach Jan Lips, who was the long-time coach of the Calgary Warriors before coming to Airdrie.

Lips is joined by assistant coach Ricardo Greenidge, as well as Schulze and Matsuba-Szucs, who leads the outdoor cross-country squad.

The coaches have adopted a philosophy of participants becoming all-around athletes. Although overlapping other sport seasons, AAAC encourages its members to continue involvement in other organized physical activities throughout the year.

Matsuba-Szucs tells parents that cross-training will help youngsters develop into better overall athletes.

“All the great athletes in the world, even Wayne Gretzky, they just weren’t hockey players,” says Matsuba-Szucs. “At a young age the crosstraining … is important. Kids are still developing … they need to develop more than just one sport.”

For those older athletes who do show a special talent in the competitive arena, there is opportunity to excel at the national level. Top finishes can earn invitations to larger events where athletes have been scouted by colleges and universities, possibly earning scholarships.

Despite its infancy, AAAC has already produced impressive results and is on the right track to being compared with the more prominent clubs around the province.

“In the future we hope our club to be as prestigious,” says Matsuba-Szucs. life spring 2012 |

airdrielife.com 49

life in the community | class acts

the trebled Clefs theatre group, including (left to right) Jayla Bainbridge, 17, Brendan Kearny, 11, Mackenzie Jones, 19, and Anna Low, 11, rehearse a production number from shrek the Musical. the group will be one of more than 200 performers to attend the inaugural Airdrie rotary Festival of Performing Arts in April.

A new festival in Airdrie recognizes the vast talent of youth

High Note Hitting a

FOR FIVE DAYS, AIRDRIE’S AMATEUR TALENT WILL GET A CHANCE TO HIT SOME SWEET NOTES IN FRONT OF FRIENDS, FAMILY AND ADJUDICATORS AT THE INAUGURAL AIRDRIE ROTARY FESTIVAL OF PERFORMING ARTS. The event, staged in Airdrie for the first time, is looking to attract more than 200 students and young adults to display their performance talents.

At past competitions, talented Airdrie performers had to travel outside of the city to showcase their performing arts skills and most had to enter events in Olds or Calgary, says festival president Nadine Low. “Those were our options to have a venue to perform in,” Low says.

“We were actually approached by the Alberta Music Festival Association and were asked if we would start one here.”

Scheduled for April 23-27, the festival will include five days of adjudicating in the disciplines of musical theatre, piano, choir and voice. The piano competitions will be held at Genesis Place; then the festival will move to Bert Church Theatre for the remaining events, culminating in a festival showcase performance April 27 at 7 p.m.

“Airdrie is growing into a vibrant community and with many young

50 airdrielife.com | spring 2012

storY ANd PHoto BY CArL PAtZEL

people who are developing talents in the arts,” says Low. “Having a festival in Airdrie will mean that those youth need not travel to festivals outside of our county for an opportunity to perform.”

Based on numbers from earlier such events, Low is expecting between 200 and 250 participants. The Airdrie Rotary Festival of Performing Arts is open to residents from Rocky View County or those who receive lessons from a teacher who resides in this area.

Focus will be placed on learning and teaching in a non-competitive environment, both benefiting and encouraging the development of growing talent in the Airdrie area.

In the planning stage since October 2011, the festival initially tasted success this January when $5,500 was raised during a benefit concert.

Organizers have already received funds from several major sponsors, but they continue to search for more financial support. They will also need 100 volunteers to help at the event.

“We can’t do this without help from the community – financially and volunteer-wise, as well,” adds Low. life more liFe online: See the full schedule and post-event results at airdrielife.com

Distracted Driver

life in the community | second thoughts

lifetimes

WITH ELLEN KELLY

Ellen has her own close call

W

hat thoughts flash across one’s mind when approaching the abyss, the abyss being where one ends up after careening out of control on Deerfoot Trail at 110 km/h? Some people see their loved ones, recall their achievements or watch their lives flash before their eyes, while others plead, confess and pray as they make peace in those final moments. At least that’s what I’ve heard.

So, as I drive south on the Deerfoot, minding my own business and, thank goodness, paying attention, somewhere around 64 Avenue the van in front of me suddenly swerves to the right. Directly in my path, stopped in the centre lane, is a car. I swerve to the left, as left-handed people tend to do, and think ever so briefly, Whew, that was really close, I barely missed him.

I am, of course, headed for the centre median and, in trying to correct, swerve back into the centre lane – oh oh, still going – headed for the ditch on the right. Correct again, back over to the median, correct again to the right. This happens three, maybe four times, all in a matter of seconds. Then I’m back to the centre lane and it’s clear sailing once again. No abyss this time. I am on my way, albeit with my heart beating in my throat.

In those few seconds, what flashes across my mind? I think, This is it. I am going to die. I call forth my Maker, but regrettably not in prayer form, so I hope this isn’t a test. I curse this wild ride and I think of my dogs and how much they would miss me.

(How bizarre is that? My dogs and not my family?) A warning from long ago flashes through my mind and I calmly think, OK, I’m dressed for the occasion – I have on clean underwear. Then to the future – The tires will need to be balanced after all this jerking around. Somehow I think the car would survive while I would not.

I drive more slowly for the rest of my trip, unsteady, not at the wheel but in my mind. Another tie-up on Deerfoot closer to my destination gives me time to compose myself. Thoughts of my family cross my mind and I think about getting my stuff in order, cleaning drawers and closets, updating my will. I wonder who would want my stash of quilting material, my books. I contemplate how fragile life is and how things can change in the blink of an eye.

Then I have a light-bulb moment. I think about the recently introduced distracted driving law and how indebted I am to it. In the past, I have talked on my phone on straight stretches of road with traffic running smoothly and I have always felt in control.

I sometimes drink coffee while driving. The law seemed like an inconvenience, its importance exaggerated.

After my close call, however, I know with 100 per cent certainty that had I been talking on the phone or even drinking a coffee, I would not have had the opportunity to think about anything … ever again. I would have plowed into the stalled car and flown off into the abyss. It was that close. life spring 2012 |

airdrielife.com 51

life in the community| rural roots

  storY BY ALEX FrAZEr-HArrisoN | PHotos BY AAroN HoLMEs

Mom lets her baby grow up to be a cowgirl (and follow her lead)

52 2012 52 airdrie airdrielife. life.com com || spring spring 2012

LAURETTE COCKBURN AND HER DAUGHTER, SUSAN DUBEAU, WERE BORN TO RIDE. And they’ve ridden into the record books, last year becoming the first mother-daughter riders to take home the National Senior Pro Rodeo Ribbon Roping World Championship.

Cockburn, who was born in Prince Albert, Sask., gained a love of horses at an early age.

“I was born into it, and we always had over 100 head of horses – it was something that was really natural,” she says.“I never to this day have been without a horse.”

For 40 years, her family ran a riding stable at Waskesiu in Prince Albert National Park.

“We’d look after these little ponies and give kids rides – my sister was nine and she’d drive the little pony wagon,” recalls Cockburn. “My husband and I met while I was there. And so when our kids came along, we had horses and it was always natural that they loved the horses right away.”

Dubeau’s first barrel race was at the age of six and she later went on to become a champion roper and even a high school rodeo queen. She also competed at the Calgary Stampede.

“It’s a deep passion,” Dubeau says.“I can’t explain it, and when you rodeo, it’s like you have an extended family – so many friends, it’s like you can depend on them. I’m very competitive, and so is [Mom] – that’s where I get that from.”

If rodeo isn’t exciting enough, the pair’s sidelines away from the arena are just as exciting.

“When I first moved to Calgary, I worked as a private investigator,” says Cockburn, who is now retired. “Then

Horses are ‘all in the family’ for Laurette Cockburn (left) and daughter susan dubeau

I worked as a school secretary in Airdrie for 18 years, first at the junior high and then they started up Muriel Clayton [Middle School] and I moved there.”

But Cockburn didn’t completely give up the thrilling life of law enforcement, working security at Calgary International Airport and being recruited to work security at the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Vancouver.

“I worked in the athletes village – I loved the competitions and saw the elation and the heartbreaks and the whole story behind them,” says Cockburn.“One guy was helping his blind brother ski – and he won the gold, too.”

When Dubeau isn’t competing in rodeo, she can be found transporting actors out to movie sets in and around Calgary. “I’ve driven actors like Danny Glover and Billy Zane,” she says.

Laughs her mom: “She gets to spend time with the movie stars; it makes me a little jealous!”

Cockburn and Dubeau have competed on the amateur and pro circuit for more than 30 years, amassing an impressive collection of championship buckles and saddles. But both experienced some downtime to raise their children.

