2019 summer airdrielife

SUMMER 2019

Cool Guys Cool Jobs Building a

Ferrari

from scratch

Great Gardens Kids in the Alley

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NOT YOUR AVERAGE PHARMACY ESSENTIAL CARE THAT YOU WON’T FIND ELSEWHERE • • • • • •

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2 NEW SHOWHOMES OPEN JUNE 15TH Bradford Showhome

Celebrating the continued success of Southwinds, Mattamy is excited to welcome two new Showhomes to the community — The Pearl and The Mission. These Single Family Homes offer growing families the opportunity to explore split level designs as well as unique kitchen layouts.

Southwinds is a master-planned community offering plenty of greenspace with playgrounds and connecting walking trails. Windsong School just opened last year and with future community growth, additional schools will be on the horizon.

Enjoy shopping across the way and easy access directly out to Deerfoot. Visit this charming community today, located in South West Airdrie.

Register now to save $3000 off your purchase price — conditions apply. Ask our sales team for current promotions today.

Single Family Homes From The Mid $300s Urban Townhomes From The Low $300s

SALES CENTRE 907 Windsong Drive Airdrie, AB 403-980-8765

Osborne Park

Learn More Today At mattamyhomes.com/calgary Please visit mattamyhomes.com for Sales Centre & Showhome hours Homes are subject to availability. All illustrations are artist’s concept. All dimensions are approximate.

Prices, specifications, terms and conditions subject to change without notice. E.&O.E.

Quick Possess Homes ion N Availab ow le.

Built for the way you live.

Each Harder Home is built with style, quality and functionality in mind using only high-end products, professionally skilled trades and cutting edge building practices. A true custom home builder from start to finish, our disciplined approach to construction, exceptional customer service and our one-on-one approach to the home building experience has earned us an unsurpassed reputation in the Home Builders Community.

Ask about our 2019 promotions and building options!

Come visit our Showhome: 1217 Cooper’s Drive Our philosophy reflects our commitment to building beautiful custom homes for the families who live in them.

Monday - Thursday Weekends & Holiday

2 pm - 8 pm Noon - 5 pm

403-912-7900 SALES@HARDERHOMES.CA

• HO ME S STARTING IN THE 500 S • HARD E R HO ME S.C A

ing ly serv Proud s familie ie r d ir A

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Sherry Shaw-Froggatt

ASSISTANTS TO THE PUBLISHER

Sarah Schulz, Katie Dudek

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

DESIGN DIRECTOR

Vanessa Peterelli Kim Williams

CONTRIBUTORS

Sergei Belski, Michelle Carre, Sarah Chamberlain, Stacie Gaetz, Lia Golemba, Janaia Hutzal, Jill Iverson, Britton Ledingham, Tara Levick, Covy Moore, Kristy Reimer, Yossi Suissa, Wyatt Tremblay, Courtenay Webb Stock Photography by istock

AD DESIGN/PRODUCTION

Lia Golemba

SALES DIRECTOR

Wendy Pratt

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Sharie Tanner

PRINTING Transcontinental

CONTACT US

EDITORIAL sherry@frogmediainc.ca

ADVERTISING wendy@frogmediainc.ca

WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA katie@frogmediainc.ca

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

VOLUME 16, NUMBER 2 | ISSN 1916-355X

Contents copyright 2019 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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General Dentists

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Two Passions Music Man Mediterranean Eats TasteAirdrie Rodeo Action Summer Events Hot Weather Fashion Petlife Parentlife Healthylife

homelife

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Glorious Gardens Showhome Parade Homecoming Real Estate Home Advice

worklife

49 Cool Jobs – Mixologist 52 Cool Jobs – TV Sportsman 54 The Smart Game

citylife

61 63 65 67

In the City Ferrari Dreams First Start Bowling Kids

49 On the Cover

London Richards shakes things up on the cocktail scene.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY SERGEI BELSKI

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The Airdrie Angel program gives a hand up to those who have been through a difficult time or who are living with a challenging circumstance.

Note from the publisher NOMINATE Someone You Know I #sharejoy BROUGHT TO YOU BY

t’s about time. For good weather and good news. It seems like everyone was holding their collective breath this spring waiting for change, whether it be the weather, politics or the economy.

Regardless of what change you were looking for, summer signals a shrugging off of that layer of “meh” for me. When the sun is shining and the lawn mowers are growling down the street I feel released from the long and frustrating winter. It’s time to get OUT and explore our city. Get off social media and get on your bike! Meet friends on a patio instead of instagramming “the perfect patio.”

It’s always cool to learn about people and their passions. This issue celebrates several guys with cool jobs and even cooler hobbies (like building a Ferrari)! We’ve got Wes David who took a love of fishing all the way to having his own TV show; London Richards who knows how to elevate a libation; and Moudie Baroud who has a passion for flavour.

We also have TJ Stewart and an entire community of men and women who gave the Straschnitzki family back their home. And we see the gorgeous results of passionate gardeners.

A bonus – this issue also contains our annual tourism guide EatPlayStay Airdrie (tucked into the very middle). Keep this for your out-of-town visitors year round, but check it out for yourself – you’ll be surprised by the number of new events Airdrie has going on. And keep up to date with our weekly updates on our event calendar at airdrielife.com.

Sherry Shaw-Froggatt

Join the a-list for weekly updates on events, exclusive contests and reader promotions from our advertising partners 12

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BORN AIRDRIE. RAISED AIRDRIE. SELLS AIRDRIE.

airdriehouses.com |403.862.0096 S U M M E R 2019

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M U S I C 18 | R O D E O 26 | FA S H I O N 3 0

greatlife 20 W H AT TO S E E , D O , E AT, L I ST E N TO A N D M O R E

G R E AT L I F E | A R T I ST P R O F I L E

DAN MORVILLO:

A MAN OF TWO PASSIONS

STORY BY WYATT TREMBLAY | PHOTOS BY SERGEI BELSKI

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A

irdrie’s Dan Morvillo loves flying; it’s something he has dreamed of since he was a child.

He loves creating art almost as much, and both passions have had a profound pull on his life, but it would be years before either dream became a reality.

“I loved both drawing and flying. My parents wanted me to go into academics,” this 55-year-old father and husband recalls. “For me, I was joining the Air Force and becoming a pilot or a mechanic.”

He did become an aircraft mechanic, eventually serving in the military for more than two decades where the dream of obtaining a pilot’s license and working as an artist began to take shape.

“All of my artwork started in the military,” he says.

Morvillo was married and well into his career with the first of three children when the government announced cutbacks. This pushed him to perfect his artistic skills.

“I thought if the military lays me off, I would have something to fall back on.”

He wasn’t laid off, but the two passions began to merge, showing up in his early pen and inks of military aircraft, which he sold as cards and on commission.

When he retired, he took advantage of an Armed Forces program that earned him a pilot’s license.

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outhpoint is a one-of-akind community situated in southwest Airdrie that stands apart for its wide selection of homes and expansive green space.

When complete Southpoint will feature a charming mix of detached singlefamily homes, townhomes, rowhomes, paired homes and condos – an option for every budget and lifestyle.

With 12 acres of parks and green space woven throughout the neighbourhood, great amenities like a tennis court, basketball court, playgrounds and BBQ areas, plus an elementary school planned for 2019, Southpoint is the ideal place to raise your family.

VISIT OUR SHOWHOMES & PRESENTATION CENTRE! 305 SOUTHPOINT GREEN SW (Corner of 40th Avenue SW & Reynolds Gate)

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The developer reserves the absolute right to modify, cancel or extend this offer at any time without prior notice. Actual interiors, exteriors and views may be noticeably different than what is depicted in photographs. This is not an offering for sale. Any such offering may only be made with the applicable offer to purchase and agreement of sale and disclosure statement. Prices and availability are subject to change without notice. E. & O.E.

G R E AT L I F E | A R T I ST P R OF I L E

“I had to do it; it was a lifelong dream. Years of working on aircraft and I never got to fly them. It was agonizing, like scratching your nails on a chalkboard.”

Morvillo and his family made Airdrie home in the mid 2000s, but it wasn’t until 2015 that he began painting with acrylics.

“It was something I had never done before. I was afraid of colour.”

However, his bold use of lively colours and expressive brush strokes shows no hint of this fear.

One of Morvillo’s first colour works, Forest Sunrise, is a scene familiar to any hiker. In the foreground is the murky darkness of a trail captured in the early hours of morning. The background is magical; the rising sun, hidden behind a copse of trees, sets the mystical morning mist aflame. You can almost hear the worshipful songs of robins greeting the new day.

Other paintings, Mount Rundle, The Three Sisters, and Athabasca Falls for instance, carry the same powerful weight of inspiration and wonder at nature. They are emotions Morvillo feels both when he’s in the air and creating art.

“When I’m flying, I see the shadow of my plane far beneath me, and I feel how small I really am. When I’m painting, my endorphins are running, I’m in the zone. It’s inspiring.”

“When I’m flying, I see the shadow of my plane far beneath me, and I feel how small I really am.

When I’m painting, my endorphins are running, I’m in the zone. It’s inspiring.”

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Morvillo is self-taught, though he did attend high school at Wexford Collegiate School for the Arts in Ontario, but his style and skill are always evolving.

