T8N Magazine

BONBON’S TREASURE SAY IT WITH FLOWERS HITTING THE COURTS ANYONE FOR PICKLEBALL?

&

5 UNIQUE COCONUT RECIPES

LAHARI YOGA MELDING SCIENCE & SPIRITUALITY

ST. ALBERT’S WEIRD VOTING HABITS

“GBT is the most efficient treatment

the introduction of professional teeth cleaning.”

MORE COMFORTABLE than traditional dental hygiene methods.

NO MORE cups and gritty paste.

WARM WATER leads to less sensitivity.

QUICKER and more efficient hygiene visits.

Dr. Dana Hardy

Dr. Jeff Harder

-Dr. Leukauf

PUBLISHER EDITOR

Rob Lightfoot Gene Kosowan

ART DIRECTION

Brenda Lakeman

DESIGN & PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT

Isaac White

PHOTOGRAPHY

Brenda Lakeman

CONTRIBUTOR

Paula E. Kirman, and Shima Zonneveld.

OFFICE MANAGER

Janice Lightfoot

CONTRIBUTING AGENCIES

Images page 7: Sirylok/Adobe Stock, page 28: 2dmolier/Adobe Stock, micromonkey/Adobe Stock

ISSN 2368-707X (PRINT)

ISSN 2368-7088 (ONLINE)

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PUBLISHER & PRESIDENT

Rob Lightfoot: rob@t8nmagazine.com

Mailbox #215, 3-11 Bellerose Drive, St.Albert T8N 5C9

Rob Lightfoot

WHILE WE’VE GONE THROUGH SIX ELECTIONS SINCE 2015 , thankfully only one took place during the spring, when we normally prefer to think about the amenities of the season. This time, however, we could head back to the polls as early as May to pick Alberta’s next government. But St. Albert is a strange riding that’s federally voted Conservative for decades, while it’s historically been all over the map provincially. We tackle what’s behind the discrepancy on page 7.

Still, that shouldn’t shift our focus on what spring annually brings, namely a landscape of colour that inspires the likes of visual artist Melanie Hsiao, who’s been turning heads with her flower-pressing art (page 10), or finds its way onto wares courtesy of botanically-minded artisans (page 20).

If exercise is your thing, how about taking your mat to a few yoga sessions at a studio offering classes for every walk of life and therapeutic preference (page 22), or grab a paddle for a few games of pickleball facilitated by a local club dedicated to the sport (page 28)? Others might want to find out unique ways to cook coconut (page 13), or discover the vibrant past of Oakmont, one of our newest neighborhoods, long before it became part of St. Albert (page 25).

Understandably, ballot marking might be an inconvenient distraction from getting into the swing of spring, but its importance to democracy can’t be overstated enough. Still, anyone who revels in the beauty that this season has to offer would get our vote!

On the Cover

The florally-decorated, halved coconut that graces our cover suggests the best of two worlds when it comes to cooking this unique fruit in that it’s not only tasty, but also very nutritious. To find five ways to use coconut in the kitchen, turn to page 13.

Photo: Brenda Lakeman

BY PAULA E. KIRMAN

Poll Dancing

IF LAS VEGAS bookies had to handicap electoral outcomes affecting ridings in which St. Albert resides, don’t count on any consistent odds between different levels of government. Federally, for openers, expect to clean up after picking a party with conservative leanings, as right-wing contenders have had a lock in the area since 1958. But provincially, all bets are off when you consider that St. Albertans have voted left and right with pendular regularity ever since Alberta entered Confederation in 1905.

Why St. Albertans vote differently federally and provincially

hile it’s highly improbable that the federal Conservatives will lose the St. Albert-Edmonton riding when the country likely heads to the polls in 2025, the Alberta election − predicted for May − could be a nail-biter. Electoral projection website 338Canada.com reveals the federal Conservatives boast almost a 50 percent lead over other parties in the riding. Meanwhile, the left-leaning NDP is still holding onto the provincial St. Albert seat, although the United Conservatives enjoyed a spike in popularity in late December.

Historically Wonky

Representation is responsible for St. Albert’s historically wonky selections at the polling booths, says political science professor Duane Bratt at Calgary’s Mount Royal University. “Even during the dynasty decades, federal conservatives would win with much higher percentages than Alberta conservatives,” said Bratt, via email, about voting during the Alberta Progressive Conservatives’ 43-year grip on the province. “Provincial conservatives for 30 years have struggled in the Edmonton area.”

Another consideration brought up by Bratt is how constituents view their representatives. “Federal Liberals and NDP are seen as being controlled outside of Alberta, but provincially, the old Alberta Liberals and the NDP today are seen by a good percentage of the population as being pro-Alberta and representing Albertan issues.”

