Jan feb 2012

CULTURE

LIFESTYLE

NOW

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SOUTHERN ALBERTA JAN

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Crave sweet success

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SLEDGE HOCKEY Athletes

12 Eats for 2012 HOMES Inspiring Interiors

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CPR Stations Repurposed

contents JAN

FEB 2012

Features 8 Livin’ the Sweet Life

Crave Cookies and Cupcakes

12 Hockey with an Edge Sledge Hockey Athletes

22 History: Railway Restoration 25 Homes: Inspiring Interiors

James Howden, sledge hockey athlete, see page 12

Departments Columns

16 Arts & Entertainment

6 Stargazing

17 Spotlight on Talent

Outdoor winter pursuits, house concerts and live theatre.

Orion the Mighty Hunter

Book: Adventures with Ploox

20 Health

18 Food

24 Financial Insights

19 NEW! Dining Guide

Benefits of Massage Therapy

12 Great Eats for 2012 Local & Independent Restaurants

Clearly for You: Maximizing RRSPs

28 Family

CULTURE

LIFESTYLE

NOW

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FEB 2012

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20 Routes Salutes

Foothills Country Hospice

Mind-Mumming: Floorence

30 Detours Reflections

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Crave sweet success

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!

NEW

g Dinin uide

G SLEDGE HOCKEY Athletes

12 Eats for 2012 HOMES Inspiring Interiors

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CPR Stations Repurposed

Cover photo at Crave Cookies and Cupcakes, Willowpark, Calgary. By Neville Palmer

routesmagazine.ca

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FEB 2011

Editor’s Editor’sNote Note

January – February 2012 Issue #14

Publisher

The root word for courage is ‘cour’ meaning heart.”

Routes Media Inc.

Executive Editor Sandra Wiebe

Copy Editor Pat Fream

Art Director Sharon Syverson

Photographer

J

Neville Palmer

anuary! A new year. An exciting time for new beginnings but, in Alberta, also a great time to stay indoors, complete projects or search magazines for great ideas.

After the tree comes down and the glitter is boxed up for another year I look at what’s left behind and I want to paint, rearrange or completely renovate a space. In this issues’ Home Feature we bring you three very different living spaces that will inspire your post holiday interior project.

As you hopefully know by now, Routes has gone to six issues a year and we have also taken on a few new members to the team. Jacqueline Overmars will be in the office to take on some administrative duties.

As well, writer Veronica Kloiber is going to offer the occasional family perspective, which she has titled Mindmumming! I am sure you’ll love it.

What we love doing every issue is talking to passionate and inspiring people like four local and talented athletes who play sledge hockey – such an inspiration. We also loved working with the High River sisters responsible for Crave Cookies & Cupcakes, getting to know them and see what brought them this far.

And speaking of food, we asked our readers for their favourite food at their favourite eating places and we found 12 Great Eats for 2012! So, as Julia Childs would say, Bon Appetit! (must be wearing pearls when you say this).

Stay in, stay warm and don’t forget your routes!

Jacqueline Overmars

Sales Rae Jamieson Mary Savage

Sales and Design Melissa Driver

Contributors James Durbano, Pat Fream, Veronica Kloiber, Alison Laycraft, Brian and Cathy McCloskey, Dave and Heather Meszaros, Sara Mayne, Sandra Wiebe

Look What I Found:

sales@routesmedia.ca Routes Media Inc. 19 – 3 Ave. SE High River, AB T1V 1G3 Ph: 403.403.652.1100 ext 102 info@routesmedia.ca

Subscriptions: 1 year: $18.90 (GST incl.)

2 years: $29.40 (GST incl.)

Do you love magazines because you can read a story in just a few minutes and or simply love the writing style of short stories? On

www.foundpress.com you can purchase a short story for as little as 99 cents and easily download it to your computer or your electronic reading devices.

Routes magazine is published six times per year. We print 13,000 full colour, glossy copies. They are distributed throughout southern Alberta via Canada Post admail, local retailers and by subscription.

We want to hear from you.

Please post comments on stories at www.routesmagazine.ca Printing by McAra Printing For permission to reprint articles, excerpts or photographs, please email info@routesmedia.ca Copyright 2012 All rights reserved.

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Sandra Wiebe

Publisher/Executive Editor

routesmagazine.ca

Marketing Manager

JAN

FEB 2011

Non-deliverables, please return to: Routes Media Inc. 4, 19 – 3 ave SE, High River, AB T1V 1G3 Canada Post Publications #41979554

routes building a strong team

Left to right:

Contributors

Melissa Driver Mary Savage Sandra Wiebe Sharon Syverson Pat Fream Rae Jamieson Neville Palmer Grace Palmer Veronica Kloiber Jacqueline Overmars

Photo by Neville Palmer

Homes that think ahead.

Box 5173 High River, AB T1V 1M4

5

403.603.0121 farrellyhomes.com

routesmagazine.ca

JAN

FEB 2011

Stargazing

I

Orion the Mighty Hunter

By James Durbano Photo By Stellarium

James Durbano is an astronomer who specializes in education and public outreach activities. He has been keeping an eye on the sky for more than 25 years and enjoys sharing the wonders of the universe with others. He is the founder of the Big Sky Astronomical Society and operates a small business called Astronomer 4 Hire.

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routesmagazine.ca

f you can tolerate the cold, the star-studded winter sky is a marvel to behold. There are so many bright stars to look at on winter nights, it’s difficult to focus on just a few, but I recommend you start with what is most certainly the easiest of all constellations to identify – Orion.

Orion is an ancient constellation and is known as The Hunter. Unlike many constellations, Orion really does look like what it represents. When looking up at these stars, it doesn’t take much imagination to see a human figure with a sword raised high in one hand and a shield in the other. Sometimes Orion is depicted with a club in his hand, not a sword, and a lion skin in his other hand, not a shield, but however you imagine him; he is certainly a dominant figure in the winter sky.

When looking at Orion, your eye will undoubtedly be drawn to a trio of bright stars lined up in the middle of the constellation.

These stars are known as Orion’s Belt. You will not find three stars this bright, lined up in such close proximity anywhere else in the sky, making Orion both conspicuous and memorable.

In addition to the belt stars, there are two more bright stars located above the belt. These stars mark Orion’s shoulders. The fiery red star on the left is a red supergiant star called Betelgeuse, which will eventually explode as a supernova, possibly in the next million years. Below Orion’s Belt are two more bright stars, marking Orion’s knees. The brilliant blue star on the right is a blue supergiant star called Rigel, which is nearly 50,000 times brighter than the sun, making it one of the most luminous stars known.

