The Newsy Neighbour Issue 141

NEWSY July 2019 Issue 141

An Altogether Different Digital & Print Magazine

The

August 2nd - 5th, 2019

Neighbour Magazine

11th Annual

Pet Issue

Strathmore Show N’ Shine LANGDON DAYS Gotta’ Love Summer!

403-936-5320 254 Center Street

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A Master Planned Residential Community in Strathmore, Alberta

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What is a Primary Care Network?

Primary Care Networks are a partnership between physician members and Alberta Health Services, and are funded through Alberta Health (government).

PCNs provide health care within a geographical area, or “catchment.” Alberta has 41 PCNs. Seven are in and around Calgary, including yours � Calgary Rural Primary Care Network.

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Each PCN provides primary care services, but catchment popula�ons vary greatly, and requirements are diverse. Each of the 41 PCNs has the flexibility to offer programs and services to best meet their local needs – more geriatrician access for a senior popula�on, or child and youth programs for younger communi�es, for example.

Dark blue indicates Calgary Rural PCN catchment.

goal is to maintain your current good health, manage health challenges, and prevent health issues from becoming serious.

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Primary health care can involve a spectrum of services. That’s why our counselors and social workers will o�en be involved in a pa�ent’s housing, income, or environment � all elements of overall health.

A PCN offers a comprehensive, integrated con�nuum of care. It’s not mandatory for physicians to join a PCN, but the doctors that belong to a PCN have access to a team of health providers employed by the PCN. They may get you to see the primary care registered nurse, a foot care nurse, an exercise specialist, a geriatrician, a family counselor, a die��an, or a diabetes educator, to name a few � all complemen�ng the care you get from your family doctor.

PCNs make it easier for people to access the health services they need when they need them. There is a coordina�on element that ensures con�nuity and be�er flow through the health care system when pa�ents require more specialized services. Primary care health providers know their way around the health care system, and can navigate your best path.

As the name suggests, a Primary Care Network focuses on PRIMARY CARE – basic day-to-day, rou�ne outpa�ent health care, rather than specialized treatment. With primary care, the

We care about all aspects of your health. Get in touch. We’d love to help you be as healthy as you can be!

Bay H, 510 Highway 1, Strathmore • 403-901-0142 • www.crpcn.ca 4 •

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AN IMPORTANT NOTE TO OUR READERS:

The opinions expressed in the advertisements and articles of this publication are those of the advertisers and authors and not of The Newsy Neighbour Inc. The information in this magazine is believed and fully intended to be accurate but not warranted to be so. The Newsy Neighbour Inc. disclaims responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas or products referred to in the articles or advertisements. The mention of any brand in article or photos does not imply endorsement. Images are supplied by readers, advertisers and from shutterstock.com.

Our database is confidential, we will not share our information with third parties. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent of The Newsy Neighbour Inc.

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“Highly Recommended

by Local Builders”

Highest Warranty In The Business Strathmore & District Agricultural Society

2019 Strathmore Stampede Entertainment Strathmore Stampede is getting closer with each passing day! It's time to brush the dust off your hat, and put on your boots because we are announcing the Entertainment for Strathmore Stampede 2019!

Prepare yourself for four action packed days, running from August 2nd to August 5th! We have a fantastic lineup this summer, so hold onto your seats, it's going to be a wild ride.

New this year, we have The Hockey Circus Show. If you've experienced this, you know that it is the most Canadian performance you will ever see; don’t miss out. For the kids, Christopher Cools will be performing magic shows. We also have ventriloquist Tim Holland, famous hypnotist Colin Christopher, line dancing with Country Koos, and for the first-time local entertainers, Improv Round Up. Make sure you also sign up for our annual Lip Sync contest, sponsored by Strathmore Ford, happening on the Friday night. These groups will be performing on the Freeman Audio Visual Heritage Stage. Make sure to check them out!

The Midway will be returning this year, so make sure to pre purchase your midway ticket and save $5. We also have face painting and Monster truck rides happening throughout August long weekend.

If you're looking for great music, Renegade Station will be headlining our stage with a performance on Sunday night. We also

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have Strathmore's own Kevin K Band performing early Saturday afternoon. Looking for a night of dancing? You'll want to make it a priority to check out our Cabaret on Saturday night with performances by TC & Company. It's a boot stompin’ good time. Fireworks are also back again and will be on Friday night at 11PM. Don't forget to check out the Pro Rodeo and chuckwagon races, happening all four days, as well as the fan favourite, the Running with the Bulls on Saturday and Sunday. Lastly, make sure to check out the brand new RCMP Musical Ride performance at the Strathmore Stampede. Tickets are available for all four days of the Stampede; buy now, as the RCMP Musical Ride won't be back in Alberta until 2023! As well, don’t forget to check out the Trackside Bar sponsored by SPR Reclamation.

Whether it's your first rodeo, or you're a seasoned expert, we can guarantee you’ll have a great time at Strathmore Stampede 2019.

Tickets and midway passes are on sale now. For more information, please contact Strathmore& District Agricultural Society. http://www.strathmoreag.com (403) 934-5811

Running with the Rams /StrathStampede

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Is Your Business Online??

Business Owners...

Read this please!

Explore Everything that Digital Marketing Can Offer You If your business isn’t online, you’re missing out on clients and

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opportunities that you might not even know are out there to begin with. It used to be that marketing services were only for the biggest and richest companies out there, but as one Mr. Dylan so brilliantly pointed out, the times they are a’changin. With the advent and reach of online services like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and their ilk, it’s easier and more financially feasible than ever to develop a digital marketing strategy for your business – and you can bet that your savvy competition is thinking the same thing, too. The ubiquitous nature of smartphones, tablets, and the world of social media means that you’ve already got an audience out there, ready and waiting to hear about how your entrepreneurship can help improve their lives – all you’ve got to do is fill them in on the details.

Could you do all this on your own? Sure. 14 million Canadians have Facebook accounts that they access on a daily basis, so it stands to reason that most folks who have the drive to run their own business wouldn’t have much of an issue throwing together a Facebook Page and tossing up a few posts every now and again. That said, if you’re the sort of entrepreneur who takes pride in their accomplishments and pours their heart and soul into their company (i.e. many of the businesses we have had the opportunity to work with over the last 11 years with The Newsy Neighbour), you’ll want to make sure that your business puts its best foot forward online – and that takes skill, experience, consistency, an understanding and up-to-date knowledge of digital culture, and a WHOLE LOT of time – time that could be spent running your business rather than trying to figure out what the best posting schedule is for your target demographic or researching what string of hashtags will bring the most clickthroughs and engagement.

You’ve fought hard to build your business up to where it is. Do right by yourself and by your entrepreneurship. Get the word out there about the outstanding work you do each and every day, and get in touch with us at The Newsy Neighbour!

We have so much to offer you!

Thank you so much!

Aleesha Gosling & Denise Geremia

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First, I browned the ground beef, then I browned the mushrooms (in butter, of course; I find they have way more flavour if you brown them first). I sprinkle the frozen crust pizza with Italian Seasoning. (Use any frozen pizza you like—they all have toppings—just never enough). Add the thinly sliced onions and green pepper, then the browned and seasoned ground beef, dice up your turkey slices and sprinkle over the ground beef. Then grate your cheeses and cover your pizza. I once again sprinkle Italian Seasoning all over the top.

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FROZEN PIZZA MAKE-OVER There is one truth in life – there is never enough toppings on your frozen pizza. Even if you purchase the expensive ones. Yes, they are perfect for the night you don’t feel like cooking a big meal and yes, the kids will always eat them. Personally, I find them pretty bland, BUT there is a solution. YES, they are a little more work, but so worth it.

I promise.

There is just about nothing you cannot put on a pizza and you can add pretty much whatever you like. Pineapple, ham, turkey, pickles, peppers, ground beef, onions and of course TONS of cheese. I always prefer a sharp cheddar, Romano, asiago or parmesan, but there is Swiss, Havarti, mozzarella and the list goes on and on.

Because there is now a ton of toppings on the pizza, cook it slower and longer than the directions on the box – trust me on this. I bake it at 350°F for 50 minutes—sometimes even longer if it has not browned enough.

You are going to LOVE IT and use your imagination—you can make any old frozen pizza into a culinary delight.

Kathryn Hartwell

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For this evenings creation, I kept it pretty simple—ground beef (cooked with Italian Seasoning, smoky Paprika and Garlic salt) purple onion, green pepper, mushrooms (cooked with a little more Italian Seasoning), turkey breast slices and TONS of Sharp Cheddar and Romano Cheese.

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BUILDING in STRATHMORE, AB RECIPIENT OF Silver in the category of Best In Home Building Wildflower Ranch and Lakeview are beau�ful addi�ons to the neighbourhoods of Strathmore.

With great access to Highway 1, good proximity to Strathmore schools and abundant pathways and walkways, Wildflower Ranch features excellent lot prices, allowing us to have homes star�ng in the $350’s!

Brian Martin 403.830.0949

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WHY DO I HAVE ALL THESE CLUBS IN MY BAG? I have been golfing for quite a number of years now and I find when I get out on the course, it’s with great expectation in my heart that this round will be my best ever!

Sound familiar, anyone?

The great mystery of golf is every single round of golf is completely different than any other you have ever played.

I think I have figured it all out though, if, that is at all possible. It is all about your golf clubs; really, truthfully it is.

When to use the right club for the right shot. The funny part about that is, when I golf, I always end up using the same clubs for the whole game. Why, you may ask. Well, because I am terrified of the others. What do they do? When should I use them and why?

Here is my answer. I am going to rip this page out of The Newsy Neighbour and tuck it into my golf bag, not only for

moral support but for once in my golfing life to start using my other clubs.

So, this is the way it works. My driver, or 1-wood has always been the club I use off the tee box. It is designed to hit the ball the farthest and they call these type of clubs “Woods”. This is how they work.

Woods

Woods are the golf clubs that propel the ball the farthest (from 200 to 350 yards, when used properly). At one time, the head of this type of golf club was made of wood (e.g. persimmon or hickory), which gave the club its name.

Nowadays, however, woods are made of metals, such as steel, titanium, and other alloys. The head of a wood is large and rounded, with a flat bottom to glide over the ground during a shot. The club face is big, and the typical wood has a degree of loft, measured at a right angle to the ground, lower than other clubs. The driver, or 1-wood, is the least lofted and is employed to hit the ball the farthest. Woods with higher numbers are generally known as fairway woods. These are more lofted, and as the name suggests, are designed to hit the ball in the fairway or when on a tee.

Now your ball is hopefully on the fairway somewhere, the best that you can hope for is that it made it to the fairway and you got a bit of distance on your ball and it is in the middle and not hidden under some trees to your left or facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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Wedges

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10% OFF Any 2 or More Services 587-999-4913 | pcervi@oracleaccess.ca www.oracleaccess.ca | /oracleaccess right! Now the question looms in my mind, what club do I use next, as there are quite a few to choose from “Irons and Hybrids”. This is how they work.

Irons

Irons have club heads made of metal and are typically used by golfers when their ball is fewer than 200 yards from the green. Numbered 1 through 9, the irons possess a higher degree of loft than the woods, with the 9-iron having the most. 1-, 2-, and 3-irons are called long irons and have little loft, meaning they can send the golf ball the farthest.

