The Newsy Neighbour May Issue 115

Complimentry May 2017 Issue 115

FOOD

DINING

SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING

Recipes

MENUS

ONE on ONE Marketing

Our 2nd Annual

NOW OPE

N

250 Edgefield Place Across from the new Co-Op

Strathmore

Langdon Business Affair STRATHMORE

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A Master Planned Residential Community in Strathmore, Alberta

Phase 3 Lots NOW AVAILABLE 4 New Showhomes Now Open Single Family Homes starting from the $350’s /WildflowerRanchStrathmore

www.wildflowerranch.ca

Exclusive Wildflower Builders Congratulations to Aquilla Homes on winning the Readers Choice Builder of the Year Award for 2016 & 2017

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$398,4ho6me2, lot & gst

®™ Trademarks of AIR MILES International Trading B.V. Used under license by LoyaltyOne, Inc. and ReidBuilt Homes.

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THIS MONTH WITH

At Coldwell, we are real people serving real people.

First things first, May is one of the most important months of the year for several reasons, but the most important reason is that this is the month when mothers get what they deserve!

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.

Breakfast in bed and lunch with her loving children who spoil, pamper and recall memories past (that make her cry) and dinner out at her most favorite restaurant. 10 pounds later, it’s all good because Mother’s Day only comes once a year and you have 364 days to work it all off. Yes, May is one of the most important months of the year – for sure!!

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.

Also, the time has arrived to announce (drum roll) our 3rd Annual Newsy Neighbour “Get to Know Your Neighbour Festival” in downtown Strathmore on June 17th. YAY, YES, it is going to be Fabulous, Fantastic and Fantastic (did I say that twice?)! Seriously, if you have not taken advantage of this huge amazing festival yet, I just don’t know what to say (poor you). Just make sure, at this very moment, to go to your calendar and write it down so you don’t miss it, again. Wait until you hear all the incredible stuff happening including an amazing FREE concert in Kinsmen Park (did I say FREE concert), when does that ever happen, especially when the bands performing are all head-liners?

COLDWELL INSURANCE 133-2nd Ave Strathmore, AB Phone: Fax:

403-934-3221

403-934-5163

Representing and accessing over 30 of the worlds leading insurers

JOIN US Together with the Cheadle Lions Club, Wheatland & Area Hospice Society:

Also, the Newsy is making some changes. Well, you see it has been just about 10 years, yes, you heard me correctly, 10 years and in all that time it has been just the three of us. All these years, truthfully, I really don’t know how we have managed. Aleesha is the glue of the magazine, Denise the guts and I (Kathryn), I want to say the glory, because I have had the rare opportunity to work alongside two of the most incredible passionate people I have ever met. (The changes I mentioned earlier will remain a surprize until next month!!)

Steering Towards Hospice A Charitable Fund Raising Event

Saturday, May 13, 2017 Strathmore Civic Centre

Doors Open - 5:30 PM Dinner - 6:30 PM Auc�on - 7:30 PM

MC - Jebb Fink BBQ Beef Dinner Prepared

by Cheadle Lions Club Silent Auc�on - Steer Auc�on

Until then, spring has arrived, smile and always be happy and get out there and enjoy the sunshine.

Purchase Your Tickets Today $25/pp Contact: info@wheatlandhospice.ca, 403.934.8199 or pick up at Gray's Limited or The Standard One Stop Shoe Shop

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Aleesha, Denise, Kathryn, and Kyle

The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

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It’s More Than Just Music...

Strathmore’s

ONLY

Free MuSIC FESTIVAL

Kinsmen Park, Strathmore SAT June

17 NEW SOUL

CONCERT Beer

Gardens

ENVY Sarah Beth Keely After Party With

JUNK

FREE

Admission

CONCERT Backyard Jam 1-3:30

4PM Start

Concert Sponsored by THE GET TO KNOW YOUR

Presented by

KITCHEN & BAR EST. 2015

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Winner SBC 2013 Business of the Year - Small Enterprise

/TheNewsy Neighbour

Winner of SBC 2015 Chamber of Commerce Award

@TNewsy Neighbour

Thank you!

www.thenewsyneighbour.blogspot.ca

/Newsy Neighbour

@TheNewsy Neighbour

ca.linkedin. com/in/thenewsyneighbour

After receiving The Newsy Neighbour Best in Business Award for Best Bakery in 2016, I spoke with The Newsy Neighbour staff to thank them for what they did for my small business – creating local awareness and increased traffic.

It still sounds rehearsed, and I wish people could hear what I say about it – the emotion [ just] comes out. [It] was a heartfelt thank you because you had no idea what you did for me as a small business. It meant so much to me that so many people came in to check out My Bakery Shop and then vote for us! ~ My Bakery Shop, Langdon

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.

Subscriptions Voucher YES! I would like to subscribe to The Newsy Neighbour Magazine NAME____________________________________ ADDRESS________________________________________ CITY_________________________POSTAL CODE______________ PHONE #____________________________________(optional) Visa or Master Card #_____________________________________ Expiry_________________________________ Signature__________________________________ The magazine will be mailed every month from our head office through Canada Post.

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SUBSCRIBE ONLINE: thenewsyneighbour.com

We accept Cheque, Visa and M/C PLEASE DO NOT MAIL CASH! Please make cheques payable to “The Newsy Neighbour Inc.” Total subscription cost for one full year is $39.95 including G.S.T. Please return this voucher to: G-510 Highway 1, Strathmore, Alberta T1P 1M6 Questions please call 403-478-9114 aleesha@thenewsyneighbour.com

The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

When you see this icon, it means you should visit our website to read more on that topic or story

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Altogether Different

Editor-In-Chief / Art Director / Publisher Personal Relations

We Are More Than Just A Magazine

Aleesha Gosling Phone: 403-478-9114

aleesha@thenewsyneighbour.com THE GET TO KNOW YOUR

Regional Sales Manager / Account Manager Personal Relations

Denise Geremia Phone: 403-608-0686

denise@thenewsyneighbour.com

Presented by

Our Customer Service Sets Us Apart. We GUARANTEE it!

Content Development Multimedia Writer

Kathryn Hartwell Phone: 403-561-0888

kathryn.newsyneighbour@gmail.com

Content Development Multimedia Writer

Kyle Penn

Phone: 403-919-3558

kylewpenn@gmail.com

Advertising can be expensive but integral to the survival of any business. Anyone who is willing to give us their hard earned advertising dollars, will get a promise from us, to do everything we can to promote and advertise their business and return the support in multiple ways. We are passionate about supporting local and it's the local businesses that are to thank for the existence of The Newsy Neighbour Magazine.

Larry & Rodger

JockTalk

Jock Wilson

Vicki Myhre

Women Talk

Councillor

DarlisKeily Ireland

Rolly Ashdown

A Little bit of everything

Shaken & Stirred

Gaylene Smith

Marcy Field

A Mindful Minute

digital marketing solutions

Rebecca Stone Proof Reader & Content

Sue Kirk

Cynthia Barnesky

www.thenewsyneighbour.com

Natural Options

Derek Henry Ask The Vet:

Animal Care Centre The Bank Athletic Club

Please Recycle This Magazine!

Thriving Since 2008

Leela Sharon Aheer

MLA

Natural Choices

In a magazine, one can get - from cover to cover - 15 to 20 different ideas about life and how to live it. ~ Maya Angelou

Larissa Stone

Guiding you OVER the steps .....of Real Estate.

Martin Shields

The REPs

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N E W S Y C O N T R I B U T O R S • 7

DEAR BEST IN BUSINESS AWARDS ATTENDEE,

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.

We wanted to take a moment to write you about The Newsy Neighbour, and the Readers’ Choice Best in Business Awards event.

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

First off, thank you once again for everything you have done over the course of the past year to support the community through your constant devotion to small business and industry.

We were so pleased to see such an incredible turnout at our 2nd Annual Awards Show, and couldn’t have been happier to host such a talented group of business people at the event.

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

Since then, however, we have received some feedback from concerned community members regarding some of the events that took place that evening, so we thought we’d take the opportunity to address these disquiets head-on in this letter. While the night was a lot of fun, there were one or two snags that took place through the show – the most notable of which was when the bronze award winners were erroneously announced as silver award winners. For this regrettable blunder, The Newsy Neighbour takes full responsibility, and is profusely apologetic to anyone who was upset or offended by what was ultimately an honest mistake due to human error.

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

www.strathmoredistrictchamber.com

In an effort to help explain how such an oversight took place, The Newsy Neighbour’s owner/designer Aleesha Gosling has consented to share some personal details regarding that evening. In the days leading up to the Awards Show, Aleesha was hospitalized with a severe blood infection that caused her to be bed-ridden, delirious, and nearly unable to walk for close to a week. However, unwilling to sit out one of the biggest nights of the year for The Newsy Neighbour and the community, Aleesha checked out of the hospital that evening – against the wishes of her doctors and with orders to return as soon as the show was over – in order to be present. Bandaged leg and all, she felt that she owed the community her attendance, and bent heaven and earth to be there that evening.

Unfortunately, while Aleesha put on a brave face and put 100% of her effort into being her normal cheerful, on-the-ball self, she was dealing with a bit of a cloudy head that night – due to both her incredibly painful infection and the drugs the doctors had given her that allowed her to stand on her own two legs at the show, which ultimately led to the sorely lamentable mistake of a number of businesses receiving the wrong awards.

We have nothing but respect and love for our community, which is why we started the Annual Business Awards Show in the first place. We’re not sharing this story with you out of a bid for pity, but rather, to let everyone know what was going on that evening. We wanted to make it clear that any mistakes made that

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Altogether Different

Increase your skills – not your mileage.

Prepare for a rewarding career close to home. At our new Bow Valley College campus in downtown Strathmore – opening fall 2017 – you’ll get all the benefits of a big city college without the big city commute.

Business Administration | Practical Nurse | Medical Office Assistant | Hospital Unit Clerk | English Language Learning | High School Upgrading Enroll now for Fall 2017 programs. Contact your Strathmore campus at 403-462-2550 or visit bowvalleycollege.ca/staylocal

evening came from a place of reckless over-commitment to the business owners of Langdon, Strathmore, and Chestermere, and not because of any neglectful ignorance.

We also learned a bit about ourselves that evening. One of the reasons Aleesha pushed herself so hard to be at the Business Awards is because she felt that the event’s success hinged on her being there to pitch in and help make it happen. The Business Awards is a huge affair with countless details to worry about falling into place in order for it to go off without a hitch. It’s almost too much for only the few people organizing it to handle, which made us realize something. Over the course of the past nine years since we started The Newsy Neighbour, the magazine and its involvement in the community have perhaps grown beyond the scope of our current staff’s small numbers to be managed successfully.

to provide you with great, local, community-based content, and are excited for everything that lies on the horizon.

Sincerely, Your Friends at the Newsy Neighbour Magazine Aleesha Gosling, Denise Geremia, Kathryn Hartwell, Tifannie Hartwell, and Kyle Penn

With this in mind, we’re happy to announce the addition of two new team members, Kyle Penn and Tifannie Hartwell, to The Newsy Neighbour! While these two have both been helping us on the periphery for some time now, we have recently made steps to welcome them onto the team in a much bigger capacity. There are lots of new, exciting changes and ideas just around the corner for The Newsy Neighbour, and with these two new passionate, talented team members, we’ll be in a better position than ever to run events like the Annual Business Awards, and to provide Langdon, Strathmore, and Chestermere with an Altogether Different Magazine.

We’ll wrap this letter up by thanking everyone for your constant support of both The Newsy Neighbour and of strong, compassionate community spirit. Everything we do is for you, but we definitely couldn’t do any of it without you. We look forward to continuing facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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Which brings us to our second big announcement for this month. We opened this article talking about spring, and the renewal and fresh changes that it brings with it each year.

Similarly, you might notice some differences between this issue of The Newsy Neighbour and the next one to hit the newsstands. We’ll still be bringing you all the same great content, news, and information, but starting in June, The Newsy Neighbour will come to you with a brand new, updated look!

This is a change we’ve been kicking around for months now, and the figurative eve of our ten-year anniversary seemed like a great opportunity to embrace a bit of change and roll out an exciting new face for the magazine.

Issue 115

The Times, They Are a-Changin’ And so is The Newsy Neighbour!

It’s been a heck of a winter here in Alberta.

With snow and cold weather hanging around even until the last bitter weeks of April, I think we’re all about ready for some warmth, sunshine, and spring weather to roll through the Prairies. In addition to this being the month when spring will

officially hit our community, May also marks The Newsy Neighbour’s 115th issue. This means that in just a few more issues, we’ll be coming up on our ten-year anniversary! With such an enormous milestone on the horizon like that, we’ve been preparing a few surprises to mark the occasion. While we might be a few months ahead of schedule, we decided that spring – that season best known for growth, renewal, and new beginnings – would be the perfect opportunity to roll out some of these exciting changes.

So, the first big announcement: we’ve hired a new team member!

We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Kyle Penn to the Newsy Neighbour roster. While he has been helping out with the magazine in a limited capacity for the last several months, we’ve decided to make it official and bring him on in a bigger, more permanent capacity. Kyle is a longstanding member of the Langdon, Strathmore, and Chestermere communities, and is passionate about helping The Newsy Neighbour continue to grow, while also supporting the efforts and ambitions of the businesses and individuals who call southern Alberta home.

With the addition of Kyle to our team, we’ll be primed and ready to offer you more brilliant community-minded content and goings-on than ever before. Having the extra hands on deck will mean more great feature articles, bigger and better community events, and an overall increase to the quality of everything we do here at The Newsy Neighbour. We’re a small team, so bringing on an extra staff member is a huge step, and one that we’re incredibly eager to be taking!

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Along with a completely re-branded logo, you can expect our next issue to feel renewed, modern, and reinvigorated.

Spring is a time for new beginnings, so we thought we’d embrace some change of our own by slapping a fresh coat of paint onto the magazine design that we’ve stuck for 115 fantastic issues. Change can sometimes be a bit scary – and we’re certainly more than a little nervous about leaving behind the familiar format that’s carried us so faithfully for so long – but we can hardly wait to show you the exciting changes that we’ve been working on behind the scenes.

On that note, while we know that it’s still a few months out before we hit our tenth anniversary, we still wanted to end this article off by thanking everyone in the community for the constant show of support they consistently demonstrate for us, and for the magazine. We’ve had a blast doing what we’ve done for the past nine and a half years, and wouldn’t have been able to make any of it happen without being part of such an outstanding community. Thanks for everything, and we’ll see you next month from the pages of the brand new, redesigned Newsy Neighbour!

The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

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Altogether Different

Restaurant Menus

Lookin' for some great eats and delicious treats?

NEWSY ONE on ONE Marketing

The Newsy Neighbour Social Media Marketing Team Can Help!

Through The Newsy Neighbour Website, you get access to the best menus - and all in one location - saving you time, money and search engine headaches. Pick and choose from a variety of acclaimed local venues from your laptop, desktop, telephone or tablet. Yes - it's just that easy!

www.thenewsyneighbour.com

Social Media Services Strategic Social Media Marketing Plans Social Media Marketing & Advertising Campaigns Social Media Copywriting, Posting and Engagement Social Media Management Services Building Fans / Followers Facebook Marketing and Advertising Twitter Advertising (Promoted Tweets, Trends) Social Media Advertising Social Network Content Marketing Online Reputation Management

Generate more leads and sales via social media Develop a custom social media marketing strategy Design your social network accounts Create and post to your social networks daily Run social media contests Manage social media advertising campaigns

Does your business need help with social media marketing planning, implementation, management, or engagement?

GET STARTED TODAY!

403-478-9114

www.thenewsyneighbour.com/marketing facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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THE GET TO KNOW YOUR

Presented by

Find all details on: www.thenewsyneighbour.com On June 17, 2017, The Newsy Neighbour will again be shutting down 2nd and 3rd Avenues in downtown Strathmore for the Third Annual Get to Know Your Neighbour Festival!! Last year, the streets were packed with people of all ages, enjoying bouncy castles, karaoke, a bucket dump, high heel races, delicious bbq’s, a box city, beer gardens, a cupcake decorating contest, huge bubbles, science experiments, face painting, balloon animals, carnival games, a wishing tree, a community mandala, and amazing music entertainment.

street festival, and packing it full of not just vendors, but activities for all ages.

Remember, by choosing to support locally owned businesses, you help to maintain our community. The goals of this Festival are to encourage, educate and create awareness about the benefits of buying local, to increase support for local business owners in our community and to create a fun atmosphere where you can meet your neighbours and make new friends in this wonderful town! These are one-of-a-kind businesses in Strathmore. Show thanks to them for being in our community by supporting them.