Sporadic Contact

Former provincial politician and Deputy Premier Thomas Lucaszuk, who represented Edmonton-Castledowns under the Progressive Conservative banner, has his own theory. “Federal politics, which mainly deals with foreign affairs, intergovernmental relations, and other 'high level' impersonal issues, is rather irrelevant to St. Albert residents' everyday life,” he says. “Only diehard political enthusiasts pay attention to the daily machinations of federal politics and follow their MP’s activities in Ottawa.”

Lukaszuk argued that most federal MPs aren’t very relevant to the folks they represent. “Once elected, they disappear to Ottawa and have only sporadic contact with their constituents. As such, unless there is a 'wave of change' sweeping across Alberta, voters are likely to vote for the name they’re familiar with, unable to really evaluate the incumbent MP’s performance.”

That line of thinking could have been the case for Brent Rathgeber, a Conservative who won the federal seat in 2008, but left the party five years later, to become the only independent to represent St. Albert. The Conservatives struck back, taking away his seat after the 2015 election.

Wide Disparity

Between the two levels of government, the disparity between St. Albert's current political representatives is wide. MLA Marie Renaud is a booster of numerous social programs and issues, in line with the Alberta NDP platform. At the other end of the scale, MP Michael Cooper leans heavily to the right – further than many of his federal Conservative colleagues. Even still, “it is not uncommon for voters to vote differently provincially and federally,” added Bratt.

“Provincial politics is largely about social programs, health care and education. When federal parties try and introduce social programs, they have to work with the provinces (like child care). Also, local candidates usually represent about five percent of the vote; the rest is leader-party affiliation.”

Bratt also said the country and the province shows a clear split between rural and urban voters. “Conservatives dominate rural

“We know that there are different voting behaviours between rural and urban ridings”

Canada and especially Alberta,” he said. “We know that there are different voting behaviours between rural and urban ridings, including those ridings that have a combination.”

Shifting Borders

That voting discrepancy hasn’t historically affected the outcomes in St. Albert, even after its borders have been repeatedly redrawn since 1968, when the city was part of the Pembina rural district. The riding also incorporated part of the Yellowhead region in 1987, before a 2003 reconfiguration limited the area to include the city and part of Edmonton. Despite shifts in rural-urban representation, Conservatives still handily won the seat, a scenario that’s unlikely to change, even if the federal government adopts a 2022 proposal to shift the borders again and rename the riding Sturgeon River.

“The current riding boundaries include a significant part of Edmonton, with somewhat different demographics than

St. Albert, so there may be differences there, but at the moment there is not enough of a rural population in the riding to be a significant factor,” argued AlbertaPolitics.ca blogger David Climenhaga. “The next redistribution, I understand, will include a considerably larger rural area, and that may make it possible for Michael Cooper to stay in power more easily.”

A St. Albert resident, Climenhaga thinks his fellow citizens also vote on what’s important for the city, such as park and street maintenance, reasonable taxes, maintaining the RCMP as local law enforcers, and keeping pensions away from the provincial government. “I think they're not overtly hostile to Ottawa; they don't care as much as the UCP thinks they do about federal-provincial jurisdiction,” added Climenhaga.“They're fiscally prudent and cautiously conservative on budget matters, they're mostly not racists or religious bigots, and to a significant degree they're not paying a lot of attention to federal politics. Yet.”

Community Values

Lukaszuk, also from St. Albert, believes the city is “an inclusive, caring, and politically centrist community,” citing Renaud and former Progressive Conservative MLA Mary O’Neill as more accurate reflections of the community’s values.

Ultimately, the choices of St. Albert voters, once they hit the ballot box, may not necessarily be in line with what current polls are saying. “I would expect that the NDP continues to win this riding,” said Bratt. “If the NDP is to form government, they need to hold St. Albert and win more suburban ridings that surround Edmonton. The UCP can form government without St. Albert, but if they win it, they will likely form government.”

Lukaszuk, however, was more guarded with his response. “Fifteen years in elected office taught me one thing: don’t pay attention to polls,” he said. “Election Day is the only poll that matters.” t8n

Edmond-Dantès (Pexels)

Creativity in bloom

BY GENE KOSOWAN PHOTOGRAPHY BRENDA LAKEMAN

Melanie Hsiao loves the natural surroundings, particularly in St. Albert, where she’s been residing since 2005. “I like the landscape and the colour of the sky and the difference between the seasons,” she said. “Each season has its own beauty. And the colours of the greens here are so amazing.”

The visual artist finds the local landscape, especially the flowers, so inspirational, she’ll use those plants to press flowers into intricate pieces of art that includes jewellery, cards, wall pictures and conversation pieces meant for tables. But the creations by Hsiao, who works full-time at her craft, haven’t been restricted to brightening home surroundings.