The 4-, 5-, and 6-irons are known as the middle irons and are used when the ball is about 150 to 170 yards from the hole. The short irons are the 7-, 8-, and 9-irons and get the ball in the air quickly due to their loft. A normal golf set contains 3- through 9-irons because the 1- and 2-irons are the most difficult to master.

Hybrids

Hybrid clubs combine the features of both irons and fairway woods. The hybrid’s club face is similar to an iron, but the head is rounded like a wood. Hybrids are built with a center of gravity that is further back and lower than in an iron, making them more ‘forgiving’ than either an iron or a wood for many players. Hybrids are among the most versatile clubs any golfer can use and generally come in lofts of 16 to 26 degrees. Ideally, your lowest-number hybrid should provide a distance of 10 to 15 yards shorter than your highest-number fairway wood so there’s no gap in distance coverage.

Wedges are used to strike the ball and make it fly high into the air before landing on the putting surface.

These clubs are lofted much higher than the others; for example, a pitching wedge has a loft between 46 to 51 degrees, and a lob wedge’s loft can be as high as 64 degrees. Golfers usually select a pitching wedge when the shot is as far as 130 yards to the green, and a sand wedge to escape from bunkers and very tall grass. A gap wedge allows the golfer to take a full swing and hit the ball about 110 yards. The lob wedge is chosen when the ball needs to rise quickly to clear a hazard, but not have to carry a great distance. Golf sets generally come with a pitching wedge; other wedges must be purchased separately.

You have finally made it to that place of glory and will go through hell or high water to sink that little ball into that little cup with no problem at all!! You grab your putter.

The one club in my bag (besides) my driver that I actually know what it is for. This is how it works.

Putters

The putter is the club that gets the most use. It is utilized to roll the ball along the green toward the hole. Putters come in different sizes, with the standard putter about 33 to 35 inches tall. The belly putter and broomstick putter are much taller clubs and are used to give the golfer a better putting stroke when the player has problems using a standard putter. The heads of putters can be in the form of a flat blade or a mallet with a flat surface.

There you have it my friends, the explanation of the clubs you have in your golf bag – try experimenting with them. I make a solemn oath that the next time I am out on the course, I will try and use every single club in my golf bag. Well, at least that is the plan. As all golfers know it never goes as planned EVER!!

Kathryn Hartwell

If it is your lucky day, you have picked the perfect club and it only takes you a couple of shots to get your ball onto the putting surface. If you are a little short or have had bad luck and got your ball stuck in a “bunker,” this is when you use one of those other clubs in your golf bag. This is how they work.

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Dachshunds are prone to disk problems. So, they are not a good choice for anyone with many steps in the home and do not, under any circumstances, let them get over-weight.

Customer Appreciation Day

August 3rd from 10am - 3pm Door prizes, goodie bags. Free nail trims.

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PETS

Love My Dachshunds

If you are thinking of getting a new pet in your home, I would highly recommend a Dachshund. I have owned two, one little red long-haired named Kayla and a wire-haired named Koby. They have been a constant source of love and joy and my life would not be the same without them. Not thinking at the time, I purchased my first, Koby, from a pet store when they were still allowed to sell them (I am glad they are no longer allowed) and my second little red head from a breeder. We lost Kayla about a year ago and soon realized that Koby needed another companion, as dachshunds do not do well alone. But this time we went in search of a rescue dog and found the perfect companion for Koby. There are a lot of societies that specialize in just rescue dachshunds. I am a member of a very special one (Dachshund Rescue Only) I found on Facebook. They are a non-profit organization and have rescued and found wonderful homes for hundreds of dogs. They are always posting new rescue dogs they have for adoption and work very hard at what they do. They deserve a big round of applause. Check them out for sure – especially if you are considering a beautiful snuggly Dachshund.

Let me tell you all about why they are one of the favourite breeds in the world. Originally, they were bred to hunt badgers and other tunneling animals, rabbits, and foxes. Packs of Dachshunds were even used to trail wild boar. Personality: Despite their size, dachshunds are known for their courageous nature and will take on animals much larger than themselves.

Dachshunds are not typically good with strangers and are known for barking at unfamiliar people or animals. However, since they like being in a pack, they get along with children and do well as family dogs. Although Dachshunds make good family pets, owners should be cautious having them around small children.

People often assume that small dogs don’t need much exercise.

Or, in fact, they aren’t capable of much exercise. When it comes to Dachshunds, that would be an incorrect assumption. If you live a sedentary life and don’t take them out much, they probably won’t be fit and may get used to lazing around. If you are active though, and slowly increase activity to build their fitness (just like people should), they will probably shock you with what they can do. Both of the Dachshunds I’ve owned were great hikers and love long walks or running around in a field where it is safe. A dog’s athleticism is a product of both nature and nurture.

I have found my Dachshunds have done well with strangers, but some tend to be reserved and shy. And as my son’s smoothhaired does, they sometimes snarl at those they are unfamiliar with. I have been told if they recognize what appears to be an attack on its family members, they are quick to defend you.

The wire-haired varieties are bolder than the long-haired ones, which are less terrier-like and quiet. Meanwhile, the miniatures are even more timid with strangers.

There are three main types of Dachshunds. Kayla was a longhaired and Koby is a wired-haired and my son owned a smoothhaired. I love them all and they all have different characteristics.

I LOVE DACHSHUNDS and would highly recommend one or two for any family—preferably from a rescue. Remember to check out “Dachshund Rescue Only” - they are always looking for good homes AND, if you’re not sure about owning one, you can always be a foster home while you are thinking about it.

Main thing is that if you are considering a dog, any dog, remember they take time, training and exercise to stay healthy. No dog likes to stay home all alone.

Kathryn Hartwell P.S. Dogtime.com has everything you would ever want to know about Dachshunds.

References: canna-pet.com, reedsminidachsunds.com, dachsundbreedcouncil. com, hillspet.com, dogtime.com, youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com and petmd.com

As family dogs, dachshunds are loyal companions and good watchdogs. If you like to cuddle, you'll love having a dachshund. They love to cuddle and will snuggle under the covers if you let them. Because they truly enjoy being with you, mine follow me around and are very loyal. Their spunky little spirits, clownish antics, and silly looks will definitely steal your heart.

As with all pets, they get very lonely when left alone and loneliness will lead to excessive barking. It is way better to have two and generally they are often kept in pairs, which is A-OK with them, since they seem to recognize and prefer being with other "wiener dogs".

Now, there are drawbacks to owning one, as there are with any breed. Because of its long back,

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Summer�ime Dehyd�a�ion and Your Dog

Some of us take the phrase, “dog days of summer” quite literally— we want to go everywhere accompanied by our beloved dogs! While this can be great, know that the heat of summer has the potential to be hazardous to your dog’s health. One of the greatest summer dangers is dehydration. Dogs get hot faster than people, and it’s easy for even the healthiest of dogs to become dehydrated.

Significant forethought and planning to accommodate higher temperatures separate a fun summer day from a trip to the emergency veterinarian.

Your pet will always be treated like a part of our family at the Animal Care Centre of Strathmore We have recommendations, training information, and handouts that will help you and your pet. We provide ultimate care in a safe, comfortable environment; catered to your pet’s specific needs including: › Annual Health Examinations › Vaccination Appointments › Behavior Consultations › Isolation ward › Breeder puppy vaccinations › Travel documents › Pediatric patient exams › Geriatric patient exams › Insurance › Referrals

403.901.1800 clinic & emergency | info@animalcarecentre.ca | animalcarecentre.ca We are located north of the Trans Canada Hwy on RR 254, 2 km West of Strathmore.

What exactly is dehydration in dogs?

Dehydration refers to a shortage of water within the body. Do you know that approximately 60% of your dog’s body mass is comprised of water? Not only is water a component of what flows within blood vessels (arteries and veins), water is also an essential component within cells and the tissues surrounding them. Given its ubiquitous nature, it’s easy to understand why having an adequate amount of water within the body is essential for maintaining normal blood pressure, circulation, and bodily functions.

Causes of dehydration in dogs

Dehydration results when too little water is consumed in relationship to the amount lost from the body. For example, a dog who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea and doesn't feel good enough to drink lots of water to make up for these fluid losses can readily become dehydrated. Kidney disease can cause dehydration because the damaged kidneys produce abundant urine regardless of how little water is consumed.

Summertime heat promotes dehydration, particularly when a dog isn’t interested in or doesn’t have access to lots of water.

Think about the tennis ball obsessed dog who doesn’t like to interrupt a good game of fetch to gulp down some water. Whereas this may not be a problem in cooler temperatures, water loss associated with heavy summertime panting can quickly result in dehydration.

Detecting dehydration in dogs

Dehydration causes a variety of symptoms and dogs may demonstrate from one to all of them. Symptoms include: • Lethargy • Weakness • Labored breathing • Elevated heart rate • Dry and sticky feeling gums (normal gums are slick and smooth to the touch).

If you suspect your dog may be suffering from dehydration, do your best to find some shade or an air-conditioned environment and encourage drinking. If the symptoms don’t improve within a short time period (five minutes at most), it’s time to seek out emergency veterinary care.

Preventing dehydration in dogs

Here are some pointers to keep your favorite Fido well hydrated this summer: • Exercise your dog early in the morning or evening hours to avoid the most intense heat of the day.

• Be sure to take along water and a water bowl (one that is familiar to your dog) wherever you go. Avoid letting your dog drink out of rivers, irrigation canals, lakes or sloughs due to the risk of parasite or toxin ingestion.

• Allow for plenty of rest and water breaks during play activity and exercise. Your dog may not know his limits and will continue to enthusiastically chase the Frisbee long after it’s time to slow down.

• Provide water access frequently. When out in the heat, be sure to provide a water stop (for you and your dog) at least once every 15 to 20 minutes.

• If your dog is preoccupied with something else (other dogs, a tennis ball, etc) or too excited to drink, best to cut your outing short for the sake of preventing dehydration.

As much as we love to bring our dogs with us everywhere, be reminded that, when temperatures are soaring, your dog’s well-being may be best served by being left at home.

If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian – they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.

Written by: Dr. Nancy Kay, DVM, DACVIM Reviewed and edited by: Dr. Jodi Viste, DVM Animal Care Centre of Strathmore

ASK THE VET! facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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Ranch Market

100 Ranch Market, Unit 105H Strathmore, AB T1P0A8 Email: ranchmarket@ strathmore.petplanet.ca

Tel: 403.934.9934

Keeping Your Dog Comfortable in the Summer Hurray! Summer is finally here! Sunshine and long hot days are upon us. But what about your best friend? How do you keep them cool and comfortable in the heat?

The most important thing to remember is to have clean, fresh, cool water available 24/7. There has been some information regarding the health risks of giving dogs ice or ice water but that has been debunked by current veterinary information.

petplanethealth.com

If your dog is an outside dog or spends the better part of the day outside, please ensure that they have shade to escape from the hot sun. A shelter in the shade is even better, as it provides a way to escape a heavy rainstorm, thunderstorm and, of course, hail. A small kid's hard plastic pool is a great idea for them to lay in and cool off. And most importantly, never leave your dog unattended in a vehicle. Many dogs perish every year from being left in a car.

