2022 fall airdrielife

FALL 2022

INSPIRING ARTS

TEACHERS EQUINE ARTISTRY CREATIVE SPACES,

businesses and future plans for our city

Steve Jevne

THE ARTS ISSUE THE ART OF CHARCUTERIE LOCALLY CURATED WRITERS, FILMMAKERS, ARTISTS & MORE INSIDE

TAKES CENTRE STAGE

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Contributors PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DIGITAL MANAGER EDITORIAL DIRECTOR DESIGN DIRECTOR

Sherry Shaw-Froggatt Erika Tobolski Vanessa Peterelli Kim Williams

CONTRIBUTORS

Sergei Belski, Jade Costa, Stacie Gaetz, Breanna Garland, Laura Hudson, Christie Moser, Kate Norris, Carl Patzel, Trenton Pittner, Tammy Plunkett, Kim Purvis, Josie Randall, Kristy Reimer, Kristin Ross, Jody Sanderson, Michelle Spice, Wyatt Tremblay, Jessica Williams

Stock photography by istock

SALES DIRECTOR AD DESIGN/PRODUCTION DISTRIBUTION MANAGER PRINTING CONTACT US

EDITORIAL ADVERTISING WEBSITE/SOCIAL MEDIA

Meet the talented crew who took on assignments this issue and see what they have to say about being creative and what they enjoy (besides of course freelancing for airdrielife!)

Wendy Pratt Brenda Weeks Sharie Tanner

Sergei Belski, photographer I’m not a very creative person other than my photography.

When I want to have a break from my work I usually just go and take more photographs, just in a different area; maybe wildlife photography or travel photography. My other activity that I enjoy would be day hikes and that I also mostly do to get more photographs such as landscapes or wildlife.

Carl Patzel, writer/photographer I’ve been lucky enough to combine an occupation with an artistic lifestyle through photography and writing. From journalistic portraits, wildlife, landscapes, artistic portraiture and creative writing, my art is telling a story.

Central Web

sherry@frogmediainc.ca wendy@frogmediainc.ca erika@frogmediainc.ca

Josie Randall, writer I enjoy getting creative while baking. Whether it’s a fresh-fruit trifle or chocolate-dipped shortbread cookies, I always have something tasty on the go.

FUNDED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA

WHERE TO FIND US airdrielife is published quarterly by Frog Media Inc. with the cooperation of the City of Airdrie Economic Development Department.

VOLUME 19, NUMBER 3 | ISSN 1916-355X Contents copyright 2022 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.

EDITORIAL POLICY 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. airdrielife does not accept unsolicited submissions.

Freelance writers and photographers interested in assignments are asked to send an inquiry, with published samples, to sherry@ frogmediainc.ca

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Kristy Reimer, photographer I enjoy transforming interior spaces. This spring I undertook a HUGE project – an esthetic renovation of our trailer. Dark and dated to light and fresh!

Jody Sanderson, writer Fall, for me, really signifies the beginning of the year. Back to school means creative ways to make kids’ lunches, cooking with seasonal vegetables and coming up with ideas for creative Christmas gifts … early!

Wyatt Tremblay, writer Besides writing and cartooning, I enjoy photography. Like my other two creative passions, a photograph also requires engagement with a subject to tell a story.

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Publisher’s Note

all is the beginning of the new year to me. Sixteen years of Septembers heading into a classroom remain ingrained in my brain as a time to start fresh. There was something especially in the middle school years that a brand-new case of Laurentien pencil crayons (the 24 pack!) evoked in me. I came across a barely used set at my mom’s this summer and just opening the transparent case released a whiff of warm plastic, lead and sawdust that sent me right back to my desk at home where I would draw for hours on end.

I wanted to be an artist at 10, an architect at 12 and a cartoonist at 15. I recently returned to my desire to be an artist spending the last year ankle deep in acrylics, canvases and brushes. I am so happy to be back to a creative part of my life that was missing. It’s a hobby, not a career goal; a way for me to express myself for the pure joy and bliss of it.

Our fall issue is always dedicated to arts and culture and gives us a chance to showcase a few more creative people and businesses than usual. We did a shout out for local artists to submit work and you can see a glimpse of the talent starting on page 16. You can find even more artists on the Virtual Art Market we created – it’s free for all artists and artisans to showcase their work. I encourage you to check it out.

Earlier this spring I was contacted by a young woman named Kayla who is an aspiring photographer. I loved her gumption so much I offered her an assignment, and you can see the results on page 94. She reminded me of my own artistic enthusiasm – when I was 15 I approached the local paper in Edson and had my own cartoons published! Her enthusiasm was so catchy I’ve decided to open up a page each issue to other aspiring photographers to showcase their creative talent.

From passionate filmmakers and writers to passionate entrepreneurs, this issue is dedicated to the artist inside all of us. We all have one – sometimes it’s just our ability to add food colouring to the French toast and make breakfast special for our kids when they are little (thanks, Scott). If you feel creative in the kitchen enter our exciting GREAT AIRDRIE SANDWICH CONTEST; share your favourite sandwich creation with us to win and help us raise funds for Airdrie Food Bank.

Sometimes creativity is the ability to solve a word game … like, wait for it ... our own version of Wordle ... called airdle! Yes, we created our own word game. See more details on page 82. airdrielife began its life in the fall of 2004. Here we are 19 years later, thanks to you, the dedicated and new (welcome!) readers who love to connect with their city and the loyal advertisers who pay the bills. Watch for some new changes and additions as we move forward. Our goal has always been to celebrate the good life in Airdrie and as the city grows so (we hope) does our influence and impact.

This is YOUR magazine, Airdrie – this is your #airdrielife – let’s celebrate together.

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Sherry Shaw-Froggatt Publisher

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greatlife 12 Steve goes solo 16 Artist showcase 22 Filmmaking 24 Published 27 Fall events 32 Art of charcuterie 36 Starters 46 Seniorlife 50 Parentlife 52 Petlife

homelife 54 Life in Lanark 56 Real estate 58 Booming in Balzac 60 Decorlife 62 Garden tour 63 Award winning

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64 Creative spaces

worklife 68 Businesslife 69 Smart start 73 Lifestages 74 Games 76 Mobile biz

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78 Space reinvented

citylife

84 Inspiring teachers 88 Cultural plans 90 Horsing around 93 Community Foundation 94 Teenage lens

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32 On the Cover Great grazing!

PHOTO BY EVERY LITTLE THING PHOTOGRAPHY

greatlife

W H AT T O S E E , D O , E AT, L I ST E N T O A N D M O R E

16 22 FILM | 24 BOOKS | 36 APPIES

G R E AT L I F E | M U S I C

STEVE JEVNE

TAKES THE LEAD

BY WYATT TREMBLAY

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’ve started my solo career,” says Airdrie musician Steve Jevne. ”I feel like everything that’s been happening in my life has been leading to this.”

Jevne has been a significant contributor to the Airdrie music scene, though he would be the first to say he’s just one part of a talented group of local musicians. That said, his resumé includes a decade’s worth of organizing, hosting and performing at open mike events; dozens of songwriting collaborations; and handson involvement in local festivals.

His last band, As High As We Go, with Kyle Miller, saw a string of fan-favourite singles, with multiple appearances in venues such as the King Eddy, Wild Card Shack, Sorso and the Calgary Stampede.

“I’ve been really lucky. Opportunities just come to me, but I’ve always preferred being the guy in the background.”

When he and Miller decided to pursue different paths, he realized he was at a crossroads. ”I’ve always thought of myself as a guitar player and a singer, but not really a vocalist.

Kyle’s a vocalist; he’s got crazy techniques.

But when I started playing solo shows, and it was just me, it began unlocking things in my voice.”

Since then, he’s released a string of original songs, including the single Best Friends Fall in Love. Recorded and mixed in his home studio and mastered at Evergreen Sound Studio in Calgary, the song is pure country. The radio version, available on streaming platforms, has Jevne on lead vocals and instruments, with Christine Wigley on backup vocals and Danielle Beckie on fiddle.

“It was the first project, from start to finish, that I did in my home studio just for myself.”

The video for the song, which he filmed, edited and produced, features his strong vocals and clever lyrics backed simply by his guitar, a bass drum and a fiddle that soars playfully through this summer love song.

Jevne may have gone solo, but the friendships he’s forged over the years remain an important part of his music.

“I’ve got a pretty special connection with awesome musicians,” he says, explaining that he has a Band of Misfits that back him up. ”Most have full-time jobs and are not connected to any band, but just love playing, so I call them up and say, ’Hey, do you want to work this weekend?’”

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MICHELLE SPICE PHOTOGRAPHY

I

“

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G R E AT L I F E | M U S I C

“I’m older now, and I don’t care if someone doesn’t like my music or how I handle the do care – I’ll go out of my way to make things

MICHELLE SPICE PHOTOGRAPHY

happen for them.”

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Jevne’s also embarked on a parallel solo career, giving his alter ego, lofi hip-hop producer Zeke Powers, a platform. Under the pseudonym, Jevne produces original electronic music using just about anything he can get his hands on. With guitars, keyboards, a knife on a cutting board, the flick of a Bic, ice cubes in a glass – whatever is close at hand – he creates easy-listening music far removed from his country, punk and rock roots.

“I put three songs out over the last year, with seven more coming out by fall. It’s very ambient, like dinner music; something you could fall asleep to.”

Music is meant to be fun, he says, admitting that he’d lost sight of that at times.

“I’m older now, and I don’t care if someone doesn’t like my music or how I handle the business. But people that do care – I’ll go out of my way to make things happen for them.”

“Right now,” he adds, “I’m just focused on making it happen for me.”

Between writing, rehearsing and producing, Jevne is optimistic about his future.

“I took a risk playing music for a career, and it’s finally starting to pay off. I wouldn’t want to do anything else; I don’t think I could do anything else at this point in my life.” life Check out Steve Jevne Music and Zeke Powers Music on Facebook, and https://open .spotify.com/artist/7u8cXhm4EUxErThVYwILpg

BREANNA GARLAND/MELODIC IMAGERY PHOTO

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G R E AT L I F E | A R T I STS

JENN RASMUSSEN is a painter who created this piece Ascent with alcohol inks on Yupo.

Find her art: @Jeney76 on Instagram

ARTISTS OF AIRDRIE

>>>

WE DID A SHOUT OUT TO LOCAL ARTISTS TO SUBMIT THEIR WORK so we could showcase them in this issue. We were overwhelmed by the response and while only 10 artists are showcased here, there are more than 50 on our web page: airdrievirtualartmarket.com This page was created to give artists a place to promote themselves for free, so visit and discover a new piece for your home because we believe that supporting local artists who create original works of art is a much better investment than thumbing through the decor bin at the big box stores.

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RILEY JB “I use the Victoria-era wet plate collodion technique to create heirloom portraits on thin sheets of metal known as tintypes.

Using chemistry I mix myself, I turn a metal plate into a custom piece of film. It is loaded into a 100-year-old camera and an exposure is made. The plate must be developed before it can dry, hence the ‘wet’ in wet plate. After development the milky blue negative ethereally inverses in the fixer bath to reveal the final image. Finally, it is varnished using the exact formula from 1852.

The tintype literally will last generations.”

Find her art: Tintype.ca JOSIE HOISINGTON “I have dabbled in lots of different mediums including pencil work, acrylic painting and clay. These days I’m obsessed with mixed media art, collage and watercolour painting. Art has always been a huge part of my life – it has given me the space to celebrate, rest, grieve and honour. I believe art has the power to enhance our well-being; to heal and inspire.”

Find her art: @Josie.hoisington.art on Instagram

G R E AT L I F E | A R T I STS

>>>

>>> Find more artists at airdrielife.com

OLAM QUACH is a 15 year-old self-taught artist who loves drawing portraits.

Find her work: @Artbyolamquach on Instagram

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JAIME MACDONALD “Since I was little I’ve been drawn to, and loved to draw, animals of any and all sizes. As a curious, shy kid, the appeal was twofold. Animals were different in infinitely magical ways. Even more so, and especially with horses and dogs, there was something pure about earning the trust of an animal that pulled me in. I’m still hooked.

“Emotions are a big inspiration of my work. I find the purity of animals a powerful vehicle to express them, which is why animals tend to be the subject of what I paint. I aim to capture those emotions in the pieces, and even better if they bring out ‘the feels’ for you, too.

“I work with acrylic on canvas, pencil, and play with gouache and charcoal occasionally too. You’d find commissioned pieces of my work living their best lives with wonderful collectors in Alberta, B.C., and as far away as Newfoundland and even England. How fascinating art is, to think that by combining a simple piece of cloth with a bunch of shapes, colours and brushstrokes, it could create joy for someone I have never met, 7,000 kilometres away.

Find her art: @jaimemacdonaldart on Instagram

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CHERIE SKIBINSKY “My colourful art captures those memories of discovery that our little people experience. I specifically paint figures without showcasing the face as I love the candid quality this gives each painting.”

Find her art: cherieskibinsky.com

Alpine Park - Parkdale

G R E AT L I F E | A R T I STS

>>>

KEITH GORHAM was a tile setter all his life.

He now creates art out of ceramic tiles.

Reach him at bnkprofiles@hotmail.com

>>>

ANGELA STONE Angela Stone is a self-taught artist who enjoys depicting wildlife and landscapes in coloured pencils and acrylic paint. Currently based in Airdrie, Angela has lived in three provinces and travelled Canada coast to coast, drawing inspiration from the incredible natural beauty of this country, and its inhabitants.

Find her art: angleastonefineart on Instagram

>>>

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CHELSEA DICKSON drawing and illustration Twitter.com/BrandedSeastar

DARCY JESSEN “I consider myself a new artist, still learning and experimenting with a variety of mediums and subjects. From portraits, to landscape to abstract art, I find the journey fulfilling and love getting lost in the process.”

Find her art: @simplytoenjoy on Facebook See larger version on page 11

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G R E AT L I F E | F I L M

Rob Ing, Deanna Hunter and Sandra Sutter on location filming A Woman’s Voice

THE MAKING OF A WOMAN’S VOICE

BY WYATT TREMBLAY

T

here’s a riveting scene in the short film A Woman’s Voice that depicts restaurant staff helping an abused woman escape her abuser. It’s from one of four interwoven stories in this award-winning 13-minute piece from Airdrie’s Rob Ing Productions.

With three original songs written by Calgary’s Métis singer songwriter Sandra Sutter as a backdrop, it follows four women who face and overcome familiar challenges, such as addiction, peer pressure and relationship abuse.

“It was a real honour to take on this project,” says producer and first-time film director Rob Ing. “It’s an important story to tell.”

