The Newsy Neighbour December Issue 62

Newsy Neighbour

Complimentary Magazine Thriving Since 2008

Altogether Different

The

December 2012 Issue 62

Custom Designed cabinets and countertops. Free In house consultation.

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www.thenewsyneighbour.com Call the Christmas Party Line Today 403-934-0000 Ask for Junella or Peter

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Christmas and a Happy New Year from all the staff at Tangles

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ENGLISH CROATIAN CZECH DANISH DUTCH FINNISH FRENCH GERMAN GREEK HAWAIIAN

Merry Christmas Sretan Božić Veselé Vánoce Glædelig Jul Vrolijk Kerstfeest Hyvää Joulua Joyeux Noël Frohe Weihnachten Kala Christougenna Mele Kalikimaka

HUNGARIAN Boldog Karácsonyt ICELANDIC Gleðileg Jól INDONESIAN Selamat Natal IRISH GAELIC Nollaig Shona ITALIAN Buon Natale JAPANESE Merii Kurisumasu LATIN Felix Dies Nativitatis MONGOLIAN Zul Sariin Bayariin Mend Hurgie NORWEGIAN God Jul POLISH Wesołych Świąt Bożego Narodzenia

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PORTUGUESE feliz Natal ROMANIAN un Crăciun fericit RUSSIAN (S rozhdestvom Khristovym) SCOTTISH GAELIC Nollaig chridheil SPANISH Feliz Navidad SWEDISH God Jul TURKISH Noeliniz Kutlu Olsun UKRAINIAN Z Rizdvom Khrystovym VIETNAMESE Mừng Chúa Giáng Sinh ZULU UKhisimusi Omuhle

When was the first Christmas card sent? The first Christmas card began in England in 1843.

Why do we kiss under the mistletoe? Scandinavians associated the plant with their goddess of love, and it may be from this that we derive the custom of kissing under the mistletoe. Those who kissed under the mistletoe had the promise of happiness and good luck in the following year.

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December Issue 62 Owner/Editor, Content Development & Articles Kathryn Hartwell Owner/Publisher, layout, Design, Accounts Payable/Receivable & Website. Aleesha Gosling Advertising; Regional Sales Manager Denise Geremia

CONTRIBUTORS: JockTalk Jock Wilson Reens Bloomers Maureen Macdonald Life Lines Jody Brown Book Reviews Derek Donais The Pouty Puppy Bauer

Other great articles and reading material contributed by: Anndees Fitness, Precise Vacuums, Hayley Poirier

The Newsy Neighbour Inc. The Largest Magazine of its kind. Thriving since 2008!!

The Newsy Neighbour’s Mission Statement: The Newsy Neighbour... a magazine dedicated to helping towns and people connect.

The Newsy Neighbour’s Vision Statement: The Newsy Neighbour’s vision is to offer an attractive, unique and interesting magazine, which promotes and

supports the businesses and community groups which define the towns and villages East of Calgary by distributing our magazine free of charge to every home and business monthly.

The Newsy Neighbour is published 12 times a year, printed by Central Web and distributed by Strathmore Standard, Sun Media and Canada post. The opinions expressed in the advertisements of this publication are those of the advertisers and not of The Newsy Neighbour directly. The information in this paper is believed to be accurate but not warranted to be so. Images are supplied by readers, advertisers and purchased stock photography. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent of The Newsy Neighbour Inc. Copyright (2011-2012).

KATHRYN HARTWELL - Owner/Editor, Content Development & Articles - Phone: 403-561-0888 - Email: kathryn.newsyneighbor@gmail.com ALEESHA GOSLING - Owner/Publisher, layout, Design, Accounts Payable/Receivable & Website - Phone:403-478-9114 - Email: newsyneighbor@gmail.com DENISE GEREMIA. Sales Manager, Advertising Consultant - Phone: 403-608-0686 - Email: denise.newsyneighbour@gmail.com

From the Publishers

Features

The only words I have for you are MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!! Yet another year has come and gone and it is very true, for me anyhow; the year seems to fly by at warp speed. I have tried to cherish every moment, as a moment wasted is a moment you will never have again – ever.

This year, once again here at The Newsy Neighbour we have grown and evolved, always making changes to support our advertisers and readers. Over the past year we have supported non-profit groups in our area to a tune of over $20,000!

We feel strongly about supporting all non-profit groups. We have started a NEW website for all non-profit organizations at www.yourcommunityprograms.ca, where the community can find all groups, clubs and organizations and the groups can share all their fundraisers, events and club information. A website designed to find and share the best local information.

This December Issue is jam packed full of holiday cheer. Luscious Joys will teach you how to make your own tasty Christmas crackers and My Favourite–Fabulous–Fantastic & Fun stuff has recipes to make your own fabulous Biscotti. If you love Grand Marnier, you won’t want to miss all the fantastic Christmas cocktails on page 20.

If you are thinking of giving a pet for Christmas, think about adopting first and we have given you a list of websites with all the organizations you may want to look at first on page 44.

Nuts, nuts and more nuts are shared in this issue and if you are looking for that special stuffing for your Turkey, you will find it on Page 15. Enjoy our last Issue for 2012 and onward and upward in 2013.

We cannot thank you all enough for another rewarding year!

WISHING YOU A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND MANY MORE! Kathryn, Aleesha and Denise

The Newsy Neighbour

Altogether Different

MAGAZINE

Page 12 - Jock Talk Page 14 - Don’t drink and drive Page 15 - Perfect Christmas Stuffing Page 20 - Christmas Cocktails Page 24 - KIDS Feature Section Pages 26-27 - CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS Pages 28-29 - FAMILY PAGES Page 30 - VEHICLES Feature Section Page 32 - My FFFF Page 34 - HEALTH & BEAUTY Feature Section Page 38 - Luscious Joys Page 42 - PETS Feature Section Page 46 - Derek Donais Book Review Page 47 - REAL ESTATE Feature Section

Our NEXT Issue: JANUARY ISSUE 63 Features:

Happy New Year!

Just for the Family Photography!

Deadline: December 19th @ 5:00pm If you would like to advertise in this issue please contact Denise Geremia @ 403-608-0686 or email: denise.newsyneighbour@gmail.com

Subscriptions Voucher We accept Cheque, Money Order, Visa and MasterCard.

Please do not mail cash.

YES! I would like to subscribe to The Newsy Neighbour. Eastern Edition Magazine NAME____________________________________ Please make cheques payable to ADDRESS________________________________________ “The Newsy Neighbour Inc.” CITY_________________________POSTAL CODE______________ Total subscription cost for one full PHONE #____________________________________(optional) year is $39.95 including G.S.T. Please return this voucher to: Visa or Master Card #_____________________________________ 126 Westwood Street Expiry_________________________________ Strathmore, AB T1P 1A9 Signature__________________________________ The magazine will be mailed every month from our head office through Canada Post.

Questions please call 403-561-0888 email: newsyneighbor@gmail.com

Jocktalk

Grey Cup Reflections!

Wasn’t that a party? Congratulations to the city of Toronto as the 100th Grey Cup goes into the books as one of the best ever!

Granted, the game didn’t go as well as we had hoped for the Stampeders but the league, the Argos organization and the city that once thought they were above the CFL scored a major win. The arrogance and ignorance that Toronto has shown in the past towards the CFL and the championship game was not an issue. My opinion on the worst fans in the CFL has changed. Now the question is, can the Argo organization build on the success of the 2012 season and once again become a player on the CFL landscape? For those fans who believe the CFL doesn’t need a healthy Toronto organization or even a franchise in the city, you’re sorely mistaken.

Since this is the season to give, it’s fair to say the Toronto Argonauts had the 2012 championship gift wrapped for them. The conspiracy theories started as soon as the Edmonton Eskimos handed them quarterback Ricky Ray which goes into the history books as one of the worst trades ever. When defensive coordinator Chris Jones was poached from the Stampeders, the league merely gave owner David Braley a slap on the wrist. The biggest gift may have been from the Stampeder players. This young team got caught up in the excitement or reading their own press clippings and they failed to execute on the biggest day on the biggest stage.

Christmas Giving Since it is the holiday season, I would like to stick with my yearly tradition of handing out a few Christmas gifts for the sporting world: For Drew Tate - a healthy and memorable 2013 CFL season.

For Nik Lewis - a smart phone without the twitter app.

For John Hufnagel - See Drew Tate and Nik Lewis and the CFL coach of the year award.

For Stampeder fans - major upgrades to an aging McMahon stadium and a trip to Regina in November.

For Sven Bartschi - the Calder trophy.

For Jarome Iginla - 5 more Sven Bartchi’s to improve the Flames.

For Jay Bouwmeester - a personality and a new NHL team to play for.

For Jay Feaster/Bob Hartley/Ken King - (see Jarome Iginla) and playoffs (let’s take baby steps as the Cup is nowhere in sight!)

For Kelly Kisio and Mike Williamson - a berth in the Memorial Cup. For the Canadian Cowboys (Men’s alpine ski team) - a healthy season heading into Sochi.

For Jon Montgomery - a return to his 2010 Olympic form.

For City of Calgary - a sports field house (this city is dragging behind and we are long overdue) For the Edmonton Eskimos - a pulse! We need the battle of Alberta!

For the Toronto Blue Jays - the playoffs! It has been a long time but the Jays are finally relevant again.

Let’s not pull any punches. The Calgary Stampeders didn’t deserve to win the 100th Grey Cup. On this day, the Toronto Argonauts were the better team. Stampeder fans do not despair. Former Stampeder Greg Peterson says this game reminds him of losing the 1991 Championship. “We were a young team and we didn’t know how to handle the pressure,” Peterson was telling me on our QR77 Grey Cup broadcast. “We learned a very good lesson, we learned what it takes to win and we came back the next year very focused.”

The Stamps of course won the championship in 1992.

The 101st Grey Cup is in Regina. If quarterback Drew Tate can stay healthy and Bo Levi Mitchell can continue his development curve, the Stamps do have a bright future. Outstanding Canadian Jon Cornish is only going to get better and the Stamps offensive line does have some great promise. Changes will be made and some veterans will be moved on, but the core of this team is set for a number of seasons.

I do want to recognize the amazing work of the Calgary Grey Cup committee. This is a local, volunteer group that pays their own way year after year to represent the city, the football team and the Calgary Stampede. The publicity the committee generated in Toronto was out of this world. Marty the horse became the biggest celebrity of the week as the committee recreated the legacy of the 1948 championship at the Royal York. The annual school visit is always a big hit and once again over 10,000 pancakes were cooked and eaten. It’s the true Stampede spirit.

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The Newsy Neighbour

About Jock Wilson:

Jock has been involved in the Calgary sport media scene for close to 30 years. He hosts the Calgary Stampeder football broadcasts on QR77 and is the co-host of Sportstalk with Mark Stephen from 6:30 pm to 9:00 p.m.

Jock@am770chqr.com

On Twitter: @talkwithjock www.thenewsyneighbour.com

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Rudolph... A Girl?!

According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, while both male and female reindeer grow antlers in the summer each year, male reindeer drop their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually late November to mid-December.

Female reindeer retain their antlers until after they give birth in the spring. Therefore, according to EVERY historical rendition depicting Santa’s reindeer, EVERY single one of them, from Rudolph to Blitzen, had to be a girl.

We should have known... ONLY women would be able to drag a fat man in a red velvet suit all around the world in one night and not get lost.

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Christmas 2012 Please do not drink and drive.

5 Things You Should Know Before Attempting To Drive Drunk Millions of people annually find themselves in a situation where they have had too much to drink. The majority of them will at least contemplate whether or not it would be safe for them to drive home, but the fact is that it is never safe to drive when you are intoxicated.

Even if you are only slightly buzzed, your reflexes will be stunted and you will present a danger to other motorists and yourself. It is never worth the risk to drive while you are drunk, but if you still feel tempted to, then you should closely consider the following five points before you get behind the wheel: A DUI is Expensive - Even if you have never been convicted of a DUI before, you can expect to pay at the very least $1000.00 up to $5000.00 - plus, a criminal conviction, a criminal record, a three (3) month pre-trial driving suspension; a Federal one (1) year driving prohibition; a Provincial one (1) year driving suspension to run concurrently (at the same time) as the Federal driving prohibition; Skyrocketing of Insurance; Loss of Job? Travel problems?

Many people will say that it is too expensive to take a taxi home, especially if they will have to take another taxi ride in the morning to pick up their vehicle, but at least you will not have a criminal record!

