November December 2011

CULTURE

LIFESTYLE

NOW

6x

SOUTHERN ALBERTA NOV

DEC 2011

YEAR

Calum Graham

Rock’n the Big Stage

Guitar Mastery

Chuck Shifflett

Gift Ideas

for all ages

Holiday Stress Buster

Stargazing Lunar Eclipse

PM 41979554

6 Holiday Cookie Recipes

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134 MacLeod Tr Sw 403-652-5996

Come see Doug, Charlene, Shannon, Jane, Morgan or Casey for all your beauty needs!

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Art gallery and boutique with truly amazing local art. Clothing and accessories from Europe.

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The place for your Christmas shopping!

contents NOV

DEC 2011

Features 10 Calum Graham

The End of the Beginning

14 Q&A with Chuck Shifflett Art, Craft and Science of Lutherie

8 Tao of Dowsing Finding Water

Columns 24 Financial Insights

Clearly for You: Maximizing your money in uncertain times

Departments

28 Family

18 Spotlight on Talent

6 Stargazing

17 Shopping

Motherload: Status Updated Red moon over the Rockies

22 Health

Holiday Stress Buster and Keeping the mind sharp

CULTURE

LIFESTYLE

NOW

6x

SOUTHERN ALBERTA NOV

DEC 2011

YEAR

Book: Adventures with Ploox Christmas gift ideas for him, for her and for baby.

16 Arts & Entertainment Art exhibits, Christmas crafts, family holiday events and live theatre.

20 Routes Salutes

High River Hospital Auxiliary and Alberta Women’s Memory Project Calum Graham

26 Food

Rock’n the Big Stage

Favourite holiday cookies

Guitar Mastery

Chuck Shifflett

Gift Ideas

for all ages

Holiday Stress Buster

3

30 Detours

Momma’s Oven Door

Stargazing Lunar Eclipse

PM 41979554

6 Holiday Cookie Recipes

Cover photo by Neville Palmer

routesmagazine.ca

NOV

DEC 2011

Editor’s Note

November/December 2011 Issue #13

With ordinary talent and extraordinary perseverance, all things are attainable.”

Publisher Routes Media Inc. Executive Editor Sandra Wiebe Copy Editor Pat Fream Art Director Sharon Syverson

– Thomas Foxwell Buxton

Photographer Neville Palmer Columnists James Durbano Pat Fream Dave and Heather Meszaros Contributors Melissa Driver Pat Fream John Glawson Naghmeh Hedley Veronica Kloiber Mary Savage Peter Worden Christine Wushke

I

4

feel very honoured to have Calum Graham on the cover of this issue.

What an inspiration for all of us.

Regardless of how great or small we feel our talents are, in the end, I believe it’s the passion, dedication and effort applied to whatever we set our hearts to, that is the determining factor of success or failure.

Determination is certainly a factor for me in getting this magazine to its fourth year and in my new decision to increase Routes from quarterly, to six issues per year. I hope you enjoy having more Routes in your life! And as always, expect great content and outstanding photography.

Working primarily with other women, I am also pleased that one of our writers discovered a fascinating website that shares the almost forgotten stories of our hard working, pioneering female ancestors.

Also recognizing remarkable men in our midst, we meet Bill Jackson, who finds water with just a stick and intuition, and Chuck Shifflett, who turns raw wood into beautifully crafted instruments.

As the holidays approach, I hope you find some time to try a cookie or two from our staff favourites, found in the food feature. Also, treat yourself to a quiet meditation, a walk in the park, or a movie with a friend... and don’t forget your routes!

Sandra Wiebe

Publisher/Executive Editor

routesmagazine.ca

NOV

DEC 2011

Sales Manager Rae Jamieson rae@routesmedia.ca

From Our

Readers

I was very pleased to see the article on Mike Holmes, I really believe he is on the right track with his proposed development and I really hope that Okotoks realizes the benefits he is offering.

– Stephen Harrington, Waterton

Thank-you so much for the photo session that was done in Nanton, using fashions from Classic Rodeo Drive and some of the other great retailers. I thought it was very well done and showed Nanton as a source for fashionable products while celebrating our historic past.

Sales and Distribution Cohesion Media and Design Routes Magazine 19 – 3 Ave SE High River, AB T1V 1G3 PH: 403-652-1100 ext 102 info@routesmedia.ca Subscriptions: 1 year: $18.90 2 years: $29.40 Routes magazine is 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.

- Audi Roy, Classic Rodeo Drive, Nanton

I would like to thank you for the wonderful mention and description of our upcoming concert series in the magazine and on your website. This will help make the series successful and provide an ongoing venue to showcase Alberta's amazing musicians.

- Rick Harding, A Room Full of Sound, Okotoks

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 2011 All rights reserved.

Contributors

routes goes

RETRO Photo by Neville Palmer

Left to right:

Sharon Syverson Rae Jamieson Sandra Wiebe Melissa Driver Peter Worden Veronica Kloiber

y ess‌ Seriousl Growing Busin

Office Spaces Conference/Boardroom Training/Facilitating Virtual Office Packages

5

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routesmagazine.ca

NOV

DEC 2011

Stargazing

M

Red Moon over the Rockies

ark your calendars and set your alarm clocks because you will not want to sleep in on the morning of December 10, or you will miss a magnificent sight – an orangey-red moon seemingly suspended just above the Rocky Mountains.

This beautiful vista will be yours to enjoy for 51 minutes due to the unique celestial geometry that occurs that morning between the sun, the earth, and the moon.

That’s right it’s another total lunar eclipse, the second such eclipse to be visible from the foothills in the past 12 months.

Lunar eclipses are really not that rare, with up to three occurring each year, but this natural spectacle is a sight to behold and certainly worth getting out of bed for.

On the morning of December 10, the partial phase of the lunar eclipse will begin at 5:46 a.m. Shortly afterwards, you will begin to see the earth’s shadow slowly moving across the surface of the moon. By 6:15 a.m., the moon will resemble a cookie with a bite taken out of it. The total phase of the eclipse begins at 7:06 a.m. and soon after the moon will appear orangey-red. The total phase ends at 7:57 a.m., just 51 minutes after it began.

After the total phase of the eclipse, the partial phase begins again with the dark shadow once again slowly moving across the surface of the moon, but this time the shadow is uncovering the moon. You will not be able to watch this phase of the eclipse for too long because the moon will set behind the snow-capped Rocky Mountains shortly after the second partial phase begins.

Many people wonder why the moon takes on an orangey-red glow during the total phase of the eclipse; after all it’s during this part of the eclipse that the moon is located deep inside the earth’s shadow and so you imagine that it should look black and hence disappear into the night sky. This, however, is not the case because some indirect sunlight does manage to reach the moon and illuminate it. This sunlight has passed through the deepest layers of the earth’s atmosphere, which scatters the shorter wavelengths of light. All that remains is red and orange light and a bit of this light is sufficiently bent by the atmosphere and in the process reaches the moon to gently illuminate it.

Lunar Eclipse Phase

Time (Mountain Time)

*Azimuth

Altitude

First Partial Phase Begins

5:46 AM

277°

23°

First Partial Phase Ends / Total Phase Begins

7:06 AM

291°

11°

Mid-Eclipse

7:32 AM

296°

7°

Total Phase Ends / Second Partial Phase Begins 7:57 AM

300°

4°

*Azimuth: is the direction of a celestial object, measured clockwise around the observer’s horizon from north.

Photo and Story by James Durbano

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.

6

routesmagazine.ca

NOV

DEC 2011

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routesmagazine.ca

NOV

DEC 2011

Feature

Tao of Dowsing Photo and Story by Veronica Kloiber

An ancient tradition, a divine gift, or one lucky guy, call it what you will, Bill Jackson finds what he’s looking for, a precious resource, residing beneath the surface of the earth.

