contents SUMMER 2018 | VOLUME 9 ISSUE 37
19 27 people
12
Which Lomenda are you? Charlotte proudly sharing her gift of ‘loveliness’
12 28
business
community
Wasn’t that a party?! Okotoks and District Chamber of Commerce Trade and Lifestyle Show Photos
Super summer More events than ever to look forward to
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The other side of the fence Trust me, things are greener in Okotoks
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A Beautiful Legacy Leighton Art Centre is where art and nature come together in Alberta’s Foothills
a day in the life
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Max’s special day Robinson family honours son’s memory by helping kids
30
entertainment
25
Lights! Camera! Film Festival! Support your local independent filmmaker
culture
19
20
sports
27
Play ball! Dawgs looking forward to an exciting season
you said it…
30
If you had a superpower what would it be?
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Editor’s Message Town of Okotoks Message Around Town Events
@OkotoksLiving OkotoksLiving
SUMMER 2018 | OKOTOKS LIVING 5
editor’s note
Caterpillars are people too WHOA , DUDES, IT’S me, the caterpillar. Yup, I’m officially a Dewdney Player now as I have auditioned for and landed the very delightful role of the caterpillar in the local amateur theatre group’s summer production of Alice@Wonderland. And, yes, I’ll be singing and dancing, sort of. For more information, including show times, check out the event listings in this magazine or visit the Dewdney Players website. It’s going to be super cool, man! In fact, it promises to be a great summer in Okotoks with more events planned than ever! The tried and true events like Lemonade Day, Buskers Fest, Taste of Okotoks, Chili Fest and the Show and Shine will all be back of course, along with something new — a night festival called Off the Vine will cater more to adult tastes. As well, Okotoks Marketsquare will be launching their own unique evening festivals and, of course, there’s the Film Festival too. If that’s not enough activity, you can always take in a Dawgs game as the boys of summer get into action, or check out the new Foothills FC team playing as part of the Premier Development League playing their home games over at the Comp. Still on another sports note, I would be remiss if I did not congratulate the Okotoks Oilers on their incredible season. I went to a few games this season and was very impressed with the speed and skill level of the game. And, yes, my favourite player, since I am also an undersized defenceman, is Nick Blankenburg. Getting into the business swing of things, the annual Okotoks & District Chamber of Commerce Trade and Lifestyle Show was an incredible success! Lots of interesting exhibits, a fun vendor social, great attendance and I even got to welcome lots of folks personally as I took a shift at the door. Did you have your photo taken at our booth? If so, check out the centre of this magazine, maybe you’re there! Our other business feature is my regular housing market column, this time comparing Okotoks’ growth to one of it’s neighbours, the Town of Cochrane. I think you’ll find the similarities, and differences, worth reading about. Also worth the read is Charlotte Lomenda’s story. I won’t give a ‘spoiler alert’ or anything like that, but it was a story I really enjoyed listening to and writing. What do I make of it all? I’m not sure. I definitely don’t have all the answers to all the mysteries of the universe, and admittedly neither does Charlotte. But, boy, does she have a neat story to tell! Finally, as always, we find a way to get even more of you, our Okotoks friends and neighbours, into the magazine as part of our You Said It photo essay. The question this time: if you could have a super power, what would it be? Flying is always a popular one, and being invisible. What would you choose?
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PUBLISHER |
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info@sourcemediagroup.ca A S SO C I AT E P U B L I S H E R/ E DI T OR |
Jim Zang
jim.zang@sourcemediagroup.ca ART DIRECTOR |
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jean.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca GR APHIC DESIGNER |
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colleen.leier@sourcemediagroup.ca A D V E R T I S I N G S A L E S | Brandi Holmes
brandi.holmes@sourcemediagroup.ca A D V E R T I S I N G S A L E S | Jim Zang
jim.zang@sourcemediagroup.ca A C C O U N T I N G | Norma Robertson
accounting@sourcemediagroup.ca EDITORIAL
Amanda MacKay, Jody Sanderson, Suzanne Hale, Brandi Holmes, Isabel Rodriguez, Pepper Rodriguez, Carmen Solana-Martin, Jim Zang PHOTOGRAPHY
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© 2018 Source Media Group Corp. Material cannot be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publishers. Okotoks Living™ is published four times per annum and is available free through select distribution points in Calgary and Okotoks. Source Media Group agrees to advertise on behalf of the advertiser without responsibility for claims or misinformation made by the advertiser and acts only as an advertising medium. Source Media Group reserves the right to refuse any advertising at its sole discretion. Okotoks Living™ accepts editorial submissions and letters to the editor by electronic mail only. Please forward any submissions, including your full name, phone number and return email address, to okotoks.editor@sourcemediagroup.ca C O N TA C T:
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SUMMER 2018 | OKOTOKS LIVING  7
mayor’s message
Message from Mayor and Town Council
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From L to R: Brock Carlton, CEO, Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Jenny Gerbasi, President, Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Town of Okotoks Mayor Bill Robertson, Ben Henderson, Chair, Green Municipal Fund Council, Federation of Canadian Municipalities
Become a fan of Town of Okotoks Follow us on twitter: www.twitter.com/ town_of_okotoks Subscribe to our e-newsletter: okotoks.ca
long with warm weather, the summer brings with it many seasonal activities and events to our community. We encourage residents and visitors alike to check out our picturesque pathway system, gorgeous golf courses and captivating cultural offerings at the Museum, Art Gallery and Rotary Performing Arts Centre. There are many fun-filled summer events to take in again this year including the Parade and Children’s Festival, BuskersFest, Canada Day celebrations, Taste of Okotoks, the new Off the Vine Wine Fest and Okotoks Pro Rodeo just to name a few! See page 28 for event listings or visit www.okotoks.ca/events. In Okotoks’ semi-arid climate, water is an exceptionally valuable resource that needs to be managed wisely. The Town’s Outdoor Watering Schedule is in effect as of May 1 and we encourage all residents to continue to practice water conservation especially throughout the dry summer months. Conservation Educators will be visiting residents to provide information and tips throughout the summer. Our annual Residential Water Conservation Rebate Program is underway and has been expanded this year to include xeriscaping and specific drought tolerant plants. The program continues to be a very popular and rebates are distributed on a first come, first served basis on bi-monthly utility bills. For more information on this and any of our sustainability programs, please visit www.okotoks.ca/sustainability. Weekly curbside organics collection has returned! Place your food, grass clippings, branches, leaves and pet waste into your green organics cart. The Town also has new, larger green organics carts available so if your household regularly fills its green organics cart, consider increasing the size to 240 litres. For information on cost and more visit www.okotoks.ca/organics. Our warm, inviting and vibrant community also offers many dining, shopping and recreational experiences. If you’re visiting Okotoks, we have charming accommodation options including hotels, bed & breakfasts and camping to extend your stay. For visitor information, visit the Town’s tourism website www.okotokstourism.ca. We hope this summer gives you a chance to immerse yourself in the attractions that await you in Okotoks!