STRATHMORE

This year, we ARE CHANGING THINGS A BIT. The sole purpose of the Get to Know Your Neighbour Festival has always been to showcase downtown businesses, and this is still the heart of the festival, but this year we want to introduce customers to ALL businesses available in our amazing town of Strathmore. We need to support these local strathmore businesses every chance we get!! We are condensing the location of the

It’s only good when it’s HOMEMADE!!!

Quality Consignment

We Are Doing a Gi� Basket Draw to Celebrate Our 6th Anniversary. Looking forward to seeing you!

With this Coupon BUY ONE BREAKFAST GET ONE HALF PRICE

Over 40,000 Unique Items.

104 3rd Ave., Strathmore, Alberta

Phone: 403-983-8414

VALID BEFORE 11:00 AM

www.katysbou�que.ca 12 •

thenewsyneighbour.com

www.kimskatering.ca

The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

Ph: 403-863-6395 •

Altogether Different

Buying Local Supports Community Groups.

New Shopping Challenge forms coming SOON!

Non-profit organizations receive an average 250% more support from smaller business owners than they do from large businesses. Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community and by people who actively participate in the non-profit organizations events.

THE GET TO KNOW YOUR

STRATHMORE

Presented by

Assist Business Centre 216C 4 Ave, Strathmore

Bank Athletic Club 137 2 Ave, Strathmore

Beltone

325 3 St #6, Strathmore

Bubbles Drycleaning 316 2 Ave, Strathmore

Katy's Consignment 104 3 Ave, Strathmore

Kim's Katering

410 Lakeside Blvd, Strathmore

Legends Kitchen & Bar

Spend a minimum of $10 in any or all stores taking part

Your good deed for the month:

Write your information on your receipt OR on the paper provided. Put contact info into the box at the store.

GO SHOPPING!!!

There are 10+ prizes this year, including a

$500 SHOPPING SPREE

to any business partaking in the Shopping Challenge!

The more times you support a partaking business, the more times your name goes in the draw – with more chances to win!

Why is shopping a good deed?

Buy Local Support yourself

You are creating more good jobs: Small local businesses are the largest employer nationally and in our community, provide the most jobs to residents.

You are investing in your community: Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community, they are less likely to leave the community, and are more invested in the community’s future. You are encouraging local prosperity: A growing body of economic research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character.

You are helping to keep our community unique: Where we shop, where we eat and have fun -- all of it makes our community home. Our one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of out town. Our tourism businesses also benefit. “When people go on vacation they generally seek out destinations that offer them the sense of being someplace, not just anyplace.” ~ Richard Moe Participating in the Strathmore shopping challenge is fun and chances are pretty good you will tell people you are doing it, OR people will see you doing it. This will encourage others to do the same. The more people that shop locally, the stronger our community will be. Challenge your friends. See who can finish first, and then drop off your contest forms to The Newsy Neighbour table at the festival and.....

Several studies have shown that when you buy from an independent, locally owned business, rather than nationally owned businesses, significantly more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers and farms – continuing to strengthen the economic base of the community.

be entered to win 1 of 10 AMAZING prizes OR a $500 SHOPPING SPREE!!

960 Westridge Rd, Strathmore

Rebel Sports

116 3 Ave, Strathmore

Standard Shoe Shop 136 2 Ave, Strathmore

Stylz Salon & Spa

119-2 Ave, Strathmore, AB

TAJ Indian Cuisine 334 - 2 St, Strathmore

Tracy's All-Breed Dog Grooming 107b - 2nd Ave, Strathmore, AB

Valley Dental

231-2nd Ave, Strathmore

Value Drug Mart

132 2 Ave, Strathmore Nancy Stairs

COLDWELL Stay Local, Shop Local, Support Local.

INSURANCE That’s The Newsy Neighbour motto.

The Shopping Challenge is back!

Bring your whole family!

Monday to Friday Lunch Special $10.99

10% off for students and seniors

STRATHMORE

Team and corporate apparel Summer clothes Baseball Lacrosse

Free Delivery!

INDIAN CUISINE 334B 2 Street, Strathmore

(403) 983-1114

/RebelSportsStrathmore Phone Us: Find Us: 403-934-0008 116-3Ave Strathmore,AB facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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THE GET TO KNOW YOUR

Vendors Participating so far...

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N Alpaca Fashions & Mary Kay Bow Valley College SUPPORT Chinook Credit Union CIR Realty BUSINESS Cuts N Such and Pianissimo Endeavlour More Living Free Bird Shirts Real Estate Granny's Closet Rebel Sports Hatha Yoga Scentsy Holy Kraut Strathmore Ford Immunotech Strathmore Library JJ Care First Aid Josh Kennedy Disc Golf Stylz Salon & Spa Taj Indian Cuisine Katy's Consignment The Roaming Rack Kims Katering Standard Shoe Shop Landscape Plus Thirty One Lil Hoots Town of Strathmore Little Acorns Tracy's All Breed Dog Mr. Lube Grooming Norwex Valley Dental Clinic Plain Jane Events Value Drug Mart Pregnancy Care WomenTalk Pure Romance

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Kinsmen Park

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There is still time to register your table: Thenewsyneighbour.com

Festivals promote diversity, they bring

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neighbours into dialogue, they increase creativity, they offer opportunities for civic pride, they improve our general

psychological well-being. In short, they

make communities better places to live.

Trans-Canada Hwy

~ David Binder

Stylz Salon & Spa All Body Hair Removal Mani/Pedi $45 Massage, nails & facials Microblading: Call for introductory offer.

HAPPY

www.valuedrugmart.com

E: strathmore@valuedrug.ca

132-2nd Ave Strathmore AB T1P 1K3

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We Now Have Two Pedicure Chairs

Phone: 403-934-3940 119-2 Avenue. Strathmore, AB

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

thenewsyneighbour.com

Stylist Wanted

The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

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Altogether Different

HEARING TEST SET FOR SENIORS

Valley Dental Clinic (403) 934-2882

GENERAL FAMILY DENTISTRY TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF AT VALLEY DENTAL CLINIC

WHITENING OPTIONS AVAILABLE New Patients & Emergencies WELCOME 231-2nd Avenue, Strathmore valleydentalstrathmore@hotmail.com

www.valleydentalstrathmore.ca

Free Entry Food Bank Donations

& • Beer Gardens • Art Display Show • Community Canvasses • Wishing Tree • High Heel Race • Hot Air Balloon Rides • Bean Bag Toss

Hot Air Balloon Rides

Fresh spring st�ck arriving weekly!

Get Your Run On...

Tracy’s All Breed Dog Grooming $5 Nail Trims

Bath And Tidy Specials

Tracy: 403-901-5162 www.facebook.com/groups/ tracysallbreeddoggrooming

www.ShopStrathmore.ca 403-983-0020 • thestandardshoeshop@gmail.com • 136 - 2nd Ave. Strathmore

107b - 2nd Ave., Strathmore, AB facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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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 in 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.

• individuals who live in institutions or other crowded accommodations • children or adults who don’t practice regular and careful handwashing prior to eating • children who have a habit of sucking their thumbs The symptoms of a pinworm infection are: • frequent and strong itching of the anal area • restless sleep due to itching and discomfort of anal area • pain, rash, or other skin irritation around the anus • presence of pinworms in the area of your child’s anus • presence of pinworms in stools If you suspect that any member of your household has pinworms, please contact your family physician.

So, back to the original question – is your dog to blame?

NO. Dogs and cats do not carry pinworms and should not be blamed for

Pinworm Infection In My Child – is my dog to blame?

your child’s infection. Only humans, horses, rabbits, sheep and goats are known to carry them. Please contact your veterinarian for treatment options for deworming your animals.

Pinworms – what are they? Pinworms are tiny, narrow worms. They’re white in colour and less than half an inch long. A pinworm infection is an extremely common infection in humans, in which tiny worms infest the intestines and lay eggs around the anus. Pinworm infections can spread easily. They’re most common in children between the ages of 5 and 10. Pinworms infections are highly contagious. You become infected with pinworms by unintentionally ingesting (or inhaling) pinworm eggs, usually deposited by an infected person onto an object. The cycle of infection begins with the ingestion of these microscopic eggs.

I Wanna be a Bear

Once the eggs enter your body, they remain in the intestine until they hatch and mature. As adults, the female pinworms move into the colon and exit the body through the anus. Female pinworms lay eggs in the folds of skin around the anus. The presence of these eggs often causes anal itching and irritation.

When a person scratches the affected area, the pinworm eggs transfer to the fingers. The eggs can survive for several hours on your hands. Children transfer pinworm eggs easily because they may put infected toys or other objects directly into their mouths. Playground equipment is commonly contaminated in this way. The eggs can also transfer from contaminated fingers directly to food or liquids. While uncommon, it’s also possible for adults to inhale airborne eggs when shaking contaminated bedding, towels, or clothing.

Animal Care Centre

If you're a bear, you get to hibernate.

You do nothing but sleep for six months. I could deal with that.

Before you hibernate, you're supposed to eat yourself stupid.

I could deal with that, too.

If you're a bear, you birth your children (who are the size of walnuts) while you're sleeping and wake to partially grown, cute cuddly cubs. I could definitely deal with that.

If you're a mama bear, everyone knows you mean business.

You swat anyone who bothers your cubs. If your cubs get out of line, you swat them, too. I could deal with that.

If you're a bear, your mate EXPECTS you to wake up growling.

He EXPECTS that you will have hairy legs and excess body fat.

Yup... I wanna be a bear.

While anyone can get a pinworm infection, the following groups are more susceptible: • children who attend day care, preschool, or elementary school • family members or caregivers of infected children and adults

16 •

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Jazz up club soda or seltzer (or a vodka or gin and tonic) with cucumber/basil ice cubes. This re-

freshing cube will add a small refreshing hint of cucumber and basil to your drink. Peel and dice one large cucumber. Makes sure the entire peel has been removed so the cucumber’s essence permeates the ice cube. Dice two or three sprigs of fresh basil. Never use dried basil and make sure you finely chop the basil. Combine the cucumber and basil in a bowl. Mix well as you will want to get an equal amount of basil and cucumber in each ice cube. Place ½ teaspoon of the mixture in each ice cube tray. Add water and freeze overnight or until Lookin' for some great eats and delicious treats? With completely frozen. just one click you can now check out menus from some Surprise guests with a fig and rosemary infused ice cube. This type of of Strathmore, Langdon and Chestermere's most highcube works well with hot apple cider, ginger beer or bourbon. Dice ly-rated restaurants, from the comfort of your very own and quarter fresh figs, leaving skin intact. To fill a full ice cube tray, home. you’ll need approximately three to four medium sized fresh figs. Remove sprigs of rosemary from its stem until you can fill ¼ of a cup.

Through The Newsy Neighbour Website, you get access Make sure you opt for fresh rosemary instead of dried to get the full to the best menus - and all in one location - saving you flavor. Combine figs and rosemary and place ½ teaspoon of the mixtime, money and search engine headaches. Pick and ture into ice cube tray. Add water and freeze. choose from a variety of acclaimed local venues from Freshen your guest’s mojitos or beer or with refreshing lime and mint your laptop, desktop, telephone or tablet. Yes - it's just ice cubes. Cut limes into quarters and then remove the skin. Use a that easy! sharp paring knife to carefully cut the skin away from the lime. Also remove any remaining seeds. Dice ½ cup of fresh mint. Finely dice mint so that you have small slivers - the smaller the better. Combine the mint and lime in a separate bowl and then place one lime sliver along with ¼ teaspoon of the mint in each ice cube tray. Add water and freeze.

Jazz up ice tea (Long Island or otherwise) with honey and lemon ice cubes. These cubes may also be tasty to enjoy on their own when you have a cold. Chop one to two large fresh lemons. Create tiny lemon wedges and and neither do lunch or dinner! keep the peel on. Place two to three lemon wedges in each ice cube tray and then add a few squirts of honey.

Consider adding a squirt or two of lemon juice for an extra tangy cube. Add water and freeze.

Bring your vodka soda or fruit smoothie to life with blackberry/raspberry ice cubes. This no dicing or cutting recipe is about as easy (and delicious) as it can be.

Wash a small pint of blackberries and raspberries. Look for berries that are on the smaller side so you can pack more berries into each cube. Place two to three berries in each ice cube tray and cover with water. Freeze and Tel 403.901.1155 503 Alberta Hwy 1 voila.

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Where Breakfast Never eNds...

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All-On-Top Shrimp And Mango Tacos Judith Hayes

If you've been looking for a new idea to dress up your taco recipe collection, this shrimp and mango delight will please family and friends. It's a great dish to serve with any southwestern themed dinner on the patio or at the table.

Ingredients 15 oz. can of black beans (rinsed) 1 large mango cut in bite-sized pieces 1 jalapeño cut in thin slices 1/2 cup finely diced onion 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice 1/4 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro 24 peeled medium shrimp 1 Tbsp. olive oil 8 small corn tortillas

Directions Blend the black beans, mango pieces, jalapeño slices, chopped onion, and lime juice in a large bowl to make a mango salsa.

Fold in the chopped cilantro.

Season the shrimp with salt and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.

Cook shrimp in 1 Tbsp. olive oil until they are opaque throughout. (approximately 2 minutes) Warm the corn tortillas and top with the shrimp. Place the mango salsa on top of the shrimp. For a tasty addition, sprinkle a little flaked coconut on top of the salsa.

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• 19

Wine Tasting: What's in a Grape?

by M.J. Elliott

& Cheese

When you enjoy a glass of wine, you're tasting the end result of a complex process, with a lot of different factors involved in creating that final product. The soil and altitude of the vineyard, the fermentation techniques used and whether or not the wine is oaked are just some of the variables that play their part, but it all starts with grapes.

If you're learning to taste and appreciate wine to its fullest, discovering the effects of different grapes is a great place to start understanding how all the processes involved work together.

Here are some of the more common grapes, and the sorts of flavours you can expect them to bring to your glass.

Train Tour In Italy, it is said, “Remember, vino è piacere.

(Wine is pleasure.)” We may not be in the heart of wine country, but that doesn’t mean we don’t know a good grape when we taste it! Join us for a Grape Escape - a wine-centric opportunity to learn about different wines and what makes them dance on your palate. Savour the flavour while enjoying cheeses, fruits and nibbles.

Includes: Drink Samplings, Finger Food, Live Music, Train Robbery Departs at 2:30pm - approx. 3 hrs Adult $109.99

White wine grapes Chardonnay - One of the most popular white grapes and arguably the best known, chardonnay provides flavours of citrus and tropical fruit. Its delicate taste can vary dramatically depending on the methods used by the producer, but expect a refreshing off-dry wine with plenty of body.

Sauvignon Blanc - Sauvignon blanc tends to add green, grassy, herbal overtones to a wine. Often less complex than a good chardonnay, sauvignon blanc can still compare in terms of quality if it's handled well.

Riesling - The most widely grown grape in Germany, riesling can vary from sweet to very dry, depending on how it's grown and processed. Dry wines made with riesling typically have floral and citrus fruit flavours, while the sweeter ones tend towards stone fruits and honey.

Pinot grigio - Also known as pinot gris, depending on where it's grown, this grape produces a dry, zesty, floral wine with a light body that makes excellent summer drinking.

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Red Wine Grapes Cabernet Sauvignon - This widely-used and incredibly popular fruit is considered by some to be the finest of the red wine grapes. It has an excellent balance, with medium sweetness, and typically has dark stone fruits and berries, sometimes with a touch of spice.

Merlot - Often on the sweeter side of medium, merlot wines are produced and enjoyed throughout the world. Its berry and fruit flavours are not a million miles away from cabernet sauvignon, but its easy-drinking style has made it one of the more popular grapes.

Shiraz/Syrah - Shiraz wines are full-bodied, with deep, complex flavours of spices and dark berries. Look out for hints of liquorice and black pepper and a touch of fresh-cut grass on the nose. This can be one to really test your tasting skills, as you may be able to pick out quite a range of flavours.

Tempranillo - Mainly grown in Spain, tempranillo grapes make a rich, bold, fruity wine with a measure of cinnamon thrown into the mix. It's high in tannins and often has a distinct earthy undertone.

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Now that you have an overview of the typical characteristics of some popular grapes, you can experiment with tasting. First of all, try a selection of wines based on different grapes and see if you can pick out the types of flavours mentioned here.