“I don’t think you can ever stay the same. You’re always being affected by what you experience.”

He pulls his inspiration from everywhere. A flower in his backyard, a bent tree at his workplace, a raven he saw in Glacier National Park, images on the Internet; or he just lets his imagination shape the scene.

“The paintings tell me what they need,” he says. “Sometimes I’ll watch a painting and I’ll go, ‘It needs this or that,’ and I’ll call it a day and if I come back tomorrow and it’s still saying the same thing, I’ll make the change.”

Morvillo works as a health and safety officer, owns a Cessna, and sells his artwork online and in various stores, but he has yet to fulfill his dream of being a full-time artist.

“That would be something; flying during the day, painting at night.” life

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

THE PASSION of Nevin Mark Matheson STORY BY WYATT TREMBLAY PHOTO BY SERGEI BELSKI

“I have a neverending love for music and exploring new horizons and exploring new talent” 18

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ou may have seen him performing at Bambino’s, or Sorso, or Cowboys, but Airdrie’s Nevin Mark Matheson is more than just a talented musician – music is his life.

“I’m blessed to have a gift I can share with other people, but it’s not something I have on my mind to become big. I do it as a passion.”

Born in Saskatoon, Matheson has lived most of his life in Airdrie, where he cut his musical teeth with the likes of Steve Jevne and Christian Hudson.

“There are lots of excellent musicians in Airdrie,” he says. “This is where I got my start. My longtime friends are here, this is where my connections are.”

Matheson comes from a musical family. His mother, Sharon Matheson, has been featured in airdrielife and has had a long and successful career as a professional vocalist. His brother and sister also work in the music industry and provide feedback on his projects.

“It’s in my blood,” he explains. “My family has always been supportive.”

Matheson is a skilled guitarist, but his voice is his true instrument.

He commands the notes he sings, bending them to the whims of his musical passions, scatting, rapping and crooning with an ease that is sometimes reminiscent of Michael Bublé and at other times of the masterful jazz vocals of Sting.

“I don’t commit myself to one genre. All music is great. I like to broaden my horizons.”

His song, Dangerous Love, which can be found on his Facebook page, is stylistically progressive rock, but he also enjoys performing a cover of the Ed Sheeran and Andrea Bocelli song Perfect – singing it in Italian no less.

“It’s great to be able to do something like that; explore a side of my voice I didn’t know was there.”

Matheson is the owner of Top Notch Entertainment, a booking agency and a vehicle for connecting with up-and-coming musical talent, many from Airdrie.

“That’s my biggest thing, to give younger musicians a chance.”

Top Notch acts like a co-operative, pooling resources and introducing his clients to the industry connections Matheson has fostered over the years.

“It’s not about making money; it’s inspirational watching these musicians bloom, especially from such a small city,” he adds.

Although he plans to have an EP out soon, Matheson’s dream is larger than his own gifts.

“I have a neverending love for music and exploring new horizons and exploring new talent.” life

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G R E AT L I F E | F L AVO U R S

In the mood for Mediterranean STORY BY STACIE GAETZ | PHOTOS BY SERGEI BELSKI

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“FOR ME, IT IS ALL ABOUT THE CHANCE TO EXPRESS MYSELF THROUGH MY FOOD”

Radwan Baroud helps out in the kitchen

M

oudie Baroud is passionate about food and the fare at his new restaurant, Moody’s Mediterranean, proves it.

An Airdrie resident since 2001, Baroud has worked in Calgary and area restaurants for more than 15 years. He has owned a number of franchises with his family, but he always knew that his goal was to own a restaurant where the food was fresh, healthy and made before the customer’s eyes.

“I saw a better way to provide food to the community,” he says while sitting in a bright red booth in his recently opened restaurant, located in the Cooper’s Crossing Promenade.

“We wanted to stay local and support local while giving the community diverse foods to enjoy and the opportunity to learn about other cultures.”

Baroud did not enter into owning a restaurant lightly. In fact, the concept was born after six years of extensive research including travelling to Mediterranean countries like Spain, France, Greece, Italy, Turkey and Lebanon.

“I learned about the food, methods of cooking, flavour profiles and spices they use. It took a while to perfect the concept, but it was well worth it,” he says.

The effort paid off. I speak with Baroud about food, culture and community involvement while sipping a delicious Turkish coffee, after my family and I celebrate my husband’s birthday with a wonderful Moody’s meal.

As we’re served by Baroud’s friendly father Radwan, it’s immediately apparent that the food speaks for itself. My husband has the chicken pita wrap, I have the lamb and our children (ages four and two) share an order of fries and calamari. We also try the falafel and have baklava for dessert.

The pitas pack a punch of spicy taste with a flavour profile that is incredible.

The lamb is some of the most flavourful I have ever had (including the meals I enjoyed in Greece on our honeymoon).

The calamari are delightful and win over both my extremely picky daughter and not-so-picky son. The fries stand apart from other local establishments as they are seasoned with a selection of spices that make them tasty enough to eat without dip; although you would be crazy not to dunk them in the amazing and tangy tzatziki sauce that accompanies the meals.

The falafel is crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside and pairs perfectly with the hummus, olive oil and pickled items that come with it. The baklava is a sweet and tasty conclusion to the meal, especially when paired with the complimentary Turkish coffee.

You can taste the freshness and appreciate the fact that food is prepped three times each day in the open-concept kitchen, which allows customers to see Baroud and his staff cook their meal to-order.

“For me, it is all about the chance to express myself through my food,” says Baroud.

“I want the people who come here to feel like they are going to a family member’s house. We aren’t here to say, ‘Give us your money and here’s your food, now get out.’ It’s about the experience.”

He adds that the restaurant partners with many local companies for its ingredients, including a Calgary bakery that provides all of its bread.

“We want to be involved with the community and give back. Airdrie is known for being community-oriented and supporting each other and we were the recipients of that generosity firsthand back in 2009 when we had a house fire. The community came together and wanted to take us in and help us and it was unbelievable. We want to provide that for other people.” life S U M M E R 2019

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G R E AT ATLLIIFFEE || FFOOOODD

TASTEairdrie is a year-round promotion of the city’s best independent restaurants and food and beverage retailers. From tapas to tap room, good taste in on the menu in Airdrie.

Hayloft Apple Arugula Salad Sorso Burger

Stop waffling over who has the best brunch...

S

ummer at Fitzsimmons Brewing Company, means the return of Pineapple Sour and a new “Champ Radler” – using Champagne yeast which gives it a dry taste with fine tight little bubbles like a sparking wine. Of course the award-winning East Lake Amber beer, along with its other signature, Big Hill Blonde, is also on tap. The brewery has a great casual vibe and is home to live music, comedy shows and even retro movie nights.

Airdrie’s premier independent restaurant, Hayloft, is a farm-totable experience focused on local ingredients, hosted by the passionate foodie James Hoan Nguyen. Look for an expanded menu with more choices of comfort food made with great local ingredients.

Keep an eye out for Sunday dinners with all the fixings for just $29/person. As well, keep a look out for their exclusive monthly beer, whiskey and wine pairing nights. Limited spaces will be available, so book early.

Sorso Lounge Espresso & Wine Bar has evolved into one of the hottest spots in Airdrie and it’s because of several factors: great food that is locally and ethically sourced, an expansive cocktail

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Cocktails Wine Beer Espresso Breakfast Lunch Dinner Patio Bayside (8th and Yankee)

menu and an eclectic lineup of Saturday night live music sets. It’s still a sought-after spot for a cup of espresso in the a.m. (and their breakfast food ranks No. 1 with us). It’s hard to find a time the place is not buzzing with locals. The patio in the summer is a huge hit, designed to mimic a private backyard – but with table service!

WHY FIT IN

The Woods, at Woodside Golf Course, is Airdrie’s best-kept patio secret in the summer with seating overlooking the lush green fairways and fountains. Inside or out the food at The Woods is a step above clubhouse fare – sure your favourites are there, but look for great pastas and salads, wing nights and the famous Sunday brunch.

Need to pick up something sweet?

Avenue Cakery and Bakeshoppe is your place. From creative cupcake creations to macarons, cookies, seasonal pies and squares just like grandma made, these goodies are coveted by all ages. There are often readyto-go cakes in the cooler so grab one for an impromptu celebration.

What we’re tasting this summer: Cheesecake French Toast for brunch in Sorso’s backyard on a Sunday, then coming back mid week for Wine Wednesday and a bruschetta melt.

Steak tacos on the patio at Woodside after a round of golf. And then bringing outof-town family for friendly banter around the waffle station at Sunday Brunch.

A pretzel and a pint of the refreshing seasonal Champ Radler at Fitzsimmons, then grabbing a growler for the weekend.

Apple and Arugula Salad to start and then handmade gnocchi with garlic cream, mushrooms and zucchini at Hayloft.

Anything with lemon and meringue from Avenue Cakery and Bakeshoppe or a colourful bag of macaroons that taste of Paris. (It’s always nice to bring dessert to the party!) life Follow TASTEairdrie on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for all the contests and event news

W HE N YO U W E RE BO RN TO S TA ND O U T? VISIT US AND SEE OUR NEW SPACE!

403.912.0999 101-120 2ND AVE NE

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Are you stuck in a fitness and diet rut? Have you been trying your best to get in shape, but have reached a plateau?