The business she started in 2012, Bonbon’s Treasures — named after her sister who died of cancer when she was young — does well in terms of sales via art commerce website Etsy.com. Her works have made their way to such spots as the Art Gallery of St. Albert, Calgary’s Present Festival of Crafts, and Edmonton’s Kaleido Festival. In the city, she’s also made her colourful wares available at places like the Musée Heritage Museum and St. Albert Botanic Park for years and often hits trade shows and markets across the province.

An instructor in her native Taiwan introduced Hsiao to the craft of pressing flowers while she was studying commercial design. “It was so relaxing and at that time, I had depression, and it was gone when I took that craft and it was nice,” recalled Hsiao. “I decided to go further because I it was something I wanted to do in my lifetime. “

Other practitioners throughout time might agree with those therapeutic amenities. The craft of pressing flowers dates back as far as 3,000 years, a discovery made by archaeologists in Egypt who found versions of the art form in a coffin containing the body of King Tutankhamun’s mother. But credit the Japanese in the 16th century for mastering the discipline they called Oshibana, which relied on paint made from natural vegetation to accentuate the detail of their works. Women in England during Queen Victoria’s reign took the art a step further by combining pressed flowers with ribbons and other decorations.

Hsiao was trained in the Victorian style of flower pressing, but has since added a unique twist to her works. “What I do is different from other people,” she said. “I do layering, so you can see that the art is three dimensional. It’s like a mini-landscape.”

Those mini-landscapes might be reflective of the panoramic views of the rural areas in this region. Wildflowers particularly interest her. It’s a far cry from her outdoor experiences in Vancouver, her first Canadian home since leaving Taiwan in 2000. “Compared to Vancouver where it’s all presented right there,” she said, “the beauty here is something you have to discover for yourself.” t8n

2022 Breakfast & Brunch

BY SHIMA ZONNEVELD PHOTOGRAPHY BRENDA LAKEMAN

Cuckoo for Coconut

YOU WON’T FIND too many culinary folks who aren’t crazy about using coconut in the kitchen. Coconut is not only a multipurpose item, it’s also very nutritious in that it’s loaded with iron, magnesium, protein and Vitamin B. In these recipes, coconut is being called upon in many forms; sweetened flakes, unsweetened shredded, coconut milk, and coconut oil. Coconut is a very versatile ingredient lending itself to both sweet and savoury creations.

From flaky to shredded, this versatile ingredient adds zest to your meals

Coconut Pound Cake with Mango Whip

Beautiful coconut cake with a mango-infused whipped cream topping will satisfy both a tea time hankering and elevate dessert time offerings. Serve with fresh mango slices for the win!

½ c. unsalted butter, room temperature

1 c. granulated sugar

¼ c. melted virgin coconut oil

3 large eggs

¾ c. sour cream

½ c. coconut milk

2 c. all-purpose flour

2 tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. kosher salt

1 ½ c. toasted, sweetened flaked coconut

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray an 8½ x 4½-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.

Line with a piece of parchment, leaving an overhang on the long sides of the pan. This sling will help lift the loaf out of the pan for cooling. Set aside.

Mix the sour cream and coconut milk together and set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar for approximately three

minutes until pale and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, scraping the sides of the bowl after each addition.

Add in half of the sour cream and coconut milk mixture, mixing lightly. Add in the dry ingredients and mix on low until mostly incorporated. Add in the rest of the sour cream mixture and mix to combine.

Remove the bowl from the stand mixer and stir in one cup of the toasted coconut. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with an offset spatula and sprinkle the rest of the toasted coconut on the top. Tap the pan a couple of times on the counter to release any air bubbles. Bake for one hour to one hour and 15 minutes. The loaf should be golden brown and spring back when pressed.

Let the loaf cool in the pan for 30 minutes. Finish cooling completely on a rack.

Mango Whipping Cream

1 c. whipping cream pureé 1 mango (about ½ c. if using frozen mango)

1 tsp. granulated sugar

A stand mixer or a hand mixer can be used to whip the cream.

In a cold bowl with high sides, add in the cream and the sugar. Start to mix on low, increasing the speed to medium. Whip the mixture for about five to six minutes until the path of the whisks in the whipping cream remain and when lifted out of the mixture, the cream holds a peak.

Gently fold in the mango pureé. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Coconut Chicken with Scallion Noodles and Slaw

Serve crispy breaded chicken over a bed of flavourful noodles with crunchy slaw on the side. Top with a delicious homemade dressing and enjoy!

Coconut Chicken

2 chicken breasts

¼ c. toasted, unsweetened coconut

1 c. panko bread crumbs

1 c. flour

2 eggs (lightly beaten)

1 tsp. black pepper

½ tsp. kosher salt

A generous pinch of chili flakes (more or less depending on heat preference)

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. To dredge the chicken, set the three stations up. One bowl with the flour, second bowl with the egg and the third bowl with the coconut, panko, pepper, salt and chili flakes. Coat each chicken breast in flour first. Then dip the chicken in the egg and finally completely coat the chicken in the bread crumb mixture. Set each chicken breast onto the baking sheet.