If you’ve never seen Orion, now is the time to get outside and enjoy it. Whether you view it from your cold backyard or your neighbour’s hot tub, I’m sure you will agree that Orion is truly a remarkable constellation. To find Orion, go outside in mid-January at 10:30 p.m. and look in the southern sky, about halfway between the horizon and the point straight above your head. By midFebruary, you can find Orion in the exact same location two hours earlier.

JAN

FEB 2011

HigH RiveR Agency

#5, 28 – 12th Avenue SE High River, Alberta Ph: 403-652-1426 Monday – Friday: 10:00 am – 3:30 pm

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routesmagazine.ca

JAN

FEB 2011

Feature

Livin’ the Sweet Life

By Pat Fream

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Photos by Neville Palmer

Crave

High River sisters turn family recipes into a widespread - a cookie and cupcake chain, featuring old family recipes made from pure ingredients and a heaping helping of farm girl fortitude.

routesmagazine.ca

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FEB 2011

D

riving tractor, mucking out stalls and showing quarter horses – hardly the most common prerequisites for building a commercial cupcake empire. But Crave co-founders and sisters, Jodi Willoughby and Carolyne McIntyre Jackson, credit their rural roots with giving them the grit to veer away from conventional career options and take a chance on a sweet business idea.

“We grew up on a third generation farm just outside of High River,” says Jodi, the oldest of three girls in the McIntyre family. “Our father was a farmer/rancher with an entrepreneurial spirit; he grew and diversified when he saw opportunities and had the ability.”

Like most farm kids, the McIntyre sisters learned at a young age that the good things in life come from hard work, perseverance, and more hard work.” We never took anything for granted, we had to work for everything,” said Jodi, adding, “sometimes we went to school with two pairs of shoes, sometimes we only had one.”

But no matter the shoe status, Jodi and her sisters Carolyne and Antionette could be counted on to pitch in and help keep the family’s two-section farm, just west of High River, in good stead. “Dad didn’t have a lot of hired hands so we worked with him on the farm a lot,” she said. “In the summers, Antionette and I would tend cattle and show horses and Carolyne would either drive tractor or help mom with the cooking and baking.”

(Uh-Huh! Baking! The elusive kitchen duty that, under just the right circumstance, can turn farm girls into cupcake moguls!)

“Carolyne loved to be in the kitchen with mom,” said Jodi. “She envisioned herself as a modern day Kraft Kitchen Lady.” But baking sweet treats for a living was not the first pick for the two older McIntyre sisters, and the youngest of the trio had her sights set on a whole different career path. Then fate dealt the family a harsh blow.

“I had completed my second year at U of C and was taking a break, when our dad died suddenly of a brain aneurism,” said Jodi. “Losing him was devastating, it was extremely difficult for all of us, and not to mention our whole livelihood was at stake.” But tenacious genes run rampant in this family, and the girls and their mother pooled their strength, gratefully accepted help from neighbours and friends, and summoned the courage to carry on.

“Friends and neighbours helped mom keep the farm going for quite a few more years. It was difficult, but she wanted to stay there until we had all moved into places of our own, then she sold the homestead and moved to High River and went back to teaching,” said Jodi.

Today Helen McIntyre is a retired active member in the community, and she still owns some of the family’s original land, which she farms with friends and neighbours.

All three girls graduated from Senator Riley and went on to university. Jodi continued on, earning a bachelor’s degree in community rehabilitation. Carolyne earned a Bachelor of Science degree in food

We source the best ingredients and all are pure and real. We use real butter, real whipping cream, we crack every egg one at a time.” routesmagazine.ca

JAN

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FEB 2011

Feature

business management. Antoinette got a degree in kinesiology and then went on to become a Calgary City Police Officer. All three girls were launched and employed, when the Kraft Kitchen Lady re-emerged.

“One day Carolyne came to me and said she was frustrated with having no creative latitude in her job.

She asked me to join her in a cookie business,” said Jodi. “So I said ‘ya sure, why not?’ ” The girls (minus Antoinette who was content in her job) summoned their best cookie recipes, packaged them beautifully, and tried to sell them to a Calgary farmers’ market.

They were turned down twice.

But the pair, still holding ‘real’ jobs persevered.

“We really believed in the idea of a single serve dessert business, so we said, ‘Hey! We know how to do cupcakes!’ ” And so they did. Armed with their great grandmother’s chocolate cake recipe and their mother’s vanilla cake recipe, and steeped in their father’s staunch work ethic and keen market sense, they were off and running.

“We found a retail space in Kensington and Carolyne said, ‘Let’s go for it!’ ” said Jodi. “Carolyne quit her job first; I quit mine seven months later.” The pair did all the renovations themselves, and in September of 2004, Crave Cookies and Cupcakes made its debut in the Calgary market.

For several months, the pair ran the business entirely on their own. “Friends and family would come in and help, but basically it was just the two of us. We’d do the baking, open the store, sell the product, close the store,” said Jodi proudly. “We worked from four in the morning till close, seven days a week.

We even had a shower in the back, we were there so much!”

But like the saying goes, you reap what you sow, or in this case, you reap what you bake. Crave became a raving success, with people lining up down the street to get their share of the decadent treats!

Today Crave has five stores in Calgary, one in Edmonton, and a new one that opened last fall in Saskatoon. Jodi and Carolyne work side by side in a suite of offices in Calgary’s Beltline. They recently added a kitchen to their head office so they can create, bake and test their own masterpieces onsite. “We source the best ingredients and all are pure and real,” said Jodi. “We use real butter; real whipping cream; we crack every egg one at a time.”

According to Willoughby, she and her sister have no regrets about the hours they have poured into the business. “It makes us truly appreciate every one of our (98) employees. All the positions, all the hard word, we know the demands, we’ve been there, and now we’re one big family.” Echoes of farm life and the triumph over loss reverberate in all aspects of this family-run business. “Our humble roots have served us well,” said Jodi. “We never take our success for granted, we live for today and appreciate the time we have together, and we are deeply grateful to all the people who have helped us get here.”

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routesmagazine.ca

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Feature

HOCKEYwith an Edge 12

Strapped to their sleds, a mere four inches off the rink surface, faces caged for safety, they shimmy and shift. Turning and gliding, they chase the puck. It’s sledge hockey and for the players, disabled or not, it’s every bit as rough and real as its cousin - hockey.

routesmagazine.ca

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FEB 2011

By Veronica Kloiber Photos by Neville Palmer

I

Above: World Sledge Hockey Challenge – Canada versus Japan, Canada Olympic Park (November 2011) Hockey Alberta and Hockey Canada have made sledge hockey an official part of their programs.