“When I had my kids, I didn’t rodeo for a while, and when Susan was starting to go, my husband said, ‘There’s an empty hole in the trailer – why don’t you start up again?’” says Cockburn. “That’s probably the worst mistake he ever made, because I’ve been gone ever since!”

Last year, at the World Senior Pro Rodeo Finals in Las Vegas, Cockburn took home the 60 Ribbon Roping Runner Championship and Dubeau won the 40 – the first time a mother-daughter team had taken the two prizes at the same competition.

Dubeau compares ribbon roping to a relay.

“We have a roper and they rope the calf and we’re out in the arena, and we grab a ribbon and have to run back to the calf-roping box,” she says. “It’s a very popular event in the States – the crowd goes crazy!”

Also in 2011, the two scored Rocky Mountain Circuit Champion buckles in the Montana Rodeo Tour; Cockburn won Canadian Senior Pro Barrel Racing and Saddle Hi-Point; and Dubeau was named Canadian Senior Pro Ribbon Roping YearEnd Champion.

The family has lived in the Balzac area for some 35 years, most of that time near where CrossIron Mills is now. When development of that area began to heat up five years ago, Cockburn moved to a new ranch just southwest of Airdrie.

Both Cockburn and Dubeau train horses when they’re not competing.

“And horses love to win, too,” laughs Dubeau. “You have to train them so they’re not scared of ground conditions, the arenas, the noise – there’s a lot to it.”

Says her mom: “Susan has a close connection with the colts, and she’s so good at training them because she’s so loving and patient.

Horses work so hard for you – you can’t help but love ’em!”

The two are already gearing up for more competitions this year, including the next Vegas World Senior Pro Rodeo this fall, as well as rodeos in High River and Arizona.

Cockburn says she wouldn’t give it up for the world.

“We’ve been so lucky to have such a good time doing something we really, really like,” she says. “I can’t believe everybody’s not in it!” life spring 2012 |

airdrielife.com 53

2012 life in the community | amazing women

amazing

airdrie women awards It’s truly amazing.

young woman whose initiative and enthusiasm promises for Put the

This year we also present an honour very special to us –

Awards and receive 29 recommendations. From age 15 on,

The Tracy Work Award for Amazing Courage, dedicated to a

cancer fighters to career winners, we are pleased to bring you

woman who has faced adversity with grace, dignity and spirit.

this year’s nominees.

Tracy was one of our 2011 finalists and her smile lit up last

We were happy to get several of the nominees together for a group photo shoot. It was funny to see these women arrive

year’s luncheon. In her memory we renamed this award. (See page 63 for more on Tracy’s life and legacy.)

nervous, shy and “not feeling worthy” of their nominations.

A nominee can be eligible for all categories. On March

But with a glass of wine, an Avenue cupcake, a smart dress

31 we will announce our finalists (there is no set number)

shirt from Mark’s and a whole lot of encouragement we cap-

online at airdrielife.com and on April 19 at Genesis Place

tured 11 of our nominees in absolutely stunning images. How

we will announce the recipients of the 2012 Amazing Airdrie

to capture this? Make them laugh. That was my job: keep them

Women Awards.

entertained and relaxed so they forgot the camera was there.

This year the luncheon is the centrepiece of a full day cel-

Unfortunately there is never enough time/budget/space to

ebrating women, as we present the first Amazing Airdrie Wom-

do this with every nominee but it does not make anyone more

en’s Conference – a day of inspiration, advice, laughter and

important than the other, nor does it reflect our opinion on for

sharing of passions, with amazing national speakers including

whom you should vote.

the hilarious Patricia Morgan and the Go Goddess Barb Thom-

All of the women featured this year are eligible to become finalists with your help. After reading this feature, go online to

stories compiled by Carolyn Mctighe, Anne Beaty, Carl Patzel and sherry shaw-Froggatt

a bright future.

shout out for nominees for the 2012 Amazing Airdrie Women

as. To register go to airdrielife.com, but hurry, seats are limited!

There are several amazing women here at airdrielife who de-

airdrielife.com and cast your votes in five categories:

serve their own special section – they are the reason this magazine

• Amazing Leadership – a woman whose integrity, vision and

looks so good every single time: Anne Beaty, Vanessa Peterelli, Kim

discipline have proved an inspiration to others;

Williams, Wendy Potter-Duhaime, Kristy Reimer, Carolyn McTighe,

• Amazing Determination – a woman who has confronted

Carla Pierce, Sarah Deveau, Linda Bruce and Ellen Kelly. (Guys, I

challenges with perseverance and resolve;

love you, too – you’ll get your kudos next issue.)

• Amazing Heart – a woman whose humanity and compassion Photos by Kristy reimer, Carl Patzel, Anne Beaty and Adam Kuzik

have touched the lives of others; and, • Amazing Promise (for young women 21 and under) – a

54 airdrielife.com | spring 2012

Sherry Shaw-Froggatt, Publisher

1

5

4

2

1

Debi McLeod Sweet Example

Debi Macleod, owner of Avenue Cakery & Bakeshoppe, is wellknown around the community for the joy she brings to her customers, but also for how she goes above and beyond to make dreams happen.

Macleod has also shown great tenacity – when a truck drove through her building, she didn’t want the incident to ruin birthdays for her customers, so she carried on despite the challenges.

“Debi is a breath of fresh air for our community. [She] believes in giving back in any small way she can to the community,” says friend Kathryn Zondag. “She has also started a ‘pay it forward’ movement, and touches hearts with her ‘Random Acts of Sweetness’ – setting an example for us all.”

2

Shala Miller Graduate Gifter

A 2009 Bert Church graduate, Airdrie’s Shala Miller found a way to share her cherished graduation memories while helping a town recovering from disaster.

When Slave Lake, Alta., was devastated by forest fires last spring, Miller, who was planning to get rid of the graduation dress she had held onto for two years, decided there was a better home for it. After working with a Facebook group collecting dresses for students who lost their own in the fires, Miller was able to ship 17 dresses donated from Airdrie and area to help brighten the special day for some of the Slave Lake students.

For the young Airdrie woman, donating her dress, rather than selling it or giving it away, was a special way of helping those who had lost so much.

3

spring 2012 |

airdrielife.com 55

life in the community | amazing women 3

Lori McRitchie

and eventually got her makeup artist diploma, which she put to good use by volunteering to help cancer patients through the Look Good, Feel Better program.

And then in 2010 she was given the gift of a double-lung transplant. This selfless gift by a grieving family changed Yakubowski’s life.

“I’m so much better now,” she says. “I feel just like my old self. I’m even chairman of the Canadian Transplant Games and will be competing in a few events when [they] come to Calgary in July. Despite everything I’ve been through I’m still a very positive person. I’ve learned to take things step by step and one day at a time.

“No matter how dark things may be, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. I’m proof of that,” she adds.

Not-for-Profit Soul

Lori McRitchie’s contagious smile is known and welcomed all over the community.

An Airdrie resident for more than 20 years, McRitchie has made an indelible impact, both while working for Rocky View Schools and especially through her work with Airdrie Food Bank. As executive director (since 2006), McRitchie is in charge of all food bank operations. It may be a huge responsibility, but she sees it as the best of all jobs.

From the community’s perspective, McRitchie is seen as the heart and soul of the organization, with her endless goodness in giving back to the community, a priceless gift to Airdrie.

4

Jody Yakubowski Fearless Fighter

When one looks up the meaning of courage in the dictionary it simply says: “The mental or moral strength to venture, persevere and withstand danger, fear or difficulty.”

If that is what it means to be courageous, then Jody Yakubowski’s name should also be included in that definition.

The 35-year-old’s first test of courage came in April 2003, when she was diagnosed with aplastic anemia. Treatment required she undergo several therapy sessions to help boost her weakened and vulnerable immune system.

All seemed well for a while, and then in fall 2008 Yakubowski’s courage was again challenged when she was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia.

“It was a tough thing to go through,” she says. “I’ve always tried to be a positive and upbeat person, but hearing that I had leukemia was a really scary thing to deal with.”

Later that same year Yakubowski had a bone marrow transplant and once again things seemed to be getting better. But by 2009 her health again began to decline and soon she was back in the hospital being treated for chronic graft-versus-host disease.

The illness, which can be a complication of bone marrow transplants, causes donated stem cells to reject the host body and begin to attack the host body’s cells. The result for Yakubowski was irreparable damage to her lungs.

Through each setback she did the only thing she knew to do – persevere. She studied for

56 airdrielife.com | spring 2012

5

Marthe

“I grew up on a farm, so I’ve always understood what it means to work hard,” says Desmarais-Moen. “But more than that I’ve always enjoyed the kind of partnership and friendship that comes from working with others.

There is nothing better than having a goal in front of you and working with other people to achieve it.”