Drunk Drivers Kill People – Thousands of people die each year in Canada as a result of a drunk driver. If you choose to drive while you are intoxicated, you are literally taking the lives of everyone else on the road into Page 14

The Newsy Neighbour

your own hands. Not only is everyone else around you at risk, but you also run the risk of killing yourself. If you do not want to spend the rest of your life in jail or end up at the county morgue, then you should put your keys away when you are drunk.

You Could Lose Your Job - A DUI conviction can cause you to lose your job, especially if you are required to drive as a condition of your employment. Not only will you be dealing with exorbitant legal fees, but you might have to do so without being employed. This scenario could ruin your financial life and cause you to file for bankruptcy.

Your Insurance Rates Will Go Up - Most insurance companies have a clause that allows them to either raise your rates or cancel your policy if you are convicted of a DUI. If you lose your policy, then it will be extremely difficult to find a new insurance company that is willing to sign you to a new one.

Your Personal Relationships will Suffer - The strain of dealing with the financial and social implications of a DUI is often too much for a couple to deal with. If you have children, you will also have to deal with both their disappointment and the issue of setting a bad example.

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Perfect Christmas Stuffing 1 onion, diced

1 green pepper, diced 1 cup butter

3/4 cup diced celery 2 eggs, beaten

2 cups chicken broth 1 16 oz. bag of herbed seasoned Stuffing (look for crumbs, not cubes or croutons) 1 16-20 oz. bag soft bread cubes 1 tsp garlic 1 tsp poultry seasoning 2 tbsp fresh parsley or dried parsley flakes 1/2 tsp oregano

1 Reynolds turkey sized baking bag

...because we live here.

Don’t forget to check your chimney and Christmas lights regularly during the most wonderful time of the year.

In large bowl, combine the bag of bread cubes with herbed seasoned stuffing. In frying pan: Melt butter over a medium high heat. Sauté onions, green pepper and celery until all is softened and translucent. Pour melted butter and vegetables over all bread cubes and crumbs. Mix in the two beaten eggs.

Add: 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp poultry seasoning, 2 tablespoons dried parsley, and 1 tsp oregano. Toss. Now pour chicken broth over all of the mixture, making sure that stuffing is ALMOST wet, (you want it to be more than damp, but not downright wet) so that stuffing doesn’t dry out while inside turkey baking. (Many people like to use milk, but I find that it causes it to have a bland flavour. The chicken broth is the secret to excellent flavour here.) Toss again; making sure all bread is well coated with all ingredients. Stuff the turkey, packing tightly, but not too tightly, at both ends. (If you have any left over, you can put it in a casserole dish, and refrigerate until 45 minutes before turkey is done, then put in oven with turkey for extra stuffing). Use softened butter, and using fingers, rub butter all over turkey until coated, and then shake a little paprika over top of entire turkey. Put about 2 tablespoons flour inside baking bag before putting the turkey inside. Push turkey into bag, close bag tightly, make three slits across the top of the bag for ventilation, and put into roaster pan. Put lid on roaster, and then bake, following instructions for the size turkey you have. (**Note: the baking bag will probably cut baking time by at least 3/4 hr. to one hour, but really holds in the juices and turkey stays very moist and juicy.) No basting is required when you use the baking bag, but if you wish, you can baste one or two times during baking. **Note**: Be sure to remember to make the slits in the top of the baking bag, maybe an inch or two long, and be sure to put the little bit of flour into the bottom of the bag before you put the turkey inside. When finished, you will have an ample supply of broth inside the bag to make your gravy. (What broth I don’t need, I always put into a plastic container and freeze to use when I make my chicken soups.)

www.thenewsyneighbour.com

- Robyn Bruce

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Twelve Days Of Christmas December 14, 1972 My Dearest Darling John: Who ever in the whole world would dream of getting a real Partridge in a Pear Tree? How can I ever express my pleasure?

Thank you a hundred times for thinking of me in this way.

My love always, Agnes December 15, 1972 Dearest John: Today the postman just brought your very sweet gift. Just imagine two turtledoves. I’m delighted at your very thoughtful gift.

They are just adorable!

All my love, Agnes December 16, 1972 Dear John: Oh! Aren’t you the extravagant one! Now I must protest. I don’t deserve such generosity, three French hens? They are just darling but I must insist, you’ve been too kind.

All my love, Agnes December 17,1972 Dear John: Today the postman delivered four calling birds. Now really, they are beautiful, but don’t you think enough is enough? You are being too romantic.

Affectionately, Agnes December 18, 1972 Dearest John: What a surprise. Today the postman delivered five golden rings, one for every finger. You’re just impossible, but I love it! Frankly, all those birds squawking were beginning to get on my nerves.

All my love, Agnes Page 16

The Newsy Neighbour

December 19, 1972 Dear John: Today when I opened the door there were actually six geese laying on my front steps! So you’re back to the birds again, huh?

These geese are huge! Where will I ever keep them? The neighbours are complaining and I can’t sleep through the racket.

Please stop.

Cordially, Agnes December 20, 1972 John: What’s with you and those freaking birds??? Seven swans swimming? What kind of joke is this? There’s bird poop all over the house and they never stop the racket. I can’t sleep at night and I’m a nervous wreck. It’s not funny. So stop those freaking birds.

Sincerely, Agnes December 21, 1972 Ok Buster: I think I prefer the birds. What the heck am I supposed to do with eight maids-a-milking? It’s not enough with all those birds and eight maids a milking, but they had to bring their darn cows!

There is manure all over the lawn and I can’t move in my own house! Just lay off me, smart-aleck!

Agnes December 22, 1972 Hey Jerk!

What are you? Some kind of sadist?! Now there are nine pipers playing their pipes. And man do they play! They’ve never stopped chasing those maids since they got here yesterday morning. The cows are getting upset and they’re stepping all over those screeching birds. The neighbours have started a petition to evict me!

You’ll get yours!!!

Agnes December 23, 1972 You rotten son of a!

Now there are ten ladies dancing. I don’t know why I call those hussies ladies! They’ve been balling those pipers all night long. www.thenewsyneighbour.com

Christmas GIft Ideas At 18.5” LED/LCD Wide-Screen Monitors 1366x768/5ms/ VGA/D-Sub

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We Also Repair Most Makes & Models Of Laptops And Computers, Our Qualified, Helpful Staff Will Give You The Honest Answer Every Time, And Will Assist You In The Most Cost Effective Way To Get Your System Back Up And Running.

Now the cows can’t sleep and they’ve got diarrhea. My living room is a river of poop. The Commissioner of Buildings has subpoenaed me to give cause why the building shouldn’t be condemned.

I’m calling the police on you!

Agnes December 24, 1972 Listen, you huge ball of diaper dung: What’s with those eleven lords-a-leaping on those maids and ladies? Some of those broads will never walk again. Those pipers ran through the maids and have been committing sodomy with the cows. All twenty-three of the birds are dead. They’ve been trampled to death. I hope you’re satisfied, you rotten vicious swine!

Don’t Forget To Pickup Your Free 2013 Calendar

“Until one feels the spirit of Christmas, there is no Christmas. All else is outward display-so much tinsel and decorations.

For it isn’t the holly, it isn’t the snow. It isn’t the tree not the firelight ’s glow. It ’s the warmth that comes to the hearts of men when the Christmas spirit returns again .” ~ Anonymous

Lar-Don Rentals Ltd. We would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Thanks for your patronage this past year and may you all have excellent visits and safe travels over the holidays!

Sales & Service Light Construction & Garden Equipment Trenching

t en

December 25, 1972 Dear Sir: This is to acknowledge your latest gift of twelve fiddlers fiddling, which you have seen fit to inflict on our client, Miss Agnes Mc Holstein. The destruction, of course, was total. All correspondence should come to our attention. If you should attempt to reach Miss Mc Holstein at Happy Dale Sanatorium, the attendants have been instructed to shoot you on sight.

With this letter please find attached a warrant for your arrest.

Cordially, Law Offices of Badger, Bender and Chole

Wireless

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Give Us A Call (403)934-5884 Or Come In And See Us At 307, 3rd AVE, Strathmore AB.

www.thenewsyneighbour.com

Windows 8 Laptops Starting at:

www.lardonrentals.com

15 Spruce Lane, Strathmore

403.934.3727

The Newsy Neighbour

Page 17

17 Stages to Cooking a Turkey FRESH CHICKEN: FROM FARM TO YOU

Warning: So good you will never buy chicken from a store again

Antibiotic Free & No Animal Byproducts

934-2755 CHECK WEBSITE FOR NEXT DELIVERY DATE (403) Order online www.countrylanefarms.com or by phone!

Locally Produced Year Round

Christmas Traditions you should start: 1) Pajamas on Christmas Eve: Many families have a fun tradition of opening one present on Christmas Eve, and that present is always the same — pajamas. The kids always know what it is, but it’s still fun to see what kind of jammies they’ll wear on Christmas morning.

2) An Annual Ornament: Choose an ornament for each child, each year until they leave the home. Then when they leave your home and start their own, let them take their box of ornaments with them.

3) Go caroling at nursing homes or hospitals.

4) Watch a favourite holiday movie together on Christmas Day. Serve hot chocolate and pop popcorn.

5) Spend an afternoon doing some holiday baking. You can even make goodies to put in baskets and deliver to neighbours or relatives.

6) Volunteer your time as a family to help someone else. You could help an elderly neighbour put up Christmas decorations or you can shovel snow off the walk of someone who is disabled and needs assistance. It will warm your heart and the person that you’re helping.

7) Take the family to the store and have each of you pick out one 13 Bayside Place. Strathmore AB, T1P 1C8 new ornament for the tree. AfStorage Solution Centre ter a few years, Commercial or Residential you will have a collection of ornaments on the Big or small you can store'm all tree that everyunit sizes 10x20'- 8x20'-5x8' one got to be a Keith: 403-333-8411 part of.

Shur-Lock Self Storage

Ph: 403-934-3502

shurlock@hotmail.ca Page 18

The Newsy Neighbour

1. Go buy a turkey.

2. Take a drink of whisky.

3. Put turkey in the oven.

4. Take another 2 drinks of whisky.

Set the degree at 375 ovens.

5. Take 3 more whiskies of drink.

6. Turk the bastey.

7. Whisky another bottle of get.

8. Ponder the meat thermometer.

9. Glass yourself a pour of whisky.

10. Bake the whisky for 4 hours.

11. Take the oven out of the turkey.

12. Floor the turkey up off of the pick.

13. Turk the carvey.

14. Get yourself another scottle of botch.

15. Tet the sable and pour yourself a glass of turkey.

16. Bless the dinner and go to deb.

Wayde: 403-333-8155

www.thenewsyneighbour.com

$500 Off

Granite / Quartz

Granite/Quartz Countertops with a minimum of 50 sq ft

Countertops

Granite, Marble, Limestone, Slate, Glass & Porcelain Tile We use a Laser Templator for increased efficiency and accuracy

Installs before Christmas still available!

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A combined 30+ Years in the industry

www.stoneconsultinggroup.ca Tel: 403.234.9900

Fax: 403 294 4498

Bagless vs. Bagged Vacuums One of the biggest reasons that a vacuum goes down is due to lack of maintenance. Many vacuums can last you for years with just a little care and attention. In today’s busy world though, it is tough to find time for just about anything, let alone vacuum maintenance. There are many nasty things floating around in the daily air that we breathe, so it is very important to vacuum regularly. In order to do that, the vacuum must be in great working order or all of your efforts are for not.

With bagless units, the bucket should be dumped every time that it is used. Any filters that can be cleaned should be cleaned so that it is always ready to do the best job that it is capable of doing. On many occasions though, these units are treated like the bagged variety and stuck in the closet after many uses and not cleaned; this causes the performance of the unit to drop drastically with each use and also dramatically shortens the lifespan of the vacuum.

If you have a very busy lifestyle, which most of us do, it is highly recommended that you choose a bagged-style vacuum. It can be used many times and put away without any kind of maintenance.

When it is time for any kind of maintenance, it is simply: pull out the bag, throw it out and replace it with a new one (no other cleaning required). Bagged units also tend to filter way better than the bagless variety. The biggest thing is the unit is more apt to be looked after and maintained because it is so quick and easy to do so. www.thenewsyneighbour.com

Email: info@stoneconsultinggroup.ca

Some people may bring up cost and say bagless saves you money, but in the end, it costs about the same and perhaps even more in some cases because there are HEPA filters in all bagless units, which need to be changed once every 6 months to once a year and can sometimes far surpass the cost of bags! I myself own a bagged unity; they are quick and easy to look after and I am not constantly playing with the dirt that I have picked up.

Besides, what is your time worth to you? I’m sure you have better things to do, like spend time with family or friends.