Do you need a team to support you in your quest for fitness? It’s time to change up your routine and enter the

FOR

FITNESS LIFE CHALLENGE Three contestants will each benefit from more than $2000 in personal training and guidance.

Our 2019 challengers: Amber, Chris and Laura (winner).

The winner will receive an additional $1500 prize package.

ENTER BEFORE JUNE 30 at airdrielife.com Our team of experts from Orangetheory Fitness and Simply for Life will work right beside you for 12 weeks to help you reach your fitness goal. airdrielife readers will follow your journey to fitness and well being!

Contest is open to Airdrie and area residents 18 years and older. Three contestants will be selected to compete from Sept - Dec., 2019.

Successful contestants must complete the full program and consent to full body length photography before, during, and after the competition.

Is your pet cover worthy?

Send us a pic of your pet and we’ll create your very own cover of

We’ll post all the entries online and readers will vote for the best cover. Your pet could win the purrrrfect gift package worth

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Submit your pet at airdrielife.com BEFORE July 30, 2019

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DOG OF THE YEAR

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G R E AT L I F E | W E S T E R N L I F E

Prepare to get dirty at the 2019 Airdrie Pro Rodeo STORY BY STACIE GAETZ | PHOTO BY COVY MOORE

O

rganizers for the 53rd annual Airdrie Pro Rodeo have a warning for spectators – be prepared to leave with mud on your boots and a few new friends.

“Coming to our rodeo is not what most people are expecting,” says Lorie Young, marketing director of the 2019 Airdrie Pro Rodeo.

“You are going to be so close to the action you can taste it! You have to be ready to get some dirt thrown at you. You are not going to leave clean.”

This year’s rodeo will take place from June 28 to July 1 at the Airdrie Rodeo Grounds (located 10 kilometres west of Airdrie).

Young adds the close-knit rodeo community, steeped in years of tradition and western lifestyle, virtually guarantees that spectators will end up talking to someone they’ve never met before.

“The rodeo world is special; we really are one big family that is there for each other and we welcome anyone who wants to enjoy the rodeo into our community,” she says.

“It doesn’t matter who you are or what your background is, come and enjoy some fresh air, friends, family, food and fun!”

THE NEXT GENERATION Young invites youth from all over the region to take part in the Junior Rodeo, which will run June 28, 29 and 30 at 6 p.m. and include events like the sheep scramble, peewee junior barrel racing, wild pony races and much more.

“Many of these kids have no experience with the animals at all and to see the transformation from being almost too scared to go into the arena, to running around and yelling, ‘I want to do it again!’ … it’s really amazing,” says Young, who has been volunteering for the rodeo for 18 years.

This year’s rodeo will include mini broncs for the second time, an event Young says was very popular last year.

“The little broncs are quite feisty,” she adds. “Last year, we had spectators, guests and committee members saying how fun and exciting it was to watch.”

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TOP COWBOYS/GIRLS IN CANADA But the Airdrie Pro Rodeo isn’t all about fun and games. There is also some serious competing taking place.

In 2017, four of the six Calgary Stampede competitors who went home with $100,000 competed in Airdrie just days before the Greatest Show on Earth.

More than 10,000 people will walk through the gates at this year’s event, including people who travel from around the world.

“We have a gentleman who contacted us looking for information because he is planning his whole trip from Ireland around our rodeo,” says Young.

She told him not to miss July 1 as that’s the day of this year’s Bull Bonanza.

The edge-of-your-seat exciting event is expected to include between 30 and 40 athletes.

PRIME PARTY The party doesn’t stop in the arena. Each day will include live music and beer gardens, followed by on-site camping or a trip back to Airdrie in a free shuttle.

There is also free parking on the rodeo grounds.

In addition to delicious fare from the food trucks at the grounds, rodeo-goers can enjoy numerous children’s activities, as well as take a chute tour.

The tours, which take place an hour before the rodeo each night, were a huge hit last year and give spectators a behind-the-scenes look at the rodeo.

“We teach people how the mechanics of the rodeo work,” says Young.

“So, if you have ever watched an event and wondered why the athlete received the score they did, we will tell you how judges score and what they are looking for. It is very informative and incredibly entertaining.” life Visit airdrieprorodeo.com for a complete schedule of events

SUMMER FUN G R E AT L I F E | E V E N TS

Look for this icon as airdrielife will be giving away tickets – follow us on social media for weekly draws.

JUNE 5 - OCT. 9 AIRDRIE FARMERS MARKET 320 Centre Ave. E Open Wednesdays from 3:30-7 p.m., rain or shine, the AFM delivers everything from pies, bread, local farming meat/produce/honey to unique crafts, hand-cut flowers, food trucks and so much more.

JUNE 8 BLUES, BREWS & BITES Fitzsimmons Brewing Co. A fundraiser for Airdrie and Area Victim Services, this is a great afternoon/evening of live blues music, food trucks and locally crafted beer.

Admission is by donation at the door. 2-8 p.m.

JUNE 9 FILIPINO HERITAGE DAY Nose Creek Park Join the Filipino community for a day of cultural presentations and traditional sports. Free meal for the first 250 visitors. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

JUNE 20 SUMMER SOLSTICE COLLECTIVE Town & Country Centre Celebrate the summer solstice and connect with local artisans at this one-of-a-kind event. Grab a drink from the bar and enjoy some musical performances from local entertainers throughout the evening while shopping. Mingle among friends, dance with your partner, or maybe get some Christmas shopping done early! This family-friendly event is free to attend, and is a fundraiser for Creative Airdrie, who host events like ARTember and Airdrie Mayor’s Night of the Arts Awards. 3-10 p.m.

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G R E AT L I F E | E V E N TS

JULY 1 CANADA DAY PARADE Main Street Celebrate our incredible nation with a free, family-friendly Airdrie tradition: the Canada Day parade! Check out amazing floats, classic cars, and see some of what our community has to offer.

Parade 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

CANADA DAY BARBECUE Airdrie Public Library Immediately following the parade, stay for the fundraising barbecue.

11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

JUNE 22 AIRDRIE’S FIRST PRIDE FESTIVAL City Hall Parking Lot/Main Street Presented by Airdrie Pride Society. Gather at City Hall at 10:30 a.m.; at 11 a.m. join the Solidarity Walk south along Main Street to the Nose Creek Park entrance south of St. Paul’s Catholic Church. Followed by an afternoon of activities, entertainment and food trucks. Events will run rain or shine.

JUNE 26 AIRDRIE FARMERS MARKET FOOD TRUCK FRENZY 320 Centre Ave. E From 3:30-9 p.m., this event has 14+ food trucks from all over the Calgary region. The market hours are also extended, creating a fun night market.

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JULY 20 AIRDRIE AG SOCIETY RANCH HAND COMPETITION Airdrie Rodeo Grounds See how a working ranch operates at this free event.

Spectators see firsthand the cattle handling skills used by local area ranchers and farmers. It involves 8 events in 2 classes: Open Classes - Simulated branding, team sorting, team penning, simulated doctoring and trailer loading; Ladies Classes - team penning, team sorting and trailer loading. And for the kids, a calf scramble. The rodeo grounds are 6.5 km west of Airdrie on Hwy 567. Food and beverages available for purchase. 12 to4:30 p.m.

JULY 26 - 28 BIKES & BULLS CHARITY EVENT Airdrie Air Park This ninth annual community fundraiser is hosted by the Airdrie Oilmen’s Association, featuring pro bull riding, a show and shine, bike rally and live music.

CANADA DAY CELEBRATION Iron Horse Park Special Canada Day celebration and interpretive journeys on miniature trains.

11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

JULY 28 MIGHTY MACHINES DAY Main Street Square/Airdrie Public Library A celebration of trucks, vehicles, machines, and all things that go, held in the Main Street Square parking lot. Airdrie Public Library will host story times and other literacy programming. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

CANADA DAY FIREWORKS Chinook Winds Park Fireworks start at approximately 10:45 p.m. Celebrate Canada Day with a beautiful sky spectacular. airdrieparades.com

AUG. 1, 15, 29 MUSIC IN THE PARK Nose Creek Amphitheatre Bring your lawn chair or a blanket, sit back and enjoy live music at the beautiful Nose Creek Park amphitheater. 7 to 9 p.m.

JUNE 28 - JULY 1 52nd ANNUAL AIRDRIE PRO RODEO Airdrie Rodeo Ranch With exciting highlights such as bull riding, bareback and saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping and barrel racing, the Airdrie Pro Rodeo always draws a great crowd. Only a short drive away, the Airdrie Rodeo Ranch is located west of Airdrie on Highway 567. June 28-30: junior rodeo 6 p.m., pro rodeo 7 p.m.; June 29, 20 and July 1: mini broncs and wild pony races; July 1: junior rodeo 1:30 p.m., bull riding bonanza 2:30 p.m.

JULY 4, 18 MUSIC IN THE PARK Nose Creek Amphitheatre Bring your lawn chair or a blanket, sit back and enjoy live music at the beautiful Nose Creek Park amphitheater. 7 to 9 p.m.

AUG. 10 AIRDRIE SUMMER CLASSIC CHARITY CAR SHOW & SHINE Nose Creek Park Presented by the Time Traveller’s Car Club of Airdrie.