Mayor WM. (Bill) Robertson On behalf of Town Council
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SUMMER 2018 | OKOTOKS LIVING  9
around town
Positive Ticket Campaign
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oung people in Okotoks will be rewarded for their good behaviour or helping others through a new positive ticketing campaign. Okotoks Community & Protective Services and the RCMP have teamed up to create a positive ticket campaign for youth who are observed following the law or doing a good deed in our community. Anyone who gets a ticket will be given a free McDonald’s treat coupon. This is an opportunity to build relationships between officers and youth. The positive ticket campaign will kicks off at the River Valley Clean-Up on May 5 and will run through the summer. For more information, visit Okotoks.ca/positivetickets. OL
Climate Change Plan
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he Town of Okotoks has completed a Climate Resilience Express Action Plan, the first step in developing a comprehensive climate change action plan over the next several years. The plan includes a climate change impact analysis with forecasts up to 2050 for the Okotoks region, showing the effects of climate change already apparent in Okotoks and projections on how these will become more severe over time. Water supply shortage, drought and river flooding were prioritized as requiring immediate action planning. The next step in the Town’s climate change action planning is partnering with Quality Urban Energy Systems of Tomorrow (QUEST), as part of the Municipalities and Utilities Partnering for Community Resilience (MUPCR) initiative, to examine the Town’s energy systems, identify their weakness to climate impacts and strengthen the town’s resiliency to potential events. The full Climate Resilience Action Plan and more details on the QUEST project can be found at www.okotoks.ca/ClimateChange. OL
Inclusive Playground
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kotoks’ first inclusive playground was the topic of a workshop held March 22 where approximately 25 people participated in a collaborative exercise. “An inclusive playground includes structures and surfaces that make it possible for children of all abilities and physical limitations to enjoy outdoor activities and play together,” said Parks Manager Christa Michailuck. Participants selected Riverside Park as their preferred location to establish the park. Construction of the playground is expected to begin in the summer. Follow the playground’s progress at Okotoks.ca/inclusiveplayground. OL
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Lemonade Day
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et out of the house and quench your thirst at Okotoks’ annual Lemonade Day on Saturday, June 9. Dozens of local youths will be setting up their booths on street corners, in parking lots and at local businesses. These young entrepreneurs are encouraged to develop a unique business plan, with help from a local business mentor, as well as donate a portion of their lemonade proceeds to their favourite charity. Eva, Josiah and Seth Gustafson did Okotoks proud recently by winning the runner up, Entrepreneur of the Year. The award represents every stand throughout the world, with approximately 30,000 total stands in contention for this award. Way to go guys! To Learn more about Lemonade Day visit us at okotoks.lemonadeday.org. OL
Making Downtown Uptown
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kotoks Town Council has approved the updated Downtown Urban Design Master Plan. “The Downtown Urban Design Master Plan provides a flexible long-term vision with design guidance for private and public development in the downtown area. It is intended to assist with the direction of future plans and projects affecting downtown Okotoks,” says Colin Gainer, Senior Planner. In alignment with the Town’s Public Participation strategy, a robust engagement process was undertaken to develop and finalize the plan with over 700 residents providing input through various means. The approved plan and a full summary of the engagement process for this project are available for review on the Town’s website at www.okotoks.ca/ downtownplan. OL
around town
Creative Okotoks
Water Rebate
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reative Okotoks is a new arts and economic-focused group connecting the Okotoks area through innovative, engaging and exciting events beginning with a series of talks to start a community wide dialogue and potential collaboration on a strong creative arts-based economy. Todd Hirsch of ATB Financial is now booked to speak in Okotoks June 14 on the topic of Arts and the Economy: Why we want the arts in our community. • Economy, Education and The Arts. • 6:00 – 7:30 Dessert Reception $20 (by invitation) • Lineham House Galleries • 7:30 – 9:00 public Talk $5 • Location TBA • All tickets will be available via Eventbrite. For more information contact Lineham House Galleries or Awedity Creative. OL
FortisAlberta opens Okotoks office
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ortisAlberta held the official grand opening of their Okotoks field office April 18 with and open house event featuring several displays, a cheque presentation, lunch and, of course, the official wire cutting. Perhaps not coincidently, April 18 was Lineman Appreciation Day across North America. Key partners on hand for the FortisAlberta President and CEO celebration included STARS, Alberta Birds of Karl Bomhof presents a cheque to Prey Foundation and Habitat For Humanity Louise Gagne, Director of Regional Development for Habitat For Humanity. as well as representatives from the Town. A cheque for $15,000 was presented to Habitat For Humanity, who will be building in Okotoks this year. Speaking on behalf of FortisAlberta, President & CEO, Karl Bomhof emphasized the company’s commitment to ‘”community partnerships” as well as “employee and public safety”. In keeping with the Town’s own commitment to sustainability, the FortisAlberta building is very energy efficient with 96 per cent high energy efficiency furnaces, lowflow water fixtures, above code insulation and low maintenance landscaping. It’s also the very first FortisAlberta site to use 100 per cent LED lighting. Not only will the new office enable FortisAlberta to provide superior service to their 21,941 customers in the Okotoks area, but it also employs 13 Okotokians. OL