For her, volunteering is simply another facet of a busy life. In addition to running her own home-based business, Desmarais-Moen still gives whatever time she can to a sport she feels adopted her as much as she adopted it.

“I have loved being a part of the gymnastics community,” she says. “The people I have met over the years and the young people I have watched grow up through judging and other competitions [have] been so rewarding. They’re the people who deserve the recognition, not me.”

Desmarais-Moen Vaulting Volunteer

Having the spotlight shine on her is not something that makes Marthe Desmarais-Moen all that comfortable.

The soft-spoken North Battleford, Sask., native has been calling Airdrie home since 1993 and in that time has made herself an integral part of the community. From her work as treasurer, vice-president and then president of the Airdrie Edge to her countless hours spent as the Alberta Gymnastics Federation trampoline and tumbling judge chairperson, Desmarais-Moen is not content to just sit back and do nothing.

“My daughter began in gymnastics when she was about four years old,” she says. “From early on there was a need to get things done and I naturally felt that it was my responsibility to help out in any way that I could. I have always followed the belief that if you are involved in something you should be involved in it in every way possible.”

With that mantra firmly fixed in her mind, Desmarais-Moen helped transform the Airdrie Edge from a small-scale gymnastics club into a world-class training facility. Through her fundraising efforts, dogged determination, relentless energy and vision, children from all over the community are able to enjoy the kind of trampoline and tumbling centre that many larger cities still lack.

6

BerylAnne Hodges Memory Maker

Owner of Airdrie’s Where Memories are Made, BerylAnne Hodges always greets her customers with a smile and a warm welcome. She takes the time to get to know her customers, treating them as friends and making them feel important. Her customers say she is “truly a woman with an amazing heart.”

7

Jordan Seegmiller Hockey Hero

Now wrapping up her rookie year with the SAIT Trojans women’s hockey team, Jordan Seegmiller’s passion for the sport began when she was just a little girl. The five-foot-six forward began her hockey career ‘on the street,’ moved to organized hockey at age eight and hasn’t looked back. A great role model, Seegmiller hasn’t let her game detract from her scholastic and career goals, but hockey will always be a part of her life.

Remember when? Jordan first appeared in airdrielife in 2008 (at left), as the first girl to enter the George McDougall Hockey Skills Academy. (See the original story online at airdrielife.com)

Crippen

Motivated Mom

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The mother of two boys, a loving wife and a motivated athlete, Heather Crippen is also owner of a growing fitness business, motivating and helping people in Airdrie to attain goals both physically and emotionally. She successfully juggles motherhood, her business and her own physical fitness training with a smile on her face and no complaints.

10 Marlene

Rodriguez

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Humble Helper

A modest, humble, big-hearted woman, Marlene Rodriguez loves to help others. Rodriguez initiated, co-ordinated and has been in charge of Airdrie’s Inn From the Cold for about a year, working with volunteers from St. Paul’s Catholic Church to feed the busload of homeless people from Calgary who come to Airdrie on the third Wednesday of each month. She organizes activities for the evening, overnight supervision, breakfasts and bag lunches for everyone, and cleanup crews.

9

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8 Heather

Brenda Hume Community Captain

Community Links executive director Brenda Hume makes a huge difference in the community. Passionate about what she does, Hume has been an integral part of getting the social services agencies in the area to work together, with the executive directors meeting on a regular basis, in order to support each other and best meet the needs of the community.

“She’s just well-respected,” says Community Links colleague Laurie Jacob-Toews.

But it’s not just in an administrative role that Hume shines.

“She’s just a great person,” JacobToews says. “She’s very genuine, she’s very caring.”

spring 2012 |

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life in the community | amazing women 11 Tracy

Hauck

Driven Supporter

The long list of sports teams, schools, notfor-profits and causes Tracy Hauck supports through her business, The Butcher Shoppe, would put some businesses to shame.

Whether it’s cash or product donations, since her first year in business Hauck has made giving back a priority, and she has set the bar high for others.

The cause most dear to Hauck’s heart is the annual Toy Drive she organizes for Alberta Children’s Hospital. Celebrating its 10th year in 2012, this annual collection of new toys brightens the spirits of hundreds of children year round. “We started with two SUVs filled to the roof. Now we send in a full U-Haul,” she says. According to the hospital, Hauck’s toy drive is the largest single donation of toys annually. “They told me they count on it,” she says.

No accolades or kudos or awards are necessary for what the Shoppe does, because Hauck believes being a part of the community means supporting the community. She says she has tremendous local support that has made her business a success, and she believes this has to be paid forward. “It’s what keeps Airdrie vibrant; it makes us all stronger and every time we reach out we build on that strength. It’s simply a pleasure to contribute.”

Wood

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Fundraising Guru

Faith Wood is a charismatic speaker who has built a consulting business that has helped many people in a number of areas including how to deal with conflict resolution. She headed up a fundraising effort on behalf of her twin sister and has written a book on fundraising and another on bullying. Read more on page 28.

58 airdrielife.com | spring 2012

13

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12Faith

Jodie Matsuba-Szucs All-Around Activist

Jodie Matsuba-Szucs is an all-around awesome community supporter. Even though she has a demanding job as a part-time nurse, she volunteers for all of her children’s activities. When she identifies a need in the community, she makes it happen by bringing amazing, capable people together – from the Mayor’s Recreation for Life Run and Walk to the Airdrie Hershey’s track meet to the Airdrie Aces Athletic Club.

14 Glenda

Alexander

Civic-Minded Citizen

She may be the last woman on Airdrie city council, but Glenda Alexander is no shrinking violet. For more than eight years the tenacious alderman has been going toe to toe with her fellow politicians to bring forth policies, initiatives and programs that have helped to make Airdrie one of the most desirable cities in all of Alberta.

“I love my job and feel very passionate about what I do,” says Alexander. “I have always been someone who wants to make a difference and I truly believe that my role as alderman has allowed me to do exactly that.”

With a keen passion for enhancing and improving the arts and culture in the community, Alexander admits she is not exactly ready to hang up her alderman’s hat quite yet.

“Every time that I think I may be done, I think of more things I want to accomplish,” she says. “I would love to see a brand new library and a 24-hour health care centre. In the last few years we’ve definitely seen a lot of change and growth in the city, but there are still things that need to be done.”

As the only woman on council, Alexander believes that she brings a certain sensitivity and caring to issues that her male counterparts do not always share. And although she says there is a definite shortage of estrogen at city hall, she is quite content and very capable of keeping her masculine colleagues in check.

“The men I work with may all appear tough and rough on the outside, but inside they’re all just a bunch of marshmallows,” says Alexander. “I think women inherently approach issues differently than men. It isn’t that we do things better, we just approach them in a more maternal way. I love being the one who gets to add the female point of view into an otherwise male-dominated conversation.”

Pulsifer

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Compassionate Coach

Caerol Pulsifer’s humanity and compassion have touched the lives of many. As a parent coach at Airdrie’s Community Links, Pulsifer provides help with parenting skills, family management skills, support and resources. A calm, caring and amazing woman, she helps families face hardship, take on challenges and heal heartache.

16 Sharon

Cronin

Education Advocate

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15 Caerol

As principal of École Edwards Elementary School, Sharon Cronin is an educator and a leader. She faces many challenges with fortitude and a win-win attitude and also passes these traits onto staff, students and parents. She has amazing insight on the 21st century learner and is a strong advocate for being a responsible member of society.

spring 2012 |

airdrielife.com 59

life in the community | amazing women

17 Shae

Lake

Local Visionary

Photo by Marie Pollock, courtesy of Airdrie Echo

Airdrie resident Shae Lake’s actions have made a world of difference to blind and vision-impaired people in her neighbourhood and around the city. Lake, who is legally blind, requested that the City install audible crosswalk signals at the intersections of Veterans Boulevard and Main Street and Main Street and Stonegate Drive. Lake’s request was not only for herself, she says, but also for anyone else who may benefit from an audible crosswalk signal.

19 Kira

Lengkeek

Snow Angel

Wine

Business Powerhouse As a recipient of the Winning Edge Award, co-owner of Airdrie’s Sign Concepts and vice-president of the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce, Lisa Wine has established herself as a powerhouse in the local business world. She is also more than willing to help out with local charities and always has a smile on her face.

20 Annette

Coates

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Generosity Personified

A mother of two, a local realtor, and a part-time airport ambassador with WestJet, Annette Coates is a kind and caring individual who goes out of her way to make sure that everyone else is looked after. She is a Rotarian, a generous soul and all-around great friend.

60 airdrielife.com | spring 2012

21 Lorna

Hunt

Committed Leader

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18 Lisa

Despite dominating at an elevated sport, 13-year-old Kira-Nicole Lengkeek has her feet planted firmly on the ground.