Bake for 15 minutes. Turn the chicken breasts over and bake for another 10-15 minutes more. At the end to add some colour, turn the broiler on for about 3-5 minutes and broil until golden brown! Let the chicken breasts rest for 5 minutes, slice and plate with the noodles and the slaw!

Scallion Oil

2 bunches of green onions, washed and dried (12-14 stalks)

1 c. avocado oil

Cut the green onions into halves, separating the white/pale part from the dark green top. Set half of the dark green tops aside for garnish. Save the other half to add to the oil part way into the cooking process.

In a saucepan, add in the lower half of the scallions and the oil. Cook over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, until tiny bubbles start to appear. Add in the other half of the green

tops. Continue to cook for 20-25 minutes. It should be sizzling the entire time. At the end, the green onions will be a golden brown and slightly crisp.

Pour the oil through a fine mesh sieve and set aside to cool until ready to use.

Scallion noodles

1 tbsp. miso paste

1 tbsp. soy sauce

1 tbsp. scallion oil

¼ c. pasta cooking liquid

375 g spaghetti noodles

In a small bowl, whisk together the miso, soy and scallion oil.

Cook noodles according to package directions. Near the end of the cooking time, reserve one-quarter of the cup of the pasta cooking liquid and set aside. Drain the noodles and return them to the pot or a bowl. Add the two tbsp. of the pasta cooking liquid to the bowl with the other ingredients and whisk together (Feel free to add more cooking liquid to loosen up the sauce). Pour the sauce over the noodles, sprinkle with the other half of the scallion tops and serve.

Slaw Dressing

1 tbsp. grated ginger

2 tbsp. lime juice

2 tbsp. brown sugar

2 tbsp. red pepper flakes

1 tbsp. soy or tamari sauce

1 tbsp. scallion oil

¼ c. avocado oil

½ tsp. salt

½ tsp. pepper

For the slaw itself, any vegetables will work, such as carrots, radishes, cabbage, or anything that has a good crunch. Add all the ingredients to either a blender or a tall container and use a hand blender. Blend all the ingredients together and set aside. When ready, toss the vegetables with the dressing and serve.

Coconut Curry with Coconut Rice

This bright, flavourful green curry pairs perfectly with the richness of the coconut rice. A squeeze of lime at the end creates a beautiful flavour balance.

Coconut Curry

3 tbsp. avocado oil

1 pepper, thinly sliced

2 carrots, cut into matchsticks

1 stalk of pandan

1 c. broccoli florets

1 tsp. kosher salt

1 tsp. ground pepper

1 shallot, thinly sliced

½ c. snow peas, cut into thirds

2-3 tbsp. green curry paste

1 can (398mL) full fat coconut milk

sesame seeds

fresh cilantro

lime wedges

In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of the oil over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook for three minutes until softened. Add in the carrots, stir and cook for three minutes. Next add in both the pepper and the broccoli florets and continue cooking for another three minutes. Finally add in the snow peas. After two minutes, using a slotted spoon, remove all the vegetables into a bowl and set aside.

Using the same skillet, lower the heat slightly. Add in the remaining two tablespoons of oil and the green curry paste. Cook until the green curry paste is fragrant. Pour in the coconut milk, add the salt, pepper and pandan stalk. Whisk to combine. Let this mixture simmer for two to three minutes to bring the flavours together.

Add the vegetables back to the skillet and keep warm until the rice is ready. Serve with fresh cilantro, sesame seeds and a squeeze of lime juice

Coconut Rice

1 c. basmati rice

1 c. coconut milk (Use the other half of the can from the coconut loaf!)

1 c. water

1 tbsp. kosher salt

Add the rice into a medium pot and rinse before adding the cooking water. Drain off the rinse water and add in the coconut milk, water and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until all the liquid is absorbed. Remove from the heat, put the lid on until ready to serve. Fluff with a fork before serving.

Chocolate Macaroons

Chocolate and coconut are a win every time. These cookies are a sweet little bite anytime of the day. Change it up by adding cranberries or nuts instead of chocolate chips!

2½ c. flaked coconut, packed

¾ c. granulated sugar

¼ c. all purpose flour

3 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder

¼ tsp. salt

4 egg whites, lightly beaten

1 tsp. vanilla

1 c. milk chocolate chips (or cranberries)

½ c. chocolate circles

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

In a medium bowl, stir together the coconut, sugar, flour, cocoa, salt, and chocolate chips. Stir in egg whites and vanilla until combined. The dry ingredients should all be coated in the wet ingredients.

Using a 2 tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 20 minutes. As soon as the sheet is removed from the oven, press a chocolate circle into the top of each cookie. Let the cookies continue to cool on the sheet for 15 minutes and then remove to a cooling rack to completely cool the cookies. These cookies will keep in a sealed container for up to two weeks. They also freeze nicely!