Chris Wenner Precise Vacuums

Strathmore’s

You Chris Wenner 20% off Vacuum Service Thank For Expires Dec. 31, 2012

SALES, INSTALLATION & SERVICE We take care of it all!

Supporting Your Local Businesses!

Phone: 403-934-6800 • 320A 2nd Avenue Strathmore, AB

The Newsy Neighbour

Page 19

Christmas Cocktails Presents: FRESH CUT

Christmas Trees ‘The Best Selection In Town’

Choose from: Lodgepole and White Pine, Noble Fir, Balsam Fir, Douglas Fir and Fraser Fir

Come visit us at our locations: STRATHMORE @ Country Lane Mall LANGDON @ 103 Main Street CHESTERMERE @ The Rec. Centre CALGARY @ Trans Canada Mall

Open 7 days a week “The Green Choice” All tree bag sales go to the Carseland Youth Group.

403-934-4421

Real Trees vs Artificial Trees Methods of Production

Tree farms support the eco system Yes! Real trees absorb carbon dioxide Yes! 100% plant tissue

Carbon Neutral

Component Biodegradable

NO! Contains plastics & metals

PVC FREE NO! It creates & disperses dioxins, the most toxic man-made chemical known Lead Free Yes! 100% No! It is used Biodegradable to make plastics Renewable resource Yes! An estimated No! Plastics & metals of 45 million trees are not a non are planted in renewable recourse

Yes! 100% Natural

Yes!

Eco-Friendly Disposal

Yes! 100% recyclable & Decomposable Page 20

The Newsy Neighbour

Grand’O

A perfect mix to reveal the intense wild orange aroma of Grand Marnier® liquor in a refreshing sparkling drink.

1 part Grand Marnier® liquor (1.33oz) 1.5 parts fresh orange juice (2oz) 1.5 parts soda water (2oz) A wedge of lemon (optional) Garnish: 2-3 seasonal berries In a tall glass, pour Grand Marnier and orange juice over ice cubes. Fill up with soda water. Squeeze a wedge of lemon above the glass and add same wedge in the glass.

Garnish with seasonal berries.

Grand Cosmopolitan

A very harmonious cocktail that pairs the tangy notes of cranberry juice with the roundness of Grand Marnier®. ¾ oz Grand Marnier® liqueur 1 oz vodka 1½ oz cranberry juice 1 dash lemon juice Shake with ice and strain.

Grand Tequila Sunrise 85% come from factories in China

NO! Plastic is a petroleum by product

North America

Everyone in my family knows my #1 favourite cocktail at Christmas is Grand Marnier, which is the only time of year we buy it; my special Christmas present for me. Normally I sip it over ice – the best way to enjoy its amazing subtle oaked vanilla and delicate orange flavours. Ohhh, *sigh* I love it so. Recently, I found the official Grand Marnier website. Well, let me tell you; it is filled with dozens of cocktails that all sound so fabulous I might just go through a few bottles of heaven this year! I just had to share some of these cocktails with you – a gift for all the Grand Marnier lovers! Merry Christmas and enjoy.

No! No! The average life span of a fake tree is 6 years in the landfill

The light, sweet flavours of fruit and tequila are elegantly underscored by Grand Marnier® liqueur.

1½ oz Grand Marnier® liqueur ¾ oz tequila 4 oz freshly squeezed orange juice 2 tsp. grenadine syrup Combine Grand Marnier® liqueur with freshly squeezed orange juice and tequila. Shake and pour into a tall glass.

Add grenadine syrup before serving.

Grand Margarita

A highly refreshing cocktail in which the sour notes of lime and tequila are tempered by Grand Marnier® liqueur.

1 oz Grand Marnier® liqueur 1½ oz tequila ¾ oz freshly squeezed lime juice Shake and serve in a margarita glass. Serve with lime wedge.

Grand Mimosa

This smooth, elegant cocktail that combines a delicate sparkle with the fruity notes of orange is ideal for whetting the appetite. ¾ oz Grand Marnier® liqueur 1 oz orange juice 3 oz chilled champagne Combine Grand Marnier® liqueur with freshly squeezed orange juice in a champagne flute. Top up with well-chilled champagne. ~Kathryn Hartwell www.thenewsyneighbour.com

& Mattress Gallery PJ’s18 Appliance Spruce Park Dr. Strathmore, AB 403-934-6919

Sales & Service

“We Service What We Sell”

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

WWW.PJSAPPLIANCES.COM

How’s Your Battery?

Long, cold nights; winter makes our artificial caves much more attractive. There’s a strong suspicion that the main point of winter is to provide us with an endless supply of conversational topics ranging from, “will we have a winter?” to “I can’t believe this @#$%^ weather”. Plus, of course, the endless array of ‘experts’ that seem to come out of the woodwork every fall & winter to (between or during advertisements) advise us on all possible aspects of our lives.

During the long winter nights we need to be energy conscious; that’s both our actual and personal energy usage.

Personal energy usage requires having the energy in the first place. Re-charging our battery is critical and sleep is our main recharge point. A good sleep depends on many factors; mattress comfort and support being near top of the list. Waking up still tired and sore – having to ‘knock the kinks out’ – is a sign that you should check the voltage on your battery. Your mattress may be draining energy instead of supporting you in a good nights sleep.

Energy is wasted during sleep by ‘tossing & turning’ to reduce pressure points. This is where much of your weight is supported on small areas of your mattress, resulting in tense muscles or sore spots. Mattress support should keep your spine aligned in a natural way while evenly supportwww.thenewsyneighbour.com

ing your body and working to eliminate pressure points.

This helps maintain a natural sleep cycle and feeling much more rested upon waking up. Your pillow should support the work of the mattress as part of your sleep system.

Even if it feels like it’s still supporting you, if your mattress is over ten years old, you might want to seriously consider replacement. Your mattress may no longer be the best for your health, particularly if you have respiratory or sinus/ allergy issues. A ten year old mattress can weigh twice as much as when it was new and most of that weight is from ‘bio-factors’. This is one area where a mattress protector can be an important part of your healthy sleep system. A little research can develop a lot of information on this issue.

A healthy supportive sleep is a critical component of our lives and well being. Talk with your local independent mattress retailer on how they can help you with choosing the best sleep system for your needs and budget.

There is a mountain of hype on sleep systems and a high price is not always a guarantee of quality or what is best for your needs. At the same time, a one-ninety-nine mattress is in the ‘you get what you pay for’ category. As always, be an aware and critical consumer. Take a little time on these long nights and check out ‘Is That a Fact” by Canadian author Mark Battersby, ‘Space Merchants’ by Pohl & Kornbluth and online try ‘The Trouble with Experts” – CBC Doc Zone and www.skepticnorth.com The Newsy Neighbour

Page 21

No caffeine-filled drinks to cause tension and stress.

No glue and no paint, because of the mess.

No jigsaws with pieces that some kid could choke on and nothing too fragile that would only get ‘broke-on’.

No feathers or fur and nothing of leather.

Nothing too simple and nothing too clever.

Nothing too violent and nothing too scary.

Nothing Royalist or ‘Gay’, not a Queen or a ‘Fairy’!

Nothing with e-numbers or colourings that might bring them out in a rash or be hyperactive all night.

No balls and no bats which could injure or bruise and nothing with bits they were certain to lose.

No marbles or beads that a small child could fit up its nose, in its ears or unmentionable bit.

And trees must be from a sustainable source and the lights must be energy saving, of course!

And gone were the days when all they would wish was an apple, an orange and a wooden goldfish.

Now a video, computer and colour TV was what they all asked for when they sat on your knee.

And he was tired and fed up of appearing so jolly and he knew what he’d like them to do with their holly!

And he was sick of clambering about on those roofs now he wasn’t as nimble as he was in his ‘yoof’.

A Christmas Tale Santa was cross; he’d had a bad day.

His elves were on strike for more overtime pay.

They’d all been on strike since the end of the ‘fall’; they wanted a ‘National Elf Service’ for all.

And Donner and Dancer and Cupid and Blitzen had gone off in a ‘hoof’ since early last Whitsun’.

His lights wouldn’t flash and his bells wouldn’t ring and his Jing wouldn’t Jang and his Jang wouldn’t Jing.

And he hated the folks who said, “No pets at all, a puppy’s for life not for Christmas,” they call.

Well it’s OK for them with their fine protestations but what can I do with five thousand Dalmatians?!!

In spite of it all, at the end of the night he’ll have managed to give every child something right.

And he’ll sit by the fire with a big jug of beer and wish you all, “Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!”

By: By Ian Birket (Panikatak).

He’d asked Mrs. Claus for the weather forecast and wished Christmas present would become Christmas past.

Global warming has meant there’ll be no snow this year, so she said, “Sorry my luv, there will just be ‘rain, dear!”

On top of it all, he’d the presents to sort and political correctness had made the task fraught.

No dolls for the girls or guns for the boys, no fireworks that bang or pollute with their noise.

No harm to their teeth from a sweet or a lolly.

Nothing sexist or racial, like a doll or a Golly!

No books on religion or to do with the body, no ‘Famous Five’ and nothing on ‘Noddy’!

Page 22

The Newsy Neighbour

· Accounts payable · Accounts Receivable Ann Penninga · Payroll, T4 reporting · GST reconciliation, reporting Phone: 403-934-2690 Email: roann@telus.net · Account reconciliation · Bank reconciliation 18 Years Experience

Quickbooks

Simply Accounting www.thenewsyneighbour.com

Katy's Consignment

LEARY CENTRE Thank you for your patronage and supporting the wonderful businesses in the Strathmore Leary Centre!

104 - 3 Avenue. Strathmore, Alberta

Real clothes for real women since 1991

Come get your holiday cruise wear while the gettin's good!

His, Hers “N” R’s has been a distributor of the Ezze Wear™ clothing line for 18 years. Our comfort travel-wear line of wrinkle-free clothing is made in Canada of 100% pre-shrunk breathable cotton with no ironing required. Great comfort, easy care, up to 15 colours and 6 cotton types, as well as many different styles are just a few of the reasons why you will want Ezze Wear for your casual lifestyle, work or vacation.

Sizing from small to 4X, generous sizing.

Hours of Operation: Thurs. - Sat: 10am-5pm Sun: 12pm-5pm Closed Sunday, December 23 & December 30th.

Phone: 403-983-5679

104, 3rd Ave. STRATHMORE

ezzewearcalgary.com

Kids

What could be better than a sleigh ride, bonfire Santa and bouncers?

Join us on Dec 14th for Indus’s Children Christmas party

Feature Section

The fun begins in the arena with a free family skate at 5:45pm Free hot chocolate & crafts

Letters to Santa

supplied by Indus Figure Skating Club from 5:30-8pm

It is really cold here. Make sure Rudolph wears his sweater :) and Reindeer mittens. - Donna, 9

AND BOUNCERS Special guest appearance from Santa at 7pm All taking place in Indus hall Admission: Twoonie for turkeys; all proceeds go the SE Rocky View Food bank.

I have tried to be good Santa, but boys will be boys. You must know that cuz you are a boy. - Henry, 8

***sleigh rides & fire pit begins @ 6pm*** Don’t forget to bring your Christmas wish list!

Pizza by the slice will be available at the concession

If my brothers been bad, do I get all his gifts? - Bradley, 8

didn’t mean to be bad.

Please make sure the reindeers eat - Saoirse, 10 all their carrots, tops too! becauase they’re veggies are good for them! I want everyone in the world to play nicer with each other. Mommy wants everyone to take better care of the world and Daddy just wants to - Tara, 5 read his Sunday paper in peace. - Ellis, 7 You are very good at keeping quiet on Christmas eve, but I know I heard you in my house this morning but I could not find you. I heard you twice. - Candice, 9 you`re there. - Edwina, 8

I know that I may not get the bike Thank you for waving at me at the mall. - Marisa, 2 because mom & dad said I had to wait until I was 9 to get a new bike. I have tried to be very good all year, I only messed up a few times, but I tried my best, and that’s what my mom and dad said counts. - Heather, 8 - Brenna, 7 My Dad did the naughty/nice test and was called a little stinker. Please give him something he

Could you bring me some nail polish too, cause other kids in school have some, and I don’t. and I would like to wear it cause I’m a girl and girls do that kind of stuff. thank you Santa - Deryn, 5

What Happened To The Tree?

Kidz 1st Network Parent Link Centre Presents:

Cake & Friends

A Birth Month Birthday Party held in the playroom on the 3rd Friday of every month, from 9-11 a.m., for all children under the age of 6 whose Birthday falls during that month.

Please join our Ages and Stages Team for a fun filled morning while you explore the wonders of your child's development with the Ages and Stages Questionnaire.

Upcoming dates for this program are: November 16 and December 21.