The young snowboarder is carving a place in a male-dominated sport while jumping over her competition. Lengkeek sped past the field during qualifier events in boarder-cross and slope-style, earning her a spot to represent Zone 2 at the Alberta Winter Games in February. Lengkeek did us proud, winning gold in banked slalom and silver in slopestyle.

“I would really like to encourage other girls [who] may be interested to get out there and give it a try. The sport is overrun by boys, but that leaves the door wide open for us,” she says.

Boarding since age six, Lengkeek also back-flipped her way into photo shoots for Sport Chek flyers and drew the attention of Oakley Canada.

Lorna Hunt has worked tirelessly with the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce for more than 13 years, promoting the Airdrie business community at every opportunity. As the Chamber’s executive director, and only full-time staff person, Hunt leads a 12- to 14-person volunteer board of directors year after year, guiding, educating and keeping the Chamber moving in a positive direction.

“It is her commitment and leadership that draws new board members year after year and drives the continued growth of the Chamber (nearing 500 members),” says Chamber president Mike De Bokx. “I believe Lorna is an amazing woman with tremendous leadership and dedication, not only for the Chamber itself, but for the city … as a whole.”

22

24

25

23 26 27 22Crystal

Adamo

Pride of the Pack

Crystal Adamo, president of the Airdrie Lioness Club, has true passion for the organization and what it does. Working incredibly hard, yet with a smile on her face, Adamo provides inspiration for her fellow Lionesses and the community.

Under her leadership, the club has grown to nearly 40 members.

When Airdrie’s Sarah Sperrin was considering the Lioness Club, a talk with Adamo was all it took.

“She won me over with her passion, dedication and enthusiasm,” Sperrin says. “I feel honored to be a fellow Lioness beside her.

“It is clear she is an amazing Airdrie woman who takes pride in her position and this city,” Sperrin adds.

23Jennifer

Ruklic

Carter’s Champion

Airdrie mother Jennifer Ruklic knows all too well how protective mothers can be. Three years ago she and her husband were faced with the devastating news that their newborn son, Carter, had hemophilia.

Although the news temporarily left them reeling, Ruklic wasted no time wallowing in the diagnosis and decided that neither she nor her son would be a victim.

“For a few months I really didn’t want anything to do with hemophilia,” she says. “The hospital gave me this huge red binder filled with scary facts and information and I put it under my bed, because that’s where monsters go. It was a lot to take in right away and knowing that I was the one who gave it to him made it even harder to accept. But I couldn’t stay in that space for long. I had to get over it for Carter’s sake.”

Armed with all the information she could find and a determination to make her son’s life better, Ruklic created Carter’s Quest for a Cure, a non-profit organization that helps to raise money to find cures for hemophilia and other blood-related disorders.

The organization has been a very positive outlet for Ruklic and has helped to bring more attention to this often-misunderstood illness. It has also served as a lifeline for other parents with children suffering from the same disease.

“I have met so many people and have heard such amazing stories from them,” says Ruklic.

“There is a whole community of people out there dealing with this illness and I feel honoured to be a part of it. I certainly never wanted hemophilia to be a part of my family’s life, but it is and I’m not going to sit back and let it get the best of us.” spring 2012 |

airdrielife.com 61

life in the community | amazing women 24 Kayla

Kelly

Devoted Daughter

Despite her young age, teen Kayla Kelly has shouldered some heavy responsibilities over the past couple of years.

When her mother, Terri Amey, was seriously injured in a motor vehicle crash, Kelly did what she had to do. After Amey came home from the hospital Kelly helped her live day to day while looking after her brother and father and the house – even though her school work suffered. (Kelly is currently working hard to make up what she missed so she can graduate high school.)

“She helps anyone who asks – friends, neighbours and even strangers in passing with small things like holding the door to big things like watching their children,” Amey says. “I am very proud of her and think she needs some help to build her confidence and show the world who she is!”

25 Pat

Elliot

Cancer Crusader

Pat Elliot is a woman who knows all too well the devastating effects of cancer. Throughout her lifetime she has watched family members and friends battle the unforgiving disease.

Occasionally those battles have ended in triumph, but for far too many they have ended in tears.

“Cancer is a horrible disease,” says Elliot. “It doesn’t discriminate. It attacks people of any age, gender or race. And for those of us who are left standing there watching our loved ones suffer, there is an absolute sense of helplessness that washes over you.”

Seeing people’s lives ripped apart by such an unflinching opponent is the reason why Elliot decided to get involved with the Canadian Cancer Society and the Airdrie Relay for Life Committee. Through her work with both, Elliot has helped to bring attention to the disease and also raised money to help fund cancer research projects she is hoping will one day result in a cure.

“There are so many types of cancer out there that need money, and the great thing about the Canadian Cancer Society is that it supports research for all of them,” she says. “I have always believed that you do what you know is right. I may not see a cure for cancer in my lifetime, but while I’m here I’m going to do everything I

62 airdrielife.com | spring 2012

can to try to ensure that my children and their children get to see one.”

Being a giving person is something Elliot admits comes naturally to her. As a young girl growing up in a small rural community in Saskatchewan, she was often a witness to the charitable acts of her mother, an accomplished organist who never turned down the opportunity to help those who needed her.

“I remember one time she had to drive into Saskatoon to have some dental surgery done,” says Elliot. “As soon as the surgery was over she rushed back to town so she could play the organ at a funeral at our church. She didn’t know the family and could have easily said no, but she didn’t.”

That selfless example her mother set stuck with Elliot over the years and is something she hopes she was able to instil in her own children.

“You give what you can,” she says. “Helping people is not a choice, it’s a responsibility.”

26 Sharie

McTavish

Friend in Need

Sharie McTavish is a true friend in every sense of the word. She was selflessly there for her friend Terri Amey (our makeover story in March 2011) as she recovered from a horrific car accident. McTavish was the first to jump for joy when Amey had good news and comforted her through the bad news, all while raising a young daughter who faced multiple surgeries and giving birth to a son.

27 Taelyr

Patton

Twirling Teen

Taelyr Patton is a young woman with a very promising future. At 17, she has already accomplished more than many people twice her age. In addition to being an honour roll student, Patton is also a baton twirling champion, coach and mentor.

Although her plate is certainly full and her responsibilities are more than those of many her age, she is not looking to slow down any time soon.

“I love being involved in all the things I do,” says Patton. “Sometimes it can be a lot, but

my parents have really taught me how to balance everything out. In the last year or two I’ve learned how to manage my time better and that has made things much easier.”

Set to graduate from Bert Church High School this summer, Patton is looking forward to continuing her academic excellence at the University of Calgary.

She is also excited about being recently selected to join the Trans Canada Twirling Team, which will be travelling to Paris, France, this August to compete in the world championships.

“It’s a great opportunity and I’m really excited about it,” says Patton. “I’ve been twirling since I was about nine years old. I tried a few different sports when I was younger, but none of them seemed to stick. I love the challenge of baton and that you can keep excelling in it.

It’s something that has taught me a lot about myself and has brought me out of my shell.”

Hoping to pass on her own positive experiences with the sport, Patton decided to become a coach and received her certification for baton and dance three years ago.

Her desire to inspire and encourage young people to never give up on their dreams is the reason why she also decided to begin mentoring students at R.J. Hawkey Elementary School twice a week. Being given the opportunity to teach young people the importance of striving for their goals, and being a role model for them to look up to, is something Patton takes very seriously.

“When I talk to kids younger than me I always tell them to stay determined and to never give up,” she says. “You have to stay committed to the things that are important to you. Just because you’re young doesn’t mean you can’t accomplish big things.”

28

Sarah Parker Expressive Student

Grade 10 student Sarah Parker’s creativity expresses itself in a variety of ways, from singing, playing and composing music to writing. Although she has been writing short stories for some time, she also had her first novel published as an e-book last summer.

Even at her young age, Parker has demonstrated the time and dedication to her craft that is necessary for success.

29

life, laughter and love that have helped to lessen the pain.

“She was the cutest baby with black curly hair and big blue eyes,” says mother Doreen Kleisinger. “They were truly the most amazing eyes and from the moment we saw her we knew she was going to be a very special person.”

Being special just seemed to be in her DNA. Even in the midst of her own chemotherapy, IV treatments, blood transfusions, surgeries and countless injections, Work never stopped thinking of others, especially those who were facing a similar battle.

“She felt very strongly about raising money to help find a cure for cancer,” says friend Pat Elliot. “She was co-chair for the Relay for Life volunteer board and was such a role model for others suffering with the disease. She was the kind of person who always made you feel like she was your best friend.