C

8

rossing the hill, he walks in ever smaller sweeping circles.

His wandering seems random, yet he strides through the latesummer grass with a purpose, poking the ground with a metal rod. Bill Jackson has been searching for water for the past four decades.

He’s not thirsty. He is a dowser, a diviner, a witcher of wells. Tromping through the hills near where his father’s father homesteaded at the turn of the last century, Jackson points out wells the way most folks point out landmarks.

“See up there on the hill?” he asks.

Using the tool of his trade, his dowsing rod, Jackson points across the fields to a house and yard. “That’s my son’s well, 130 feet deep, 15 gallons per minute. Up the hill behind the knoll, that one there’s not as good. It’s only four gallons per minute," he explains.

Watching him work, walking the land looking for liquid gold hundreds of feet beneath his own, it crosses your mind it’s all an illusion, a parlour trick, smoke and mirrors. Jackson knows differently.

“If you don’t know what you’re doing – if you don’t have confidence in yourself – don’t do it,” he sages. Like so many things in this life, it won’t work if you don’t believe.

If confidence is all it takes to find water, Jackson’s got a leg up, but to be a true dowser you need a medium – a method of communicating with what you seek. For him it’s an old axel off some long-dead machine. A metre or so length of carbon steel, one end a now-blunt point, the other squared off with a hole through it.

“I’ve been doing this for over 40 years and I’ve had the bar since then,” says Jackson.

Requiring no special care or feeding, the steel is still well looked after. Kept out of the weather, Jackson will let you use it, take it for a spin even, but let it out of his sight? Not for a moment. “It’s a part

routesmagazine.ca

NOV

DEC 2011

of me,” says Jackson and admittedly he’d look odd without it.

Well worn, Jackson’s dowsing rod has as many stories to tell as the man himself.

How this piece of metal came to Jackson, and exactly how it communicates a find is all part of the mystery.

“Some jobs you don’t ask too many questions,” he jokes.

For Jackson, to find water is to have a conversation with it, be a good listener.

It requires his full attention and a lot of space. In his wanderings he goes alone, with no distractions and no company save his dowsing rod.

Jackson’s method is to walk in diminishing circles, across the property looking for the best place to drill, always taking into consideration the lay of the land, the location of buildings, and power and gas lines. Holding the dowsing rod parallel to the ground, waiting for it to pull down and become vertical. There’s the water.

“I go back and forth across and for a ways both directions from where I initially find it,” he explains. “It tells me there is a stream there and not a pool.”

Once Jackson has chosen the spot, he wedges a blue festooned stake into the ground. The dowsing is done. “Blue ribbon, that’s the key right there,” he muses. The reason behind the blue marker? “Everyone uses the other colours,” says Jackson. “And blue means water.”

Now it’s up to the driller to once more prove Jackson has the touch. He has an impressive record and the local well drillers still call him first to find water.

“I don’t like to brag but it’s in the high 90 per cent,” says Jackson of his success rate. “Most times, well drillers feel witching is a successful method,” he continues.

“They can go out in a field and drill a hole and probably won’t find anything.”

Even backed by a respectable reputation, there are those who are sceptical of dowsing for water with its lack of scientific proof and its witch-y overtones.

Most times, well drillers feel witching is a successful method.”

“I get chuckles,” said Jackson. “You really think it works? they ask.”

Despite the naysayers, Jackson has proven himself time and time again.

So he carries on, dowsing in the hills of southern Alberta.

“I like to call people’s bluff. If you need a well drilled, you’ll call me and I’ll find you water.”

Water, the way it’s found, the way it’s used, who can have it and who can afford it is all changing. Jackson has seen a decrease in recent years of people needing a well dowsed. Changes in land development regulations have made it difficult or impossible to subdivide.

Still, Jackson feels there will always be a need for well witchers. There will always be a cry for water and until such time as it becomes much more precious than it is now, Jackson can be found in the softly rolling hills practicing his craft.

During the Middle Ages, dowsing was used to find coal deposits. Martin Luther referred to the practice as “the work of the devil.” The term “water witch” is derived from this comment.

Albert Einstein believed that dowsing was legitimate.

He felt that the dowsing rod was a tool that could demonstrate the human body’s nervous system’s reaction to certain as-yet-unexplained factors.

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routesmagazine.ca

NOV

DEC 2011

Cover Story

THE

EnD

OF THE

By Peter Worden Photos by Neville Palmer

In the jungle of artists after the limelight,

L

it’s those who don’t wane who get big.

ocally, he needs no introduction. Mention just his first name in these parts and automatically people know you’re referring to the 20-year-old, bright-eyed, frosted-tipped, wunderkind guitarist, Calum Graham.

Nationally, he has broken ground already, sharing studios with Raine Maida of Our Lady Peace, Chantal Kreviazuk (the Chantal Kreviazuk) and – not too shabby either – the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. As he naturally branches into international territory, all that is familiar might be about to change.

He can play the guitar like few can on the planet. That’s not an overstatement. Of fans, now-legendary guitarist Don Ross counts himself one; a substantial endorsement considering Ross was Graham’s initial inspiration for learning to finger pick on the guitar.

“It blew my mind that one guitar could make so much sound,” said Graham.

With the admiration of such a big name artist, and spades of recent accolades (such as, 2011 Song for Canada contest grand prize winner), there seems only room to grow for the newly budded artist in an understory of musical fame.

But putting it that way is too simple. Too nutshell. For one, it implies destiny. No self-respecting artist in the burgeoning part of his career wants to talk about something that negates tangible measures of hard work. It’s the teleological analogy of an acorn containing all the makings of an oak tree, though not necessarily destined to become one. For Graham, it’s a necessary denial at this stage.

“I think the terrifying parts help keep me in check,” Graham explains about the recent up-shoot in his musical career. An example: it dawned on him one day that he was using the same master and mixer for recording his album that Led Zeppelin used. “It’s crazy,” he said, “just the momentum itself.”

Prior to breaking into the limelight, Graham was well tended to; nourished and supported by community, both that of High River and of fellow musicians. He can’t talk about his early guitar years without making two parental footnotes: recalling evenings as he sat at his father’s feet and listened to him strum chords, and crediting his artistic flair to his mother who paints… with her feet.

Graham knew the guitar would take him far. “I wanted to see the world with a purpose,” he said. “It was always my incentive to play.” From his dad’s few chords, he quickly learned every song by Don Ross. (Tellingly, when Ross first heard Graham, he told the young guitarist: “That’s your ticket.”) And that ticket seems good. His time is now split

Cover Story

between home in High River and recording studios in Los Angeles.

If you’ve heard Graham play the guitar, it’s likely you’ve only heard him play the guitar. Whereas – up to now – his guitar did enough singing for the both of them, this new studio album, with the working title, Indivisibility, will feature the artist’s lyrics and voice too.

In this sense, the title takes on new meaning, implying his voice and the guitar’s are one and the same.

As he grows, Graham is still searching for that elusive idea of voice, like Zeppelin’s, he said, “you know it’s them.” And he is in good hands. He has a voice coach, Brian Farrell, and manager Neil McGonigle, who, incidentally, also managed Jann Arden. It was McGonigle who had just the right guy in mind in L.A., and that guy turned out to be producer CJ Vanston whose tutelage produced Tina Turner and N’Sync.

Graham says that Vanston, acquainted with both the old, “dinosaur” way of music-making and today’s “ready, fire, aim” hyper-marketing method, wants to buck the modern convention of depriving the artist inside the celebrity. While there are plans for an iPhone app to accompany the release of Indivisible, Vanston and

I’m just going to go for it – not letting fear hold me back.”

12

Graham both seek to preserve the album as a whole piece of art.

“What usually happens is artists go through a model – like the Britney Spears and Katy Perry stuff.