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rought-tolerant plants are now included in Okotoks’ residential water rebate program. Residential households can now apply for a rebate on several new items that help conserve outdoor water, including specific varieties of drought and deer-tolerant perennials, shrubs and trees, as well as a xeriscape pilot program. Drought-tolerant plants are an excellent way to conserve water — the perennials selected for the rebate use 40 to 60 per cent less water than a traditional lawn or standard gardenscape. The xeriscape pilot, which requires preapproval, has spots available for up to three projects for new or existing homes. An eligible project consists of a xeriscaped area that is a minimum of 500 square feet, with 50 per cent of the new area being plants from the approved drought- tolerant list. Other approved water rebate items include rainwater harvesting systems, rain sensors, WaterSense® irrigation controllers, mulch, drought-tolerant turf and rain barrels. This year the water conservation rebate program is focusing specifically on water saving improvements to yards, as outdoor water use accounts for a 30 per cent increase in water demand during the summer months. Residents who have a water utility account with the Town are eligible for up to $200 in rebates per household, except where indicated. Rebates are first- come, first-served until the end of the year or until all funds are depleted. The Town applies rebates to residents’ utility bills. Application forms and a list of eligible plants and program information can be found at okotoks.ca/WaterRebate. OL
Send your Around Town news to okotoks.editor@sourcemediagroup.ca
SUMMER 2018 | OKOTOKS LIVING 11
people
Which Lomenda are you? Charlotte proudly sharing her gift of ‘loveliness’ Story by JIM ZANG
C
harlotte Lomenda sees dead people. Angels too. It sounds like something out of a movie, but it’s not. Because, for Charlotte Lomenda, it’s a part of her everyday life. And it’s something you’d never guess just by looking at her. It wasn’t always that way, though.
Born at the High River Hospital in 1970, Charlotte spent the first five years of her life living in Okotoks with her parents, Chris and Karen Lomenda. When her parents divorced, she moved with her mom to St. Paul, in northern Alberta, where her mother re-married and had Charlotte’s half brother, Reece. Her mom had alcohol abuse issues and, at 13, Charlotte went to live with her dad in Rycroft, Alberta, before moving with his family — wife Linda and children Callie, Sara and Colin — back to Okotoks. Her grandparents, Frank and Helen, were long-time residents well-known for the cafés and catering business they owned and their community involvement. “My grandma started Meals on Wheels for this area,” says Charlotte, “and I remember helping her deliver food to the seniors when I worked for her at Helen’s Coffee Shop. She was a small woman with a big personality.” Her dad was a tire repair man as well as an entrepreneur with a carpet cleaning service, says Charlotte. “He was also a real social butterfly. All I ever remember growing up in Okotoks was ‘Are you Chris’ daughter?’ or, my favourite, ‘Which Lomenda are you?’” Chris and Linda have since retired to the Crowsnest Pass where, “they are loving it,” smiles Charlotte. “She was an incredible step-mom, who played a major role in raising me.” She would see her birth mother only once again in the next 25 years prior to reuniting with her shortly before her 12 OKOTOKS LIVING | SUMMER 2018
mother’s passing about five years ago. “I am incredibly grateful,” she says, “to have had that opportunity to love her, forgive her and spend that time together.” Likewise, she’s come to grips with her brother Colin’s early passing by his own hand at the age of 35. “A loss is a loss and it’s always devastating, but my brother made me very proud of the man I was honoured to be in the company of. He was an amazing guy.” Life in Okotoks was good, and Charlotte went to Foothills Composite, got married and had a family — children Jessica (28), Riley (18) and Madison (17). Things should have ended happily ever after. And then, one day, while driving to Edmonton with her kids, contemplating ending her marriage, things changed forever — in an instant. She tells the story best herself. “About 14 years ago, I was in a very bad car accident in which I died on route to the Edmonton hospital. What I remember of that moment was just before the impact, my daughter yelling “watch out” and a fireman telling me that they were going to have to use the jaws of life to get me out. He was over top of me. The other vehicle had hit my side at a speed of about 130km/h. They were carrying a tractor engine in the back of their truck, which flew threw the back and into my side with the impact of the truck itself as well. “I was slipping in and out of consciousness at that time and the last thing I remember was hearing my kids, and
people PHOTOS CLOCKWISE: Charlotte Lomenda with her children Riley (18), Madison (17) and Jessica (28), Charlotte Lomenda when she was a little girl. Young Charlotte Lomenda up to bat.
