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Wednesday, June 4, 2014, HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING

Central Alberta Children’s Festival - affordable fun for young ones

BY KALISHA MENDONSA Red Deer Express For families looking for a way to spend time outdoors, keep their kids entertained and engage in their community, the Central Alberta Children’s Festival is a perfect event to do so.

Family Services of Central Alberta is presenting the Children’s Festival from June 6th between 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and June 7th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“Families come first, that’s what’s really important to me,” said Manager of Children and Youth Service, Judy Scott.

Scott has also been the Festival coordinator for eight years.

“Seeing that families are taking time to spend with their kids and just have fun. No stressors. You pay at the gate, enter the park and it doesn’t cost you anything else.”

Oftentimes, trades fairs and other festivals cost an entry fee, have high food prices and most activities for children are paid for separately as well. For this Festival, $20 per family or $6 a person will grant entry and food.

“Cost of living around here is a lot, so it’s nice to do this,” said Scott.

“This is not a fundraiser for Family Services, this is about making families come first.”

The Festival used to receive a federal government grant to help fund the event, but this year there was no such luck. Sponsors have stepped up to carry the event forward.

All funds raised from this event will go directly into saving for next year’s Children’s Festival.

“I just love seeing the families have fun. Usually when the gates open, we’ve already been at the park since 6 a.m. and we see families waiting to come in and it really almost brings tears to your eyes, seeing families running and playing,” said Scott.

The Festival hosts such events as face-painting stations, a ‘giggle zone’ that contains several bounce houses and tunnels, arts and crafts stations, a giant maze and a ‘toddler stop’ for young children and parents to relax in.

Other attractions of the Festival include live music, a story corner, a puppet performance, arcade games, environmental activities and bubble blowing stations.

With attractions for all ages, the Festival usually aims to attract children zero through 12, but also carries interesting games and tables for children between 12 and 14. However, all ages are welcome to come and spend time with their families or friends.

“I JUST LOVE SEEING THE FAMILIES HAVE FUN. USUALLY WHEN THE GATES OPEN, WE’VE ALREADY BEEN AT THE PARK SINCE 6 A.M. AND WE SEE FAMILIES WAITING TO COME IN AND IT REALLY ALMOST BRINGS TEARS TO YOUR EYES, SEEING FAMILIES RUNNING AND PLAYING.” JUDY SCOTT

may not ordinarily have such as seeing live music, seeing some culture and reconnecting with their loved ones,” said Scott.

For guests, a must have is a water bottle. There are water stations all around the park, but water cups are not recommended, in order to keep the Festival green.

Scott said she is, “Really hoping the public will come out at take advantage of the day, have a good time and let them know how (Family Services) is doing.”

Sponsorships are a crucial part of keeping the Festival open. This means that in order for the festival to continue, sponsorships and connections must be cultivated.

Donations are welcome and accepted, but not mandatory.

“This event is truly about building communities and putting families first.”

“This is about giving families opportunities that they

kmendonsa@reddeerexpress.com

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HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING, Wednesday, June 4, 2014

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An innovative education-based Kindergarten will be available to parents beginning Sept. 10th.

“We are semi-structured with academic focus, not play-based,” said Lynne Harris, founder of First Steps & Beyond.

“There is time, obviously, during the day where the kids have their playtime and centre time, but there are also set times where they are all sitting and listening, and developing those skills.”

First Steps & Beyond offers a unique take on Kindergarten. Traditionally playbased, most Kindergartens do not focus much time into developing language, math or science beyond a very basic level.

First Steps introduces children to music lessons, math, including counting often to 50 or higher, and reading simple sentences.

The private organization utilizes small classes (between eight and 10 students) to allow individual focus, growth and the opportunity for specialized learning.

“First Steps is chosen by the parents who value early education and early literacy. They realize the importance of both,” said Harris.

“The kids aren’t just coming here to play for two and a half hours. They’re learning, not just academics, but also self-control, self-respect, respect for others and how to behave in different situations.”

Harris founded the organization in 2010 when she realized she felt she could be offering higher education standards to young children as they prepare to enter the school system.