And it works. It sells. But he’s all about the music,” said Graham about Vanston. “Let people come to us.”

Back home in Alberta, equally passionate artists are chipping in, in one case, literally. Local luthier, Chuck Shifflett, is handcrafting Graham a guitar – a “monster,” Graham calls it – with a harp engrained into its woodwork; a truly unique bit of craftsmanship matched only by the young artist who will play it.

It’s obvious the beginning part is over. No longer bogged down by the torment artists face to get noticed or find their voice, Graham is bursting with ideas of new markets and major artists with which to grow alongside.

“I’m just going to go for it – not letting fear hold me back,” he said, reaffirming the total dedication to a living. “Years down the road I just want to be making music on a bigger scale.”

To wax philosophically one last time, an acorn’s end result might not be a tree. It could just as well be a guitar or dust or, who knows, a star. Graham gets this.

It’s what drives him.

Graham was the 2011 Song for Canada contest grand prize winner; one of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics’ top artists of Alberta; and winner of the Canadian Youth Talent Competition. The previous winner of that competition was Micheal Bublé.

routesmagazine.ca

NOV

DEC 2011

Don’t Be Disappointed!

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Photos by Iryna Moriyama

Conference Rooms up to 200 Guests

Perfect for Parties,Weddings, Meetings, Retreats and Seminars Coordinator, Dawn Lockwood call 403-652-3644 ext 221

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Reservations call 403-652-3644 ext 227

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13

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routesmagazine.ca

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DEC 2011

Feature

The Art, Craft and of

Science

Lutherie

By Pat Fream

Photos by Neville Palmer

Amid the sounds of sanding, the smell of hardwoods, and a peaceful small town setting, fine handcrafted guitars are born.

Routes: What exactly is a luthier and what does your craft entail?

Chuck Shifflett: A luthier (pronounced loo-ti-er) is a maker and repairer of wooden stringed instruments. In the past it meant a maker and repairer of lutes, but today it includes other instruments. Folks who only do repairs usually refer to themselves as repairmen or guitar techs. Those who ‘jig up’ and run small factories cranking out a few models of guitars are light industrialists. Luthiers handcraft individual musical instruments.

R: CS: In the late 1980s I heard of a guy teaching guitar-making on the West Coast. I went out and met Explain how you came to be a luthier, and how one becomes a certified luthier today.

Q & A

Michael Dunn, who was teaching at Douglas College in New Westminster and it seemed like a good mix to me.

I studied there for two years, and received Certificates of Mastery in Musical Instrument Construction and Musical Instrument Construction-Advanced. Unfortunately that program is no longer running. Most existing lutherie schools are short-term and sometimes quite expensive.

R: CS: There are quite a few hobbyists, but few who have made the jump to full time. It’s not an easy way

Are there many of you luthiers around? Or is this a dying art form in the face of mass production?

14

to make money. It is a competitive field especially for newcomers and you have to be consistently good and reliable. Often those of us who are doing well, are still not doing well enough that we can afford the loss in productivity that would occur should we take on an apprentice.

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DEC 2011

Shifflett built his workshop (measuring 24 x 32 and 25 feet high) with good climate control, on the side yard of his house in High River. He enjoy his 20 foot daily commute to work.

even to stage performance, is very exhilarating. Restoring someone’s family heirloom violin is also deeply satisfying.

R: CS: I am very meticulous and have high quality standards. This is a good

What qualities do you have that make you good at this kind of work?

thing because my customers tend to have high expectations. The required attention to fine detail is not for everybody.

R: Who have you crafted guitars for?

Anyone famous?

CS: Calum Graham is getting a lot of attention and he has a Shifflett

R: CS: Generally today luthiers make either violin family instruments or fret-

What types of stringed instruments do you make?

ted instruments like guitars, banjos, mandolins, etc., but not both. Although I do repairs to violin family instruments including cello and double bass; I only build fretted family instruments.

R: Such as?

CS: I’ve built a few banjos and an F-5 mandolin, but I mostly build guitars.

I build fine French polished, classical and flamenco guitars; loud balanced steel string guitars and a very good acoustic bass guitar.

I also specialize in a high performance type of jazz guitar invented by Mario Maccaferri, and played by the great Django Reinhardt.

R:

Tell us about the unique instrument you are building for Calum Graham (profiled in this issue of Routes).

CS:

It’s a harp guitar, the second one I’ve been commissioned to make (similar

to a Schrammel Guitar or Contrabass Guitar as built in Vienna in the mid and late 1800s).

It will have a normal six string guitar neck but also a number of extra bass strings off the bass side of the neck. I will incorporate things I learned from the earlier harp guitar, but this will also be somewhat different. We are pretty happy with the design, and have been talking about materials such as flamed maple, possibly with Brazilian rosewood.

I will also use an innovation patented by the great Toronto luthier Linda Manzer, called The Wedge. Basically the bass side of the instrument will be considerably shallower than the treble side. This makes it easier to bring the right arm over the instrument, making the instrument much more comfortable to play.

flamenco negra (rosewood flamenco guitar) I built for him, and George Canyon has a stunning French polished African blackwood classical guitar of mine. Jim Peace has two custom built Shifflett steel string guitars that I am quite proud of.

I have been doing repair work for Ian Tyson for many years, and as well, a lot of repair work for all those sidemen who play with the pros.

R:

Are you commissioned to make instruments? Or do you make your own creations and sell them independently?

CS:

I almost always work to order, though once in a long while I sneak in a project that I just want to do. In fact I generally don’t do any work for anyone that I don’t want to.

R: CS: Now and then my wife Fay and I enjoy playing a little at our friend’s pub

Do you play your instruments? Do you have a spouse or kids who play?

(Gitter’s, High River). My kids are very talented but a little shy.

R: What’s the best part of your job? inR: How many guitars can you make a year? Enough to make a good living CS: That’s difficult to say. I’m very doing this? versatile; it’s part of my secret to avoiding a regular job.

CS: I make between one and five I like the challenge of solving new a year depending on how much repair problems and helping people and I enjoy the complexity of repair work. The challenge of designing a new instrument and bringing it all the way to completion and,

15

work there is to do. I would say it’s a steady modest living, but a good life? Oh yes, I think so!

routesmagazine.ca

NOV

DEC 2011

Arts & Entertainment

what’s

happening

in your town theater

WTP

Windmill Theatre Players

music The Wizard of Oz is presented through arrangement with Tams-Witmark Music Library Inc.

Based on the original story by L. Frank Baum Adapted by Frank Gabrielson

With Music and Lyrics of the MGM motion pictures score by Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg

Directed by Carol Knox

Background Music by Herbert Stothart

Musical direction by Celia Penman

art

All performances at the Highwood Memorial Centre, High River

Dinner Theatre

November 18, 19, 24 & 25, 2011 Adults: $45.00

Children 12 and under: $35.00

Dinner served from 6:00pm - 7:00pm, Curtain 7:30pm

To Purchase Tickets (Dinner Theatre & Regular Theatre)

Regular Theatre

Contact Celia

Sunday Matinee: November 20, 2011 All tickets: $12.00 Doors open at 1:30pm, Curtain 2:00pm

Evening Performances: November 17 & 26, 2011

Tel: 403.652.7913 Email: wtp@shaw.ca

Girls’ Night Out! November 5, 7 – 10 pm ($25) Okotoks Art Gallery Grab your girlfriends and don your favourite fascinator for an evening of frivolous fun, fabulous food and fortune telling.