The World Sledge Hockey Challenge went from November 27 to December 3, 2011, in Calgary with four international teams vying for distinction: Japan, Norway, USA and Canada.

t would be the grail for any real fan but for a nine-year-old boy it was pleasure overload. Ethan Thomas helped usher in the World Sledge Hockey Challenge as flag bearer for the Japanese team.

“I was nervous but everybody cheered,” said Thomas.

Thomas sledged across the ice at Canada Olympic Park last November, bearing the red and white, albeit for the visiting Japan and not Canada, during the opening ceremonies.

When hockey comes to Calgary, it’s a big deal on skates. When the World Sledge Hockey Challenge comes to town, it’s a Paralympic big deal – with sleds.

“It’s not disabled hockey, it’s hockey,” said Jon Bateman, president of the Calgary Sledge Hockey Association.

Growing up in High River, Bateman’s love of sport was at odds with his appearance. Born with spina bifida, he is well versed in the attempts made to include everyone in able-bodied pursuits.

“In gym class they’d change the rules of a game so everyone could participate,” he explained. “Sledge hockey is a sport all its own. A sport you can be better at than able-bodied people.”

“On the ice, everyone is the same,” said Lisa Radomske one of the able-bodied players in the Calgary league.

James Howden, 36, couldn’t agree more. A season’s pass holder with the Calgary Flames and a lover of the game, his time spent on the ice was curtailed when he broke his back 10 years ago.

As a complete paraplegic with no feeling or movement below his sternum, Howden took up sledge hockey in 2008.

Before his accident, he’d never even heard of it. Today, although farming west of Nanton takes most of his time, hockey is still a part of his life, not just a spectator sport.

“It’s not a substitute for hockey, it’s sledge hockey,” stated Howden.

A relative, who is also paralyzed, gave Howden this advice: to do things you didn’t do before because you have no expectations.

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Feature

It’s not a substitute for hockey, it’s sledge hockey.”

In sledge hockey, most of the same hockey rules apply, so it’s easy to keep up with the play. There are differences in the penalties; for instance T-boning, colliding with another player so the sleds form a ‘T’ on impact, is not allowed, neither is holding.

“It’s physical, it’s competitive,” explained Bateman. “It wasn’t designed to be accommodating to people with disabilities.”

One of the most driven and competitive members is Samantha Hershick-Fraser. At 26, she’s been playing the sport for more than a decade.

“It has always been a great release of whatever energy I have and knocking over my team mates is always good for a laugh too,” she joked.

An athlete through and through, Hershick-Fraser’s goal is to make the 2016 Paralympics in Rio, Brazil in hand cycling but on the side is always her first love, sledge hockey.

James Howden (see also page 3, James feeding his horses on his farm west of Nanton)

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Ethan Thomas, gaming under his bunk in his Okotoks home.

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FEB 2011

Jon Bateman, president of the Calgary Sledge Hockey Association, in his home in Calgary.

For many years she’s been the only girl on the team, but HershickFraser doesn’t see herself as a girl hockey player. Lose the girl and what’s left is all hockey; rough, wild, stick in the face hockey.

“Just because my sled and sticks are taped up in hot pink hockey tape doesn’t mean I’m any less skilled than the fastest guy on the team,” she said.

To get that speed, players use not one but two hockey sticks. The sticks are cut down by a few feet, leaving the blade on one end for puck handling. On the other end, picks are screwed on and used to propel the sled down the ice.

A bit like rowing, a bit like sword-play, this is the biggest difference aside from the penalties. In sledge hockey stick handling is more complicated. Also, the puck can zip under the sled so tracking its path is more challenging.

Ethan Thomas is new to the game. In Grade 4 at Big Rock School in Okotoks, cerebral palsy kept him off the ice. When the Thomas’s learned of sledge hockey last year, Ethan joined up, smile a-blazing.

“It is hard but it’s worth it,” said Thomas. “It hurts my arms a lot but it’s fun meeting new people and new friends.

Athlete Samantha Hershick-Fraser holding a fistful of medals.

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An exhibition game will be held at the Okotoks Recreation Centre on February 24, 2011.

For more information: www.okotoks.ca

routesmagazine.ca

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FEB 2011

Arts & Entertainment

February

The Sound of a Shape January 13, 8pm Art Spot Solo exhibition of new works by Ryan Smitham www.artspot-calgary.com [CY] Only Love Knows Love: an Intimate Salon of Theatre Songs January 14 ($20) Rotary Performing Arts Centre The Town of Okotoks is proud to welcome theatrical musicians, singer Onalea Gilbertson and composer/pianist David Rhymer to the RPAC. www.okotoksculture.ca [OK]

January Chase Away the Winter Blues January 3 - February 25 Tuesdays through Saturdays 10 am – 4 pm Leighton Art Centre Featuring a rotating exhibition of artist members' work with a diverse array of subject matter, mediums and techniques. www.leightoncentre.org [MV] Intro to Cross Country Skiing January and February ($73.50) Pocaterra Hut, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park All-day classes on flat terrain and hill techniques taught by Full Circle Adventures.

Register at the Norseman XC Ski and Hiking Store: 403.249.5451. www.full-circle-adventures.com [CY] Sheep River Library Art Displays January 1 - 31 (free) Sheep River Library Art and photo display by senior art and digital technology students from Black Diamond Oilfields High School.

E: pheming@telus.net [TV] Charlie Hase & Mike Watson January 6 Gitter’s Pub Blues based dual slide www.gitterspub.com [HR] First Saturdays January 7 Olde Towne Okotoks On the first Saturday of each month, art venues, restaurants, and boutiques located in Olde Towne Okotoks offer a mix of special activities including exhibition openings, theatre, live music, talks, tours, street happenings, food, wine & food tastings, and special promotions. http://okotoksartscouncil.ca [OK]

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Grain Elevators: Vanishing Prairie Landmarks Exhibit, Opening Reception January 13, 7 – 9 pm (free) Okotoks Art Gallery An exhibit that focuses on these stark and imposing symbols of our agricultural heritage.

This collection features 40 pieces from the Heritage Rug Hookers of Saskatoon, a group of over 30 female artists from across Canada. www.okotoksculture.ca [OK]

routesmagazine.ca

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FEB 2011

Old Fashioned Outdoor Skating Party January 15, 1 – 3 pm (free) Okotoks Recreation Centre, outdoor rink An afternoon of fun with outdoor skating, hot chocolate, treats and a fire pit to stay warm! www.okotoksculture.ca [OK] Berna-Dean Holland, Tim Williams, The Mike Clark Band January 21, 7 pm ($21) Okotoks United Church A musical style ranging from acoustic folk to bluegrass influenced alternative country. www. aroomfullofsound.com [OK] African Guitar Summit January 18 - 19, 8 pm ($32) Empress Theatre Experience the superb and unique sounds of African music as the finest Canadian guitarists of African origin gather for this incredible concert.