A family event offering a little bit for everyone. No admission fee for spectators but a food bank donation is requested. For spectators the show runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

AUG. 17 RIDES FOR RELIEF CAR SHOW Cam Clark Ford This fundraiser for Airdrie P.O.W.E.R. is a car show hosted by Moms, For Real. 9 a.m to 4 p.m.

SEPT. 7 AIRDRIEFEST Downtown Join in the street festival, in front of City Hall, celebrating all that is Airdrie. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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G R E AT L I F E | ST Y L E

HOT FASHION Warmer weather, longer days ‌ just what we need to update our wardrobe!

Dex Clothing Parfait body suit Free People Sophia short Kaffe Kajilli kimono The Giving Keys necklace Mont Blanc sandals From Seven Saints

Tribal Jeans denim jacket Tribal Sunset dress Garbo earrings ZIVA&EM Boutique 30

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Phax bathing suit Luna kimono Simmi sun hat Mirage sunglasses From The Store Upstairs/ Melrose and Co.

Dex Clothing button top Dex Clothing Classic Stripe jeans Vanessa Wu runners Deux Lux purse Mirage sunglasses From The Store Upstairs/Melrose and Co.

Angela Mara sequin top Mavi Ada Dot indigo jeans Garbo feather necklace Sisbro fringe purse From ZIVA&EM Boutique

Sunglasses by Etnia, Tom Ford and Ray-Ban. From Airdrie Eyecare Centre

Free People ‘Two Tie For You’ cami Dex Clothing cuffed shorts Colab hobo bag The Giving Keys necklace Lisbeth Jewelry earrings Free People Essex sandals From Seven Saints

WIN gift cards to our fashion partners when you register to be an a-list member!

Register today at airdrielife.com/contest

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

NOMINATE AN

AWESOME KID TODAY!

Nominations are now open for the 2020 Awesome Airdrie Kids Awards.

A

Go to airdrielife.com/ awesome-airdrie-kids/ before Sept. 15.

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PACE provides needed training s fun-filled summer plans are ready and set to go, soon it will be time to think about fall. No matter what age or stage of life you are in, going back to school and learning something new is always valuable when you take a positive approach.

Upon retiring from her career in the business world, Debra Manastyrski found fulfillment in the next stage of her life by receiving her designation as a Certified Professional Dog Trainer following the completion of Cochrane and Area Humane Society’s Positive Approach Canine Education (PACE).

Manastyrski’s special interest of “dog reactivity” was discovered during her PACE training where she was exposed to a wide range of dogs and various behavioural issues. For her the greatest value was realized in the difference she was able to make in the animals.

“The real benefit is that you have a mentor working with you throughout,” explains Manastyrski.

She says that she learned that she had to be calm and centred in order to be a strong advocate for the animals.

Confucius says, “I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.”

The professional dog trainers at Cochrane and Area Humane Society (CAHS) agree. Providing hands-on education based on what they have learned over the past 20 years of working with homeless animals is part of reaching their greater mission of changing and saving lives.

Tracy Keith, CAHS’s co-founder and executive director, launched the PACE program in 2013 for people working in, and out, of the shelter. She wanted to bring positive reinforcement and science-based canine training and rehabilitation to Cochrane and areas.

Chinook Gate, Tutor Doctor, Vitreous Glass, Pureform Radiology and airdrielife are proud to present a recognition program to honour kids between the ages of 6 and 14 who are role models for their generation. Airdrie is home to hundreds of awesome kids from all walks of life who inspire family, friends and community members with their determination, spirit, compassion and leadership.

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WITH JANAIA HUTZAL

S U M M E R 2019

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life” “As an employer I found that people could talk the talk in many cases, but could not handle the dogs effectively and in a positive manner,” says Keith.

This style of training creates a mutual respect between dog and handler. It also means that while both the students and animals are learning, there is an even greater win-win: the skills the animals learn help them in their new homes once adopted and the students gain confidence for successful futures in the animal field – both of which inevitably extend into entire communities.

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When making your decision on what you will learn this fall, think about the positive effects of the win-win you would like to generate, and you are sure to find the purrrfect program for you.

Confucius also says, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” life Janaia Hutzal is the communications co-ordinator for the Cochrane & Area Humane Society

Talk to an RBC® advisor.

RBC Financial Planning is a business name used by Royal Mutual Funds Inc. (RMFI). Financial planning services and investment advice are provided by RMFI. RMFI, RBC Global Asset Management Inc., Royal Bank of Canada, Royal Trust Corporation of Canada and The Royal Trust Company are separate corporate entities which are affiliated. RMFI is licensed as a financial services firm in the province of Quebec. † Personal lending products and residential mortgages are offered by Royal Bank of Canada and are subject to its standard lending criteria. ® / ™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. © Royal Bank of Canada, 2019.

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The top 5 reasons students struggle with math

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

parentlife

WITH YOSSI SUISSA

Recent surveys report that 37 per cent of teens aged 13-17 found math to be the most difficult subject – the highest ranked overall. So, why do so many students struggle with math?

1 2 3 4 5

Math often involves multi-step problems. This requires staying actively focused on the task at hand. Unfortunately, students often lose focus and become distracted during the lesson. Revisiting prior concepts is one of the main benefits of an individualized tutoring approach towards learning.

Students often do not fully understand some previous lesson’s concepts and they are likely to struggle when newer concepts are introduced. Unfortunately, many students feel uncomfortable or embarrassed asking questions in class when their teacher has already moved on to the next lesson. Math concepts are like building blocks, and the foundation always needs to be laid before moving forward.

Concepts are learned, but not fully understood. Often students know how to perform an operation from repetition, but don’t really understand the meaning behind it. That’s where individualized tutoring really shines!

Students often feel confident after watching their teacher explain the lesson in class, only to find that doing it independently can be a lot more challenging. There’s unfortunately no quick and easy solution to learn math – it requires lots of practice and patience! As tutors, we try to specifically identify the areas in which students need improvement and focus on closing these “gaps” in learning.

“When am I ever going to use this?” This is a great example of the disconnect students sometimes experience when learning math. It is crucial for a student to recognize how mathematical concepts relate to real life for them to truly understand the material.

Reference: https://news.gallup.com/poll/16360/math-problematic-us-teens.aspx Yossi Suissa M.A. is the owner and education consultant for Tutor Doctor Airdrie and Calgary

“Math concepts are like building blocks, and the foundation always needs to be laid before moving forward” 34

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

UVA PROTECTION AND YOUR EYES healthylife

WITH BRYAN THOME OD

M

any people know the sun’s rays can be harmful to our skin, but did you know they are also potentially harmful to our eyes? Sunglasses are a great fashion accessory, and often improve our visual comfort and performance; but their most important function is to protect our eyes from harmful UV (ultraviolet) radiation.

Increased exposure to UV radiation can play a role in several ocular conditions including macular degeneration, cataracts, pterygium and cancer. Macular degeneration is an age-related condition wherein the central portion of the visual field deteriorates over time. It is the leading cause of vision loss in Canada according to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB). A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, causing a reduction in the quality and clarity of vision. Pterygium is a growth of tissue onto the cornea, originating from the white part of the eye. This can alter the curvature of the cornea, resulting in astigmatism which can also negatively affect vision.

Protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays is important all year round. However, it is especially important now that spring finally arrived as the UV index tends to be higher during the spring and summer months. The detrimental effects of UV exposure are cumulative over our lifespan, therefore it is recommended to protect our eyes consistently, and from an early age. It is especially important for the residents of Airdrie, as Calgary (and area) receives more hours of sunlight per year than any other major Canadian city. That, coupled with the increased altitude of our region, further increases our risk of the damaging effects of UV exposure.

When purchasing sunglasses, please ensure they are designed to block 100 per cent of both UVA and UVB radiation, so that you know you are receiving the proper protection. Sunglasses can come in many different styles, tint colours and darkness levels, as well as polarized or non-polarized.

If you have any questions about UV protection, or what effects the sun can have on your eyes, please visit an eye care professional. life

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Bryan Thome is an optometrist with Airdrie Eyecare Centre

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CIM Ad_Airdrie Life-summer.indd 1

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homelife

IDEAS AND ADVICE FOR YOUR HOME, INSIDE AND OUT

GREEN THUMBS HOMELIFE| GARDENS

Kristy Reimer was given the task last summer of visiting three lovely yards gardened by members of the Airdrie Horticultural Society, and got a few words of advice along the way

TREES, SHRUBS AND SITTING AREAS with Collette and Dan

How long have you been gardening at your current home?

We’ve been gardening at our current home for 26 years, starting from raw land. It has become a real labour of love with constant changes.

What would you say is the highlight of your garden?

The various sitting areas where we can relax and enjoy the many flowers, shrubs and trees that we have planted and maintained. A few favourites are sitting under our gazebo, gazing at a warm cozy fire in the chiminea, all the while listening to the mesmerizing sound of the water fountain in the background. Of course, the mood would not be complete without a glass of our favourite merlot wine in hand!

Do you have any tips that have helped your garden become successful?

Our advice to others would be to accept that our environment is ever changing and to always be prepared and be open to making changes to the gardens and landscapes. What didn’t grow 10 years ago may grow now, and vice versa.