The project was a collaboration between Sutter, a longtime friend of Ing’s, and his partner Deanna Hunter, who is a co-writer on the film and Sutter’s cousin.

“Sandra had applied for a Calgary Arts Development Grant to make a film,” Hunter explains. “She called Rob one day and said, ’I got the grant, I guess we have to make a film now.’”

Ing has been making music videos and corporate documentaries for 20 years, he says, but this project was all his, from start to finish.

“This was the first time I got to do everything. I got to direct it, and edit it, and produce it and get it out there.”

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The film concept had three songs at its core, he explains, but it needed a story that could pull them together. While he was prepared to produce the project, he didn’t feel that he should have a hand in writing the script.

“This is your story,” he told Sutter. “It needs to be in a woman’s voice.”

Sutter and Hunter teamed up to work on the script, writing several drafts, and drawing on input from other women, friends and Elders from whom the musician had found guidance in her career.

“Sandra’s intent from the start,” Hunter explains, “was for it to be an empowerment story; a way for women to recognize that they’re not alone, that there are resources, and that they can find support and comfort from other women.”

“Then we took it to Rob, and he helped us refine it even further.”

Limiting the production to the length of the songs was the biggest challenge, Ing admits.

“There were so many scenes I wanted to expand, but I couldn’t; I had to keep it within the music.”

Filmed in Calgary, most of the actors were friends and family.

Only two performers, including Airdrie actress Niki Middleton, had ever been in front of a camera, he says.

PHOTOS SUPPLIED BY ROB ING

Rob Ing and Deanna Hunter:

“When you’re just doing something that you think is important to your people, and then you realize that it matters to other people, it’s affirming to know that we got it right”

“The content of the film is heavy, but the emotions that came across from these – and I say this respectfully – amateurs, was impressive. They did a really good job.”

The film is compelling, connecting each story and theme through skillful directing, tight editing and shrewd visual imagery.

Reflections of the characters captured on various surfaces create a sense of introspection, while a Jack of Spades, often seen as a tattoo or playing card, depicts the difficulties the four women face.

Rose-coloured glasses are featured throughout, something that Sutter wanted in the film.

“She thought that maybe it’s not such a bad thing to see positivity and goodness,” Hunter explains. “The glasses represented the transition from helplessness to empowerment.”

“It was important for Sandra to make it real. She wanted women to see themselves, but to also see that there’s always hope.”

Though the production was technically challenging, Ing is excited about the film and how it might be used.

“I’ve done many projects where you’re telling a story, but I really cared about this project. I really wanted (the message) to come across for Sandra.”

A Woman’s Voice isn’t available for public distribution yet, but it’s currently creating a buzz on the Indie film circuit.

Over the summer, the film has won several awards, including Best Original Music and Best Women’s Film at the 4th Dimension Independent Film Festival, Best Short Film at the Multi Dimension Independent Film Festival, and Best Woman Filmmaker at the International New York Film Festival. Ing has also won Best First Time Director (Male) at the IndieX Film Festival and been nominated for Best Director at the Beyond the Curve International Film Festival in Paris, France.

Ing and Hunter are thrilled with the response.

“You know, when you’re just doing something that you think is important to your people, and then you realize that it matters to other people, it’s affirming to know that we got it right,” Hunter says.

The film’s success is also shining a light on Ing’s production company, she adds.

“Rob is a local talent, he’s very well known in the business community, but maybe they’ll be able to see him in a different way through this.”

Ing laughs and agrees.

“I wouldn’t say no to more projects like this one.” life

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G R E AT L I F E | BO O KS

PHOTO SUPPLIED BY TAMMY PLUNKETT

Tammy Plunkett on The Social with hosts Melissa Grelo (left) and Cynthia Loyst (right)

Beyond Pronouns released to a glowing reception

I

Tammy Plunkett shares her journey from mom to bestselling author

knew there was an audience and an appetite for my book Beyond Pronouns: The Essential Guide for Parents of Trans Children, but I think we were shocked by how much of a glowing reception the book would receive.

It all started after my child came forward to my husband and me to say he was a transgender boy in August of 2016. As an avid reader, I searched for books to help us along this journey, but all I found were

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clinical books written by doctors and social workers. I knew I couldn’t be the only one feeling the emotions I did at the time, and I could tell from the other parents who came to Airdrie Pride’s monthly parent support group, Parenting with Pride, that others shared my struggles. So, I began by writing an article for Today’s Parent which led to an influx of parents contacting me from all over the world looking for more information. That should have been our first clue to how the book launch would go.

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G R E AT L I F E | B O O KS

“The topic of supporting parents to support their gender-diverse children is very much needed as the stigma of being different is losing its power, and the representation of transgender people allows more people to feel seen and belong” Fast forward to early 2021, when I approached my publisher with the idea of writing a book to help parents in the first hundred days after their child comes out as transgender. By then, I had our own experience and had worked with other parents for close to five years and knew what parents of trans children needed. I was offered a publishing contract within 48 hours. Because the book flowed out of me so quickly, I handed it in early, and the publisher bumped my book release to June 21, 2022 – smack in the middle of Pride month! I was overjoyed by the excellent timing.

My publicist, Principio PR, and I got to work laying out a plan on how we could promote such a niche book with a niche audience. My one dream was to be on The Social, but my publicist wasn’t going to stop there.

In May, before the book was even released, I appeared on The Doctors in the U.S. She leveraged Pride month to get me booked on The Social and The Marilyn Denis Show. I did two author appearances at Indigo in

Calgary and two book signings in Toronto. Finally, my son Mitchell and I spoke at Pride in Toronto, not to mention the radio and print interviews across Canada. As a result, most of the stores had a difficult time keeping Beyond Pronouns in stock that first week it was released. Not too bad for what I thought was a niche topic.

In the end, the biggest lesson I learned from the book launch was that timing is everything. The topic of supporting parents to support their gender-diverse children is very much needed as the stigma of being different is losing its power, and the representation of transgender people allows more people to feel seen and belong. And, it doesn’t hurt when your publisher launches your book when the whole world is paying attention to your topic.

Beyond Pronouns is available locally at Shoplift Deals, or you can buy it anywhere books are sold. life

Kids of Concern wins Airdrie Reads 2022 TAMMY PLUNKETT

Kim Cheel from Big Sky Author Services and Allissa Blondin from The Feathered Pen have had a blast running the second edition of Airdrie Reads. Some of you may have read along with the five competing books: Kids of Concern by Perry Logan, The Power to Speak Naked by Sean Tyler Foley, The Shade Tree by Theresa Shea, Murder on my Mind by Dana Goldstein, and Creeboy by Teresa Wouters.

We are pleased to reveal who has been crowned the winner of Airdrie Reads 2022. Congratulations to Kids of Concern by Perry Logan and defender Veronica Funk for such an enthusiastic and heartfelt pitch.

Airdrie Reads was important for us at Big Sky Author Services and The Feathered Pen because we wanted to spotlight local talent. All too often, we tend to glorify artists from elsewhere and negate the creatives that we have right here in our Albertan backyard.

We want to thank all the local businesses who joined us to create this contest for Airdrie this summer. We are beyond grateful for the promotional help from airdrielife magazine. Also, a big thank you to Rob Ing Productions for helping us record and edit some pitches and Shoplift Deals for carrying the contestant books. You can still purchase this year’s winner at their store to close off your summer reading.

We sincerely hope that Airdrie readers pick up any of the books on the shortlist and this year’s winner, Kids of Concern. We want these books to inspire you to read more from Alberta authors, and if you are curious about becoming an author yourself, reach out to Big Sky Author Services anytime.

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G R E AT L I F E | W H AT ’S O N

What’s on at the Bert Church LIVE Theatre STORY BY JOSIE RANDALL

T

he 2022-2023 series presented by The Bert Church LIVE Theatre is here, bringing more than 10 performances, shows and stories to the stage from September 2022 through to May 2023.

The series will offer a mix of comedy, theatre, music, performances for all ages and a few for mature audiences. Performing arts co-ordinator Beverly Stadelmann says this year will be filled with classic partnerships people will recognize and also a few new and exciting partnerships with other groups in Airdrie.

“You are going to see the community not just around you but also on the stage. Our goal is to get Airdrie folks watching theatre,” says Stadelmann.

“We want to create a space in Airdrie for the community to feel accessible, diverse and inclusive, interconnected with performing arts.”

The team at the Theatre has connected with the community over the last year to hear what is important regarding a theatre experience. From the feedback received, the Theatre changed pricing strategy on many of the tickets to ensure that price is not a barrier for potential patrons. Working hard to combine the right price and the appropriate performance helps create a performing arts venue that appeals to all. Tickets and show details can be found at tickets.airdrie.ca The Theatre, run by the City of Airdrie, also offers volunteer positions for community members to be involved in the local performing arts scene. Volunteering at The Bert Church LIVE Theatre is a great way to connect with others and as a bonus the volunteers get to see shows for free on the day of their shifts!

A sneak-peak at the fall lineup: SEPT. 29 Nimihitowin!

Nimihitowin! translated from Cree to means “to dance” and “to be in movement.” Nimihitowin! (Kneeme-toe-in) is an all-ages, music and dance performance. This performance expresses Indigenous culture through Powwow dance, hoop dance and Métis jigging, providing entertainment and education throughout the show.

Unique to this performance, the tickets are available at a recommended donation of $15 per seat. To align with the vision of creating more accessible, diverse, and inclusive experiences, The Bert Church LIVE Theatre wanted to welcome all to attend without costs hindering them from doing so.

OCT. 28 A special presentation in partnership with Airdrie Pride Society This special performance brings a cult classic to The Bert Church LIVE Theatre stage. The show will have audiences participating and “shivering with antici…pation”. Dressing up is not mandatory but encouraged! The show is intended for a mature audience and for more details visit tickets.airdrie.ca NOV. 3 Andre Phillippe Gagnon Gagnon brings the audience through a musical journey with voices known by many generations. The “man of a thousand voices” Andre Phillippe Gagnon has performed across the globe and now present’s his comedic-musical performance on The Bert Church LIVE Theatre stage.

TICKETS FOR THESE SHOWS AND MORE ARE AVAILABLE AT TICKETS.AIRDRIE.CA Follow The Bert Church Live Theatre on Facebook and Instagram, or check out Twitter @TheBCLT

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At the LIBRARY

BY WYATT TREMBLAY

I

t’s another busy fall for arts and cultural events and programs at Airdrie Public Library.

Look for the works from the Voice and Vision Collaboration on APL’s walls. This annual event pairs 14 artists with 14 writers; they swap art and writing to create pieces reflecting the other’s work.

Our first Newcomers Fair in October will feature organizations, groups, and services that work with newcomers to Canada, Alberta or Airdrie. Each organization will have a table in the library and will be available to answer any questions.

October’s Adult Movie Night presents Blood Quantum. Rated R, it tells the story of the dead coming back to life; almost all of Earth’s population is decimated due to a zombie virus, except for the isolated Mi’kmaq reserve of Red Crow. Popcorn provided and costumes are encouraged.

Sunday Cinema, for the G-rated crowd, returns in October with the new Pixar movie, Lightyear. Drop in with your favourite snacks.

Buzz Lightyear costumes are encouraged.

Two programs for seniors, Senior Drop-in Cribbage and Senior Coffee happen once a month and provide an opportunity for making connections, swapping stories and having some fun.

Local artist Veronica Funk will have a display of her Extraordinary Women collection up on library walls for November and December.

Funk’s collection of portraits features trailblazing women from fields as diverse as sports, music, politics and more.

The Writer in Residence program returns in November. Emerging authors, or those who want to learn more about writing, can book one-on-one time or attend a series of instructional sessions with the author (TBA).

Also, look for the winning entries from our Annual Poetry in Motion contest on the Airdrie ICE buses. life For more information on these and other library events and programs, visit airdriepubliclibrary.ca

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FALL

happenings

FUN THINGS TO CHECK OUT IN AIRDRIE THIS FALL

PHOTO BY CARL PATZEL

G R E AT L I F E | W H AT ’S O N

WEDNESDAYS (THROUGH OCT. 5.)

AIRDRIE FARMERS MARKET The Plainsmen Arena Airdrie’s favourite Wednesday activity runs through Oct. 5, 3:30 - 7p.m.

SEPT. 10 AIRDRIEFEST Main Street Celebrate ‘the best of Airdrie’ featuring vendor booths from local not-for-profit organizations, community groups and businesses as well as local entertainment acts and musicians. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

SEPT. 17 ART OF THE HARVEST Airdrie Agricultural Society Site This is a free family event put on by the Airdrie and District Agricultural Society. Visitors can watch the farmers bring in the harvest using only horses and old-time machinery. New this year are tractor pulls where you can watch antique tractors compete. Food trucks, kids games, wagon rides and live music are also part of this fun day. Located at 265232 Range Road 14, Rocky View County. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

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G R E AT L I F E | W H AT ’S O N

SEPT. 24 LIGHT UP THE NIGHT CARNIVAL Genesis Place The Airdrie Health Foundation is excited to announce the return of this highly anticipated gala in support of health care in Airdrie. This year’s theme is Light Up the Night - Carnival. The night will host a sit-down dinner, entertainment, a live and silent auction and much more. The night will end with a live concert from local band Flaysher. Early-bird tickets are on sale now until Sept. 2. Visit airdriehealthfoundation.com/gala2022 Funds raised will go to support Airdrie’s highest priority health care needs. Clinics supported are Airdrie Urgent Care, Addictions & Rural Mental Health, Home Care, Public Health, Speech and Audiology.

SEPT. 24 CAR BOOT AND FLEA MARKET Nose Creek Valley Museum This is a fundraiser for the museum and a great way to find a bargain! 9a.m. – 3p.m.

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SEPT. 30 NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION | ORANGE SHIRT DAY The day honours the lost children and survivors of residential schools, and their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.

Visit CircleConnectionsforReconciliation.com to learn more about plans in Airdrie.

FALL FARMERS MARKET Crossfield Community Centre Parking Lot Just in time for Thanksgiving!

Enjoy great produce and Thanksgiving supplies.

The market has you covered for baking, vegetables/ fruits, meat, spirits and gifts from amazing local artisans. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Food trucks on site for picnic lunches or take home.

HOMECOMING FESTIVAL The City of Airdrie is bringing the community back together in support of mental wellness and thanking our essential services, first responders, and local businesses with a free, one-day Homecoming Festival.