Even with the windows open, the interior of the car can heat up very fast, inducing an oven-like environment with no escape.

PETS

A Ho

use a Ho is Not m With out e A Pe t!

If you see signs of heat stroke in your pet, get them to the vet immediately. Enroute, cover the dog with cold wet towels to try to reduce body temperature. According to Dr. Lila Miller, "symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. They can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees."

Grooming tips for hot weather: How does grooming and coat care factor into keeping your pets comfortable in the summer heat? First off, I would like to mention nail care. The weather is great and we are out with our pets more than ever, so a good nail trim and shaping will help with your dog’s ability to walk, run and hike with you without breaking or splitting a nail. Dogs that usually get their hair cut all year long might like to get a slightly shorter cut for easy maintenance through the summer months. Too short is not good, as dogs are also prone to sunburn and bug bites or stings. And finally, double coated dogs!

It is not necessary or recommended to shave down double coated dogs and may even harm their coat. Shelties, collies, shepherd types and other medium to long haired breeds do not need to be shaved off. A good bath and brush to remove dead hair and mats is the best way to keep these guys comfortable.

Dogs pant to get rid of excess body heat, they do not sweat as we do. Taking off the hair does nothing to keep them cool, but having that hair there to protect their skin from the sun, bugs and burrs is of greater benefit!

Have a great summer and have fun with your furry friends!

Lori Iverson

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The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

•

Altogether Different

Chestermere Country Fair

Celebrating 30 Years of Country Fairs in Chestermere Parade, Farm Safety, Kids Games, Family Activities, Farmers’ Market, Red Ribbon Bench Show, Mutton Busting, Food Trucks, Entertainment, Craft Beer Tasting and more!

e r a s e i r o m e The best m de at the Country Fair ma

September 7, 2019

Hosted by the Rocky View Chestermere Agricultural Society

Chestermere Recreation Centre

9am - 4pm 201 West Chestermere Drive

WWW.RVCAGSOCIETY.CA facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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Langdon, AB

Thursday July 11th 6-7pm Social 7-9:30 TALKs Langdon Firehouse 716 Centre Street Langdon, AB TICKETS $20 online $25 at the door womentalk.ca

Women Talk Strathmore

Darlis is an entrepreneur with a passion for helping people in business, organizations and entire communities recognize their uniqueness and achieve possibilities they may not have thought possible. She believes growth and success start at the grassroots level… with people, and she uses training, coaching and facilitating to inspire positive change. She is a Board member of Women Talk Strathmore. Contact her at Darlis@ DownToBusinessSolutions.com.

Pet Blessings

“Dogs, for a reason that can only be described as divine, have the ability to forgive, let go of the past, and live each day joyously. It’s something the rest of us strive for.” ― Unknown Author Some of you may remember in a previous article I shared, about a little one-pound, 6-week puppy that came into my life unexpectedly three years ago when she needed a home until her owner moved to a place that allowed pets. My best friend, Les, quickly gave her the name Oreo due to her sweet character and the strip of white running up her nose to the top of her head on her mostly black body. After 10 months, she went back to her owner and we were both devastated by the loss of her fun spirit and tender heartbeat in my home.

For over two years, Les and I held onto the hope things would change and go back to the way they were. We hoped she would somehow make her way back ‘home’. By the beginning of this year, I knew I had to let that hope go and I began looking for a new fur puppy to welcome into my life.

After weeks of searching through dog adoption agencies and arranging several home visits to meet dogs, I came across the cutest little dog online who immediately stole my heart. A black & white miniature Schnoodle (Schnauzer-Poodle) rescued from the streets of California. He looked like a dog version of Sylvester the Cat. So cute and the exact breed and size that I was wishing for. He was perfect! I requested a visit but, even though he had only been online a day, I was already 5th on the list. I knew that the chance of getting to me were very slim, especially with such a popular pup.

What could I do? It was beyond my control. So, I chose to believe that if he was meant to be mine, they would get to me on the list and I let it go. After a few weeks, when I was certain he had been rehomed, I got an email asking if I was still interested in him. I was!

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Life Disrupted – I Died

We met. I loved him. Three days later we brought him to his new home and gave him his new name… Oakley.

Two weeks later, I got a call. Oreo’s owner was looking to rehome her and wanted to know if I was interested. I was but it would be two days before I could get there to pick her up. How wonderful it would be to give Oakley a sister to play with. A little ball of soft fur to cuddle with. They would keep each other company when I was out. But the next day, the owner changed her mind and kept Oreo. I was devastated all over again. I blamed myself that I wasn’t able to get her right away and now we had lost her again.

Many times over the next few months I thought of Oreo and was saddened by not having her with us again, and so I trusted it was for the best but missed her terribly.

Five months went by and I got another call. Oreo was definitely being rehomed this time. I picked her up immediately for a trial run to see how she and Oakley would get along (they ignored each other the entire time!). After a week of snuggles and nose licks, her sleeping under the covers and dancing like a princess when she was excited, I took her back with a heavy heart and many tears. For several reasons, it was not going to work to keep her but Les and I were so very grateful to have had the chance to love her again up close. She will forever be in our hearts as our cuddle-love of joy.

Oakley is in our hearts too and if Oreo had come back ‘home’ sooner, he would not be in our lives. He is reminding us to trust and love fully. To find joy in the little things. To forgive easily.

To live in the moment. To be who we are. To sleep when we’re tired. To always remember that there is a reason for all things and sometimes, life may be hard but it can still be filled with love.

Oreo and Oakley may be pets, but they are also great teachers and remind to not get stuck in our human stories called life. Each month at Women Talk in Strathmore, women ‘Rise & Inspire’ by sharing real life stories that encourage us to keep going when things look dark, to live our best life and to never, ever stop loving… loving ourselves and others.

Come join us at WomenTalk in Strathmore on the third Thursday of the month at The Station and be part of our celebration for women. Book your tickets online at www.womentalk.ca/events and bring a girlfriend or two to enjoy the warm welcome that is waiting for you!

To connect to Women Talk in Strathmore, please visit https:// www.facebook.com/womentalkstrathmore/.

The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

•

Altogether Different

Special Skills Dog

I would like to share a story about my sons’ special skills dog he once had. Let me give you a little history first: my son Steven has spina bifida and requires a wheelchair. A lot of you may know him, as he has written for the Newsy Neighbour and the Strathmore Times.

Anyway, a few years ago, Steven went to the Dog Guides of Canada and got a special skills dog to help him with his everyday tasks.

Her name was Keelan and she was an amazingly smart dog. She used to help Steven in so many ways, like taking off his coat, helping him in and out of bed, picking up things that had fallen on the floor, and even retrieving things out of the fridge.

But there was this one time that will always remain in my mind and that is how in tune she was with Steven and his needs. She knew something was wrong with Steven’s hand when he was unable to move it one day. She kept licking and lifting his hand with her nose, trying to get him to move it. I never realized there was anything wrong; I kept noticing her doing this to him, lifting his hand with her head. I asked Steven what was wrong, and he said, “I’m not sure, I can’t grasp anything.” Right away, we took him to the Children’s Hospital, thinking he may have had a stroke. Thank goodness it wasn’t, but we did get the problem fixed. The amazing thing was, Keelan knew there was something not right with Steven and she wouldn’t give up until I asked.

I wanted to share this story to let people know that animals are

very in tune with us and they are smarter than we humans give them credit for. Keelan was not a pet; she was a working dog and she had given Steven so much joy and happiness and kept him busy as he had to care for her as well. These 2 went to school together, they were inseparable, and she was a part of this family. She was greatly loved and appreciated, just as any animal of ours are.

So please, love and care for your pets because they seem to know when we are not well and are so very in tune with us and our feelings.

Thank you for reading.

Connie Greene

www.womentalk.ca Thursday July 18th, 2019 | 7pm @ Strathmore Station For tickets visit: www.womentalk.ca Sponsored by: TICKETS: $20 Online Seeger Consulting Inc. $25 at the door facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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THE CHRONICLES OF LARRY AND ROGER:

A Pair of Diabetic Feet

Written by: Vicki L Myhre CPOD (I) CMP PFRP. Enlightened Soles. Internationally Certified Podologist. Registered through the Canadian Examining.

Board of Health Practitioners

Diabe�ic Dog

Hello all, Larry here. Can you believe that it is July already? We can’t! Roger was doing his reading on the internet, as usual, and he discovered that Diabetes can affect animals too; not just humans. Did you know that? We now know what to look for and how to help pets in this situation. Thank you to www.care.com for a great read. Here is an article that Roger particularly liked about animals…

Is your dog more sluggish than usual? You may have a diabetic dog. The first step toward your dog's good health is a great relationship with your veterinarian. "Having someone you know and trust can make the stress of a chronic and potentially debilitating disease like diabetes much less stressful," says Dr. Denise Petryk, the director of veterinary services at Trupanion.

Start with the basics – walking your dog. Your dog should be walked early or late in the day. Walking your pet then, avoids the heat of the day, which is especially important for diabetic dogs.

"If the dog is not walking in front of you, it's time to come home, as this a sign that the dog is tired. You should go home if your dog is wheezing, panting, limping or otherwise showing signs of exhaustion or discomfort," says Dr Carol Osborne, an integrative veterinarian and director of the Chagrin Falls Pet Clinic in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Keep that -- and these 10 tips -- in mind when caring for your diabetic dog.

1. Feed your Dog Healthy and Lo-Fat Meals and Treats There are many types of healthy food available for diabetic dogs.

"Commercial brands, whether they are canned or dry, are generally low in fat," says Dr. Osborne. But read the labels and look for low carb and high fiber, according to the American Animal Hospital Association.

2. Bring on the Broccoli Have you considered giving your dog vegetables? "Fresh vegetables make excellent diabetic dog treats," says Dr. Osborne. Some

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choices dogs love include broccoli, cauliflower, string beans, and cucumber slices. Veggies can be given to your dog fresh, cooked or frozen.

3. Avoid Over Feeding Just like in humans, dog diabetes is best managed by portion control. Your dog may beg for more but check with your vet on how much you should be feeding him (depends on size, age, activity level and breed).

4. Time the Meals Appropriately You want to prevent your dog from having low glucose dips. By feeding him at the same time each day (and giving healthy treats between meals), you're stabilizing his blood sugar levels, which keeps his insulin dosage consistent (if he's on insulin).

5. Make Sure Your Dog Gets Plenty of Exercise Exercise, like food, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels and can affect insulin dosing. "The most important fact to remember is keeping daily exercise levels consistent," says Dr. Osborne.

6. Put your Overweight Dog on a Diet “If you can't easily feel each rib, the best gift you can offer your dog is weight loss," says Dr. Osborne. The good news is that in some cases, weight loss eliminates the need for daily insulin injections and helps restore your dog's good health. She suggests reducing the kibble by 50 percent and replacing it with fresh vegetables. Of course, you should talk to your vet before starting your dog on a diet.

7. Watch Out for Table Scraps Once your vet advises you on what you should -- and shouldn't -- give your dog, communicate that to everyone, including dog walkers if you use one. "Be sure the whole family is on the same page when it comes to treats and table scraps," says Dr. Petryk.