The mix of distinct musicians includes the 2005 Juno Award winners for World Music Album of the Year. www.empresstheatre.ab.ca [FM] Pernell January 20 Gitter’s Pub Razor Sharp Folk for the Road. www.gitterspub.com [HR]

Ann Vriend and Coco Love Alcorn January 21, 7 pm Flare’n Derrick www.beneaththearch.ca [DV] Foothills Film presents: The Trip January 26, 7:30 pm ($10) Wales Theatre One night only movie selections from Toronto International Film Festival circuit. www.walestheatre.com [HR] The Coal Creek Boys January 27 Gitter’s Pub Alternative Country/Roots www.gitterspub.com [HR] Sara Macdougall, CD release tour January 27 Carlson’s on MacLeod Also featuring Tim Tweedale (Headwater) on Weissenborn Guitar/Vocals and MJ Dandeau on Upright Bass/Vocals. www.carlsonsonmacleod.com [HR]

Art Displays February 1 - 29 (free) Sheep River Library Marg Smith and Grace Langford displaying various themes and media. E: Palma Heming, pheming@telus.net [DV] The Beverly Thrillbillies February 3 Carlson’s on Macleod www.carlsonsonmacleod.com [HR] Althea Cunningham February 3 Gitter’s Pub Blues night. www.gitterspub.com [HR] First Saturdays February 4 Olde Towne Okotoks On the first Saturday of each month, Olde Towne Okotoks art venues, restaurants, and boutiques offer a mix of special activities including exhibition openings, theatre, live music, talks, tours, street happenings, food, wine and food tastings, and special promotions. http://okotoksartscouncil.ca [OK] Calum Graham, Lynda and Jim Mclennan, Bruce Innes and the Original Caste February 4 Okotoks United Church www.aroomfullofsound.com [OK] Grad 2012 Fashion Show February 4, 6 – 9 pm ($25/person, includes dessert buffet) Okotoks Recreation Centre Featuring all of the latest fashions and must haves for the 2012 Grad Season, with a great selection of dresses available from The Lily Pad. For tickets and information call 403.938.8954 [OK] On with the Show: Featuring Jenny Allen and Leslie Alexander February 4, 7 pm ($25, rush $30) Okotoks Rotary Performing Arts Centre Songwriters with poignant songs and powerhouse performances, this duo captivates audiences with harmony vocals, guitars, washboard, harmonica and other instruments.

P: 403.938.3204. [OK] Jim Peace Gitter’s Pub February 10 Cowboy Music. www.gitterspub.com [HR] Winter Walk Day February 8, 6 am to 6 pm, (free) Centennial Arena Walking Track Get Active! All residents are encouraged to take some time to stop in and walk throughout the day. www.okotoksculture.ca [OK]

[OK] Okotoks [HR] High River [MS] Mossleigh [LV] Longview [NT] Nanton [VC] Vulcan

[FM] Fort MacLeod [PS] Priddis [BC] Bragg Creek [DV] Diamond Valley [MV] Millarville [CY] Calgary

For event submissions email: entertainment@routesmedia.ca

Arts & Entertainment For the Love of Shoes Exhibit, Opening Reception February 10, 7 – 9 pm (free) Okotoks Art Gallery For the Love of Shoes returns to the gallery, showcasing 12 pairs of women’s shoes, which were donated by 12 Canadian female celebrities from the world of television, music, sports and politics. www.okotoksculture.ca [OK] A Lady’s Journey Exhibition February 10 – March 18 Okotoks Art Gallery A whimsical tour of how we ladies journey through life, by Tharrie Zietsman. www.okotoksculture.ca [OK] Sarah Troy February 11 Carlson’s on Macleod www.carlsonsonmacleod.com [HR] Oilfields School Fundraiser February 11, 5:30 pm ($30) Flare n’ Derrick Joins us for the 5th annual live and silent auction and dinner to raise funds for the award winning Quest Program. Featuring music by The Traveling Mabels, a full dinner by Chef Tim Babey and a cash bar. P: 403.938.4973 [DV] Shred Kelly Gitter’s Pub February 17 Stoke Folk www.gitterspub.com [HR] Emily Jill West, Bel Canto String Trio, Larry Vannatta February 18 Okotoks United Church www.aroomfullofsound.com [OK]

Family Day Sleuth Scavenger Hunt February 20, 10 am – noon (free) Flare n’ Derrick Teams will explore the Diamond Valley community accumulating items and scoring points! Prizes will be awarded to the teams collecting the most points. There are no age restrictions and a car is not required, but is a definite advantage to the hunt. www.turnervalley.ca [DV] Family Day February 20, 12 – 4 pm, (free) Okotoks Recreation Centre A day of activities and fun for the whole family. www.okotoks.ca [OK] A Stan Rogers Tribute by Nathan Rogers February 22 – 23, 8 pm ($32) Empress Theatre Nathan Rogers, the son of legendary Canadian singer and songwriter, Stan Rogers, is well on his way to achieving recognition in his own right. www.empresstheatre.ab.ca [FM] Foothills Film February 23, 7:30 pm ($10) Wales Theatre One night only, movie selections from Toronto International Film Festival circuit.

View website for upcoming film listing. www.walestheatre.com [HR] Rick Hansen Man in Motion 25th Anniversary Tour February 24, 4:30 – 6 pm (free) Okotoks Recreation Centre Cheer on local participants as they walk, run or wheel through Okotoks. The relay culminates with a celebratory ceremony and Sledge Hockey game. www.okotoks.ca [OK]

Steve Coffey & the Lokels February 24 Gitter’s Pub Alternative/Americana/Grunge. www.gitterspub.com [HR] Kellylee Evans February 25, 3 pm, for all ages ($12) Adult Cabaret, 6:30 pm($56) Bragg Creek Centre This 2011 Juno Award winning vocalist continues to evolve her distinctive sound with her newest release Nina, a beautiful tribute to Nina Simone. www.braggcreekperformingarts.com [BC] Families Galore: A Carnival FUNdraiser February 25, 10 am – 2 pm Highwood High School A family fund-raising event to support Wild Rose Community Connections, Helping Families Grow Healthy Children. www.wildrosecommunityconnections.com [HR]

Windmill Theatre Presents: Sugar Highwood Memorial Centre Check website for theatre and dinner theatre dates.