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• 21

THE CHRONICLES OF LARRY AND ROGER: A Pair of Diabetic Feet

ipe

Rec

Written by: Vicki L Myhre CPOD (I) CMP PFRP. Jenericay Wellness and Footcare.

Internationally Certified Podologist. Registered through the Canadian Examining.

Board of Health Practitioners

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to all you mamas, grand-mamas, step-mamas, foster-mamas, dad-mamas and any other caregiver out there. It is such a special day. You deserve to be pampered and honoured. Enjoy it.

Hello All…Larry here!

Roger and I have been walk-walk-walking our way through our counted steps. Getting back on track, how about you? Life is good. Our human is finally healthy. It was a rough flu season for us. Thankfully, we are feeling the full effects of our push to get back on track last month. Back up to almost ten thousand steps per day. Our winter indoor walking has very nicely transitioned to outside walking. Some fresh air along with some exercise… Ahh, just what the doctor ordered.

On those few snowy days in April, we found ourselves tucked in and surfing the net for a great Mother’s Day recipe, as promised. It was hard to agree on what to choose for you. Roger says sweet for all you sweet moms, and I said savoury to show how we savour your worth and contribution to the world… Who won?

You tell me… Here is the amazing recipe that we found for you this month.

Wake up to a true pampering… BREAKFAST IN BED!!! Who would not love to have that appreciation showered upon them on this special day? A cup of coffee, eggs Benny, a small serving of fruit or a small nutrient-rich smoothie, and a whole lot of love. This offering would truly make a diabetic mama feel very special. Thanks to http://www.diabeticconnect.com for this amazing recipe.

Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine sour cream, milk, and mustard; set aside. Lightly grease a medium skillet. Half-fill the skillet with water. Bring water to boiling; reduce heat to simmering (bubbles should begin to break the surface of the water). Break one of the eggs into a small dish. Carefully slide egg into simmering water, holding the lip of the dish as close to the water as possible. Repeat with the remaining egg, allowing each egg an equal amount of space.

2. Simmer, uncovered, for 3 to 5 minutes or until egg whites are completely set and yolks begin to thicken but are not hard.

3. Meanwhile, place muffin halves, cut sides up, on a baking sheet. Broil 3 to 4 inches from the heat for 1 to 2 minutes or until toasted. Top muffin halves with ham and tomato slices.

Broil about 1 minute more or until toppings are heated through.

4. To serve, use a slotted spoon to remove eggs from skillet; place eggs on top of tomato slices. Spoon sauce over eggs and, if desired, sprinkle with chives.

Nutritional Facts Servings 2. Calories 201, Protein(gm) 15, Carbohydrate(gm) 17, Fat total(gm) 8, Cholesterol(mg) 30, Saturated fat(gm) 3, Monosaturated fat(gm) 3, Polyunsaturated fat(gm) 1, Dietary Fiber total(gm) 2,

And Dads, if you’re going to do the cooking, we are pretty sure you will appreciate the recommendation that you make extras for yourself!

HAPPY MAY! And Until Next month,Make your Footprints Count.

Larry and Roger

Eggs Benedict

By Jeanette Terry

We kept everything you love about this breakfast favourite and made it healthier, with less fat and salt and more fibre.

Ingredients

WELLNESS AND FOOTCARE

• 3 tablespoons light sour cream • 2 teaspoons fat-free milk • 1 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard • 2 eggs • 1 whole wheat English muffin, split • 2 ounces thinly sliced reduced-sodium cooked ham • 2 tomato slices • Snipped fresh chives (optional)

22 •

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Specializing in Holistic Healing

Providing Foot Care, Reiki, Reflexology & Esthetics Vicki L. Myhre, PFRP CPOD (I) CMP

jenericay@shaw.ca

(403) 901-9472

The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

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BBQ

SEASON After four long months of cold and winter, we are finally coming up to spring and BBQ season! Therefore, it is important to refresh your memory on the etiquette of this outdoor cooking ritual, as it's the only type of cooking a real man will do, probably because there is an element of danger involved.

When a man volunteers to do the BBQ, the following chain of events are put into motion: 1. The woman buys the food.

2. The woman makes the salad, prepares the vegetables, and makes dessert.

3. The woman prepares the meat for cooking, places it on a tray along with the necessary cooking utensils and sauces, and takes it to the man who is lounging beside the grill - beer in hand.

Here comes the important part: 4. THE MAN PLACES THE MEAT ON THE GRILL. Then: 5. The woman goes inside to organize the plates and cutlery.

6. The woman comes out to tell the man that the meat is burning. He thanks her and asks if she will bring another beer while he deals with the situation.

Important again: 7. THE MAN TAKES THE MEAT OFF THE GRILL AND HANDS IT TO THE WOMAN. 8. The woman prepares the plates, salad, bread, utensils, napkins, sauces and brings them to the table.

9. After eating, the woman clears the table and does the dishes.

And most important of all: 10. Everyone PRAISES THE MAN and THANKS HIM for his cooking efforts.

11. The man asks the woman how she enjoyed "her night off" and, upon seeing her annoyed reaction, concludes that there's just no pleasing some women!

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• 23

10 Ways to Manifest Positive Change in Life:

Lifestyle & Wellness Coach

Personal Training • Biosignature Practitioner

“I will help you get the results you want!”

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A Mindful Minute

Becky is an Alberta girl, yoga teacher, writer, sometimes artist, budding guitar star and serial entrepreneur that enjoys looking into what makes people tick and what makes life a vibrant and loving experience. Through classes, workshops, online offerings and writing, she enjoys sharing the wisdom of yoga, self-knowledge, learnings from her fellow humans, and encouraging and empowering all to take ownership of their life, health and happiness.

She can be reached via email at iambeckystone@gmail.com. Follow her on Facebook @ayogapath and on Instagram @a_yoga_path.

10 Ways to Manifest Positive Change in Life: “Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world.

Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” -Rumi Every one of us has been there. We said to ourselves “This is it.

The time is now.” This is the time to make a change. Whether it is finally giving up a job to follow a better path, or getting the courage to ask out your secret crush, or taking on an aspect of our character we wish to improve and finally making some lasting changes.

1. Do the things that help you settle into your body and create a relationship with your breath. Through the breath, we gain access to greater understanding of oneself as a whole being. By establishing this relationship, we can better choose our paths in life.

2. Learn to hear the voice of the Ego. Just knowing it is often enough to lessen its power over the way we move through our life.

3. Learn what it is that you want for your life (less the voice of the Ego, to help you get closer to what will make you truly happy), and then be sure to write it down. Keep it where you can see it, and keep it dynamic – think about it, keep the vision clear in your heart, but allow it to grow as you do.

4. Know your support group and reach out to them when you need it. Be it your friends and family, business consultants or personal counsellor, seek the support we ALL need in times of growth and change.

5. Make a plan. Map the actions you need to take and the help you will need along the way. Put deadlines on things. Be willing to put the effort in.

6. Ride out the “feelings”. There will be days when giving up or giving in will feel compelling, and there will be days that you will second guess your plan. Don't give up. Trust your passions, your plan and your intuition as a guiding force in your life, not emotion.

7. Keep the vision clear but the way that you get there to be fluid.

Sometimes we have no idea the blessings that come out of unexpected events. If we give up when things don’t go as planned we won't get far.

8. We all have karma. Lessons we need to learn in our life. Whatever it is that causes us pain – there is the opportunity to improve. The only way to be freed from karma is to do the work it takes to heal our hurts. It may take effort, and we may need to ask for help. Be brave. We got this.

9. Understand your worthiness. Even in times when you don’t believe it to be true, hold fast in the faith of your innate worth.

This is worth that transcends any output or results you generate for your life. Don’t believe me? Go explore with an open mind any of the ways to tune into your spirituality and listen to what your soul has to say.

10. Treat your life like a grand adventure, because it is! And you are the hero. Every adventure has ups and downs, so try not to get down for long and don’t mourn when the ups level back out. Celebrate the successes and cherish the mundane, and be curious about it all.

Namaste, Becky

The only constant in life is change. Without change, there can be no growth. There can be no shift into something better.

Yet how many times have we stayed, in a place of agony or apathy, wishing for the bravery/tools/timing to manifest something in our life? Are we waiting for the change to happen for us? Do we truly believe in our own ability to shape our own lives?

As a student of the Self, I ask “What is it that makes the difference in making transformative changes in our lives?” What is it that my personal journey is teaching me? There are some practical steps to help along the way, and some that are more esoteric in nature – my experience is teaching me that both aspects are necessary for making changes for the better. I hope what I can share can help you in any way!

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Altogether Different

GET OUTSIDE AND ENJOY THE SUNSHINE The snow is finally gone and the days are warm and long. It’s time to get serious about summer and spend every possible moment outdoors. Nothing creates lasting summer memories like a glorious day at the beach. Alberta has lots of lakes and a white sandy beach is never far away. Pick your favourite water sport: motor boating, water skiing, jet skiing or swimming. Sail or kite surf. Pack a picnic and make a leisurely day of it – watch the sunset and end the day with a cold beverage, barbeque, and a bonfire.

Now, back in the day when I was a youngster in the 1950s and 1960s, (I think I am dating myself), horseback trail riding and hiking were my favourite summer activities. Actually, for a number of years, my parents would ship my sister and me off to a horse camp just outside of Sylvan Lake for 4 weeks every summer and we loved it. Now that I’m a bit older, my outdoor recreational activities are more along the line of a walk with the dogs. But I do try to stay active and spend as much time outdoors as possible – summer is just too darn short and I believe incorporating physical activity into your leisure and recreation activities is an ideal way to fit more exercise into your schedule -- as well as address your mental wellness.

DO IT FOR YOUR HEALTH

Taking part in recreational activities, particularly outdoors, can improve your physical wellness. In fact, people who frequently take advantage of park activities have fewer doctor visits, lower body mass indexes and lower systolic blood pressures than those who don't. Mental wellness is an important part of your overall health and can impact your physical well-being. Participating in leisure and recreation activities can help you better manage stress and reduce depression. Leisure provides you the chance to find balance in your life; it also puts you in control of how you're spending your time, which is an important consideration because you may feel overwhelmed by obligations. Taking part in leisure activities as a family is also beneficial for your kids because you're modeling healthy ways to handle stress and emotions. Participating in leisure activities regularly reduces depression; in fact, just thinking about past outdoor recreation experiences can improve your mood. Finding balance is also a reason why leisure and recreation can enhance your quality of life. Physical recreation in particular, is associated with improved self-esteem. In addition, you're more likely to feel satisfied about your life when you regularly take part in recreation activities.

This has significant implications for your mental health and, in turn, your physical health When you are inactive, you are highly susceptible to a number of chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure, high triglycerides, diabetes and high cholesterol. Aerobic physical activity can help eliminate or reduce all of these risk factors. Go for a little run or a bike ride with the kids; there are wonderful bike paths throughout Chestermere and Strathmore. In fact, you can go to www.smorepaths.ca to download an app that has all of the town’s pathways! When you are exercising your body, your brain releases chemicals that make you feel good.

Whatever you decide to do just get out there and do it – for your family and for your health.

Kathryn Hartwell http://www.livestrong.com/article/346320-what-are-the-benefits-of-sport-physical-activities/

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• 25

STRATHMORE DENTURE CLINIC

SPINNING for maximum calorie burn STEP for coordination BOOTCAMP for agility & strength Personal Training to movtivate

•COMPLETE/PARTIAL DENTURES •SAME DAY RELINES & REPAIR •CUSTOM MOUTHGUARDS •CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS

Chris Hubbard, RMT, RN Massage Therapy

•NATURAL TEETH WHITENING

Samuel Down, BHScPT Physiotherapy

Terry Grant Denturist

403.934.3877

thebankathle�cclub.com WE ARE A FULL SERVICE GYM WITH SHOWERS AND TOWEL SERVICE. 403.983.2722

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Starting to Exercise? Top Tips to Stay Safe and Get Healthy

By Austin G. Hackney

There are many benefits of regular exercise: it's good for your body, your mind, and your emotions. People who exercise are not only fitter, but also more relaxed, happier, and more in control of their lives.

But if you're not used to exercising, you need to make sure you get started in the right way so you can stay safe and reap the benefits. A common mistake is to do too much too soon. Overdoing it can lead to muscular damage. Working out too hard at first can also put you off, leading you to relapse into an unhealthy lifestyle.

26 •

increase the time as it gets easier. You could also break your 30 minutes up into three blocks of 10 minutes, doing one in the morning, one in the afternoon, and one in the evening.

Other forms of easy exercise to get you started are swimming, yoga, tai chi, and cycling. Experiment until you find an exercise which you enjoy and can keep going. If you need social support to stick to your new exercise habit, a local walking club, water aerobics class, or cycling club might be just the thing.

When doing your exercises, it's always a good idea to spend five minutes warming up before starting. Gentle walking and a few stretching exercises should do the trick. With exercise, it's always better to do a little every day than push yourself too hard one day and do nothing for the rest of the week.

Be patient with yourself. Starting exercise is as much about learning a new habit as getting fit and healthy. Learning new habits takes time and dedication. If you miss a day, don't berate yourself. Just get started again the next day; little by little, you'll become used to your new routine.

For most people, moderate exercise is the best.

But if you are overweight, very unfit, or older than 65, you should have a medical checkup and get advice from your doctor before starting a new exercise regimen. There's no need to spend a lot of money on gym membership or expensive machinery. Going to the gym can be useful, and certain machines might be right for your health and fitness goals, but you don't need them to get started.

After about three months, if you stick at it, you should find that taking exercise has become a habit and is now a part of your life. Once you reach that milestone, the only way is onward. As you get fitter, increase the amount of exercise you do. Experimenting with new routines now and then will keep things interesting and stop you getting bored. Keep an exercise journal to mark your progress and to encourage you to keep at it.

Any new habit will meet psychological resistance, so it's a good idea to start with something easy and build up as you get used to it. A good, allround exercise to get you started is walking.

Experts recommend 30 minutes of intentional exercise each day to keep fit. If that's too much for you at first, do whatever you can manage and

It's never too soon or too late to exercise. Everybody can enjoy improved health. If you're introducing intentional exercise into your life for the first time, or coming back to it after a long break, following this advice should give you the best chance of making it a success and achieving your goals while staying safe and getting fit.

thenewsyneighbour.com

The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

•

Altogether Different

Natural Choices

Cynthia Barnesky is a Holistic Practitioner/Certified Professional Spiritual Life Coach and owner of SunRise Healing Center: Specializes in helping you with the natural ways of healing through her services of Inner Clarity Spiritual Life Coaching, Intuitive Massage, Reflexology, IonCleanse Detox Foot Bath, Intuitive Readings, Reconnective Healing, and many natural healing products. For more information visit her website: www.sunrisehealingcenter.com or give her a call: 403-934-6416.

How Magnesium Can Benefit Women’s Health As a woman myself, I have used magnesium now for over ten years. Before I used to suffer with depression, migraines, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, PMS, and overall muscle pain; but a good friend introduced me to magnesium spray, gel and bath salts. I used to get muscle cramps in my calves so bad they would leave bruises behind. I started with magnesium gel and spray, applying it on my legs every morning and evening, and within a day or two I started noticing the cramps in my calves were getting less frequent. Before long, I had no more cramping in my calves and I also noticed that I had fewer aches and pain in my muscles. And to top all of that, I started getting some relief from my migraines, too!

When I became a Massage Therapist and started to learn more about the body, muscles and everything in between, I recognized that a lot of my female clients were also low on magnesium. They displayed a noticeable amount of muscle cramps and spasms and they also lived very stressful lives, leading to occasional anxiety and depression. There were even a few that had hypertension, hormone issues, sleep problems, and a lack of energy. So, knowing that magnesium helped me, I suggested they try magnesium spray, gel or even the bath salts. I also recommended they try oral application. The recommended supplementation dose is 150 to 200 mg per day and for women it should be higher. B-vitamins are required for optimal magnesium absorption, so I suggested a broad spectrum B-vitamin complex as well. If your body already has enough magnesium (which is fairly rare these days, but occurs once in a while) you will know very quickly: those 200 mg doses will give you diarrhea, a sign that you need to reduce the dose or not take a supplement at all. It is also known too that some people use magnesium for constipation and in those instances, they can use a dose between 500 to 1000 mg per day, depending on the individual. Ask a Health Practitioner, Pharmacist, Doctor or Naturopath for guidance in this sensitive matter and if you have any questions regarding magnesium supplementation.