Kids love to give dogs food from their plates, so make sure they know what's OK (green beans) and what's not (brownies) 8. Find Diabetic-Specific Foods "There are currently several commercial dog brands that are specific to diabetes, which is very helpful if your diabetic dog is a picky eater," says Dr. Petryk. Try weight control varieties from Royal Canin and Blue Buffalo. Smaller companies sell diabetic treats online, and Pinterest has recipes for the adventurous pet owner.

Make sure to read labels and have your veterinarian weigh in (no pun intended!) to see what's a good option.

9. Look Into Pet Insurance Diabetes can be very expensive. "If you have a young female dog of a breed that is predisposed to developing diabetes, like German shepherds, schnauzers, beagles, poodles and golden retrievers, you should think about getting pet insurance even before symptoms appear," advises Dr. Petryk.

10. Educate Yourself "Know the signs of both low and high blood sugar," says Dr. Petryk. Talk to your vet about what to do when you see signs of either condition. Also, watch your dog for any changes in urine color or frequency.

Well, that is A LOT of really amazing information for you! I hope that everyone with a pet reads this list. Even if they do not have diabetes, prevention is key for animals, just like humans.

Well, that is all we have to say for now, take care and have a safe summer.

Until Next month, Make your Footprints Count.

Larry and Roger The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

•

Altogether Different

IS COCOA THE SAME AS CACAO? I am so confused! Some recipes call for cocoa and some call for cacao; what on earth is the difference? I always thought chocolate was chocolate. Aren’t these two ingredients just chocolate?

So here is the scoop. Raw cacao is made by cold-pressing un-roasted cacao beans. The process keeps the living enzymes in the cacao and removes the fat (cacao butter).

Cocoa looks the same but it’s not. Cocoa powder is raw cacao that’s been roasted at high temperatures. Sadly, roasting changes the molecular structure of the cacao bean, reducing the enzyme content and lowering the overall nutritional value.

O.K. fine, one is roasted and one is not, but aren’t they still just chocolate?

When I did a head to head on the health benefits of both, I found them very similar.

What Are the Health Benefits of Raw Cacao?

• Protects your nervous system: Cacao is high in resveratrol, a potent antioxidant also found in red wine, known for its ability to cross your blood-brain barrier to help protect your nervous system.

• Shields nerve cells from damage.

• Reduces your risk of cardiovascular disease • Reduces your risk of stroke • Reduces blood pressure • Guards against toxins: as a potent antioxidant, cacao can repair the damage caused by free radicals and may reduce the risk of certain cancers. In fact, cacao contains far more antioxidants per 100g than acai, goji berries and blueberries. Antioxidants are responsible for 10% of the weight of raw cacao.

• Boosts your mood: cacao can increase levels of certain neurotransmitters that promote a sense of well-being. And the same brain chemical that is released when we experience deep feelings of love – phenylethylamine – is found in chocolate.

Having said all that, that does not mean that cocoa is inferior to cacao, in fact when you compare the health benefits of both, I would say they are very comparative.

Health Benefits of Cocoa

• Polyphenols are naturally occurring antioxidants found in foods like fruits, vegetables, tea, chocolate and wine. They have been linked to numerous health benefits, including reduced inflammation, better blood flow, lower blood pressure and improved cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

• What’s more, cocoa has been found to reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol, have a blood thinning effect similar to aspirin, improve blood sugars and reduce inflammation • Several studies have found that polyphenols, such as those in cocoa, may reduce your risk of neurodegenerative diseases by improving brain function and blood flow. Flavanols can cross the blood-brain barrier and are involved in the biochemical pathways that produce neurons and important molecules for the function of your brain. In addition to cocoa’s positive impact on age-related mental degeneration, its effect on the brain may also improve mood and symptoms of depression.

• Test-tube studies on components of cocoa have found that they have antioxidant effects, protect cells against damage from reactive molecules, fight inflammation, inhibit cell growth, induce cancer cell death and help prevent the spread of cancer cells.

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Dr. Ashkan Hamzehi DDS; Dr. Sharif Faizi DMD; Dr. Arzy Kafrouny DDS Sounds to me like they are both super healthy. So, when a recipe calls for cocoa or cacao, it sounds like you can use which ever you choose. Either way, to me, they are both still chocolate and chocolate is absolutely EXCELLENT!!!

Just think of the possibilities, you can eat a good quality chocolate bar (must contain at least 70% cocoa). Make a chocolate milk-shake or add it to your smoothie. Put some in your puddings or mousse. Sprinkle it over slices bananas or strawberries.

Just use your imagination I’m sure you could come up with tons of ideas on how to add chocolate to your diet.

Sounds like FUN to me!

Kathryn Hartwell

References: foodmatters.com and healthline.com

Balanced Souls

Jen Kaminsky

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first need to undergo a bone graft surgery, which you would have to heal from before implants could be placed. With the All-on-4® Treatment Concept, you can get a full arch replacement without the need for a bone graft first. All-on-4® Treatment Concept uses only four posts to support all of your replacement teeth. The success is not in the number of posts that we place, but the way in which they are placed. Two implants are placed vertically at the front of the jaw while the other two are placed in the back of the jaw, one on each side, and are placed at 45-degree angles.

This angle enables maximum contact between the posts and your available bone mass, increasing the rate of success.

Benefits of All-on-4® Treatment Concept

All-On-4 Dentures!

Your teeth perform several important tasks, including biting, chewing, and aiding in proper speech. They provide you with a confident smile. They also play an important role in the health of your jawbone. Tooth loss impacts all of these functions. The more teeth you lose, the worse the effects are. At Langdon Dental, we offer dental implants to replace your missing teeth. Implants can be used in a variety of situations, including if you lose an entire arch of teeth. However, if you do not have sufficient bone mass to support the necessary posts, getting dental implants can be more difficult. We can provide you with a full arch replacement without the need for a bone graft with the all on four treatment concepts.

The All-on-4® Treatment Concept offers all of the same benefits as other dental implant procedures. It also has a few additional benefits, including: • Less surgery.

• Shorter recovery.

• Less expensive.

• No need for a bone graft or sinus lift.

If you are missing an entire arch of teeth and do not have the bone mass to support the implants needed for a typical full-arch replacement, you may be a candidate for All-on-4® Treatment Concept. Call Langdon Dental at 403 936 8432 to schedule your consultation.

What Are Dental Implants?

Traditionally, an entire arch of missing teeth has been replaced with a complete denture. Dental implants are a modern alternative to this treatment. They are quite versatile and can be used to replace any number of missing teeth. Implants consist of three different parts, the posts, the abutments, and the crowns. The posts, which are made from titanium, are surgically implanted in your jawbone. As you heal, your bone fuses to them, stabilizing them within the jaw. The abutments are the connectors that are placed on the exposed ends of the implants. The crowns replace the visible sections of your missing teeth.

Bone Loss and Dental Implants

Dental implants rely on your jawbone for success. As you heal from surgery, the bone fuses to the posts in a process called as osseointegration. This fusion stabilizes the posts in your jaw, turning them into roots that then provide support for your new teeth. However, when you lose your teeth, your jawbone begins to resorb. It starts to lose height, width, and mass. The longer you go without replacing your teeth, the more bone mass is lost.

Without sufficient bone mass, your jaw cannot properly fuse, which can lead to implant failure.

The All-on-4® Treatment Concept Difference

Typically, a full arch of missing teeth is replaced using 6 to 8 posts to support your new teeth. However, if you are missing too much bone mass, your jaw may not be able to support all of these posts. The failure of even just one post can fail the entire restoration. It used to be that to get dental implants, you would

24 •

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We know when to ask for help, but the question is, who do we ask?

What do all the titles and differing fees mean? Maneuvering through the field of mental health professionals can be daunting and overwhelming at times. Below is a simplified guide to some of the most common titles that one sees in the field and an explanation of what they do and why the costs associated with each can vary so much.

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Public – The public sector refers to government-run and funded facilities. Within these services, they often have varying levels of professionals of different titles. Unfortunately, because they are minimal to no cost, they are often busy and may be difficult to access. Examples are; Alberta Health Services, Primary Care Networks, and varying Not-for-Profits that rely on government grants or volunteers.

Private – The private sector refers to service options that in-

clude a fee for service and are not directly run by the government. Often, different offices will have varying prices associated with services offered. These prices can reflect company policy, the level of training, and service provided. Many medical insurance plans have a set amount towards mental health, plans do however, distinguish between professional designations that are accepted.

Counsellors – One designation that is common involves the title ‘counsellor’; including a variety of alterations. There are many different types of counsellors, one of the more common titles is Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC). Often, these professionals have a variety of background education, including; addictions, social work, or counselling. The requirements for registration are based on schooling and previous work experience in the field.

The title ‘counsellor’ is not regulated in Alberta. With the lack of regulation, the result is no set minimum or maximum prices expected and no guarantee on education and training, unless under a national regulatory body.

Psychologists – This designation is highly regulated across the Provinces, with each Province having their own requirements and expectations. Within Alberta, there are two levels, Provisional and Registered Psychologist. Most insurance companies recognize both levels, however their method of payment accepted varies from reimbursement to direct billing. These professionals may provide general, educational, occupational assessments and complete short- and long-term therapy focusing on mental health dependent on their focus of expertise.

A provisional psychologist is one who has completed their Masters and/or PhD, and are in the process of obtaining their full licence, involving demonstrating a standard of knowledge and practice through exams and supervised practice.

A registered Psychologist is an individual who has finished the registration process by completing the exams and set supervised hours.

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Psychiatrist – These professionals are often different than the previously seen ones in one key area, mainly medications.

Psychiatrists obtain a medical and psychological degree to focus on medications in conjunction with mental health. Often, a Psychiatrist will only conduct medication evaluations, prescriptions, and assessments, while referring individuals to psychologists or counsellors for general mental health therapy. Some may provide long term therapy; however, the focus is generally a medical model base.

In understanding the differences, it is important to remember that the service desired or chosen is based on the individual and their current needs or desires. The key differences between the professional designations is schooling, focus, regulation, demonstrated knowledge, and cost.

By Tiffany Mitchell, Provisional Psychologist Optimum Wellness Centres

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B E T T ER HE A RI NG S TART S WIT H B ELTO N E A mazi ngly re ch ar geab le

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Plants in the wild: take whatever mother nature throws at us and keep thriving.

Grass: cement? No problem.

House plant: You watered me on Sunday instead of Saturday, so I must die now.

Never let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do.

Just look at Beethoven. Everyone told him he would never be a musician, just because he was deaf. But did he listen?

Can I order a replacement body on Amazon?

This one is constantly malfunctioning.

EVERYTHING WATERMELON There are certain foods that just scream “summer,” and watermelon is definitely one of them. From its bright-coloured flesh to its sweet, refreshing taste, this fruit is a summer essential.

So, it appears I have been doing this all wrong. I have always picked the greenest and biggest watermelon I could find. I would pound on it with my knuckle, because it is supposed to sound hollow; that part I had right.