A musical based on the film Some Like It Hot. Two unemployed musicians witness the St. Valentine's Day Massacre in Chicago and, in order to escape gangsters, they dress as women and join an all-female band about to leave town for an engagement at a Miami Beach hotel. windmilltheatreplayers.com [HR]

[OK] Okotoks [HR] High River [MS] Mossleigh [LV] Longview [NT] Nanton [VC] Vulcan

[FM] Fort MacLeod [PS] Priddis [BC] Bragg Creek [DV] Diamond Valley [MV] Millarville [CY] Calgary

For event submissions email: entertainment@routesmedia.ca

Spotlight

onTalent

Adventures with Ploox, Book 1:

Risks, Wrecks and Roughnecks

By Dave Armstrong

Nicky Neill and Ploox are two brave and funny boys who embark on an adventure they never imagined possible as they leave the safety of their hometown. Nicky Neill Carpenter’s father has gone missing in the jungles of Mexico and he recruits the company of George Plucowski (a.k.a. Ploox) to join the hunt.

Filled with a cast of unforgettable characters, this book finds the pair of small town boys surviving highway mayhem, hopping a freight train and enduring the unforgettable horrors of the Armadillo Ranch Camp. Unlike Harry Potter and his mates, there is no magic for these boys; they must rely on their wits and bravery to survive the exciting but difficult world in which they find themselves. Although written for a young audience, readers of all ages will be captivated by this story.

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Dave Armstrong has taught in Claresholm for the past 30 years. He began writing this story in the early 80s along with his brother Neill, and has read the manuscript to his students ever since. The first of a trilogy, find this book at amazon.ca, Claresholm Pharmasave and Pixie Hollow Bookstore in High River. routesmagazine.ca

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Food

Great forEats 2012

We asked - readers responded…

Here are the top 12 favourite dishes from local eateries

1 2 3 4 5

AAA Alberta Beef

(in no particular order)

7 8 9 10 11 12

Perfectly aged, delicately spiced beef served up at Longview Steakhouse is nothing short of divine. A small town family-run restaurant, this place offers no razzle-dazzle just top-shelf food!

Chicken Quesadilla

Made with free-range chicken, fresh locally made tortillas, triple cream brie, Bassica cranberry mustard, dry cranberries and toasted pecans from Gourmet on the Go in Okotoks.

Roast Chicken Sandwich

Evelyn’s chicken sandwich served on thick sliced homemade multigrain bread with cranberry mayonnaise and fresh lettuce is a daily sell out at Evelyn’s Memory Lane Café in High River.

Omelette

Cheesy and loaded with vegetables and cooked to perfection from Chris’s on Fifth, High River.

Roast Chicken

Divine in Okotoks uses fresh, quality, local ingredients to create lunchtime favourite – the Totally Rad Turkey Club, and dinner favourite Oven Roasted Chicken (marinated in chilli and vital green buttermilk).

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Sushi

It’s the only sushi place around and locals say it’s the best in southern Alberta. Food at Yokozuna Sushi and Grill in Okotoks is fresh, flavourful and pleasantly creative.

routesmagazine.ca

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FEB 2011

Cannelloni Florentine

Wild Thyme Café in Nanton has a nice selection of wine and delicious pasta.

Cannelloni and scampi both get top votes.

Burgers

Winning ‘best burger’ several times over, the Chuckwagon Café in Turner Valley serves beef that has been hand-raised by the owner and is expertly aged and hormone and steroid free.

Soup

Fire roasted tomato soup is an all day favourite at Alta Vita Ristorante, High River. Alta Vita serves fresh rustic Italian cuisine from primarily local and organic products.

Butter Chicken

Graduate Foods, designed mainly for take-out and delivery in Black Diamond has been delighting local residents with its authentic East Indian cuisine.

Duck

At Bistro Provence, Okotoks, signature dish Duck Magret with Saskatoon berries is a favourites, while Stuffed Rabbit gets honourable mention.

Ahi Tuna Salad

Whether it’s served on a bed of chilled pappardelle noodles or with Roquefort Blue Cheese and Pear over spinach, the Foxes Den at the High River Golf Course is serving it up fresh and flavourful.

Dining Guide FINE DINING

PIZZARIAS / GRILLS

Alta Vita Ristorante 134 Macleod Tr SW [HR] 403.652.3793

2 for 1 Pizza #3, 120 Centre St SE [HR] 403.652.2100

Bistro Provence 52 N Railway St [OK] 403.938.2224

Blackstone Rotisserie & Grill

Divine 42 McRae St [OK] 403.938.0000

Granny’s Pizza 110 Main St [TV] 403.933.4000

Heartland Café 46 McRae St [OK] 403.995.4623

Grillo’s Pizzeria 102 Center Ave W [BD] 403.933.2333

Little New York Bistro 108 Morrison Rd [LV] 403.558.0000

Mama’s Pizza & Pasta 100 Stockton Ave [OK] 403.938.3333

Longview Steakhouse 102 Morrison Rd [LV] 403.558.2000

My Pizza #1, 104 - 3 Ave SE [HR] 403.652.2262

ETHNIC

CAFES / DINERS / PUBS

Aditya Fine Indian Cuisine 27A McRae St [OK] 403.982.4646 Golden National 112 Centre St SE [HR] 403.652.4364 Graduate Foods 1145 Centre Ave [BD] 403-933-3320 Ken’s Restaurant 17200-020 Ave [NT] 403.646.2922 P&H Family Restaurant 327 Macleod Tr SW [HR] 403.601.3802 Saigon Moon Vietnamese 130 Government Rd [DV] 403.933.5751 Saigon Sun Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine Suite 245, 200 Southridge Dr [OK] 403.995.8181 Yokozuna Sushi Bar and Grill 249, 200 Southridge Dr [OK] 403.995.8141

Advertise in the Dining Guide As low as $212 / Issue

97 Elizabeth St [OK] 403.982.9891

Black Diamond Bakery 119 Centre Ave [BD] 403.933.4503 Black Diamond Bar & Hotel 105 Center Ave W [BD] 403.933.4656 Carlson’s on Macleod 129 - 3 Ave. SW Macleod Tr [HR] 403.601.8774

Grand Central Bar & Grill 8 – 49 Elizabeth St [OK] 403.938.0929 Haywire Café 118 Morrison Rd [LV] 403.852.7952 Ian Tyson’s Navajo Mug 140 Morrison Rd [LV] 403.558.2272 Mainstreet Café 2122-20 St [NT] 403.646.1155 Marv’s Classic Soda Shop 121 Centre Ave W [BD] 403.933.7001 New Club Café 129 Centre St [VC] 403.485.2418 Rylie’s Cattle Barn 263, 200 Southridge Dr [OK] 403.995.7779 Royal Café 129 Centre St [VC] 403.485.2418 South Fork 110 - 1 St W [HR] 403.652.3787 Sweet Queen 2125 - 19 St [NT] 403.646.2289 The George Traditional House 101 - 31 Southridge Dr [OK] 403.938.5000