Planning a Home Renovation: The Benefits of Using a Professional Contractor

Renovating your home can be an exciting and fulfilling process, but it can also be a daunting one, especially if you’re new to the world of DIY. Whether you’re looking to update your kitchen, add an extension, or overhaul your entire property, it’s important to have a plan in place to ensure that your renovation is a success. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of planning a home renovation and using a professional contractor to help you achieve your vision.

Benefits of Planning a Home Renovation

The first step in any successful home renovation is careful planning. Planning allows you to define your goals, set a budget, and create a timeline for your project. Here are some of the benefits of taking the time to plan your renovation:

1. Defining your goals: By taking the time to define your renovation goals, you can ensure that your project stays on track and meets your expectations.

For example, if you’re renovating your kitchen, you might want to prioritize functionality, storage, or aesthetic appeal. By setting clear goals at the outset, you can make sure that your renovation is focused on what’s important to you.

2. Setting a budget: One of the biggest benefits of planning your renovation is that it allows you to set a budget and stick to it. By creating a detailed budget, you can avoid overspending and ensure that your project stays within your means. This can be especially important if you’re taking out a loan to fund your renovation, as you’ll need to be able to repay the loan without incurring significant debt.

3. Creating a timeline: A well-planned renovation can help you stay on track and meet your deadlines. By creating a detailed timeline, you can ensure that your project is completed on schedule and within your desired timeframe. This can be especially important if you’re renovating your home while you’re living in it, as you’ll want to minimize disruptions to your daily routine.

Benefits of Using a Professional Contractor

While it’s possible to DIY a home renovation, many homeowners choose to work with a professional contractor to help them achieve their goals. Here are some of the benefits of using a professional contractor for your home renovation:

1. Experience and Expertise: A professional contractor has the experience and expertise to handle even the most complex renovation projects. They’ll be able to help you design your project, obtain the necessary permits, and navigate any unforeseen challenges that arise during the construction process. Additionally, they’ll have access to the latest tools, techniques, and materials, which can help ensure that your renovation is of the highest quality.

2. Time and Cost Savings: While it might seem counterintuitive, working with a professional contractor can actually save you time and money in the long run. Because contractors have the experience and expertise

to work efficiently, they’ll be able to complete your renovation more quickly than you would be able to do on your own. Additionally, they’ll be able to purchase materials and supplies at a lower cost, thanks to their industry connections and purchasing power.

3. Peace of Mind: Perhaps the biggest benefit of using a professional contractor for your renovation is the peace of mind it can provide. Knowing that your project is in capable hands can help you avoid stress and worry, and can allow you to focus on enjoying the transformation of your home. Additionally, a professional contractor will be fully insured, meaning that you’ll be protected in the unlikely event that something goes wrong during the renovation process.

Tips for Working with a Professional Contractor

If you’ve decided to work with a professional contractor for your home renovation, here are some tips to help ensure that the process is a success:

1. Do Your Research: Before hiring a contractor, it’s important to do your research to find someone who is a good fit for your project. Look for contractors who have experience in

the type of renovation you’re planning, and ask for references from previous clients. You can also check online reviews and ratings to get a sense of a contractor’s reputation.

2. Get Everything in Writing: Once you’ve selected a contractor, be sure to get everything in writing. This should include a detailed contract that outlines the scope of the project, the timeline, the budget, and any other important details. Having everything in writing can help avoid misunderstandings and ensure that both you and the contractor are on the same page.

3. Communicate Clearly: Clear communication is key to a successful renovation project. Make sure you discuss your goals and expectations with your contractor upfront, and be sure to keep the lines of communication open throughout the project. If you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to bring them up with your contractor.

4. Be Flexible: Even with careful planning and a professional contractor, it’s possible that your renovation project may encounter unexpected challenges or delays. Try to be flexible and patient, and work with your contractor to find solutions to any issues that arise.

In conclusion, planning a home renovation and working with a professional contractor can help you achieve your renovation goals with less stress and worry. By taking the time to define your goals, set a budget, and create a timeline, you can ensure that your renovation is a success. And by working with a professional contractor who has the experience, expertise, and resources to handle your project, you can save time and money while enjoying the peace of mind that comes with knowing your renovation is in capable hands. With careful planning and the right contractor, your home renovation can be a fulfilling and transformative experience that enhances your quality of life for years to come.

This sponsored content was produced in partnership between Caruana Interiors & Contracting and T8N magazine.