seeing my oldest daughter on the side of the road with a lady that had pulled over to offer assistance. When I realized my kids were alright, I was about to enter the ambulance and that is when I died. I remember being held and surrounded by this incredible warm, comforting, soothing yellow and white light. I felt so peaceful and I heard a man’s voice say “it isn’t your time, you have to go back”. It was then that I could see the highway and the two vehicles on each side of the ditch. I saw the ambulance taking my body to the hospital. The next thing I knew is that I woke up head-to-waist in bandages with my step mom and dad by my side. When was able to get up and walk around, I looked in the mirror and had oil and gas burns all over my face. “Chiro and physio would follow repeatedly to get my body back to being mobile. Then, four months after the accident, I had a stroke. “I know you may think I am crazy with what I am about to share with you, and I understand completely, I thought so too, but when the doctors came in to do some visual tests on me, to confirm I was mentally stable, they presented me with black and white flash cards, the ink-blot things. When they would ask “what do you see?’, my reply was always, “angels”. I remember smiling the whole time and replying, “it’s an angel”. “It wasn’t until my birth moms passing that things really started to change for me — and I didn’t even know what those changes were until a couple of years ago. My first experience was when I saw the passing of my mom take place before she had actually, physically passed. It was a day later, after that vision, that I received a call saying she had had a bad fall and that it didn’t look good. When I arrived at the hospital, there she was, laying so peacefully. When I went over to her side, I bent over to whisper in her ear, “I love you. I forgive you. You did the best job that you knew how”. I went by my mother’s
side once more and just told my mom to “go to the light”. And she was gone. “When I went to collect her belongings about a year later, one of the songs I knew she liked had come on the radio. All of a sudden I could “see” her sitting in my passenger’s seat. She was so happy, smiling and dancing, and so healthy — like she looked when she was in her late 20s. “I was really beginning to wonder about a few things that I was experiencing. I would hear my grandma’s voice and she would be letting me know that everything was going to be alright, if I was going through some certain situations. I never mentioned it to anyone because I just thought that everyone could hear and “see” their loved ones. But it wasn’t until I saw the movie, “Heaven is for Real” that I had this incredible feeling inside of me that I knew that is exactly what I had experienced. “These past couple of years have been incredibly challenging with several passings. But when I started to really wonder what was going on within myself, it kept getting clearer and clearer. Now I was starting to hear more voices of people who had passed or getting ready to pass. It wasn’t just my loved ones anymore. My former father-in-law was in the hospital and I wasn’t aware of how bad it really was. So I went down to the riverside to meditate and pray. When I was doing so, his wife that had passed several years prior came to me. She was holding her hand out while being surrounded by the same yellow and white light I had experienced and taking my ex father-in-law’s hand and holding it while they went into the light together. He looked back at me
»
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people
FAMILY TIME IS IMPORTANT, AND SHE’S PROUD OF HER ROLE AS A SINGLE PARENT.
Charlotte Lomenda with her dog.
in his red coat, laughing and waving. It was later on that I had received the news he had passed. It was the most beautiful thing to be fortunate enough to witness. There were more instances to follow, but the one that made me really sit up and truly find out if there was something I should be concerned about regarding my health, was the passing of my brother. We were at my sister’s after having just received word of my brother; I remember looking at my step mom, crying, I wanted her to know that I saw him in the light. He was standing with his arms wide open and that beautiful yellow and white light was surrounding his entire body. He seemed that he was at peace. I woke up a couple mornings after my brother had passed and when I went downstairs to fix breakfast, I noticed my microwave plug-in was pulled out — just enough to not be connected. That didn’t make sense? Why was it unplugged in the first place? I asked the kids if they unplugged it for whatever reason and they said “no”. Then I asked my brother, with my inside voice, “was that you?” I heard him answer laughing, “ya, that was me”. “What. Is. Going. On?”, I asked myself. I was hearing his voice and he would answer me when I asked him a question. When we took his girls to a movie, he showed me him with his arm around his daughter that I was sitting by. I knew this wasn’t ‘normal’. I soon started scrolling through facebook and people that have passed were now talking to me and I was talking to them, they would answer and show me who they were and sometimes what they did when they were alive. The feeling I would get when a spirit wanted to communicate with a loved one I was near, was so intense, I didn’t know what to do, but gently ask if I could pass on a message from their loved one. It was the only way I knew at that time, to eliminate that intense feeling. Every time I would pass that on, the receiver would always express gratitude and that that is what they needed to hear at that specific moment. Finally, I spoke with a woman who is a well-known psychic and medium in Calgary. When she told me that I was “like her”, I was confused. What does that mean? She is an 80-something-year-old lady with celebrity pictures hanging on her wall and her
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room is filled with angels. What did she mean that I was like her? “You are a medium, just like me”. I wasn’t losing my mind, I was hearing and seeing spirits from the other side and they were trusting me to help pass on messages to their loved ones.” Meanwhile, Charlotte lives a ‘normal’ life in Okotoks, where she has a home in Crystal Shores. “Okotoks still has that ‘small town’ feel, it always has for me. It truly is my home.” Jessica has a successful career and lives in Calgary, while Riley and Madison attend Holy Trinity Academy. They have a dog named KitKat. She reads a lot, mostly books on entrepreneurism or spiritualism, hikes, snowshoes, takes long walks along the Sheep River and has even been known to go winter camping on her own. Family time is important, and she’s proud of her role as a single parent. A recent family trip to Mexico created special memories. “You always wonder if you’re doing a good enough job,” she says, “but I am just here to love, guide and support them unconditionally.” When not with family or friends, she’s with clients and colleagues, working at the businesses she owns. Yes, businesses — plural. “I own Chem Free Cleaning here in Okotoks,” she says of the residential and commercial cleaning operation she’s run from her home for the past 10 years. “When I realized that I was having chemical reactions to the cleaning products that were on the market at that time — some of which were claiming to be to be ‘green’ — I started experimenting with different ingredients and using them to clean. My clients began to ask where they could buy the products I was using, and One Three Tree was born.” The cleaning products were originally only available in the local Nutters, until Charlotte approached David Gilbert at Sobey’s, who agreed to try the product and allow her to do sample set ups in the store. The product has now been in Sobey’s for five years and counting, while the Shawnessy Safeway in Calgary has agreed to sample the products in their location too. As for her visions, she’s joined a ‘medium circle’, learning to hone her skills and strengthen the gift she has named ‘this loveliness’. “I feel I have been blessed with two near-death experiences, and I am still here! I like to think it is so that I can help people heal by doing angel card readings and sometimes through receiving a message from a loved one. “I don’t force it, but if spirit wants to come through,” she smiles, “who am I to say no.” OL
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Wasn’t that a party?! THE 2018 OKOTOKS and District Chamber of Commerce Trade and Lifestyle Show was the best ever! Special thanks to all the exhibiting vendors who turned out and to the many people behind the scenes (yes, I’m talking about you Mark from the Town and Lee from the Rec Centre) who made it possible. As a member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, having an insider’s view really gave me a new perspective on just how much work — by so many people — goes into producing an event this big. I also had an opportunity to work the front admission desk for a few hours, and it was great to be able to greet the literally hundreds of folks who passed through the door during my two-hour shift. To the parents of the kid who got his re-entry stamp on the middle of his forehead, sorry about that (not really), and thanks for your understanding. And, finally, thanks to all of you, the Okotoks residents who read our magazine and attend community events. Because, really, we do it all for you. Scan QR code to download your photo, or visit the Okotoks Living Facebook page for more. Photos by Lana Armitage
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culture
A Beautiful Legacy
Leighton Art Centre is where art and nature come together in Alberta’s Foothills Story by AMANDA MACK AY
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eighton Art Centre is the Heritage Home Museum, Art Gallery and Education Centre that occupies the house and land formerly owned by two prominent Alberta artists: A.C. Leighton and Barbara Leighton.