For tickets call 403-938-3204 [OK] Brasil Guitar Duo November 6, 3 pm High River United Church Masterful virtuosos of the guitar, Joao Luis and Douglas Lora move with ease between classical and world music. www.highrivergiftofmusic.com [HR] Millarville Christmas Market November 11 – 13, 10 am - 5 pm ($5/ person or $10/car) Millarville Race Track The market will feature a vast array of indoor and outdoor vendors. No dogs please. [MV] Brook Zeman November 11 Gitter’s Pub www.gitterspub.com [HR]

Adults $15.00, Students & Seniors $12.00 Doors open at 7:00pm, Curtain 7:30pm

www.windmilltheatreplayers.com

NOVEMBER Rage Against Beige IV November 4 to December 18 Okotoks Art Gallery Featuring artists Janifer Calvez, Elana Goodfellow, Melanie Pope, Cheryl Taylor and Anne Watson, Rage Against Beige IV encompasses not only the bold, beautiful colours that each artist uses to portray a vast array of subjects opposing neutrality, but also encourages the pushing of boundaries, helping the viewer and artist to expand beyond their normal state of being, to be open to new experiences and view events in alternate ways. www.okotoks.ca [OK]

Focus on Fibre November 4 to December 18 Okotoks Art Gallery This exhibit reveals the intensity and professionalism of artists with disabilities working in the medium of fibre, and promotes their work as emerging and increasingly important contributions to the professional arts world. www.okotoks.ca [OK] Steve Coffey & the Lokels November 4 Gitter’s Pub www.gitterspub.com [HR] Steve Coffey "Still Big Sky" November 4 – 28 Bluerock Gallery Steve Coffey has been an integral part of the western Canadian art and music scene for many years. He has curated travelling exhibitions, created large-scale public sculptures, taught college, and conducted many workshops and art residencies. www.bluerockgallery.ca [DV]

16

Brenda Kim Christiansen: Points of View November 4 – 26 Evanescence Gallery and Art Studio Christiansen’s latest series of paintings examines the clash between a romantic vision of pristine environment and the desire for areas of reflection and leisure. www.evanescencegallery.com [HR]

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DEC 2011

Ben Plotnick, The June Bugs, Tanya Ryan November 12, 7 pm Okotoks United Church A Room Full of Sound concert series features many of Alberta's finest musicians performing some of their original songs. www.aroomfullofsound.com [OK] Genuine Cowgirls November 12 Gitter’s Pub www.gitterspub.com [HR] Holiday Light Up November 18, 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm (free) Olde Towne Okotoks Plaza, Elizabeth St. & Lineham Park Kick off the holiday season with this fun family event including lighting of the community Christmas tree, live performances, live reindeer, street vendors, horse-drawn wagon rides, BBQ, family activities and fireworks. www.okotoks.ca [OK] [OK] Okotoks

[FM] Fort MacLeod

[MS] Mossleigh

[PS] Priddis

[LV] Longview

[BC] Bragg Creek

[NT] Nanton

[DV] Diamond Valley

[HR] High River

[MV] Millarville

For event submissions email to: entertainment@routesmedia.ca

Midnight Whiskey Rick Kroecker & Co November 18 Gitter’s Pub www.gitterspub.com [HR] Christmas Artisans’ Market November 18, 5 – 9 pm November 19, 10 am – 4 pm (free) Okotoks Art Gallery In conjunction with Okotoks Holiday Light Up weekend, visit the Okotoks Art Gallery for some local one-of-a-kind holiday gift shopping! www.okotoksculture.ca [OK] The Wizard of Oz November 17 – 26, 7:30 pm Highwood Memorial Centre The classic musical presented by Windmill Theatre Players. Call Celia at 403.652.7913 www.windmilltheatreplayers.com [HR] Skinner November 19 Gitter’s Pub www.gitterspub.com [HR] International Christmas Market November 18 – 20, 25 – 27 ($8, children & seniors free) Spruce Meadows Enjoy 200 vendors spreading Christmas spirit with imported items to hand-crafted gifts.

Outdoor courtyard with more vendors, ice carving demonstrations and fire pits, horse jumping demonstrations, pony rides and a petting farm – all free with admission. Adding to the Christmas spirit are over 74 kms of Christmas lights strung around the grounds, creating a true wonderland. www.sprucemeadows.com [CG]

Christmas in the Country A r t

S a l e

Friday, Saturday, Sunday November 4, 5, 6 & November 11, 12, 13, 2011 10am - 4pm daily

Leighton Art Centre

(403) 931-3633 leightoncentre.org

Christmas in the Country at Kayben Farms

Nov. 16th - Dec. 17th

Book your staff Christmas party now!

Banquet space & gourmet menu options.

403.995.5509

www.kayben.com

Craft workshops Greenery, wreaths, foyer arrangements Winter menu specials at JoJo’s Cafe

gifts for Shopping

HER

Photo by Neville Palmer Hats by Delux, $35 - $42 (On a Lark) [OK] Accent cushions, $50 - $64.95 (Pixie Hollow) [HR] Display dish, $75 (Pekisko Trading Co) [HR] Reusable water bottles by Natural Life, $14.99 (Bohemia) [BD] Candy arrangement, $20 (Sheena's Sweets N' Such) [HR] Handmade jewellery, $45-$130 (Deava Beadz) [OK] Stiletto wine holder, $32.99 (Boot Hill Gallery) [OK] Stiletto wine stopper, $12.99 (Bat Sheba) [HR] Handcrafted wine box, $42 (Heartwood African Gallery) [NT] Plush Robe, $107 (Hidden Charm Boutique) [HR] Handmade soaps, $5.50 (Bat Sheba) [HR]

Paper lamp, $175 (Bluerock Gallery) [BD], Laptop bag, $50 (Red Bag) [HR] Serving platter with gold trim by Now and Zen, $180 (Bluerock Gallery) [BD] Folding wreath, $250 (Okotoks Greenhouse) [OK] Scarves and mitts by Pre Loved, $33-$45 (Pekisko Trading Co) [HR] Shoe decorations, $6.95-$10.95 (Creative Accents) [HR] Recycled paper vase, $139.99 (Timothy Fred's) [HR] Journals and address books by Paper Blanks, $8.95-$24.99 (Because I Said So) [NT] Accent chair by Best, $719.99 (Timothy Fred's) [HR] Electric guitar by Luna, $489.99 (Mel Music) [HR]

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Amplifier by Luna, $124 (Mel Music) [HR]

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Arts & Entertainment

more

happenings Madison Violet November 19, 7 pm ($25) Flare ’N Derrick Is it city folk? Is it tumbleweed pop? Is it bluegrass with an uptown twist? From their smalltown roots and Scottish backgrounds, Brenley MacEachern and Lisa MacIsaac have forged a whole new sound that’s unique and high-spirited. www.beneaththearch.ca [TV] Craft Market November 25 - 26 Turner Valley Christmas craft and food vendors offer unique and wonderful gift ideas. Fun-filled family activities are held all day on Saturday to help all get into the spirit of the coming holidays.

E:hazelm@turnervalley.ca [DV] Glasgow Kiss November 25 Gitter’s Pub www.gitterspub.com [HR]

Tir Na N'Og, Darren Johnson and Cori Brewster November 26, 7 pm Okotoks United Church A Room Full of Sound concert series features many of Alberta's finest musicians performing some of their original songs. www.aroomfullofsound.com [OK] Gregory Hoskins November 26, 8 pm ($25) House Concert Enjoy a memorable and unique intimate evening with this talented Canadian singer/songwriter.