To register, please call 403-207-7060 Page 24

The Newsy Neighbour

Some of my favourite childhood memories involve our family’s annual trips to the local Christmas-tree farm.

Although we have an artificial tree at our house, my children are still able to partake in the tradition by accompanying my parents when they cut down their tree. When I announced we would be helping them pick a tree the following weekend, I expected Ethan, my six-year old, to be excited about the outing.

Instead, he furrowed his brow, puzzled, and asked, “What did they do with the one we got them last year?”

Kids

~ Sara Daub

www.thenewsyneighbour.com

Christmas Riddles: What do elves learn in school?

The Elf-abet What is the difference between the Christmas alphabet and the ordinary alphabet?

The Christmas alphabet has no L (Noel) What Christmas Carol is a favourite of parents?

Silent Night Why does Santa have 3 gardens?

So he can Hoe Hoe Hoe

Give The

Gift

Dance

Of

What do snowmen eat for breakfast?

Frosted Flakes What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire? Frost Bite What do you get if Santa goes down the chimney when a fire is lit? Crisp Cringle What do you call people who are afraid of Santa Claus?

Claustraphobic

New programs beginning 2013 for everyone! www.edgdancestrathmore.com 126 Canal Garden. Strathmore, AB

Ph: 403-901-6392

How many reindeer does Santa Have?

10 - Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, Rudoph & Olive (Olive the other reindeer)

What did Adam say on the day before Christmas?

It’s Christmas, Eve! What do you call a snowman party?

Snowball!

Who is never hungry at Christmas?

The turkey, he is always stuffed.

What nationality is Santa Claus?

North Polish.

What do monkeys sing at Christmas?

Jungle bells, jungle bells...

What do you get if you cross an apple with a Christmas Tree?

A pineapple.

What do you have in December that you don’t have in any other month? The letter “D”!

Indoor Soccer Season 2012/13 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Chestermere United F.C. invites all soccer players, whether you are new to the game or returning to the sport, to register for the upcoming indoor soccer season.

Our club has programs from Grassroots to Advanced, ages U6 to U18 boys and girls teams.

The indoor season runs from September 2012 to April 2013.

Training will be held at indoor facilities in and around Chestermere, with CMSA games being played at facilities in Calgary.

Training shirt provided for all players.

Register online at www.chestermereunited.com/register Email: info@chestermereunited.com www.thenewsyneighbour.com

Kids

The Newsy Neighbour

Page 25

Christmas Family Page

I know, I know… Christmas is for kids; but aren’t we all kids at heart? I just get all giddy and excited when I see all the Christmas decorations in the stores and even though I truly have enough, I can’t control myself – I must buy more! Now that I have my first grandchild, I find myself walking up and down the toy isles looking in amazement at all the new fangled toys and I think, is this what Christmas is truly about? I just don’t know, what about the Olden Days when things were simpler and we didn’t have all these big box stores and people would order their presents from the Sears catalogs or make them? Yup, people use to make their presents – what a concept. Don’t you think that special present would mean more if we made it ourselves? It’s easy to go to the mall and just buy something and I’ll bet most of the time it really isn’t something we really need. We draw names every year for our gifts and this year I’m going to put a stipulation on our gifts – they have to be homemade. How exciting! We will have to use our imaginations and talents to actually make that special gift.

Ohh, this is going to be fun! So to inspire you to perhaps make the same decision, here are a few really good ideas for your own homemade from-your-heart gifts.

Grandmas Gift Basket

Maybe I’m cheating a little because I will make a food gift basket with my famous banana bread, biscotti, puffed wheat squares and other assorted goodies, but I don’t care. Here’s how you do it!

First, find the perfect basket or box to put all the goodies in to, then make:

Kathryn’s Favourite Banana Bread

1 ¾ Cups Flour ½ tsp baking soda 1 ½ tsp baking powder ¾ tsp salt ¾ Cups sugar 1 egg, beaten ¼ Cup vegetable oil 3 over ripe bananas ½ Cup milk Combine the first 5 ingredients then add egg, bananas, oil and milk. Mix well with an electric hand blender. Scrape into a greased bread pan and bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes. Test with toothpick; if it comes out clean it is done, if not put back in for another 5 to 8 minutes then test again. I always double this recipe and make 2 loaves; they always turn out perfect.

All my kids say this is the best banana loaf in the world. You can add nuts, chocolate chips or dried Christmas fruit, just to make it Christmassy.

Double Baked Biscotti

The recipe for this is on page ***** My Favourite – Fantastic – Fabulous and Fun Stuff

Puffed Wheat Squares

1/2 cup butter or margarine 1 cup Rogers golden syrup 1 cup white sugar 1/4 Cup brown sugar 6 heaping tbsp. cocoa powder 1 tsp. vanilla 10 cups of puffed wheat Combine butter, corn syrup, sugars and cocoa powder in a heavy saucepan.

Bring to a boil. (Very important) Remove from heat and add vanilla. Pour over puffed wheat and mix well. Press into a greased 9 x 13 pan. Try to press as hard as you can, wet or greased hands will help. A work of caution – these may never make it to the gift basket!

Other Assorted Goodies

This is where the Dollar Store comes in handy; trust me! And walk up and down the aisles; you will find a TON of things to add to your basket. You can also add stuff like soap, shampoo, body wash, candy, chocolates or whatever – use your imagination!!

Other Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas

A picture collage, family video, family calendar, Christmas ornament, homemade liqueur, gifts in a jar including soups, seasonings, puddings, cookie mixes, granola, trail mixes, salsa, rubs, dips, sauce mixes, bath salt mixes, Chai Mix and so many more. If you go to www.heavenlyhomemakers.com you can download FREE a whole book of Gifts in a Jar! You can print it off and the book would also make a great gift!

And for the kids..

Hand Print Christmas Decoration

4 Cups flour 1 Cup salt 1 1/2 Cups water Combine ingredients and knead dough for 15 to 20 minutes. Roll dough out about ½ inch thick and cut in circles big enough for the handprint. Press hand into dough to make print.

You can also use cookie cutters to make ornaments or gift tags. Make a small hole for the hanger and prick to prevent air bubbles. Bake at 300ºF about 20 to 25 minutes or until golden. You may have to bake longer depending on how thick your items are. They may not feel hard right away but will harden as they cool. Tip: make sure to use a non-stick surface, or spray cookie sheet with Pam. If you do get some stickage, cover the back with felt or cardstock. Attach with hot glue gun. Paint and decorate as desired. Acrylic paints work best and use a varnish to make them shiny.

Family Magnets

Photos of family members Adhesive-backed magnets Scissors Cut all of the family members out using the scissors, and stick them to the magnets and trim. If you would like your family members to have long lives, cover them with contact paper.

12 Days of Christmas Painting

1 Canvas the size of your choice Green and brown acrylic Paint 1 Gold Star This one is easy and what a great present for the grandparents. Just have a look at the picture – no instructions needed.

HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS! Kathryn Hartwell

Vehicles Feature Section

and the buzzers sound. Then we put the toys on the shelves because the kids are too busy exploring the empty boxes, rather than enjoying the whiz-bang educational SAT improving PBS and pediatrician-approved learning plaything we just bought, thanks to a bank loan.

“Some assembly required.” That phrase echoes in my head like Edgar Allan Poe’s Raven, or that abrasive duck from the insurance commercials. It’s harder when the kids are at that in-between age where they are too young to assemble toys themselves or to be of any help whatsoever.

“Hey, pal, please hand me the screwdriver.”“You mean this?”“No. That’s a garden hose. The screwdriver is the long metal thing with the plastic handle.”“You mean that?”“No. That’s a shovel that we use to clean up after the dog. Never mind. Go get Mommy for me now that I’m pinned under this basketball hoop and can’t move. Tell Mommy that Daddy is losing consciousness.”

PHIL, HAROLD & DALE

Now that three of our kids are teenagers and one is an almost-teen, gift giving doesn’t involve Craftsman tools, words under my breath or directions written in Swedish. The only knuckle scraping I experience now comes from constantly reaching into my back pocket for my wallet. And the only blood loss I risk comes from putting things in envelopes and risking paper cuts.

14A BAYSIDE PLACE. STRATHMORE, AB

403-934-5774

email:info@phdautomotive.com

Wheatland Trail

#1 Highway

Air Conditioning Clutches Cooling Systems Engines • Steering Transmissions Differentials Transfers Tune-ups Tires • Brakes Suspension Bring this in to receive

“Merry Christmas, Sweetheart! Here’s a Target gift card to keep along with your Borders gift card and your Blockbuster gift card!”I know that giving gift cards seem like the lazy man’s way out; there are times when I look back sentimentally on those past Christmas Eves, where my wife and I stayed up until 3:00 a.m. struggling to follow the directions for assembling dollhouses, bicycles or life-sized batcaves. Our hands shook from overwork and from downing two-litre bottles of Diet Coke to stay awake. Our eyes were tired and crossed from trying to connect too many slots “A” to slots “B”. Then, after getting about twenty minutes of sleep, the kids would stampede into the bedroom, announcing that Santa left behind a mountain of toys, and several empty plastic soda bottles.

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www.phdautomotive.com The Phrase Fathers Fear Most On Christmas Day Here are three words often heard at this time of year that strikes fear into the hearts of fathers everywhere. Those three words can crush the spirit of even the most capable Dad. Those words: “Some assembly required.”

My children have now grown beyond the stage where every blasted Christmas gift they receive needs to be constructed using tools thinner than sewing needles by the skillful, unwavering hands of a neurosurgeon. I cannot tell you how many times I have cursed Santa’s elves – or the blue-vested Toys-R-Us guys – for not pre-assembling the mountains of toys my kids have received over the years. I have the scarred knuckles to prove my point.

“Come see what Santa brought us!” our kids would yell when they were very little. “Daddy, why are your hands bandaged and packed in ice?”

It’s easier when kids are very small. Many of their Christmas toys come pre-assembled. In fact, many come in one piece. Parents just remove the expensive gadgets from their boxes and make sure all the bells ring Page 30

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I do miss the blissful looks on their faces and the loving hugs around the neck from tiny arms. I do miss the excitement that the anticipation of Santa’s visit brings to young children. I miss the trampling of tiny feet up and down the steps. I don’t miss the bruises and contusions and the clanking at midnight that comes after Daddy tripped over the toolbox .The nightmares have stopped but the haunting phrase “some assembly required” still makes me flinch. It is important to remember, however, that scraped knuckles do heal over time.

~ Tim Herrera

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Working Together For A Bully Free Strathmore Add us on

“CHESTERMERE REGIONAL FOOD BANK” We are currently looking for some happy helpers for our charitable organization: √ Do you know anything about Charitable Grants? If Yes – excellent, could you help us out? No – would you like to learn? √ Are you experienced with setting up Websites? We could use you!

The Crowfoot Community, a small former school district east of Strathmore, has published a Centennial Cookbook, “Crowfoot Cookery” to celebrate its 100 years. Members of the area, Joan Tiede, Ann Scheer and Alan West collaborated for over a year collecting and compiling nearly 500 recipes from young and old. As the Crowfoot Community’s historian, Ann felt that a cookbook might help the younger generation remember some of the people who helped build the community. It’s more fun to read a cookbook than a dusty old history book.

Making Gramma’s tried-and-true recipe evokes happy memories of the family sitting around the kitchen table. The Cookbook, now in its second printing, has many sections, hints and tips using country western cuisine. The book sells for $20 and is available by e-mail to crowfootcookery@gmail. com or call Ann Scheer at 403-934-4357 or Alan West at 403-934-4139.

Giving the gift of dignity

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dignity

√ Are you looking to use your P.R. skills in a charitable way? We neeed you!

Celebration

√ Are you awesome with Advertising? Oh, we could sooo use you!

Join us for a fun-filled day at Town Hall as we celebrate Christmas With Dignity.

December 15, 2012 11:00 am - 3:00 pm

√ Do you have a little spare time to help with Pick-ups / Hampers? Hey, we need you too!

We are working to build up our volunteer base and could use a variety of people with a variety of skills.

Please check out our site:

www.chestermerefoodbank.ca

www.thenewsyneighbour.com

silent auction face painting  live entertainment Christmas store for kids 





A store open for children to purchase gifts for family, supervised by volunteers. (Ages 4 +)

For questions please contact Community Services at 403-207-7060 New and like new items for the Christmas store for children can be dropped off at MLA, Bruce McAllister’s office and Town Hall

This page is provided by encana natural gas for non-profit organizations and fundraising!