Harris and the other teachers have all received a Bachelor in Education, which gives them the ability to instruct in a meaningful manner.

Each teacher at the school spends a significant amount of time with their students, which enables them to assess things like learning disabilities or struggles.

The teachers are all actively involved in the other areas of the school programs, and this means that more than one adult will always be getting to know a child and assist them to the best of their abilities.

“We work as a team, and shoot out ideas to each other all the time, and we work really well as a team here,” said Kindergar-

ten teacher Tamara Stasyk.

“It isn’t just about (our) class - it’s all of our kids in this school.”

The close interaction between the students, teachers and tutors also reaches out to parents. Harris even welcomes parents to drop in, or linger during or after class times to witness firsthand the interactions between teachers, students and peers. As well, three times a year parent-teacher conferences are held, but parents are not limited to those set interaction periods.

“THERE IS TIME, OBVIOUSLY, DURING THE DAY WHERE THE KIDS HAVE THEIR PLAYTIME AND CENTRE TIME, BUT THERE ARE ALSO SET TIMES WHERE THEY ARE ALL SITTING AND LISTENING, AND DEVELOPING THOSE SKILLS.” LYNNE HARRIS Families of students are also engaged in such activities as bowling and barbeques in order to allow parents to get to know their children’s instructors.

Stasyk said, “We work on a family sense of community. These kids have parents, but they seem like our children too. It’s very much a team effort here.”

Along with developing a respectful rapport among parents and teachers, children are taught to learn the skills of respecting themselves, their peers and the adults in their lives, she said.

A subsidy is also offered at First Steps & Beyond for stay-at-home parents who still wish for their children to attend First Steps. The subsidy does not cover all costs, but can be a significant help for parents in need.

Student-student teaching is also offered in certain instances. In these cases, a teacher may sit down with two children, one who is having trouble grasping a concept, and one whom understands it well.

“The child that’s struggling can get the feedback of the other,” explained Stasyk.

“Sometimes, I may not be able to relate to a child but that other kid can get through to them in a way I can’t.” kmendonsa@reddeerexpress.com

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Red Deer Express 5

Wednesday, June 4, 2014, HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING

How to help kids deal with stress Childhood is a time of fun, games, and carefree living - right? We like to think so, but these days, many kids are stressed. You may not think kids have much to be stressed about, but they can be under pressure at school, have high expectations placed on them by parents, or be in the midst of a family breakup. And unlike adults, children haven’t had the chance to learn healthy coping skills.

Jack

WHEELER Is your child stressed out? If so, what are the possible causes, and what can you do as a parent to help your kid cope?

Stress is not a bad thing. Your body needs a certain amount of stress to function and learn. However, too much stress for children can hinder healthy development, lead to destructive behaviors, or cause health problems. Stress can come in many different forms and can affect kids at any age. Some of the most common stressors for kids are school, grades, homework, family problems, peers, friends, gossip, and bullying (which is becoming more and more prevalent in today’s school yards and playgrounds). Think about your

child’s situation. Could he or she be experiencing unhealthy amounts of stress in any of these areas?

Children display stress differently than adults. Many times they keep their emotions pent up inside and then exhibit them in physical ways like headaches, stomach aches, or even nausea. Young children may begin to regress to behaviors such as bedwetting, frequent crying, whining, temper tantrums, or being especially clingy. A child who is normally active and boisterous may become listless and quiet. Or a child who is usually docile and obedient may become angry and act out. Older children may become withdrawn and irritable, and schoolwork and relationships may suffer. Teenagers may turn to drugs, eating disorders, bullying, or sex to cope with their stress.

Kids have varying coping strategies when it comes to stress in their lives. Without some sort of coping mechanism, the stress may become overwhelming. Some kids cope by distracting themselves with playing, listening to music, watching TV or playing video games, talking to a friend or parent, eating, crying or losing their temper, trying to fix the problem, or even taking stress out on themselves in unhealthy ways (banging their head, hitting or biting themselves).