E: lambert4@shaw.ca [HR] Grad Fair November 27, 1 pm Highwood Memorial Centre www.cottonwoodbridal.com [HR] Dave Lang & the Black Squirrels November 30 Gitter’s Pub www.gitterspub.com [HR]

Small Works Group Show “Palimpsest” December 2 – 31 Bluerock Gallery An exhibit of small works of art from a variety of artists. www.bluerockgallery.ca [DV]

onTalent

[OK] Okotoks

[FM] Fort MacLeod

[MS] Mossleigh

[PS] Priddis

[LV] Longview

[BC] Bragg Creek

[NT] Nanton

[DV] Diamond Valley

[HR] High River

[MV] Millarville

Diamond Valley Christmas

25th Annual Evening Santa Parade December 2, 6 – 8 pm High River www.hrchamber.ca/upcoming-events [HR]

Spotlight

Paul Rumbolt Christmas Concert December 18 Carlson’s on Macleod www.carlsonsonmacleod.ca [HR]

For event submissions email to: entertainment@routesmedia.ca

Tim Buckley December 2 Gitter’s Pub www.gitterspub.com [HR]

Nanton Lights the Way Festival and Distinctly Nanton Market November 26, 10 am – 10 pm Come for an authentic small town kick-off to Christmas, featuring lots of shops, carolers, fire barrels, and a great market (10 am - 6 pm) to wrap up your holiday shopping with items from artisans, crafters and local businesses. www.distinctlynantonmarket.webs.com [NT]

Hwy 529 December 9th Gitter’s Pub www.gitterspub.com [HR]

Kids New Year’s Eve Party December 31 Full details at the Town of Okotoks online events calendar: www.okotoks.ca [OK]

DECEMBER

Madison Violet (Main Series) November 26 Bragg Creek Community Centre www.braggcreekperformingarts.com [BC]

Maria Dunn December 3, 7 pm Rotary Performing Arts Centre A storyteller through song, Maria combines North American folk and country music influences with her Celtic heritage. www.okotoksculture.ca [OK]

The Christmas Market

Flare ‘n Derrick Main St, Turner Valley Friday December 2 2- 8:30 pm Saturday December 3 10 am-5 pm

Light-up Main St, Black Diamond Begins Saturday at 5 pm

Visit dv.openroads.ca

Hope in the Colour of Orange:

Dutch Civilian Memories of War and Liberation Written by Susan Raby-Dunne, Marika d’Ailly, Angela Simmons, Evonne Smulders, Clover Slusar and Sheelagh Matthews.

Hope in the Colour of Orange is a compilation of 24 rich, diverse and dramatic historical memoirs about life and liberation during the Second World War as seen through the eyes of Dutch civilians who immigrated to Canada after the war.

"What is unique about this book is the viewpoint: each of the 24 stories are based on the memories of children, teens, and young adults during the occupation of the Netherlands, and who later immigrated to Canada and settled in southern Alberta,” explained Marika d’Ailly, lead writer of the book.

Launched in October 2011, this book was compiled, produced and published by Monday Morning Writers Group, whose members have been meeting every Monday morning, for support and inspiration, over the past seven years.

“This book has been taking shape for the past year over café lattes and breakfast bagels,” said Evonne Smulders, one of the group’s founding members. “We are grateful to have the chance to give voice to the children and youth of war, and we are all heartened as each of their voices resounds in hope for humanity, no matter what the circumstance,” Smulders added.

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Available online at www.mondaymorningwritersgroup.com and at local bookstores and independent retailers: Bluerock Gallery,in Black Diamond and Pixie Hollow in High River.

Submitted by Sheelagh Matthews

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Shopping

gifts for HIS

Photo by Neville Palmer Junk-art helicopter, $450 (Silver Stetson Gallery) [OK] Vintage Mercedes-Benz grill circa 1959, $250 (Sentimental Journey) [NT] Rolling Stones Monopoly, $59.95 (Eras and Icons) [NT] Rock books, $34.95 - $51.95 (Pixie Hollow) [HR] Vintage model airplane, $95 (Sentimental Journey) [NT] Mara pottery, $21 - $22 (Silver Stetson Gallery) [OK] The Original Redneck Wine Glass, $14.99 (Boot Hill Gallery) [OK] Gear clock, $44 (Austin Jewellers) [HR] Vintage Records, $15 - $35 (Eras and Icons) [NT] Electric Guitar by Harmony Vintage, $1079.99 (Mel Music) [HR] Amplifier by Belcat Acoustic, $299.99 (Mel Music) [HR]

Ski mirror, $409.99 (Cozie Cottage) [OK] Free standing fire pit, $320 (Boot Hill Gallery) [OK] Folding artificial wreath, $250 (Okotoks Greenhouse) [OK]

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Buddha wall hanging, $105 (Tribal Connections) [OK] Waiter wine holder, $119.99 (Timothy Fred’s) [HR] Pasta maker by Marcato, $119.99 (La Cucina) [OK] Signed Dawgs’ jersey, $80 (Grand Slam Sports) [OK] R-11 driver, by TaylorMade, $430 (Highwood Golf Course) [HR] Golf simulator by Optishot, $400 (Highwood Golf Course) [HR] Baseball lamp, $89.99 (Cozie Cottage) [OK]

routesmagazine.ca

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DEC 2011

Routes Salutes

Stories not soon forgotten…

By Mary Savage

If a picture paints a thousand words, then a photo album captures countless moments. In the past, it was often women who photographed and wrote about these moments: daily events that significantly impacted their lives - both as individuals and as an integral part of Alberta’s social landscape.

F

or the first time, there is a project and facility uniquely designed to preserve the stories of the lives of Alberta women. The initial batch of memoirs is available through the Alberta Women’s Memory Project (AWMP) for students to research, families to enjoy, and for the public to glimpse into the journeys and perspectives of pioneer women.

The memoirs reflect common sentiments of peace, turmoil, joy and discovery – inextricably woven throughout their lives. They speak of a woman’s grief, a daughter’s illness, the loss of family members, the challenges growing up, politics and religion - in Alberta and around the world.

The catalyst, for what is now AWMP, came one afternoon at the University of Alberta campus in 1989 when an older woman stopped in to the then-closing Women’s Resource Centre. Nanci Langford was minding the centre when the women arrived and explained that she was moving and had two complete sets of women’s magazines from the ’60s and

’70s that she was either going to donate or dump. Langford urged her to save the publications – an invaluable information source about women’s lives during those turbulent decades. This turn of events caused Langford to single-handedly spearhead the Northern Alberta Women’s Archives Association.

By 2000, Langford had moved her teaching skills to Athabasca University.

Cathy Cavanagh, was the department head and together these two women formed a committee of the most knowledgeable instructors in women’s studies, complemented by a selection of capable community members and women’s advocates.

Through the support of Athabasca University, a variety of grants from the Alberta Historical Resources Foundation, Libraries and Archives Canada, and a host of volunteer hours, a website for women’s history now exists.

The AWMP website is the first of its kind in Canada, if not the world, and the collections represent Alberta women

A woman, likely Edith Roberts, plowing a field with four horses (Alberta) Thomas A. Edge Archives & Special Collections 2007.006/187

from all walks of life – from influential to seemingly ordinary; all with something important to contribute. Some donate to the archives, while others loan their collections for digitization only. Either way, materials such as Fanny Makepeace Johnson’s memoir of life at Byemoor, Alberta in 1895 and the blue and white ceramic hashish pipe collected by Helen S. Petersen Bentley while travelling in Asia in 1990, are preserved and accessible.

To learn more or contribute to the collection, visit: http://awmp.athabascau.ca On November 15, the AWMP is holding a fundraiser at University of Alberta campus in Edmonton. To purchase tickets, make a donation or volunteer as a southern Alberta member, visit the AWMP website.

The High River Hospital Auxiliary – Celebrating 40 years of phenomenal fundraising!

T 20

hey are the unsung heroes – volunteers no less – raising funds for new surgical equipment, critical care items, furniture, beds, and even programs offered at the High River Hospital!

This year the High River Hospital Auxiliary is celebrating its 40 Year Anniversary, a tremendous milestone marking a stupendous feat: nearly $450,000 raised and donated for hospital equipment and projects.