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H OM E L I F E | GA R D E N S

ROSES GALORE with Rosa

How long have you been gardening at your current home?

This is my fourth summer at my current home but I have been gardening for over 45 years.

What would you say is the highlight of your garden?

My roses! But I have been enjoying my shade gardens too, and not having used any herbicide, pesticide or chemical fertilizers.

Do you have any tips that have helped your garden become successful?

Try new plants and gardening techniques! Do not be limited only by what has been done, but learn by it. Explore! life Is your garden worth a feature in airdrielife?

Send us a few pics before July 15 to sherry@frogmediainc.ca and we could be showcasing your garden in next summer’s issue!

WATER FEATURE with Paula

How long have you been gardening at your current home?

Twenty years! I started with just grass and vegetables, but as my kids got older, I put in the pond. Just four years ago, I built the stream.

What would you say is the highlight of your garden?

The water feature for sure! I love water gardening. I had a pond in my garden in England with frogs and newts.

Do you have any tips that have helped your garden become successful?

Too much blue dye turns not only the rocks blue, but the fish as well … LOL!! Fortunately, the fish survived that ordeal!

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“Try new plants and gardening techniques!

Do not be limited only by what has been done, but learn by it.”

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H OM E L I F E | S H OW H OM E S

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Chinook Gate DISCOVER AN IMPECCABLY DESIGNED COMMUNITY RIGHT NEXT TO CHINOOK WINDS PARK

Imagine living just steps away from more than 55 acres of developed park space, with pathways, baseball diamonds, a splash park, skateboarding, beach volleyball and so much more. It really is the best backyard you could ask for.

With exceptionally crafted homes from Brookfield Residential, you can now call Chinook Gate home. Offering homebuyers the choice of both attached and detached homes, there are plenty of reasons to make the park-side community yours today.

Brookfield has two showhomes available to view. The Wicklow features almost 1,600 square feet of living space, with three bedrooms, a spacious master with walk-in closet and ensuite, and an upper-floor bonus room. The Carlisle II features an open-concept main floor and family-friendly upper level. Most notably, the lower level has been developed with a mini floor-hockey rink, complete with boards and glass!

Showhomes are open Monday-Thursday 2-8 p.m.; weekends/holidays from 12-5 p.m.

Visit BrookfieldChinookGate.com for more info

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H O M E L I F E | M A K E OV E R

“None of this would have happened if it wasn’t for everybody stepping in and keeping their head and their heart in the game”

Straschnitzki homecoming STORY BY BRITTON LEDINGHAM | PHOTOS BY KRISTY REIMER

Jett’s room is loaded with hockey jerseys

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Connor is excited by his Spiderman-themed room

A

A bright new kitchen brings the whole family together.

Note the Mike Holmes figurine, a small reminder of the celebrity home renovator’s behind-the-scenes involvement.

fter more than a year, the Straschnitzkis can say they are home.

In the wake of the Humboldt Broncos hockey team’s tragic bus accident on April 6, 2018, survivor Ryan Straschnitzki and his family have been mostly living in an Airdrie hotel. Meanwhile, their home was renovated to be more accessible for Ryan, 20, who is now restricted to a wheelchair.

As of April 27, the chapter of living in limbo has closed, and the family of six (Tom and Michelle, and kids Ryan, Jaden, Jett and Connor) were welcomed home by about 200 friends, family, volunteers, trades and media attending their open-house homecoming.

It was a year to the day since family friend TJ Stewart sat down to envision what could be done with the dwelling with West Ridge Fine Homes, affiliates of The Holmes Group (of TV home renovation personality Mike Holmes fame).

Jaden gets an oasis of her own thanks to Aurora Decor

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H O M E L I F E | M A K E OV E R

“I think the response from the entire family ... sure makes it worthwhile”

Main: Ryan’s own living space in the basement is custom designed for independent living. Inset: the bathroom is completey accessible for Ryan.

“I wish it was something I never had to do,” says Stewart. “But I’m glad it’s over, and I’m happy for the family.”

Stewart helped co-ordinate many of the efforts, which saw the 2,200-square-foot two-storey home, plus half that footprint again in the basement, be “95-per-cent” renovated. Big changes included an elevator, walls moved on the main and basement levels, a new kitchen, and lots of paint and finishing touches with hockey memorabilia.

“None of this would have happened if it wasn’t for everybody stepping in and keeping their head and their heart in the game,” says Stewart, thanking volunteers, plus West Ridge Fine Homes, The Brick and California Closets that helped finish the dwelling.

He estimates about 15,000 hours were put into the project.

West Ridge Fine Homes owner Marc Lehouillier says it was an impactful job of which to be a part.

“It gives us just a lot of gratitude to be given the opportunity to help with the family,” says Lehouillier. “I think the response from the entire family ... sure makes it worthwhile. At the end of it, it’s pretty inspiring.”

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There were lots of “wows” and Michelle had plenty of happy grateful tears.

Ryan couldn’t believe the results. “We’re going to have so many playoff parties here!” he exclaimed when seeing his basement living space for the first time. life Find many more pictures of the home reno online at airdrielife.com

HOMELIFE | COLUMN

marketadvice

TRY US FOR FREE ACHIEVE MORE LIFE, ONE CLASS AT A TIME

WITH MICHELLE CARRE

Who should buy in a down market?

W

hen it comes to stocks, they say “buy low, sell high,” and the same thing applies to real estate. We are currently in what is called a ‘buyer’s market’. This doesn’t mean you are going to get a home for 50 per cent off; most sellers are aware of the current market and have priced their homes accordingly. What it does mean is that there is a good amount of homes for buyers to choose from and, more importantly, you are getting into the real estate market at a lower price.

If you are getting into the real estate market for the first time, it’s a great idea to start by speaking to your bank or mortgage broker to see how much you qualify for and what options are available to you.

If you are already a home owner and are concerned about how much equity you have, one option you could consider is making your current house into a rental property.

Of course, you’ll want to speak to the experts about the viability of this option.

Maybe you’re already into the investing game or you want to get into it; this kind of market is ideal. Just remember, real estate investments are typically a longer-term hold so it’s important to do your research and plan for the future.

With an investment of this size, whether it be for personal reasons or financial ones, it’s best to get professional advice from experts.

One of the things I like to do is look at what a home would have sold for in the peak of the market compared to today. This can help buyers see the potential future value of their investment. It’s also important to understand the location of your investment and make sure that it has as much growth potential as the house. life Michelle Carre is a real estate professional with The Carre Group

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HOMELIFE | COLUMN

Get your garage in order!

A quick guide to advertised show homes in the area

See ad page 6

homeadvice

WITH ADAM BOCCINFUSO Chinook Gate by Brookfield featuring Brookfield and McKee Homes See ad page 71

See ad page 53

See ad page 72

STEP ONE: THE PURGE The best way to begin is to remove all the items you do not want or need, or have been meaning to get rid of. As Marie Kondo would suggest, ask yourself whether the item “brings you joy.” Purging doesn’t need to involve a trip to the dump as some items can be sold, donated and gifted to others in the community.

We really enjoy using the ‘Airdrie Cool Giveaway’ Facebook page. Search Facebook or your online community for one of these pages in your area. When you give away items for no charge people will come to your home to pick them up; talk about a win-win! Don’t worry about going through EVERYTHING at this first step. I recommend focusing on removing the big stuff and obvious things to make some space.

Items to purge may include: Recycling; garbage that needs to be taken to the dump; outgrown baby and kids items; toys; broken tools and equipment; old, unloved flower planters and pots; and more!

STEP TWO: GROUP ITEMS TOGETHER After you remove all the extra stuff in your garage you don’t love, the next step is to group like items. As you continue to group items in your garage you will likely find more items that you can purge; move those to the discard pile.

Make a pile or section of the garage for the different genres of items, such as: Recycling, compost and garbage bins; yard tools; power tools; handyman tools; gardening items; sports equipment; Christmas decorations; winter supplies; cleaners, oils and other chemicals; etc…

STEP THREE: USE ALL YOUR SPACE! The storage space of your garage can be amplified by creating shelving, hooks and storage systems from the ceiling and walls.

Here are some ideas: Use hooks to hang bikes; install a tire storage rack; add overhead storage space (the space above the garage door is a great spot); utilize sturdy shelving; use old dressers and book-

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shelves; build garage cabinet (could use old kitchen cabinets, too); install wall shelving and hooks; create a foldable workbench; install storage near the man door for quick access to commonly needed tools/items; install pegboards and hooks.

For special items, draw an outline of them hanging in their proper spot to encourage family members to return to the correct place.

STEP FOUR: CLEAN How clean do garages need to be really? A good sweep is usually clean enough for us. A shop vacuum is another great tool to use; while it is noisy it can prevent dust from getting spread into the air like a push broom might. Wash off open shelving and your man door, too – you will be shocked to see how dirty they can get!

STEP FIVE: ORGANIZE Now that all your unwanted items are clear, organizational spaces and storage have been created and the garage has been cleaned – it’s the time to put everything back and find it a permanent home where it will belong and be returned to time and time again.

Here are some tips: Store the grouped items together. Keep in mind certain groups will have both small and large items which will require different storage solutions; try to keep these near one another if possible.

Alternate seasonal items, arranging spring/ summer items into easy-to-reach areas, while fall/winter items can be up higher and switched out in the fall.