Unless you have abnormally talkative and open children, they prob-

ably won’t come right out and say they need your help, but they 100% do. Children need their parents to talk with them, to cheer them up, to help them fix what’s bothering them, and to just be together. As a parent, you can’t always prevent your child from feeling stressed, sad, or angry, but you can help them recognize and express their feelings in healthy ways.

Listen to your kids and ask questions to help them understand and express what they’re feeling. Teach them healthy coping skills like talking out problems, performing breathing exercises, maintaining a sense of humor in all situations, or getting plenty of physical exercise. You’ll also need to set a good example for your child. If you get angry and start yelling when you’re stressed, expect your child to act the same way. If you come home and drink alcohol after a stressful day, don’t be surprised if your teenager does the same thing. A child who knows how to deal with stress in a healthy way will be better prepared to function as an adult in a stressful world.

What children need most when it comes to managing stress is a strong family unit. When they feel loved and secure in their place in the family, they will be better able to face challenges that come their way.

Jack Wheeler is a personal trainer and owner of 360 Fitness in Red Deer.

FAMILY FUN - Alivia Ballantyne, 4, and Madalynne Warner, 4, play on the 54th Ave. park jungle gym during a recent Jenna Swan/Red Deer Express sunny day.

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6 Red Deer Express

HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING, Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Local cancer survivor shares her story

BY ERIN FAWCETT Red Deer Express A Red Deer cancer survivor is sharing her story and hoping to help others who have been diagnosed as well.

Joan Williams was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 1996. She was a single mother with a then nine-year-old son. Her cancer was discovered during a routine check-up at the doctor. “He was just feeling around in my throat and knew something wasn’t right,� she said. “It’s always bad to hear that ‘c’ word and it’s always surreal but I was so thrilled with him because we caught it early. “It was eye-opening and it really made me take a step back.�

Williams had surgery to remove her thyroid and afterwards had a radioactive iodine treatment. “Whatever is left of the thyroid, the radioactive iodine burns it right out,� she said. “It was scary because at the cancer centre you’re in this little room all by yourself and anyone that comes near you wears lead clothing. It was surreal.�

For about a month after her treatment, Williams said she was unable to be too close to her son and they even had to use different

bathrooms in the house so that he did not absorb any of the radioactive iodine. “It was tough because we are very close. My radioactive levels had to be very low for him to even be in the same car as me. We couldn’t sit and cuddle. It was really unreal.�

Williams said there were two key things that helped push her through the tough times after her diagnosis. “God helped me get through those dark days and then I had my son and there was no way he was going on without me.�

As for her message to those who have been diagnosed with cancer and to those who are undergoing treatment, she said they should always remember to never give up. “My words of advice are that you need to take advantage of everyone around you during that time. Don’t keep things to yourself – lean on other people.

Trying to get through something like that yourself is not the way to do it. We are meant to be in a community.�

Today, Williams said she is doing great. She goes for regular checkups to ensure her thyroid is not growing back.

Meanwhile, a major fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society is set to take place next month.

t h g i l e h t n i t Le he heat! block t

The Relay for Life will take place June 13 at CrossRoads Church from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Williams will not only be taking part in the Relay for Life this year for the sixth year, but she is also on the committee for the ďŹ rst time as well. She is chairing the Survivor’s Banquet. “It’s meaningful for me to see others who have survived. The Survivor’s Banquet is a really big thing. The more I talk to cancer survivors the more I realize that people minimize their cancer and think that others have gone through so much more than them. But it’s not true. They have faced cancer and survived and that is worth celebrating.â€?

The Relay For Life is a 12-hour, overnight, non-competitive event that involves teams of up to 15 participants who take turns walking or running around a track.

The event opens with a Survivors’ Victory Lap, where cancer survivors kick off the event by walking an inspirational ďŹ rst lap.

Luminaries are lit during a moving ceremony at dusk.

Their light pays tribute to loved ones and provides motivation and encouragement to participants all night. “To walk that ďŹ rst lap and to hear your name – there’s nothing like it.â€?

INSPIRATION - Joan Williams, who was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in the ‘90s, is looking forward to participating in the upcoming Relay for Life.

She is also chairing the Survivor’s Banquet for the event as well.