Founded in 1971, a group of 25 High River women started having coffee parties (25 cents a cup) and collecting the

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funds to apply to much-needed hospital purchases. Today, there are no original members still active in the auxiliary, but their philanthropic legacy blazes on, with a steadfast group of volunteers dedicated to raising money for hospital equipment and projects.

How do they do it? They operate the hospital book cart and the gift shop (100 per cent volunteer-run) full of homemade items including baby blankets and quilts.

They also have bake sales, fashion shows, raffles, calendar sales, casinos, and a variety of other fundraising events.

What have they funded?

Here’s just a sampling: Haematology Analyzer - $75,000 Fetal Monitor - $16,500 I.V. Scanners - $4,500 Women’s Clinic - $40,000 Medical Sheepskins - $5,000 Transport Monitor - $14,600 Turnstall for connect care - $12,000 Birthing Bed - $26,000 Cancer Clinic Furniture - $5,600 Bladder Scanner - $15,000

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Website packages starting at $800 routesmagazine.ca

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DEC 2011

Health Matters

StaySharp

By Naghmeh Hedley

Learning a second language is one of the best ways to keep your mind sharp.

A

s more and more Albertans enjoy holidays in Latin American, learning Spanish is becoming increasingly popular. There are 330 million people whose first language is Spanish in more than 21 countries and 50 million who speak it as a second language.

Language learning requires a lot of effort, especially when you are not immersed in an environment that speaks the goal language.

Here are a few tips to help those wanting to learn Spanish (or any second language): • Learn how you learn best, as this will reduce your frustrations, and will help you memorize faster. Are you a visual learner? Do you need to write

the words a few times and see them?

Do you need to see a picture and a word together? Do you need to hear and repeat?

• Practice every day for 10 to 20 minutes minimum, because practice does make perfect!

• Watch TV or listen to radio and audio recordings in Spanish.

• Make flash cards with words and/or phrases you hear often.

• Use sticky notes to label your household items in Spanish.

Since Spanish is phonetic it is easy to learn to enunciate a word once you learn how to pronounce each letter properly.

Strengthen your pronunciation skills by listening to audio recordings and make an effort to converse with a variety of native speakers whenever you can.

For those of you learning on your own, get a good course or textbook that will build gradually on previous knowl-

edge, but have a few sessions regularly with an instructor as this will reduce the number of “fossilizations” or forms which become fixed in your brain and are hard to change once they have stayed there too long. Catching mistakes at the beginning and fixing them before they have become permanent is crucial for everyone.

Finally, don’t expect perfection: you will make mistakes and they are part of the learning process.

N\aghmeh Hedley was born in Colombia to Iranian parents. She has lived in Russia, Israel, Zambia, Cuba and now Canada for the past five years and has been teaching Spanish for more than 15 years. She has a journalism degree and is finishing her masters of linguistics applied to teaching Spanish as a second language. She speaks Spanish, Farsi, Russian and English.

NO WO Oly P mP EN iC P

At CA NA dA

Canada’s sports Hall of fame

Canada’s Hereos • Calgary’s Honour

22

Preserve • Celebrate • InsPIre

routesmagazine.ca

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DEC 2011

Ar k

Health Matters

Jump Stop

PROGRESSIVE FAMILY DENTISTRY

Invisalign Zoom Whitening

New Patients Welcome

Mini-Meditation

By Christine Wushke

H

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

ow often do we really stop?

Our lives get so busy, so rushed, before we know it the stress has accumulated and we are on the verge of burn out. We convince ourselves there is no time to meditate, or take a yoga class, and so we wait for another day to look after ourselves.

Meditation is not something that has to take a lot of time – you can do it in a matter of minutes. Here is a sampling.

STOP. Right now, right here, even as you are reading this, just stop. Tell yourself you are perfect, really perfect, just as you are. Let yourself be as you are. And now, let everything else be as it is, just for one moment.

This is what I call the allowing practice, it is simple, and effective, and it only takes one moment. It takes one second to just stop right now, and allow everything to be. It is this internal stopping that lets everything come to rest.

When we can rest inside, through allowing, the spaciousness and acceptance that results can then be taken with us, into the whole of our lives.

Meditation is like a peeling back of all doing and resting in what remains when the doing stops.

It isn’t something you need to find time for; it is about making peace with your life. The best place to start is with yourself. Take small moments each day to stop, and remember that you are perfect, right now.

Christine Wushke is a certified yoga and meditation teacher with over 15 years of experience. In addition to her yoga and meditation training, Christine is also a registered massage therapist.

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DEC 2011

Clearly For You:

Financial Insights

Maximizing

24

your money

in uncertain times

By David and Heather Meszaros

T

hese days, with the uncertainty of the economy, markets, and job security, most of us wonder where our money is safest. We’re looking for good news; something to bolster our confidence, maybe even a guarantee.

SunGIC Max isn’t your typical guaranteed investment certificate (GIC), it gives you more than just the stability and security of a guaranteed investment. You may find it a suitable investment solution if you’re looking to earn higher interest by locking in your investments for a specific term. Here’s a snapshot of its features: • Guaranteed interest rates – not subject to market fluctuations.

• You can invest from 30 days to five years.

• Higher interest rates are available for larger amounts.

• Fully insured just like all other guaranteed investments.

When the term ends, you can reinvest your money in a new SunGIC Max term, move it to a different type of investment, or take the cash value from it.

Should you invest for the short term, so you can withdraw money at the end of each year? Or should you invest for a longer term and earn a better rate by locking in for five years? Our answer is both – by doing what we call ‘laddering’ or ‘staggering’ your investments.

Laddering or staggering helps you manage the ups and downs of interest rates. A Guaranteed Investments laddering strategy ensures guaranteed returns while managing interest rate shifts.

Here’s how it works: • Choose the amount of money you want to invest.

• Divide this initial amount into five smaller guaranteed investments.

• Pick different terms and maturity dates for each of these smaller investments.

As each of your initial investments mature, reinvest for five year terms at higher rates. (This gives you maximum

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flexibility, minimizing interest rate risk, yet allowing for some liquidity and the continuation of the laddering process.)

We believe our rates are so good, that if you are serious about making your guaranteed investments grow to the “max”, this is the investment vehicle for you.

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.

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

FOOTHILLS FILM

oan’s Bookkeeping Service

Special viewing of independent and international films

Nov 24

$10 @ the door 7:30 pm At The Historic

Wales Theatre High River

403.649.3336 19 3 Ave High River, AB T1Voffice 1G3 joan@joansbookkeeping.com

403.649.3336 office • 403.601.2953 fax • 403.615.2479 cell joan@joansbookkeeping.com • www.joansbookkeeping.com

www.joansbookkeeping.com 19 - 3 Ave SE, High River

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”

The Manor Village & The Villas aT high riVer Elegant Senior Living High River’s first Aging in Place Community offering...

• Villa Living (Independent Lifestyle) The •Manor Village at High Assisted Living • Enhanced CareRiver • Memory Care • Respite Care

Let us help create your ideal space for living...

Focused on lifestyle, Timothy Fred’s is Southern Alberta’s most exciting home furnishings store.

Now Taking Reservations...

Come see us on the SW corner of 12ave & 3street SE (Montrose)

403.918.0410

Office Hours Monday 10 - 4 Tuesday - Thursday 11 - 4 Friday - Saturday 10 - 5 closed Sunday & Holidays

Preserving Independence with Compassion and Expertise

You’ll find a huge showroom of ideas as your browse in the warm surroundings

and discover the furnishings and accessories you’ll love, at prices sure to please.

timothyFreds

*FURNITURE *HOME DECOR *MATTRESSES 403-640-2220

25

9639 Macleod Trail SW CALGARY

403-652-1937

30 - 3rd Ave SE. HIGH RIVER WWW

.TIMOTHYFREDS.COM

routesmagazine.ca

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DEC 2011

routes team

Food

holiday cookie favs

Sour Cream Cut-Out Cookies

Amaretti Cookies

Makes 2 dozen

Makes 2 dozen

Ingredients: 1 cup butter 1 cup white sugar ½ cup sour cream 1 egg 3½ cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 pinch salt

Ingredients: 1 cup of ground almonds lemon zest 1 tsp baking powder 3 egg whites ¾ cup granulated sugar 2 drops almond extract dash of salt icing sugar

Submitted by Sharon Syverson

Fluffy Scotch Cakes Submitted by Pat Fream

Makes about 5 dozen Ingredients: 3 cups flour 1 lb margarine 1 cup icing sugar ½ cup cornstarch 1 tsp vanilla Method: • In a large bowl, mix together margarine (softened), icing sugar, and cornstarch.