Store commonly used items near the entrance of the garage for extra convenience.

Use colour-co-ordinated bins and clear bins to create help with ease of finding your items later on.

I recommend you walk your family through the garage and share where certain items now belong. Keeping a clean and organized garage requires everyone to be committed to returning items to their designated place. Nonetheless, every season it will likely require a quick refresh as seasonal items need to be brought out and others are returned to storage until needed again.

Lastly – enjoy your newly clean garage, a.k.a. man cave! life Adam Boccinfuso is a Certified Master Home Inspector and co-owner with wife Veronica of Bocc Home Inspections in Airdrie

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G O N E F I S H I N G 52 | P L AY I N G S M A R T 54

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worklife

M E E T T H E M OV E R S , S H A K E R S A N D B U S I N E SS M A K E R S

WORKLIFE | COLUMN

WHAT’S D UP WITH DOWNTOWN?

businesslife

WITH SARA CHAMBERLAIN

We all know the lyrics to the hit song: So go downtown Things will be great when you’re downtown No finer place for sure, downtown Everything’s waiting for you

owntown was first released by Petula Clark in 1964.

In its 55-year history the song has been recorded on more than 90 albums by artists including Frank Sinatra, Dolly Parton, Jann Arden and, most recently in 2014, the cast of the hit show Glee.

Clearly, something about going downtown resonates with people. And it’s more than the catchy tune.

In many, many places around the globe, downtowns are the economic, cultural and social heart of a community.

It’s no longer just nice to have a bustling and vibrant downtown full of shops, amenities and gathering spaces; there’s a growing pool of research showing that downtowns are critical to the success of a city or region.

That’s why Airdrie City Council has identified downtown revitalization as one of its six strategic priorities and Airdrie’s Economic Strategy 2018-2028 has pointed to downtown as key in creating a sustainable economic future for our city. We need downtown to be a place that attracts visitors, entrepreneurs and the best talent to Airdrie.

Downtown transformation doesn’t happen overnight.

Proactive planning and collaborative effort is required involving a variety of groups – investors, businesses, local government, residents and community organizations.

The City of Airdrie is leading the creation of a new Downtown Plan for Airdrie. Over the last two years, we asked residents and businesses what they envision for Airdrie’s downtown. This spring, a downtown design concept was presented to the community, reflecting the vision shared by those who live, work and do business here. Now, the City is writing the plan, which will include a long-term vision for downtown revitalization and an implementation plan to make it happen. That plan will be presented to city council near the end of this year.

Not unlike the famous song, there are many voices that will contribute to the long-standing success of this project.

Airdrie has the chance to re-make our downtown. It’s time to adjust the tune, liven up the chorus, add new voices to the mix, and then release it for the future generations to enjoy. Let’s all sing from the same song sheet. life Sara Chamberlain is an economic development officer with Airdrie Economic Development. To learn more about Airdrie’s Downtown Plan, visit airdrie.ca/downtown

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WO R K L I F E | CO O L J O B S

THE MIXOLOGIST STORY BY WYATT TREMBLAY | PHOTOS BY SERGEI BELSKI

“My back bar is my spice rack … with all the different liqueurs and spirits, the possibilities are endless”

In our cool guys, cool jobs series we bring you a mixologist and a TV personality/outdoor sportsman (page 52).

Old-Fashioned, Dark and Stormy, Moscow Mule – cocktails have a variety of exotic names and ingredients, but at Airdrie’s Sorso Lounge they have one thing in common, London Richard.

Raised in a small town just outside Montreal, Richard has travelled the world working and competing as a bartender, but Airdrie is home now.

“I love it. I like that sort of small-town feel.”

Mixologist, drink connoisseur, bartender – cocktail makers are known by a few names, but Richard’s not big on titles.

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WORKLIFE| COOL JOBS

London Richard with Dmitri Martini

“At the end of the day, what I do is no different than what a chef does – I create an experience for you.”

Except, of course, his menu involves the skillful blending of spirits, water, sugar and bitters.

“My back bar is my spice rack … with all the different liqueurs and spirits, the possibilities are endless.”

Making cocktails, notorious in 1920s prohibition era, has evolved, and with the different types of bitters, tinctures and shrubs (flavour-infused vinegars) available now, he says, “It’s become very competitive.”

Growing up in Montreal, Richard frequented nearby New York City, and it was there that he became immersed in its cocktail culture.

“I was really lucky. I was mentored by Jeff Bell, who is arguably one of the world’s best bartenders.”

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Bell manages New York’s PDT – Please Don’t Tell – a bar that has no address and no website, and patrons enter through a telephone booth.

“It’s like a traditional prohibition speakeasy.”

Richard says it was a classic Old-Fashioned cocktail prepared by Bell that changed his life.

“It was a crazy thing. It was just a simple cocktail, but the way he put it together, it just opened my eyes.”

His journey has led to winning several awards in bartending competitions in North America and Europe.

There is mythology associated with cocktails, Richard explains, such as recreating speakeasies or “flare” bartending, portrayed by Tom Cruise in the 1988 movie Cocktail. Richard says he could spin a bottle seven times in the air, but “in the end, the drink tastes the same.”

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In 2017 Richard became a managing partner at Sorso, where owner Dmitri Martini, a cocktail enthusiast in his own right, had created some of Sorso’s most popular libations like the Original Spiked Kombucha (one of the first in the province), the Sullys Grilled Cheese Caesar, the Front Porch and the house Sangria.

With Richard on board, Sorso has a full cocktail menu, and he is always open to experimentation.

“It’s part art and part science. Every customer is different, and so is every drink.”

Martini agrees: “What I love about cocktails is there is no end to the creativity that you can express through them.”

The bar has been officially raised on cocktail culture in Airdrie. life Get a few of Richard’s cocktail recipes online at airdrielife.com

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WORKLIFE| COOL JOBS

TV PERSONALITY FOR THE GREAT OUTDOORS

STORY AND PHOTOS BY BRITTON LEDINGHAM

“That’s the ultimate goal – to have more people out fishing, enjoying the outdoors”

F

or Wes David, going fishing and going to work are synonymous.

This summer, the outdoorsman is filming season four of Fishing the Wild West TV with Wes David, with the help of local videographer and angler Chuck MacPherson. Through the program, they highlight great fishing opportunities available for beginner to advanced anglers in Western Canada and the Northwestern United States.

“We show the realities of fishing,” says David of the fun and educational program. “Every cast is not going to be a monster.”

Each season includes 13 episodes aired on the World Fishing network, Wild TV, the Sportsman Channel, CTV 2 and local cable companies.

The show’s success has the duo booking their schedule about two years in advance. Past seasons are available on their website (fishingthewildwesttv.com) after a year of TV airing.

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Most of the episodes are filmed at easily accessible lakes and streams, while four are filmed at remote or fly-in resorts anglers dream of as trips of a lifetime.

David says one of the most popular episodes was to show parents and kids what they can fish in stocked ponds with a $35 fishing license and $25 in gear. “[I] was really nervous about releasing it, because there was no big fish on there, but it was one of our most received episodes,” he says. “I hope we’ve got a few people out fishing, and that’s the ultimate goal – to have more people out fishing, enjoying the outdoors.”

Produced by his own company, Bullets & Bait Productions, David started filming Fishing the Wild West TV in Canada and has since filmed in the U.S. in response to requests from fishing destinations.

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The World Fishing Network approached him to see if he would be interested in doing a show, and he was.

“The first year was a big learning curve,” says David. “We’ve learned so much from that, and going into our fourth year, we’re so excited.”

Today, he has a full-time cameraman in MacPherson, and his wife, Suzie, helps him field the office duties of operating a TV show while continuing to write for magazines.

Filming his show had him on the water 125 days in 2018, only three of which were for personal enjoyment with his niece. Many days it rains or snows, and some days are too cold to fish for the sake of the fish and the camera gear.

“There’s times when you’re cold and [in] brutal conditions, and you don’t feel like being on the camera,” says David. “And poor Chuck, he’s not even fishing. He’s trying to hold the camera stable [with] rain beating down on him.”

But all the efforts are worthwhile for David.

“It’s very flattering when someone comes up and wants a signed picture or wants to just talk fishing,” he says. “It’s a true honor that they value my opinion, and that’s a reward in itself – just to talk fishing with everyday people.”

David encourages local families to get outside, and to join the Airdrie Hunting & Fishing Association (airdriehfa.com). life

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THE JOURNEY David’s road to network TV has wound like an old river, not direct, but with a definite dream destination.

AIRDRIE “I grew up on a farm, and I used to ride bulls ALARM 948-1830 for a living,” he says, noting injuries ended his bull riding career, leaving him missing the competitive-camaraderie of the sport. So, he took up tournament fishing at professional walleye events.

“I started doing really well, and the people there were amazing,” says David, who began writing for magazines at the same time.

Then he was asked to speak at seminars at sports shows in Calgary and Edmonton and eventually Texas.

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WORKLIFE | ENTREPRENEURS

1

GET IN THE GAME! ILLUSTRATION BY LIA GOLEMBA | PHOTOS BY KRISTY REIMER

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S

mall business plays a very important role in our local economy. In Airdrie, like other Canadian cities, 99 per cent of businesses are small. But, the reality is, running a business can be tough. Studies show only 35 per cent of new businesses survive their first five years.