“She lit up a room when she entered it and when she left you knew you were better off for knowing her,” Elliot adds.

Linda Lundeen

Courageous Inspiration (in memoriam) Every year, Airdrie’s Linda Lundeen carried out a tradition that benefited needy children around the world.

Working with the Operation Christmas Child program, Lundeen put together shoeboxes filled with basic hygiene items, school supplies and toys – each set to go to a child in need in an impoverished country. It was a way for her to reach out to others and she continued even when faced with her own life-threatening challenge.

Last year, Lundeen was diagnosed with terminal cancer and was given only a few months to live. That didn’t stop her from taking part in her beloved Operation Christmas Child, collecting items and filling shoeboxes as best she could.

By the time she lost the battle with cancer, Lundeen had touched the lives of countless children and her courage proved inspirational, for both those here at home and the children a world away she worked so hard to help.

image submitted

Tracy Work

Courage, kindness, compassion and grace are all words that seem to best describe the kind of mother, friend, wife and daughter who was Tracy Work.

For those who were lucky enough to know her, Work’s life, though painfully cut short by cancer at the age of 39, was one full of happiness and joy.

She was a woman who faced the toughest battle of her life and did it with the kind of dignity and bravery that inspires those around her.

“Tracy always had such a big heart and warm smile,” says husband Clinton. “She was always willing to help and support her family and friends, even when she wasn’t feeling well, and she truly did everything possible to try and be here for us.”

Yet despite her best efforts and the prayers and wishes of many, Work lost her six-year battle with breast cancer in August 2011.

The void she has left in the lives of those who loved her is still tender and raw, but thankfully there are many memories of her

image submitted

image submitted

A very special woman whose life touched many and who faced adversity with grace, dignity and spirit, Tracy Work was nominated for an Amazing Woman Award in 2011, the program’s inaugural year. Although she is no longer with us, her legacy will live on, as the Amazing Women Award for courage has been named in her honour.

A Son’s Letter Airdrie resident David Fuhrer shares his mother’s courageous battle with cancer as a way “to show people they are not alone in this world.” Although his mom did not reside in Airdrie, Fuhrer carries her memories with him. Here is an excerpt from his poignant letter to airdrielife. The full letter can be read online at airdrielife.com I am so proud of my mom; she never once complained about having cancer. She always said, “I’m OK, just my body is not co-operating.” She took the disease on and lived with it for five years, with a smile on her face. I know there were some times when hope was lost, but I believe our family kept her going and living a decent life with a disease that one day hopefully will be a thing of the past.

Some time has passed and while writing this letter my grandmother passed away due to complications mainly caused by cancer. Within a two-month period my family has lost two very brave women who relied on each other to live as long as they did. May they rest in peace, and I hope that if or when I am confronted with a life-threatening disease, I am as strong as they were and just smile and enjoy life as long as possible. more liFe online Read in its entirety Fuhrer’s poignant remembrance of his mother.

spring 2012 |

airdrielife.com 63

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This map is for thematic purposes only. This map may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, in any form or by any means without written permission of the City of Airdrie. The City of Airdrie provides this information in good faith, but it provides no warranty, nor accepts any liability arising from any incorrect, incomplete or misleading information or its improper use.

© February 2012, City of Airdrie

64 airdrielife.com | spring 2012

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www.airdrienow.ca www.airdrienow.ca spring 2012 |

airdrielife.com 65

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Spring selling = spring cleaning

F

or many people the signs of spring often bring on feelings of new beginnings. Maybe it’s the new baby animals crawling out of caves or the freedom of not wearing a parka and eight knitted accessories to stay warm.

Whatever the reason, it’s a great time for a fresh start.

Spring also tends to be a time when we see a lot of listings come onto the real estate market, and it makes sense. Listing in the spring will likely translate into a summer possession date, and that works great for most people because the summer is a natural transition time. Whether you are looking to ‘start fresh’ or sell your house, here are a few spring cleaning tips.

Baseboards and trim work collect dirt and grime over time, so it’s a good idea to give them a thorough cleaning. If your trim work is painted, wipe it down with soap and water; if it is stained wood you can wipe it with a mixture of one part lemon juice, one part oil and two parts water.

A lot of people will clean their windows but often forget about the window coverings. With so many options in blinds it is best to check your manufacturer’s instructions for care or Google it (because if

68 airdrielife.com | spring 2012

you don’t know, Google will). If you have drapes and a giant slobbery dog as I do, then cleaning the drapes will be very important, too. Again, make sure you follow the instructions for cleaning; otherwise you could end up with a flood-pant look in your living room.

Now look up ... at your light fixtures and ceiling fans. If your ceiling fan hasn’t been on all winter you will get a nice little ‘dust rain’ when you turn it on if you don’t wipe it down first.

Cleaning a glass light fixture can also make a huge difference in how much light is given off (as well as eliminating any little friends that enjoyed their winter hibernation there).

Cleaning your house before it goes on the market and spring cleaning are very similar in that the goal is to scrub those areas that don’t get a lot of attention but can make a huge difference.

These are just a few suggestions, so check online for others and review your home inspection report for other items to check seasonally. Your home is likely your biggest investment, so take care of it. life Michelle Carre is a Realtor with RE/MAX Rocky View in Airdrie.

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life at home | interior design

lifestyles

WITH TINA McMILLAN

Time to

SPRING IS FINALLY HERE, so it’s time for us to “lighten up!” Canadians are nothing if not resilient, able to endure the roller-coaster ride between sub-zero and soaring temperatures.

The warmer weather invites us to open the windows and let the fresh air back into our homes again. You can take this a step further, by replacing (and/or storing) dark and heavy pieces of accent furniture with lighter and brighter ones. Don’t forget to declutter along the way.

This is also the time to put on your rosecoloured glasses and see your home from a new perspective. Imagine how even a minor change such as rearranging the furniture in your bedroom can make it seem suddenly new.

Let’s talk 2012 interior design trends!

70 airdrielife.com | spring 2012

lighten

up!

WHAt is stiLL PoPULAr? • Decorating with recycled and natural materials: organic cotton fabrics, bamboo, satin, cork, wool and felt. We still like accessories that fill our tactile need for texture, which reinforces our connection to Mother Nature.

• Incorporating industrial metallic elements in both lighting and accessories: stainless steel, copper, bronze, wrought iron and glass.

• Eclectic tendencies that showcase our yearning to maintain a balance between our ancestral heritage (classic vintage style) and the present day (modern contemporary style).

• Kitchens with recycled glass countertops, reclaimed hardware knobs and pulls, burnished metal sinks, and painted and distressed cabinets.

• The Chinese practice of feng shui methods as they apply to your living and working spaces.

WHAt is NEW? • Pantone’s hot new colour for 2012 is Tangerine Tango #17-1463, labelled “a vivacious and appealing reddish orange.”

• A return to indulgence as the economic situation is predicted to improve.

• Furniture with lower backs and created in smaller scale to reflect the increasingly growing need to downsize.

• Wallpaper on an isolated feature wall in bright, bold, floral patterns.

• Asian motifs displayed on dishware, decorative vases, tablecloths, area rugs, wall art and bedding.

Tina McMillan, CID (a.k.a. The Decorating Diva), is a local interior designer who has called Airdrie home for the past six years.

Ultimately, you need to recognize what design trends work best for you. Keep in mind that a “trend” is just that. I recommend using the 70/30 rule: have 70 per cent of what’s in your home reflect your personal style and let the remaining 30 per cent represent your favourite trends.

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life at home | showtime

New Life for the Home Show The 2012 Airdrie Home & Lifestyle Show brings fresh ideas forward

T

he Airdrie Home & Lifestyle Show has a new name, a new logo and an exciting new feature: a lifestyle demo stage – all part of the goals of the event’s management team, from the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce, to revitalize and reinvent what has been a 35-year tradition.

“It’s important the show continue to evolve and reflect the interests of the community,” event coordinator Marie Lauer says of the changes to this year’s show. “While there are still elements that continue to be popular, it’s time for us to move forward and create a more diverse show, a true lifestyle showcase of our city.”

The new lifestyle stage will feature experts on everything from improving your golf swing to DIY advice, nutrition and design, and even pet care help from a local vet. The culinary team from the ATCO Blue Flame Kitchen is travelling to Airdrie to set up the kitchen on the lifestyle stage, something Lauer has been working on for several months.“This is an exciting addition to the lifestyle stage,” Lauer says.“Everyone will enjoy watching these inspired chefs at work.”

An entertainment stage will showcase area talent, this year providing a wider cross-section of performances and genres.

Since moving to Genesis Place in 2010, the home show has had more room to expand, not only in the number of exhibitors but also in the ability to create special attractions during the two-day event, which draws up to 2,500 people a day.