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Page 31

My Favourite – Fabulous – Fantastic and Fun Stuff Biscotti, oh yes! There is nothing more fabulous then dipping a biscotti into a creamy steamy cup of cappuccino. Biscotti is one of my favourite Italian cookies, and why wouldn’t it be? The crunchy goodness and delicate aroma of Sunday morning nirvana. What a fabulous gift for you family and friends for Christmas. I had never made Biscotti before as I thought it might be too complicated, but I found out it could not be easier; like, really easy, in fact! I made the chocolate almond recipe and they turned out fantastic!

Almond Biscotti

1 cup white sugar 1 cup brown sugar 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp baking powder 1/8 tsp cinnamon 3 tbsp soft butter 3 cups whole almonds (skin on) 2 beaten eggs 3 tbsp pure vanilla 1 beaten egg mixed with 1 tbsp water, for egg wash Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Put brown sugar, white sugar, flour, cinnamon, baking powder, butter, and almonds in a large mixing bowl. With mixer on low speed, add beaten eggs and vanilla. Mix just until dough holds together. Put dough on a floured surface. Cut in half. Form each piece to desired shape (a flat brick shape about 1 inch thick works well). Place on greased cookie sheet. Lightly brush the top of each with egg wash. Bake for 25 minutes or until firm to touch. Remove from oven.

Let cool 15 minutes then cut dough into slices. Return to 300 degree F oven for 15 minutes.

Pistashio Biscotti 1 1/2 cups pistachios 1/2 cup butter 3 eggs 1 cup sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt

In an electric mixer, beat the butter until light and fluffy. With the mixer running, gradually add the eggs, sugar, and vanilla; mix until creamed. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix the dough until smooth. Using a wooden spoon, mix in the pistachios until evenly distributed. Put the dough on a lightly floured surface and cut in half. Roll each half into a log; slightly flatten with the palm of your hand, about 1 inch thick. Place on a greased cookie sheet and bake for 35 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes and slice into ½ inch thick pieces. Put back on the cookie sheet and bake 10 minutes. Store in an airtight container.

Chocolate Almond Biscotti 2 cups flour 1 cup sugar 1/3 cup cocoa powder 1 tsp baking soda 1/4 tsp salt 4 eggs 3/4 tsp vanilla or almond extract 1 cup whole almonds, toasted 1/3 cup chocolate chips

To toast almonds place on baking sheet in 350 degree oven for 15 minutes. In a standing mixer with a paddle attachment combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. Mix together eggs and extract. Gradually add egg mixture to flour mixture blending on low. Add almonds and chocolate chips and blend just until combined. Divide into 2 and form into brick like shape about 1 inch thick.

Place on a greased sheet pan and brush with beaten egg. Bake at 350 degrees until light golden brown, about 30-35 minutes. Allow to cool 15 minutes then cut into slices. Place slices on a greased sheet pan and bake in a 350-degree oven until toasted, about 15 minutes. Cool. Store in an airtight container.

Kathryn Hartwell

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lay the pistachios on a cookie sheet in a single layer. Bake for 10 minutes or until the nuts are lightly toasted. Remove from the oven.

Page 32

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Twas the Night Before (Senior) Christmas ‘Twas the night before Christmas at Rock-Away Rest, And all of us seniors were looking our best.

Our glasses, how sparkly, our wrinkles, how merry; Our punch bowl held prune juice plus three drops of sherry.

A bed sock was taped to each walker in hope, That Santa would bring us soft candy and soap.

We surely were lucky to be there with friends, Secure in this residence and in our Depends.

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Our grandkids had sent us some Christmassy crafts, Like angels in snowsuits and penguins on rafts.

The dental assistant had borrowed our teeth, And from them she’d crafted a holiday wreath.

The bed pans, so shiny, all stood in a row, Reflecting our candle’s magnificent glow.

Our supper, so festive (the joy wouldn’t stop), Was creamy warm oatmeal with sprinkles on top.

Our salad was Jell-O, so jiggly and great; Then puree of fruitcake was spooned on each plate.

The social director then had us play games, Like “Where Are You Living?” and “What Are Your Names?”

Old Grandfather Looper was feeling his oats, Proclaiming that reindeer were nothing but goats.

Our resident wanderer was tied to her chair, In hopes that at bedtime she still would be there.

Security lights on the new fallen snow Made outdoors seem noon to the old folks below.

Then out on the porch there arose quite a clatter (But we are so deaf that it just didn’t matter).

A strange little fellow flew in through the door, Then tripped on the sill and fell flat on the floor.

‘Twas just our director, all togged out in red.

He jiggled and chuckled and patted each head.

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We knew from the way that he strutted and jived Our Social Security checks had arrived.

We sang -- how we sang -- in our monotone croak, Till the clock tinkled out its soft eight-p.m. stroke.

And soon we were snuggling deep in our beds While nurses distributed nocturnal meds.

And so ends our Christmas at Rock-Away Rest.

‘Fore long you’ll be with us. We wish you the best!

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Page 33

Health & Beauty

Feature Section

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5 pounds; no big deal, right?

With the holidays comes some over-indulgence that seems quite innocent, but between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, the average person gains 5 pounds.

5 pounds; no big deal, right? Wrong! If you were to gain 5 pound every other month for the rest of the year, you would gain 30 pounds! That breaks down to only 2.5 pounds a month. To put on 2.5 pounds, you would need consume 8,750 calories more than your body needed, even after exercise. That’s equal to 16 Big Macs a month or 2 glasses of wine every night for 30 days. This adds up to just less than 300 calories a day!

With party after party and big dinner after big dinner, all washed down with high calorie drinks, it’s pretty easy to put on the holiday 5 pounds, if not a little more.

Here are a few tips for surviving parties or big dinners.

Do not save calories! If you don’t eat all day, saving up for the party or meal later, you will eat way more than normal and will slow down your metabolism. Eat normal all day and eat a snack before dinner; you will actually consume less because your body is full and satisfied. Eat slowly; set your fork down between each bite. You will eat less because your body will have time to register that it’s full.

If you’re at a buffet or family style dinner, you’re in control of your portions. Grab a small plate and take only 1/2 a serving of everything you want. Slowly eat and decide if you are still hungry, you can always go back for seconds. Don’t deprive yourself; have a couple bites of everything but stop when you’re full.

Limit yourself to 1-2 alcoholic beverages per party or dinner. Make sure you’re mixing with soda or water and stick to a 5 ounce serving of wine.

Wear fitted clothes! When you’re wearing something snug or well-fitted you’re less likely to over eat.

Moderation is the secret when it comes to the holidays. Eat often, but small portions and exercise daily Phone: 587-433-7227 to keep energy level high and to help burn off any www.Anndeeking.com • Anndee@anndeeking.com overindulgence.

Page 34 The Newsy Neighbour www.thenewsyneighbour.com Health & Beauty

The Miracle of the Poinsetta ~ Author Unknown

At Christmastime in Mexico, most houses display the poinsettia. Just as we have holly, mistletoe and the Christmas tree, the Mexicans have the poinsettia. They believe that the beautiful plant brings a blessing that will last all year. The tradition has existed since 1834, when a miracle occurred in a tiny village.

In those days it was customary for people in the villages to take gifts to the Baby Jesus at Christmas Eve. Little Maria, a poor peasant girl had no gift, but she did so want to enter the church and see the Baby Jesus in His crib.

She stood outside, watching others as they entered, carrying their gifts. Some took food, some took crochet and lacework. Others carried flowers. But little Maria had nothing. One lady passed her with a huge bundle of flowers in her arms. As she walked by, a leaf fell from the enormous bunch and landed at Maria’s feet. She picked it up and thought, “I will take this leaf.”

Others saw Maria pick up the leaf and smiled as she carefully wrapped it in her small handkerchief. And then, clutching her tiny gift, Maria entered the church. She took her place at the end of the line of people waiting www.thenewsyneighbour.com

to make their offerings. Then, at last, it was Maria’s turn.

She stretched out her arm and carefully opened her fingers to place the leaf on the altar in front of the crib.

There was a gasp from the adults who had seen Maria fold the leaf into her tiny handkerchief. For as her fingers separated, it was seen that the little peasant girl was now holding a beautiful flower. The miraculous bloom was formed like a star with brilliant scarlet leaves Word of the miracle spread quickly through the church and people fell to their knees. The gift of the poinsettia came to be known as “The Flower of the Holy Night”.

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Page 35

Health Benefits of your Christmas Dinner Turkey is a traditional part of Christmas dinner and luckily it is also extremely good for you. Turkey is a great source of high quality protein, as well as being naturally low in fat – particularly when the skin is removed. Not only that, but turkey is rich in vitamins B3 and B6 (important for brain health and energy production) and zinc and selenium (good for the immune system and skin). Furthermore, the festive bird is high in tryptophan, which can help to boost your mood.

Chestnuts Whether you eat them with sprouts, in a veggiefriendly nut roast or added to stuffing, chestnuts are a great way to boost your health at Christmas time.

Unlike most nuts, chestnuts are surprisingly low in fat and also an excellent source of vitamin C. On top of this, chestnuts are a good source of protein, fibre and nutrients, including iron, B vitamins and foliate.

Cranberry sauce Cranberry sauce is a staple of many Christmas dinners, so it may comes as good news to lots of us that the popular condiment is packed with antioxidants and nutrients essential for good health. Several studies have identified links between consuming cranberries and reduced risks of heart disease and breast cancer.

when enjoyed in moderation. As well as being high in fibre and calcium, homemade bread sauce traditionally contains onion and cloves, which have antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Brussels sprouts Many people claim to dislike sprouts – perhaps due to their unappealing smell or appearance. However, if you can get past your aversion to this traditional Christmas veg, you could be doing your health a big favour. By tucking into your sprouts on Christmas day you will be filling your body with plenty of essential nutrients, including vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids (great for the heart and brain) and cancer-fighting substances, glucosinolates.

Carrots Carrots have long had a reputation for helping you to see in the dark, and it may be that this is not far from the truth. The vibrant vegetable is packed with carotenoids such as alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and lutein, which help to protect vision and reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration, as well as helping to protect against cancer.

Information found on:www.realbuzz.com

“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world , and behold , everything is softer and more beautiful .” ~ Norman Vincent Peale

Bread sauce “Christmas, my child , is love in acWhile bread is often given the cold shoulder by tion ... every time we love , every time those of us watching our waistlines, this breadwe give , it ’s Christmas.” crumb based sauce is actually good for your health ~ Dale Evans Rogers Page 36 The Newsy Neighbour www.thenewsyneighbour.

Health & Beauty

“The best Christmas trees come very close to exceeding nature .” ~ Andy Rooney “Christmas! The very word brings joy to our hearts. No matter how we may dread the rush , the long Christmas lists for gifts and cards to be bought and given; when Christmas Day comes, there is still the same warm feeling we had as children , the same warmth that enfolds our hearts and our homes.” ~ Joan Winmill Brown Christmas - that magic blanket that wraps itself about us, that something so intangible that it is like a fragrance . It may weave a spell of nostalgia. Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer, but always it will be a day of remembrance - a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved . ~Augusta E. Rundel

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Page 37

Luscious Joys I have to admit; I am a cracker freak! I love all kinds of crackers and they are probably my favourite snacking food. Quick and easy. Take the time to read labels, which I always do; I read every single label of an item before I buy it because I have an MSG allergy and, up until a couple years ago, MSG was in so many food items it would boggle your mind. The manufacturers are finally figuring it out and there are products today I can purchase with no MSG, where in the past I was unable to eat.

Yeah! Cheddar cheese chips with no MSG - what a concept!

As a result of my allergy, I was forced to make food items I could not purchase, which isn’t such a big tragedy, as homemade is always way better for you. So since it is December and crackers are abundant on every hors d’oeuvre tray, I thought I would share a few of my favourite recipes so you too can make your own homemade crackers. All these recipes are really easy and tasty – you’re going to love, love, love them!

HOME MADE CHEESE CRACKERS

Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness.

To an opponent, tolerance .

To a friend , your heart. To a customer, service . To all , charity. To every child , a good example . To yourself, respect. ~Oren Arnold Even as an adult I find it difficult to sleep on Christmas Eve . Yuletide excitement is a potent caffeine , no matter your age . ~Terri Guillemets

1 250 gm container of Imperial Cheese 1 Tbsp sugar ½ Cup butter, melted ½ tsp salt 1 ½ Cups flour ¼ tsp Cayenne (optional) 1 Tbsp water Combine cheese and butter in with an electric blender or food processor. Add flour, sugar, salt and cayenne and blend until well mixed. Add water and mix until mixture comes together and forms dough. Form into a ball, divide in half, and shape each half into an 8-inch log. Wrap each log in plastic wrap and chill 2 hours. Remove dough logs from refrigerator; slice into 1/4 inch disks and place on 2 baking sheets that are greased. Bake at 375 degrees for 14 minutes.