That’s where SMARTstart comes in.

It’s proven. Business owners with education in entrepreneurship, or previous entrepreneur experience, have an 80 to 90 per cent chance of success with a new business. SMARTstart was designed by a group of local partners and is delivered right here in Airdrie.

Its purpose is to provide real-world business skills and access to tailor-made advice to increase the chance of new businesses surviving those first crucial years.

In this issue of airdrielife we meet five of the program’s 2019 entrepreneurs and their mentors. Read their full bios and learn more about their business ideas online at airdrielife.com/worklife

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1. Entrepreneur: Chris Lindsey, Leaps N Bounds Inflatables Inc. What’s your biggest hurdle?

We have no formal training or experience in running a business.

What’s your five-year goal?

Operating a successful family entertainment centre, and providing families with a fun and affordable entertainment option.

Mentor: Nadine Woitt, Mezzanine Hair Studio What do you wish you would have known when you started?

First and foremost, I wish I had known the time and commitment involved to run a successful business.

2. Entrepreneur: Chrissie Rozak, GetintheLoop Airdrie What’s your biggest hurdle?

Our business is in its infancy stage in Airdrie and we are a double-sided market where we need businesses on the app, but we also need consumers to download the app.

What’s your five-year goal?

In five years I see my husband and I owning several other markets and working solely with GetintheLoop.

I envision myself being a mentor for the SMARTstart program and sharing my story of success to other women who have been in the same boat as me.

Mentor: Kari Lines, Budget Blinds of Airdrie What do you wish you would have known when you started?

I wish I would have known to obtain a mentor earlier on in my career as the ones I have now are extremely valuable. I also wish I would have known to not take things personally when it comes to business.

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WO R K L I F E | E N T R E P R E N E U R S

Take the Reins Embrace the Journey

3. Entrepreneur: Cigdem Fareed, Distinct Graphics & Software Solutions What’s your biggest hurdle?

My technical team works remotely which creates a concern in terms of timely troubleshooting and generating leads.

What’s your five-year goal?

Having a physical office in Airdrie and creating solutions for Alberta; my apps running through all of Canada; and I am invited to TED Talks as a speaker.

Mentor: Jo-Anne Yau, Masuch Law LLP What do you wish you would have known when you started?

I wish I would have taken business- and commercerelated courses in undergraduate studies.

Why are you mentoring?

I like seeing entrepreneurs succeed. I hope that I can serve as a resource for local businesses.

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4. Entrepreneur: Colin Bailey, Evolution Performance Ltd. What’s your biggest hurdle?

Learning how to run a business, being a trainer turned businessman. I’m learning as I go but it would be great to avoid as many obstacles in advance as possible.

What’s your five-year goal?

I see myself expanding into a large commercial space; possibly beginning the expansion for multiple locations.

Mentor: Joan Traub, Retired What do you wish you would have known when you started?

I wish I had understood the time commitment involved in starting and running a successful business. At times, being an entrepreneur can be overwhelming, but the rewards make it totally worthwhile.

5. Entrepreneur: Danielle Doetzel, Boulevard Home Inc. What’s your biggest hurdle?

My biggest obstacle would be my lack of confidence in my business skills and at times feeling overwhelmed.

What’s your five-year goal?

My long-term goal is to open a brick-and-mortar design boutique in Airdrie. It would serve as a one-stop shop for locals that are building and/or renovating their home, and feature local and Canadian product.

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Follow us on:

Mentor: Jacqui Jepson, The Pink Wand Cleaning Services What do you wish you would have known when you started?

That every mistake I made was a step forward towards my business growth and success. Also to know that the key to success comes in daily small habits. “Change does not happen without change.”

SMARTstart is delivered over eight months in Airdrie. Entrepreneurs who are accepted into the program take part in the following: • Online learning via GoForth Institute of 100 Essential Business Skills™ program; • In-person small group workshops; • Each entrepreneur is paired with an experienced local business owner (volunteer mentor).

At the end of SMARTstart, each entrepreneur walks away with a business plan, feasibility study or strategic plan they have created to set their business up for success.

Learn more at smartstartairdrie.ca

GET CREATIVE WITH US IN THE FALL 2019 ISSUE

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citylife

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

CITYLIFE | CITY HALL

Join Wade’s World!

T he City of Airdrie purchases water from the City of Calgary who collects it from the Bow and Elbow Rivers. The water is treated by the City of Calgary and travels to Airdrie reservoirs through a big pipe.

From there, it is pumped to smaller distribution pipes where it flows to our homes and businesses.

Water is a finite resource that needs to be protected The Bow and Elbow rivers are fed by ground and surface water in the form of glacier melt, snow melt and rain. The glacier that feeds the Bow River has seen significant depletion over the past few decades. Climate change is making other sources, like rain and snowmelt, more unreliable. In short, water is a finite resource that needs to be conserved.

In February of 2019, Airdrie City Council approved a new waterworks bylaw that supports Council’s strategy of being a leader in sustainability and will help us, as a city, reduce our water usage. As well as being the right thing to do, it can also save you money. By collecting rain water in a rain barrel, planting drought-tolerant plants, following the new watering schedule and ensuring your toilets and faucets don’t leak, you can reduce your water bill and help our city be more sustainable.

New waterworks bylaw The new bylaw encourages residents and businesses to conserve water through a watering schedule and other restrictions that would take effect during a water shortage. The bylaw was introduced after Council approved a water conservation policy and water conservation, efficiency and productivity plan in 2018.

The City of Airdrie water services team spent the summer of 2018 educating residents on water conservation.

Water schedule Residents and businesses with an address ending in even numbers can water lawns, gardens, trees and shrubs on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from 6 to 9 a.m., 7 to 10 p.m. or 1 to 4 a.m. with an automated irrigation system. Addresses ending in odd numbers can water Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Not watering on Friday allows the reservoir to replenish in time for the weekend, which is when the City sees the highest demand. This schedule encourages watering during the coolest time of the day, which reduces evaporation. Watering

with water from a rain barrel or in a handheld watering can or a hose attached to a handheld spray nozzle can be done at any time as it is less likely water is overused than when using sprinklers and other automated systems.

Water restrictions The bylaw also includes level one, two or three water-use restrictions. Level one is status quo (water schedule in place). In level two or three, different restrictions come into place. Level two would be declared in times of drought or floods or other water-supply challenges. Level three would be declared if Airdrie was facing serious challenges providing water. This would usually effect a wider area than Airdrie.

Enforcement For 2019 the City will be focused on educating residents about the new bylaw and how they can save water. Municipal enforcement is a complaint-based system so the intention is not for officers to be timing how long sprinklers are on.

It does, however, give the City recourse if people are abusing water.

Change like this requires some getting used to. The spirit of the bylaw is to get residents and businesses to join the conservation effort in a continued effort towards a sustainable Airdrie. life WADE THE WATER DROPLET wants to teach you about water conservation.

Learn more tips for saving money and conserving water at airdrie.ca/waterconservation

“In short, water is a finite resource that needs to be conserved”

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In February 2019, Airdrie introduced a

new Waterworks Bylaw The new Bylaw includes water restrictions that would only come into effect during a water shortage. Water shortages are classified into levels, which would trigger different types of restrictions.

The Bylaw includes a year-round watering schedule.

Addresses ending in EVEN numbers (0, 2, 4, 6, 8) can water lawns, gardens, trees and shrubs on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from 6 to 9 a.m., 7 to 10 p.m. for hose connected sprinkler or from 1 to 4 a.m. for automated irrigation systems Addresses ending in ODD numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) can water Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday from 6 to 9 a.m., 7 to 10 p.m. for hose connected sprinkler or from 1 to 4 a.m. for automated irrigation systems 12 a.m.

1 a.m.

2 a.m.

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Monday

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No watering on Fridays gives reservoirs a chance to replenish in preparation for the weekend, which is when the City experiences the highest demand.

Hose connected sprinkler for addresses ending in EVEN numbers Automated irrigation systems for addresses ending in EVEN numbers Hose connected sprinkler for addresses ending in ODD numbers Automated irrigation systems for addresses ending in ODD numbers

$

Conserving water can save you money on your water bill!

$

Learn more at www.airdrie.ca/waterconservation

Where does Airdrie’s water come from?

Calgary gets its water from the Bow and Elbow Rivers, which are fed by ground and surface water in the form of glacier melt, snow melt and rain.

The City of Airdrie purchases water from the City of Calgary.

The water is treated by the City of Calgary and then travels to Airdrie reservoirs through supply mains.

From there, it is pumped to distribution mains where it flows to our homes, businesses and hydrants.

CITYLIFE | HOBBIES

B

randon Hegedus is building the automotive equivalent of a unicorn.

Inside his two-car detached garage in Luxstone is a nearly-complete 1961 Ferrari 156 F1 “sharknose” race car replica. He uses the word replica, because it’s not a kit car, nor is it quite a recreation of the legendary automobile.

“If you’re going to spend the time and money, build something awesome,” says Hegedus, sitting in the cockpit of the car on a seat he molded out of Kevlar himself. “That’s kind of always my thought.”

This being his fifth car build, he’s no novice, but the task of building the Ferrari replica is a tall one, adding new skills to the resume of the cabinet builder by day, car builder by night.