The family-friendly, tailgating event will include motivational wellness presentations, football games, children and youth activities, fireworks, and a drive-in, outdoor movie! An evening concert at Ed Eggerer Athletic Park with Canadian music artists Scarlett Butler, The Blake Reid Band, Lisa Brokop, Julian Austin, and Kyle McKearney will be an exciting highlight to the day.

Residents can find more details about the festival and the schedule of events as they become available at airdrie.ca/homecoming

Photo: Cochrane Tourism

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G R E AT L I F E | F O O D

“People are pretty excited to graze.

I frequently say we are the ‘cupcake’ of 2022.”

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PHOTO BY SHALE HERGER

The art of charcuterie

EVERY LITTLE THING PHOTOGRAPHY

What has been your biggest challenge to date?

The same as most businesses; supply chain has been a real struggle recently, the inflation costs of food and fuel have been another real challenge – but on a more personal level, struggling as a female entrepreneur with that sneakingly loud imposter syndrome and working hard to stay innovative and relevant in a pretty saturated market.

What has surprised you the most?

The way that this business became wildly successful so quickly. It really is true when you put your heart, your whole heart, behind something you will see success. There isn’t a day that goes by that I am not grateful for the opportunities that have been given to me, the friendships and relationships I have built and the true sustainable business this little passion project has become.

DOCE PHOTOGRAPHY

What has the reception been for your business?

People are pretty excited to graze. I frequently say we are the “cupcake” of 2022; it’s new, and fresh and very on trend. It’s true what they say about timing.

airdrielife loves to discover people and businesses that are right on trend, and nothing is more popular now than charcuterie grazing. We caught up with the very busy Jade D’Costa, owner of Johnny & Glo. When did you start up?

We started on what would have been my grandmother’s birthday, Jan. 22, 2021.

DOCE PHOTOGRAPHY

Describe the business in under 100 words.

We are a fully licensed and approved charcuterie catering business. We offer fully customizable, carefully curated graze boxes, graze table installations and a wide range of creative event catering options Why did you start this business?

I started because I always said “wouldn’t it be cool if…” every time I created a meal, or a graze board for family and friends. Finally, I just said … I’m just doing this. I always lived a very carpe diem lifestyle, but it was only after I lost my dad in 2020 that I realized I really needed to start making big leaps to follow what truly set my heart on fire.

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EVERY LITTLE THING PHOTOGRAPHY

G R E AT L I F E | F O O D

What has been the most intricate and/or complicated order to date?

We recently did full catering for a wedding of 250 guests. Typically, charcuterie is considered an appetizer and we do a lot of cocktail hours or cocktail receptions, but this was a beautiful spread that was 12 feet long, 12 feet of charcuterie and cheese and all of the other magical additions. I still dream about it.

Share something funny that has happened along this journey.

I like to keep it light – I think if you’re not laughing every day, you’re missing out on so many opportunities to find joy. Recently I hosted a hole for the Little Blind Co. at the Love for Lewiston charity golf tournament. I bribed another local business owner, Denise (Delightful Porches) to come and help. We experienced rain, snow, sleet, hail. One of our coolers filled with charcuterie favours fell off the back of the golf cart. It was a sequence of comical errors.

I still laugh thinking about that crazy day.

“If only I knew then.…” how would you finish this sentence when looking back at your beginnings?

If I only knew then that I wouldn’t be able to source my absolute favourite boxes anymore I would have bought 5,000 of them when I could! life

FIND OUT JUST HOW GOOD JOHNNY & GLO PRODUCTS TASTE with your chance to win a $85 gift card – but only if you are an a-list member!

Sign up today at airdrielife.com

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Back to School at Cobs...

Helping you Build Healty Futures

VISIT COBS BREAD IN THE TOWERLANE MALL 102 505 Main Street 403-980-2627

G R E AT L I F E | D I N I N G O U T

C

APPIES IN AIRDRIE STORY AND PHOTOS BY CARL PATZEL

hicken wings, nachos, sliders, poutine, dry ribs, spiced French fries.

Sounds appetizing, right? Whether an afternoon snack, a late-night stomach-growling pub crawl, or a search for a little grease or fried goodies to cut through a wine-tasting evening, there are plenty of appetizers out there to fit the digestive bill.

That quick bite from the starters menu can be enough to satisfy your hunger or promote some good, old-fashioned fun with friends who are enamoured with the idea of sharing a small meal.

Nibbles come in all shapes and sizes, with cheese-laden dishes, tantalizing beef sliders, the ever-popular chicken wings and snack-staple nachos. A quick search and you even may find a few new fringe favourites to snack and share. So, let’s try a few starter bites and see what’s appetizing in Airdrie.

MAIN STREET BEER & BBQ With frothy beverages and flame-broiled meat in their moniker, Main Street Beer & BBQ should be able to satisfy any small-meal craving and presents a few tasty surprises.

With plenty of trays (entrees), sides and draughts on the menu, this open-air pub fits the bill for a quick snack. A warm afternoon with fresh air flowing through from Main Street seems the perfect time to try a watermelon salad.

This red-fruit, refreshing dish is topped with crumbled goat cheese, sprigs of mint and dainty mango cubes. This sweet salad intermingles nicely with a Mexican-themed order of chips and queso. A plate that defines cheesy, this richly melted bowl of goodness and spice will disperse any curd craving.

A basket of salt-and-pepper smoked rib ends, offered in several different flavours, produces a crispy bite with just enough fat for a savoury finish. That and 36 different types of draught should make for a nice pit stop.

CANADIAN BREWHOUSE With patio season in full swing at the time of this visit, it’s time to slide into the Canadian Brewhouse for a small bite, and yes, even a few brews.

Welcoming patrons with bright-yellow umbrellas that echo the early evening sunshine, some upbeat music and a cool summer breeze, the nation namesake restaurant produces plenty of snacks for a quick feast.

The appetizer section of their large menu lists several favourite morsels including wings, potato wedges, onion rings, spinach dip and a few odd fellows with beef ‘n’ cheddar yorkies and Ukrainian perogies.

The three bomb beef sliders feature small beef patties nestled between a large, crunchy crinkle-cut sour pickle, iceberg lettuce, melted Swiss cheese and a small slab of maple pepper bacon.

The delicately soft brioche buns keep these mini handhelds together and some garlic mayo produces a creamy element.

Satisfying enough for a meal or if you’re in a sharing mood, have some family and friends help slide into this plate.

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THE

GREATairdrie SANDWICH contest

How do you fill the space between your favourite Cobs breads & buns?

Show us and you could WIN. We are looking for the most creative and scrumptious ways to make a sandwich and anyway you slice it, it's a win -win!

We will feature our favourites in the winter issue and then ask readers to vote for the winners!

PLUS for every eligible entry we will donate $1* to the Airdrie Food Bank.

Win a

$250

COBS gift card Kids 12 and under!

You can win $100 COBS gift card for you AND a $250 gift card for your school’s Airdrie Food Bank Snack Program!

Ages 13 and up

Send us your creative sandwich ideas now!

* $1 per eligible entry to a maximum of $500.

How to enter: Register your sandwich creation online at airdrielife.com or post a picture of your sandwich creation and describe it in detail on social and tag #airdrielife and #greatairdriesandwich. Enter as many times as you can create a tasty sandwich.

Remember to use Cobs breads and share you sandwich with everyone! See complete contest details online. Open to Airdrie and area residents only.

G R E AT L I F E | D I N I N G O U T

“Let’s try a few starter bites and see what’s appetizing in Airdrie”

ORIGINAL JOE’S When it comes to a mid-afternoon or even late-evening snack, some days you just have to wing it.

Let’s get straight to the bone; there are plenty of choices when you feel like a bit of clucking. Original Joe’s being, well, original, breaks the chicken wing mould by offering a special Tuesday deal of half-priced morsels.

Feeling plucky, we opt for a pound of wings offered in several flavours, among those mango habanera or even dill pickle.

These are deep fried to a crisp on the outside and meaty on the inside. What else can you say about this popular snack without flapping away.

For a bit of variety their snack and share section also offers bruschetta. Medallion-shaped cut bread is topped with mozzarella cheese accompanied by a bowl of chopped red onions, tomatoes and shaved Parmesan cheese all swimming in an herb dressing.

MONTANA’S BBQ & BAR Known for their ribs, steak, burgers and rustic surroundings, Montana’s BBQ & Bar has plenty of meal openers from spinach dip, spiced-up shrimp, nachos, deep-fried pickles and even a pot roast soup. Their signature starter is the oven-baked antojitos.

A play on Mexican cuisine this dish rates close to a 10 on the cheese-lover’s scale.

Looking more like a pre-supper snack that just came out of Grama’s kitchen, a soft, melted cheese is united with spicy, small-diced jalapeno, red pepper and onions all rolled in a tortilla. The offering is then baked to melted goodness and served in a mini cast iron skillet atop a lettuce leaf. A vintage quarter-cup of pesto sour cream is placed on the side for dipping.

Just a touch of spice blends with the cheesy, smooth texture that delights the palate leaving a warm, welcoming heat on the tongue.

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G R E AT L I F E | D I N I N G O U T

OLD TOWN PIZZA HOUSE The Platters, crooning romantic tunes in the late ’50s, would know a Great Pretender if they ever saw one.

When it comes to a mixed plate of several different snack foods, there’s no pretending when it comes to Old Town Pizza House’s namesake starter platter. It’s a hit.

When you really have to go to taste bud town, the Old Town Platter has tuned up all your favourites.

The greatest hits include plump chicken wings and juicy dry ribs, available in 17 different fun flavours, in this case a garlic and parmesan blend with fresh cheese grated on top. Old Town balances the fine line between crispy and chewy on these morsels.

Thick onion rings and potato skins topped with onions, bacon and melted cheese are also included with celery and carrot sticks and a ranch dip.

If this doesn’t have you singing the praises of platters, this pizza house also has one of the best, cheesiest pizza breads available in the city.

TEQUILA & TACOS MEXICAN TAQUERIA Nachos could be the ultimate, universal late-night offering found on nearly every menu. Whether piled on a platter at home in front of the Saturday night movie, a sporting event or drink-serving establishment, chips and cheese are a given.

While similar in concept, the Mexican-themed dish puts on a few spicy twists to this North American appetizer staple.

Tequila & Tacos adds a few traditional staples to their Chori-nachos for a unique, meaty plate.

Thick, traditional tortilla chips are smothered with refried beans, melted cheese and plenty of homemade chorizo along with large, grilled slices of jalapeño peppers. Living up to the Mexican heritage, this dish emits a small waft of spice even before the first bite.

Sturdy, crunchy chips easily hold a good mound of chorizo ready to satisfy any beef lover and the refried beans unite the bites. Add a summer breeze to the patio and you could be on a Mexican holiday.

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BORN AIRDRIE. RAISED AIRDRIE. SELLS AIRDRIE.

SOLD 119 Canoe Place $730,000 SOLD 142 Nolanhurst Rise $660,000 SOLD 501 2066 Luxstone Blvd $315,000 SOLD 1004 702 Willowbrook Road $316,000 SOLD 1726 Baywater Drive

$550,000

SOLD 2010 Hillcrest Green

$575,000

SOLD 2108 604 East lake Blvd

$220,000

SOLD 207 2006 Luxstone Blvd $ 295,000

Trenton Pittner 403-862-0096

Adam Tremere 403-463-6737

AIRDRIEHOUSES.COM

G R E AT L I F E | D I N I N G O U T

SECRET GALLEY, FOOD AND WINE Tucked away in the Best Western Inn, the Secret Galley, Food and Wine restaurant gives off a dim-lit, romantic vibration perfect for that first date or starry-eyed dining.

If your intention is to impress with a few unique appetizers this could be your menu, offering everything from beef short ribs to tempura shrimp to scallop lentils and chili lime chicken.

While chicken wings, onion rings and spicy fries venture toward the recognized appetizers, Secret Galley also cooks up a rare lobster roll and truffle parmesan fries.

Sandwiched between a long brioche, the roll gives a hint of mild flavours with chunks of dressed, tender lobster combined with the crunchy textures of a shredded carrot, cabbage and red onion coleslaw.

The slight sweetness is offset by a small basket of crinkle lattice fries lightly spiced and served with a sour cream dip.

Romantic? Maybe. Filling? Definitely.

SORSO LOUNGE For a wine bar with plenty of craft beer on tap, Sorso Lounge may have one of the most diverse shareable menus on the appetizer scene.

This layback lounge promotes such delights as “Dad’s” spicy popcorn, confit duck wings, bacon-wrapped fried pickles, pretzel bites with beer dip, pork belly skewers and poutine.

As a staple in many households, mine included, hummus evokes a slightly Mediterranean flare and a versatile dish built around chickpeas, garlic and other goodies.

Sorso, always searching for something beyond the ordinary for the palate, has combined several vegetables and techniques for a unique twist on this fibre-laden dish.

A good layer of roasted red pepper hummus is covered with huge chunks of seared cauliflower, fresh-sliced cucumbers and cherry tomato. Crispy roasted chickpeas and pistachio are added for a bit of crunch. A mandatory grilled garlic naan bread makes for a filling finish to this vegetarian snack. life

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G R E AT L I F E | C O L U M N

FINDING YOUR CREATIVE SELF

T

his issue is dedicated to everything creative.

It’s one of my favourite topics of conversation, and to learn what this means in Airdrie has been eye opening.

We all have a creative streak; to make something new, something valuable. And for those of us who think creativity is limited to art, music or literature, we need to think again.

Hungarian-American psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (honest!) describes what this

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means in his theory ‘flow.’ He’s written several books dedicated to the subject.

He has this to say about creativity.

“It is a central source of meaning in our lives.

Most of the things that are interesting, important and human are the results of creativity. When we are involved in it, we feel that we are living more fully than during the rest of life. It’s one of the most important attributes a person can have.”

So, I created a scientific survey, based on this theory, meaning I asked a bunch of friends on social media when they felt most creative.

The top answer was gardening, and they added photos of some pretty elegant creations of perennials, annuals, shrubs and herbs. These gardens included odd elements such as wheelbarrows, wrought-iron headboards and tricycles, barn wood and any number of red-topped gnomes.

For some it was photography. A couple of friends are writers, and described being “in the zone,” where they lose all track of time and surroundings.

A few, however, didn’t feel they had a creative bone in their body. And we did a little exploring together. One, an accountant, said she spent time with numbers and spreadsheets.

Another, a longtime admin assistant, shared that all she did was share PowerPoint presentations to investors.

Csikszentimihalyi adamantly affirmed that even these pursuits, although sounding dry, demand creativity. And in my case, I have to say then, that paying bills is one of my most creative jobs!

A study in the American Journal of Public Health suggests being in the presence of creativity improves our frame of mind. I’m all for that!