BUT there are a lot of other things to look for in purchasing that perfect lush and juicy delectable melon. It starts with weighing the watermelon between your hands, turning it over, and giving it a firm thwap on the underside. Why? A heavy watermelon with a splotch on its belly and a hollow sound means it is brimming with juice and at the peak of its ripeness. A watermelon should feel heavy for its size. Look for the yellow spot: Watermelons develop a splotch where they rest on the ground. When this splotch is creamy yellow, it’s ripe. Give it a thump: Tap the underbelly of the watermelon. A ripe one will have a deep hollow sound. Under-ripe or over-ripe melons will sound dull. There you have it, now how to serve it.

Whole watermelons can be tedious to cut up. They’re large, kind of awkward to work with, and super messy. It’s just a matter of minutes before your countertop is covered in a sea of watermelon juice. But there is a way around all this.

This his how you cut a watermelon into bite sized pieces Start with a whole, half, or quarter watermelon, and place it on a large cutting board. If you’re using a whole watermelon, cut it in half lengthwise.

Cut each half in half again, so the whole watermelon is now quartered.

Working with one quarter at a time, make slices 1 to 2 inches wide, across the melon, cutting just down to the white rind. Do not slice all the way through the bottom of the melon. Starting on the side of the watermelon about an inch below the peak, insert your knife with the tip pointing down. Make a lengthwise slice across the

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Altogether Different

quarter, cutting down so the tip of the knife runs along the rind.

Do not cut through the bottom of the watermelon.

Make another lengthwise slice 1 to 2 inches below the slice you just made. Again, slice along the length of the quartered watermelon, with the tip of the knife angled down so it runs along the rind, without cutting through the bottom of the melon. For larger melons, you may need to repeat this step a third time to get nice bite sized pieces. Turn the watermelon around and repeat on the other side. Use a sweeping motion to slice between the watermelon flesh and rind. Hold the top pieces in place, if necessary.

Sounds a little time consuming to me but I’m thinking once you have done it once or twice it will be easy.

It never crossed my mind to grill watermelon, but I am for sure trying this next time I BBQ.

GRILLED WATERMELON Watermelon for grilling should be cut into triangles with the rind attached, so they do not fall apart. A mini watermelon (something under five pounds) provides the perfect amount of watermelon for four to six people. Using a Sweet and Spicy Seasoning rub helps give the watermelon beautiful grill marks. Flavour the sugar with salt, some lime zest, and red pepper flakes, and sprinkle this on the watermelon before and after grilling. You can mix up the seasoning however you see fit — brown sugar, lime, and cumin is another one of my favourite combinations. Grilled watermelon alone is a stand-out side dish. Chop it up and toss it with crumbled feta and mint, serve it with thick Greek yogurt for dipping as a side dish, or go completely sweet for dessert with a scoop of ice cream. YUM! Love this recipe—a beautiful watermelon salad?

WATERMELON SALAD Flavour with rice vinegar and red onions. If sweet and spicy is your thing, this is a salad to add to the dinner mix. Just like cucumbers, watermelon’s refreshing qualities work to tame the bite of the onion and heat of the chilies. The result is a summer salad you can pair with just about any main course.

Mix together 2 cups of bite-size pieces of watermelon with 1/2 cup sliced onion, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and 1 tablespoon rice vinegar. Serve immediately or chill for later.

Saving the best for last...

WATERMELON MIMOSAS The watermelon purée in this drink is based on a classic fresca. Blend watermelon cubes with a little lime juice and strain it into a pitcher. The watermelon juice can be made up a day in advance and chilled before serving.

Almost any sparkling wine can be added to the watermelon juice, but choose something on the drier side, such as a brut Champagne, Prosecco, or Cava, to balance the watermelon’s sweetness.

Now you are all set for the summer Watermelon everything. Truthfully, I rarely purchase a whole watermelon because they take up so much room in the refrigerator. This will all change this

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AND, it is really good for you!!

It is one of the fruits that is the lowest in calories — only 46 calories per cup—that’s lower than even low-sugar fruits, such as berries. One cup has Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Potassium, Magnesium, Vitamins B1, B5 and B6. Watermelon is also high in carotenoids, including beta-carotene and lycopene. Plus, it has citrulline, an important amino acid.

ENJOY – STAY SAFE AND HAVE A SUPER-DUPER SUMMER!!

Kathryn Hartwell References: the kitchen.com and healthline.com

Chiropractic, Traditional Chinese Medicine/Acupuncture, Massage Therapy, Reflexology & Esthetics

We also have a Wellness Store for Health and Beauty products

Phone: 403-936-2450

#117, 355 Center Street. Langdon | langdonchiroandwellness.com facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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Monday to Thursday 7:00 am - 10:00 pm Friday & Saturday 7:00 am - 11:00 pm Sunday 8:00 am - 10:00 pm

A little bit of everything Gaylene is a Strathmore resident that has trouble taking life seriously and can usually be found making inappropriate or sarcastic remarks around town much to the embarrassment of her family and friends. (of which she has both – honest!)

So Here’s To Ho�ing You Meet All Your Deadlines.

There is nothing like looking at your clock and realizing you have less than an hour to complete a project before it’s due.

For me, few things induce panic than an approaching deadline. I truly believe there are two types of people in this world: the first type is those individuals that buy their Christmas gifts in March.

You go to their home for Easter, and while snooping in the guest room, you find a festive cornucopia of yule time gifts. Not only bought, but wrapped in snowflakes and reindeer glory, ready for the holidays, a mere 8 months away. The other type, of which my husband is one, are those last minutes, Christmas Eve shoppers that thrive under the pressure of the deadline looming before them. My husband swears that shopping on Christmas Eve inspires him to only consider the best gifts for each of his loved ones. (I think it has more to do with the fact that his wife and children are terrible snoops when it comes to presents.)

In university, I shared a dorm room with a last minute achiever.

Her theory was that by waiting until the last possible opportunity, she would have plenty of time to percolate thoughts and ideas and theories on how best to complete her essay. Apparently, the local pub served as an incubator for this thought germination process.

Now this is fine and dandy for some folk, I’m just not one of them.

And it always surprises and yes, baffles my wee little mind, how many people use this operandous waitus approach. I vividly remember being stuck in Grey Nun’s hospital on bed rest while pregnant with my second son and having a nurse come in and ask if they could borrow one of the baby name books I had. Of course, I already had a girl’s and a boy’s name picked out (with options a, b and c) pretty much since the second line appeared on the pee stick. It was hard for me to understand how only once the mother was in labour, some couples thought, “Hey, I guess this kid will need a name”. Just imagine her screaming during a contraction “Honey, what do you think of the name George?” Apparently, some couples think a name would just come to them when they first lay eyes on their newborn. My sons are thankful we didn’t take that approach or “Slimy Cone Head Smith” would be our eldest. (His head has since returned to the shape it was intended but at 12 the slime is still often present!)

Now my point to all this rambling is that when it comes to things like hunting for work or applying for Employment Insurance, one method is without a doubt more successful. If you wait until the little red dial on your bank account is hovering over empty to The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

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apply for EI, you just might find yourself stranded on the side of the road of life, waiting a month or more for someone to come with a jerry can of funds. It typically takes six or more weeks to even get approved for employment insurance, so unless your landlord doesn’t care about the deadline for paying rent, you might want to get on that as soon as you can. Same goes for job hunting. I do have clients come in and tell me they need help writing a resume so they can apply for a job. I ask what their deadline is, they say they have one week left of EI, I sit there, silently screaming in my head. Same silent screaming occurs (okay sometimes not silent) when someone calls and says “Hey Gaylene, I need help with a cover letter for this job I saw last week.” Eight times out of ten they tell me the deadline for the job is 5:00 quitting time, that very day.

“Hello! You have known about this for seven days and you leave it for the last minute?! Don’t you understand how the world works? Murphy will be showing up with his great big time sucking law.”

I promise we will run out of toner, my computer will freeze, the email address will be wrong and your application won’t make deadline. (Your career coach might also have a wee break from reality in the form of gentle sobbing and rocking.)

In the great big grown up world known as employment, deadlines don’t tend to be optional. Supervisors really don’t like giving extensions and career and employment coaches really do need more than ten minutes to write a targeted cover letter.

Please take a tiny piece of advice from a wife that has received a sweater with a kitten printed on it thanks to her husband’s

Christmas Eve shopping; don’t leave things to the last moment.

Inspiration won’t always come, the printer may break down, the dog might eat, or vomit, on your assignment, or you might get run over by a Pokémon Go hunter. Always best to leave yourself some extra time.

So here’s to hoping you meet all your deadlines. I have to run now.

My deadline for this article is today at 5:00.

You know what’s rarer than a unicorn?

A kid that does something the first time you ask.

Happy birthday!

I’m glad your mom didn’t have a headache that night.

I never buy chips because then I’ll eat them. So, instead, I look in my pantry everyday and am disappointed that I don’t have any chips.

I’ve been watching my weight. It’s still there.

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Leela

SHARON AHEER

MLA Chestermere - Strathmore Phone: 403-207-9889

Chestermere.Strathmore@assembly.ab.ca STRATHMORE OFFICE: 129 Second Ave. Tues. - Thurs. 10 AM – 1 PM

Other �mes and mee�ngs in Chestermere by appointment.

Langdon Office Opening Soon!

Apparently I snore so loudly that it scares everyone in the car I'm driving.

Isn't it weird how when a cop drives by you feel paranoid instead of protected.

My wife is so negative. I remembered the car seat, the stroller, AND the diaper bag.

Yet all she can talk about is how I forgot the baby.

If I had a dollar for every girl that found me unattractive, they'd eventually find me attractive.

I find it ironic that the colours red, white, and blue stand for freedom, until they're flashing behind you.

Today a man knocked on my door and asked for a small donation towards the local swimming pool, so I gave him a glass of water.

A Hiatus into

yesteryear Written by Sabrina Kooistra

“Carrying the Delicate Flower of Morale”: The Complicated Relationship Between the Patriarchy and American Women’s Homefront Efforts During WWII A segmented essay regarding the ways in which clothing and makeup, homemaking practices, and war marriages became essential and notable contributions to the Homefront war effort. The final chapter seeks to debunk the notion that WWII made sizeable contributions to gender equality.

In the making of this essay, I used musicals produced during the Second World War to aid in my research. Indeed, movies often suggest more about the time in which they were made than the time in which it was set, so I have provided movies at the bottom of each section that I feel are an apt representation of the time in which these chapters speak of. Each musical can be viewed on either iTunes or YouTube.

“admit it, now… you dress for a man, don’t you?”

Pharmacy & Health Care, Hallmark Gi� Shop, Post Office, Sta�onary, Toys, Grocery

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403-934-3122 ph 403-934-6474 fax

Beauty in Service to the Troops Much to the imputation of American popular culture, the female body had long been perceived as an object of adornment, a sexualized entity, and a canvas to beautify– all in service to the male gaze. Notwithstanding the brutality of the European and South Pacific war theatres and the ostensible de-feminization of women completing ‘men’s work’ during the Second World War, discourses of female objectification remained central to popular culture and advertisements targeting women, despite alleged advances toward gender equity. Indeed, the Second World War had restructured social, economic, and gender norms, albeit temporarily; however, the idea of consenting to a masculinized The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

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woman-in-uniform “seemed a dangerous social experiment.” In spite of the fact that fabrics had become one of many victims of wartime rationing, “the business of looking beautiful,” within the patriarchal constructs of femininity, became an obligation for women on the Homefront. Women were encouraged to use myriad lotions, oils, and cosmetics to create an authentically American “wartime face,” and messages regarding clothing styles, generally tailored fits that would complement and accentuate the prepossessing geometry of the female body, suggested a woman could adorn herself as “the right kind of home front [fighter].” The labour of beautifying oneself during the Second World War was not a mere act of vanity; it was a normal, everyday practice rebranded a vehicle to boost the morale and motivation of servicemen, emotionally ‘link’ women to their loved ones on the front, and serve as a means of currying the favour of eligible mates.