Visitors will find more than 150 exhibitors, ranging from jewelry to landscaping, massage to furniture. In fact, there are more than 30 categories of services and products listed at airdriehomeshow.ca Admission is $5 per person (children 12 and under are admitted free) and your ticket is your entry into a draw for a $1,000 shopping spree at Safeway Airdrie, as well as several other prizes: a lifestyle package, an outdoor living package, makeovers and so much more.

An added bonus is the return of the highly successful art show and sale put on by the Airdrie Regional ARTS Society – 3,000 square feet filled with works by regional artists is included in your home show admission.

The show runs Saturday, April 28, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, April 29, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Airdrie Home & Lifestyle Show is being touted as not just an event, but an experience.“We want to invite everyone out to connect, explore and shop, while learning how to enhance your home and your life,” Lauer says.

From inspired decor and renovation trends to healthy living ideas, the Home & Lifestyle Show is the place to be.

“Come to be informed, or just entertained,” says Lauer. “There is no better way to discover Airdrie and all it has to offer.” life

72 airdrielife.com | spring 2012

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life at home | neighbourhood profile

The Village storY BY sArAH dEVEAU | PHoto BY CArL PAtZEL

AIRDRIE’S HIDDEN GEM

Editor’s NotE: Welcome to a new feature in airdrielife where we explore each neighbourhood and discover what makes it special to the people who live there. We start not alphabetically, but with the oldest community in Airdrie, The Village.

S

urrounded by busy commercial streets, Airdrie’s The Village neighbourhood is tucked quietly away, sheltered by large, mature trees. Roughly bordered by Main Street on the west, Edmonton Trail on the east, Jensen Drive on the north and Second Avenue on the south, the neighbourhood includes the Plainsmen Arena, Jensen Park and the Tri-Schools.

Formerly known as Old Town, the neighbourhood’s boundaries today represent the entire Village of Airdrie boundary as it existed in 1974, when Airdrie’s status was upgraded from village to town by the Province of Alberta.

Concerned about preserving this community’s unique character, the City of Airdrie adopted The Village area redevelopment plan in 2006, to much applause from the community. This plan noted that the area has not been significantly changed over the past few decades, maintaining its separated sidewalks; large, single-dwelling lots; and the traditional character of homes and streetscape, and that there was value in maintaining this style.

“When we looked at The Village, we knew we had to work with the community to understand what they wanted their neighbourhood to

look like,” explains former mayor Linda Bruce, now the executive director of Creative Airdrie. “In large cities, these inner-city neighbourhoods usually end up converting to infill housing.”

With thousands of acres available for new residential development, Bruce says it was clear that this would not be the fate of The Village.“We wanted to help preserve this special neighbourhood, where the city’s history could be honoured.”

Today, residents or those with commercial interests looking to develop or redevelop a property must conform to certain design characteristics and architectural elements to maintain the integrity of the traditional look of the community. That’s just what chef Rico Pacheco did when he renovated an early 1900s home (originally the manse for the church next door) into Rico’s in the Village, an intimate tapas restaurant.

“I feel very lucky to have been able to open my restaurant in The Village,” says Pacheco. “It is such a beautiful area, and that’s hard to find these days.

“I hope that more quaint little stores or restaurants are allowed to open up in the area,” he adds,“as having more places you can eat or shop at would just add to the small-town feel of The Village.” life spring 2012 |

airdrielife.com 75

life at home | local legacy

Celebrating

storY BY CAroLYN MCtiGHE | PHoto BY KristY rEiMEr

M 25 years with McKee Homes

(left to right) Elaine McKee-doel and Grace McKee of McKee Homes Ltd.

76 airdrielife.com | spring 2012

cKee Homes is a family-owned and operated company that has been making the dreams of local Airdrie families come true for 25 years.

Created in 1987 by family patriarch Martin McKee, the company is now under the direction of McKee’s two daughters – Elaine McKee-Doel, who serves as president of the company, and Grace McKee, who is the chief estimator and senior home planner.

Both women grew up watching their father run his business with a focus on building homes that were not only beautiful to behold, but also constructed with the utmost attention to detail. As both a father and a businessman, he was his daughters’ mentor.

“I was basically my dad’s little shadow for a very long time. I watched him and learned from him how to treat people and how to run a business with integrity,” McKee-Doel says.

The elder McKee’s determination to build superior-quality homes took McKee Homes from a one-man company in the late 1980s to one of the leading home construction companies in all of Alberta today.

That old-world sensibility their father brought with him from Ireland to Airdrie is something his daughters still pride themselves on today and is the greatest legacy he left them.

“He definitely taught me how to be fiscally responsible, but he also taught me the importance of quality,” McKee-Doel says.“He believed strongly in being an honest person and approached all things in life

with integrity and determination. He taught me how to manage a business and the importance of being one with the community.

“He also instilled in me the belief that you should never be afraid to reach for more,” she adds.

Taking the helm when their father passed away in 2006, the two women are part of a very small group of women who run and operate home-building companies. Although the industry is typically led by men, the McKee sisters are more than capable of holding their own and have equal doses of their father’s determination and spirit to thank for it.

“I’ve never wanted to be judged because I was a woman. I believe that my work should speak for itself,” McKee-Doel says.

However, she adds, “Although men tend to dominate this type of business, we have always been treated fairly.”

And despite being the boss’s daughters, the two women did not get to where they are today by taking shortcuts or banking on their family name. For both of them it was all about hard work, perseverance and proving that they had what it takes to run the company.

“I got my start answering phones for the company and worked my way up, moving into estimating, budgeting and the design of homes,” says Grace.“It was definitely from the ground up, but now I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

Looking ahead to the next 25 years, the two women see Airdrie as the company’s major market.

“We hope to continue in this business for a very long time,” Elaine says. “Our vision is to become the most highly recommended builder and our mission is to continue to craft exceptional homes for our very valued customers.”

The voice of their father will be with them every day, as well. “[Dad] used to say,‘If it’s not right, then it’s wrong,’ and he meant that in terms of pursuing quality,” Elaine says. “For him it wasn’t just about building houses, it was about building homes.” life

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airdrielife.com 77

life at home | showhomes

A “

stylish neighbourhood that is family-centric” is how Ravenswood is positioned among all the communities in Airdrie by the developer, Qualico Communities.

This Airdrie community offers charming yet stylish architecture and a family-friendly layout with a focus on parks, pathways and quiet streets. At the same time, it’s close to shopping, schools and entertainment.

Ravenswood’s homes include quaint elements that evoke memories of the quintessential English village. Such details as the masonry, beams, dormers and shutters impart a feeling of craftsmanship, timelessness and old-world charm.

Take a look inside three of the showhomes currently available (there are eight in all).

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78 airdrielife.com | spring 2012

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spring 2012 |

airdrielife.com 79

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airdrielife.com 81

life at home | gardening

g n u r p s

SPRING HAS (ALMOST)

BY ANNE BEAtY

F

or those gardeners who have been reduced to limping their poinsettias through the winter just to get the teensiest bit of growing satisfaction, take heart. The seeds are in and spring is nearly here!

Regardless of what the weather is like outside, enthusiasts can pore over gardening catalogues and decide just what to put where when the time is right. March is also a great time to begin some flowers, and each year it’s a lot of fun to see the latest types of plants available.

Long-time favourites in this part of the country include alyssum, impatiens, lobelia, marigolds and nasturtium, but check the catalogues to see what’s new.

“They’re coming up with new varieties all the time,” says Blue Grass retail manager Linda Pieper.

While mid-April is a good time to start potatoes and other vegetables, as well as bulbs, flower seeds can be planted any time from now on.

A few simple rules are all it takes to produce a healthy crop of beddingout plants come the growing season.

The type of growing medium used is important. Garden soil is not light or crumbly enough for proper germination and growth, so a soilless growing medium is preferable. There are several from which to choose.

82 airdrielife.com | spring 2012

Proper watering is also essential. “They want to be just damp,” Pieper says, adding that if they are over- or underwatered, it’s tough to bring damaged seedlings back.

When it comes to light, contrary to popular belief, the best growing window faces east, Pieper says. However, she adds,“You don’t want [the seedlings] to get too hot.”

More heat at first is good for the seeds, to stimulate germination.

Then the heat level should be lowered a bit to slow growth and prevent spindly leggy plants. Pinching them back if they start to get a bit stretched encourages stronger stalks, Pieper adds.

While seeds do not need fertilizer, seedlings can benefit from regular application of a weak fertilizer solution.

After babying your new seedlings along for a few weeks, the best time for planting is often mid-May. But, of course, it all depends on the weather. “In this country, it’s all over the map – there is no rule of thumb,” Pieper laughs.“We’ve had frost on [ June 7].”