Jenna Swan/Red Deer Express

Participants can dedicate the luminaries to remember and honour loved ones. Luminaries can also be purchased at the event or online before the Relay for Life.

Each year, more than 500 communities nationwide participate by supporting the largest cancer fundraiser in Canada. Last year, through Relay For Life the Ca-

nadian Cancer Society raised almost $47 million.

Proceeds from Relay for Life support cancer research in Canada and provide support to people living with cancer and their families.

For more, visit www.relayforlife.ca. efawcett@reddeerexpress.com

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Red Deer Express 7

Wednesday, June 4, 2014, HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING

Now, what’s that ringing in my ears?

Tinnitus can be caused by a number of factors and should be checked out Most of us have had it at some point or another.

A sudden noise in our ears that no one else can hear. But at what point is it no longer normal? Tinnitus (TIN-it-us or tinNIGHT-us) is the word we use to describe any phantom sound in our ears. For most, it is a high pitched ring, but can be a buzz, click, roar or really any number of other sounds. The most important thing to know about tinnitus is that it is a symptom. It is your body trying to tell you something.

Tinnitus can be caused by a number of factors.

Any of us may have noticed our ears ringing after a loud concert or a day on the job site without hearing protection. In those instances, that ringing is telling us that we have damaged our ears to some extent. In many cases the ringing is temporary and disappears if we stay out of noise for a period of time.

If we continue to expose our ears to that noise, the ringing as well as the damage done to the inner ear will be permanent.

When the tinnitus becomes frequent or constant, we have a problem and we need to find out why.

In all cases, the investigation to find out why should begin with a complete audiology examination. It helps rule out the easy things. Since tinnitus can be caused by a number of things we want to try to nail it down.

If we can do that, we might have a better

Andrew

TOWERS chance of managing it or even correcting it. For example, if the cause is simply ear wax on the eardrum, that should be temporary.

Sometimes it is a side effect of a medication you are taking. If so, a discussion with a knowledgeable pharmacist or prescribing physician may offer insights on whether or not there are other medications that accomplish the same goals with fewer side effects.

In some cases we need to involve otolaryngologists (ear, nose and throat surgeons) to rule out more serious causes like tumours pressing on the auditory nerve.

In the majority of instances, what we are left with is simply a damage to the organ of hearing (the cochlea) due to noise exposure, age, disease or some other factor.

If we can rule out the more serious causes and narrow it down to inner ear damage, we do have some options available to us for treatment. Unfortunately, because inner ear damage is permanent (no medical or surgical correction), then the tinnitus is likely permanent too.

However, that doesn’t mean we can’t manage it.

If the damage in the ear results in a treatable hearing loss, the first place we look is to hearing aids. About 65-70% of people note some degree of tinnitus relief while wearing hearing aids. Again, not a cure, just management through masking of the tinnitus.

Of those that don’t notice relief from hearing aids alone, some may be candidates for other strategies. Almost all of the major hearing aid manufacturers now offer some type of tinnitus management

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strategy in their hearing devices. As far as which may be best for you, would depend on the tinnitus evaluation.

If there is one ‘take home’ message about tinnitus, it is get it checked out and see your audiologist. Particularly if the noise in your ear is only on one side or seems to be pulsing, don’t wait. An audiology exam is quick and painless and can point you in the right direction with some solid advice.

Dr. Andrew Towers is an audiologist at HearWell Audiology Clinics Inc. in Red Deer.

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HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING, Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Ellis Bird Farm taking technology to new heights for tracking

BY KALISHA MENDONSA Red Deer Express Generally, when people think of the Ellis Bird Farm (EBF), they think of the Tea House Café, the beautiful gardens and of course, birds.

What people could start adding to that list is cutting edge research technology.

Thanks to assistance with York University in Ontario, Ellis Bird Farm is currently working on groundbreaking bird tracking that uses a new kind of system that was developed in part by an associate of Ellis Bird Farm, who wishes not to be named.