It goes on to say creativity keeps us engaged, reduces our stress, improves necessary skills and helps us live longer.

I have been involved in some aspect of the arts my entire life. Music. Theatre. Writing. Politics.

I couldn’t draw a decent stick man to save my life unless I’m playing Hangman with my grandkids. It was a skill I wanted to get better at, but a one-day workshop also showed me you need a little talent!

However, I’m learning that being “in the zone” can be found in everything. Making a model car. Baking banana loaf. Knitting stuffies for grandbabies. Figuring out a tee shot. Barbecuing a steak. Colouring mandalas.

It’s the attitude you have while doing any of those things. And isn’t that the key to everything? life

G R E AT L I F E | S E N I O R S

SENIOR RETIREMENT LIVING How important is it to have your independence?

I

came from a country where retirement living was not known; it was believed that seniors were to stay with family, no matter their conditions, medications or the extensive care that they needed. When I moved to Canada and learned that we have seniors’ care – where there are multiple care levels and we provide assistance and support, but also that retirement living is an option where residents can have independence, I was shocked. My grandparents had a hard time understanding that they could have a place of their own and be provided with meals, housekeeping and an activity program that has games, exercises, walks and so forth.

After beginning in the service industry at a young age as a server in a retirement home and learning how to serve meals and provide options to seniors, I learned very quickly that they liked having options and making their decisions based on their likes and dislikes. After falling in love with the industry and working in seniors’ care for more than 15 years, I truly believe that having independence is so important, and I will continue to fight for seniors to have that be an option as long as possible, if possible.

It’s important to provide residents with options while maintaining their independence; meals that are dietician approved; options and activities from which to choose on a daily basis in the community. Residents should be encouraged to explore their options and question things.

The size of Airdrie and its senior population continues to grow; let’s make sure that seniors are prioritized and can keep their independence as long as they are able.

They should have a place where we believe they will be accounted for, cared for and provided with options for their everyday lives. Their history, cultural background, former occupations … all are part of what makes them who they are today. We should encourage the staff and the community to learn about our senior population and get to know them on a deeper, more meaningful level.

To have independence for them is vital; their stories are incredible and eye opening. Let’s work together to support our seniors in their journeys while maintaining their independence. life Kristina Saunders is the general manager at Luxstone Senior Living

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Airdrie Food Bank’s Fresh Approach to Food Recovery The Airdrie Food Bank (AFB) has been recovering food as means to feed our community long before there were policies or a food industry push for food waste reduction.

The AFB works closely with multiple retailers to rescue safe-to-eat food that would otherwise go to landfill. In 2021 we recovered 462,453 pounds of food with a retail value of over 1.1 million dollars. Our volunteers complete 70 pick-ups of fresh produce, protein, dairy, and more from local retailers each week. These products are invaluable

ry stor oce es gr

The AFB works closely with 31 agencies and 32 schools, is a hub for 15 other food banks and works with Food Banks Alberta to accept, store, and distribute food to partner agencies.

Written by Christine Taylor Events, Marketing and Communications Manager

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Not all the surplus food we receive is fit or appropriate for redistribution. Food that is not considered safe for human consumption is diverted from landfill through partnerships with local farmers. In 2021, the AFB diverted 47,417 lbs of non-consumable food from the landfill to feed local farm animals - we hear bagels are their favourite! We are proud to have almost zero waste at the Airdrie Food Bank!

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Food recovery, also known as food rescue, is the process of gleaning viable food from vendors and growers and redirecting it to support communities.

Recovered food is edible but often not sellable.

Grocery stores, food vendors, restaurants, and farmers donate products at or past their “sell by” dates or imperfect produce, such as a bruised apple or day-old bread. Food manufacturers donate products that marginally fail quality control or have become short-dated, have packaging issues that do not affect the quality, surplus goods, or specialty foods after holidays.

to our programs and something we would struggle to purchase in the quantities needed if they were not donated. We buy eggs, milk, cheese, produce and meat to include in all hampers. Our extensive food recovery program enables us to redirect funds to purchase our most needed items for our Fuel 4 Kids Snack Attack program that is offered to 31 local schools. We also buy food for our RJ Hawkey Breakfast program and our lunch program at five local schools.

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We know that some families in Airdrie struggle to put food on the table, so it is especially concerning to know that almost half of all food produced in Canada ends up in landfills. The rising cost of living makes it increasingly difficult for individuals and families to access healthy, affordable, nutritious food. We strive to provide a variety of healthy, fresh and nutritious foods in our hampers and pantry program. This is possible with support from local farmers, commercial partners, grocery stores, local restaurants, and community and home gardeners.

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G R E AT L I F E | C O L U M N

BENEFITS OF CREATIVITY: parentlife

TIPS FOR ENCOURAGING INNOVATIVE MINDS

WITH STACIE GAETZ

C

reativity is a key ingredient to a child’s physical, social and psychological development.

Arts and crafts are often seen as play time and not necessarily educational, but the benefits of creativity are plentiful.

Encouraging innovation in your child helps with everything from motor skills and problem solving to imagination and curiosity.

If you think about it, it makes sense.

• Holding and using a paint brush helps with fine motor skills • Counting the pieces of an art project improves math abilities • Feeling good about what they have created boosts self confidence • Experimenting with new materials broadens their horizons • So how can you encourage your little creator to make what’s on their minds?

• It is easier than you think!

Here are four tips to help support your child’s creativity:

Artpourings Studio

Inspiring Future Creative Geniuses

DON’T BE AFRAID TO GET MESSY There is nothing worse for a child than seeing an array craft supplies and being told they “can’t do this” or “must do that.” Art activities and other crafts that encourage creativity shouldn’t come with a ton of rules. Of course, you can give some rough instructions but after that, let them do it their way. It is way more fun for them and you may even learn something by the way your child chooses to create their craft.

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PRAISE THE PROCESS Along the same lines as the last tip, it is important to check in from time to time and embrace your child’s work without making suggestions for changes. Accept the way they have chosen to design and discover and then move on to tip three to learn more about their art.

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BE SPECIFIC IN YOUR QUESTIONS We are all quick to say, “good job” and praise our children for whatever they are making, but taking a closer look and asking detailed questions about certain aspects of their work shows them that you have an interest in what they are doing and therefore in them. This helps immensely with self-confidence and perseverance.

DISPLAY THEIR ARTWORK Nothing makes a child prouder of what they have made than seeing the fruits of their labour prominently placed in a high-traffic area of the house. If they are having a bad day or just a moment of dysregulation, opening the fridge with their masterpiece on it can turn their attitude around. It shows you are so proud of their work that you want to show it off.

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Nourishing creativity in all forms and encouraging innovation in young minds can positively impact multiple aspects of a child’s development, so bust open that craft cupboard and start creating! life

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“You can learn tons about your dog when you make a consistent effort to connect with them in a way they can understand”

BEING YOUR DOG’S OUTDOOR CHAMPION

F Private Training

using Positive Reinforcement only

Donna Barrett, CPDT-KA Certified professional dog trainer - knowledge assessed

petlife

WITH LAURA HUDSON

politepupstraining.com 403-980-1281

Want to join our pack?

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all is beautiful! One of the most enjoyable bonding moments you can have with your dog is simply taking a neighbourhood stroll together. We already know it is mutually beneficial both physically and mentally. It gives us time and space to just be present in those moments. We enjoy the outdoor splendour, the sounds of nature around us and just observing our dogs in all their cuteness.

You can learn tons about your dog when you make a consistent effort to connect with them in a way they can understand. Dial in when they are asking for either guidance or a “leg up” in situations they find uncomfortable. It is important to step in and provide that safe place for them to make the right decision.

Discover their favourite currency and find ways to meet your dog halfway. Appreciate their strengths, weaknesses and individual preferences that make them special and loveable. Remember that learning on both ends is always happening. Training needs to be a part of your day and routine. Do not give up.

You will be witness to all sorts of behaviours out walking. There will be those perfect days and then frustratingly unfocused ones. Practice U-turns and giving them ample space. Teach foundations and attention skills to create strong positive associations for a dog who will listen reliably, even with distractions.

Build their resiliency; introduce novel items and situations gradually so they can manage their emotions. If they are scared and reacting close to home, start by taking them for a relaxing car ride to a secluded location where it is peaceful. Be creative to let them feel that success. Then give yourself a pat on the back for making incremental progress. The world can be scary, and you really just need your best friend by your side. life Laura Hudson is owner of The Woof Pack Dog Walking & Pet Services

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homelife

IDEAS AND ADVICE FOR YOUR HOME, INSIDE AND OUT

64 56 NEW HOMES | 58 NEW NEIGHBOURHOOD | 62 GARDEN TOUR

HOMELIFE | NEW HOMES

A home for everyone in STORY BY JOSIE RANDALL

Lanark Landing

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ctive families who believe their outdoor environment is as important as the right home.

That’s the vision for Lanark Landing, an impressive community being developed in the southeast corner of Airdrie.

Construction of the first phase began in 2019 with plans for a 10 year build out for the 160-acre community.

GREAT OUTDOOR AMENITIES

The community has not only well-designed housing, but also public places and open spaces designed to get people outdoors.

“Last year we built a one-acre park which included a playground structure, basketball court and seating area,” says Ruth Price, project co-ordinator for Melcor Developments Ltd., developer of the community.

“In July we are starting construction on Airdrie’s first pump track. Bikes and scooters can enjoy the pump track amenity that will also include conversation areas, picnic tables and a community garden.”

Lanark Landing offers kilometres of pathway connectivity, with parks planned all throughout the community to give ample outdoor space to enjoy.

An outdoor skating rink is also a stone’s throw away from the edge of Lanark Landing, and can be used for street hockey in the summer or skating in the winter.

Many schools are located close to the Lanark Landing community making it easy to take the kids to and from school each day.

Kingsview Market is also a quick walk or drive to find all your daily needs.

Construction of the QEII overpass for 40th Avenue is scheduled to finish in October 2023. This will connect Lanark Landing directly with access to the QEII, making the drive to Calgary or CrossIron Mills easier than ever.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

In Lanark Landing, there’s something for every price point: Castellano Custom Homes and Homes by Avi build front-drive single family homes; Sterling Homes along with McKee Homes offer laned single-family homes; Douglas Homes and McKee Homes build townhomes; and Douglas Homes and Homes by Avi offer semi-detached homes.

Starting home prices are in the $400,000s.

“Diverse housing types will accommodate the wants and needs of a variety of home buyers, from those entering the market for the first time to empty nesters looking to downsize,” says Price.

As for style, comprehensive architectural guidelines by developers promote pleasing streetscapes. Inspired by modern prairie, farmhouse and brownstone styles, homes are built for the modern family.

“In Lanark Landing you will often see children playing, biking and setting up lemonade stands,” says Price.

“It’s the perfect place to come home to, right here in Airdrie.” life

“It’s the perfect place to come home to, right here in Airdrie” 54

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www.ShiloStorey.com

︱ 403.771.9002 ︱ Shilo@ShiloStorey.com

Life with a STOREY makes yours a BEST SELLER Call me for any of your Real Estate needs!

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HOMELIFE | COLUMN

FIND YOUR NEW NEIGHBOURHOOD! AIRDRIE & AREA SHOW HOME MAP

realestatelife

WITH TRENTON PITTNER

DUE DILIGENCE MATTERS IN THIS MARKET

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15 16 LOCATED IN COCHRANE

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1. VISTA CROSSING BY DREAM (CROSSFIELD) 2. MCKEE HOMES IN VISTA CROSSING 3. WILDFLOWER BY MINTO (COMING SOON) 4. SHANE HOMES IN MIDTOWN 5. GENESIS BUILDERS IN BAYVIEW 6. MCKEE HOMES IN BAYSIDE 7. CALBRIDGE HOMES IN BAYVIEW 8. CHINOOK BY BROOKFIELD 9. MCKEE HOMES IN CHINOOK GATE 10. EXCEL HOMES IN CHINOOK GATE

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LOCATED IN BALZAC

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COBBLESTONE BY MELCOR SHANE HOMES IN COBBLESTONE COOPER’S CROSSING BY WESTMARK HARDER HOMES IN COOPER’S CROSSING 15. LANARK LANDING BY MELCOR 16. HOMES BY AVI IN LANARK 17. SOUTHWINDS BY MATTAMY 18. THE PINNACLE BY MELCOR (COCHRANE) 19. PRAIRIE ESTATES COMMUNITY

BY MELCOR (COMING SOON - BALZAC)

DEVELOPERS AND BUILDERS ADVERTISING IN THIS ISSUE ARE FEATURED ON THIS MAP. TO GET YOUR PROJECT ADDED CONTACT WENDY@FROGMEDIAINC.CA

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HAT A JOURNEY SO FAR in the first three quarters of 2022! Airdrie has seen more than 660 sales in the past three months alone! It’s been consistent for Airdrie to have an average of 50 conditional sales at any given day over the past few weeks.

Don’t believe what you may hear through the grapevine, that our market has cooled off completely. The most repetitive questions I’ve been asked by clients recently: “Are we going to see a bust in the real estate market? Is it a bubble about to burst? The Bank of Canada’s recent interest rate hikes will affect our market, yes, but I don’t personally believe it’s going to tank. Our city has proven it’s very robust when it comes to our real estate investments and Airdrie will continue to grow in population for quite some time. There are several new major projects on the go throughout our city and the future looks bright in my eyes.

Recently I’ve noticed that properties priced appropriately and marketed correctly are still selling in a timely manner. Historically it is very typical for our local real estate market to slow down over the summer holidays. As of Aug. 8, 2022, the City of Airdrie had 227 active properties for sale including single family, attached homes and condos. Interest rates for prospective buyers are still attractive. An August update on interest rates provides a 5-year fixed rate of 4.59 per cent and a variable of 3.8 per cent, which is still appealing for the Airdrie home buyer or investor!

“Don’t believe what you may hear through the grapevine, that our market has cooled off completely” In recent Calgary Real Estate Board news: “A pullback in mostly detached activity, sales in Airdrie slowed compared both to levels seen earlier in the year and levels recorded last year,” according to CREB chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie.

“Although prices have trended down over the past three months, they remain 20 per cent higher than levels recorded last year.

The monthly slippage does not come as a surprise given the pace of growth seen earlier in the year.

“While conditions remain tight, more caution amongst consumers is weighing on their willingness to bid well above list prices; however, with just over two months of supply, the market remains far tighter than anything experienced throughout the recessionary period experienced prior to the pandemic.”