(But that’s part of the fun and challenge of gardening in this particular region: Will there be a freezeup in June? Snow in July? Drought in August? And there are a few plants that appear to relish the challenge.

“Pansies – they like the cold,” Pieper says.)

Once the plants are outside, there are a few things to remember about fertilizing. Slow-release fertilizer is only effective when the temperature is 20 C and over. Between 0 C and 20 C, liquid fertilizer should be used – every day at a low grade, Pieper says. This will keep the plants stimulated without overwhelming them.

Overall, Pieper says, gardening is all about enjoying yourself and not worrying if something doesn’t work out. There’s always next year!

“Try something new, be creative and have fun with it,” she says.

Along with flower gardening, for people who don’t have a traditional yard but want to enjoy fresh produce, there are several options.

Growing bags are great for potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, salad greens – plants that don’t have a deep root system. These grow bags can be used virtually anywhere – from porches to decks to balconies – and are easily stored when the growing season is over.

And gardeners, whether experienced or neophyte, may also want to check out the workshops offered by area garden centres and nurseries.

These encompass everything from beginner pruning and how to grow roses to proper planting techniques and growing your own food. Go online to learn more about what is available. life

work life at 84 Ample Opportunity 87 Heads for Business 89 Two Times Lucky

life at work| economic development

Economically

Speaking Airdrie’s Economic Development team has business growth on the radar storY BY ALEX FrAZEr-HArrisoN

A

irdrie continued to attract new residents and businesses in 2011, and Airdrie Economic Development forecasts another busy year ahead.

The city’s population swelled by 3,333 last year, pushing it past the 43,000 mark, says Kent Rupert, Economic Development team leader.

“With that we saw a lot of new industry come in, as well, such as Mirolin Industries, a bathtub manufacturer, that moved into the old Palliser Furniture building,” Rupert says. “We grew about 5.3 per cent in our commercial/industrial.”

As for housing construction, “it’s down a bit, back to where it was around 2008, but multifamily has gone through the roof this year,” he says. End-of-year building statistics show that multifamily residential construction, which flatlined in 2010, hit nearly $27.9 million in 2011; and there was nearly $277.5 million in construction permits issued in 2011, up close to $20 million over 2010.

According to Economic Development officer Leona Esau, a highlight of 2011 was the continued success of the City’s business outreach initia-

84 airdrielife.com | spring 2012

tives, in particular a business satisfaction survey. “It showed 89 per cent of businesses think Airdrie is a good place to do business,” Esau says.

“We’ve collected all that feedback and we’re formulating a … business development strategy.”

The City is also developing an investment attraction strategy.

“We’ve always done investment attraction … we’re fortunate a lot of attraction has come to us, or we chased it down,” says Rupert. “Now we’re looking at the North Calgary region from the airport north, and there’s [more than] 4,000 acres of commercial/industrial land being developed or planned. And we still have 400 acres we need to market and get developed.”

That amount is expected to jump to 2,500 acres if the province approves a massive land annexation that will add some 12,000 acres to Airdrie, nearly doubling its physical size. Approval is expected this spring and the annexation will make Airdrie Airport part of the city.

“There are always great opportunities when there’s a little municipal airport in your community,” says Rupert. “They’ve had fairly aggressive plans to expand, all based around water rights, and now they’ll have

access to water. There’s a good opportunity for us and the airport itself to try and expand on the plans they had.”

Esau adds that the airport being inside Airdrie may attract businesses not previously on Economic Development’s radar.

But just because the city has more land doesn’t mean it’s going to become another Red Deer anytime soon.

In fact, both Rupert and Esau cite Airdrie’s small-town community atmosphere – exemplified by such successful 2011 initiatives as ARTember and Creative Airdrie – as continuing to be an attraction for new residents.

“There is still awesome quality of life here – a number of events showing really good movement in arts and culture; it really rounds out the community,” says Esau.

Could Airdrie someday have its own college? A post-secondary feasibility study now underway may help determine if it’s possible, says Rupert.

“Last year, we decided to study whether we’re ready for a post-secondary [facility] – What would it take? Do we need one?” he says.

Or alternately, Rupert adds, would increasing transportation links to the “world-class education half-an-hour down the road” be more feasible?

“We don’t necessarily need a brick-andmortar [school]. There are some opportunities on the horizon that we’re working on,” he says.

Ongoing development of the CalgaryEdmonton corridor – including plans for Wal-Mart and Target to build major distribution centres at nearby Balzac – will create challenges for Airdrie in terms of competition, but the city is ready to meet them head-on.

“We have world-class businesses in Airdrie … doing business all over the world,” says Rupert. “They’re our biggest ambassadors.” life

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airdrielife.com 85

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86 airdrielife.com | spring 2012

2/6/12 11:31 AM

life at work | success stories

Airdrie women take control of their businesses to win Going into business used to be a male-only endeavour, but today women run some of the most successful businesses in town. Take, for example, DBC Contractors Ltd. and Wizard’s Wardrobe.

Marlene Beddoes-Cox carries on her father’s business tradition

Women

Lead storY BY ALEX FrAZEr-HArrisoN | PHotos BY sErGEi BELsKi

IN THE

Marlene Beddoes-Cox, dBC Contractors Ltd. In 1957, Don Beddoes founded Don Beddoes Construction out of the family home in Crossfield. Over the years, the company evolved into DBC Contractors and found its niche in road-building, oilfield lease construction, plant site work and other services connected to road construction and the oil patch.

When Beddoes died in 2009, the company passed to his daughter, Marlene Beddoes-Cox. “I had to learn an awful lot,” says Beddoes-Cox. “I’d started with the company about 10 years ago … when Dad died in 2009, I don’t know if I’d expected I’d do this, but we wanted [the company] to continue. We thought it would be best if we could continue on.”

Beddoes-Cox was born in Crossfield, attended George McDougall High School in Airdrie and did spring 2012 |

airdrielife.com 87

life at work | profiles

ruthanna Friesen’s business brings ideas to life

secretarial work in the oil industry before moving to Ontario with her husband in 1988 and starting a family there. “We weren’t there long … I got a little homesick,” she says, adding that her family relocated to Airdrie in 1991.

Beddoes-Cox says that she tries to continue the values and work ethic established by her father.“Dad always treated people very firm, but fair, and he was very well-respected,” she says.

“That shows his integrity, not only in business, but with employees, as well.”

She credits her employees with helping her find her feet as president of DBC. “The learning curve is so high, that’s why I rely on the expertise of the employees,” she says. “We have a lot of long-term employees – we have one guy who’s been here for 32 years – if you’ve only been here 10 years, you’re a newbie.”

However, Beddoes-Cox did have certain qualities and experience on which to draw.

“I hadn’t run a company before, but I’m an organizer,” she says. “You have to have that knack – sometimes it’s OK to be a bit of a control freak.”

Beddoes-Cox manages not only DBC’s head office, but also a shop several blocks away and two gravel pits near Beiseker. She says that DBC mainly focuses on the Airdrie area, adding that with oilfield and industrial development nearby, there’s plenty of work to do.

And the company continues to support such local events as the Mayor’s Food Drive and Airdrie Pro Rodeo.

88 airdrielife.com | spring 2012

Her advice for business owners comes from her father. “Be honest and upfront,” she says. “I think that has a lot to do with how successful he was.”

Wizard’s Wardrobe Since opening her costume and mascot shop Wizard’s Wardrobe in Airdrie a few months ago, Ruthanna Friesen has learned a lesson: Airdrionians love costumes.

“People are really into Halloween in Airdrie and getting dressed up,” says Friesen, who came to Airdrie from Winnipeg, where she ran Marvelous Mascots Inc., which designed and repaired mascots for clients ranging from shopping centres and high schools to insurance brokers.

“I grew up with a suitcase of costumes,” she says.“With costuming, I love the idea of having an idea and having it come to life.”

Friesen’s work with costumes began when she was a first dresser with an outdoor theatre company and later an employee with a major Winnipeg costume house. After taking time off to raise her children and to work a government job – a career cut short by a battle with fibromyalgia that kept her in bed for a year – she branched into her own business of repairing and creating mascot costumes.

“I’ve always been very creative and my parents were the same way – they could fix just about anything,” Friesen says.

The secret to a good mascot is in the eyes, she says. The expression in the eyes can

make all the difference in how friendly a mascot looks.

“As an artist, it’s always been human faces that I liked to draw … and it comes from observing other mascots,” she says.

Friesen expanded into costumes when she bought 3,000 of them from a retiring costumemaker in, of all places, Flin Flon.