Barbara — who outlived her more famous husband by over twenty years — decided in the 1970’s to turn their beautiful home into a space to promote the enjoyment of art, while also founding an art Education Centre in a nearby abandoned schoolhouse. On her death in 1986, Barbara left the entire property to the charitable foundation that continues to oversee her remarkable legacy. With a mission of inspiring all visitors to explore, appreciate and create, the centre is a vibrant space for artists, art- and nature-lovers and the thousands of school children who visit on field trips each year. Visitors go to Leighton Art Centre to roam over its 80 acres of natural Foothills habitat, to create art (and learn about nature) as part of a school program, summer camp or artist
workshop, or to to explore the museum and art gallery. First-time visitors are invariably hooked, planning their return visit before they’ve even left the property. While Leighton Art Centre is a welcoming spot all year long, spring and summer are certainly high season. The Clothesline Festival & Art Sale, featuring original, unframed art and fine craft by over 60 local artists (with most of the art actually hung on clotheslines!) is an annual highlight. Following the festival, it’s just a few short weeks until the centre is humming with the happy voices of the dozens of children who attend Art & Nature day camps each week. Leighton Art Centre bills itself as “a place to feel free”... and we think Barbara Leighton would approve. OL
Leighton Art Centre.
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a day in the life
Max’s special day Robinson family honours son’s memory by helping kids Story by CARMEN SOLANA-MARTIN
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ne Okotoks family has turned personal tragedy into philanthropy by creating a foundation that both helps children and honours their late son’s memory.
Amber Robinson, a local teacher, and her husband Dave, a golf-pro, were joyful when their son Max was born in August 2008. Two years later, he became a big brother to Maisie, whom he adored. In early June, 2015, Max was admitted to the Alberta Children’s Hospital after he became ill from a dangerous strain of E. coli. He passed away on June 13, at the age of 7, due to complications from the infection. Max embraced life and loved spending time with his family and friends. “Max had a huge emotional IQ, a good sense of humour, and he loved really, really hard,” says Amber. Gifted academically, Max excelled at math and reading, enjoyed playing golf, and riding on roller coasters. To continue Max’s legacy, the family established The Max Robinson Children’s Foundation, with the mandate to financially
support children’s health and education. Robinson says 90 per cent of the foundation’s funds are donated to the Alberta Children’s Hospital, whose compassionate staff took care of her family during the most devastating time of their lives. “We pledged to the hospital that we would raise $125,000 over four years, and we are halfway there,” she says. “We also fund an Advanced Placement Scholarship at Edison School, and sponsor children to join the Okotoks Scouts.” The family’s impressive financial goals for the foundation are inspired by their continued memories of Max. “We think Max would have done big things in his life, and because he can’t, we will.” Fundraising also helps the family’s healing process. “Your biggest fear when you lose a child is that he will be forgotten,” says Robinson. “The foundation continues the story of Max.” The Third annual Max Robinson Children’s Foundation Memorial Golf Tournament will be held on June 10 at the Crystal Ridge Golf Course in Okotoks. “This family-friendly event, in the true spirit of our son, also includes a mini-golf game for the kids, silent and live auctions, raffle, great prizes, and a delicious brunch.” OL
“WE THINK MAX WOULD HAVE DONE BIG THINGS IN HIS LIFE, AND BECAUSE HE CAN’T, WE WILL.” For more information www.maxrobinson4kids.com Facebook @MaxRobinsonChildrensFoundation Instagram maxrobinson4kids
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homes
The other side of the fence Trust me, things are greener in Okotoks Story by JIM ZANG
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f you’re one of those folks who likes to complain about the pace of growth in Okotoks — maybe you don’t like big box stores, or you think the roads are too busy, or that there’s too much land development — get over it.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for maintaining that small affordable multi-family housing will become available. town feel that Okotoks still has, but perhaps a quick comCochrane’s municipal government, land developers, home builders and parison of Okotoks to another similar-sized town will help businesses — not to mention residents — have all had some interesting put things in a more realistic perspective. Sometimes, if challenges in the past few years and will continue to in the next few. But you take the time to look at things objectively, you realize they’re not running and hiding or sticking their head in the sand and that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side of hoping progress goes away. Nope, they’re meeting it head on with things the fence. In fact, you’ve got it pretty good, Okotoks. like public engagement programs and infrastructure development such For today’s comparison, may I present the Town of as a planned — and much needed — second bridge across the Bow River. Cochrane. According to Canada Mortgage and Housing Okotoks got its second bridge a few years back, a sign that local politicos Corporation statistics for the first quarter of 2018, 20 at the time knew what they were doing and an act that freed up current single family homes were started in Okotoks. During that budget for other projects. But for now, relax. Take that stroll along the river, stop to smell the same time period, 77 houses were started in Cochrane. Cochrane’s total 2018 year-to-date for all types of hous- flowers and watch the deer along the pathway. Trust me, Okotoks, you’ve ing starts combined is 139. got it pretty good. OL chart A Okotoks’ is 24. Yes, 24. 2017 totals saw an even OKOTOKS Housing starts by dwelling type COCHRANE Housing starts by dwelling type bigger discrepancy between Q1 2018 Q1 2017 Q1 2018 Q1 2017 the two towns (see chart A) Single family 20 21 Single family 77 48 Sure, things will pick up on the housing start front Semi-detached 4 2 Semi-detached 36 20 once some new developmRow 0 0 Row 14 30 nents like D’Arcy start to Apartment 0 0 Apartment 12 87 pick-up steam. And, hopeAll 24 23 All 139 185 fully, some much-needed