There are other natural ways to get magnesium, from any type of leafy green vegetable (spinach or collard greens, for instance), which are a good source of magnesium. Seaweeds can also be used. Chlorophyll, which gives leafy vegetables its green colour, contains magnesium as its central molecule. Beans, peas, nuts and seeds usually contain a good amount of magnesium too. The issue is that magnesium is water soluble, and will leach into the cooking water. The best way to cook your vegetables is with a little water and to consume that water after cooking. Cooking your vegetables in a bit of broth and drinking

Home Insurance More thaninsurance a home insurance Home protects policy your home

and its What is it? in the event of fire, the�, vandalism, or contents Home insurance protects your home and its contents in the event of fire, theft, vandalism, or weather-related weather-related damage.

Itonalso provides liability damage. It also provides liability coverage if someone is hurt your property. coverage if someone is hurt on your property.

Why you may need it s Your home is your single biggest asset. If it is damaged or destroyed, can you afford to repair or replace your home and its contents? s Most banks and lenders require proof of home insurance before they will lend you money to buy a home. s If someone is hurt on your property and launches a lawsuit, you could find yourself facing financial hardship.

Home insurance is not one size fits all. Among the many factors that affect home insurance policies What you need to know are size and age of the home and even loca�on. s Home insurance is not one size fits all. Among the many factors that affect home insurance policies are size and age of the home and even location. s A broker has the experience to determine the cost to rebuild your home in the event of a total loss. s You can buy insurance for condominiums, mobile homes, seasonal properties and rental properties.

Contact a Western Financial Group broker for more informa�on on Home Insurance.

Contact a Western Financial Group broker for more information on Home Insurance.

Western FINANCIAL GROUP

westernfinancialgroup.ca

Home

the broth is a great way to preserve its magnesium content.

Whole grains are often mentioned as a good source of magnesium, but they can be problematic, and it is often recommended to remove all grains from the diet to see if it has any affect on constipation.

Overall, the level of magnesium from foods is declining due to intensive farming on impoverished soils. Therefore, again to be on the safe side, a daily supplementation is often required for optimal health.

I recall hearing, for a long time, about combining calcium and magnesium and did not realize how important they are to a woman’s health, yet most women don't get enough. To reap the most benefits from your multi or calcium-magnesium supplement, be sure to take equal amounts of calcium citrate and magnesium citrate.

When taken during pregnancy, magnesium may protect against complications such as preeclampsia and preterm delivery. Women should get at least 310 mg of magnesium each day and should up that amount to 360-400 mg during pregnancy and 320-360 mg when breastfeeding.

Magnesium can be a big part of a woman’s health. Why not check to see if you need to add more magnesium in your life? I know it helps me maintain a healthy and happy life style, so why not you?

References: - http://www.constipation-remedies-for-all.com/magnesium-for-constipation.html http://deliciousliving.com/conditions/magnesium-womens-health?page=1

facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

• 27

In a small town, it is important that we all work together in promoting and supporting each other’s businesses. Keeping the dollars local means a much larger share of revenue is put back into the local economy, enriching the whole community!

That is exactly what “A Business Affair” is about. We, as business owners, want to encourage the Langdon people to support their local businesses. We are showing our passion and support for this community, by working together and supporting each other’s businesses.

We have one-of-a-kind businesses that add distinctive character to Langdon, and we want to help build stronger local relationships by linking neighbours, boosting economic and social relationships and contributing to local causes.

Langdon

SHOPPING CHALLENGE

Chance to win 1 of 5 incredible prizes with a grand prize of a $250 shopping spree.

28 •

When you come into any one of our businesses, please make note of the campaign posters on display that explain what we are supporting, also make sure to put your name and phone number on the back of your receipts and place them into the Shopping Challenge Boxes. Simply spend $10 or more, write your name and contact on the back of the receipt and you are eligible to win. The more times you shop and the more locations you support, the better your chances are of winning 1 of 5 incredible prizes with a grand prize of a $250 shopping spree.

Make sure to join the Langdon Businesses in this campaign on Facebook.

Thank you!

Your local Langdon businesses

www.langdonbusiness.com

thenewsyneighbour.com

The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

•

Altogether Different

We Love Langdon "Mom, I'm bored," No More!

Children, husbands, siblings, girlfriends, boyfriends, wives - we know at times they can be difficult to appease (unless we're talking about you - you're cool as a cucumber). With the, "Mom, I'm bored," "Honey, let’s eat," coffee dates and golf with the boys, we know it can be hard to find the time to keep everyone smiling. However, that's why Mother Nature created Langdon! It's a town with so much to offer - and most of it is within arm's reach.

Fun Fact - Langdon, a cute, cozy town just 30 kilometres from Calgary, was once known as the "good luck town," because for 25 years (between 1883 and 1908) there was not a single death within the community.

And now, for the much-anticipated list of amazing "to-dos," here in our small town: • Baseball at the local diamonds.

• A round of golf at Boulder Creek Golf Course.

• Browsing all the unique, cool and “can’t live without” items at Sandstone Pharmacy. This is NOT just a pharmacy, people.

• Catching up with a friend or going on that long awaited date at Langdon Crossing - a lovely, local watering hole.

• Take your kids to one of the many playgrounds (there are tot playgrounds as well!) and then take them for frozen yogurt at My Bakery Shop. There is a do-it-yourself yogurt bar in there!

• Grab your horseshoes and head to Langdon Park for a friendly game at the Horseshoe pits.

• Grab your favourite issue of The Newsy Neighbour Magazine (this one!) and go get that decadent coffee you have been craving from Prairie Grounds Coffee House. My personal favourite was actually the Cookies & Cream hot chocolate. I can still taste it.

• The Skate/BMX Park is always crawling, or should I say rolling, with kids. It is a great local hangout for all ages.

• Winter is just around the corner; don’t forget how lucky Langdon is to have a great outdoor hockey rink. Take advantage!

• Do you need to get yourself and your young kids out of the house? Head over to Parent Link Langdon for activities, play centres, art experiences, songs and stories! Check out info at MacaroniKid.com • Get your creative juices flowing by painting pottery at Langdon Pottery.

• Make sure you follow the Langdon Community Association calendar at goodlucktown.ca. They host a variety of events throughout the year, including Hobby Days, Kidz Cave Academy, kids yoga, Weight Watchers, movies under the stars, Stepping Stones Preschool, Scouts, fitness classes, Christmas Carnivals, Easter events, and so much more!

• Head outdoors for a walk with Langdon U-Walk; make some friends, get healthy, and really soak in everything Langdon has to offer.

• In the summer, send your 10+ year old to drop-in with Langdon Summer Drop-In at the Langdon Field.

• Get your kid to learn their roots by learning Irish Dancing with Ulmer Irish Dancing!

• Into sports? Check out the Langdon Recreation Centre for the ball hockey league!

• Two words: Langdon Days.

Of course, we can't forget life's little simplicities, such as friendly backyard fires, BBQs and bocce ball with our neighbours.

We Offer...

Full Service Meat Department Deli, Bakery, Produce, ATM, Lotto.

Wide selection of products including Gluten free

Phone: (403) 936-0124 Open 8AM-9PM Every Day! #101-97 Centre ST. S.W., LANGDON, AB

All in stock parts

10% Off

Langdon Parade of Garage Sales is May 6th. We will also have in-store specials

Your locally owned and operated automotive garage, servicing all makes and models!

403-936-5320 From oil changes, tires, and maintenance to engine performance, chips & lift kits.

We take care of your ride to make sure you stay on the road!

254 Center Street Langdon Hours: Mon - Thurs: 8-6 Friday: 8-5 Saturday: 9-1 Closed Sunday & Holidays facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

• 29

BARKS N BUBBLES PET SPA

It is about a sense of community, supporting your community, caring about it and the businesses within your community, having pride in saying your community is thriving. And it is because we all “Shop Local” that we resist the temptation of driving into Calgary. Isn’t that why you choose to live in a small town?

ALL SIZES WELCOME!

• Canine Styling • Bath and Tidy • Bath and Brush • De-shed • Teeth Brushing • Nail Grinding

25 Years Experience

By appointment only

If you were ever given a choice between being a city dweller or a small-town inhabitant, what would you choose? It is common that city dwellers imagine life of small town people as dreary and monotonous; on the other hand, smalltown people often consider the city life as electrifying with noise and never-ending pollution and crime. I would pick small town any day of the week.

34 4TH ST. Langdon Call: 403.464.6406

SMALL TOWN LIVING Have you ever driven through a small town and wondered to yourself, “What do people DO here?” I know I certainly have.

I drive 2700 miles twice a year going and coming from my southern home and I drive through hundreds of small towns. More than once, I catch myself wondering just that.

Small towns were once the lifeblood of this country; they sprang up all along rail lines, as did Langdon, which was incorporated in 1907. Even when I drive through Langdon, which I normally do at least once a week, I get that smalltown feeling, but it is a good feeling. I like small towns, I like the feeling of a tighter-knit community, a stronger sense of belonging and small town charm.

We at The Newsy have been promoting “Shop Local” for years now and I was more than a little surprised when driving home this year I noticed “Shop Local” signs in more than a few small-town stores! But it made me realize this is a global effort for small towns.

I think people decide to move to small towns for various reasons—there seems to be psychological justifications that explain what it is that brings people together. Small town people seem to have a feeling of belonging or of sharing a sense of personal relatedness. They feel like they “fit in” and that this is “their community”. They will contribute and support the businesses because this is where they live, it is their responsibility to support “their town”.

It is like sharing a symbol like a sports team jersey. This is what creates a sense of community.

And after saying all that, I must tell you I get that exact feeling when I drive through Langdon. It might have to do with all the small town quaint businesses along Main Street; everywhere you will find the backbone of most small towns, yes, the small business owners. Sandstone Pharmacy, Langdon Dental, Barks N Bubbles Pet Spa, Langdon Roofing, Langdon Auto, Indus Graphics, Amanda Beattie (Realtor), Eastside Accounting, Gail Schmidt (Realtor), Buy-Low Grocery Store, the barber, the baker, and the candlestick maker. You know where this is going—all the hard-working entrepreneurs you will find in every small town—the Chinese restaurant, the book store, the pet shop—they are all here.

Given the choice I will pick small town living every time.

Living in a small town certainly is not for everyone. But just like every other choice in life, there are pros and cons to both sides. As for me, I love living a quiet, simple life.

Kathryn Hartwell

References: thecommunitymanager.com and boundless.org

Serge Grenier Call: (403) 589-2488 email: sg.eastside@gmail.com

Hail

✔ Personal & Corporate Taxes ✔ Bookkeeping & Payroll ✔ Sub-Contractor GST Filing

Damage

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30 •

Roofing Siding Licensed

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30 Years Serving Southern Alberta

The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

•

Altogether Different

IS STRAIGHTENING TEETH JUST ABOUT A BEAUTIFUL SMILE? There’s no denying the fact that our culture places a huge emphasis on youthfulness and beauty. Whoever thought the day would arrive when both men and women excitedly inject fillers and botulism into their faces in an attempt to stop the aging process and maybe even turn back the clock? The pursuit of beauty has spilled over into dentistry, with more people requesting certain procedures that will give them a whiter, more youthful smile. Orthodontic treatment, once associated with only fixing really gnarly smiles, is being used more and more to give patients straight teeth – but the benefits of straightening teeth go far beyond beauty – enhancing a person’s dental and overall health.

What’s Crooked Teeth Got To Do With Your Heart?

The correlation between straight teeth and a healthy heart might not seem obvious, as making the connection between the health of the mouth and the health of the body can still seem to be a stretch. The mouth is actually referred to as the ‘gateway’ to the body and has been relied on for hundreds of years to reveal subtle signs of overall physical wellness. Even in modern-times the mouth still acts as a compass for physical wellbeing; influencing existing conditions and sometimes increasing the risk for developing others. So what’s this all got to do with straightening teeth?

The Benefits of Straight Teeth Apart from the obvious esthetic reward of having straight teeth, there are many other boosts to your dental health that aren’t always talked about.

Better Gum Health – It can be pretty tricky trying to negotiate around crooked teeth with a toothbrush and floss. Consequently, the health of gum tissue can suffer due to increased inflammation caused by plaque and food being trapped between teeth. Straight teeth are easier to keep clean and reduced gum inflammation actually makes your heart healthier.

Reduced Risk of Dental Decay - Just like a buildup of plaque irritates gum tissue, it also increases the risk of decay. Oral bacteria found naturally in plaque feed-off simple carbohydrate remnants in the mouth – and in the process release acids that weaken tooth enamel and causing decay.

Less Wearing of Tooth Structure – When teeth are in ideal alignment and top and bottom arches fit together correctly, there are fewer tendencies for teeth to wear abnormally. In many situations, wear on teeth indicate an imbalanced bite and the resulting wear is the body’s attempt to fix things naturally.

Straight teeth do make for a beautiful smile – but they also contribute to better dental and overall health.

Langdon Dental

Gail Schmidt Top Producer 2007 - 2016

Because a Great Experience Begins with a Great Agent!

Cell:

403.993.4550 • gschmidt@cirrealty.ca

gailschmidt.com langdonliving.com

Langdon Community Garden We are so excited for a great 2017 planting season.

We have 20 plots, available for lease at $45.00 for the season.

That $45.00 gets you a 6×12 foot plot, filled with rich soil, access to water and tools as well as support from our community garden volunteers.

We also have 4 wheelchair accessible plots for lease.

We want everyone to be able to garden and reap the tremendous benefits it has to offer.

Get your kids involved. Plant an herb garden, a tea garden, heck, fill the whole thing with potatoes! If you’ve never gardened, there are few things more rewarding than watching what you’ve planted poke out of the soil, and blossom into this amazing plant.You can download our rental agreement and waiver of liability below, and message us at Langdoncommunitygarden. com to reserve your plot. They’re filling up fast!

Take a minute to check out our sponsorship opportunities as well!!

Thank you Langdon for your support.

(403) 936-8432

109-355 Centre Street NW SS 2 Langdon, AB T0J 1X2

COMPLIMENTARY Teeth Whitening!

Now Open Evenings When you complete a full checkup and cleaning & Now Saturdays open Saturdays! www.langdondental.com We Do Direct Billing

www.langdondental.com facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

• 31

Funeral Potatoes

I’m not sure where they get their name, but they sure are tasty! (and they don’t have to be served at funerals either!!)

Full Service Community Pharmacy offering: • Travel Injec�on Cer�fied Pharmacist • Online and Auto Refill Prescrip�on Programs • Sandstone Rewards Program - 2500 bonus points on new sign ups & collect 1000 points on every prescrip�on (limited �me) • Ideal Protein Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program.

Lose 3-5lbs /week

1 28 oz. package frozen cubed potatoes thawed 1 teaspoon garlic salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1 teaspoon dried onion flakes 1 tbsp. dried chives 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 1 10.5 oz. can cream of chicken 2 cups sour cream 2 cups crushed potato chips 3 tbsp. butter melted

Pharmacy Hours: Mon-Wed : 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Thur : 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Fri : 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Sat : 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Sun/Holidays: Closed

201, 97 Centre St SW Langdon, AB ● (403) 936-5006

ipe

Rec

Vegetables are a must on a diet. I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie.

403-680-0453 Call me today for your FREE Home Evalua�on or Customized Home Search!

info@amandabea�e.com

It's Your Move, I'm Here to Make it Smooth!

AMANDABEATTIE.COM

Instructions: Place potatoes into refrigerator to thaw out overnight. Or place on counter to thaw for about an hour. Preheat oven to 375f degrees. Spray an 11x7 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray (you can also use a 9x13 baking dish.) In a large bowl, mix together the thawed potatoes with seasonings and cheese. Then stir in cream of chicken soup and sour cream.