Lurie added, “As expected, the benchmark price did see some slippage relative to levels seen earlier in the year and rising lending rates have cooled much of the bidding-war activity that was driving significant gains earlier in the year; however, prices currently remain more than 12 per cent higher than last year’s levels, still outpacing forecasted price growth for the year.

“As we move forward, we do anticipate further rate gains will weigh on housing activity and prices, but not enough to completely offset the exceptionally strong gains recorded over the first half of the year,” Lurie said.

My advice for buyers: continue to do your due diligence and rely on your local agent of choice’s expertise on the constant changing market conditions. Listen to their advice as they are experienced when it comes to the most up-to-date information you should be aware of. Sellers: continue to be patient for the right buyer to come. Don’t think there’s a problem if your home hasn’t sold overnight.

Our turnaround times for a sale are not the same as previously seen earlier in our calendar year. life Trenton Pittner is with Trenton Pittner Group, Legacy Real Estate Services

Join us!

We’re mentoring high growth businesses for Airdrie’s new team-based mentorship program.

Learn more and register for an info session: AIRDRIECOMMON.CA

mentor spotlights

Linda Maslechko Founder and CEO, Triple Flip

Myles Hamilton President, CanMar Foods Ltd. Former Owner, Spitz International Ltd. Former Vice President, Frito Lay Canada

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H O M E L I F E | D E V E LO P E R P R O F I L E

New community in Balzac offers

more space to breathe STORY BY JOSIE RANDALL

A

new community unlike any other in Calgary or Airdrie has started breaking ground near Balzac, AB. Melcor Developments has started construction on an expansive community located to the west of the Balzac townsite on Highway 566 and RR11. A name for the development has yet to be decided.

“This is an exciting project for us because we are creating a community that can no longer be created in larger municipalities because of density and product type requirements,” says Ruth Price, project co-ordinator for Melcor.

HARMONY LIVING

With lots wide enough for three, and in some cases four, garages there is opportunity for multigenerational living, small homebased businesses, room to store an RV, or just larger living space. The community will feature large lots of around 40-60 feet wide, cul de sacs, a naturalized community plan and miles of pathways that connect the community.

“The appeal of this community is to offer more house and yard space all within close proximity to city amenities. CrossIron Mills, Costco and the Calgary International Airport are located in closer driving distances here than city communities. The proximity of being located in both Calgary and Airdrie is unique as it

provides close access to amenities in a rural community setting,” says Price.

As an added benefit, homes in the community will offer options for net-zero living with solar panel options and energy efficient features to enjoy living greener inside and out.

“More people are wanting to make their homes greener, so we are working to incorporate these features into homes from the beginning,” says Price.

ONE HOME AT A TIME

Akash Homes, Aspen Creek Designer Homes, Castellano Custom Homes, Green Cedar Homes, McKee Homes and Sunview Custom Homes will build in the first phase of the 800+ acre land holding. Fourteen phases are planned to build out the community over an approximate 15-20 year period.

Homes will start from the $700,000s and range to over $1 million. Square footage will start at 2,100.

Showhomes are expected to open in the fall of 2023.

Melcor Developments is behind two other new residential communities in Airdrie. Lanark Landing and Cobblestone Creek were built with a focus on active living and getting people outdoors.

“We love building communities that people of all ages and stages of life can enjoy. A place to develop strong connections, build deep roots and provide a solid investment.” says Price. life

“The appeal of this community is to offer more house and yard space all within close proximity to city amenities” 58

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HOMELIFE|COLUMN

2022-2023 presented series decorlife

WITH KIM PURVIS

GETTING CREATIVE AT HOME

Visit BCLT.CA for more details

Residential & Commercial airdriealarm.ca 403.948.1830 info@airdriealarm.ca

NEW! ULC Fire Panel Monitoring24/7 MonitoringBurglary AlarmSurveillance CamerasAutomationGuard Services & ResponseVacation House checksCard Fob Access Control60

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The old saying goes ‘necessity is the mother of invention.’ I propose creativity is the actual mother of invention. In my experience the most success and fulfillment I’ve achieved is as a result of meeting difficult challenges with creative solutions.

Creativity in the context of art and design is rarely about dreaming up beauty alone but more digging for the rare jewel that is rooted in a story, solving a problem or evoking a feeling.

How do we exercise creativity in decorating our homes? I’ve highlighted three ways to maximize our inner creative.

Think outside the box! Do you ever have something in mind and either can’t find the perfect piece, it’s well out of the budget, or it’ll be years before it’s back in stock? Initially the lack of a ‘quick’ solution is frustrating, but that’s when the magic happens. Try looking for something that could work the same and achieve the same purpose. Thrifting is a great way to start. Several of my first years making a home we used an old shipping trunk as our coffee table. It was honestly the most practical piece (hello, storage) and added so much to our living room character.

Make it! Social media is FULL of the DIYers and their endless examples of creative projects. Out of necessity, boredom or a challenge so many Instagramers are renovating their houses, or building their own furniture. (Note: some things are just best left to the professionals and some things cannot be conquered with creativity alone.)

Making something isn’t limited to starting from scratch, either. Taking a piece of furniture or art you already have and modifying it is a fantastic option. Good for the environment, too!

Try new things! Instead of doing the same things, eating the same meals, staying at home

“Flexibility and creativity combined are the ingredients for achieving a beautiful space uniquely yours” … get out and explore the world. Take a class even if you don’t think you have any talent to offer; chances are you’ll find meaning in the process of learning something new. Finding a new passion ignites all kinds of creativity that will influence more than just your home decor.

For most families creating a home requires a lot of compromise between the varying opinions of those living in the house. Flexibility and creativity combined are the ingredients for achieving a beautiful space uniquely yours.

The great thing about creativity is that projects you tackle can always evolve as you grow and stretch yourself. life Decorator Kim Purvis, owner of Aurora Décor, is pursuing her lifelong passion of creating beautiful home spaces

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Welcome to Vista Crossing, where life is simplified in a most sophisticated way. Just a short drive to Calgary, this is a place where you can unplug and reconnect with what really matters. Join a butterfly chase in the spacious yards; sip lemonade on the front porch and watch the sun turn in for the night. A gentler pace of life awaits in Crossfield.

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Discover Crossfield MCKEE HOMES | HOMES BY DREAM 126 Amery Crescent, Crossfield, Alberta 201 Vista Drive, Crossfield, Alberta

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Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. E. & O.E.

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H OM E L I F E | YA R D S

GARDEN TOUR

PHOTOS BY KRISTY REIMER

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H O M E L I F E | AWA R D S

GARDEN #1 Gerri, Woodside Boulevard N.W. I always like to do my garden in what I think the Garden of Eden may somewhat look like. I love the beauty of the flowers and shrubs and try to do a different colour scheme each year.

GARDEN #2 Cassie, Sagewood Cove This is a garden in development. I started with raised wooden vegetable beds with an arbour and trellises. I have many future plans, and can’t wait to implement them. Hopefully I’ll be on the tour again!

GARDEN #3 Janelle and Deb, Baywater Way S.W. Nestled at the end of the most western canal in Bayside, this yard has been a six-year labour of love. What started as no more than hard clay and thistle has been transformed into an intriguing urban farm. These peaceful gardens contain everything from endless perennials and raised vegetable beds to backyard chickens.

A photo journey exploring some of the gardens featured in the 2022 Airdrie Horticultural Society tour, held in August.

GARDEN #4 Donelda, Centre Avenue Twenty-two years of reuse, recycle, reclaim, repurpose and refurbish has resulted in a diverse area containing 60-plus-year-old spruce trees, and oak, mayday and mountain ash trees along with massive spreading junipers in the front yard. The serene backyard also boasts two large rock gardens, as well as numerous fairy gardens. Saskatoon, strawberry, blueberry, raspberry and black currant are some of the berry bushes surrounding the yard.

GARDEN #5 Earl, Jenson Place This garden has 205 colourful flowerpots, many of them petunias. The vast number of petunias extend out of the yard into the back alley. There is also a “secret garden” at the back of the yard with a sitting area that you would never know was there unless shown the hidden pathway to it.

HOME RUN: Airdrie-based Harder Homes

“We shop local, support local and believe that giving back to the community that has given us so much is very important”

wins two BILD Awards STORY BY JOSIE RANDALL

Harder Homes team: Serghei Cicala, Wayne and Simona Harder, Chris Wensley

A

ll Simona Harder remembers is hearing the name of her company before walking up to the stage in front of 1,100 building industry peers.

The BILD Awards celebrate and recognize the building and development industry’s best in Calgary and area. This year Airdrie-based Harder Homes won two awards in the Single Home category of Best New Home 3 for homes between $325,000-379,999 and Best New Home 4 for homes between $380,000-444,999 for their work in 2021.

“It was surreal to finally be recognized in a room full of our peers after celebrating our 2019 and 2020 wins silently through the Covid years,” says Harder, who co-owns Harder Homes with husband Wayne.

“Walking up to the stage with our team was an unforgettable experience. And to do it twice in the same night was icing on the cake.”

Harder Homes is a family owned and locally operated business that has been building in Airdrie and the surrounding area for more than 15 years. They specialize in building single-family homes that are customized to each homeowner’s lifestyle, taste and preferences.

Some of their current projects include working on homes in the southwest corner of Airdrie in Cooper’s Crossing.

The 2021 BILD Awards is not the first time Harder Homes has been recognized. The company took home best new home awards in 2020 and 2019.

Harder says over the years they have sat down with hundreds of families looking to make their home in Airdrie, so it’s nice to be recognized for their commitment to building community.

“As local Airdronians ourselves, we love being part of the community in every way possible,” says Harder.

“We shop local, support local and believe that giving back to the community that has given us so much is very important.” life

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SHANE HOMES

CREATIVE LIVING SHANE HOMES

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EXCEL HOMES

EXCEL HOMES

We asked our area builders to provide examples of their creative space for this issue and they did not disappoint! Check out the ingenuity of craftsmanship, design and decor.

Cool built-in bunkbeds double the fun in this Homes by Avi kids room. A functional Podcast room including soundproof walls, mikes and an interview space in the Cypress showhome (16 minutes from Airdrie) built by Shane Homes (left-hand page).

In house design, drafting and decorating makes the kid’s room in the Fernhill by McKee Homes (and the one on page 53) a fun oasis for any child.

The games room in this Harder Homes design has everything you need for a fun family night!

The Fleetwood (top) and the Newbrook (below) demonstrate the creative flare and attention to detail the decorators at Excel Homes attain in creating a great space.

MCKEE HOMES HARDER HOMES

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HOMELIFE | NEW NEIGHBOURHOODS

“(The community’s) theme is bringing to life the values of back to roots, green living and rustic charm”

Wildflower offers a cosy and fresh take on coming home STORY BY JOSIE RANDALL

O

n the city’s western edge, a new community is taking bloom.

Wildflower by Minto Communities features farm-inspired single-family homes ranging from 1,445 to 2,586 square feet, with multi-family options coming in 2023.

It will include three farmhouse elevation styles drawing inspiration from agricultural materials and features like picket railing, gable roofs and rustic exterior colour options. The unique rise of the community offers several options for walkout basements, and drive-under garages.

“Wildflower’s theme is bringing to life the values of back to roots, green living and rustic charm,” says Christine Estor, marketing manager at Minto Communities Calgary.

“There’s just something about the farmhouse architectural style that’s cosy and welcoming and that is what we are trying to embody at Wildflower.”

Showhomes will be available to view in the spring of 2023.

A COMMUNITY LIKE NO OTHER

The community has plans for five kilometres of recreational pathways, a naturalized pond, parks and a community hub with various courts.

Wildflower will also be home to Airdrie’s first outdoor pools with a 25-metre lap pool, hot tub and zero-entry leisure pool.

“This will really be like no other community in Airdrie. We also have plans for an open-air sports court for basketball and floor hockey, and in the winter it will be converted to an outdoor skat66

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ing rink which will be sheltered year round,” says Estor.

“Our 8,000-sq.-ft. amenity building is nestled within Wildflower offering elevated views from Airdrie’s highest point. You’ll be able to enjoy those views while hanging out with friends and family at the amenity building, which will offer space rentals for special events.”

Wildflower will also have a homeowners association designed to provide residents with access to facilities, amenities and community programming all year long.

COME HOME TO WILDFLOWER

Sustainability is top of mind at Wildflower. The community will feature a “pollinator highway” to support ecosystem growth. A community garden and edible pathways (think fruit trees) will also serve to promote sustainable food sourcing.

As for the homes themselves, they will be Energy Star certified making them energy efficient and cost effective for homeowners.

Sustainable features like increased air tightness and insulation, programmable thermostats, water-efficient fixtures and appliances will also be included in homes. In addition, all garages will also be wired to allow for electric vehicle charging.

“Our homes will be 20 per cent more energy efficient than typical homes,” says Estor.

“So, when our residents walk through the door to their homes, they can feel confident they are doing their part in helping the planet while simply living their everyday lives.” life

worklife

MEET THE MOVERS, SHAKERS AND BUSINESS MAKERS

75 69 SMART BIZ | 76 MOBILE BIZ | 78 COLLECTIVE BIZ

WO R K L I F E | CO L U M N WHY: MENTORS HAVE THE TOOLS Mentors are selected for their experience in launching or scaling their own businesses, as C-suite executives or functional experts. They are empathetic, great listeners, assertive and motivated to help.

Through a day-long training program, mentors are equipped with three tools for providing guidance: instructing, advising and coaching.

Effective mentors can use all three of these tools and shift between them when appropriate.

Our programs place more emphasis on coaching, which focuses on asking the right questions to challenge and inspire an entrepreneur.

IT’S TRUE, A MENTOR CAN HELP YOU GROW A seasoned mentor can help an entrepreneur stay afloat longer, both personally and professionally, and navigate a path to achieve their growth goals through both foresight for the challenges ahead and the hindsight they have from their own experience in business.

Patricia Duggan participated in Airdrie’s SMARTstart program in 2020 as she undertook a career change from 30-year-accountant with a daily commute to Calgary to local floral shop and commercial property owner.

“SMARTstart really helped with meeting people in the business community,” says Duggan, whose one-on-one mentor provided as part of the program was Dr. Heather Cowie, owner of Airdrie Family Eye Doctors.

“Our first year was better than I projected.”

Duggan is the proud owner of Funky Petals Flower Shop and was the recipient of the Airdrie Business Awards – Emerging Airdrie Business Category in 2021.

Mentor Dr. Heather Cowie (standing) with Patricia Duggan

businesslife

WITH JESSICA WILLIAMSON

MENTORSHIP FOR BUSINESS

GROWTH

D

id you know that a mentor is one of the greatest secret weapons an entrepreneur can have today?