EVERYTHING CRACKERS Makes 1 large cracker sheet 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 cups white or whole-wheat flour, plus more for flouring surface Coarse sea salt, dried onion bits, poppy seeds and sesame seeds (for the everything bagel effect) or a seed combination of your choice

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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Dissolve the salt in 1/2 cup of cold water. Stir in the flour until combined. Knead the dough a few turns until a ball forms. Flour an overturned 12-by-17-inch cookie sheet and roll out the dough on top of it, using as much flour as needed to prevent sticking, until the dough covers the sheet from edge to edge. Do your best to get them as thin as possible, because the thicker parts become quite hard when baked. Using a spray bottle filled with water, spray the dough to give it a glossy finish. Prick the dough all over with a fork. If you choose, sprinkle with sea salt or seeds. For neat crackers, score the dough into grids. Bake until the dough is crisp and golden and snaps apart, 15 to 25 minutes. (Check after 10 minutes to make sure it does not overcook.) Break into pieces and serve.

HERB CRACKERS 2 Cups all-purpose flour 1/2 tsp. salt 12 Tbsp. (1 1/2 sticks) very cold butter, cut into chunks 1/2 cup ice-cold water (a bit more if needed) fresh herbs (thyme leaves, parsley, dill or fennel fronds, chives) Put flour and salt in the bowl of a food processor with the blade; pulse until combined. Add butter and pulse just a couple of times. You want large, knuckle-sized chunks of butter (don’t aim for smaller bits like many piecrust recipes specify, typically referred to as coarse meal). Add water and pulse in short bursts until the dough begins to come together. If needed, add just a teeny bit more water.

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and divide in half.

Wrap each half in plastic and shape into a disk. Chill for a couple of hours.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Roll one disk out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a small cookie cutter (like a fluted square, 1 to 1 1/2 inch wide) to cut shapes very close together. Place a leaf or two of herb on each square. Roll with your rolling pin gently to press the herbs into the dough.

Carefully transfer squares to a baking sheet; bake for about 15 minutes, until lightly golden.

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PARMIGIANO REGGIANO CRACKERS The simplicity of this recipe will inspire you to bake your own crackers. Man, are they good! Cheesy, buttery, and so easy to make... what more could I want from a recipe?

6 ounces Parmigiano-Reggiano 1 Cup flour 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper Pinch ground cayenne pepper 4 tbsp butter Ice water Finely grate cheese and place in food processor, but I don’t have one so you can mix the dough with forks or a pastry cutter. Add flour, salt, pepper, and cayenne to the cheese. Stir to blend.

Add one tablespoon of butter at a time until dough is crumwww.thenewsyneighbour.com

studio86tanning.com bly. Slowly drizzle about 4 tablespoons of ice water into dough while mixing. Stop adding water when the dough can be formed into a ball. Place ball of dough onto wax paper. Flatten into a thick disk and wrap the dough up in the wax paper. Refrigerate for at least an hour or up to a day. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Roll dough between two pieces of wax paper until it is 1/8 inch thick. Use small cookie cutters to cut the crackers. Place uncooked crackers on a greased baking sheet into the preheated oven. Cook for 8-12 minutes until golden.

May the cracker gods be with you and spread the cheer of the season!

~ Kathryn Hartwell

Health & Beauty

The Newsy Neighbour

Page 39

Nuts Because it is Christmas and nuts are so good for you, and Christmas seems to be the one time a year when you will find bins of them at the supermarket, I decided to do an article all about nuts.

Nuts are one of those things you can indulge in and not feel guilty about eating them.

Nuts are underrated as nutritious snacks - particularly raw tree nuts, such as almonds, cashews, walnuts, and more, which have been linked to lower cholesterol, better heart health, weight control, and even a lower cancer risk.

For many people, roasting chestnuts and snacking on fresh nuts is a Christmas tradition. Nuts are a good source of protein and contain many vitamins, minerals and healthy fats. Sadly, many people in North America have developed life-threatening allergies to nuts. Not all nuts are alike; some nuts, like hazelnuts, are fruits with thick outer shells. Other nuts, like almonds and walnuts, form a hard pit in the centre of a fruit called a drupe, like a peach or a cherry. So just because you may be allergic to some nuts does not mean you are allergic to them all. Get tested to be sure.

Almond The almond is a small tree related to plums, peaches and apricots. The fleshy coats of almond fruits crack open, releasing the nut inside. Sweet almonds are edible while bitter almonds, which contain toxic prussic acid, are used to obtain almond oil. Almonds are low in saturated fat and contain many other protective nutrients, like calcium and magnesium for strong bones, vitamin E and compounds called phytochemicals, which may help protect against cardiovascular disease and even cancer.

Brazil Nut Brazil nuts grow in clusters of 12-24 inside coconut-like capsules. Native to South America, Brazil nuts are popular snacks in

Europe and North America. Brazil nuts are not commercially grown outside South America as they perform poorly in monocultures, relying on wild bees for pollination. Brazil nuts are particularly healthy due to their high selenium content, which makes their protein content “complete”. This means that, unlike the proteins in most plant products, Brazil nuts’ proteins contain all the necessary amino acids to foster optimal growth in humans (in the same way as proteins from animal products do).

Chestnut The sweet chestnut is a wind-pollinated, deciduous tree native to southern Europe. American chestnuts grew abundantly in eastern deciduous forests of North America but, sadly, the introduction of chestnut blight disease in 1904 destroyed almost all the trees on this continent. Three chestnuts grow inside each prickly husk. Roasting chestnuts splits the shell so the nut can be easily removed.

Hazelnut/Filbert (Corylus spp.)

The species of hazelnut we purchase in the store (Corylus avellana) is native to Asia Minor and Europe, but there are two edible Canadian species: beaked hazelnut (C. cornuta) and American hazelnut (C. americana). Hazelnuts are a wind-pollinated deciduous shrubs or small trees. The nuts are encased in a greenish coloured husk. Hazelnuts were traditionally roasted and eaten by the aboriginal peoples of North America. In Europe hazelnuts are often used to make chocolates, chocolate butter spread and cakes like the Italian Panforte and German Lebkuchen.

Pecan (Carya illinoensis) Pecans are a large, wind-pollinated deciduous tree native to North America that can reach heights of 170 ft. The nut is encased in a leathery green husk that cracks open when ripe. A single tree can yield over 400 lbs of pecans each year. Pecans were harvested extensively by aboriginal peoples. European

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settlers quickly embraced the pecan, eating them plain, spiced or in baking. Pecan pie, often served at American Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, is a classic example of pioneer “fusion” cooking. Pecans are often added to Canadian butter tarts as well.

Walnut (Juglans spp.)

There are several edible species of walnuts: English walnut (J. regia) grows in southeastern Europe and western Asia, while black walnut (J. nigra) and butternut (J. cinerea) grow in the forests of eastern North America. Walnut trees are valued for their timber as well as their nuts. The walnut, like the almond, is a drupe; the nut is encased in a fleshy, green husk. Walnuts are used in such Christmas treats as Spanish Pastel de Navidad and Hungarian nut bread Beigli.

By Kathryn Hartwell

Discover Reflexology

Happy Holidays!

By Cynthia Barnesky

You can discover alternative methods to live a happy and healthy life as unique as you. The body knows how to heal, but sometimes it needs a little help.

Reflexology is one of the ways a therapist helps activate the healing powers of the body from the inside out. It is the art of acupressure or trigger points, along with massaging the feet, hands and yes, even the ears! The body, mind and soul can then release, rebuild, restore, renew and relax.

Reflexology is both an old and new method of therapy. It goes as far back as the Egyptians and now it is becoming mainstream in the twenty first century.

Reflexology is an art of channeling the healing energy. When therapists lay their hands and do specific techniques by applying pressure to the feet, they create the channels for the healing energy to circulate to all parts of the body. This helps the body to start the healing process. The feet, hands, and ears are the mirror to the body. When you touch parts of your feet, hands, or ears you are stimulating specific parts of the body, therefore helping the body heal by restoring, balancing and maintaining the body’s natural equilibrium.

Why not let the many benefits of Reflexology help you!

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Health & Beauty

The Newsy Neighbour

Page 41

PETS

Feature Section

,ARRIKIN Dr. Jan Currah BScAg, DVM

6ETERINARY 3ERVICES

Dr. Jennifer Currah (aka Dr. Nif) DVM, MAppSc, MRCVS

LVS wishes you and your family a very Happy %S +BO $VSSBI Dr. Jan CurrahNew Year.

Christmas and a BScAg, Merry #4D"H %7.

DVM AND

All the best in 2013 from our %S +FOOJGFS $VSSBI Dr. Jennifer Currah families to yours, BLB %S /JG

arrikin Veterinary Services provides (aka Dr. Nif) Larrikin Veterinary Services provides %7. ."QQ4D .3$74 Drs Jan and Nif, ‘in-house’ vets! eterinary youranimal animal either DVM,your MAppSc, MRCVS veterinarycare carefor for your either

n your home farm! in your homeororon onyour your farm!

Veterinary care that comes to you!

r.Dr.NifNif’s looks after lie your dogs and Medicine cats and for strives make interests in Preventive dogsto and cats.each 403-983-0771 sit positive pet!and Pets are more comfortable Weawant your one pet tofor liveyour as long healthy a life as possible! in heNiffamiliar surroundings of homewww.larrikinvets.ca andwe aren’t of The also enjoys Behaviour Medicine and striveastoscared make each et!! visit a positive one for your pet!

Dr. Jan loves all things to do with cattle and horses.

Dr. Jan loves all things to do with cattle and horses and Cattle prices are good this fall so get your cows preg herand background in Agriculture enables her toones! provide tested make some money on the open

The Pouty Puppy

and integrative approach to your herd’s health.

-Bauer

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entries at orPS WJTJU PVS XFCTJUF visit our website www.prairiepaws.ca... www.MBSSJLJOWFUT larrikinvets .ca DB XXX if you want."

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I sleep in the Big Bed. It’s MY bed. Mommy and daddy Dr. Nif (L) & Dr Jan look forward to seeing you soon!gets 3 inches, daddy just share it with me.

Mommy gets 8 inches, and I get the rest. Sometimes they don’t understand that and move me over. I growl at them and show my teeth. NO ONE moves the Delta Ninja.

give up my spot without a fight.

So she has never slept with us. She sleeps far away in her own room. I hate her room; it smells like her. Sometimes I go in there because they trick me into thinking there are treats in there and then I’m bombarded with baby hugs and cuddles. I don’t want her hugs or cuddles. So she goes and cuddles MY mommy. I hate her.

Sometimes, in the morning or before she goes to bed, she sits in MY bed with mommy and daddy and watches that annoying little high-pitched red guy on the television. His voice is so high that it hurts my ears; yet another reason to hate her. I jump up on the bed, to make sure she’s not near MY spot, and I am disgusted that her feet are ever so close. Why aren’t mommy and daddy moving her? Why are they allowing her dirty, stinky feet to touch MY spot?

I am so angry that I jump down and huff and puff all the way downstairs. How will I get them back for this? Why are they treating me this way? I am going to go find one of the treats I’ve hidden around the house and eat it, just to calm my nerves.

Mmm. I’ll get them back. Tonight, I will sleep length-wise.

Mommy thought she got little room to sleep, well she ain’t seen NOTHING yet. I will show them. And when daddy rolls over and goes to sleep, I’m going to put my head right near his stomach. He’ll be so uncomfortable and I won’t care. They need to learn that this is MY bed – not hers. Stop letting her on here!

Oh yeah; did you read me in the Newsy Neighbour the My bed is a king-sized bed. I like to cuddle mostly last 2 issues? Yeah, mommy thinks she’s sooooo smart with mommy, so I lean right up against her and press to get my stories printed. I do all the work, and she my entire body up to her. When it’s super hot, she reaps all the benefits? Unacceptable. gets mad, but I don’t care. I just keep moving closer to her. She loves the extra body heat; I can tell‌ even Yet another way I’m treated so horribly. The audacity. if she doesn’t say so.

B Because I get the bed, she doesn’t sleep with us at night. When she was brought home that awful, disgusting day, mommy was talking about something called “co-sleeping.� That idea was nixed quite quickly when I refused to get out of my spot. I’d been sleeping there for 3 years; there was no way I was going to Page 42

The Newsy Neighbour

The Pouty Puppy Childrens Books!!

Coming in Spring 2013 Stay Tuned!

Pets

www.thenewsyneighbour.com

   February 9, 2013 10am-3pm at the Strathmore Civic Centre

IS BACK!!!