Partially to the credit of garment and cosmetics industries, women were encouraged to ensure beauty would not be neglected for the sake of the war’s severity and the masculine economic roles temporarily assigned to women. Though present-day audiences might argue this beauty-in-war rhetoric was merely an ingenious marketing ploy disguised as a noble, patriotic effort, the notion of appearing presentable and appealing to servicemen was viewed as a mere continuation of the pre-war female experience.

story of her engagement to an American Army Officer. While this was a notion accepted pre-war, advertisements, such as the aforementioned Pond’s Cold Cream poster, convinced women that their appearance could indeed affect their marriage prospects, albeit an unjust, superficial measure, but posing a tangible threat to a woman’s future livelihood. Thus, women obliged and America maintained a seemingly unwavering attachment to the historically over-sexualized effigy and portrayal of the female body during the Second World War. It may seem that in the face of one of the bloodiest wars in modern European history applying makeup and donning a well-tailored outfit would be grossly insufficient in terms of Homefront succor. However, no effort was a thankless effort, women were told, and any means of improving the morale of servicemen– even if it meant perpetuating sexist clothing norms to gift a serviceman the memory of a beautiful woman– went unacknowledged.

Part II will be published in the August Issue of The Newsy Neighbour Magazine.

Movies to Complement this Section: - Meet Me in St. Louis (1944) - The Dolly Sisters (1945) Credits for the Picture: Figure 1.0) A Pond’s advertisement from February 1942.

McEuen, Melissa A. Making War, Making Women: Femininity and Duty on the American Home Front, 1941-1945. (Athens: University of Georgia Press, 2011), 12.

Indeed, this seemingly inconsequential effort to conserve beauty and sexuality in the male-centric American 1940s was deemed “good for the troops,” because it provided servicemen with a memorable, romanticized, and feminized mental image of the Homefront. This ultimately precipitated a constant, emotionally triggered motivation to protect the interests and preciousness of those at home, especially the pretty young women who would be eligible for marriage when the men returned. Consequently, preserving the beauty of the female body and countenance was, almost ironically, perceived as essential to the nation’s health and well-being– “peace would depend on (women’s) efforts,” regardless of whether or not it perpetuated an era of social norms believed to be falling by the wayside.

Cosmetics, in particular, represented a shared consciousness of the loss of men from the Homefront. Advertising campaigns, such as those for “Remember Me” face powders, evoked the sadness and grief felt by many women whose loved ones were on the front lines. In this manner, beauty and appearance were not merely a labour exclusively benefiting men attracted to beautiful women; cosmetics sought to mend broken hearts and nurse separation anxiety for women, too. For women seeking marriage during the war, aesthetics remained paramount. Believing that exercising attentiveness in the manufacture of one’s appearance would gain approval from men, many women during the Second World War continued to conserve beautifying routines in an effort to ascertain a promise of marriage. An advertisement for Pond’s Cold Cream boasts a “beautiful Pond’s Bride-to-Be” and the facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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Congratulations to our BVAS 50/50 Winners!

Check out our Facebook page for details.

Banquet Hall Rentals and Catering Services

WATER SAFETY Summer is a great time to cool off in pools, lakes, ponds and beaches, but water can also be dangerous for kids if parents do not take the proper precautions.

Kids need constant supervision around water to prevent drowning. Young children are especially at risk because they can drown in less than 2 inches of water, and drowning could happen where you least expect it. Don’t assume that a child that knows how to swim isn’t at risk of drowning. All children need to be closely supervised, no matter what their swimming skills. All infants, toddlers and weak swimmers should have an adult swimmer within arm’s reach to provide “touch supervision”.

1. STAY CLOSE TO YOUR CHILD and always be attentive to what they are doing.

Never leave a child unattended while around the pool or other water.

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Indus is located approximately 15km East of Calgary on Hwy 22x

6. CONSIDER LEARNING CPR and understand basic life-saving skills so that you can help in an emergency.

7. BE WARY OF UNDER-TOWS AT THE BEACH and do not allow a child to play in water that may pose a danger.

8. ALWAYS JUMP FEET FIRST INTO WATER that is not clear since you do not know what is under the surface of the water Tips for kids about water safety: ● Always swim with adult supervision. ● Swim with a buddy. ● Don’t run around the pool area; walk slowly. ● Don’t push or jump on others, you could injure someone or yourself. ● Don’t chew gum or eat while you swim - you could choke. ● Toys are fun and help you float, but they cannot save lives. ● If you are just learning to swim, wear a life jacket that fits snuggly and stay in the shallow end.

Resource of the month: Check out the Strathmore Aquatic Centre for swimming lessons taught by qualified instructors, and family swim times for the summer! Also visit the splash park, located at Kinsmen Park, for another great way to cool off during the summer. http://strathmore.fry1.canterris.com/aquatic_center Visit our website for community resources:

www.5forlifeforever.com

Sources: Serpefirm Being Safe in the Sun Newsletter http://www.serpefirm.com/ wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Being-Safe-in-the-Sun-Law-Offices-of-Richard-J.Serpe.pdf

Kids Health Water Safety http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/water-safety.html

2. TEACH YOUR CHILD WATER SAFETY SKILLS, including staying away from pool drains, spa drains, pipes and any other openings that may entrap them.

3. LEARN HOW TO SWIM and make sure your child is taught how to swim and is comfortable in the water. Swimming lessons are invaluable to a child.

4. CONSIDER HAVING INEXPERIENCED SWIMMERS WEAR A LIFE JACKET EVEN IN A POOL. Do not consider swimming toys to be lifesaving equipment.

5. HAVE APPROPRIATE FENCING AROUND THE POOL to ensure that children do not wander into the pool area unattended. Consider pool alarms to warn of a child unintendedly entering the pool.

facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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Expressions The Dance Gallery Dance intensive for Junior to Advanced levels.

July 8-12

5 Stampede Safety Tips for Parents and Kids

This program is open to all dancers.

Guest teachers; Angela Murdoch, Desirae Thomas, Laura Torgrimson

By Lorna Selig www.safe4life.ca

The Calgary Stampede is always a family affair full of fun and games for kids of all ages! Here are some helpful Safe4Life tips to make sure that your family is safe while having fun during this Stampede.

1. Have your child wear a bright coloured shirt – if they get separated from you, its far easier to look for a neon green shirt in a crowd than a child with brown hair. If you have more than one young child, insist that they wear the same coloured shirt.

2. Talk to your child about getting lost and what to do if it happens – preparing them is very different from scaring them. Let them know that you will come to get them, and they will be afraid, and that its scary and uncomfortable to be afraid. Remind your child you’d never leave them and that you will always come back to find them — so they shouldn’t try looking for you.

www.expressionsthedancegallery.com 126 Canal Garden. Strathmore, AB • Ph: 403-901-6392

3. Teach your child to find a woman with kids if they are lost – statistics show that a woman will remain with a distressed child until the situation is resolved. Tell children to look for a stroller or a child about their same size. This gives them a specific target to search for.

Ahh the Pet Issue. The one month a year that the Newsy Neighbour is dedicated to the most important of earthlings: pets. Namely, dogs. But I’ll lump the rest of them in with that.

4. Make sure your child knows their first and last name, and that they know your first and last name – If need be, fasten your name and number to the inside of their shirt or a pocket in their pants.

5. In crowded situations, keep kids in front of you (literally) at all times – have them hold onto a stroller or a sibling’s hand and be “stuck like glue”.

Nothing of importance has occurred over the past month, so I am unsure of what to write to you all about. My trusty readers, my fans.

I DID go to the local elementary school, Ecole Brentwood, in June to speak with the grade 5 class about the book Momyour wrote about SHE getstoday! all the glory while I am Order copy of theme.

Pouty Puppy the mascot.

She did bring me to the class, and I got LOTS www.thepoutypuppy.com of pets during the reading of her book. But she made fun of me a lot, saying I was grumpy but spoiled, which really irked me, but I was getting too many pets from the kids to really do anything about it. I wonder if she’ll give me some of the earnings from the sale of her book…

It is summer now. The monster children are home all the time now. They pet me all day and I hate it.

I think I miss school!

Bauer

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facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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Join The Chamber The Chamber of Commerce offers a number of unique business levels to suit your current size and stature.

As you grow, your plan can grow with you.

CHAMBER MEMBER BENEFITS • Chamber Health Plans • Payment & Banking Solutions • Audio Conferencing, Web Conferencing & Webcasting Program • Chamber Merchant Services • Shipping Discounts • On Hold Marketing Program, Members Save 20% • Email-Events-Social Media-Surveys • Maintain Control, Save Time & Money with Esso Business Cards • Fuel Discount Program • It’s Easy With VersaPay! • Best Rate Home & Auto Insurance

READY TO GET STARTED? Put the Strathmore & District Chamber to Work for Your Business Today

Phone: 403 901 3175 Email: info@strathmoredistrictchamber.com

www.strathmoredistrictchamber.com Leela Sharon Aheer MLA

I am thrilled to be part of the Newsy Neighbour family and honoured by the trust you have placed in me by electing me as your representative in the Legislature.

Please contact me at Chestermere.Strathmore@assembly.ab.ca.

Hello Newsy Neighbour readers!

I hope you are getting ready for Langdon Days and getting your boots dusted off, your belt buckles shined, and your hats ready to go for this year’s Strathmore Stampede! I’ll see you at both of these great events. Every year, we buy more candy for the parades but we keep running out as they get more popular every year! I am so excited to attend, and for those of you who enjoy an authentic western experience, you can’t beat the Strathmore Stampede. They have many of the same great cowboys as the Calgary Stampede but you will have grit in your teeth, you are so close to the action! Not to mention, some unique events like “Running with The Bulls”.

I have a dog named Elvis. He is a mixed breed with a little bit of this and little bit of that. You would have seen a picture of him with my family on our campaign material. He loves to sing, and he has no problem showing off his singing ability in a house full of singers. When the mics go on and the practice begins, he is there with his sweet low howls, singing along with the material that he has been hearing his entire life. His cute pink nose points

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towards the sky, and he joyfully sings along as we try to keep straight faces and continue on with our practice. This is a form of communication for our puppies (my 10-year-old fur baby puppy), and they are social animals who like to contribute to the conversation. This is part of bonding with the pack, namely their family, and when my kids and I are in the midst of singing with all our hearts, Elvis chimes in and sings along to our great pleasure!

Howling for humans is a great way to centre your sound and to work through your own singing range, so sing along with your puppies. It’s really good for your voice!