According to an analysis conducted by Endeavor, a non-profit organization that supports high-impact entrepreneurs across the world, companies whose founders have been mentored by a top-performing entrepreneur are three times more likely to go on to become top performers themselves.

Our city is equipped with a small but mighty group of mentors accessible through the SMARTstart and AdvanceSMART programs.

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MENTORS ARE MOTIVATED TO GIVE BACK A mentor’s value stems from the fact that they’ve “been there and done that,” giving mentees the opportunity to learn from their mistakes and experiences.

Whether you shape Airdrie’s next business success story or help them become a better leader, you’ll make a difference. Airdrie offers a variety of mentorship pathways: one-to-one mentoring to help new entrepreneurs launch businesses, team mentoring to assist with growth strategies, or mentor specialists who apply their specialized skillset to unique challenges.

Airdrie mentor Dr. Cowie loves being involved and giving back some of the mentorship she’s received in her career.

“The most rewarding [part] by far is just watching her blossom,” says Dr. Cowie. “It’s just incredible to watch.” Dr. Cowie was the recipient of the 2021 Airdrie Business Awards Greatest Impact Award.

BE THE BUSINESS MENTOR YOU NEEDED Are you an accomplished entrepreneur, C-suite executive or functional expert looking to build your own leadership skills and give back to the community? Join our mentorship team! Apply online at airdriecommon.ca YOU WANT TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS; WE’LL HELP YOU GET THERE Airdrie’s SMARTstart and AdvanceSMART programs will soon be accepting entrepreneur applications for 2023 start dates. Be in the know by visiting airdriecommon.ca and adding your name and email address to our mailing list.

Through the support of mentors, the community and the entrepreneurial support ecosystem, Airdrie entrepreneurs are well equipped to build great businesses and become better business leaders. life Jessica Williamson is an economic development officer with the City of Airdrie

WORKLIFE | ENTREPREUNERS

2020 PHOTOS BY KRISTY REIMER

ENTREPRENEURS REQUIRE A VERY PRACTICAL UNDERSTANDING OF HOW TO START AND RUN A BUSINESS. Unless you are a serial entrepreneur, chances are you don’t have all the necessary knowledge and skills. You could acquire them through experience, but that is risky and takes time.

STORY BY TARA entrepreneurial LEVICK training program can accelerate your learning, helping you avoid costly mistakes. This made-in-Airdrie program offers online learnAirdrie’s SMARTstart ing, workshops with local experts, and business planning to people with a business idea and owners who have been in operation for less than three years.

ILLUSTRATIONS BY LIA mentorship GOLEMBA The magic of this local program is gaining access to those who have “been there and done that” – these entrepreneurs and business professionals can help you learn how to navigate many of the challenges typically faced in starting a business.

WHAT IS THE NO. 1 QUALITY AN ENTREPREN Airdrie’s award-winning SMARTstart program has been Each program participant walks away with a completed plan – either feasibility, business or strategic – and connections to the supportive Airdrie business community.

NEEDS TO HAVE IN ORDER TO BE SUCCESSFU pairing business mentors sincethe 2014.

In theentrepreneurs past eight years, morewith than 125 entrepreneurs have completed program. The 2022 program is made up of 10 entrepreneurs representing nine businesses and 11 mentors.

Andrew Bennett (The I.T. Company): Persisten More people have completed the program.

Thisthan issue, 100 we feature our final four participating entrepreneurs from the 2022 cohort.

MENTORS AT LAR

Entrepreneurs have opened businesses, grown their businesses and improved their business practices.

Some participants also determine that their idea is not viable or that they don’t have what it takes to be an entrepreneur. SMARTstart also considers this a success.

SMARTstart is all about helping entrepreneurs realize their potential. Meet six of the program’s current entrepreneurs and their mentors.

SMARTstart also has three mentors at large. They are not paired with an entrepreneur this year; instead they work with any and all as needed!

tenaciousness about achieving their objectives.

Joan Traub (retired, former owner of Airdrie Y Passion. They need to believe in their product or and their ability to outshine their competition.

“You don’t know what you don’t know until

Jo-Anne Yau (Masuch Law): An entrepreneur m you know it. Finding a mentor is important able to read the market – know where consumer because they have been there before you is, where it’s going, and how to fit into the market

and can offer advice and be a sounding board at critical times in your career.”

WATCH VIDEO GREETINGS AND LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR ENTREPRENUERS AT AIRDRIELIFE.COM

WAREHOUSE SPIN & BARRE

BECKY URBAN My husband Kevin and I are excited to be the ‘new kids on the block’ for fitness in Airdrie! Warehouse Spin & Barre aims to provide a fun and inclusive community for everybody and every body. I am motivated by community and was craving a place to go and work out without judgement.

I decided that if the opportunity doesn’t exist, create it!

Why entrepreneurship: I’m driven to provide a fun, vibrant future for my family. As a lifelong resident, I’m excited to share my passion with Airdrie and run a studio people will be proud to be a part of.

What I hope to learn: Things I haven’t thought about – the ins and outs of starting and running a business. I’ll be working with my mentor to develop a sense of community within the business and establish marketing and social media strategies.

Mentor: HEATHER HARKE, SHOPLIFT DEALS LIMITED What do you wish you would have known when you started: I wish I would have known about SMARTstart! It’s why I support and share about the program now; to help others avoid feeling alone or without knowledge on progressing their business without trial and error.

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WORKLIFE | ENTREPREUNERS

BRIGHT LITTLE MINDS

JONELLE BEAULIEU As a parent, I know just how important the brain development of young children is. Through my business, Bright Little Minds, I offer affordable sensory gifts for parents who don’t have time to prepare their own activities. Sensory play allows your child to lead their play while avoiding or reducing screen time. Top-selling products that stimulate the senses and engage children in play include: heavy object sensory bottles, eye spy bottles, slime, sensory kits, playdough kits and more!

Why entrepreneurship: I have always loved creating and being crafty, spending the early years of my son’s life developing activities for sensory play. His joy melted my heart and my posts on Instagram generated interest in what I was doing. I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur but was never sure what my business would be, until the opportunity was literally right in front of me.

What I hope to learn: In five years, I see my business as a full-time venture. Getting my name out there with a solid marketing plan and an e-commerce website will help me to reach my goals.

Mentor: DR. MELANIE BEINGESSNER, BLESSINGWAYS FAMILY WELLNESS My most important advice to any entrepreneur: You don’t have to re-invent the wheel. Find someone who is doing what you want to do and take them out for coffee! Or in our virtual world, reach out and make a connection with someone online. I guarantee that you’ll learn something to make your life easier and better.

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LIFT THE VIBE EQ ASSESSMENTS + TRAINING

MARTIN LINLOVE Since I was a teenager, I have been intrigued by human development. Essential skills and emotional intelligence greatly increase your chances of success in the workplace. In addition, they add confidence to your personal life. Emotional intelligence is the ability to identify emotions, react appropriately, support others and make sound decisions. My new venture aims to provide personalized and group EQ-I 2.0 & EQ 360 Assessments with comprehensive reports and coaching to any business.

Why entrepreneurship: COVID has shifted so many things in society including highlighting the great need for support with mental health and overcoming obstacles, plus improving the way education and consulting is delivered online.

Now is the perfect time to put my passion for human development into action.

What I hope to learn: I have been researching for a few years, attempting to create an online business. As I have 35 years as a director of sales and marketing in the hospitality industry, EQ training is the perfect blend of selling and teaching for me. I will be completing a feasibility study to define my product offering, determine the right audience and building a solid marketing plan.

Mentor: TRACY GOODBRAND, IRRICANA KOUNTRY KENNEL My most important advice to any entrepreneur: Find a great business coach who can mentor you along your business journey – they are worth their weight in gold!

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WORKLIFE | ENTREPREUNERS

NRG FITNESS INC.

JAY RAYMUNDO Have you invested in a home gym but need some guidance and accountability to build muscle and/ or lose weight? My business, NRG Fitness Inc., offers online coaching and workouts for all fitness levels, including daily LIVE workouts and prerecorded workouts such as HIIT, Zumba, Yoga, PiYo, Cardio Combat, XFit, Strength and Conditioning. As demand for my services increases, I aim to expand my online fitness platform nationally and open a bricks and mortar personal training/group fitness studio in Airdrie to service individuals, sports teams and employee wellness programs.

Why entrepreneurship: I want to make a difference in people’s lives by doing what I love to do. I like knowing that they are much more confident and happier because of me. It is important to me to teach my kids to follow their dreams, the rewards of hard work and the pride that comes with ownership.

What I hope to learn: I need to build structure and financial literacy into my business. I’m about the wow, but don’t know how. Developing systems, financial planning and marketing are my top priorities for the program.

Mentor: TARA PICKFORD, AMBITION PERFORMING ARTS My most important advice to any entrepreneur: You don’t know what you don’t know until you know it. Finding a mentor is important because they have been there before you and can offer advice and be a sounding board at critical times in your career.

MENTORS AT LARGE

What is the No. 1 quality an entrepreneur needs to have in order to be successful?

Joan Traub (retired, former owner of Airdrie Yoga Studio): passion. They need to believe in their product or service and their ability to outshine their competition.

Jo-Anne Yau (Robertson LLP): An entrepreneur must be able to read the market – know where consumer demand is, where it’s going, and how to fit into the market.

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WORKLIFE | COLUMN

lifestages

Your one wild and precious life

WITH CHRISTIE MOSER ‘Grey divorce’ was coined to reflect divorce amongst older couples. There is no requisite hair colour involved; instead, it typically includes anyone over 50. With studies showing the overall divorce rate dropping, the number of grey divorces is surging. Why so?

There are many potential explanations, including incompatible lifestyles; however, some grey divorce drivers are unique and more prevalent today than at any other time.

MORE AUTONOMY FOR WOMEN With women today enjoying an unprecedented level of financial independence, there is a higher expectation for happiness in career and life partnerships.

LONGER LIFESPANS Fifty is the new 40. Or is it 30? It is entirely conceivable that a person could live another 40 or more years on this planet. It is never too late to pursue a life of purpose and intentionality.

EMPTY NEST SYNDROME Babies are wonderful, but the distractions associated with raising kids can delay the realization that a couple has grown apart. When children leave, many couples take a pause in their quieter lives and decide that a change is necessary.

Poet Mary Oliver penned: ‘Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?’ This line is a reminder to stay focused on the pursuit of a fully actualized life. In no circumstance should anyone define that as settling for a life of financial ease but general discontentment.

That said, divorce can bring with it major financial implications, taking years and tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars to navigate. There is also considerably less ability for appreciable recoveries in standard of living for couples close to retirement.

Often a mediated divorce comes with less conflict and expense. Therefore, many informed couples prefer to partner with financially savvy mediators rather than invest their wealth supporting the careers of adversarial lawyers.

With age comes wisdom, grey hair and often, one’s best years yet. life Christie Moser, CPA, CA is a chartered financial divorce specialist and owner of Fairway Divorce Solutions offices in Alberta and British Columbia

More Than

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Engage with literacy through children, youth, teen, and adult programming, and: - The Makerspace - Tech Help - Video Gaming - DVDs/Blu-rays - Author Visits - Writers Workshops - Book Clubs - and much more Online, access a vast collection of books, music, movies, eResources, and much more!

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WO R K L I F E | C R E AT I V E S PAC E S

“We were hoping to give youth and teenagers a place to go and de-stress, meet others and have fun with their friends in a safe and responsible way without having to drive into Calgary”

LEVEL UP

YOUR NEXT HANGOUT Consoling boredom at Airdrie’s newest hot spot STORY BY JOSIE RANDALL | PHOTOS BY SERGEI BELSKI

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W

hen you walk through the doors of ¡Glitch! Gaming Lounge several things happen.

You are hit with bright and colourful graffiti-style murals covering the majority of the facility’s walls. You smell that familiar spice radiating off homemade chili cheese fries prepared by a Red Seal chef.

Then you see all the games.

“We can tell when there is a new person coming in because they are just taken aback,” says co-founder Tracy Wright.

“They kind of stop at the front door and are immediately overwhelmed by colour, and then we welcome them and give them the low down on everything we do.

Parents, teens and children love it when they walk through those doors. We have something for everyone.” ¡Glitch! Gaming Lounge is the brainchild of Wright and her sister, Lindsey Leicht.

The idea was to create a space where people could play a wide variety of games to celebrate special events or simply chill.

“Growing up I had most of the gaming consoles. So we were always into games,” says Wright.

“One Christmas my sister and I took our families to a virtual reality gaming centre in Calgary. We just got to talking about how Airdrie needed something similar and how we could do it better. Next thing you know we were looking at properties, and here we are today.”

A PLACE TO CHILL ¡Glitch! has 12 virtual reality stations (VR), private VIP gaming rooms, PC gaming stations, pool tables and an ever-growing arcade. Tables are also available for trading card games like Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh! and Pokémon.

Wright says their virtual reality stations are the most popular. The gaming lounge offers more than 50 VR games and has memberships specifically for those stations.

“Gaming has gotten very popular in the past few years, especially virtual reality gaming. We have only been open a few months and we already have regular members,” says Wright. ¡Glitch! also has plenty of plush lounging areas, and a licensed, full-service kitchen with many in-house made and gluten-friendly options.

The business opened in January 2022 in an 8,600-square-foot building in the southeast corner of Airdrie.

“We see families come in and the dad is like, ‘Hey let me show you this,’ or ‘Here is a game I was really good at back in the day,’ or ‘Let me try this one and see if I can keep up.’” says Wright.

“Friendly competition. That’s what we’re all about.”

WIN! A $50 GIFT CARD TO ¡GLITCH! GAMING You must be an a-lister to enter to join the a-list now at airdrielife.com

MORE THAN HOTDOGS ON ROLLERS When Wright’s nephew moved to Airdrie, she discovered many teenagers didn’t have a ton of places to go in the city.

She heard a typical hangout generally meant grabbing snacks at a 7-Eleven and hanging out in the parking lot “doing God knows what.”

“So that’s also part of the reason we opened ¡Glitch!,” says Wright.

“We were kind of hoping to give youth and teenagers a place to go and de-stress, meet others and have fun with their friends in a safe and responsible way without having to drive into Calgary.”

Since opening, ¡Glitch! has held teen dances, summer camps and has plans to host more programming in the fall and winter months.

Wright is hoping ¡Glitch! eventually becomes a hub for activities in Airdrie, perhaps hosting bachelor parties, team-building events, live music and movie nights.

“I think when people think of any typical gaming or hangout place, they think of crappy hotdogs on a roller and greasy game consoles,” says Wright.