• Add vanilla and flour; whip until light.

• Use a teaspoon to drop on to lightly greased cookie sheets.

• Bake at 325˚F for 20 to 25 minutes (until bottoms are lightly browned).

• Cool on wire racks.

• Ice with pink (red) and green-coloured butter icing.

Method: • Preheat oven to 350˚F degrees • In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. Stir in the egg and sour cream. Then stir in the baking soda and salt. Gradually add the flour until dough becomes too difficult to stir. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead in flour until dough is no longer sticky.

• Roll the dough out to 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Place cookies 1 1/2 inches apart on unprepared cookie sheets.

• Bake for 6 to 8 minutes in the preheated oven. Cookies should be lightly browned at the edges. Remove from the baking sheets to cool on wire racks.

Submitted by Veronica Kloiber

Method: • In a large bowl mix the ground almonds, baking powder and lemon zest.

• Beat egg whites in a separate bowl until fluffy.

• Slowly add sugar, almond extract and salt.

• Continue beating until the egg whites turn glossy and soft peaks form.

• Fold egg whites into ground almond mixture, blending until just moist throughout.

• Dust hands with icing sugar and roll dough into small balls.

• Drop onto cookie trays lined with parchment paper.

• Bake at 330˚F for 12 - 15 minutes.

Cookies should rise slightly and cracks will form on the tops.

“After 40 years with dentures, implants have given me a new quality of life.

I can chew steak, eat apples and corn on the cob with my implants!”

Irene Doucette

Gerard Mercier

Peace River, AB

DD.F.C.A.D.

Evan Perkins DD

403-652-1111 #103, 520 Macleod Trail SW High River, AB (across from Memorial Centre)

26

Claresholm Satellite Office: 127 - 49 Avenue W

1-403-625-1700

highriverdenture.com routesmagazine.ca

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DEC 2011

Orange Snaps

Almond Biscotti

Spicy Ginger Snaps Makes 4 - 5 dozen

Submitted by Rae Jamieson

Submitted by Sandra Wiebe

Makes 2 dozen

Makes 3 dozen

Ingredients: 1½ cups melted butter 2 cups white sugar ½ cup frozen orange juice concentrate 2 beaten eggs 4 teaspoons baking soda 1 tsp salt ½ to 1 tsp orange zest 4 cups flour 1/3 cup white sugar for later

Ingredients: 11/3 cup whole almonds 12/3 cup flour 12/3 cup sugar ½ tsp salt 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp anise 3 large eggs (room temp) 3 egg yolks (room temp) 1 tsp vanilla zest of one lemon, one lime and one orange

Method: • Mix butter, orange juice concentrate and sugar in bowl.

• Let cool and add eggs, baking soda, salt and orange zest, stirring after each addition.

• Add flour in increments and mix well.

• Cover and chill for at least 2 hours.

• Roll into walnut-sized balls and roll in sugar.

• Place on greased cookie sheet, press down a little so they won’t roll.

• Bake 350°F for 10 – 12 minutes.

• Let cool 2 minutes on sheet, then transfer to wire racks.

• These cookies freeze well. Roll them in foil, place in freezer bags and put in freezer for up to 3 months.

Method: • Toast almonds in the oven until brown and aromatic.

• Mix all dry ingredients together.

• Beat eggs, egg yolks and vanilla together.

• Mix all together being careful not to over mix (batter will seem dry and crumbly).

• Gently fold in almonds.

• Roll into 3 logs and place on baking sheet.

• Bake 350˚F for 45 minutes.

• Remove from oven, let cool for 10 minutes.

• Cut logs on the diagonal.

• Place cut cookies back onto the baking sheet and bake again until brown (10-15 minutes).

Submitted by Mary Savage

Ingredients: 1 cup butter 1 cup brown sugar 1 egg 1 cup dark molasses 1 Tbsp vinegar ½ - ¾ inch fresh ground ginger root, grated 4 cups flour 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp salt ½ tsp cinnamon 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (powder) Method: • Cream butter, add sugar, egg, molasses and vinegar.

• Mix until blended well then add fresh ginger root.

• In a separate bowl, combine flour, soda, salt, cinnamon and cayenne pepper then add to other ingredients.

• Add flour mixture slowly (hint: use a dough hook to blend flour mixture - batter becomes fairly thick and heavy once all the flour mixture has been added).

• Roll into 1-inch balls and flatten with cookie press or criss-cross with fork.

• Bake about 10 - 12 minutes at 325°F (Only 10 minutes for a chewier cookie)

.ca

...remember to decorate your life...

Alison A. Laycraft

B.Ed CID Interior Designer

403.818.3184 www.decordiva.ca

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

Heartwood

AfricAn GAllery & imports

“Showing a unique array of art, gifts and decor.”

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www.heartwoodafricangallery.com - 17th street 2110-17 st 2110 Nanton 403-646-2425 Nanton, AB 403-646-2425 routesmagazine.ca

NOV

DEC 2011

The Motherload: Family

Status:Updated

By Pat Fream

infiltrate your circles. I took her advice and decided to choose my friends wisely.

Good thing I had my kid to remind me.

A few days into my new life online, I got a friend request from Griselda Fishfinger. There was no one by that name in my Grade 3 class and frankly, in her picture she looked strange – crazy even.

I declined Griselda and logged out of my page quickly, in case she could somehow slip in through an invisible portal. Turns out, Griselda is a sort of mole – one of my sisters – incognito. She too was reluctant to join Facebook, but she has a computer and a pulse and a job that requires her to use Facebook as a tool. We’re friends now – sister moles are okay.

Facebook really isn’t so bad after all, even for me, an aging writer with hermit tendencies. I love seeing pictures of my brother with the 40 pound fish he caught while kayaking. I love how my sister uses her wall to promote social justice issues.

I’m glad to be able to see the Routes Facebook page, and feel like I belong there.

And today I logged onto my vet’s page and watched a video on how to brush your dog’s teeth. My husband argues that Tucker’s tarter problem was the real reason I joined Facebook – but in truth, it was a compelling pitch from the garbage man that finally put me over the edge.

Comments? Email: pat@routesmedia.ca

KidSport & Lyle Reeves Funerals help to ensure all kids have the opportunity to play sports. Lyle Reeves is committed to supporting this program with each & every call.

For more information call us or visit www.lylereeves.com or www.kidsport.ab.ca

Craig Snodgrass

QR Contact Code

Owner / Funeral Director

115 8th Ave. SE High River, AB.

www.lylereeves.com PH: 403.652.4242

Featured Businesses:

Bluerock Gallery

ROADS

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

Nad’s Painting 403 978 1437

Pharmasave

124 Centre Avenue West

Town of Turner Valley 223 Main Str. NE

HIGH RIVER

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

NOV

DEC 2011

Town of Black Diamond 301 Centre Ave W

403-601-0541

info@goldenviewstorage.com www.goldenviewstorage.com

Valley Liquor Store 206 Main St, Turner Valley

Diamond Valley

Chamber of Commerce

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

I

recently validated my status as a living breathing person of the 21st Century by joining Facebook. I know, I know, what took me so long? To be honest, I’m a bit phobic about all that online intimacy and I lack any real desire to reconnect with people I haven’t seen since Grade 3. I only finally caved after suffocating pressure from my kids, co-workers, potential clients, friends, siblings, teachers, my vet, my son’s bus driver, and the garbage man. It’s true – everyone with a computer and a pulse is on Facebook. So now I’m a bona fide person and I know that my son’s bus driver’s granddaughter is adorable, my friend’s daughter has Che Guevara painted on her big toe nails, and my brother had trifle for dessert last night. I concede; there’s a lot going on I didn’t know about.