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| ADVERTISING FEATURE |
D’ARCY begins
Show home openings mark start of growth in D’ARCY
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here is much to love about the small town character of Okotoks, but don’t mistake its quiet, unassuming character, as underneath that quaint picture of a small southern Alberta prairie town is a thriving area of growth. Okotoks is growing rapidly, as it strives to retain the family-friendly, small town values that have endeared it to residents. The new community of D’ARCY by Anthem United is the embodiment of this bright future and steadfast commitment to Okotoks’ heritage. With sprawling green spaces, plans for two new schools, a high street, community spaces and access to a neighbouring golf course, D’Arcy is a community designed for today’s family with a vision that honours the neighborhoods’ past. “Okotoks is an incredibly special place,” says Steve LePan, development manager for Anthem United, the developers of D’ARCY. “It’s rich with history and has a strong community identity. In putting together the designs for D’ARCY we knew we wanted to create a neighbourhood centred around lifestyle; a place that would inspire connections and community.” D’ARCY will sit on 280 acres of prime real estate connected by a network of pathways. Panoramic views of the Rockies are an everyday treat. And retaining the small town values of Okotoks remains integral in the plans for
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this new community being developed by Anthem United that opens its first show homes on May 12. It is a master-planned community that has taken every detail into consideration, including the curve of the streets to reflect the view line to the mountains. The open space is designed to connect local residents and neighbouring communities. Land-use considers the diversity of homeowners by offering an abundance of choice. D’ARCY is named after a long-time farming family from the town 20 minutes south of Calgary. It is bounded on the north by the town boundary, on the south by Sandstone Gate, on the east by Northridge Drive, and on the west by the D’ARCY Ranch golf course. “We’re going to be showing product types for all budgets and lifestyles, everything from street towns, townhomes, semi-detached and other multi-family styles, to single-family homes with rear-detached and front attached garages, and move-up and estate homes” he adds. First up will be Morrison Homes’ paired homes from the low $300,000s, and laned homes from Pacesetter by Sterling Homes and Trico Homes from the $370,000s. Move up and Estate Style Home sales will follow in phase 2; however the show homes for these will be under construction later this year in phase one, LePan says. No-condo-fee street towns and villas will follow; there will also be high-end homes in D’ARCY’s estate area. “We anticipate a lot of interest from buyers who would otherwise be looking at some of south Calgary’s newer communities. Moving to Okotoks offers them the chance to be at the centre of a small, connected community, rather than the outskirts of big one,” he adds. For more information, visit www.darcyokotoks.com n
community
Super summer
More events than ever to look forward to Story by BR ANDI HOLMES
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he town of Okotoks always has so much to offer residents, but in the summer months, town events sky rocket.
Kicking off the ‘fest’ season is the Okotoks Annual Parade and Children’s Festival on June 16. The parade begins at 11 a.m. in downtown followed by the Children’s Festival at 12 p.m. There is a theme every year, and this year it is ‘proud to be Canadian!’ The sixth annual BuckersFest take place June 23. There is no cost to participate and there are prizes awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place — as long as you play unplugged you are welcome to join in on the entertainment. Next up is Taste of Okotoks on July 21 back for it’s fifth year. As always sampling tickets are $1 each and pre-sale are available at the Rec Cnte and the Okotoks Art Gallery starting on July 15. Taste of Okotoks is an event not to miss out on — festival goers are able to enjoy food offerings for local restaurants and enjoy a variety of products at the accompanying artisan market.
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Chefs and sommeliers will be pairing dishes and drinks this August 18, for Off the Vine, om evening event, with attendees given a “passport” where they will receive a stamp for all of the booths they’ve visited, and have opportunities to be taught wine tips and tricks. The event takes place outdoors at Ethel Tucker Park from 4 – 8 p.m. on August 18, and will have a very sophisticated feel, with high tables, soft music, and fabulous food. Early Bird Passports will be selling for $50 or at the door for $60. Each passport has 15 wine sampling tickets and 10 food tickets. Last but not least is ChiliFest on August 25 starting at 11 a.m. in downtown Okotoks. This year, Mark Doherty, community events specialist for the Town of Okotoks, says “we have four of our local service clubs working in collaboration for the organization of the chili cook-off.” The four clubs are the Okotoks Lions, Kinsmen, Elks and Legion. You can also register your own team into the cook-off, for more information, visit okotoks.ca. Tasting tickets are $5 — and don’t forget to vote for your favourite! For more information on all summer events, please visit www.okotoks.ca. OL
entertainment
Lights! Camera! Film Festival!