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QUALITY DOG GROOMING Doggy DAYCARE

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Dr. Jodi Viste Regular Hours Dr. Chris Belan & Emergency Dr. Julie Woodward

Dr. Rand Davis (403) 901-1800 www.animalcarecentre.ca Unit 105I, 100 Ranch Market, Strathmore, AB

Tail Waggers Dog Walking Service

Wishing all of my clients and their furry four legged companions a very Merry Christmas!

Melissa Crispin-Piché 403-901-5469

Dogs’ lives are too short. Their only fault, really. ~Agnes Sligh Turnbull

My little dog - a heartbeat at my feet. ~Edith Wharton There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face. ~Ben Williams If you think dogs can’t count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then giving Fido only two of them. ~Phil Pastoret

www.melissadavid.scentsy.ca Melissa David - (403) 923-8983

Before you buy a pet for Christmas, adopt!

Christmas And Your Pets

The holidays are all about giving and by adopting a pet, you’re giving them a shot at a long, healthy life. Adoption and saving lives is just in the spirit of the holiday season. You’re giving these pets a chance at a happy, healthy life.

Most of us consider our pets to be part of the family and want to include them in our seasonal celebrations. But here are a few holiday hazards to watch out for.

DOGS

I’ve listed a few here but for a complete list of all rescue and adoption sites go to: www.albertadogs.com Alberta Small Dog Adoption Network: www.albertasmalldogadoptionnetwork.synthasite.com polareco@airsurfer.ca Lori Oshanek, 780-941-2194, 780-8632194, Leduc, Alberta The Alberta Animal Rescue Crew: All breed, non-profit rescue organization based in Calgary and surrounding areas rescuing animals from First Nations and emergency situations. For more information check out www.albertaanimalrescuecrew.com, e-mail adoptions@albertaanimalrescuecrew.com, or phone: 403-869-4694.

Northern Alberta Society for Animal Protection: 780-922-0250, www.nasap.ca Animal Rescue Foundation (Calgary): (403) 243-1910 www.arf.ab.ca Furever After Rescue Society - A non-profit organization, based in Calgary dedicated to the rescue of dogs from high kill shelters, disasters, neglect and other tragic situations from Canada and the United States. For more information check out: www.fureverafter.org.

Calgary Humane Society: www.calgaryhumane.ca Canadian Dachshund Rescue. Their web site is www.wienerdogrescue.com. Their national e-mail address is: info@wienerdogrescue.com, two Alberta contacts are wkstig@shaw.ca and anantau@gmail.com.

Golden Retriever Club of Alberta Rescue: www.grcab.com, email: rescue@grcab.com Labrador Retriever Rescue, Calgary: Box 63, Site 3, R.R. 1 Strathmore, AB, T1P 1J6, (403) 934-4965, www.calgarylabrescue.com email: chauncey934@earthlink.net

CATS

The Happy Cat Sanctuary is a rescue organization based in Strathmore, Alberta, Canada. We are a small group of volunteers dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating stray and abandoned cats. We then help find loving homes for our cats through adoption. www.happycatsanctuary.net Feline Rescue Foundation of Alberta (“FRFA”) is a registered charity based in Calgary that provides rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing for cats living on city streets and rural areas. http://frfa.ca Whisker Rescue (whiskerrescue@live.com) located in Red Deer, Alberta, is a non-profit charitable organization that strives to provide basic needs such as shelter, food, medical attention, and adoption opportunities to in our care. www.whiskerrescue.com www.thenewsyneighbour.com

Chocolate

It isn’t a far-fetched situation that an industrious pooch could unwrap an unopened box of chocolate sitting under the tree. While the sweet confection may provide a simple sugar rush for you, it’s potentially toxic for little Rover.

The effect depends on the type and amount of chocolate and the size of the dog, says Dr. Douglas A. Roberts, president of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and a companion animal practitioner in Kentville, NS. Effects can range from a little vomiting and some diarrhea for a few hours to a risk of seizure or even death. Xylitol, an artificial sweetener commonly used in baked goods and other sweets, can also be toxic and cause liver injury.

Table scraps and bones

Being fed unfamiliar foods, such as leftover turkey, may lead to gastrointestinal problems. “Dogs and cats are often on a very fixed diet, and if we make an alteration to that diet suddenly, they just don’t tolerate it very well,” says Roberts. And keep bones out of paws’ reach as well: if ingested, they can cause obstructions or perforations in the bowel or throat.

Christmas tree

Keep glass ornaments high on the tree – hooks, fasteners and broken glass could all be ingested if an ornament is swatted off a limb. If you opt for a real tree, don’t add any chemicals to the water, in case your pet decides to take a sip.

Tinsel and string

Tinsel is a favourite of cats, but if in ingested, it can block their intestinal tract. Any sort of string can be mistaken for a toy and become hazardous. Roberts once treated a cat who found a tasty treat in the string wrapped around his family’s roast beef dinner.

Cords

Hide and tape them down. Your pet could be electrocuted or burned if he nibbles on one.

Plants

Poinsettias, mistletoe and holly could all upset your pet’s digestive tract if consumed in large amounts.

The Newsy Neighbour

Page 44

STRATHMORE WHEATLAND KINGS 2012-2013 December 2012 Game Schedule See full schedule at:

www.smwheatkings.ca December 2012 Date: Time: Dec 1, 2012 8:00 PM Dec 7, 2012 8:00 PM Dec 8, 2012 8:00 PM Dec 15, 2012 8:00 PM Dec 21, 2012 8:00 PM Dec 22, 2012 8:00 PM

Home: Visitor: Strathmore Coaldale Okotoks Strathmore Red Deer Strathmore Strathmore High River Airdrie Strathmore Strathmore Cochrane

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Austin

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Working Together

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As a team challenge:

Put contestants into teams of 3 or 4. If playing with family, mixed age teams are better. Fill in as many words as you can within a time limit (say 5 minutes). Go through the alphabet calling out each team’s answer. Only score a point if no-one else has called out the same word.

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Page 45

Monthly Book Review by Derek Donais My review column is in its second year with the Newsy Neighbour. Please continue to join me each month as I explore a new read. I’ve had the opportunity to review worthwhile books by many local or regional Canadian authors, as well as some great international works. As always, my passions are fantasy and sciencefiction, but I am always on the lookout for more non-fiction, especially from local writers. I hope to build on the many bright spots and successes of 2011. MetalMagic: Talisman, the revised Canadian edition, was released in November, 2011 and I’m happy to announce that the sequel, MetalMagic: Revelation, should be available sometime in February, 2012. Thanks to all those who’ve supported the Newsy Neighbour and read my reviews over the last little while—and here’s to another year filled with promise!

Yours in Truth, Derek Donais

MetalMagic: Talisman Derek Donais

Trail Quest Books, November 2011 Fiction/Fantasy, 278 Pages ISBN: 9780986921216 (print version) ASIN: B009700KO0 (Kindle ebook version)

Guest Review by Barb Galler-Smith Sometimes life intervenes to keep us from reading books we really want to read.

When the chance to finally sit down and start reading gets interrupted almost continually, it sometimes makes it hard to remember what went on before.

Not so with Derek Donais’ Talisman, the first book in the MetalMagic series. This book starts so strongly, it was always easy to pick up and remember just what had happened before, even if a few weeks intervened between readings. Then it happened for me. There came a point where the book was impossible to put down. It went everywhere with me, in case I had an uninterrupted minute.

The magic is unique and compelling, and as the story progresses, we discover it’s not quite as simple as we might guess in early chapters, and so we can’t quite figure out what’s going to happen next. Twists and turns are as common as the tortuous journey the hero Jaren and his family must undertake to save the free world from enslavement by a wielder of the most powerful magic ever seen. Only Jaren has a hope of defeating her, and he is untrained.

Several point of view characters grace these pages: young Jaren, unable to use the ancient metal magic, yet capable of much more than he can imagine; his canny and independent friend Iselle; Jaren’s gifted sister Morgaine; and Prince Aldrain, who suddenly becomes King after the annihilation of his family and the shocking destruction of the royal castle fortress. The antagonists are just as intriguing, and the political machinations behind the scenes are enticing.

The protagonists must separate, and the stories of each are engaging. The transitions between plot lines work exceedingly well. There is always something to propel us forward at the end of each scene or chapter, even while changing locations and characters. These changes are so smooth they come as easily as turning the page.

This is much bigger and better than just a story of a lad coming into his own. Strong magic, neither good nor bad in themselves, are wielded in a battle for supremacy. The end of the book came too soon, and just as the companions are brought back together, they are mysteriously separated again. Yet, the reader is left completely satisfied that this portion of the story is over, in spite of more questions burning of what happens next. I’m so glad the sequel to this novel--MetalMagic: Revelation is now available.

I whole-heartedly recommend this book!

www.derekdonais.com

Barb Galler-Smith Co-author, Druids and Captives (Available from Edge Science Fiction and Fantasy Publishing) Page 46

The Newsy Neighbour

www.thenewsyneighbour.com

Real Estate Feature Section

We ring the bells and we raise the strain . We hang up garlands everywhere . And bid the tapers twinkle fair, And feast and frolic - and then we go, Back to the same old lives again . ~Susan Coolidge Next to a circus there ain’t nothing that packs up and tears out faster than the Christmas spirit. ~Kin Hub

Carol Warawa, C.C.S, SRES

REALTOR R

Merry Christmas!

C: 403-585-5270

B: 403-291-4440 • F: 403-366-6708

www.carolwarawa.ca E: cwarawa@cirrealty.ca

Because a Great Experience Begins with a Great Agent.TM

Once again we find ourselves enmeshed in the Holiday Season , that very special time of year when we join with our loved ones in sharing centuries-old traditions such as trying to find a parking space at the mall . We traditionally do this in my family by driving around the parking lot until we see a shopper emerge from the mall , then we follow her, in very much the same spirit as the Three Wise Men , who 2,000 years ago followed a star, week after week , until it led them to a parking space . ~Dave Barry

Season’s Greetings and Warmest Wishes to You and Yours for a Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

From

Jason Eldridge of www.thenewsyneighbour.com

Real Estate

The Newsy Neighbour

Page 47

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first year, and our waitress still remembers us each year!), to skating outdoors on Christmas Day (only 2 Christmas’ we’ve had no ice to skate on, but hiking in +15C sunny weather is a great substitute!).

Another important item that first year was an EARLY letter to Santa, letting him know that we had moved, complete with directions on how to get to our new house! Santa found us and we started our traditions.

Strathmore was our NEW HOME!

Speaking from experience, we were new to Strathmore during the holiday’s years ago. There were lots of things to consider, but we wanted our kids’ experience to be the priority; let’s face it – Christmas is for family, and especially the kids.

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We had no other family to count on and we were in a new province but a white Christmas was going to be a first for us, which was very cool.

Which Christmas is the most vivid to me?

It ’s always the next Christmas. ~Joanne Woodward

So we all sat down and made a list of NEW traditions. It was a perfect time to create new memories with new traditions. We all got to pick one tradition each and, 14 years later, each tradition is honoured; from going to “More Than Ice Cream” for Christmas Eve Dinner (they were the only restaurant open that Page 48

The Newsy Neighbour

Written by Hayley Poirier

Mail your packages early so the post office can lose them in time for Christmas. ~Johnny Carson I never believed in Santa Claus because I knew no white dude would come into my neighborhood after dark . ~Dick Gregory www.thenewsyneighbour.com

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“There’s nothing sadder in this world than to awake Christmas morning and not be a child .” ~ Erma Bombeck

tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.” ~ Burton Hillis

“Christmas is not a date . It is a state of mind .” ~ Mary Ellen Chase

“Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall , the genial flame of charity in the heart.” ~ Washington Irving

“I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” ~ Charles Dickens (A Christmas Carol) “The best of all gifts around any Christmas

Wishing you all the happiness of the season and peace and prosperity in the new year!

Seasons Greeting from the Board of Directors Strathmore & District Chamber of Commerce

“I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month .” ~ Harlan Miller

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The Newsy Neighbour

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How do you register? You can register by contacting Aleesha @ 403-478-9114 or by emailing: yourcommunityprograms@gmail.com. In the future, you will be able to register just by visiting the website.

How much is an annual membership? An annual member ship is $169+gst. If you register before the end of 2012, it's only $129+gst! Contact us to see if you qualify to have your membership sponsored.

Why do you want to register? Have you ever been to an energizer night in Chestermere? Or a REVS night in Strathmore? All the organizations offering programs go to these events to let the residents of these communities know about them and what is available. Wouldn’t you like to have all of this information available to every resident 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? PLUS, have it advertised for your organization in every single local publication and on all of the high-traffic websites for no additional charge?