I hope that you were able to take in some of the festivities for National Indigenous Peoples Day! I had the honour of attending many events, and what an incredible amount of talent, ceremony and community building!

So how do you feel about the Federal Government’s latest approval of the Trans Mountain Pipeline while simultaneously passing into law the “No More Pipelines” Bill C-69 and the “Oil Tankers Are OK, Except Those Carrying Alberta Oil” Bill C-48? Do you sense a bit of a disconnect there? Our Province will be seeing them in court over this, as well as the Carbon Tax. In other news, a former Liberal Environment Minister from BC says there is “no business case” for the Trans Mountain Expansion. Since it is the oil producers that have requested capacity on this project you can see what nonsense this is. Meanwhile, the BC Government continues to oppose Trans Mountain while at the same time bemoaning high gasoline prices (Trans Mountain carries gasoline by the way). Their Premier appoints a panel to look at high gasoline prices but forbids the panel from examining the role of the BC Government. BC is also North America’s largest exporter of coal. What hypocrisy!

I want to speak about Human Trafficking. I know that most people believe that this is an issue that does not happen in Canada, but it does, and we have to acknowledge that this horrible and despicable crime is happening on Canadian soil. The majority of victims are young women, and some of the victims are as young as 5 years old. It is a difficult discussion to have, but if it remains hidden away, we can do nothing to move forward and shine a light on the atrocities right here at home. We will be bringing in legislation, the “girl next door legislation”, in the following months to take on these traffickers. It is truly modern-day slavery and we will fight to protect vulnerable people. Human trafficking cases in Canada are crimes against Canadians, and there has never been a more important time to bring awareness to the public. Singer and activist Paul Brant has said “we won’t tolerate trafficking” and “bullies get nervous when you stand up to them”. I couldn’t agree more.

We have a satellite office just about up and running in Strathmore and will be opening an office in beautiful Langdon soon.

Our Strathmore office hours for the summer are Tuesday through Thursday, 10 AM to 1 PM at 129 Second Avenue in the Strathmore Business Centre. Unfortunately, phone service will not arrive until July. Until then please contact us at 403-207-9889 or Chestermere.Strathmore@assembly.ab.ca. Until our Langdon office opens we have arranged meeting space for Fridays in Chestermere, 10 minutes away from Langdon. We also offer Commissioner For Oaths services through my assistant Pete. This is a free service but note that he is unable to commission certain documents so please be prepared to describe the document and give him as much notice as possible so he can check with the Legislature legal staff if necessary.

As always, I love to hear from you.

The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

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Season Pass?

On the first day at the new senior’s complex, the manager addressed all the new seniors pointing out some of the rules: "The female sleeping quarters will be out-of-bounds for all males, and the male dormitory to the females. Anybody caught breaking this rule will be fined $20 the first time."

He continued, "Anybody caught breaking this rule the second time will be fined $60.

Being caught a third time will cost you a fine of $180. Are there any questions?"

At this point, an older gentleman stood up in the crowd and inquired: "How much for a season pass?

My wife got 8 out 10 on her driver's test--the other two guys managed to jump out of her way.

There may be no excuse for laziness, but I'm still looking.

A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.

Ever stop to think and forget to start again?

When I married Mrs. Right, I had no idea her first name was Always.

Women spend more time wondering what men are thinking than men spend thinking.

Q1: In which battle did Napoleon die?

A: His last battle.

Q2: Where was the Declaration of Independence signed?

A: At the bottom of the page.

Q3: River Ravi flows in which state?

A: Liquid.

Q4: What is the main reason for divorce?

A: Marriage.

Q5: What is the main reason for failure?

A: Exams.

Q6: What can you never eat for breakfast?

A: Lunch & dinner.

Q7: What looks like half an apple?

A: The other half.

Q8: If you throw a red stone into the blue sea, what will it become?

A: Wet. Q9: How can a man go eight days without

sleeping?

A: No problem, he sleeps at night.

Q10. How can you lift an elephant with one hand?

A: You will never find an elephant that has one hand.

Q11. If you had three apples and four oranges in one hand and four apples and three oranges in other hand, what would you have?

A: Very large hands.

Q12. If it took eight men ten hours to build a wall, how long would it take four men to build it?

A: No time at all, the wall is already built.

Q13. How can you drop a raw egg onto a concrete floor without cracking it?

A: Any way you want; concrete floors are very hard to crack. facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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your lawn a bit taller results in healthier grass. The general rule of thumb is: Never cut off more than a third of the grass blade.

Keep Your Mower Blade Sharp

A dull blade tears the grass, resulting in a ragged edge that makes the overall lawn look grayish brown. Sharpen or replace the mower blade when it shows signs of wear — or at least once a mowing season.

Water in the Morning

The best time to water your lawn is the early morning because the sun will help dry the grass. Nighttime watering can result in prolonged moisture on the blades, which can open the door for some diseases. It's better to water less often but for prolonged periods. Just wetting down the grass isn't watering the grass. You need to soak the lawn so the soil moisture goes down several inches.

Feed Your Lawn

What do lawns like to consume? Nitrogen is the most important nutrient. Look for a mix of fast- and slow-release fertilizers that will green up your lawn quickly, and feed it over time. In the north, feed in fall and spring. In the south, feed in spring and summer. Don't feed dormant grass (drought can cause grass to go dormant in summer) because it can't take in nutrients.

Spot-Train Your Dog

8 Easy Tips for the Perfect Lawn A soft, green lawn is a wonderful thing, and it doesn't have to be out of reach. Here's some simple advice for establishing terrific turf.

Prevent Weeds Before They Come Up

Stop weeds from gaining a roothold in your lawn before they even germinate by using a pre-emergent herbicide. This type of product controls the dreaded crabgrass, as well as other hard-to-eliminate weeds, by stopping their seeds from sprouting in your lawn. Use a pre-emergent early in the spring.

Eliminate Broadleaf Weeds Once They've Sprouted

Broadleaf weeds are the big weeds that are immediately obvious in your lawn: the bright-yellow faces of dandelions (and their scatter-in-the-wind seeds), white-flowering clover and big-leaf plantain are all pretty visible. To treat, apply granular weed control products. If there are just a few offenders, you can remove them by hand.

Mow High and Frequently

Mowing your lawn too short may seem like a time saver, but this can damage your grass as well as allow weeds to set root. Keeping

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If you have a dog that spends any time in your yard, your lawn will show it. Large yellow and dead spots in your lawn will be giveaways. The nitrogen in dog urine is the culprit. Encourage your dog to use just one spot in the yard. Make a gravel or mulch area where your dog can do his business without spotting the lawn.

Yard-train your dog in the same way you house-trained him.

Walk him out to the area you want him to use and use treats to reward good behvior.

Reseed Sparse Lawns

If your lawn is a little thin in areas, you can seed over the area to help lush it up. Fall is the ideal time to reseed cool-season grasses. Plant warm-season grasses in late spring.

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THE CHARLIE SCHULZ PHILOSOPHY You don’t actually have to take the quiz. Just read this straight through and you’ll get the point. It is trying to make an awesome point!

Here’s the first quiz:

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.

4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.

5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.

6. Name the last decade’s worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?

The facts are, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday.

These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here’s another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

For Residential and Commercial Applications

4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

6. Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.

Easier?

The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.

“Don’t worry about the world coming to an end today …… It’s already tomorrow in Australia.”

Charles Schulz

Advice from a handyman: Wife texts husband on a cold winter’s morning: "Windows frozen, won't open."

Husband texts back: "Gently pour some lukewarm water over it and gently tap edges with hammer."

Wife texts back 5 minutes later: "Computer really screwed up now.”

facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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MartinSHIELDS,MP

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My wife and I were happy for twenty years; then we met.

I hate it when people use big words just to make themselves sound perspicacious.

Hospitality is the art of making guests feel like they're at home when you wish they were.

I bought a vacuum cleaner six months ago and so far all it's been doing is gathering dust.

Every time someone comes up with a foolproof solution, along comes a more-talented fool.

I'll bet you $4,567 you can't guess how much I owe my bookie.

Behind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes.

All the Pringle ladies All the Pringle ladies All the Pringle ladies All the Pringle ladies Get their hands stuck

Quality Repair of All Appliance Makes and Models in Calgary & Surrounding Areas Langdon - Chestermere & Strathmore We can get your appliance back up and running and save you thousands on a new one. Our service is priority, and we look forward to servicing your needs.

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Please contact our office:

• If you are having issues with any Federal programs or departments • If you are holding or celebra�ng a local event • If you have an Anniversary or Birthday you would like Cer�ficates for • If you would like to speak to the Member of Parliament See Our Social Media Pages for Updates

@MartinBowRiver

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IS WELL WATER SAFE TO DRINK? A few years back, we use to live on an acreage and I miss it every day. There is something about all that land and the privacy that cannot be equalled. My hope is always to own one again someday.

Our only issue with living on an acreage was you must have your own well and I’m telling you right now, a well can be very tricky.

We had a huge filtration system in the garage to make our water drinkable and safe. There are a lot of things to know if you are using the water from a well for your home.

First and most importantly, you need to get it tested. Your well water may not be safe. A few contaminants found in well water can cause long-haul health issues. Microorganisms can exist in surface and groundwater supplies.

When you own a home with a private well, the safety and quality of the water is your responsibility. Well water almost always requires some softening and filtration to make it ideal for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

“Contaminated well water can cause nausea, diarrhea and vomiting and potentially lead to serious health problems, such as cancer, kidney disorders and brain damage,” says Dr. Gochfeld.

The EPA recommends that you test your well once a year for E. coli and coliform bacteria at the absolute minimum. You should also test your water for radon and arsenic, minerals such as iron, manganese, nitrate levels, and any volatile organic compounds to ensure your home’s water is safe.

If you do notice a change in water quality, (appearance, odour, taste, etc.) it’s a good idea to have your well tested, even if it hasn’t been a year since the last test.

If your neighbours’ well has been tested and observed to be safe, this does not mean yours is safe. The security of your well water relies on many factors. They include surface and underground geology, depth, development of the well and more. The well water quality can change regularly upon revival/refilling because of the dry season. You have to test your well water and keep all testing outcomes for future reference.

Various aspects should be addressed to keep up a healthy private well, that is, a well which gives 'safe' water: 1. Construction – How strong was it constructed? If ever it wasn't constructed well, there might be issues any time.

2. Location – Where is it located? What issues have your neighbors stated?

3. Maintenance – How old the well if for years? Has the water quality been checked regularly?

4. Water Source – What is the nature of the aquifer from which The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

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your water is drawn?

5. Human activities – What is going on in your general vicinity that could affect your well?

The more deep-seated your well (800+ feet), the cleaner the water.

If ever you find out that your well water becomes contaminated, you needn’t worry too much. There are a lot of treatment options for that. You have to bear in mind that there is not a single treatment option that will be able to address all kinds of problems.

Water treatment is not only because of contaminants. Some people choose to treat their well water for it to have a better taste.

Some like to take an extra precaution for the sake of the health of the people drinking from the well.

A water filter is a device that you can use to remove many kinds of contaminants and impurities from your drinking water. A water filtration system could either use a chemical, a biological process or a physical barrier to filter your drinking water.