Spread mixture into prepared baking dish. Cover baking dish with non-stick foil and bake for about 45 minutes (until bubbly.) Crush potato chips (measure out 2 cups after crushing.) After potatoes are cooked, spread crushed chips over potatoes. Pour melted butter over crushed chips. Place back into oven and cook uncovered for an additional 10 minutes. If you want a darker topping, pop it under the broiler for a minute or two. Allow potatoes to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

~ Jim Davis

32 •

thenewsyneighbour.com

The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

Resource: www.food.com

•

Altogether Different

Weekly Classes: A�er School Mondays 4-5:30 $15

Teen Night Wednesdays

Wine and Paint Night last Friday of each month 7-10pm *MUST register in advance

May 4 and 11, 7-9pm: Learn to Paint with Oils Two classes for $45 (members $40) All supplies included

$35 ($30 members); supplies and wine included

Themed Summer Camps all of July & August 3 age groups, $250 /week, 9-4, arrangements can be made for before and a�er

May 13, 1-4pm Mother/Daughter Paint Date . . . also Grammas, aunts, cousins, nieces…J $20 each, all supplies included

July 3-7: ages 15-17+ and 8-10 Theme: Out of the Box July 10-14: ages 11-14 Theme: Picasso Moose July 17-21: Ages 15-17+ and 8-10 Theme: Graphic Art July 24-28: Ages 11-14 Theme: Western Art (feature youth art at rodeo)

Aug 7-11: Ages 11-14 Theme: Out of the Box Aug 14-18: Ages 15-17+ and 8-10 Theme: Picasso Moose Aug 21-25: Ages 11-14 Theme: Graphic Art

403-901-1500

Seniors Classes Tuesdays

12:30 – 3:30 *$5 dona�on for supplies

Accessibility Art classes EVERY Friday

for ALL ages and abili�es 2 classes: 10:30 – 12 and 1 – 2:30 free - dona�ons appreciated

Drawing/Pain�ng Studio Tuesdays

May 19, 7-9 Pain�ng Portraits in Oils DEMO $12 (members $10) No painting just watching the demo

7 – 9:30 *individualized instruc�on $17 ($15 members) *Bring own supplies or use ours for a $5 dona�on

May 20, 10am – 4pm Learn to Paint Portraits in Oils. $65 (members $60) Supplies $10 extra. Take in Demo May 19 and Workshop May 20 for $75 (members $70)

(no instructor, a�endant will assist you) $5 dona�on for supplies Wednesdays 1 – 4; Thursdays 11 – 4

(feature youth art at rodeo)

July 31-Aug 4: Ages 15-17+ and 8-10 Theme: Western Art

7-9 free - dona�ons appreciated

Studio: 115 3rd Ave Strathmore Email: info@wheatlandarts.ca

Open Studio

www.wheatlandarts.ca

THINGS HAPPY PEOPLE DO WAKE UP MOTIVATED

Do your best and work hard every day.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY

Love yourself as you are right now, be kind to yourself. Eat to nourish and heal.

PRACTICE ACTS OF KINDNESS

A super powerful way to feel good inside: just be nice to everyone.

EXPRESS GRATITUDE

When you appreciate what you have, it appreciates in value.

BE OPTIMISTIC – BE POSITIVE The world has endless opportunities.

BE A GIVER NOT A TAKER Give more expect less.

GET OUT OF YOUR HEAD

Stop thinking so much and free your mind of worries.

ALWAYS BE CREATIVE Make your own inspiration.

NEVER HAVE REGRETS

Old Fashioned Service at Fair Prices

We’re not just a copy and prin�ng service!

Come visit our in house designers to help bring your project to life.

Forgive and forget quickly and don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.

SMILE AND ALWAYS BE HAPPY

www.assistbusinesscentre.ca • Service@assistbusinesscentre.ca

216C Fourth Ave. Strathmore, AB

403.993.2727

facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

• 33

NUTRITIONAL GRAPEFRUIT RECIPES e

ip Rec

Broiled Grapefruit

Sweeten up your morning with this nifty way to prepare grapefruit

4 grapefruit 1 Tbsp. (15mL) ground cinnamon 1 Tbsp (15mL) sugar 4 Tbsp (60mL) butter Preheat your broiler. Cut the grapefruits in half, and use a small knife to cut out the sections in the halves. Spoon the sections and juice into a bowl, then scrape out all of the remaining thick skins and pulp – discard. Spoon the sections from the bowl back into the halves. Sprinkle sugar and cinnamon over the top of each and dot with butter.

Place the halves on the cookie sheet and broil for 3 - 5 minutes until the butter is melted and the sugar is starting to turn brown. You will never eat grapefruit any other way after you try this!

Grapefruit Arugula Salad You are adding an extra boost of health-promoting vitamins A, C, and K to your diet when you enjoy this recipe. One serving provides 64% of the daily requirement for vitamin K, and 26% for vitamin C. Enjoy!

1 pink grapefruit 1 large bunch arugula (about 4 cups) 1 bunch watercress (about 2 cups) 2 Tbsp (30mL) coarsely chopped walnuts Dressing 2 Tbsp (30mL) lemon juice 2 tsp (10mL) honey 2 tsp (10mL) prepared Dijon mustard 1 Tbsp (15mL) extra virgin olive oil Salt and cracked black pepper to taste

STRATHMORE

MOTOR PRODUCTS Call: 403.934.3334

403.934.3334

www.strathmoremotors.com

34 • thenewsyneighbour.com New & All Makes Pre-Owned

900 Westridge Road, Strathmore

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The Newsy Neighbour Magazine Altogether Different Locally owned since•1976

Peel grapefruit and cut out each section between the membrane. Prepare arugula by tearing into pieces; wash and dry. Cut off tops of watercress and wash and spin dry along with the arugula. A salad spinner is the best way of doing this. Mix together dressing ingredients, toss with salad greens and grapefruit sections, and top with chopped walnuts.

Grapefruit Chicken 2 grapefruit 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts 1 Tbsp (15mL) chopped thyme 1/2 tsp (2.5mL) salt 1 Tbsp (15mL) apple jelly 1 tsp (5ml) butter Peel and section the grapefruits, reserving 1/2-cup juice. Set sections and juice aside; heat a skillet and spray with non-stick coating. Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with the salt and thyme. Sauté until browned and cooked

through. Remove to a platter. Add the 1/2-cup grapefruit juice, jelly and butter to the pan, bring to a boil. Cook stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2 min.

Spoon the sauce and sections over the chicken.

Grapefruit Romaine and Red Onion Salad 12 Romaine lettuce leaves; ribs removed 1 red onion cut into thin half moon slices 4 pink grapefruit, peeled, and cut into sections Lime Dressing mayonnaise; thinned with lime juice salt crushed red pepper On each dinner plate make a wreath of romaine. Make an inner circle with onions and grapefruit.

Pour dressing over lettuce, onion, and grapefruit.

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MartinSHIELDS,MP

CONSTITUENCY OFFICES: Strathmore – Box 2070, 129 2nd Ave, Strathmore, AB. T1P1K1 Hours: Tues – Thurs 9am – 4pm

Phone: 403-361-2980

fax: 403-361-2989 mar�n.shields.c2@parl.gc.a Brooks office: 1-844-241-0020 mar�n.shields.c1@parl.gc.ca www.mar�nshieldsbowriver.ca

A Recent Piece Of Legislation Introduced By The Government Is Their Election Promise To Legalize Marijuana.

I know many constituents are opposed to the legalization of marijuana. The official position of our Conservative Party has been to oppose outright legalization. Unfortunately, the Government has a different view on this issue, and they are forging ahead with outright legalization.

Strathmore Elks Lodge No. 491

The Elks provide specialty catering & bartending services for 50 to 500 persons. We cater weddings, memorials, golf tournaments, anniversaries or any occasion where you have a large group feed!

Our specialty is BBQ beef on a bun, with all the fixin’s, but we can create almost any menu your heart desires. Our rates are compe��ve and all the funds raised stay in the County of Wheatland and Rockyview communi�es. Last year the Elks donated over $31,000 to local communi�es and chari�es.

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

/MartininBowRiver

In light of this, I wish the Government would slow down the process by at least beginning with decriminalization, instead of going with full legalization so quickly.

I have been criss-crossing Bow River riding this past two weeks with my staff, and the message we have heard is that people are confused and concerned with the impact that the legalization will have, and especially in such a short time frame.

The province will set some base guidelines, such as the minimum legal age for when consumption is legal.

I have heard from countless municipal officials that they will have to scramble in order to develop special new by-laws for this new substance. It is unclear as to how they will enforce the licencing and the inspection of residences that are permitted to sell marijuana. The location where it is allowed to be sold and how is done by Municipal zoning and by-laws is another challenge.

There is also the question of higher policing costs as the enforcement is done and paid for by local taxpayers. There is significant debate over how drugs can be tested for in the operation of vehicles and equipment.

Ultimately, the local property tax will be the source to pay for these new responsibilities.

I have also heard from municipal officials who are concerned that we are introducing a new toxin that individuals will be able to consume, while trying to essentially phase out other harmful substances, especially tobacco.

There is a fear that the federal government is rushing into this far too quickly in order to fulfil a campaign promise. They have not considered the impact this will have on municipalities, which are the jurisdictions that will actually be enforcing these new laws at the end of the day.

I invite you to contact my office to share your thoughts on this or any other topic.

You can contact me in Brooks at martin.shields.c1@parl.gc.ca or 1-844-241-0020, in Strathmore at 403-361-2980 or martin. shields.c2@parl.gc.ca, or in Ottawa at martin.shields@parl.gc.ca or 613-992-0761.

Call Greg at 403.888.6155 to get your party started!

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Altogether Different

Gil Tougas

The Hardest Working Guitarist in

ROCK N ROLL By: Kyle Penn

When I showed up at Morgans Pub in Calgary at 9:30pm, things were pretty low key. I wasn’t too surprised, though. It was a damp, miserably cold evening in late April, and Thursdays are hardly best night to go out if you’re looking for crowded dancefloors and wild parties.

That all changed, however, when Gil Tougas and his band took to the stage.

Fronting a trio called Three Way, Tougas stepped up to the mic with his guitar, introduced himself and his band, and busted into one of the best cover sets I’ve ever heard. They made their way through an enjoyable regimen of rock n roll classics, playing everything from the Stone Temple Pilots and the Tragically Hip all the way back to AC/DC and Led Zeppelin. As Tougas was onstage playing cover after incredible cover, that’s when it happened: the scene at the pub exploded, going from a couple of guys drinking at the bar to a full-on, densely-packed party, crowded with people dancing, drinking, playing pool, and enjoying the tunes. At one point, somebody burst through the front doors and exclaimed, “I heard you playing Rock n Roll in here and you know I couldn’t just ignore that, I had to come in and check it out!” At that moment, I couldn’t have agreed more.

There are two things that make Gil Tougas so notable. First, it’s his incredible talent and mastery of music. When Tougas takes the stage and starts singing, it’s impossible not to take notice. His voice is undeniably fantastic – and I don’t mean that in the gritty, rock n roll sense.

Tougas has a truly incredible set of pipes. When he sang What Is and What Should Never Be, you could have closed your eyes and imagined that Robert Plant from 1969 had taken the stage. More impressive than that, though, is his skill with an axe. Tougas is one of those players who are somehow capable of making the most complex, intricate guitar solos look utterly and unbelievably effortless. The instrument functions almost like an extension of himself – he’s completely at ease onstage, and playing even the most difficult riffs and bridges looks like a perfectly natural affair. Every trip up and down the fretboard was smooth, calculated and uncomplicated. It was really a treat to watch – I guess that’s what 37 years of practice will get you!

The other thing that sets Gil Tougas apart is his gig schedule.

When I was originally put in touch with Tougas, I was told that I wouldn’t have a problem finding a night to see him perform, because he “plays seven nights a week.” I’ve heard this turn of phrase before, and it’s generally meant as a hyperbole – not so in Tougas’ case, though! Along with Three Way, Tougas also performs in Broken Toyz (an 80’s hair metal group), Lost Boys (a fourpiece acoustic group), a variety of duos and jam sessions, a band called Lack of Prozack, and as many solo acoustic gigs as he can get. When I asked him about whether he was crazy to be involved in so many musical projects when most people have trouble just keeping a single band together, he laughed in a good-natured way. “I like a full plate,” he told me. “I like being busy all the time.

When I’m not doing something, I pretty well go crazy. I love what I do. There’s a million guys out there who would love to do what I’m doing, so I have no complaints. I just live to play.”

I’d mentioned there were two things that made Gil Tougas unique, but I want to amend that and add in a third: he is one of the most genuinely happy and humble individuals I’ve ever had the pleasure of chatting with. That could have something to do with the fact that, as he mentioned, playing music is his fulltime job. “I’ve been doing this 100% since 1989. I get to do what I love every day. I play anywhere from 5-7 nights a week, for the last 28 years.

It’s awesome.”

That being said, it’s not like Tougas is living the life of a rock star.

In playing music for a living, he’s essentially running a small business, in which the service he provides is his talent. And like all freelancers, that means that a lot of Tougas’ time is spent looking for that next opportunity. “I’m always hustling, always looking for work and interesting little projects,” he informs me. “Still writing, going to start working on my second album pretty quick. I just still believe in the whole concept.”

And that’s what it comes down to. Tougas is where he is and can do what he does because of his attitude, his ambition, and his talent – but also because he still believes in making music, working hard, and hustling to play shows. Sounds to us like he’s living the dream, but even as a fulltime musician, Tougas still gets asked that one question that every long-suffering musician has heard a hundred times over again: “How come you haven’t made it yet? It’s kind of insulting, but yeah, I get it.

But then, I have to ask, what’s your definition of ‘making it’? I’m like everybody else. I’ve got a house, got a mortgage, got car payments, got kids, and I’m a happily married guy…I’m doing just fine! I’m still trying to break into that bigger picture, but it’s like winning the lotto, it’s really tough. You just gotta keep doing it, and if you don’t love it, don’t do it.” Brilliant stuff from an incredibly hard-working rock n roll musician.

Do yourself a favour and catch Gil Tougas when he’s out in Strathmore performing at Legends on May 20 – there’s no better way to spend the May long weekend than by checking out some great live music!

giltougas.com facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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Serving the community for 23 years!

403-934-6469

Country Lane Mall, Strathmore

Open 7 Days a Week from 8am-10pm • Brunch Every Sunday from 10am-2pm & Buffet 4pm-9pm

R'S E H T MO DAY

Spring Creating A Memorable Mother's Day

J. Lang Wood

Mother's Day is an annual springtime ritual that gives people an opportunity to express their love and gratitude to the person who has provided both life and lifelong care. However, there are many kinds of moms, and each may enjoy this special day in her own way. Here's a look at some ideas for Mother's Day, to help you, or your own mom, make the most of this important occasion: Moms of Young Children

If you're the mom of young children, you will probably receive hand-painted artwork and an attempt at breakfast in bed. These gifts from your youngsters are memories you will treasure for the rest of your life. However, your spouse or other family members can assist you in taking a bit of time for yourself on this special day, so you can enjoy a day at the spa, a movie with friends or some other activity that allows you to relax your mind and refresh your spirit. This small amount of "me time" will help to resume your busy life with new energy and a better attitude.

rant u a t s Re Menighubour.com e wsyn thene

you can provide something new and interesting to provide a new challenge. Looking to your mom's hobbies can give you some ideas for a thoughtful gift that will provide pleasure well beyond the day itself. Most important is the time you spend with your mom, whether it is in person or from a distance, because no matter how old you are, you will always be your mom's baby.

Older Moms

For individuals whose mothers have reached their golden years, Mother's Days become more precious. It's a good time to create special memories for them, and for you, by taking a day trip, taking them to an art museum or show, and generally enjoying the stories and memories of the past that only they can provide. Mom will enjoy a day like this immensely, and you will savor the special moments that are irreplaceable in your life.

Every mom deserves a special Mother's Day, but whether your children are close by, or far away, knowing you are held tightly in their hearts in the ultimate gift.

Moms of Older Children

When kids are in the middle grades and teen years, they can take a more active role in Mother's Day preparations, helping to find a suitable restaurant and purchasing a special gift. These occasions can be some of the best Mother's Days because it is a time when the usual, hectic schedule slows for a moment to allow busy families to catch up on what's going on in their daily lives. Moms can take the opportunity to savor their children, take photos and have a relaxed day with them, before they resume their activity-filled schedules.

Moms of Grown Adults

By the time the kids have grown into adulthood, moms have probably experienced a number of Mother's Days and now prefer a simpler expression of love and appreciation. Many moms prefer a growing plant rather than flowers, which will only fade and need throwing out after a few days. If your mom is a gardener,

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Altogether Different

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Evolution of a Mom Yes, parenthood changes everything. But parenthood also changes with each baby. Here are some of the ways having a second and third child differs from having your first:

Your Clothes

1st baby: You begin wearing maternity clothes as soon as your OB/GYN confirms your pregnancy.

2nd baby: You wear your regular clothes for as long as possible.

3rd baby: Your maternity clothes are your regular clothes.

The Baby's Name

1st baby: You pore over baby-name books and practice pronouncing and writing combinations of all your favourites.

2nd baby: Someone has to name their kid after your great-aunt Mavis, right? It may as well be you.