Chef Thomas Family Restaurant 120 Service Rd [VC] 403.485.2222

The Stop 123 Government Road [BD] 403.933.3002

Chris’s on Fifth 133 - 5 Ave [HR] 403.603.3280

Tribal Connection Market 41 McRae St [OK] 403.995.1898

Chuckwagon Café 105 Sunset Blvd [TV] 403.933.0003

Trish’s tasty Treats 118 Centre St [VC] 403485.2657

Coyote Moon Cantina 202 Main St [TV] 403.933.3363

Whistle Stop Café 406 - 1 St SW [HR] 403.652.7026

Diamond Valley Restaurant 202 Centre Ave W [BD] 403.933.3122

Wild Thyme Café 2018 - 20 Ave [NT] 403.646.2173

Evelyn’s Memory Lane Café 118 - 4 Ave SW [HR] 403.652.1887 Foxes Den, Highwood Golf and Country Club 400 - 7 St NW [HR] 403.652.3644 Gourmet on the Go 22 Elizabeth St [OK] 403.938.0058

[OK] Okotoks [HR] High River [MS] Mossleigh [LV] Longview [NT] Nanton [VC] Vulcan [FM] Fort MacLeod [PS] Priddis [BC] Bragg Creek [DV] Diamond Valley [MV] Millarville [CY] Calgary

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Health Matters

Massage Therapy: Where the Ancient Meets Modern

By Sarah Mayne, RMT

A

s a health professional, I have been exposed to many different methods of treatment and have had the privilege of working with masters in both traditional and cutting edge techniques.

Along the way, I have discovered that often, seemingly different healing methods are actually quite similar, different only in their terms.

Virtually every culture in the world has proof of body work performed as an early form of medical care. There is written evidence of massage dating all the way back to 3000 BC in the Chinese text, the “ConFu of the Toa-Tse”. Egypt hieroglyphs, dating back to 2500 BC, show people using reflexology, and in India in 1800 BC the book, “Art of Life” included information on touch as treatment.

These geographically separate cultures have many similar techniques involving

manual pressure. Later, Hippocrates used anatripsis, which, in English means “to rub”. This ancient Greek physician, considered the Father of Modern Medicine, was taught techniques based on ancient Indian Ayurveda.

Hippocrates clearly recognized the validity of applying information from an earlier culture to his own curriculum. In these times people did not need a study group to determine the importance of a method; they used human experience as a measure of authority.

Modern therapeutic massage is methodical manual manipulation of soft tissues, with scientific knowledge, to bring about health benefits in the body. The modern medical community recognizes massage as an extension of conventional treatment for some diseases and disorders, specifically those related to the integumentary,

respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic, digestive, eliminatory, endocrine, nervous, immune, urinary and reproductive systems.

In addition it has been shown that massage is an important component of a health maintenance regimen.

As massage secures its place as a widely used alternative therapy, the question is not, which method from with time period is most effective; the question is, how can we combine the teachings of all the centuries and reach a new levels of care for our times.

Sara Mayne is a Registered Massage Therapist, at Generations Chiropractic in High River.

Routes Salutes

Foothills Country Hospice “Death lies dormant in each of us and will bloom in time.”

By Pat Fream

- Dean Koontz

For some, death blooms swiftly, no time to make choices; no granting of tender farewells. For others death blooms slowly, offering gifts of reflection, resolve and gentle release. Hospice is a haven for those nearing the bloom of death. It is a profoundly nurturing care facility steeped in solace, kindness, and the comforts of home.

F 20

oothills Country Hospice opened amid rolling hills and a grove of Trembling Aspens, just south of Okotoks, in 2008. The collective vision of a handful of extraordinary individuals, the facility was methodically planned, earnestly orchestrated, and lovingly raised into existence by hundreds of volunteer hands and a multitude of generous donations.

The land, a spectacular eight-acre parcel, was a gift from a local rancher. The building, consisting of eight patient rooms, two rooms for residing family members, warm inviting gathering spaces, quiet meditative corners, meeting and therapy areas, and a full kitchen and dining area, was thoughtfully planned and skilfully constructed – nail by nail, heart by heart.

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The landscaping, an ongoing masterpiece of volunteer sculptors, consists of paved paths, a trickling waterfall, and a multitude of gardens, with lounging spaces designed to illuminate the healing elements of brilliant sky, soaring birds, and fresh mountain air.

Since its opening, Foothills Country Hospice has provided care for more than 300 terminal patients from ages 27 to 99. Families, too, are welcomed into the warm embrace of hospice care with rooms designed for mate sleepovers, separate accommodations and meals onsite.

Unlike the sobering atmosphere of a hospital, hospice emanates sweet solitude and soulful comfort: a merciful stopover on the homestretch of life.

In this warm, homey, nurturing environment terminal patients and their families are immersed in a warm soothing refuge of gentle compassion and expert care.

The Hospice Difference Foothills Country Hospice is a non-profit organization designed to care for and nurture people in their final days or months of life. There is no cost to families seeking hospice care. This charity is a gift of mercy, funded primarily by donations and fundraising events, and driven by devoted clinical staff and steadfast volunteers.

PROGRESSIVE FAMILY DENTISTRY

Invisalign Zoom Whitening

New Patients Welcome Evening And Saturday Appointments Available

Digital X-Rays Crowns/Bridges White Fillings Bonding & Veneers Implants Root Canals Conscious Sedation

403-603-3364

201 - 103 3 Avenue SW, High River

www.signaturesmilesdentistry.ca

Dr. Vicki McMullen

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GET NOTICED routesmagazine.ca

JAN

FEB 2011

History Feature

RESTORATION RAILWAY

By Sandra Wiebe

Once bustling with passengers, old train stations have found new life as museums, art galleries, visitor information centres, farm storage and even a few residences.

The history, architecture and character of these former hubs of society will continue to live on for generations to come.

Courtesy of The Claresholm and District Museum

22 Visit the Railway Historical Society site for details on the stations in Alberta, their current uses and locations. http://www.rrshs.org/Alberta/abrrstruc.htm

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FEB 2011

S

ince its inception in 1881, the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR), and its landmark stations have played a central role in the lives of southern Albertans, influencing every stage of settlement and the future of towns and their surrounding areas.

The desire for a new station in Calgary and the growing need for improved railway facilities in the promising settlements of High River and Claresholm, led CPR to dismantle the Calgary station, stone by stone (1910-1911), and reconstruct it with the west half in High River and the east half in Claresholm.

During its active years, the Claresholm station saw thousands of travellers. From 1941 to 1945, groups of young men from Canada, and around the world, arrived by train for pilot training at the airport west of Claresholm. After 1945 the activity at the station returned to normal, until the airport was re-activated in 1951 to train N.A.T.O. pilots. Claresholm passenger service was discontinued in 1965.