This is to make sure that it is safe to drink. There are a lot of options for a water filtration system such as an under-sink filtration system, a countertop water filter, faucet-attached water filter and a lot more.

I found out while I was doing my research for this article that: ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES offers free testing for private drinking water Albertans who obtain drinking water or water for household use from a private drinking water supply – such as a well, surface water (creek, dugout) or cistern – are reminded to test this water at least twice a year. Alberta Health Services provides this free service.

Before moving into a house with a well, learn about the well’s history, condition, and capacity by asking the current owner for a history log. This will help you identify what has been done to the well in the past, how much it holds, and what the flow rate is to see if it will meet your household’s needs. It’s also a good idea to ask what the home’s seller is currently doing to treat the water.

Having a private well shouldn’t discourage you from moving into that dream house in the country. You simply need the right partner to help you make sure your home’s water quality is right for your family’s needs.

Routine drinking-water tests should be done to ensure water doesn’t contain bacteria that can cause illness. This standard testing should be conducted especially when surface water runoff from melting snow and/or heavy rains could contaminate drinking water supply with harmful bacteria, such as E. coli.

In addition to bacteriological testing, rural residents with untreated private drinking water supplies can also have their water tested for nitrates, fluoride, iron, sodium and, in some cases, heavy metals.

To find out more about this service or to arrange to pick up a sampling container, contact your local community health centre.

In southern Alberta, water sample bottles can be picked up and dropped off at the locations noted here: www.albertahealthservices.ca/assets/wf/eph/wf-eh-south-zone-water-sample-bottlelocations.pdf Visit www.albertahealthservices.ca/eph/Page8294.aspx for more information on private drinking water safety in Alberta.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.

Water is very important for your health and even if you are not drinking your well water, you are still bathing in it and your animals are probably drinking it. Make sure you have it tested!

Kathryn Hartwell

References: theberkly.com, livestrong.com, albertahealthservices.ca, water-rightgroup.com

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We are 4 RE/MAX First Real Estate Professionals DEDICATED to working together and licensed in Residential, Rural, Commercial and Condos. We are here to help our clients reach ALL their real estate goals. Contact us: reps.remax@ gmail.com. www.the-reps.

Founded in 2011, the Chestermere Chamber of Commerce provides an avenue for businesses in the community to create a positive business environment and essentially exists to make the community a better place in which to live.

The Chamber works closely with its municipal government and peaks for the business community at public hearings, the media and behind closed doors. It is the "United voice of Chestermere business".

READY TO GET STARTED?

Join The Chamber TODAY! Phone: 403 770 9680

Email: info@chestermerechamber.com

www.chestermerechamber.com

Home Selling Tips Fix It First!

If you need to make improvements or repairs to your home, do them before it goes on the market. Potential buyers aren't interested in hearing about your good intentions to get something fixed. Do it now.

Curb Appeal! it's summer! Get outside and take a good hard look at what your home looks like from the street. Will buyers want to stop and take a better look? It’s all about that all-important "first impression."

Shur-Lock Self Storage 13 Bayside Place. Strathmore AB, T1P 1C8

Moving with Your Household Pets Moving can be very stressful for your entire family, but it can be especially overwhelming for your pets.

We humans have an entire world outside of our homes but for our pets, be it dogs, cats, reptiles, or birds, their homes and their humans are their ENTIRE world.

Moving them from one place to another can be stressful and in some cases, health compromising for your pet. They can get lost in the shuffle or, worst case scenario, end up sick.

There are some steps to make the transition a bit easier for them.

Prior to moving day, make sure your pets are fitted with collars and ID tags with your name and current cell-phone number in case they get out while the front door is open while moving a large couch. An excellent option is to kennel them or send them to a pet spa, but make sure you get their vaccinations up to date first. A crate is an excellent alternative. Make sure it’s large or small enough with plenty of circulation.

It’s hard to move without the doors wide open, providing the perfect escape. Crates and cages give your pets a feeling of security and safety. Make sure some of their favourite things are in there like their favourite blanket or stuffy. In extreme cases with very anxious pets, a trip to the vet for something to take the edge off may be in order.

Watch for signs of dehydration and ensure water is fresh and accessible during the transition. Upset tummies can be treated with a bit of mashed pumpkin mixed in with food and a touch of lemon in the water. But always check with your vet first.

At the new house, get an area ready for your pet and fill it with familiar things such as blankets, toys, food and water dishes. Let them explore the new place slowly and a little at a time so as not to overwhelm them too much and before you know it they will start to settle in. For dogs, ensure you accompany them outside for the first few bathroom breaks and help them explore their new environment.

Remember, extra love and attention will be required for both your human and non-human family members during your move.

SHURLOCK.CA shurlock@outlook.com

Storage Solution Centre Commercial or Residential

Wyatt 403-324-3055 Wayde: 403-333-8155 42 •

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32 Micro shif�s You Can Start Doing Today to Transf��m Your 2019

Chances are, every time you’ve tried to make a change in your life, you attempted to force a breakthrough. You decided you were going to make a radical change, and despite your gusto, it’s never worked.

This is because your body and mind are governed by something called a homeostatic impulse. If you shift the baseline too quickly, your body is going to try to compensate and bring you back to “normal” or “safe.” If you want to change your life, you need to utilize micro shifts; tiny, almost undetectable patterns of behaviour that condition you to your comfort zone.

The point is not that any one of these things is going to change your life immediately. What they are going to do is slowly build comfort and momentum, until you do it regularly, automatically, and happily.

1. Drink one-half glass of water more each day.

2. Delete one social media app off your phone.

3. Start getting up ten minutes earlier each day.

4. Walk or take the stairs once more than you normally would.

5. Go to the gym and work out for 15 minutes.

6. Do one tiny, selfless thing for your partner.

7. Wipe down one surface at the end of the day.

8. Organize one closet or cabinet in your house.

9. Get rid of one bag of garbage sitting around your space.

10. Donate one bag of items you do not need, and will not miss.

11. Cook dinner at least one night a week. Only one. That’s manageable. If you live with someone, have them cook another night.

Eventually, scale to each of you doing two a week.

12. Lay out your outfits by week, month or season, and take photos of them. Log them in a separate album on your phone.

13. Whenever you get the hunch to text or call someone, just to check in, do it.

14. Send one “scary” email every day. A “scary” email is a message to someone who can help you achieve what you really want. It could be a pitch, a request to connect over coffee, or even a job application. If you do this for the next 365 days, you might get 300+ that go unanswered, but if just one accepts, it could be life-changing.

15. Make one more payment toward a debt that you still have.

16. Make one more payment toward your car or mortgage each year.

17. Delete one old contact from your phone that you never talk to, or never want to again.

18. Attend one event for networking, or for a class or hobby that you’re interested in.

19. Read one page of a book that you want to start.

20. The next time you want to say something mean to yourself, decide, even just once, and for one second, that you’re not going to believe it.

21. Each day when you wake up, decide that you aren’t going to worry, just for this day.

22. Meditate for one minute in the morning.

23. Stretch for one minute in the afternoon.

24. Take one deep breath whenever you can remember to do so.

25. Say one nice thing about someone else when it occurs to you.

26. Say one nice thing about yourself, too.

27. Say “no,” just once, to doing something you genuinely do not want to do.

28. When your anger starts to flare, just once, pause and remember that there’s another way.

29. Decide that, just for one night, you aren’t going to worry about your body, and you’re just going to show up and enjoy your life.

30. Take one picture of something you don’t want to forget.

31. Throw out one thing that’s heavy and filled with negative memories that you don’t need to keep carrying with you.

32. Be present — even just for a second — and keep doing it until you realize how incredible your life is right here and right now.

Gail Schmidt Because a Great Experience Begins with a Great Agent!

Want to know whats going on in the market?

Give me a call! 403.993.4550 gschmidt@cirrealty.ca

gailschmidt.com facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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BUSINESS BYTES

Jill Crossland is a Business & Marketing Consultant with over twenty years of business experience. She is the owner of Jill Crossland Consulting & editor of Entrepreneurial-Life Magazine. From business strategizing to marketing plans and social media, Jill knows how to put the pieces in place for her clients. jill@jbcrossland.com | 403 901 6147 https://entrepreneurial-life.today

The Dog Decided to Retire I remember when I first set up a consulting office in my home, running a company remotely was a relatively unique concept. Things certainly have changed as local and international business is now successfully carried on from coffee shops, dining room tables and during walking meetings.

While working from home still has its challenges, one of the perks is being a stay-at-home parent to the furry children. We usually have 2 dogs and 2 cats who allow us to live with them.

Sadly, our three-legged dog left us in March and in the last few months, we have been discussing taking in another rescue. Experience has taught us it is a multi-layered decision when you adopt.

The household shifts with the new addition. Unlike a puppy who you gradually introduce to the routine, socialize and guide; a rescue comes with challenges sometimes emotional sometimes physical and often both. The process of gaining their trust and getting to know them requires time and patience.

In her 11 years, Mia the Australian Shepherd has helped us with

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two rescues and her love, patience and 'doggy' life skills have made a big difference in their lives. She has put up with their moods, issues and the fact they often required more of our attention.

We certainly have the love, room and resources for another rescue. However, after some lengthy chats with Mia, all indications are she is now ready to be our singular spoiled dog, content with her 2 cat brothers & we are going to respect that.

As I type this, Mia happily lies under my desk, surrounded by her selected toys for the day. When I need a break to clear my head, she alone is my walking companion. I am enjoying my time with her and in some ways getting to know her differently.

A rescue means adjustments and usually a different routine and for older dogs and cats this can be stressful. Taking the time to consider their needs is important. As pet owners we make multiple decisions for them during their lifetime; often just based on instinct and love but the reward of making the right decision is priceless.

Life is amazing. And then it's awful. And then it's amazing again. And in between the amazing and the awful its ordinary and mundane and routine. Breathe in the amazing, hold on through the awful, and relax and exhale during the ordinary. That's just living, heartbreaking, soul-healing, amazing, awful, ordinary life.

And it's breathtakingly beautiful! ~LR Knost

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At Coldwell, we are real people serving real people.

When Your Business Advertises In

With the right insurance in place, you know you have peace of mind no matter what happens to you.

We at, Coldwell Agencies pride ourselves on providing solutions to our customers’ insurance needs. We provide professional insurance advice and problem solving. Our expertise is in home, automobile, farm and commercial insurance.

We’re committed to you and your family’s peace of mind. Call one of our experienced agents today at (403) 934-3221 and let Coldwell Agencies demonstrate our dedication to delivering quality insurance policies.

YOU GET 5 Advertisements for the price of ONE!!

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views/reads/downloads each month through our digital platform & website.

3) It Gets Emailed to your potential customers. We have over 8,500 email subscribers. We email them once a month.

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Home Selling Tips Declutter inside and out!

We have all seen the TV shows about Real Estate and decluttering, but is it really that necessary? In one word: YES!!

It sets the stage for the next important detail.

Organize documents!

Tere is some very specific paperwork needed to sell your home. Titles, real property reports, mortgage details, permits, utility bill information, tax notices and assessments, blue prints, and listing contracts are just some of the documents that you'll need.

ALBERTA’S LARGEST BROKERAGE CANADIAN, INDEPENDENT, ESTABLISHED IN 1983

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