“Flin Flon – who knew?” she laughs, adding that she later purchased 30,000 more costumes from another source. Between the mascots and the popularity of costumes for not only Halloween, but costume parties and other events (she recalls how the Icelandic community in Gimli once cleaned her out of her Viking outfits), her business remained strong year round.

She moved to Airdrie two years ago when her husband, Eric, relocated to pursue business opportunities, and she opened Wizard’s Wardrobe in a temporary location downtown before opening a permanent store on Veterans Boulevard in December.

“The feedback here is that Airdrie was ready for us – people say Airdrie deserved this,” Friesen says, adding that she’s already had interest shown from theatre groups and businesses for her costumes and mascots.

Her advice to new business owners? “It’s a lot of hard work,” she says. “There are a lot of twists and turns coming your way … expect the unexpected and learn to deal with your stress.” life

Secondhand life at work | consignment shops

Roses

storY BY ALEX FrAZEr-HArrisoN | PHotos BY KUrtis KristiANsoN ANd sErGEi BELsKi

rebecca reaville’s Grow With Us is the epitome of a family-friendly business

Retail therapy takes a new spin when shopping for “gently used”

Call it the ultimate in recycling.

Consignment and secondhand thrift shops continue to be popular with those looking for unique items and clothes that break the mould – stuff you won’t find in the big box stores. And many of these shops believe in paying their success forward and supporting their community.

Rebecca Reaville worked retail for five years before having children and later deciding to go into business for herself. In late 2010, Reaville opened Grow with Us Retail and Consignment, going on to win the 2011 Business Edge Award in the Family-Friendly Business category.

“I have kids and my staff have kids, so everything has to be family-oriented,” she says.“That’s because we know what it’s like to shop with kids.” Her store mixes consignment clothing with larger items, such as toys and swings. spring 2012 |

airdrielife.com 89

life at work | consignment shops

Long-time consignment store shopper darlene Frunchak, owner of My BFF Closet, loves the thrill of the hunt

Since opening, Reaville has generated a following of some 800 consigners, ranging from those just wanting to clean out the closet to single moms who appreciate the lower prices. “We get about two or three new ones a week,” she adds.

Occasionally, an unexpected item turns up.

“The first time we [had] a Louis Vuitton bag come in it was like, what the heck?” laughs Reaville. “And we’ve had maternity jeans that sell [new] for $230. We set the price 99 per cent of the time, depending on supply and demand.”

If an item doesn’t sell within 60 days, the consigner gets the option of taking it back; if not, Reaville donates unsold items to charity.

90 airdrielife.com | spring 2012

“There’s something in the water in Airdrie – it’s all babies and moms,” she says.

Darlene Frunchak opened My BFF Closet, a consignment-clothing boutique, a year ago, after trying her hand at running a hair salon in Edmonton and training to be a dental assistant.

“I love shopping consignment stores – I like the hunt, finding something unique or a brand-name item for cheaper,” Frunchak says.

The stock in her shop is always changing.

One day you might find a top-of-the-line piece from lululemon; the next, you might find a designer purse peeking from a shelf. The thrill of the hunt, Frunchak says, attracts customers from as far as Edmonton who not only come

to buy, but also bring in clothes for consignment. (She usually sets the price, and the customer receives a percentage of the sale.)

“People who go to consignment stores like them because they’re unique, different, have character,” she says, adding that she sees everyone from teens to grandmothers looking for perfect pieces for parties or social events.

It’s an experience that buying online can’t replace, she notes.

Frunchak describes what she does as recycling. Clothes that remain unsold after 60 to 90 days are usually donated to the women’s shelter, she says. My BFF Closet has also donated to the Mustard Seed and sent clothing to displaced families after the Slave Lake fire.

“It’s a win-win for everyone,” Frunchak says.

A new face on Airdrie’s secondhand scene is Goodwill Industries, which opened its first Airdrie storefront location after having operated a donation centre here for five years.

“You can never predict what you’ll find at the Goodwill – we always have treasure-hunters looking for those items they wouldn’t otherwise be able to find,” says Barbara Engelbart, executive director of marketing and communications for Goodwill Industries of Alberta.

According to Engelbart, Airdrie’s Goodwill follows a new business model in serving smaller communities, with a combination retail store and donation centre. The shop was successful from the start in attracting buyers looking for the unexpected, whether household goods, toys or clothing, including highend brand names.

“Whether you’re young or old,” Engelbart says, “people are always looking for something that’s different, the vintage stuff.”

The stock at Airdrie’s shop also includes clothes and other items donated in Calgary, she adds, and Goodwill store proceeds support employment programs for people with disabilities.

Ultimately, the image of the consignment/ secondhand store is changing, with an appeal to a wide range of shoppers.

“We have very fashion-forward people coming in,” says Engelbart. life

2

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spring 2012 |

airdrielife.com 91

life at work | retirement

FROM

Airdrie Africa storY BY ELLEN KELLY | PHotos BY sErGEi BELsKi

TO

K

What happens when you retire from a 30-year career?

ampala, Uganda, is a long way from Airdrie, but soon Joan Bailey will make her second trip to the African country that stole her heart.“I knew that when I left Uganda (in April 2010) I would go back, but I thought I would be setting up a training team for teachers,” Bailey says. Instead, her next trip is a medical initiative bringing care to women in a country where women have little control over what happens to them.

Recently retired, Bailey, who was raised in Saskatchewan and began her teaching career there, has been an educator in Airdrie since 1970. First as a teacher with a passion for English and language, then as a vice-principal at Edwards Elementary School and principal at École Airdrie and Muriel Clayton middle schools, Bailey, who has an uncanny knack for being in tune with each student in her care, says she’s always been a “watcher.” As a child she remembers other children in the classroom be-

92 airdrielife.com | spring 2012

ing wounded.“I was an observer and it bothered me,” she says. After high school, she became a teacher. “I went in with dreams to make a difference.”

And Bailey is still watching people. Although firmly rooted in Airdrie, her interests have expanded to Calgary and beyond.“Rotary has been a big part of that,” she says.

Attracted by a community of people who love children and love seniors, she joined the Airdrie Rotary Club in 1995, at first not realizing the magnitude of Rotary around the world. After hearing then international president Richard King speak, she realized the broad scope of the organization and became an international Rotarian.

As president of the Airdrie club, Bailey was given her first opportunity at international service in 2000 when the club funded heart monitors for a children’s hospital in Russia. This was followed by Rotary friendship exchanges to Korea and New Zealand and then the first humanitarian trip to Uganda in 2010. “I knew right away that I needed to go,” she says.

She became a member of an evaluation and celebration team consisting of Rotarians from five Alberta clubs that had sponsored a community development initiative, which allowed a local non-government agency to assist communities on their own terms. The team’s job was to evaluate spending and celebrate the success of the project.“They were so excited to show us what they had accomplished,” says Bailey.“They wanted to show us what they had done.”

The Airdrie woman believes that helping Africa should be done by supporting the people’s work at a local level, not by imposing Western ways. “We can help Africa, but not by having them do things our way. It’s about them, not us.

Development is never about us,” she says.

Retired educator Joan Bailey show no signs of slowing down, as she travels around the globe with Rotary Club International

Most recently, Bailey has been asked to lead a team of doctors from Vancouver who are working with a hospital in Kampala to develop a screening and treatment program for cervical cancer. “It’s really exciting,” says Bailey, “because it’s for women. When you help the women, the country changes.”

The initiative is a two-tier process, with funding currently being raised for two machines: one to deliver chemo and the other to remotely screen samples. Vocational training will prepare teams for surgery and treatment administration. Then groups of doctors will rotate and Bailey will be there to network between incoming and outgoing teams. She will also liaise with local Rotary groups and develop educational protocol for training the nursing team that will go into the community and vaccinate.

“It will be a sustainable program,” she says.

“We won’t have 100 per cent success and there will be suspicion of Western ways, but it’s a start.”

Bailey, who is also a passionate writer, is working on a book about survival in Holland during the First World War. “It’s a story that must be told,” she says, “but it’s such a big responsibility.” About Airdrie, Bailey says: “It’s home. I’ve watched it grow from 500 people and it’s still a friendly place … and there’s always the joy of a chance encounter.” life spring 2012 |

airdrielife.com 93

life | last look

LIFE THROUGH THE LENS This brightly-coloured red-tailed hawk calls Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC) home and represents the facility during classroom visits. Like many creatures rescued around the province, the hawk was rehabilitated after suffering frostbite and a wing injury. Several Airdrie volunteers, and animals lovers, also call the AIWC their second home.

Check back in our summer issue to learn about AIWC and see more of the residents through Carl Patzel’s lens.

share your photograph with airdrielife and you may see it come to life here in a future issue.

E-mail a jpeg to sherry@airdrielife.com

94 airdrielife.com | spring 2012

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