The Newsy Neighbour is Hiring!

REQUIRED IMMEDIATELY. COMMISSIONED OUTSIDE SALES! Part time to start.

Have a

The Newsy Neighbour is seeking a highly motivated, experienced sales professional for the Chestermere area.

Merry Christmas & Prosperous New Year!

From all the staff at Clarks Supply & Service

Must be outgoing and able to work independently. The individual will be responsible for prospecting new business in the Chestermere area and select areas of Calgary. (Never to gain business that competes with our local advertisers, of course!)

Clean up all winter long.

Even when the snow is falling outside, Grasshopper gets the job done. Grasshopper True ZeroTurn™ FrontMount™ mowers give you the power and maneuverability to sweep, push and blow through snow with the greatest of ease. Our complete line of snowthrowers, rotary brooms and dozer blades install in minutes. With only one engine to maintain, you’ll save time and money, so your profit forecast is always sunny.

Dozer Blade

V-plow

Rotary Broom

DEALER NAME Strathmore, AB

Call 620-345-8621 to find a dealer near you, 124 Orchard Way. or visit www.grasshoppermower.com

YOUR NEXT MOWER ® © 2007 The Grasshopper Company

1234 S Northwest Hwy 403-901-0018 Nearhere, KS • (620) 555-1212 www.clarkssupply.com

The individual joining our team will enjoy a professional, entrepreneurial work environment and a competitive compensation package.

Must have computer skills.

Please email all resumes to: aleesha@thenewsyneighbour.com

www.grasshoppermower.com © THE GRASSHOPPER COMPANY

Christmas in Chestermere Community Christmas Party - 12:00 -4:00 pm Saturday, December 8th. Chestermere Rec Centre Main Hall (Admission: Donation to the Food Bank) Activities: 12 – 4 pm Rec Centre Hall, Santa’s Workshop for Kids – Crafts & activities for kids of all ages! Musical Entertainment on the Stage: with MC Candie Schmidt, Chestermere Library Story Time, Free coffee, hot chocolate, treats & a visit from Santa! Hayrides: Around 1 – 2:30 pm Outside the Hall Entrance Christmas Marketplace - 10 am – 4 pm Saturday, December 8th. Chestermere Rec Centre MPP RM. Lots of unique gift ideas!

Over 40 Booths! This is the way Christmas shopping should be – Community style with lots of parking!

MUSICAL THEATRE PERFORMANCE with CANDIE SCHMIDT. Sunday, December 9th at Chestermere Rec Centre Main Hall.

Doors open: 6 pm / Performance at 6:30 pm. Performances include: “Good Grief…It’s Christmas!”, “Teenage Genie”, “Lost, Found & Forever Fifteen”.Tickets available: Rec Centre Main Office. A very enjoyable Family evening! $5.00 each / 3 & under: Free Refreshments.

Christmas in Strathmore Celebration of Lights - Sat, November 24, 12am – Fri, January 11, 2013, 12am. Agricultural Grounds.

Strathmore and District Christmas Hamper packing. Mon, December 17, 12am – Wed, December 19, 12am.

If you have a few hours to spare in the weeks leading up to Christmas we are looking for volunteers to: Set up tables and shelving for storage (Heavy lifting required), Collect food and toys from various donation spots in town, Packing and loading the Hampers on December 17 & 18th (Heavy lifting required), Checking and sorting donations (Typically mornings and all day Dec 15) If you are interested in giving back this holiday season please contact. Branka Kuljanin at 403-934-5335 or Dave Collins at 403-934-1913.

Christmas in Cheadle 2nd annual Christmas Fair and Toy Show. Cheadle Community Hall on December 8th (10am-5pm), 9th (10am-3pm). There will be a concession open during this event. www.cheadlealberta.com

Christmas in Langdon Santa photos with your pet - Langdon Vet Clinic – December 12, 5pm – 7pm

The perfect

Christmas Gift

The I Am A... Series

Fruits & Vegetables

ON

$27.9L5Y

includin gg & s/h st

A Light-Hearted Guide to the Health Benefits of Fruits & Vegetables.

Includes Dozens of Easy-to-Prepare Recipes!

From the publishers of

The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

Did you know...?

Vikings believed apples were the key to eternal youth? That asparagus is an anti-inflammatory, and avocados grow on evergreens that can reach 65 feet in height. I Am A...

Fruits & Vegetables is a delightful mixture of fun (and often fascinating) facts about the health benefits of fruits and vegetables we all know we should be eating more of, paired with easy-tofollow recipes that are as good for your heart & soul as they are tasty! A must for any cook who wants to eat healthier, feel better – and have a few laughs in the process

How do you get a copy??

There are 5 ways to order the book!!

1) Fruits & Vegetables can be ordered from our website www.thenewsyneighbor.com 2) By calling us at (403) 561-0888 with your credit card number 3) By filling in the order form below and send us a cheque. 4) By visiting Grateful Grape or Curves in Strathmore and buying a copy from them. 5) By visiting Never Ending Stories in Langdon

I Am A...Fruits & Vegetables Includes Dozens of Easy-to-Prepare Recipes.

ORDER FORM

We accept Cheque, Money Order, Visa and MasterCard.

YES! I would like to purchase I Am A...Fruits & Vegetables for $27.95 including gst, shipping & handling

NAME____________________________________ Please make cheques payable to ADDRESS________________________________________ “The Newsy Neighbour Inc.” Please return this order form to: CITY_________________________POSTAL CODE______________ 126 Westwood Street EMAIL______________________________________(optional) Strathmore, AB T1P 1A9 PHONE #____________________________________(optional) Attention: Kathryn Hartwell Visa or Master Card #_____________________________________ Questions please call 403-561-0888 email: newsyneighbor@gmail.com Expiry_________________________________ Once order is received we will contact you with Signature__________________________________

confirmation and send you a receipt.

To all my clients, family and friends, From home to home and heart to heart, From one place to another, The warmth and joy of the holiday season brings us closer to each other.

I hope that you receive all the wishes that keep you happy this season and in the New Year as well! Thank you for your business and referrals! Happy Holidays, Hayley Poirier

“One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas day. Don’t clean it up too quickly.” ~ Andy Rooney

Attention Strathmore Residents: Interested in being kept up to date with what’s happening in Town?

Want to have a “direct line” to Town Council?

Join Councillor Bob Sobol’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/BobSobolStrathmoreTownCouncil Page 54

The Newsy Neighbour

www.thenewsyneighbour.com

#106, 304 - 3rd Ave. Strathmore, AB T1P 1Z1 Fax: 403-934-6278

Complimentary Market Evaluations 403-934-5533 Robert Desjardins

403-815-3774

Shauna Kenworthy

403-803-4605

Ron Kaechele

403-934-1097

All The Extras $443,500

All the Extras - In Floor heat/Central Air/Alarm System/7.0 Sound System/4 Bdrms/Hobby Room/Playroom/Office/Trex Decking/Plus MORE

Backs onto Greenspace! $324,000

Beautiful family home 3 bdrms, 2 ½ baths 2 years new!

Quick possession possible

EXCELLENT CONDO $229,000

3 bedrooms - Family Room Fireplace, Garage All appliances Many upgrades

Tamara Desjardins

403-874-6486

Amazing room and care

$249,900

SOLD

Look no more, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, roomy and loved over the years this home is a great buy!

Debbie Enslen

Fully Developed Bungalow

403-852-5923

1500+ sq ft with a total of 4 bedrooms, 3 completely renovated bathrooms, 2 fireplaces, central air, granite, double attached garage with RV parking.

Tracy Larsen

403 901-9143

$349,900

Welcome to Strathmore Lakes Estates.

SOLD

3 bd bungalow.over 1300sq ft, Hardwoods. Very Open Floor Plan Huge Windows Very Bright!!!

Wind Screen Patio...

La Shaun Andrews

Amazing Adult Condo

$149,900

This 30+ condo complex has everything you need with more!

Freshly Cared for with new carpet and professionally cleaned, this condo is in move in condition!

403-850-4593

Wonderful home in Airdrie! $274,900

Sheila Bassen

403-361-0390

Loads of charm in this fully developed home with a large master bedroom, 2 baths, great kitchen and living room,etc.

Lorna Phibbs

403-874-7660

We are Strathmore and area's largest Real Estate Brokerage for a reason. Find out why! CALL US FIRST!

Backing Onto Soccer Field, 3 Bed, 2 Bath, and Covered Deck!

Hayley Poirier

Helping You Find Your Dream Home WWW.AZTECREALESTATE.CA

DOUBLE GARAGE, 3 BATHS, 3 BDRMS, FIREPL, 1185 SQ. FT. FULLY DEV. LOWER.

Adult Living In a Beautiful Gated Community!!! $119,900!

Buyers: There is no cost to you to use our services! Did you know that we can represent you on any listed property, no matter which real estate company had it listed? We can also help you with most new builds and For-Sale-ByOwners. Don't go in unrepresented! Call us today and put our team's experience to work for you Sellers: Are you aware of the current marketing trends that will give your property maximum exposure to potential buyers? Call us today to book your complimentary home evaluation and allow us to assist you in achieving that maximum exposure, which is essential in today's real estate market!

CHECK THE BLING! $319,400

403-934-5533

A very popular style $191,900

3 bedr, 4 pce ensuite and walkin closet. Roomy eat in kitchen with a spot for your dining table. Private area outside for BBQ and lounging.

Not intended to solicit other homes for sale.

Carey Rose

Ph:

403-934-0781

FREE Home Evaluations!

Affordable, Professional, Service!

View all my listings and virtual tours at

www.careyrose.com 815 BAYVIEW Road - $124,900 - Handyman Special

Mobile home on owned lot in Strathmore, close to schools and recreational facilities.

Exterior has been redone. There is a single attached garage. 2 bed, den, 1 full bath MLS# C3531291

205 STRATHAVEN BAY - $303,000 No rear neighbors. Back alley. 24'x22' garage & R.V Parking. 4 bed, 2.5 bath, top of line appliances. Finished basement. Cul-de sac location.

MLS# C3528506

3 CAMBRIDGE Way - $79,000 Mobile home on owned lot in Carbon, AB. Needs TLC. 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, Open Floor Plan. Fenced yard with deck.

MLS # C3545404

117 FIRST Street - $69,000

Affordable Country Living 50 minutes from Calgary in Arrowwood, AB. 1216 sqft. mobile on a 80'x100' treed lot with 3 bed, full bathroom and full ensuite. Open layout.

MLS #: C3542047

22C WESTLAKE Glen - $ 188,000 Payments as low as $845.00/month(PI OAC).3 bed,1 full bath, walkout basement with large windows, fenced yard. Would make a great revenue property too.

MLS# C3545948

203 - 615 THIRD Street - $81,000

Looking for an investment property?

Located in downtown Strathmore. 2 bed, full bath, laundry room and open concept kitchen/living/dining area, with laminate flooring. Other units available.

MLS# C3537497

RAW LAND - 4 ACRES - $134,900

NAMAKA AREA, RANGE RD 241 Raw Land– 4 Acres MLS # C3509918

RECENT SOLD PROPERTIES 126 Ranch Ridge CO • 142 Aspen Mews • 511 Strathaven Mews 80 Parkwood CR • 203 Hillcrest BV • 906 Briar CR • 249 Maple Grove CR

Realty Horizon

190 STRATHMORE LAKES Bend - $ 539,900

Bungalow on a finished walk out, equipped for solar roof panels. All the upgrades. Wood fireplace, efficient Nu-Air Heating & Vent System,Low-flush toilets/faucets, Central Air, In-floor heat, Kenetico water conditioning. MLS #

126 STRATHMORE LAKES Place - $ 399,900

4 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms.

Classic bungalow on a fully finished walk out. Dark maple kitchen, high efficiency heating, 21'x23 garage. Large fenced/ landscaped lot. Infloor heating.

MLS #: C3542521

Rural Wheatland County - $ 539,900

Newer Ranch Style 1552 sqft Bungalow on full basement with 24'x26' heated attached garage. 3 acres with a 20'x40' shop R.V septic dump.

Horse set up.

MLS# C3540860

62 MUIRFIELD Boulevard - $ 499,900

Golf course community just 20 minutes east of Calgary. Urban scheik 2 story on a walk out basement. 2681 sqft above grade 25x22 garage. 3 large bed, 2.5 bath. Dramatic functional floor plan MLS# C3513077 6-plex Condos in Carbon, AB. 2&3 Bedroom Units, Needs TLC, Sold As-Is. Units can be purchased separately $69,000$89,000, or entire complex is available for purchase..

Call for more information.

Wishing all my clients and co-workers a very Merry Christmas and all the best to you in the new year!