BY GENE KOSOWAN PHOTOGRAPHY: BRENDA LAKEMAN

Red Roses acrylic on birch board, 6x6 inches, $40, Cornflowers acrylic on birch board, 6x6 inches, $40, First Bloom acrylic on birch board, 6x6 inches (sold) by Maggie Godziuk, Art by Maggie G

Alyssum Blossom in the Butterfly, $50, and The Prairie Garden, $40, pressed flower necklaces by Melanie Hsiao, Bonbon’s Treasure Garden Floral pillow cover from Chapters Indigo $49.50

The Very Hungry Caterpillar's First Spring by Eric Carle from The Bookstore on Perron $11.99

FINERY

THERE’S SOMETHING TO BE SAID about artistic wares with flowers on them. That botanic statement alone suggests beauty, serenity and a certain joie de vivre that can highlight your home environment. Here’s a look at eight nifty offerings that include all of those amenities. t8n

Spring Flower shea butter and coconut milk handmade soaps featuring floral, citrus, and herbal essential oils from Mike and Jenn Craft Soap, $9 each

Designers Choice seven cupcake bouquet from the Buttercream Boutique, $75

Modern Flower Cherry Blossom and Lily Design handmade and hand-painted ceramic mugs (16-oz.) by Moon Kyung Kim, MoonK Studio, $60 each

Amuseable Tuilp by Jellycat, from Chapters Indigo $36

All vibes welcome

Lahari Yoga creates a community feeling for its clientele

YOU DON’T NEED to contort yourself into a pretzel before you’re allowed to set up your mat at Lahari Yoga. The studio’s owner, Larissa Whiting, has made it a personal mission to accommodate folks of all shapes, sizes, and abilities.

BY: GENE KOSOWAN PHOTOGRAPHY: BRENDA LAKEMAN

“There is a community feel,” said Whiting about the facility she took over in 2014. “We always say all vibes welcome. We don’t mean just people who can touch their toes or just bendy people. We mean all humans welcome. And that means you’re welcome to any class; I always give options. But it’s more about being in your body and letting go of what you think you should do, and being okay with what you can do.”

The class menu is so extensive, it’s hard to figure out who’d be left out. Lahari offers instruction with options geared towards beginners, seniors, toddlers, working folks, and even pre-natal moms. Other selections are even more eclectic with classes dedicated to hot yoga, power yoga, sessions involving meditation, pain relief, deep stretching, and − for the posterior-conscious − booty shaping. Classes take place in Lahari’s Sun Room (ideal for hot yoga) or the relatively cooler Moon Room. Participants can also relax after sessions in the Om-Nom Lounge. Some 40 instructors are on hand to ensure all those classes run smoothly, no easy task since several of those sessions are packed.

“It has been crazy busy,” said Whiting. “Up until the pandemic, we were shoulder-to-shoulder bumping in here. It’s starting to be that way again, because everybody in the fitness industry really had a rough time.” During the pandemic that first took hold of the city in 2020, Whiting had to shut her facility down six times. Savings she socked away before that lean period kept Lahari going until the government lifted health restrictions.

Health has been the cornerstone of Whiting’s professional life ever since she graduated with a BSc in Nursing, specializing in cardiology, from the University of Alberta during the ’90s. She opted to go straight into the workforce, rather than accept an opportunity to skip a Master’s and head into a nascent Ph.D. Nursing program, a decision over which she still kicks herself. “Looking back, I felt crazy about not doing it,” Whiting added.

Taking time off to raise a family, she took up yoga to keep in shape and eventually thought about becoming a yoga therapist, where she could get a Master’s degree in yoga therapy. She applied to online universities stateside, but didn’t

have some of the prerequisites, including yoga teaching credentials. Those she received after she began teaching at St. Albert Yoga, the only studio in the city at the time. During the pandemic, she finally earned a master’s of Arts in counselling psychology through longdistance learning via Halifax’s Yorkville University.

“What really resonated with me was the psychological, emotional benefits that yoga can do,” said Whiting. “There is massive research show how great yoga is for helping with PTSD, trauma anxiety and depression. I can now go full science nerd and scream from the rooftops about how there’s so much now scientifically about why yoga is good in the psychological realm.”

Whiting doesn’t have to go to such extremes to get the word out. She can instead rely on social media, a tool she used to great effect shortly after she took over St. Albert Yoga and changed the moniker to Lahari.

“It was the main boom in the early days, because nobody else was doing it,” said Whiting.

“It was very innocent because I had friends on Facebook, I was excited and I wanted them to bring their kids, I was taking pictures of us doing yoga and it just hit like wildfire.” Those virtual flames still flicker thanks to 3,700 Facebook friends, 13,900 Instagram followers, and nearly 8,000 Twitter followers.

Lahari is also buoyed by yoga’s acceptance over the years. Once dismissed as a hippie fad during the flower power movement of the ’60s, yoga is recognized by healthcare practitioners as a benefit to people’s physical and mental well-being, backed by plenty of academic research.

What really resonated with me was the psychological, emotional benefits that yoga can do.

- Whiting

“The nurse in me loves it because I do speak that language of science,” said Whiting. “But I also love the emotional feeling that people say they have.”