3rd baby: You open a name book, close your eyes, and see where your finger falls. Bimaldo? Perfect!

Preparing for the Birth

1st baby: You practice your breathing religiously.

2nd baby: You don't bother practicing because you remember that last time, breathing didn't do a thing.

3rd baby: You ask for an epidural in your 8th month.

The Layette

1st baby: You prewash your newborn's clothes, colour-coordinate them, and fold them neatly in the baby's little bureau.

2nd baby: You check to make sure that the clothes are clean and discard only the ones with the darkest stains.

3rd baby: Boys can wear pink, can't they?

Worries

1st baby: At the first sign of distress - a whimper, a frown - you pick up the baby.

2nd baby: You pick the baby up when her wails threaten to wake your firstborn.

3rd baby: You teach your 3-year-old how to rewind the mechanical swing.

Activities

1st baby: You take your infant to Baby Gymnastics, Baby Swing, and Baby Story Hour.

2nd baby: You take your infant to Baby Gymnastics.

3rd baby: You take your infant to the supermarket and the dry cleaner.

Going Out

1st baby: The first time you leave your baby with a sitter, you call home 5 times.

2nd baby: Just before you walk out the door, you remember to leave a number for where you can be reached.

3rd baby: You leave instructions for the sitter to call only if she sees blood.

At Home

1st baby: You spend a good bit of every day just gazing at the baby.

2nd baby: You spend a bit of every day watching to be sure your older child isn't squeezing, poking, or hitting the baby.

3rd baby: You spend a little bit of every day hiding from the children. facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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Platinum Award winning team for 2016

Nancy Stairs (403) 934-1625 Steve Farran (403) 901-9335

Happy Mother’s Day!

RE/MAX Realty Horizon The Nancy Stairs Team Residential, Acreage Commercial

Alisa Wurz

Visit all of our listing & virtual tours at www.nancystairs.com Proud A+ Members of the Better Business Bureau!

I AM A…Rooibos Tea plants and herbs as teas, so why not me? My name is “Barke” which means “blessings” and I’m a small “Red Bush” and I live in Africa – Cedarberg to be exact, that’s near Cape Town, South Africa. I form a part of the fragile fynbos biome, which means I form a symbiotic relationship with local micro-organisms. Past attempts to grow me outside where I live, in places as far away as the United States, Australia and China, have all failed. We will only ever live in Africa, but that’s ok with us. Ke a go rata – I Love You, Africa.

You’re probably wondering how on earth this whole thing started, and I’m going to tell you. You see, in the 17th and 18th centuries, European travelers and botanists visiting the Cederberg region in South Africa noticed us and in 1772, Swedish naturalist Carl Thunberg noted that "the country people made tea from a red bush”. The local people would climb the mountains and cut the fine needle-like leaves from my wild ancestors, then rolled the bunches of leaves into hessian bags and bring us down the steep slopes on the backs of donkeys. Our leaves were then chopped with axes and bruised with hammers, before being left to dry in the sun. We became more popular than black tea! In 1904, Benjamin Ginsberg, a Russian/Jewish settler to the Cape, riding in the remote mountains, became fascinated with us, so in the 1930s he persuaded local doctor and Rhodes Scholar Dr. Le Fras Nortier to experiment with cultivating us and it worked.

He grew my first cousins on the “Klein Kliphuis” farm. The farm became a tea farm, and within ten years the price of our seeds soared to an astounding £80 a pound, the most expensive vegetable seed in the world. Since then, we grew huge in popularity in South Africa, and now you can buy me worldwide. I bet you can buy me at your local store and you certainly will want to when I tell you how amazingly wonderful I am for you!

I am so wonderful for you I’m just going to list all the good benefits so you can see what I’m talking about.

I am Caffeine free; I grow naturally without any caffeine, which means I do not need to undergo a chemical process to remove the caffeine. It also means that anyone can drink me including children & pregnant women and you can drink as much as you want.

I contain powerful antioxidants, which help to protect the body in a number of ways. Two polyphenol antioxidants called aspalathin and nothofagin are found in high concentrations in my leaves and they protect the body by fighting free radicals. These thenewsyneighbour.com

934-7903

/Nancy Stairs Team

Working for you 24/7

are unstable cells, which attack healthy cells in order to stabilize themselves. My polyphenols also have anti-inflammatory properties and can safeguard against heart disease.

I prevent against some cancers as some studies have demonstrated a link between consumption of rooibos tea and a reduction of cancer-causing chemicals. This is because of my high level of dominant antioxidants, some of which have anti-mutagenic (anti-cancer) properties. This means that they defend cells & DNA against damage and inhibit them from developing into cancer.

I have a high mineral content and several minerals that are vital to health. These include: magnesium (essential for the nervous system), calcium & manganese (essential for strong teeth and bones), zinc (important for metabolism) and iron (critical for helping blood & muscles distribute oxygen).

I improve circulation because one of my many potent antioxidants is called Chysoeriol. It can improve circulation by preventing the activity of the enzyme that triggers cardiovascular disease. I’ve also has been known to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

I can relieve stomach complaints because of my high levels of flavonoids, especially one called quercetin. It has the ability to relieve numerous abdominal ailments such as cramps, diarrhea and indigestion. Flavonoids are known to help reduce spasm, inflammation and allergies. I can even alleviate colic in babies and because I’m totally caffeine free, babies can drink me.

I aid absorption of iron because unlike most black teas, which prevent the body from absorbing iron effectively because of the tannins they contain, I actually support the body in absorbing iron.

I can relieve skin conditions and help you look more beautiful! I contain phenylpyretic acid, which can help to improve acne, psoriasis and eczema. You can apply a freshly brewed and cooled tea bag to the affected areas and it will soothe and heal any inflammation.

I can protect against Parkinson’s/Alzheimer’s disease and protect against a process known as lipid peridoxation. This occurs when free radicals damage brain cells and nerve tissue. If this is prolonged, it can lead eventually to progressive and deteriorating brain disease, such as Alzheimer’s.

I encourage restful sleep because I can be consumed as often as you wish and at any time of day. Many people choose to drink me before bedtime as I can help with insomnia due to my high mineral content and lack of caffeine. I make people feel calm and relaxed.

Now, you can see I was not telling you a story; I would never fib when it comes to your health. The fun part besides just drinking me is just adding me to recipes. Yes, you heard me right. Here are three of my favourite and most delicious recipes. You’re going to LOVE these.

Well, actually I’m not really a tea; I’m a bush, but people use me as a tea. You can use all sorts of

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Vanilla Rooibos Tea Cookies ¼ cup 2 tbsp Rooibos tea leaves (about 5 tea bags) 1 vanilla bean, whole, ends trimmed, cut into segments 1 ¼ cup flour ¼ cup powdered sugar ¼ tsp salt ipe Rec 1 tsp vanilla 2 tsp milk ½ cup butter 1 ½ tbsp raw sugar Heat a small stainless steel pan over medium heat. When pan is hot, add rooibos leaves, and shake pan to distribute tea into a single layer. Toast for about 2 minutes, until tea is fragrant but not darkened. Depending on your leaves, this may happen much more quickly; watch it carefully. When leaves are fragrant, transfer them to a bowl and let cool for a couple minutes. Combine the sugar, vanilla bean, and rooibos in the bowl of a food processor and pulse for about 2 minutes, until there are no chunks of bean left in the bowl. Add the powdered sugar, flour, and salt to the bowl and pulse a few times to combine. Then add the milk, vanilla, and butter and pulse several times, until a dough forms. Turn dough onto a very lightly floured surface, gather it together, and roll it gently into log 1.5-inches in diameter. Sprinkle turbinado (raw) sugar on a plate or work surface, and roll cookie dough log in the sugar, making sure to cover the entire surface of the log with sugar. Wrap log in plastic or wax paper and transfer to the fridge or freezer for at least 30 minutes to chill. (You can leave the log in the freezer and slice off cookies one by one, whenever the urge strikes.) When ready to bake, turn on the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove log from fridge or freezer, and cut 1/3-inch slices off the log, rotating the log as you go to ensure that cookie slices stay round. Transfer cookies to the prepared baking sheet, leaving 1/2 inch between each (they don't really spread, but they need breathing room to crisp up). Bake for 12 minutes, until cookies are just starting to brown. Leave on the cookie sheet to cool for 5 minutes, and then transfer to racks. Cookies will keep in an airtight container for several days. Makes 36 cookies.

Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet Sunday, May 14 Over 25 delicious menu items to choose from: Breakfast, Savoury, Carving Station, and Desserts.

10:00am until 2:00pm Please rsvp today! $28.95 for adults, $13.95 for children 5-12, free for children 4 and under

For reservations please contact:

403-569-9111 ext. 204

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55 Lakeside Greens Drive Chestermere, AB

Rooibos Cauliflower The mild flavour and subtle sweetness of cauliflower compliments the herbal rooibos very well.

1 tbsp loose-leaf rooibos tea 2 cloves fresh garlic 1/2 cup boiling water 1-2 tbsp butter Milk or half-and-half 1 lb cauliflower florets Steep the tea in the boiling water for seven minutes then strain out leaves. Cook the cauliflower with the garlic and tea until the florets are very tender. Mash until smooth. Add the butter. If you prefer a creamy rich texture add milk or half-and-half until it reaches your desired consistency. You may also want to add a grated cheese of your choice.

ER'S H T O M DAY facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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Tea Time Anyone?

“A woman is like a tea bag – you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.” — Eleanor Roosevelt

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.

If I ever have the pleasure of hosting you at my home, there is one thing that is assured… I will offer you a cup of tea.And when you accept, as most people do, I will ask, “What type of tea would you like?” as I ceremoniously open up two cupboard doors and offer you over 43 varieties of tea and herbal infusions (with another 52 tucked in behind the ones you can see!).

You can choose from loose tea or tea bags and if you arrive on the right day, there will be a big pot of Chaga mushroom tea simmering on the stove. Mushrooms not your thing? No problem. There are both traditional and herbal teas, teas that are light, strong, sweet or earthy, and you’ll likely see a few flavours you’ve not seen before.

On another shelf are the ‘health’ teas, ones that treat sore throats and other cold symptoms, upset stomach, insomnia, water retention and inflammation. Of course there are also teas to encourage focus, provide an energy boost and promote a good night sleep.

Yes, tea is a wonderful thing!

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While I have my favourites (coconut vanilla, anyone?), I’m a ‘tea in the moment’ gal and on any given day I may enjoy three or four different teas. I select a tea based on how I feel or what I need. Sometimes I have it straight up and other times with a splash of almond milk. I’ve put in anise stars, fresh ginger, various spices and even homemade ice-cream to mix things up a bit. On occasion, I go all out with healthy fats and use a stick blender to mix cocoa butter, coconut oil and whipping cream into chai tea… Oooo La La Delicious! (give it a go, you’ll be glad you did!)

One of my favourite things to do with tea is to share tea time with someone. Somehow a visit over a cup of tea feels natural,

Bonnie Earl

STAND UP, BE SEEN & HEARD

May 25, 2017 7-9pm Strathmore Station Tickets $17 online or $25 at the door Food & Drink menu available

Jenna Wood

Making it as a Woman in a "Man's World

www.womentalk.ca The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

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Altogether Different

relaxing and even magical as the conversation is easy and time slips away. Every conversation is as special as the many varieties of teas available for us to enjoy.

Speaking of tea varieties, did you know that every type of traditional tea comes from the leaves of one plant? Whether it is green, white, black, oolong or pu-erh tea, it all originates from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis. There are two factors that make each tea taste different: each geographic region grows a different variety of the tea leaf and the way the leaves are processed. Note that herbal teas are technically herbal infusions and are made with a wide range of herbs and plants.

As I see it, life is kind of like tea. Here are four similarities I’ve noticed: 1. Tea starts from one plant and it is the process it goes through that influences the final product… we all start fresh as newborns and it is the experiences we have that influence who we are.

2. Where tea is grown contributes to its unique flavour… in life, the environment we live in contributes to our unique character.

3. When tea experiences an environmental stressor (hot water), it realizes its full potential and flavour… when we experience stressing situations, we have an opportunity to realize our full potential and strength.

4. We can choose what to put in our tea to give it the flavour we want… we can choose the perspectives and beliefs to practice in our lives to give it the flavour we desire.

Each variety of tea also has distinct characterises that offer their own benefits, and people are the same. We may all be people, but our individual experiences have brought us unique gifts and stories. At the Strathmore Women Talk, these stories bring women

together… just like a good cup of tea. Each story has its own flavour to be savoured and shared.

Come join us on the last Thursday of the month for fun and friendship at Women Talk. It’s where ordinary women share extraordinary stories that connect us together.

Hmmmm… perhaps life really isn’t a bowl full of cherries. Perhaps it is a hot cup of tea.

“Any time women come together with a collective intention, it’s a powerful thing… magic happens.” – Phylicia Rashad For more information about WOMEN TALK in Strathmore, please visit www.WomenTalk.ca/Strathmore.

Alberta Hearing Center Give the Lady in your life the courtesy of HEARING WHAT SHE HAS TO SAY, for more than one day!!

Free hearing test if you bring your Wife or Mom!! *only for appointments booked in May.

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Unit 531-409 East Hills Blvd S.E. Calgary

Please Call For An Appointment 403.668.7776

For all your hearing needs AADL, WCB, DVA & “Private” facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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The Best Marketing Campaign is a Diverse One

Get Your Name Out There – On All Platforms!

Kyle Penn is a writer, a music-lover, and a lover of all things literary. He also owns and operates Ink Slinger, a small business devoted to content creation, copywriting, and social media management. For innovative writing solutions, reach out to him at kylewpenn@gmail.com.

The idea of investing can be a nerve-wracking one, especially as a small business owner.

You work hard for every dollar that you bring in, so it can be a little scary to consider parting with that money, even with the promise that a well-invested dollar will pay itself back, and then some.

When you go to the bank and are looking to invest, the first bit of advice that anybody will give you is to diversify. You want your investments to be spread out over a number of different options and portfolios – that way, you’re not putting all your eggs into one basket, and you’ll be taking advantage of the strengths of multiple different industries and trends, rather than just relying on a singular large investment to hopefully pay off.

This knowledge holds just as true when you’re looking to invest in marketing for your business. A dollar spent on marketing can often result in a big return on investment for your business. Unfortunately, though, spending money on bad marketing will result in the same outcome as money poorly invested at the bank: you may as well be throwing it into the wind. So, how do you make sure that you’re spending your marketing budget in an intelligent, thoughtful manner? Start from the same place you would if you were investing in stocks, and lean towards diversity.

The whole point of marketing is to get your company’s name out to as many different people and places as possible. Discussions about content and branding aside, a successful marketing campaign is one that reaches as many potential clients and cus-

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tomers as possible. In the digital age that we live in, we often see small businesses relying entirely on free-to-play social media marketing to get the word out about their companies. While social media can be an incredibly potent marketing tool in the right hands, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s only a tool, and should never be your entire toolkit. Relying on Facebook as the only means of marketing for your business is like throwing all of your money at a single stock – there are better, more effective ways to go about doing things.

Not only is focusing solely on a platform like Facebook limiting the potential audience your brand could reach if you branched out to other mediums, but it also means that your advertising campaign will only be as successful as you have time to put into it. Just setting up a Facebook Page isn’t going to do anything to spread the word about your business – you have to invest time into engaging with other Pages, liking, commenting, posting viral content, and running ad sets and campaigns. On top of this, you’re subject to the whims of the programmers who maintain the social media platforms that your business is now relying on.

As an example of what can happen when this sort of situation goes sideways, many Instagram business accounts have recently fallen prey to what’s referred to as “shadow banning.” Essentially, if an algorithm decides you’re recycling hashtags too often, or that your content somehow lacks originality, you’ll be shadow banned. Nothing changes on your end, and you don’t know that you’ve been banned, but none of your content shows up when people search for it – meaning that if you’re running your entire marketing campaign through Instagram (a platform that’s owned by Facebook, as it happens), you’re essentially dead in the water.

Now, I’m not looking to scare anyone from online advertising. As I mentioned, social media is a great marketing platform, especially when you’ve got someone knowledgeable in your corner helping you to navigate the oft-murky digital waters. What I am encouraging you to do is to think about diversifying your approach to marketing. When you’re setting up a marketing budget for your business, make sure to leave room for digital and traditional marketing. As useful as social media is for advertising, there’s still a lot to be said for print. How often do you see an ad for something online that you’re actually interested in, but then forgot what website you saw it on? Print has a very real advantage in that it’s a physical form of media. As such, people can really spend time absorbing the message of an advertisement – it doesn’t just swap out for another ad on a 5-second rotation.