In 2008, the Town of Claresholm built a new Exhibit Hall for artifacts and museum programming, and to house a Visitor Information Centre. The museum is comprised of the CPR Depot, the new building, a 1903 schoolhouse, a log cabin and a caboose. The Claresholm and District Museum is located in historic sandstone railway station, and, as of 2011 the Exhibit Hall is open year round.

The High River station opened to the public in 1912, operating as a passenger station until November of 1965. As ridership declined, passenger service was halted and a freight and shipping business operated in the station for a few years. It remained empty until the museum moved into it in the early 1970s.

Like Claresholm, the Museum of the Highwood is celebrating landmark anniversary of housing museums in its respective stations. The Museum has been in

operation in the CPR Depot since 1969, so 2009 would have been 40 years, with the 50th anniversary coming up in 2019.

In 2010 the museum suffered extensive fire damage but fortunately most of the museum’s artifacts were saved and restored. The Museum of the Highwood Society will occupy its premises and open its doors once again as a respected research facility, a trusted repository for the material culture of the Highwood area, and an award-winning interpretive/ educational facility showcasing the fascinating history of the Highwood River basin.

When the station reopens for visitors in May, it will also be celebrating the100th anniversary of the opening of the station in High River.

A fire (1928) was also responsible for the demise of the original Okotoks train station of which its second floor was home to many station agents and their families.

The existing brick station, built in 1929, closed its rail, mail, and telegraph services in 1971.

In 1980, after extensive renovations, the station was reopened and is now the Okotoks Art Gallery (OAG) at the Station, presenting ongoing series of contemporary and historical art exhibitions and, reportedly, a female ghost has been spotted by a few visitors at the station.

More Station Trivia: The two-story Lethbridge station, with its octagonal tower, was associated with Alberta’s coalmining heritage. It is a large station reflecting the importance of it as a divisional point along the line; it is now home to the Chinook Health Unit.

Railway station in Fernie, BC is now the Fernie Art Station and home to the fabulous Blue Touque Diner. This first-class station is known to be the last surviving station of this design.

.ca

...remember to decorate your life...

Alison A. Laycraft

B.Ed CID Interior Designer

403.818.3184 www.decordiva.ca

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FEB 2011

Clearly For You:

Financial Insights

Maximizing

24

your RRSP

Contribution

A

registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) is a great way to save, so you can enjoy your retirement years; but finding the money every year can be a challenge. Here are some ways to make it easier.

Pay yourself first: Think of your RRSP investment as a regular bill you pay to yourself. Every month, before you spend money on any other expenses, put some money aside for your future. Once you make this a routine, you likely won’t even miss the money! You’ll be surprised by how quickly your contributions will add up.

Pre-authorized chequing plan (PAC): It is more effective, and convenient, to arrange for your contributions to come directly out of your bank account each month. Setting up a PAC will spread your contributions over the whole year and help you reach your savings goal easier.

RRSP loans: If you don’t have funds saved, getting a loan may be a reasonable alternative to maximize your RRSP. Investing your maximum allowable amount will give you more money for the future, and may give you a larger income tax refund, which you should apply to the loan. This is one of those instances when debt can be utilized for future wealth.

Other sources of cash: You may have other sources of cash that are unaccounted for in your budget, for example a work bonus, monetary gifts, family inheritance, or an income tax refund. You can use these sources to make an RRSP contribution any time during the year.

Contribute early: Make your RRSP contribution in January instead of at the end of the tax year. This allows your money to earn more interest and grow tax-deferred throughout the year.

Remember, contributing more, and often, helps reduce your taxable income and allows more time for your investments to grow. Through the power of compounding, you may be able to increase the amount of money you save in the long run. It all helps to keep your retirement savings goals on track.

routesmagazine.ca

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FEB 2011

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE

By David and Heather Meszaros

Husband and wife team, David and Heather Meszaros are licensed with Sun Life Financial and Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc. David, a Certified Financial Planner, has been with Sun Life for 18 years. Heather, a Registered Health Underwriter, has been with Sun Life for six years. They believe in providing a holistic approach to financial advising, providing solutions to their clients with life insurance, health insurance, and investments.

We are committed to providing our communities with the information needed to properly make decisions at the time of ones passing.

Visit our Blog site to stay informed, ask questions & take part in our surveys.

lylereevesfunerals.blogspot.com

For more information on SunGIC Max and laddering investment strategies, call David or Heather Meszaros at 403-652-3233.

David and Heather have been invited by the High River Centennial Library to present other timely financial issues at evening information sessions on the third Wednesday of every month. For more details contact the library.

Craig Snodgrass

Owner / Funeral Director

115 8th Ave. SE High River, AB.

Lyle Reeves Funerals supports KidSport in each community we serve. www.lylereeves.com PH: 403.652.4242

Reliable Service, Experience that Counts!

Lorraine Boulton Realtor

(403) 601-6671 (direct line) lboulton@southernrealty.ca RE/MAX Southern Realty (403) 652-4020 4, 28 - 12 Ave SE High River, Alberta

“Serving The Foothills Since 1989”

Inspiring Interiors

HOMES,HOMES...

Photos by Neville Palmer

As the winter winds blow and temperatures drop, it’s a great time to warm up your space, stay in, cook, play games and sit by the fire with family and friends.

Kitchen

The Diamond Willow Artisan Retreat (Turner Valley), built in 2009 (Homes

by Bellia), is the perfect balance of a warm inviting home and a commercially viable resort.

This spacious country kitchen is fully equipped with commercial-grade appliances including a 6-burner Viking gas cooktop, a 4-door LG fridge, and a dishwasher that does its job in 150 seconds. The custom maple cabinets with display cupboards on top for practicality have a sleek appearance.

The 9-foot granite island houses a recycling centre, cookbook shelves and ample drawers for pots.

The kitchen seats up to 20, but in warmer months, guests enjoy familystyle meals on the wrap-around deck with serene views of the forested valley, wildlife and Lineham Creek.

Rec Room/Man Cave

Taking advantage of a large town lot, these homeowners opted to put their recreation room on the main floor, combining it with the home office.

Facing west with expansive views, this 1-year-old home has an old soul feeling with its mahogany stained wainscoting, solid walnut flooring and a stone fireplace to anchor the room.

There is plenty of space for the pool table, a bar, a retro popcorn maker, games, and cozy seating for several friends.

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A former hockey player and a dedicated sports fan, the man of the house chose complementary accents of leather furniture and collectible sports paraphernalia.

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FEB 2011

Home Feature

Family Room

Nestled in the secluded Little Bow River valley, this country house with a timber frame addition is home to a family of four.