“We are on the leading edge of this really high tech stuff but yet we’re still organic and down-home and the bottom line is we have to learn about nature, and treat it with respect,” said Myrna Pearman, biologist and site services manager at EBF. The birds being tracked are called Purple Martins. Pearman explained that the population is declining at a steep rate, although it is not clear why.

How the tracking works is by trapping a bird, which doesn’t harm them and fitting them with a small bird backpack containing what is called a light level geo-locator.

The locator contains a probe that determines sunrise and sunset with a sensitivity to light function.

From the light sensor reading, scientists can determine latitude. Longitude is determined by the hours at which the sunset and sunrise sensors go off. This data is then collected by members of York University and set to a map that relays information of migratory patterns.

“We have about seven tracked birds.

Now we know that they all go to Winnipeg and then from there they head straight down south. Most go over the Gulf of Mexico and some travel over the land bridge,” explained Pearman.

“We don’t know what causes variation in the travel paths, but we are thrilled with these findings.”

These findings of the Purple Martins’ travels are the first of its kind, working with brand-new, accurate and interesting technology. This year will be the first year that Mountain Bluebirds will be fitted with the light level geo-locators.

Pearman said this research is only one of several exciting research programs that go on at Ellis Bird Farm.

“We are such a gem - we are this interesting, unique juxtaposition between old and new, down home and upscale. We have such amazing biodiversity in such a small space and we have the opportunity to inspire visitors with authentic nature experiences,” said Pearman.

Visitors don’t have to be scientists looking into travel patterns of birds to entertain themselves at the farm. Hundreds of birds flock to the farm in the summer due to their extensive collection of carefully designed birdhouses. Each home is tailored to the needs, nesting habits and diet needs of bird species.

Aside from the actual birds, other attractions are available.

The Tea House is a part of the farm that uses locally purchased farm goods for service to customers. The two operators, Pavla Hruzkova and Blake Anderson are

in their second year of running the café, much to their satisfaction.

“The surroundings here are so relaxing, and the visitors are so nice. It’s exciting and the summer flies here,” said Hruzkova.

Garden Designer and Head Gardener Cynthia Pohl works very hard to develop organic, biologically diverse and beautiful gardens that are meant to attract indigenous wildlife to the area.

“I like educating and inspiring people. I love seeing the joy on people’s faces when they walk through the gardens.”

Pohl’s aim is to create organic, sustainable gardens that will help biodiversity in the area flourish.

Pearman also gives a long list of available programs that include natural photography sessions, crafts for kids, day camps and even an evening with the onsite beavers. More information on the programs is available online.

“What we try to do with all of our programming is encourage people to learn, love and have experiences in nature.” kmendonsa@reddeerexpress.com

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Red Deer Express 11 Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Summer

Adventures

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12 Red Deer Express

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Summer Adventures Get Out & Have Fun!

Donalda & District Museum could light up your summer

BY KALISHA MENDONSA Red Deer Express The Donalda & District Museum may not be close to a booming metropolis, but for those who would like to enjoy some heritage, beautiful scenery and interesting collections it’s a perfect summer adventure destination.

Current museum manager Ken Favrholdt became infatuated with the town and museum when he and his wife moved from British Columbia to be closer to her family in Alberta.

“I immediately was interested in the community because of the old heritage buildings. It’s a beautiful landscape here,” said Favrholdt.

“The coulee is very attractive, and the town immediately caught my eye.”

For those who may not know, a coulee is a broad term that refers to a usually dry ravine or valley area. It can sometimes include small creeks within the ravines.

The small, charming town of Donalda is located east of Ponoka, overlooking Meeting Creek. Its major claim to fame is the Donalda & District Museum that was established in 1980 after a proposal from local couple Beth and Don Lawson.

The Lawsons had gathered a collection of over 500 lamps, mainly vintage oil lamps. As they grew older, they turned to the Village of Donalda and persuaded them to incorporate their lamp collection

as part of a district museum.

Currently, Donalda houses the world’s largest lamp at 42 ft. high and 17 ft. wide.

The amazing lamp collection isn’t the only interesting thing about the town.