Whiting added that patrons are also no longer intimidated by the sacred roots of yoga, first practiced centuries ago by Hindu and Buddhists. “People are starting to be less threatened by it being something that’s a religion you have to follow. It isn’t. It’s a physical practice that you can take whatever beliefs you have onto the mat with you.”

Even though Whiting has seen more men and athletes sign up for classes these days, she says she ensures that the studio environment is beneficial for everyone. “The more you do, the better you get at it,” she said. “It’s no fun being stressed about the whole time that you’ve spent there. Our instructors stress that you’re good exactly as you are and you belong here no matter what. That is our vibe.” t8n

The Development of Oakmont

ST. ALBERT’S MUNICIPAL maps portray the outline of Oakmont as somewhat resembling a distorted spade symbol you would otherwise find on playing cards. However, ask any resident living in the neighborhood: landing a home here requires at the very least an ability to conduct one’s own affairs with a full deck. Toronto-based livability assessors AreaVibes ranked Oakmont as one of the city’s most expensive neighborhoods, ranking second to Kingswood.

BY: GENE KOSOWAN

One of the city’s younger neighbourhoods bears a vibrant past

Photo: Sharon Ryan - Remax River City

Fat wallets provide residents with not only homes, but also access to a score of picturesque amenities in Oakmont, bordered by the Sturgeon River to the east and Bellerose Drive to the west. The neighbourhood features an abundance of green space dedicated to parkland, including Red Willow Park, located on the west bank of the river. At last count, nearly 3,500 folks live in Oakmont, a relatively new neighborhood, but one that still has a unique history.

1870s-1920s

In 1871, a decade after Father Albert Lacombe founded St. Albert, the federal government signed Treaty 6 with the Metis and aboriginals who first inhabited the prairies. Once the ink dried, the Crown made much of that land available for development to European settlers. Some of the

NEARLY 3,500 FOLKS LIVE IN OAKMONT

three decades later, when St. Albert’s population increased to roughly 1,000 inhabitants, the community’s northern boundary had already expanded to border what is now Oakmont.

In 1928, the agrarian couple of Peter and Mary Sernowski were give 100 acres of land, which they cultivated to produce hay and create a community garden. Fast forward to 1959, when Ted and Lois Hole started Hole’s Greenhouses & Gardens Ltd. The family converted their red barn into retail space on Bellerose Drive and would soon become a booming business.

1960s-1990s

first to set up roots in what is now Oakmont included the families of Hudson’s Bay Company trader Olivier Bellerose, Yukon gold prospector Pierre Ouelette, and Catherine Onesti, who was cherished by the community for donating a bell to a local church.

According to St. Albert’s 2020 Growth Management Study, the community was already a town of some 600 people when it decided to annex huge parcels of land surrounding the community in 1913. That annexed land − that included pre-Oakmont territory –which bordered the town of 600, was nearly five times the size of the tiny community in terms of area.

1920s-1950s

In 1920, the town dropped plans to annex the land including the future neighborhood of Oakmont. Nearly

The 100 acres owned by Peter and Mary Sernowski was transferred to the couple’s daughter June and her husband Robert Haudenschild in the 1970s, setting the stage for a major deal involving the inheritors years later. Also trading hands was Hole’s Greenhouses, already a lucrative operation, to their children, Jim and Bill Hole, as well as Bill’s wife Valerie in 1979.

By 1980, St. Albert − which officially became a city in 1977 and boasting a population of nearly 32,000 − had annexed land that included Oakmont, where development intensified during the 1990s.

2000s-2010s

In 2011, the Haudenschilds sold land previously owned by the Sernowskis to Sarasota Homes, which eventually built The Orchard at Oakmont, a development project that created 32 single-family dwellings.

That same year, the Holes left their original retail space for a larger facility

Musée Héritage Museum: Oakbay Point in Oakmont looking east, 18 Sep 1997

in the Enjoy Centre, leaving the space on the corner of Bellerose Drive and Boudreau Road available for commercial activity. Filling that void, developers proposed plans for high-end retailer complex The Shops at Boudreau in 2013, with the establishment officially opening two years later.

While commercial activity heightened in Oakmont, the same could hardly be said for education. The neighbourhood still didn’t have a school, an issue concerning both the city’s public and Catholic school boards. The two bodies shared 16 acres of land sanctioned for the school until the city stepped in to declare they were looking for another use of that property.

2020-Now

In 2020, construction was completed on the $26-million Botanica condominium, next to The Shops on Boudreau. The two-storey complex, boasting 126 suites, was plagued with delays when Boudreau Developments had to juggle resources to complete another project: Rogers Place in downtown Edmonton. The following year, Boudreau received civic approval to build Riverbank Landing, a five-building residential and commercial development. Construction on the project, which has since added another commercial building in its blueprints, began in 2022. t8n

St. Albert Pickleball Club dedicates itself to the continent’s fastest-growing team sport

Bounce Shots

BY GENE KOSOWAN PHOTOGRAPHY: BRENDA LAKEMAN

IT WAS PICKLEBALL’S unusual name that first attracted Roger Hutlet’s attention to the sport three years ago. After picking up a racquet for a few games, he loved playing it so much he eventually became the Communications Director of the St. Albert Pickleball Club.