He sold one of his earlier builds in the fall of 2016, a wild 1927 Ford Model T rat rod powered by a twin turbo 5.9 litre Cummins 6BT diesel pumping out 855 horsepower and 1,504 foot pounds of torque to the rear wheels.

DREAM STORY AND PHOTOS BY BRITTON LEDINGHAM

RIDE ONE MAN’S HOBBY REVS UP

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CITYLIFE | HOBBIES

“If you’re going to spend the time and money, build something awesome” He then decided to build “something that doesn’t exist anymore,” and bought a Suzuki Hayabusa motorbike, which donated its 1,300cc motor and various other parts for Hegedus to begin building the Ferrari creation.

With the build, he started an Instagram account, @howisthatstreetlegal, to document the process.

The 1961 Ferrari 156 F1 has some history, which Hegedus starts explaining with the model number, which stands for the 1.5 litre V6 engine it was powered by.

“Enzo Ferrari hired Carlo Chiti to design the chassis,” recalls Hegedus from his research. “What he came up with was an absolutely gorgeous car … as soon as the media saw it, the people fell in love with it.”

Hegedus fell in love with the Hot Wheels version of the car as a teenager, and has become exponentially more passionate about it in the last three years.

“It’s just a sexy little car,” he says. “Everything about it, just it’s so simple.

It’s just totally functional.”

Aside from aesthetics, the lure of the car is the fact that all the Ferrari 156 cars built by the Italian manufacturer were destroyed by 1963. This was preceded by a crash on Sept. 10, 1961, that killed a 156 driver, Wolfgang von Trips, and 15 spectators.

There’s little build information to use to recreate the car, and the finer details have been found from photographs and a scale ruler. Hegedus only knows of two current recreations in Europe today, and he’s been in contact with one of the builders who did coachwork (built the body) on both.

“He was gracious enough to share some information with me and answer some of my questions,” says Hegedus. “And then of course I still am left to a lot of my deductive figuring and reasoning.”

Having his hands create as many of the parts on the car as possible, including details like pedals and brackets, he’s developed a lot of skills, both physical and mental.

“It’s given me a lot more respect for the engineering,” says Hegedus.

“There’s no flawlessly-perfect engineering behind it, or geometry behind it. You give and take and you balance…. I really like that.”

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His first European-inspired build has seen a different mindset than the “good enough” or “backyard mentality” of American hot rods he’s built.

Hegedus held a party with about 35 people turning up for the first time he started up the engine last September, showing support for which he’s grateful.

“I drove it down the alley and around the block a couple times,” he says. “It was smooth and loud as it should be and it gave us beautiful driver feedback.”

The body won’t be finished in aluminum as the originals were, as Hegedus doesn’t want to take the years to learn that skill at this point. He’s likely to use carbon fibre or fibreglass depending on his budget as that stage comes closer.

A few more stages and hundreds of hours later, and this car will be on the road in 2020, fingers crossed.

“I hope to be able to inspire some young kid,” says Hegedus, who is now a 34-year-old with an “amazing, patient wife and four amazing little girls.” life

C I T Y L I F E | N E W S K I L LS

First Shift KIDS HAVE A CHANCE TO LACE UP AND GET ON THE ICE STORY BY COURTENAY WEBB | PHOTOS BY SERGEI BELSKI

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his spring Airdrie Minor Hockey had the opportunity to host the Canadian Tire and Bauer ‘First Shift Program,’ offering a low-commitment, affordable and fun introduction to hockey for children aged six to12 who had never played hockey before, or never skated.

The program was run by AMHA’s PeeWee AA coach Spencer Barlow, who was joined by several AMHA coaches from different levels and backgrounds. The coaches were joined by two AMHA athletes.

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CITYLIFE | NEW SKILLS

The participants took part in a welcome event that included professional fitting and distribution of all of their necessary hockey gear. This was followed by six weeks of one-hour on-ice-sessions. The sessions allowed athletes an opportunity to try out Canada’s game in a fun, safe environment.

The emphasis on fun and skill development was very apparent in the sessions with many parents and athletes commenting on what an amazing program it was.

The AMHA wishes to acknowledge coaches Spencer Barlow, Zoey Crispens, Stephen Seekings, Sean Hunter, Mike Street, Mason Macleod, Clinton Ziemer, Jeremy Walker, Jared Brookshaw and Jamie Tittemore for making the program a huge success and igniting a passion in the next generation of athletes. life 66

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CITYLIFE | SPORT

Bowled Over STORY AND PHOTOS BY BRITTON LEDINGHAM

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wice a week, coach Dawn Halvorson helps mould teens and preteens into bowling aces at Shamrock Lanes.

A handful of youths take advantage of an optional Thursday evening Youth Bowl Canada practice in late March. The season was done for all but one 10-year-old girl, Hermionie Daling, who was prepping for nationals in Oshawa, Ont. from May 5-7 (where she went on to place silver with Team Alberta in the five-pin girls trios event, and seventh in the bantam girls singles).

Halvorson shares the story of a deal made four years ago when Daling first picked up a bowling ball in the basement alley near East Lake.

“We had an instant bond,” says Halvorson. “She clung on to me and I could just see it in her she wanted to bowl.

“We made a deal back in the day, that if she made singles [nationals]...

We would get her a proper bowling bag to carry her balls into that nationals, and I would also go with her and be in the stands for her.”

Daling’s route to win the bantam girls singles provincial title included a rally back from third place after the step-ladder tournament, beating the second-place opponent in the playoff, before facing the incumbent in November 2018 in the provincial singles tournament.

Being the challenger, she had to beat her opponent twice, and did, winning the final game by a healthy 23 points.

“I just kept on taking deep breaths and just kept on throwing strikes,” says Daling. “One dream in my life is me going to nationals in junior and senior and maybe bowling when I’m an adult.”

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“I just love coaching.

I love seeing the kids smile, having fun and winning.”

The tuckered 10-year-old declines an interview after flying home from bowling 22 games in three days, but her mother Amanda is happy to talk.

“She’s very proud of herself and she should be,” says Amanda, noting the trio of her daughter, Natalya Langevin and Teagan Makar had an uphill battle in the final two rounds.

They battled back from eighth place after playing three of the five games in the trio event. They were in fourth after round four, and bowled a 192 (Daling), 288 (Langevin) and 268 (Makar) in the final frame to earn silver.

Airdrie’s Conner Leavitt (representing Paradise Lanes in Calgary) also participated on Team Alberta’s mixed doubles team earning silver with Scott Starkoski, and finishing last in eighth place with the senior mixed team.

ALLEY EXTRAS Halvorson’s goal is to get more kids involved in her beloved sport.

She wants to see the youth, including her own 13-year-old daughter Tanisha, grow in confidence and believe “they can do what they set their mind to.”

“Our goal is to get them to succeed,” she says. “I just love coaching. I love seeing the kids smile, having fun and winning.”

They want to see the all-ages sport continue to grow in an alley lined with nearly two-dozen banners from provincial titles and a handful of pictures from national title winners over the last few decades. Last season was positive, with many top-three finishes by Airdrie players in tournaments around the province.

Tanisha is animated while throwing strikes and as she sits down during her interview.

She says she would be a different person if it wasn’t for bowling.

“It’s all about your mood; your mood changes the game a lot,” says Tanisha, who holds a higher-than-200-point average, defends her sport of choice.

“Most people don’t really see five-pin bowling as a sport,” she said. “But, once you get used to it, then you see that it’s more competitive as you go.”

She laughs as she holds and describes a plush, knitted cartoon-looking bomb, complete with a fuse.

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“If I’m getting mad, then I can go to my bowling bag and like squish it or throw it to the ground, and so it’s kind of like I’m dropping an f-bomb,” says Tanisha. “It always changes my mood because I start to laugh, and I just bowl a lot better with it.”

Abrielle Noble, 8, speaks with an unusual self-awareness.

“I’ve learned to be patient,” says the youngest girl at the practice in Shamrock Lanes that night.

Theron Makowski, 13, has learned to cope with stress.

“I just think it helps if I keep myself calm, and be in a better mood to keep myself positive,” says Makowski.

He wants other youth to join him at the bowling alley.

“It’s a chance to give them more maybe new life skills, character,” says Makowski. “It’s also just really fun and competitive... You never sit on the bench.”

Halvorson says kids can bowl for free during the summer, and parents can sign up at kidsbowlfree.com. life

C I T Y L I F E | AWA R D S

Amazing Celebration Top: The 2019 Amazing Airdrie Women recipients with MP Blake Richard (far left) and airdrielife pubisher Sherry Shaw-Froggatt (far right); Cream Amazing Determination Danielle Edwards, Pharmsave on Centre Amazing Heart Kimberley Ford, Pureform (Tracy Work Memorial) Amazing Courage Sarah Cormier, McKee Homes Amazing Leadership Wendy Timmermans, TD Bank Amazing Promise Robin Bishop.

Below: Amazing lunch by Woodside; Kimberley Ford’s reaction; Fitzsimmon’s Champ Radler reception; The Cormier family celebrate Vanessa’s (second from left) nomination; Sarah Cormier speaks from the heart in accepting her award; cakes that doubled as centrepieces from Avenue Cakery and Bakeshoppe.

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