The original, open-beam concept home, was built in 1991, and received a major addition in 2009 with the help of designer Jeff Rempel (Rempel Homes), and the craftsmanship of Rodney Green (Willow Creek Timber Frame).

The much needed addition for a growing family provided a 400 square foot family room, the perfect location for reading by the fire, a game of pool, watching TV or supervising children sledding on the riverbanks surrounding the backyard.

Bison skull from Two Feathers Gallery, High River. Bison oil painting

by Nancy Glazier.

Home dĂŠcor accents (candles, toss cushions, books) from Pixie Hollow, High River.

Barn Door

For sound control and privacy, a sliding barn style door, crafted by Willow Creek Timber Frame, separates the sitting room off the kitchen from the family room. A reclaimed log, turned shelf, is the obvious choice to place a drink in exchange for a pool cue.

Coffee Table

The coffee table is handcrafted with planks salvaged from the stalls of the barn, once located in a Calgary feedlot, and moved to this property in 1963.

The iron base of the coffee table and the fireplace are the handy works of Willow Creek Timber Frame.

The floor in this space is heated concrete expertly stained and polished with a leathery look by the homeowner himself.

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Family

Mind-Mumming: My friends warn me my son will grow up to fear vacuums. I tell them, show me a man who doesn’t.”

By Veronica Kloiber

My husband will tell you it’s my proud German lineage that led me to use a vacuum as the ultimate in punishment. I can’t argue. My childhood was filled with terrors; the trolls in the pool that would pull me under should I venture near, the monster in the front room that maimed children if they sat on the good couch.

The fear instilled in me by my own father kept me from drowning, not to mention smearing child slime on all my parents’ things.

My friends warn me my son will grow up to fear vacuums. I tell them, show me a man who doesn’t.

I don’t abuse Floorence’s powers. I only ask for her assistance as a last resort.

When my son went through his dog abuse phase, she was there. When bedtime becomes a marathon of trips to the bathroom, unquenchable thirst and random fears, she shows herself. You can’t argue with results and as it turns out my toddler can’t argue with Floorence.

Call me what you will: harsh, cold, cruel, a mean mommy. All I know is when my patience has worn thin, when I am hanging by my last thread, Floorence is there to clean up the mess.

Featured Businesses:

ROADS

Bluerock Gallery

110 Centre Ave. W, Black Diamond

Bar T5 Agra Service

Hwy 22 & 274 Ave SW, Calgary

Diamond Willow Artisan Retreat 224133 Highway 546, Turner Valley

James C. Lozinsky Law Office 140 Main St, Turner Valley

Koop’s Service

309 Government Rd, Black Diamond

Pharmasave

124 Centre Avenue West

Town of Turner Valley 223 Main Str. NE

Town of Black Diamond 301 Centre Ave W

Valley Liquor Store

28

206 Main St, Turner Valley

Diamond Valley

Chamber of Commerce

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FEB 2011

Find these businesses and more information on the Diamond Valley area at www.openroads.ca

S

he came as a gift the Christmas after my son was born. Promising the beginning of the end to the drudgery of housework she entered our home and got right to work.

Just seconds out of her box her small brushes cleaned soft puffs of hair from the corners of the living room. She ducked under the coffee table like a trooper and found stray crumbs just out of reach of the dog's tongue. Our Roomba, like some spectre from the future, took to her task as only a robotic vacuum could.

We named her Floorence after the patron saint of dog hair. She was glorious in her cleaning. To watch her plot the grid of a room and systematically sweep my home was a beautiful ballet of nerdy choreography. Alas, one of the dogs peed on her, out of fear - no doubt, and she was banished to her charging dock and there she stayed.

It wasn’t until my son, newly mobile, found her hidey-hole and inadvertently started her up that I realized this was more than a mere vacuum. With my son’s shrieks of terror ringing in my ear I promoted dear Floorence from cleaning lady to freakish tool of discipline.

Floor 8 Planning Tips • •

•

•

•

Teaching clients

to make informed financial decisions

Savings, investment, and protection-from-loss are key to preparing for the future.

Serving Foothills Region Proud supporter of The United Way/High River Partnership

momentumcap.ca

Gary Sawatzky CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional 403.652.9453

HIGH RIVER • Self Storage Bays Ranging from 5’ x 10’ to 10’ x 30’ • Secure Outdoor RV Parking / On Site Management

•

Draw out your floor plan using graph paper.

Use a 2 square equals 1-foot scale, not the 1 square equals 1-foot scale (usually recommended) which tends to be too small.

Use cut outs, to scale, of your furniture pieces. This allows you to move items around the paper and see what feels right.

Allow for traffic flow, and room for chairs to pull out, etc., (usually 36” behind a dining chair, 18” between a sofa and a coffee table).

Allow at least 6” between chairs and side tables.

A great way to see how the traffic flows around the pieces is to make paper cutouts, to scale, of your furniture pieces (use craft paper or newspaper). Leave the furniture out, if possible, for a few days to see how it works.

Some helpful planning tools can also be found at: http://www.interior-design-it-yourself.com/ layout.html Submitted by Alison Laycraft, CID, Decor Diva

29

403-601-0541

info@goldenviewstorage.com www.goldenviewstorage.com

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FEB 2011

Detours

Reflections Story and Photo by Brian and Cathy McCloskey

S Photo taken at Lake Agnes, Banff National Park on September 19, 2010. It was first published in Canadian Geographic’s Best National Parks Pictures May 2011.

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nowy, cold, damp - not exactly ideal conditions for a mid- September hike. Hoping the weather would eventually clear, we set out from Lake Louise to climb the Small Beehive and St. Piran. Low lying cloud obscured the views and spectacular fall colours we expected to see. Instead, we focused on the snowy, slick trail underfoot.

By lunchtime we arrived at Lake Agnes Teahouse. With no room inside, we chose from the empty tables on the deck. We warmed up with hot tea and soup, and were entertained by the Whisky Jacks that invited themselves to lunch.

Our view from the deck gave us two options - continue on around Lake Agnes or head back down to Lake Louise. Feeling fed and refreshed, we decided to continue.

Pausing at the far end of Lake Agnes, we saw the teahouse from a new perspective. Having only seen it in summer, the stark, snowy landscape caught our attention. We snapped a few pictures before continuing our hike up the Big Beehive.

It wasn't until later, when looking at this photo, that we realized how captivatingly beautiful the scene was. Mother Nature had chosen a grey palette, over colour, and silent stillness to create a mirror image that continues to draw us in for a closer look.

On reflection, we recognize the importance of remaining open to experiencing whatever unfolds, despite our preconceived thoughts of how things should be. Life’s beauty is found in a moment.