“Some friends were playing and said it was fun,” recalled Hutlet about his immersion. “I’m not really one to go to the gym, but you get pretty decent exercise. The sessions are like two hours, sometime a little bit longer. But it’s just a good fun sport.”

He’s definitely not alone, as the club’s membership has multiplied since its origins in 2014, when a small group of enthusiastic snowbirds who learned how to play pickleball stateside during the winter and formed a registered, not-for-profit organization to facilitate games in St. Albert. From its original core of 26, membership grew to just less than 500 by the end of 2021. A year later, during the waning weeks of the pandemic, Hutlet said that membership has since sprouted to nearly 800. “It went down a bit with COVID, and in 2022 it grew by about 40 percent,” added Hutlet.

That influx of interested players — with 65 percent of them based in the city — is partly responsible for the St. Albert Pickleball Club ranking among the largest organizations of the sport in Alberta, second only to a similar establishment in Calgary. But beyond the province, Pickleball has become all the rage in recent years.

In the U.S., a Sport & Fitness Industries Association report boasted a 21.3 percent increase in pickleball players between 2019 and 2021. While Canadian statistics reveal that roughly a million folks have hit the courts, it pales in comparison to the nearly 37 million Americans who play the sport, which has received vocal support from athletic luminaries from Tom Brady to LeBron James. One recent high-profile pickleball event saw reality TV host Phil Koeghan and country star Dierks Bentley win a tournament trophy. Such anecdotes endorsements certainly don’t hurt, as pickleball has since become the continent’s fastest-growing team sport (the game usually involves teams of two, or doubles).

Roughly 10,000 facilities in the U.S. facilitate the game and while the St. Albert Pickleball Club services an obviously smaller geographic area, it’s still quite active. The club hosts a multitude of games year-round in eight indoor gyms at sports facilities, schools that include Bertha Kennedy and J.J. Nearing, and Red Willow

Community Church. Outdoor games during the warmer season take place in designated courts in Alpine Park.

Club volunteers take on daunting roles to coordinating all that activity, although Wild Apricot, software designed for not-for-profit organizations, take a lot of confusion out of the task. “We try to be organized,” said Hutlet. “It’s a lot of management.”

Granted, running a club dedicated to the sport isn’t easy, although the game itself is rather simple to understand and play. Hutlet said that all it takes is a beginner lesson and at couple of games before the rules eventually sink in. Nervous neophyte would likely be grateful over how competitors are classified; rather than demographics, they group players according to ability. “It’s a lot more fun if you’re playing against people with similar skill levels,” said Hutlet. “This was used by most clubs across North America over the last two or three years to make the playing better for players by grading them.”

That user-friendly element has made the sport less intimidating to newcomers, who wrap their heads around a game that combines the attributes of badminton, ping-pong and tennis. Hutlet says some rules are a bit unusual to folks, such as serves and initial return shots that need to bounce on both sides of the court before that play can continue. Players are not allowed to volley in areas bookending the net, called the “kitchen,” until a ball bounces in that zone first.

Despite a few arcane rules, one of pickleball’s biggest draws is that it doesn’t require a great deal of speed and strength to master the game. Instead, players concentrate on ball control and placement. It also helps that pickleball courts are smaller than their tennis equivalents. “It doesn’t take a lot of skill or athleticism,” added Hutlet. I think it’s so much easier for a lot of aging tennis players. That’s a particularly grueling sport, and there’s a lot of area to cover.”

With people finally looking for some fun exercise to do with others, given the relaxation of quarantine rules surrounding the pandemic, pickleball is quickly becoming an option. But Hutlet

still believes curiosity about a sport with a strange name is a particularly notorious motive. “I think there’s just a lot of buzz about pickleball,” he said. “I’m sure that triggered a lot of interest in membership.” t8n

St Albert Pickleball Club pickleballstalbert.ca

info@pickleballstalbert.ca

To learn more about pickleball in the city, head to t8nmagazine.com and enter “pickleball” in the search window.

C A N DY C O N U N D R U M

Here’s a sweet contest just in time for Easter

FOR MONTHS, we’ve dedicated this section with word puzzles, but this time, readers will have a chance to play a numbers game. In this case, follow these four steps, simply guess how many candies are in this jar, write the number on the page, take a photo of the page with your guess, then post the photo on Facebook or Twitter (tagging #t8n) or message us on Twitter or Facebook.

The closest guess wins. If there is a tie, we will randomly draw a winner. Prize is available only to St. Albert residents.

PHOTOGRAPHY: BRENDA LAKEMAN