Support your local independent filmmaker Story and photos by SUZANNE HALE
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o stranger to blockbusters of every genre, Okotoks Cinemas will soon host a more unique event where local artistry meets intercontinental talent, the combination producing the multi-faceted 2nd annual Okotoks Film Festival. The brainchild of creator Katie Fournell, the Okotoks Film Festival has enjoyed support that exemplifies Okotoks’ small-town values. “Once Okotokians know we are here, they are nothing but enthusiastic!” Katie says, expressing gratitude towards many local businesses whose donations, as well as a grant from the Community Initiatives Program (CIP), are key in bringing the festival to life. On Katie’s relocation here from Edmonton in 2015, she had a plan to introduce Okotoks to the world of independent film, hoping to encourage local film-making, and the resultant success has been gratifying. “We show films that are killing it at huge festivals around the world,” says Katie. “We’re only in our second year and I’m floored by how professional the films are. I’m happy to say all three of our Feature Length Films were worked on by artists from Alberta and Okotoks.” Opening the festival on June 8 is the feature film Ice Blue, a thriller shot in and around Okotoks by local producer Scott Lepp and director Sandi Somers. Additionally, viewers can enjoy many short films over the weekend including films from four different continents. KinderReels, a collection of children’s films playing at 10 a.m. on June 9, will entertain little ones with the Blackfoot legend of the Big Rock, while those wanting something with a little more bite will appreciate Twisted Reels, a collection of horror films featuring everything from zombies to serial killer clowns, a mix targeting the adult-only crowd. “We really do have something for everyone — films that we know will make a big splash internationally as they move forward,” says Katie. For something with an improvisational tone, viewers can take in films created at the 48-hour filmmaking challenge where teams sign
up and are given a prop, line, and genre. “They bring us a finished film 48 hours later — it’s easily one of our most popular screenings,” says Katie. For more information or to buy tickets, visit www.okotoksfilmfestival. ca. Tickets can also be purchased at the door. For $50, attendees can take in every facet of the event, while workshops can be attended for $5 each, with individual screenings selling for $15 each. OL
Filmmaker Heidi Ellen, star of one of last year’s films titled I Phub You.
Ashley, Katie and Robin of Okotoks Film Festival.
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business directory To book a space call 403.532.3101 or email advertising@sourcemediagroup.ca
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sports
Play ball!
Dawgs looking forward to an exciting season Story by JODY SANDERSON
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he Okotoks Dawgs of the Western Major Baseball League have been wowing fans since opening day at Seaman Stadium in June 2007. Over 2,500 eager baseball fans turned out that historic day, and the average attendance was 3,300 for each game in 2017! “We doubled sales of game tickets on our first day this year,” says John Ircandia, the Okotoks Dawgs Founding and Managing Director. “The response has been great! As the third top attended (baseball) facility in Canada, including Rogers Centre, our goal has always been to put the best ball team we can on the field. And this year is no different: we’re going to be strong.” And there will be a new face leading the charge this year, joining coaching alumni David Robb, Andy Peterson and Joe Sergent. New head coach Mitch Schmidt is completing his 12th season with the Bellevue Bruins, a NAIA national championship program at Bellevue University in Nebraska. His accomplishments are impressive. In his 22 years of coaching, 87 of his players have signed professional contracts and been awarded individual athletic and academic awards. Since joining Bellevue in 2005, his teams have made four NAIA World Series appearances as well has MCAC Tournament appearances and regular season championships. “Mitch was at the top of our recruitment list,” says Ircandia. “His values mirror our own, and he has a history of excellent collaboration with all members of every organization he’s been involved with. He has met our fans and staff, and everyone is keen about him coming here.” Cheryl Olson, the Dawg’s Operations Manager echoes the sentiment. “Mitch has been working tirelessly to put together a great team for us this summer and now that the snow has melted, we can’t wait to get started and welcome back the best fans in all of baseball!” Catching up with Schmidt wasn’t easy, as Bellevue is currently winding up its season with games to go. “Everyone in baseball circles knows that the top summer placement for student athletes is Okotoks, in the WMBL,” says Schmidt. “And I think the number one thing I am most excited about is that I will get to share my passion for the game of baseball as it relates to life with a new
Kody Funderburk, of Dallas Baptist University.
group of players, coaches and fans.” As for who’ll be playing this summer? Schmidt says, “We all know the roster will not be the same as it is on the website today, and the roster that starts game one in Edmonton won’t be the roster that finishes the season for the WMBL Championship game. We have recruited quality players and hope that a few of these guys get drafted and signed, which means we are bringing in the right level of talent.” Kody Funderburk, of Dallas Baptist University, finished last season hitting a league leading 16 home-runs, finishing with a .339 average. He’s on fire again in Dallas with a five-inning shutout. Matt Lloyd, at Indiana University, was WMBL’s MVP in 2017, with a .402 average and 24 game hitting franchise record. He is Indiana’s go to closer, with nine saves, sitting at fourth in the conference. Familiar names we’re hoping to see again include Justin King, Eddie Sanchez, and Ryan Humenuik, to name a few.” Schmidt’s game strategy is clear. “Offensively, we will strive to average one run an inning, by getting the lead-off man on base every inning. Have no Ks (strikeouts) from our lead-off hitter every inning. Get every base runner into scoring position with less than two outs. Never leave a runner in scoring position to end and inning. Defensively, we will strive to make every routine play. Get the lead-off man out at every inning. Re-focus with two outs — close out the inning — no hits or runs with two out. End innings with strikeouts and double plays. Pitchers will average one K for every inning pitched.” The Dawgs open their season in Okotoks on Saturday, June 2nd, at 7:05 p.m. OL
New head coach Mitch Schmidt.
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events
What’s happening
To have your event listed, email info to okotoks.editor@sourcemediagroup.ca. For culture and heritage events visit www.okotoksculture.ca For information on Town of Okotoks events visit www.okotoks.ca/discover-okotoks/things-do/ community-events-calendar
ONGOING Just What the Doctor Ordered runs to June 30 at the Okotoks Museum & Archives. This exhibit explores the early doctors and druggists of Okotoks. Okotoks and World War I 10 a.m. to 5p.m. Follow the battles of World War I and the roles Okotoks residents played in the war. The exhibit will continue until the 100th anniversary of the end of the war in November 2018. Time is a Flat Circle by Ryan Smitham runs from June 9 to September 1 at the
Okotoks Art Gallery. The exhibit explores physical phenomena and human — caused issues via five unique sculptures. No Clear Line from June 9 to September 1 at the Okotoks Art Gallery. Artist Paul Rasporich combines his love for art with his passion for fishing. Fanciful Forest Friends on May 29, June 5 & 12 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. kids ages 6 to 12 can learn papier-mâché and pottery techniques in this four part series taught by local artist Jennifer Stables. $100 + GST.
to sell (with exception of animal, drugs & alcohol) and come to All Through the House for a ‘parking lot sale’ for only $20 a day. For more information visit, www. allthroughthehouse.ca Homesteading — From backache to Heartbreak at the museum from May 1 to September 3.