“While we do offer hotdogs, it’s a bit of a step above. We want to bring the community together to hang out like back in the day. We’re like a modern arcade.” life FA L L 2022

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WORKLIFE | MOBILE BIZ

ON THE GO Airdrie businesses go mobile to make a living STORY BY JOSIE RANDALL

Meet two Airdrie companies who are bringing their business to you with great success.

Fishing for empty bellies Lesley Stasiuk compares her food truck to something like a party in a parking lot.

She founded Daytona Beach Seafood Tacos as a way to get out and about in the community, while doing something she loves.

“My husband asked me to stop cooking because I was making him fat, and I said ‘Okay, how about I start cooking for other people?” Stasiuk says.

“Airdrie has got lots of barbecue, poutine, mini donuts and burgers, but nobody really has any fresh seafood or tacos. So, I tested all my recipes on my kids and here we are.”

Roving around Airdrie Stasiuk takes pride in sourcing as many products as locally as she can. She works with local farms and businesses to develop new ideas for food items like incorporating freeze-dried strawberries for desserts.

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All of her employees come from Airdrie, and she even hired a local artist to help design her truck.

“I love this community. There is so much creativity here, so I try and do my best to help support where I can and hope they support me as [well] when I’m roving around Airdrie,” Stasiuk says.

Less red tape Earlier this year the City of Airdrie passed a set of Land Use Bylaw amendments making it easier for mobile vendors like food trucks to operate in the city.

Where previously food trucks and other vendors were limited to certain locations, the city now has 12 districts where they can operate with less red tape.

“We have about 12 to 15 food trucks operating in Airdrie,” says Airdrie economic officer Adena Malyk.

“So as long as they abide by a few regulations they can go and essentially park where they want.”

Stasiuk says the updates will allow her more freedom to operate – especially during busy summers.

“I thought I had a good product, but I am just overwhelmed with the huge support from the people of Airdrie. Our hearts are so full, and we can just hope to help make your bellies full.”

A home organizer that comes to you Cindi Banman remembers growing up in a very messy home.

It wasn’t just a few dirty dishes laying in the sink; she recalls a clinically disorganized household that plagued her life.

“I didn’t feel like I knew how to do anything. It wasn’t until I started getting out of that I learned it didn’t have to be that way,” Banman says.

“I began learning some practices and philosophies around minimalism – that was a game changer. I was like, ‘Oh this is how it is supposed to be. This feels good and is relatively easy. I can do this, and I would love to share this with other people.’”

As the owner of Genesis Professional Organizing, Banman now spends her days helping others tackle a small space or whole house. She goes to clients’ homes to assess issue areas and offer up a fresh perspective.

A fresh start Banman says the COVID-19 pandemic completely shifted the way people think about the spaces they live in.

“People say, ‘If I just had a couple more weeks where I didn’t have to work, I would get organized.’ Well, 2020 has shown me that nope, that is not the problem – we are,” says Banman.

“I am all about creating ease for people. It is possible to create a fresh start.”

Ease in access Airdrie Economic Development says consumers are looking for more ease in accessing products and services. Much like Genesis Professional Organizing, the city is seeing mobile dental hygienists and even mobile watch repair specialists.

“If you can bring your product or service to your consumer rather than your consumer coming to you – I think it makes it a little more enticing for the consumer,” says Airdrie Economic Development officer Adena Malyk.

“I think it’s almost the way of the future. It is an offering consumers are looking for more and more these days.”

Banman agrees. With so many forced to face their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, she has had steady work throughout the city since opening her business more than a year ago.

“There’s no need to do things by yourself, and stress about it,” says Banman, “All you need to do is pick up the phone and poof, I am there to help whether you are home or not.” life FA L L 2022

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WORKLIFE | INGENUITY

“It’s really cool to be surrounded by like-minded businesses who are trying to better the community”

BOOSTING SMALL BUSINESS WITH A SHARED SPACE

R

STORY BY JOSIE RANDALL | PHOTO BY SERGE BELSKI

yan Cameron had been mulling over the idea of opening a co-working space in Airdrie.

As the owner of several commercial real estate properties in the city, Cameron heard a need to create a space that people could rent for short periods of time instead of taking on a long-term commitment.

That’s when one of his tenants, a small yoga studio, informed Cameron they were shuttering.

“A lot of yoga, fitness and wellness practitioners are a one-man band. So, they lug everything in the trunk of their car and rent out church basements or places that aren’t really great for their classes,” says Cameron.

“Here we had this space in Airdrie that was already built for wellness programming, that could store people’s stuff – so we decided to try out this coworking concept.”

A SHARED SPACE The Collective by Modern Elevation opened in September 2020. It’s described as a shared studio for wellness practitioners to offer their services in Airdrie. The “purposefully designed environment” works to bring peace and tranquility to any program clients offer.

Clients can rent out the space for a couple hours, a whole day or a few days.

“It’s kind of a weird concept. You can do whatever you want in there, and that is why you see the breadth of the programming there going on in that space,” Cameron says.

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“Something I think that has happened very organically is that we’ve built a real community of wellness professionals in Airdrie. They interact with each other, they talk to each other and they work together, and that is just the reflection of the people we have in the space.”

FIRST STEPS Ready Set Soar! Education Centre has been using The Collective as their primary location for classes since September 2021. The group offers specialized classes and workshops for parents and their young children.

Co-founder Elissa Breakenridge says The Collective is the first step towards one day having their own building.

“For us, this was honestly the only way we were able to start our business,” says Breakenridge.

“It is ideal because we aren’t committed. This is a great way for a new business to start because you are not signing a lease, taking out a loan and putting yourself in debt. We pay for the space for the time we use it.”

Breakenridge adds the interior of the space is very warm and inviting, which helps ease parents and children who take her classes.

“Most of the businesses that run out of The Collective are women owned and women run and are focused on bettering people. It’s really cool to be surrounded by like-minded businesses who are trying to better the community.”

CONFIDENCE BOOST Over the past two years, Cameron says he has seen small businesses come and go through his space. He himself has been a resident of Airdrie for the past 15 years, raising his family in the community.

In an effort to help boost the confidence of those who use the space, Cameron and his daughter spent a month brainstorming motivational words.

They then plastered the front door in power words to set the tone when you walk in.

“It’s a small thing, but for small businesses and everyone else it’s just a little reminder that you are doing good. We’ve had quite a few instructors come and try to develop their small business with us. We’ve had people start with one class per week and then grow their business from there,” Cameron says.

“Our ultimate goal is helping one of these instructors grow their business to a point where they will take over their own space one day. How great is that?” life

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ADVERTORIAL

THE SUITE LIFE CELEBRATING 14 YEARS OF STAYS STORY BY JOSIE RANDALL | PHOTO BY SERGEI BELSKI

C

omfort Inn & Suites Airdrie has been family owned and operated for the past 14 years.

The hotel offers up a free hot breakfast served daily, indoor heated pool, fitness centre and banquet and meeting rooms, among other amenities. Its close proximity to the Queen Elizabeth II Highway, restaurants and shopping makes it appealing for travellers with short or long stays.

“Our free hot breakfast offers a wide variety of items, including hot cakes, waffles, fresh eggs, juice and coffee,” says Nick Karas, CEO of Comfort Inn & Suites Airdrie.

“There’s something here for everyone.”

Comfort Inn is also one of the few hotels in Airdrie that is pet friendly.

“Giving people a place to rest their head at night – and making them feel safe and comfortable while showing them a little bit of what Aird-

rie has to offer – is what we enjoy,” says Karas.

Over the years, Karas says, he has worked hard to maintain a 90-per-cent guest-satisfaction rate and keep employees both local and happy.

“I always say if we are happy, then our guests are happy.”

PUTTING AIRDRIE ON THE MAP As far as tourism goes, Karas says Airdrie is not exactly the province’s top tourist destination.

That’s why it’s important to support all the fun things happening in Airdrie.

“All those little festivals and events help put Airdrie on the map,” Karas says.

Comfort Inn supports local organizations like the Airdrie Pro Rodeo, Airdrie Minor Hockey and other sporting associations whose special events drive business.

“That’s what helps all the small- and medium-sized businesses keep their doors open in Airdrie, and what fills up our hotel,” says Karas.

REAL SENSE OF COMMUNITY During the COVID-19 pandemic, says Karas, Comfort Inn suffered like everyone else. Travel basically stopped overnight.

“It was very, very quiet,” he says with a sigh.

“For us and our guests. We were probably down on average throughout the two years about 80 per cent. So, it was a real struggle. If it would have lasted another six or seven months, I don’t know if we would have made it.”

Despite this, Karas says he loves Airdrie and is very optimistic about the future.

“Just look at the sense of community here, and the way we all work to support each other.

It is unlike any other city.” life

“Giving people a place to rest their head at night – and making them feel safe and comfortable while showing them a little bit of what Airdrie has to offer – is what we enjoy” 80

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Action through Connection: If you own a business, or are a business leader, you have a tremendous impact on the growth and wellbeing of our community. The Airdrie Chamber of Commerce recognizes that by working together and championing local business, we will build a stronger Airdrie. The Airdrie Chamber (AC) is a dynamic, professional organization that provides value to our members and is an advocate for all business. Not only do we create worthwhile connections between our members, we connect members to new clients, and business to government. The Chamber works together with our members to improve the economic, civic, and cultural wellbeing of our community.

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Open evenings and weekends AMAZING Therapists Direct Billing available

Ascend LLP is the fastest growing accounting firm in Canada.

We currently have 19 locations from BC to Nova Scotia and are adding locations each year. We serve small centres and rural regions and bring the capabilities of much larger firms to these markets that are generally under served in their accounting and tax needs.

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Ascend is a community accounting firm, meaning that we see ourselves as part of the community and act as professionals and advisors to those businesses and non-profit organizations in the communities we serve.

What can Ascend LLP do for you? Many people seek us to file their personal income taxes and their small private corporation needs. People always call us and ask if we are accepting new clients. And the answer is resoundingly Yes! For medium to larger clients, we have dedicated tax people to help with tax efficiency, re-organizations, estate freezes and any other tax planning needs. We also have Chartered Business Valuators in our Airdrie office that serve all the Ascend locations. We bring you the same downtown advisors without leaving Airdrie.

Ascend has a large Agricultural client base. From grain and cattle farmers to quota farming and aquaculture on the East coast, we specialize in farm tax planning and succession planning for family farms. We come to your farm to meet and serve you. Ascend Airdrie has agriculture clients north of Red Deer and as far east as the Saskatchewan border.

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205 - 2903 Kingsview Blvd SE, Airdrie 587-775-6743 ascendllp.com

The Ascend team in Airdrie has grown from three people in 2019 to 17 people in just three years. We are so thankful to the people in Airdrie who trust us with their accounting and tax needs. We are always looking for people, so if you are interested, please contact us because we are looking here in Airdrie and several of our other locations.

* Chartered Professional Accountants * Friendly Service * No job too big or small

Airdrie is such a thriving community, growing, changing all the time. As Ascend LLP grows with it, we hope to be the best firm to do business within the city. That’s no small order, so how are we going to achieve it? By finding out what is important to each individual person and doing all we can to meet those expectations! Expect friendly engagement when you contact us. We love living and working here in Airdrie, and it shows in all we do!

Your Airdrie Chamber of Commerce www.airdriechamber.ab.ca FA L L 2022

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WORKLIFE | COLUMN

Hey Airdrie!

We’ve got our own word game!

airdle

TM

C A R E S C R E E K

Nose CREEK winds through Airdrie

Play daily!

Register to win prizes!

Games begin September 15!

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financial life

HOW TO PLAN FOR RETIREMENT IN A VOLATILE MARKET

WITH KATE NORRIS It’s perfectly normal to feel the pressure of the excessive market volatility in 2022 we’ve been experiencing. Whether you are preparing for your upcoming retirement, already enjoying your freedom, or have a while to go till you pull the trigger, we understand how you’re feeling during this downturn. Here are a few suggestions from your local planner: Stress-test your retirement plan. This year has been all about putting our clients’ retirement plans through the toughest of stress-tests to ensure it can weather all storms. The recent market correction, inflation and interest rates, and premature death or illness – just to name a few.

Review your portfolio mix. Along with a sound financial plan, your investment mix should reflect your appropriate risk level, and a well-diversified portfolio to have you in the best position for market recovery. It is imperative that you stick with your planned strategy and stay the course as you likely have through past volatile periods.

Consider additional tax strategies or cash wedge strategy. If you’re able to defer some of those bigger expenses until the markets start to smooth out, that could be in your best interest.

Alternatively, use cash on hand or lower-risk investments to draw from first. There may also be tax-deferral options, even in retirement! Your financial planner is your biggest ally as they will be able to offer individualized solutions tailored to your needs.

If you are not yet in retirement, it’s never too soon to start preparing. Your upcoming retirement may still be flexible for start date, cash flow and budgeting, or other factors that can be strategized with your advisor for the most lucrative retirement income.

Some of the best retirement strategies are planned for well in advance, and while it may feel counter-intuitive right now, buying in to the markets low can be a great long-term strategy.

Especially if you still have that longer time-horizon to retire. life Kate Norris, B.A., CHS, QAFP™, is an advisor with First & Main Financial in Airdrie

citylife A C LO S E R LO O K AT YO U R C O M M U N I T Y

84 88 CULTURAL FUTURE | 90 EQUINE ARTISTRY | 93 COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

CITYLIFE | PEOPLE

For the past few years we have highlighted graduating students who want to pursue the arts in this annual arts issue. We decided to turn the focus back to the people that helped get them there – the passionate, creative teachers at our local high schools.

STORY BY JOSIE RANDALL PHOTOS BY KRISTY REIMER

CREATIVE MENTORS M ore than 20 years ago, Corbie Dorner hopped on a Greyhound bus in Taber, AB. He was heading up to Slave Lake as the newest keyboard member of country band Twang Banjo.

“We lived in hotels. We’d be playing six to seven nights a week everywhere from B.C. to Ontario and as far north as the Yukon,” says Dorner.

“I did that for a couple of years before I went to school to study jazz piano and began my teaching career.”

Since then, the now-musical-director at Bert Church High School has written a Canadiana musical and songs for a kindergarten operetta.

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Travelling with his Grade 9,10 and senior bands to perform in competitions are some of his favourite memories over the years.

“There’s such a sense of joy in me when my students perform,” says Dorner.

“It takes me back to when I was that young. You’re just excited to share with others something you have worked so hard on.”

Dorner has set his sights on creating a drumline to perform at sporting events, and have them go around the province touring.