“Not many people are aware that the badlands that extend all the way down to Drumheller come back this far north,” said Favrholdt of another of his favourite aspects of Donalda. “Although the canyon isn’t that deep, it represents the northern extension of the badlands. It’s simply a beautiful landscape with these coloured rock formations.”

The term badlands apply to the unique and often colourful rock formations that came from years of glacier melts, rivers, erosion and wind. In Alberta, the term badlands often applies to the region near Drumheller, famous for its dinosaur fossil finds.

“Some dinosaur bones have been found in this area, but because the rocks aren’t that deeply exposed like in Drumheller, there hasn’t been that many finds.”

To the museum manager, the heritage of the town is something to not be overlooked. He said many of the buildings are originally from the town’s ‘boomtown period’ around 1912.

These historic buildings include an oldtime creamery, a historic imperial Bank of Canada building and the old CN Railroad station.

“They need attention but are interest-

ing to see. It’s nice to see things from the period that are still fairly intact,” said Favrholdt.

He said that many of the town’s other buildings aren’t officially designated historical sights, but that they are all from around the same time period. These buildings would be alluring to anyone with a heart for history.

After visiting the museum and taking a stroll down Main Street for the history lesson, visitors have access to a beautiful hiking trail that was opened in 2010.

The trail leads out of the railway station and heads down into the coulee known as Willow Canyon. The trail is about three-

quarters of a mile long. No motorized vehicles are allowed, but horseback riding and dog walking are permitted. It offers picnic tables and benches along the way for a more relaxed hiking experience.

According to Favrholdt, “It’s a beautiful trail, and goes down to the bottom of the coulee. You can find all sorts of interesting plants and see the geological formations of the badlands.”

Donalda is a town perfect for a day trip with the family and offers unique attractions to fill an afternoon. For more information on the Donalda & District Museum, visit www.donaldamuseum.com. kmendonsa@reddeerexpress.com

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Red Deer Express 13

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Summer Adventures Get Out & Have Fun!

Explore region via the extensive Boomtown Trail

SCENIC – Travellers are encouraged to check out one of the fascinating routes that make up the Boomtown Trail. Pictured here is a scenic stretch of Hwy. 56 near the Battle River Valley. photo submitted

Cresting the tour at the junction of Hwy. 56, turn north towards Big Valley. Big Valley’s Main Street has unique structures and overall character. At the far end is the Big Valley Railway Station & Museum.

On the opposite end is the little blue church on the hill, St. Edmund’s Anglican.

Between those two points there is the Jailhouse, the Big Valley Inn, and Jimmy Jock Boardwalk that includes gift shops and Hully’s Hideaway Art Gallery & Tea House.

“Essentially, what you get on the Boomtown Trail is the rural Alberta Experi-

ence,” said Duncan. “There are so many things to discover, and we all have a little bit of Christopher Columbus in us – when we discover these things we get that quiet feeling inside of us of ‘Yes!’ It can come in totally unexpected ways. Sometimes it’s just the beautiful vistas you see coming over the crest of a hill. “We are trying to help our guests build their own experiences. That’s what a vacation is – it’s an experience.”

Check out www.boomtowntrail.com. editor@reddeerexpress.com

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Hear the roar at the Discovery Wildlife Park.

wi th

Summer adventure seekers don’t have to go far to find plenty to keep themselves busy over the long-awaited sunny, warm months. Central Alberta offers much in the way of a range of activities, fun events and fascinating sites to take in.

And thanks to the Boomtown Trail, it’s all quite accessible, officials point out.

The Boomtown Trail is a tourism region in Alberta, east of Hwy 2.

The road trip takes travellers down the Hwy. 21, 56 and 9 corridors, and stretches from New Sarepta in the north to Bassano in the south.

The Boomtown Trail used to primarily follow Hwy. 21, but organizers found there was too much to take in along a single route – so they’ve divided the region up into five adventure-filled routes that crisscross the region as a whole, explained Ken Duncan, coordinator with the Boomtown Trail project.

“We’re in everyone’s backyard and nobody knows we are there,” he added with a laugh. “But we have a long-range vision of being Alberta’s entertainment corridor based on our history and cultural environment. What’s so interesting about our region is the rich, rich history that is so little-known.