Okotoks Tailgate Sale starting on July 8 and running every other Sunday after. Fill your cars up with anything you would like
In the Moment — Memory Café for people with dementia and their caregivers. The first café will be held June 6 and will continue on the first Wednesday of every month from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Okotoks Seniors Club
10 – 11:30 a.m. and exchange your plants for new ones! Plants can also be purchased
starting at $2. Proceeds go to the Okotoks Garden Club and Okotoks Food Bank.
MAY
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Okotoks Plant Share. Come to the Okotoks Operation Centre
JUNE
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National Health & Fitness Day. Free activities all day at three different locations around Okotoks starting at 8 a.m.
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Seniors’ Week Celebration Tea. To celebrate the 32nd seniors week (June 3 – 9), Family and Community Support Services is holding a seniors celebration with a free light lunch and entertainment. From 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
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Acrylic Marbling on Canvas from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m at the Okotoks Art Gallery. Learn the secrets behind creating marbled canvas using acrylic paint and pouring techniques. $30 + GST, ages 12 – 18.
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Foothills Philharmonic Jazz Concert at Okotoks Alliance Church at 7 p.m.
Junk in the Trunk Sale from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Old Creamery Site on Riverside Drive.
Parade & Children’s Festival. The parade starts at 11 a.m. downtown with the festival to follow at 12 to 3 p.m. Crafts, face painting, food and live entertainment. Salute to Our Veterans Walking Tour starting at 10 a.m. take a one hour free tour of the “Salute to Our Veter-
ans” wall on Veterans Way. Meet at the benches halfway up the hill. Magical Mask-making & Dress-up at the RPAC from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Ages 3 to 6 are recommended. $10 + GST.
Okotoks BuskersFest from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. visit downtown to enjoy live street performances, boutique shopping an artisan market. Show the buskers your love with a cash donation. Canada Day Eve Concert starting at 7 p.m. at Olde Towne Plaza.
events
JULY
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Canada Day Celebration from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. beside the Okotoks Rec Centre.
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Teddy Bear Picnic & Family Resource Fair for kids 2 to 10 at the Rec Centre from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring your favourite stuffed animal to this free, fun-filled event.
Junk in the Trunk Sale from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Old Creamery Site on Riverside Drive. ,21,22,27,28,29 Alice@Wonderland — The musical. Alice is a texting, tweeting, Googling girl of the digital age, yet she finds herself in the Wonderland of old — with all the characters we know so well. At Olde Towne Plaza, evening performances are July 20, 21, 27 & 28 at 7 p.m.
AUGUST
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Junk in the Trunk Sale from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Old Creamery Site on Riverside Drive.
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Pop Up in the Park taking place this year at the Drake Landing Soccer Field on Drake Landing drive. Come on down and celebrate local talent with fantastic stage performances. Free to the public from 12 to 3 p.m.
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Off the Vine WineFest from 4 to 8 p.m. at Ethel Tucker Park. An adult only ticketed event featuring great food and great wine. See story on page 24 for details.
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Okotoks Show & Shine in Olde Town Okotoks starting at 11 a.m. and running until 4 p.m. Featuring classic, vin-
and afternoon matinees on July 21, 22, 28 & 29 at 2 p.m.
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Taste of Okotoks from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Elizabeth Street, enjoy delicious food & drink from local restaurants, live music, boutique shopping, artisan market and activities for the kids. Samples only cost a few tickets and each ticket is $1. Tickets on sale July 15 at the Rec Centre or the Art Gallery. You can also buy tickets day at the ticket booth at the event or the Gallery.
tage, custom and special interest vehicles with live entertainment and food vendors of course.
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Okotoks ChiliFest running from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. along Elizabeth St. and Elk Ave. There will be chili tasting, live music, an artisan market and the main event — a chilli cook off! You can even enter a team to compete. Tasting tickets are $5.
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you said it
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Brycal S.
Marvin Joson
I would love to either fly or breathe underwater. I think flying would be my top choice though. It would help the environment and I wouldn’t have to worry about transit anymore!”
If I could have a power, I’d want to be able to fly. I wouldn’t have to worry about being late for work! No traffic, no airfare, and no more having to spend money on gas. It’d be great.”
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I’d choose invisibility! I’d definitely use it to sneak onto a plane and travel everywhere.” Jade Willson
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I’d probably choose to breathe underwater. I want to be a lifeguard eventually, so that would come in handy for sure.”
If you had a superpower what would it be? BY ISABEL RODRIGUEZ
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Zoe Jobson
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I already have a superpower — my cooking! I love food, and I love to eat. I come from a family of foodies, so it’s only natural.” Ivy Lapind
Shapeshifting! If you could shapeshift, you could have any kind of power you’d want.”
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You know, honestly, I’ve never though about it. As a kid, I might’ve. I don’t think I need one though. Hard work is enough.”
Ian S.
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Honestly, growing up superheroes were the furthest thing from my mind! I really like that one girl from the Avengers — the Scarlet Witch! She’s able to move things with her mind. That’s so convenient. I’d love to be able to do that.” Amanda Reynolds
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Breathing underwater. I love the ocean. I’ve always been swimming my whole life.” Meika S.
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Karl Chan
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