“I want to give students as many opportunities as I can to get involved in music. It’s a great way to connect, make friends and challenge yourself.”

Kevin Goodyear remembers unlocking the door to his classroom inside Bert Church Theater and immediately welling up with tears.

At the age of five, Goodyear went with his family to see Beauty and the Beast – The Musical and knew instantly the arts was what he wanted to do.

“So here I am teaching in this multi-million dollar performing arts building, and all those emotions just came rushing back,” says Goodyear.

For the last eight years Goodyear has been the drama teacher at Bert Church. Every school year he aims for one play and one big, splashy musical.

“The musical is always the pinnacle of my school year. I invest all my time and energy into it,” says Goodyear.

One particular highlight was his production of Alice in Wonderland. Elementary students across Airdrie were invited to watch.

Goodyear is now looking forward to more field trips, and even planning a trip to New York City for students to view Broadway shows and take part in workshops with some of the stars.

“I love what I do,” says Goodyear.

“I get a new experience every single year. A new generation of high school students is a new opportunity to educate more people in the arts.”

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“Music and singing bridge colour and life and enjoyment and an appreciation of teamwork that you can’t get in the classroom”

Liese Reichert grew up in a family that was always singing.

She remembers singing while doing the dishes, while driving and at various community events over the years.

“I come from a very musical family. For fun, my family does choir practice,” says Reichert.

In fact, four of Reichert’s family are teaching music in some way in the province of Alberta. Including Liese, who teaches both English and choir at George McDougall High School.

“I have kids that can’t even sing a note,” says Reichert, who has been teaching choir for more than 30 years.

“That is the beauty of choir. You can take somebody who may not be a soloist, but they can be a part of something that makes beautiful music. Nothing is greater to me than when I see kids connecting with a song.”

The COVID-19 pandemic forced Reichert and her ensemble into a temporary hiatus. She’s now looking forward to bringing back the talents of her students in the fall by rebuilding the choir “from the ground up.”

“Life was very dull without the sound of music,” says Reichert.

“Music and singing bridge colour and life and enjoyment and an appreciation of teamwork that you can’t get in the classroom. You can’t get that same bonding and connection in an academic class like you can in choir.”

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Don’t tell Marcy Rogers’ husband, but theater was her first love.

Throughout her career, Rogers has performed in Mexico City, Paris, England, Taiwan and Sweden. Yet nothing quite felt like performing for her home audience here in Canada.

Working with Quest Theater in Calgary was where Rogers got her first taste of teaching the arts to students.

“I thought this feels like magic all the time,” Rogers says.

As the now W.H. Croxford Academy of Performing Arts dance and drama teacher Rogers has spent the past five years building the confidence of her students to perform.

“There is something so incredible about seeing that passion or that spark get ignited in someone else,” says Rogers.

“It feels like as an educator I have a small hand in that discovery for other people as well and that feels like a gift that just keeps on giving.”

Her proudest achievements have been creating an environment where students can feel comfortable taking risks – even if it means failing.

“Failure can yield the most beautiful results and new pathways and new journeys to go down,” Rogers says.

“I think the arts are a place that really embraces that sort of mindset. You don’t have to be perfect in order for you to grow and challenge yourself.” life FA L L 2022

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FINDING A FUTURE FOR

ARTS IN AIRDRIE STORY BY JODY SANDERSON

T

Heather Spearman

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here’s an old proverb that says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

This is the premise Airdrie’s Arts & Culture Council Assessment Committee (ACAC) is building on as it creates a new, dedicated pathway to nurturing arts and culture, the highlight being Airdrie Library’s Multi-Use Space Feasibility plan.

The new library is scheduled to open in 2025 in the old fire hall on Main Street.

The 85,000-square-foot facility will dedicate 60,000 to the library, and 25,000 to the multi-use facility. The cost, $63,703,550, will cover availability for programming, community gathering, a coffee shop, pop-up markets and related retail. The goal is to bring like-minded artists and residents together, to share information and provide opportunities for groups to work together.

Councillor Heather Spearman has more than 20 years of experience in arts and culture as an educator, performer and producer.

She is also co-chair of ACAC. “I really wanted to sit on this committee,” she says, “and I believe a thriving community reflects the health of arts and culture. I think we had hit a wall at some point, as a community, so I really appreciate this council reaching out for stakeholder input … really finding out what those groups want to see here, what they need here.”

There are some circles that believe arts and culture are a ‘want to have,’ not a ‘need to have.’

Spearman vehemently disagrees.

“The pandemic certainly proved to us that a community turns to the arts during a crisis,” referring to the explosion of such providers as Netflix. “They are critical to the mental and physical health of a community.”

A multi-use facility is not the end and be all if there is no financial sustainability to ensure its future. The ACAC, as part of its mandate, is to create a funding model to ensure viability for arts and culture.

C I T Y L I F E | H E R I TAG E

“I believe a thriving community reflects the health of arts and culture” Co-chair Christina Waldner has a long journalism resume, which includes communications, and loves all aspects of the arts.

“I guess I would say it’s where I live and breathe,” she laughs.

“My parents always ensured not only our attendance but our involvement as well.”

There is no official arts council in Airdrie, and Waldner explains that all the different groups here are kind of on their own.

“This community of arts and culture has been moving forward, albeit in fits and starts, for at least 20 years. What’s exciting to me is that this overall plan involves practitioners, consumers and governance,” she says.

“This council has recognized our grassroots movement here and is prepared to ensure its success. And we have to do it in such a way that arts and culture do not continue to have their needs met on a piecemeal basis.

“We want to keep our kids here, our artists here, our creators here,” says Waldner.

There is obvious recognition that the past two years during COVID have been difficult for performers, athletes, anyone involved with other people.

“As a member of a choir,” shares Waldner, “there were no rehearsals, and no performances. In that vacuum, so many virtual choirs were created, and grew worldwide exponentially.

I’ve been thrilled to be a part of them. But I’m really, as many in all the other fields are, looking forward to being together, performing for others.”

The ACAC, established in March of this year, is comprised of two members of council and eight citizens, and will include staff and a facilitator. This working group will operate until Dec. 31, 2022.

The committee’s meeting summaries are available online at the City of Airdrie, as is their Terms of Reference. life

Christina Waldner

THE AIRDRIE WATER TOWER The Airdrie Water Tower is undergoing the process to become a Municipal Heritage Site. Here’s a recap of its history and future plans: •Constructed in 1959 as part of an infrastructure project to bring a safe and modern water system for Airdrie’s 309 residents; •The 21.8-metre-high (50,000 US gallon tank) watersphere steel tower represents mid-20th century infrastructure; •In 1974 the Nose Creek Historical Society placed a large rock on the property commemorating the Stevenson Stopping House and the RCMP. A time capsule was buried under the rock at the same time and Airdrie’s Town Council passed a resolution to prohibit selling the property for 100 years; •By 1976, Airdrie was connected to Calgary’s water supply and the water tower was decommissioned in 1977; •In 2003, Council voted unanimously to conserve the water tower rather than demolish it; • In 2016, the Great Places Plan recognized the water tower as one of the city’s cultural landscapes and special places; •In 2020, a comprehensive historical assessment of the water tower was complete; •The assessment concludes the tower has heritage value providing a link from the past to the present. It recommends the tower be designated as a Municipal Historic Resource (MHR); •Once designated, if the original structure is historically restored, restoration and preservation work on the Water Tower would be eligible for a provincial matching grant; •Projects can be completed in phases and municipalities can re-apply to help offset different phases of the conservation and restoration work.

A designated Municipal Historic Resource can be modified from its original state, i.e., painted differently or re-located, but the structure would lose eligibility for any Historic Resources Conservation Grants.

NEXT STEPS: •Council must pass a resolution to issue a Notice of Intent to Designate the Airdrie Water Tower as a Municipal Historic Resource (NOI); • A 60-day waiting period; • Administration to draft a Municipal Historical Resource bylaw; • Present the bylaw to Council for three readings; •List the 1959 Airdrie Water Tower on both the Alberta and Canadian Registers of Historic Places; •Preservation work is anticipated to be completed in fall of 2022. life

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Art of the

EQUINE STORY AND PHOTOS BY CARL PATZEL

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a

unique melding between rider and animal totally in sync, connecting physically, mentally and even emotionally, is the draw to the art of the equine.

For many equestrians, riding becomes more than a minor pastime but a therapeutic unification with the powerful beast.

“They’re very energetic animals; they’re really tuned into our energy,” says rider Diana Izard before gracefully guiding her brown mare, Abbey, over obstacles at Tristar Equestrian Centre.

“I find them very calming. It’s very good for emotional regulation for people, being mindful of the energy that we bring to the barn and how we interact with the animals.”

The petite 35-year-old therapist spends six days a week with her off-the-track Thoroughbred, doing groundwork, jumping, maintenance and equine massage.

With many years of horsemanship under her belt, Izard puts Abbey through an early morning jumping session, the mare’s powerful muscles glistening in the sunshine as she eases over several obstacles.

“The biggest shift for me is seeing her as an athlete. I’m also very active, and understanding how much her body needs that TLC and how much we’re asking of the horses and how important training and conditioning is for them. I really like that aspect,” says Izard.

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“It’s very good for emotional regulation for people, being mindful of the energy that we bring to the barn and how we interact with the animals”

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There’s much more going on than the untrained eye can detect with classic English riding in hunter, jumping and eventing classes. These disciplines focus on agility and athleticism, proper gaits and disposition, all testing responsiveness between horse and rider.

Coach/manager Simone Fortin has had many riders under her tutelage at Tristar Equestrian Centre. They support around 50 ponies and riders varying from Western recreational to English competitive.

“They start around eight years old and I have ladies up to 60, and I’ve had a couple of ladies in their 80s, but they’ve retired,” says Fortin, who provides training in all aspects, both in and out of the saddle.

Fortin’s focus goes beyond basic and advanced riding skills, encouraging a total horsemanship way of life.

“It’s not just jump on the horse and take it over a fence; there’s a lot in between (feeding, grooming, overall health of the animal). I think we’ve generated people who just enjoy being around a horse and enjoy that kind of lifestyle.”

Controlling a massive, strapping beast many times the rider’s weight requires total concentration, a unique partnership and emotional connection.

Like many who spend countless hours at the barn, Izard has totally immersed herself in the equestrian realm.

“They’re just so grounding.

So, when you’re having troubles with friends or having troubles at home it’s nice to just come here and feel that connection with your horse and leave that all behind,” adds Izard. “This is my therapy.” life

CITYLIFE | GIVING

This year, at a gala held in June, the ADCF provided $25,000 in charitable grants to the following: North Rocky View Community Links - $11,500 Airdrie & District Victims Assistance Society - $7,300 Airdrie Public Library – Early Childhood Literacy Program, $2,800 from the John Peggy Graham Fund for Early Literacy Bethany Care Society - $2,500 Airdrie Community Choir - $1,000

STORY BY JODY SANDERSON

A

s the story goes, quite a few years back, a generous and wealthy Airdronian had a significant donation (said to be $11M) he wanted to give to the city, in the way of a legacy. At the time, however, there was no opportunity to keep the funds here, thus he invested with the Calgary Community Foundation.

Enter the Airdrie and District Community Foundation (ADCF), established as a community foundation in 2012. The registered charity was created for individuals and businesses to make tax deductible donations to a permanent financial legacy to benefit the community.

Dale Rathgeber, a retired lawyer who has lived in Airdrie for 37 years, has been the chair of the ADCF since 2017.

“They were so desperate, they agreed to take anyone,” he laughs, adding “I wanted to be a part of ensuring that kind of missed opportunity did not happen again.”

As chair, the question he’s asked the most is: what is a community foundation?

Rathgeber describes it as a permanent financial legacy, the heart and soul of the charitable sector of any community. The foundation pools donations to create a principal, interest-bearing fund that, over time, returns a percentage in the form of grants back to the community. The ADCF annually grants 5 per cent.

In 2014, Dick Buchanan provided the seed money of $10,000.

“In this short time, that principal has grown to $500,000,” says Rathgeber. “We are extremely proud that our community, especially during the two turbulent years of Covid, was able to give to such an extent.”

The Foundation also unveiled their new logo and announced that Airdrie City Council has provided permanent space at Genesis Place for the ADCF’s Donation Recognition Tree.

Co-chair Crystal Adamo is excited about this initiative.

“It really represents the foundation. The trunk is important, representing the principal,” she says. “But, just as in nature, every branch and little leaf is equally important to the life of that tree.

We don’t know what the future will hold in 10 years, what the challenges will be, but it’s all about community and we want to meet those challenges.”

The ADCF is governed by a board of directors, financially managed by an independent company, and receives several requests per year.

“We can’t fund every request, so sometimes there’s some horse trading,” says Rathgeber.

Board member Reg Hihn sits on the grants sub-committee and is also a donor.

“Once I understood what it was, my wife agreed, and it has worked for us.”

The grants are approved based on several criteria, including on an as-needs basis; who and what the grant will benefit in the community directly.

“The strength of a community is based on how we take care of the disadvantaged within our community. The ADCF is the community taking care of the community.”

“Philanthropy is not what it used to be,” explains Hihn. “We recommend you find a cause you’re passionate about, that you can support. No donation is too small. An automatic tax receipt is issued, and we send a card recognizing your donation. It is very rewarding.”

There are about 200 community foundations actively contributing to Canadian communities. Their history begins in Winnipeg in 1921. The mission of all is like minded – being able to permanently give back to the community.

Rathgeber, also a long-time Rotarian, sums it up simply.

“The strength of a community is based on how we take care of the disadvantaged within our community. The ADCF is the community taking care of the community.” life For more information, visit airdriefoundation.ca

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Through the

teenage lens

EDITOR’S NOTE: Aspiring photographer Kayla Schellenberg, 15, spent five weeks this summer capturing images on her camera for airdrielife. We selected a few to share here and you can see more online at airdrielife.com “I really liked this assignment due to the energy Airdrie has during summer. You can really feel the excitement in the community and I’m glad I could showcase that in my photos. I really wanted to put the spotlight on things that mostly go unnoticed in our city.

There are small details that pull the community together that no one really notices. Whether that be the wildlife we have, the peacefulness, or the talented people throughout the community.”

Kayla uses a Canon EOS Rebel T7.

Thanks, Kayla, for approaching us and sharing your passion. If you are an aspiring photographer under 18, we’d love to see your work. Maybe it will end up on a future page in the magazine!

Use the QR code to see more of Kayla’s photos and send us some of yours.

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Final phases in a mature community.

ESTATE • ATTACHED • REAR LANE