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Further, potential customers can consult back with a print ad. They can cut it out, save it, reference it in the future – all impossibilities with digital advertisements.

Now, you might assume I’m a bit biased, being as how I write for a print publication, but I’m certainly not advocating that you spend your entire marketing budget on print advertisements either – you’d be missing out on all the great opportunities that digital ads present! What I am recommending is the same advice that any decent investment banker would give you: diversify.

THE POUTY PUPPY There are 2 kinds of dogs in the world: dogs I like, and dogs I don’t like. Most dogs fit in the “dogs I don’t like” category. There’s no real reason why I don’t like

these dogs; I just don’t. I like to run up to them like I am the happiest dog in the world to see another fellow canine, I like to then sniff their bums, then I like to snap at them and act like a total jerk.

Sometimes I bark at them, other times I just snarl. I like to show them I am the dominant dog, even if they are 8 times bigger than I am. Mom calls me a “jerk” and another word I am not allowed to say out loud, but really, I prefer to call myself “unique.”

I also do this with people. Again, there are 2 kinds of people in the world: people I like, and people I don’t like. Literally every single person in the world except my grandma and grandpa fit into the latter category. I don’t like any single person in this world except my grandma and grandpa. I bark at every person who comes within 400 metres to me. Sometimes I switch things up and growl at them, but most of the time I just bark uncontrollably. Mom hates it, the people I bark at hate it, really everyone hates it. Except me. And I am the only one who matters.

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Let’s talk about my grandma and grandpa some more. I love them.

I wish I lived with them. They give me cuddles, and they pet me like they love me, and they give me delicious treats. They take me for so many more walks than the hell hole I live in on a regular basis. My grandma and grandpa treat me the way I DESERVE to be treated: like a king. Sometimes I like to hide in their house when my Mom and Dad leave so I don’t have to go with them. But, alas, they always find me and I am forced to go “home”. I stare fondly off into the distance, remembering the good times I had with my grandparents.

Just another chapter in my horrible, miserable life.

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Banquet Hall Rentals and Catering Services

Old Age is a Gift I Have Decided I am now, probably for the first time in my life, the person I have always wanted to be. Oh, not my body! I sometimes despair over my body - the wrinkles, the

baggy eyes, and the sagging butt. And often I am taken aback by that old person that lives in my mirror, but I don't agonize over those things for long.

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I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become more kind to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need but looks so avant-garde on my patio.

I am entitled to overeat, to be messy, to be extravagant. I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4am and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love, I will. I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the bikini set. They, too, will get old!

I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten, and I eventually remember the important things.

Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when a beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.

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I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turn gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver. I can say 'no', and mean it. I can say 'yes', and mean it.

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As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong.

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So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day.

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Quick turnaround!

Today, I wish you a day of ordinary miracles.

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Author: Unknown

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Leela

SHARON AHEER

MLA Chestermere - Rocky View We now offer Commissioner For Oaths services (Free!)

See Our Facebook Page For Updates

Phone: 403-207-9889 Fax: 403-216-2225 Chestermere.RockyView@assembly.ab.ca

CONSTITUENCY OFFICE: 215, 175 Chestermere Sta�on Way, Chestermere, AB T1X 0G1

Hanging on to My Dreams: Bouncing Back from all Rejections Arnold Henry

—I wanted to rip apart the speakers that played the bugle sounds, especially during the early morning hours. Waking up became the hardest part of my day.

In fact, being in America for the first time in my life became the most difficult experience I'd ever had. Each day felt like it would never end.— Arnold Henry I thought a good, solid story about new beginnings and overcoming adversity was the right fit for this month's review, being as the New Year has just begun. Happily enough, I recently finished just such a story: Hanging on to My Dreams: Bouncing Back from All Rejections, by Arnold Henry. The book covers Henry's experiences from his early school years to the celebration of his lifelong dream in the United States of America. That dream was to win a college basketball championship; Henry walked a very long, sometimes desperate and often lonely path to come within reach of his goal.

Fittingly organized into four sections—like the quarters of a basketball game—the book relates Henry's introduction to basketball in primary school, moves to the building of his reputation as a St. Lucian athlete and his first experiences in America, follows his initial successes while becoming St. Lucia's first NCAA Division 1 freshman basketball player and then ends off with his final attempt to secure the elusive, championship dream.

The story chronicles Henry's struggles to develop the motivation and skills that he believed would lead him to a brighter future.

From early on, his focus was mainly on sports and academics as Henry realized that excelling in both of these areas would be important to provide him with the best possible chance at achieving the success he sought.

But this is not just a book about various levels of basketball and school. It is much more than that. Drawing on the journal entries that he began writing at a young age, we see many different topics reflected in this novel. First, we are introduced to the home and culture of a typical youngster growing up on the island of St. Lucia. Through the author's use of colloquial language and his descriptions of local lifestyles and customs, we are given a very vivid picture of what his everyday life was like. By Canadian standards, his upbringing lacked many advantages and material comforts that we enjoy and, even more troubling, he and his mother were subjected to domestic abuse in a time and society

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where such things were not addressed. Furthermore, it is a very compelling story of adjusting to change. In this case, the change was beginning a life in a new country. Not only did Henry have to adjust to a completely new environment and culture, but he also had to overcome instances of racism, cultural intolerance, institutional barriers and the misunderstanding or self-interest of authorities, to name just a few.

I highly recommend Henry's book not only as a very interesting and rewarding read in itself, but also to be promoted as an example of resilience and self-sacrifice that any Canadian—young or old—should use as motivation to improve themselves. Especially if you are a student or student-athlete, this story is a virtual necessity. Be advised: amendments to, or the total rethinking of your New Year's resolutions may result.

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Jock

Let' s Tee It Up! If mother nature cooperates and everything goes according to plan, local golfers will be checking out a brand new layout over the May long weekend.

While golfers in southern Alberta are eagerly awaiting the re-opening of Kananaskis Country and the new Mickleson National Golf Club, Serenity has been quietly working away to open the first 18 of their 36 holes.

"May long is our launch date for Dancing Bull," says Slade King COO of Play Golf Calgary Facilities. "The second 18, Sun Catcher will open in 2019 to complete the semi private facility."

Golfers in Strathmore, Langdon and Chestermere will have easy access to Serenity as it's just 10 min east of Stoney Trail on 22x (just south of Indus). They are located just minutes from Calgary communities McKenzie Town, Mahogany and Copperfield.

“We’ve been working on this project for over 7 years,” explains King.

“We started this before Blue Devil was even on the radar, then put it on pause to finish Blue Devil. We wanted to keep it a little bit of a secret but that’s tough to do in the golf world.”

The downturn in the Alberta economy certainly didn’t help.

“There was risk and reward,” says King. “It may not be the best economy to open in but it was a good economy to build in. We look

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at the growth in South East Calgary and we’re excited for the opportunity.”

So what will golfers experience when they tee it up at Serenity later this month?

“Dancing Bull is a parkland style layout with 6 or 7 holes playing in and out of the trees,” beams King. “We also planted over 2000 trees (Popular, Spruce and Aspen) to match off the look on the rest of the 18. Sun Catcher will be a more traditional lynx style course with fescue grass and open rolling terrain.”

Full construction on the new Mickleson National Golf Club started in May of 2016 with the first 9 holes expected to be in play in 2018. This will be the first signature golf course in Canada for the PGA star.

When Phil rolled into Calgary in September 2015 to announce his partnership with owner Barry Ehlert, he talked about combining a family and tour experience.

“The expressed purpose is to create a family development that introduces the game to the young kids and it enjoyable to players all skill levels, but in the back of our mind to host a tour event that could be challenging for the tour players and is also enjoyable to the spectator,” said Mickleson.

If the vision holds then we could see the RBC Canadian Open held in Calgary for the very first time.

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Bob Paley is the PGA of Canada Head Professional at the Kananaskis Country Golf Course. He told me an interesting story last month.

“I was in Calgary for my father’s funeral the day before the floods (in 2013),” says Paley. “I got a call from my superintendent at 5:30 in the morning. He says don’t tell anybody but it’s not good. We could be without a golf course for 4 or 5 months!”

Of course, at the time, they had no idea how extensive the damage was to the 36-hole layout. 5 years later, Paley and Kananaskis Country are now preparing for all 36 holes to be back in play for 2018.

Business owners in the area are looking forward to golfers gracing the fairways once again. The Delta Lodge at Kananaskis is undergoing a $26-million renovation that should coincide with the 2018 reopening of the golf courses.

Another transformation on the Calgary golf scene happened at the Elks Lodge and Golf Club. The 7,037-yard layout has rebranded as the Winston Golf Club. Same track just a new name so when your friends say we have a tee time at the Winston don’t get lost.

Four old men went into the pro shop after playing 18 holes of golf...

The pro asked, "Did you guys have a good game today?"

The first old guy said, "Yes, I had three riders today."

The second old guy said, "I had the most riders ever. I had five."

The third old guy said, "I had seven riders, the same as last time."

The last old man said, "I beat my old record. I had 12 riders today."

After they went into the locker room, another golfer who had heard the old guys talking about their game went to the pro and said, "I've been playing golf for a long time and thought I knew all the terminology of the game, but what's a rider?"

The pro said, "A rider is when you hit the ball far enough to actually get in the golf cart and ride to it."

Hit it long and straight. Make a lot of birdies and enjoy the 2017 golf season.

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Jock has been involved in the Calgary sport media scene for over 30 years. He hosts the Calgary Stampeder football broadcasts on Newstalk 770 and is the host of Sportstalk from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.

Jock@am770chqr.com On Twitter: @talkwithjock

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24 Hour Emergency Road Service: 1-888-KAL-TIRE (525-8473) facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

• 49

Colouring

Psychologists Say Colouring Is The Best Alternative To Meditation

Share your completed work on our facebook or instagram accounts for a chance to win a $25 Gift Certificate to any advertiser of your choice in this issue. You could also email it too: aleesha@thenewsyneighbour.com

#TheNewsy Neighbour

/TheNewsy Neighbour

/TNewsy Neighbour

LAST MONTH'S WINNER!

This one is from Sara H!!! Congratulations you have won a $50 Gift Certificate to any advertiser in our April Issue 114 OnSite Dry Cleaning Same Day Available • Laundry Drop Off (Wash & Fold) • 10% Senior Discount • Shirt Service • Horse Blankets • Leather Club Jackets • Wedding Gowns (Preservation Boxes)

Quality Repairs

316A 2nd Ave, Strathmore, AB

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403-934-1807

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McBride Career Group

Offering career and employment support to all residents of Alberta at no cost to you.

When: Saturday May 13th 11am to 3pm

FREE COFFEE & DONUTS COURTESY OF ROCKY’S BAKERY & THE TOWN OF STRATHMORE

Where: Strathmore Town Office Parking Lot

Services available at our Strathmore Location and by appointment in Wheatland County, Chestermere and Langdon

What: Donations for the Food Bank

403-934-4305

Our Goal is to fill the Youth Club Bus with items that are badly needed.

WISH LIST Peanut Butter, Pasta, Tomato Soup, Vegetable Soup, Canned Vegetables, Canned Fruit, Pancake Cake, Syrup, Oatmeal, Pork & Beans, Canned Meat or Fish, Diapers, Laundry Soap, Bar Soap, Shampoo/Conditioner. CASH DONATIONS ALSO ACCEPTED!

#1. Be On Time. No, be five minutes early! Beat the boss to the office. If you are habitually late, you will be habitually fired.

I don’t just mean being on time for the interview or work, either.

You need to get to meetings and appointments right on schedule. Never make a customer wait. Nobody has time to wait for you and your time is not more valuable than anyone else’s. Life happens, I get that, so assume traffic is going to suck, that it will take you twice as long to find parking, that a horde of zombies might shut down the road you want to take. Leave time to deal with it – worse case, you arrive early and have time to review your notes.

HELP US SUPPORT A GREAT CAUSE

#2. Lose the ‘Tude. Attitude will take you far in the world. It can also bring your job to a screaming

A little bit of everything

Gaylene Smith has been a waitress, tree planter, canoeing instructor, cemetery caretaker, fund development officer, communications officer, marketing coordinator, and currently is a career coach, and first aid instructor on the side. She still isn’t sure what she wants to be when she grows up other than healthy, wealthy and wise, although right now she is willing to take just one of the three. Gaylene can be reached by phone at 403-934-4305 or gsmith@mcbridecareergroup.

halt. If you are the Moaning Myrtle of the office, you probably have noticed your talent for clearing out the staff room. If you suffer from “poor me” syndrome, you need to get over it quick.

Smile, laugh, be a friggen ray of sunshine because nobody wants to work with Debbie Downer. Keep the negativity to yourself.

When I have a bad attitude day, I just imagine how I would mercy the people around me if they suddenly became the walking undead. More than one person has met their imaginary end thanks to an industrial stapler – and bonus, I walk around with a smile on my face.

4 Important Skills

#3. Be Prepared.

I am going to let you in on a little secret of mine. I think Z Nation is better than the Walking Dead. Oops, wrong secret…The real secret is there are lots of things that you can do that require absolutely no skill or training that will make you categorically remarkable to hiring managers and supervisors. Skills can be taught and employers will be willing to teach you required skills, especially if you exhibit the following “free characteristics”.

I call them free because they cost you nothing. You don’t need a degree or seminar to develop these skills, nor do you need the greatest technology or the most expensive power suits to pull them off. You just need to do them.

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www.mcbridecareergroup.com

The Province of Alberta working in partnership with the Government of Canada to provide employment support programs and services

Yup, be a regular cub scout. Don’t forget your name tag at home, have your notes ready for the meeting, have enough marketing material ready for all your customers. Pack your zombie apocalypse survival bag, or at least, show up to work ready to work.

#4. Be Coachable.

I’m not talking about playing for the company slow pitch team. Be willing to listen to feedback, take constructive criticism without taking it personally. Be willing to take an honest look at your own performance - own it and be willing to improve upon it. Being coachable means you are open to the possibility that there is something you still have yet to learn that can make you even better. Don’t be a know it all. You don’t know it all.

People are fallible – they make mistakes. You will make mistakes at work. Your employer has two ways to respond to your mistakes – they can help you learn from it or they can help you out the door. Odds are, if you have shown a willingness to be coached, have been on time and ready to work, you will be shown the way to move forward and not the way out.

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BECOME A VOLUNTEER ADVOCATE Chestermere • Strathmore • Gleichen

Strathmore Regional Victim Services Society is a nonprofit, charitable organization that provides 24-hour crisis response to victims of crime and tragedy.

We are seeking volunteers interested in becoming victim services advocates to provide support, information and referrals to the individuals we serve. SRVSS also provides court information, court preparation and court accompaniment to support individuals through the Criminal Justice System.

If you are caring, non-judgmental and have a sincere interest in a challenging and rewarding volunteer experience, SRVSS may be the right fit for you.

SRVSS provides advocates with online training through the Alberta Solicitor General plus several more training opportunities including Critical Incident Stress Management, First Aid, Personal Safety, Court Procedures, Conferences and more.

If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity please contact us 403.934.6552 or you can visit our website at:

www.strathmoreregionalvictimservices.com

The Importance of Hiring Local Landscape Professionals We love lawns. That's right. We love lawns. We're firm believers that healthy residential landscaping is good for your home, your neighborhood, and your mood.

But our love for lawns doesn't stop at the edge of your driveway.

If you think your local florist is great at flower arrangements, then you should see what we can do with flowers -- and rocks and hedges and trees.

When it comes to caring for your property, we do it all. And we

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do mean all. In addition to our residential landscaping services our commercial landscaping is top-notch.

Put your office complex in our gloved hands and we'll mulch, trim and water those dying hedges and ornamentals back to life. After a storm, your employees will be thrilled when they no longer have to rappel over dead tree branches in the parking lot to make it inside the building. Want a decorative pond? Need to repair walkways? We have you covered.

We'll turn the outside of your office complex into a vibrant, healthy green space that welcomes visitors and workers alike and makes every building look ten years younger.

What We Do - Simply put, we're the experts at making the property around your home or office look great. It's what we love to do.

But is that all that our professional landscaping services do? Trim and mow and plant and mulch? No. That's just a starter list. We bring real value to your property in several ways.

Curb Appeal - Hardscaping with stone and brick delight the eye and make the landscape functional with walkways, retaining walls, and flagstoned patios. The addition of pops of color with flowering shrubs and plants brings character and beauty to all of these outdoor spaces.