“And it’s an exciting history – it’s absolutely fascinating.”

All the hard work poured into the Boomtown Trail project was recognized last year when the Boomtown Trail Community Initiatives Society landed the GovernorGeneral’s History Award for Excellence in Community Programming for the ‘Bringing History and Culture to Life’ project.

Meanwhile, along the way there is much that brings together the past and the present, as the area abounds with stories of the First Nations peoples, buffalo hunts and settlements, settlers, boomtowns, coal mining and dinosaur digs.

“We also have a beautiful green corridor that runs from New Serapta all the way past Drumheller, down the Red Deer River valley. We have tonnes of lovely, little natural places.”

Overall, it’s a scenic stretch of landscape featuring a mix of prairie, marshland, ‘knob and kettle’ topography, badlands, aspen parkland, coulees, shallow lakes and that big Alberta sky.

Essentially, there are six different routes to explore.

First off, there’s the ‘Tour of the Little Lakes - Route 1’. This tour starts in New Sarepta. From there, take secondary Hwy. 623 to Miquelon Lake Provincial Park.

Next up, check out the communities of Kingman and Round Hill – in Kingman, enjoy tea in a 1938 Farmington Country School. Loop back to Camrose and drop by the Camrose Railway Museum, Tea Room and Gardens. Mirror Lake and Stoney Creek Trail System offer lots of recreational opportunities through the year, too.

Finally, head towards Bittern Lake and Gwynne on Hwy. 13. The final stretch on secondary Hwy. 822 and 616 will take you down gravel roads and by country churches. Head back to Miquelon or Camrose to spend the night.

Next up is the ‘Battle River Back Roads - Route 2’.

As organizers point out, taking the back gravel roads is the only way to experience the true spread of the Meeting Creek and Battle River valleys.

Start out at Ross’ Flats on Hwy. 21 at the Battle River Crossing. Drop in a canoe, bird watch, snap some pictures or continue your journey out to Ohaton, the Camrose County Nature Conservation Center and Dried Meat Lake.

The World’s Largest Lamp and Donalda’s and District Lamp Museum provide an interesting attraction, but the town’s location overlooking Willow Canyon gives it a distinct edge as well.

Head back out to Hwy. 56 and north towards Meeting Creek. Meeting Creek is one of those rare perfect rural scenes with the grain elevators rising into the sky, and the community tucked into the valley.

Continuing on Hwy. 56, loop back through Edberg out to Hwy 21. Heading towards Ferintosh, Little Beaver Lake awaits. Also, Bashaw’s Main Street has a mix of history, community, and charm.

Another popular trek is ‘Shake It All Over – Route 4.’

The route begins at Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park. Next up, drop by Trochu and visit Trochu’s Arboretum & Gardens on the north side of town.

Head down secondary Hwy. 585 through the Red Deer River valley. The Tolman Bridge Campground offers overnight and day use areas for picnicking, camping, canoeing, relaxing or exploring.

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14 Red Deer Express

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Summer Adventures Get Out & Have Fun!

History lives on at Stephansson House near Markerville

BY MARK WEBER Red Deer Express One of Iceland’s most prolific poets once called a scenic, peaceful parcel of land near Red Deer home.

Stephan G. Stephansson was born in Iceland in 1853. He brought his family to the Markerville area in 1889 and there, within the view of the Rockies, he homesteaded — farming by day and writing by night.

His literary output has since gained him extensive recognition as one of the greatest poets in the western world.

Restored to its 1927 condition, the Stephansson home, now a provincial historic site, offers a rich and compelling look into Alberta’s Icelandic heritage and the life of this admired pioneer-poet.

From mid-May through to Labour Day, costumed guides provide interpretive programs and house tours.

Visitors can also experience the spinning of wool, baking, household chores or a more leisurely poetry reading; all as it was in the 1920s.

And while school is still in, staff host a steady stream of students from the area in a number of educational and cultural activities and events.

As to the house the Stephanssons called home, it was expanded over the years to better accommodate the family. Construction began in 1889, said Corry Hall, lead interpreter at the Stephansson House.