Within days of being a Facebooker (... bookie? bookette?), I got tons of friend requests. People I barely know, some I’ve never even heard of, were in my inbox, asking to be my friend. I found this unnerving, like too many people in the kitchen, so I asked the experts (my kids) for advice. My youngest son said I should accept everyone – the more Facebook friends you have, the more ‘legit’ you are. My daughter, magically wise now that she’s in university, said only accept close friends, coworkers, and people you know well. There are lots of weirdoes out there, she explained; moles trying to

Kids Christmas Craft Oh Christmas Tree

Shopping

gifts for

KIDS

Time required: 1-2 hours Level of challenge: Easy!

(But with use of a hot glue gun – requires parent supervision.)

Materials: 12 cm Styrofoam cone Bolt of green satin ribbon around 5 mm wide Short straight pins Your choice of miniature Christmas balls – available at Michaels and other craft stores Hot glue gun Instructions: 1. Cut ribbon in 5 cm lengths for the base and middle of the cone, and a bit shorter for the upper cone. You will need plenty of ribbon so it saves time to cut the strips first.

2. Beginning at the bottom, fold the first ribbon piece in half and insert a pin where the two ends match. Press the looped ribbon near the bottom of the cone so the loop falls even with the end of the Styrofoam.

3. Continue adding loops around the bottom most layer until it is complete.

4. Make the next row just above the bottom row, making sure the ribbon covers the pins from the first row.

5. Continue in this manner until you reach the top. Once you are finished, use the glue gun to fix a bauble to the top – coving the pins. Then, hot glue other balls randomly until your tree is decorated to your taste.

Christmas Window Angel Time required: Under 2 hours to make – 24 hours to dry.

Level of challenge: Easy – perfect for kids!

Material: Window cling paint in the following colours: gold, white, peach, and crystal clear.

Also window cling outliner paint in gold.

Iridescent glitter Stable acetate foil Needle – for making holes A nylon string – for hanging

to: mplate go e angel te For full siz ine.ca esmagaz www.rout

Instructions: 1. Photo copy or cut out the angel pattern.

2. Place the acetate foil over the pattern and trace with the gold outliner paint.

3. Let the paint dry roughly 1 hour – till it feels firm.

2. Fill in the areas with the appropriate colors, adding iridescent glitter to the white and clear areas while they are still wet.

3. Let the paint dry for 24 hours in a warm room.

4. Cut out the angel and make a small hole in the top to add a hanging loop.

5. Hang in a window.

Photo by Neville Palmer Piggy bank, $19.95 (Bat Sheba) [HR] Soother with Swarovski crystals, $79.99 (Small Things) [HR] Shoes by Bibi & Mimi, 29.99 (Bump to Baby) [OK]

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Robe by Maison Chic, $36.95 (Bump to Baby) [OK] Patchwork bear, $47.95 (Pixie Hollow) [HR] Beanie hats by Itty Bitty Baby, $9.90 (Small Things) [HR] Twilight ladybug, $41.99 (Monkey Mountain Toys) [OK] Chalkboard placemat, $24.95 (Small Things) [HR] Calendar clock by Goula, $42.95 (Pixie Hollow) [HR] Ride-on, carry-on by Melissa & Doug, $44.99 (Monkey Mountain Toys) [OK]

routesmagazine.ca

NOV

DEC 2011

Detours

Momma’s Oven Door

By John Glawson

T

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he tarpaper on the roof assured us that the weather would not get into the two room shack with the lean-to on the back, but the lack of insulation would not keep the heat in either. Momma would say, “It’s all we got so it’ll do.”

A kitchen stove served us for heating and cooking. And oh, how that wood-burning stove of momma’s could eat up wood in winter! My little brother and I replenished the big wood box beside that stove, from a huge pile of chopped wood down by my grandpa’s house. A couple of armloads each before we headed out for school and a couple more when we got home would keep the fire burning.

That stove was nothing special. Just a two lid wood box with a place in the middle to sit pots to stay warm, a water tank on the right, a heating rack on top and a big oven underneath. It was one of Momma’s only possessions and she could use it. Lawdy, the wonders that came from that stove! Homemade bread and buns, stews, baked beans and too seldom pies and cakes. Always piping hot, always delicious. I can still smell them today.

But it was the time the three of us would spend together there that stick so clearly in my mind. It was there, with the three of us sitting warming our feet on that open oven door, that momma would tell us the fairy tales from books she had once read; it was where she told us about her childhood and it was where she told us about our soldier father who never returned from war.

From time to time grandpa and neighbours would come to visit after supper. It was during times like that, if brother and I were good, momma would let us sit up and listen to the talk from around the kerosene-lit kitchen table.

Brother and I would huddle around the warmth of that open oven door and listen to the stories of long rides, campfires, successes, failures and hilarious tales from this cattle country. Then when it was time for us to head off to bed, we knew, because momma would sort of smile at grandpa.

He would pull out a mouth organ from his shirt pocket and the sweet notes that came from that instrument, as he held it to his lips, would soon have us following those cattle into the hidden valleys of our dreams.

Momma, grandpa and my little brother are gone now.

So is that ol’ stove. But now and then as I wander through life I’ll see in some old junkyard, a reminder that at one time my life was much nearer to heaven, as Momma, brother and I sat with our feet on Momma’s open oven door.

routesmagazine.ca

NOV

DEC 2011

John Glawson is known by conference, convention and agricultural audiences throughout Western Canada and the northern U.S. as, storyteller, Ol’ Ugly A resident of Nanton, Ol’ Ugly can also shift gears and write heartwarming short stories that will remind his audiences of those days when life was much simpler.

www.oldetowneokotoks.ca 1

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Cactus Club

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Bump 2 Baby

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One on One Hair Design

11 Elizabeth St. 403-938-7304 www.cactusclubsalonspa.com Uncompromised Sevice Unsurpassed excellence 102B Elizabeth St. 403-982-8880 www.bump2babyboutique.com Maternity, nursing, infant wear and accessories 106, 52 McRae St. 403-938-3958 A relaxing and welcoming warm country atmosphere

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Woodcraaft Homes

4 Elma St. 403-860-1895 “The builder that actually build your home... what a concept!”

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5 Fresh Country

22 Elizabeth St. 403-938-9507 www.freshcountry.ca Delightful boutique-style home furnishings

6 La Cucina

94 Elma St. 403-938-0488 www.lacucinacanada.com Gourmet pantry and culinary tools for your healthy lifestyle

7 Altitude Art Gallery and Custom Framing 11 A Elizabeth St. 403-995-9983 www.altitude-art.com “Art is our buisness, Framing is our art”

8 Deava Beadz

4 Elma St. 403-938-6168 www.deavabeadz.ca Funky, whimsical, and victorial chic custom jewelery

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Live Without Limits A MASTER PLANNED COMMUNITY Featuring a 16 Acre Pond with 7 Premier Builders Homes from the $240s

Feel at home in a small town community that embraces you with all the benefits of the big city just a short drive away.

Montrose in High River is a truly limitless lifestyle. Enjoy clean air, beautiful mountain views and lush parks along the river; all in your own backyard. Visit us today and see for yourself. You can have it all in Montrose.

403.245.3515

lifeinhighriver.com