It’s a fascinating place to visit and features many original artifacts that actually belonged to the family.

Hall points to two small rooms at the back of the home which were the original part of the structure, and were initially shared by eight people.

“It would have been Stephan, his wife Helga, their five children and his mother.”

As years passed more rooms were added for the growing family including bedrooms, a living room area and a study where Stephan penned much of his poetry.

A spinning wheel brought over from the

STORYTIME – Visitors to the Stephansson House can enjoy a range of activities at the historic site near Markerville. homeland is displayed, along with a bookshelf, collections of his works and Stephan’s writing desk. Portraits of him and his wife are also featured, along with one of the couple’s 16-year-old son Gestur who was killed while trying to escape a thunderstorm.

He had been climbing over a barbed wire fence which was struck by lightning.

Come visit the historic home of the great Icelandic-Canadian poet Stephan G. Stephansson this summer.

Country Drive Days Tour the countryside and discover rural attractions, events, history, markets and local cuisine! For a map and more information, please visit: countrydrive.ca

Spring Showcase Weekend June 7 & 8 ~ 10 am to 5 pm

Summer Showcase Weekend July 12 & 13 ~ 10 am to 5 pm

Poetry at Stephan’s House Sunday, July 13 ~ 1 pm to 5 pm

Harvest Penny Carnival Sunday, August 24 ~ Noon to 5 pm

Stephansson House Provincial Historic Site LOCATION PHONE EMAIL HOURS

30 minutes southwest of Red Deer, just off Secondary Highway 592 403-728-3929 For toll-free calling within Alberta, first dial 310-0000 Stephansson.House@gov.ab.ca Open daily 10 am to 5 pm, May 15 to Labour Day

Alberta Culture Historic Sites and Museums

Stephan honoured his son by writing poems dedicated to him as well.

As the years passed, he became quite well-known for his insightful, uniquely-crafted writings. He ventured out on several speaking tours throughout western Canada and even traveled back to his homeland to share his work there as well in 1917.

“He wrote a lot about Iceland, about Canada and about his journey over here,” said Hall. “From his study, he could see the mountains and they also inspired him as well.” Hall noted that Stephan was also an insomniac, so much of his poetry was written during the night. It was a busy, demanding life, as he farmed during the day and of course there was a sizable family to care for as well.

His collection of poems entitled Andvökur (Wakeful Nights) was eventually published in six volumes—the first five during his lifetime.

According to the Stephan G. Stephansson web site, he

passed away on Aug. 10th, 1927, and was interred in the family cemetery near his homestead where family and friends erected a cairn at his gravesite.

In 1953, a monument to Stephansson was also unveiled at his birthplace at Skagafjörður, Iceland.

On Aug. 7th, 1982, the Stephansson House was opened to the public as an Alberta historic site. The last person to have lived in it was Stephan’s son Jakob. After his death, it sat abandoned for about 20 years. Finally, it was carefully restored to how it would have looked in 1927 – the year Stephan passed away - and has been a popular local attraction ever since. Besides visiting the house and taking part in various events connected to its history, folks can also enjoy a relaxing picnic on the grounds and take in the pastoral surroundings.

Meanwhile, several special events are coming up including a Spring Showcase weekend June 7-8th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Join

photo submitted

staff for an Icelander’s tea – coffee with fresh home baking. Historical interpreters will provide tours and activities for all ages as well.

‘Poetry at Stephan’s House’ runs on July 13th from 1 to 5 p.m. Music, Icelandic baking and crafts for the kids will round out the day.

There is also a Harvest Penny Carnival on Aug. 24th from noon to 5 p.m.

Enjoy simple refreshments and sales as well as musical entertainment. Kids are encouraged to bring their pennies to participate in old-fashioned carnival games and crafts.

There are also a couple of ‘Summer Showcase Weekends’ connected to the ‘Country Drive’ initiative June 7-8th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and July 12-13th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. as well.

Hours for the Stephansson House are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

For more information, check out www.history.alberta.ca/stephansson. editor@reddeerexpress.com

Red Deer Express 15

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