Native Plants - Landscaping requires in-depth knowledge of the native plants that can thrive in a local environment. Is your soil more clay than sand? What plants will survive in a humid heat versus a dry heat? What are the pests common to your area and which natural remedies deter them? Which types of plants grow best when grouped together? And what is the best grass for your lawn? These are the details that a professional local landscaper brings to the job.

Property Value - Well-maintained and attractive landscaping increases the value of a house in the eyes of the buyer. It also means they won't have to spend more money laying new sod, removing old tree stumps or fixing broken patio pavers. A weedfree lawn, nicely designed walkway, and healthy front garden are welcoming signals to buyers looking for a move-in ready home, not a money-pit.

Financial Savings - Landscaping is important to the long term maintenance of every structure. Keeping plants properly set back from the walls and roof of your home reduces damage that can be created by pests and weather. And keeping trees trimmed means you don't have to worry about a dead limb falling on something or someone. Being proactive with smart landscaping today means fewer financial headaches tomorrow.

Safety - The addition of well-placed decorative lighting always adds to the curb appeal of home or office. It also makes it safer for you to find your way from the front door to your car at night.

And taking the time to repair or replace broken hardscaping reduces the potential for injury on walkways, especially during inclement weather.

Neighborhood - A beautifully designed and managed landscape often inspires your neighbors to invest more time in their landscaping. And when the neighbors start investing in their land-

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scaping it boosts the overall environmental health and appeal of your neighborhood. And what does that do? It contributes to the value of your home.

Reliable Service - You have a plumber who keeps your pipes functioning. You have an electrician who keeps your lights on.

And an HVAC specialist who keeps the interior temperatures of your buildings comfortable. Why wouldn't you have a landscaping service to keep the rest of your property healthy? Don't wait for that backyard oak tree to fall down in a winter ice storm before trying to decide who can help you remove it. Be as prepared for an outdoor emergency as you would for an indoor one. Partner with a local landscape service that will be there every time you call.

So whether you're looking for residential landscaping services or commercial landscaping services, we can do the job. And because we're local, we offer the added benefit of knowing what your gardening and hardscaping needs will be each season. Give us a call today and let us know how we can help. Our crew of landscape experts will make your property healthy, happy, and safe.

As an airline reservation agent, I took a call from a man who wanted to book a flight for two but wasn't happy with the price o f $259 per ticket. "I want the $249 fare I saw advertised," he insisted, saying he would accept a flight at any time. I managed to find two seats on a 6 a.m. flight. "I'll take it," he said, then worried his wife might not like the early hour. I warned there was a $25 fee per person if he changed the reservation. "Oh, that's no problem," he said dismissively. "What's fifty bucks?"

-- Anna Zogg

synscape.solutions Personal and Corporate Taxes Bookkeeping and Accounting Services New Business Setup and Quickbooks Training PREMIUM SERVICE, AFFORDABLE PRICES Call Gillian Parmar at 403-399-9588 to see how we can help Serving Chestermere and area for 6 years helping individuals and businesses succeed piece by piece For more information visit www.synscape.ca or email accounting@sysncape.ca facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

• 55

NUMEROLOGY

FORECAST

G

MONTH OF MAY

Get prepared for High Energy!

The intense movement energy of five permeates the entire month of May, bringing a restlessness that wants to get up and go. Unlike last month where the bogged down influence of a burgeoning to-do list would have slowed you down, May picks up the pace!

It’s “Break through Barrier” time! If you’ve been experiencing blockades or feelings of being ‘stuck’, get ready to rocket off the launching pad as you move forward with well laid plans and new decisive directions. Goals loom large on your plate so decide to make them big and use the amazing focus of May for these worthy goals to be accomplished with ease and vision.

Prepare to clear the deck of unfinished business as the beginning of 2017 brought in the Global ONE Cycle year that sparked alive the “New Start” phase, giving you energy to start new projects, move forward with original ideas and set out in directions you’ve been contemplating over the past twelve months. However, there are loose ends as a result; take time to filter out those ideas that are cluttering your focus and narrow in on the worthy ideas that will yield fruition as 2017 continues to roll out.

It’s an excellent month to get clear about where you’re going, how you’re going to get there and who you’re doing it with. Get out in nature and work off some of the restless energy that may be pent up from not enough exercise, too much intense thinking or computer work. Do deep breathing exercises to clear the tension as May has it in spades. Remember to schedule in down time as this month can really drive you hard every day.

There is a fearlessness that May lends to any new endeavor that perhaps maybe you’ve been holding back on. Being FEARLESS and focused will allow May to really bring multiple blessings month for you!

May 1, 10, 19, 28

Deep, moody, introverted day with a desire to connect to your God Source for guidance and spiritual awareness. Especially when it comes to relationships, partnerships and the dance of intimacy and agreement creation. There are lessons to be learned today when it comes to keeping your rules. Surge forward with new ideas and decisions, follow your gut and let intuition guide you.

Release stubbornness and the desire to focus on the minutia and the trivial things in life that can take you off your big focus game.

May 2, 11, 20, 29

Huge push for accomplishing financial goals today! Confidence and the big picture take the lead along with great abundance energy. This is a money day! Use the morning to create your goals

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and focus on income producing activities. By Noon it’s time to reach out and connect with your alliances that will help you achieve those income goals. Forge mutually beneficially partnerships and create a plan for success. There’s genius available today when you let your thoughts conceptualize the unlimited possibilities. Entertain those crazy out-there ideas as today one of them is a genius goldmine! Keep it simple and release all thoughts of worry or the ‘how’ am I gonna do it thinking. Get clear and enlist support; hold the vision that the right people will just show up!

May 3, 12, 21, 30

High energy pushes to be very generous and giving today. Big hearted and helpful is the vibe. There are people that need your assistance today and the vibe is there to give it. Just notice where you could be drawn into over-giving which never has a beneficial outcome and could cause withdrawal or despondency. Abundance energy fuels the morning so there’s money available as a result of your efforts. Today you will have a hard time saying NO. Put up boundaries around what you will and will not do for others as it could bog you down in your own efforts to succeed. Today’s highlight is “Follow your passion” or you could feel like you’re not accomplishing anything meaningful. Stick to your plan and maintain life work balance with your home responsibilities.

May 4, 13, 22

Fierce independence with a drive to start a new project dominates the morning. There’s a big vision blooming in your head that you now have the impetus to move it forward. By Noon you’ve got the strength and power of organization that can patiently create the system required to build the foundation and put all the missing pieces of the puzzle together. By the end of day you’ve got a fully operational plan that you know will pay off big. It’s time to celebrate! You’ve just broken through a barrier that until now was a thorn in your side. Do your best to release perfection as that will slow you down today, causing a feeling of disempowerment. The plans are in place and ready to go. Just do it!

May 5, 14, 23

This is the best day for focusing on partnerships and those people in your life that are your best cheerleaders. Decide to filter out those partnerships that are dragging you down and causing a distraction from the goals you want to accomplish. It’s risk taking time! Notice where you’ve been holding yourself back out of fear of failure or appearing foolish. You’ve observed long The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

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enough, it’s time to get off the fence and do it. Clearing backlog and clutter today will release you from guilt and suffering.

Listen to your inner guidance system. Spend the necessary time to clear your plate!

May 6, 15, 24

It’s an emotionally sensitive day that can really get you off your game if you let it. The desire to help those in need is huge today.

Compassion for the pain and suffering of others is a motivator to assist people and be there for them in a meaningful way. Focus on having fun and being inspired by friendships, love relationships, family gatherings and sharing heart-felt love with those you care about. Today asks that you observe and keep your rules as it’s easy to let yourself get derailed by high emotions and become scattered in your efforts with nothing concrete to show.

Decide on how much giving you will do and how much time you will allow for yourself to focus on meeting your needs.

May 7, 16, 25

Truth and depth of meaning, the embodiment of knowledge and the drive for a spiritual vision rule the morning. This day wants to open to the amazing spiritual gifts, learnings and experiences that enrich the spiritually evolving soul. It’s a day filled with inter-dimensional guidance from your angels and the Masters.

Use it wisely to divine messages into your next esoteric pathway of evolution where you showcase your gift to the world. Call in your God force energy and decide to do some ego purification.

Humility and gratitude go a long way when presenting who you are to all you encounter. Lessons on graciousness and forgiveness are available through connection to your guides today.

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May 8, 17, 26

High energy amplifies and joins the high energy of May. Expect a ton of fast movement today. Watch your driving in the morning as the collective feels the accelerated pace and may be in a rush and not pay close attention to other drivers. Today’s high focus is on structure, procedure, order and service to humanity.

The service you are performing needs to be of benefit to society as a whole and have a beneficial effect at a grass-roots level.

Right action and proper procedure is under a microscope as people interact with others and move through the day. There’s a good chance for emotionalism, moodiness and impatience if people aren’t following the rules resulting in the suffering of others.

May 9, 18, 27

Finally a day that lends balance to the chaos and high velocity energy that permeates May. Huge heart-centered concern for

others with the desire to help and provide coaching to those that need your council rules the entire day. The morning is fueled by fast and furious focus on getting all the red-hot priorities itemized and handled. Expect to push for high results and achievement today! The afternoon opens to a sense of urgency as the drive to complete things becomes intensified. You’ll be responding to urgent circumstances and dealing with varying degrees of drama. Decide which person or task requires your primary attention.

Clear the problems one by one in the order they show up or else it could feel like a scattered mess. The latter would definitely undermine the powerful balance available to you in this day.

Leah Sinclaire, Numerology Alignment Expert

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Leela Sharon Aheer MLA

I am thrilled to be part of the Newsy Neighbour family. While I do not have the honour of representing Strathmore residents, you are ably served by my Wildrose colleague Derek Fildebrandt.

Please contact his office at: 403-934-4400 or Strathmore.brooks@assembly.ab.ca.

Hello Newsy Neighbour readers! I wanted to take a bit of time and update the readers on some of the issues provincially, as well as take a stab at some of the issues that women are facing. We are seeing more women than ever running for various positions and it is wonderful to see people so engaged. I hope to see a lot more women running!

Y�ur j�urney h�me

BEGINS WITH US

At the provincial level, we have seen a couple of troublesome bills come up this session. First, the budget. The Government has been hoping to ride the oil and gas rollercoaster right into prosperity even though, previous to being elected, they advocated hard against oil and gas production, have brought in caps on our oilsands production, and hired environmental activists to chair the oilsands advisory panel, which has produced absolutely nothing so far. The government is going to run into a few other problems as well as far as oil and gas production in this province.

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New to the United States, I was eager to meet people.

So one day I struck up a conversation with the only other woman in the gym. Pointing to two men playing racquetball in a nearby court, I said to her, "There’s my husband." Then I added, "The thin one—not the fat one."

After a slightly uncomfortable silence she replied, "And that’s my husband—the fat one."

-- Nitya Ramakrishnan

On the agricultural front, if you are a producer involved with a marketing board or commission, ask them how they feel about Bill 9, which could change the rules on service charges. Please get in touch with my office and let us know how you feel.

Now is the time to book your land development and septic installation projects for spring!

We passed a Private Members bill that will allow victims to pursue damages from someone who distributes non-consensual intimate images and creates a process for schools to follow in punishing the perpetrators. Wildrose MLA Scott Cyr: “This bill will be the tool victims can use to seek damages when harm has been done.”

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We also passed the Government’s Bill 2, which proposes unlimited time for Alberta sexual, and domestic assault victims to sue for damages. Right now, a survivor only has two years from the date of the incident to put forward any civil action and many are still too traumatized to do so. This will give victims more time to be able to come forward and actually be compensated for damages. Money cannot heal the trauma but it can assist in getting help.

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B.C is going to be having its provincial election in short order.

Remember, there is only one NDP Party and the NDP leader in BC is against pipelines such as Trans Mountain and wants us to keep our resources in the ground. What will our Premier’s stance be on that, when she goes to help aid her B.C NDP friends who intend to cause harm to our province and indeed the country by attacking the prosperity that creates thousands of jobs, and billions of dollars for Alberta and Canada? The Government plan: take your money with a Carbon Tax and give some of it back by sending a government paid person into your home to install “free” light bulbs and power bars, and upsell you on other energy products with “rebates” of your own money. Meanwhile, our debt keeps going up, 32 billion after this year and over 70 billion by the next election.

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As Shadow Minister for Status of Women, I would love your feedback on a few issues. One of these is gender wage gaps.

Part of the problem, in my opinion, is the lack of discussion about what the real issues are. Some say it is lack of representation at the various elected levels of government. The question I have been asked, and I continue to ask is why are more women not running? We are strong, confident, competent, and think outside the box, and though I strongly feel these are character strengths, not pervasively gender strengths, I look to your comments to see why there is a gap. Many politicians will say that we need more child care, and low-cost day care. Some say we need to build more shelters, and strategies to end violence against women. Does political discourse cater to men? I see us as a force, and as brilliant debaters. If we shine a bright, unrelenting light on sexual violence, and speak out against sexual violence and predatory behaviour, we take away the power of the perpetrators because we will not be afraid or ashamed to tell the truth of what has happened to us. Is that our path to equality?

I have always believed that one should be judged on one’s competence. I am fortunate to live in a time where competency and collaboration are seen as useful tools, but I ride on the coat tails of many men and women before me who have fought long and hard for me to be able to vote, and pursue my dreams. There are many countries and ideologies that would still like to see inequality persist whether through status, gender, or race. In Canada, more women are now graduating from university than men! We have to take more chances. We need to wear our confidence like a second skin, and know that we can be successful. We need to encourage each other. The world seeks and demands competitiveness, kindness, compassion, and competence. Take all the career advice you can, but truly it is in you; it always has been. Just look at your fearless Newsy Neighbour owners. They stepped up, they took a chance, they found a niche, and they went for it.

As always, we love to hear from you! Please write us at Chestermere.Rockyview@ assembly.ab.ca

When everybody on earth passed on and waiting to enter Heaven, God appeared and said, "I want the men to make two lines: One line for the men who were true heads o f their household, and the other line for the men who were dominated by their women. I want all the women to report to St. Peter."

Soon, the women were gone, and there were two lines o f men.

The line o f the men who were dominated by their wives was 100 miles long, and in the line o f men who truly were heads o f their household, there was only one man.

God said to the long line, "You men should be ashamed o f yourselves; I created you to be the head o f your household! You have been disobedient and have not fulfilled your purpose!

Of all o f you, only one obeyed. Learn from him."

God turned to the one man, "How did you manage to be the only one in this line?"

The man replied, "My wife told me to stand here."

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After shopping at a busy store, another woman and I happened to leave at the same time, only to be faced with the daunting task o f finding our cars in the crowded parking lot. Just then, my car horn beeped, and I was able to locate my vehicle easily.

"Wow," the woman said. "I sure could use a gadget like that to help me find my car."

"Actually," I replied. "That's my husband."

-- Kathy Behrenbrinker

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• 59

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It is so easy just to pull out your credit card when there is that purchase you cannot pass up because it is such a great deal. The problem is, most people have two, three, four or more. I’m here to tell you your Credit Card is Evil, and I’ll tell you why. Did you know that if you only make the minimum payment on your credit card, it could take years to pay off the balance? Not only that, but you could end up spending hundreds, possibly even thousands in interest by the time the balance is repaid.

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Consider having a balance of $5,000, at 14% interest and a minimum payment as 2% of your credit card balance. Making minimum payments only, it would take you 22 years and $5,887 in interest payments to pay off this debt. Increasing your payments to $125 a month would allow you to pay off the same debt in less than 6 years and spend only $1,775 in interest. Not only does increasing your payments allow you to pay off the balance sooner, you also save money in interest.

OTHER SMART FINANCIAL DECISIONS TO MAKE Consider the small choices you make with your money. Every financial worry you want to banish and financial dream you want to achieve comes from taking tiny steps today that put you on a path toward your goals.

Save a Bit at a Time Focus on what is within your power: the sums you can sock away every week or month to get closer to what you're trying to achieve. Put $50 a week into a bank savings account earning 2 percent interest, and in three years you will have saved more than $8,000.

Have a Little Self-Discipline!

Okay, so where do you find the money to put toward your financial goals? People think they don’t have the money for their goals, but look at your spending and you may find lots of "wants" to cut. Pull out your three most recent bank and credit card statements, circle every charge or debit that is not a necessity, and ask yourself, "Can I eliminate this cost entirely?" If not, can you scale it back 30 to 50 percent (downgrade the cable, say, or opt for the less-pricey cell package)? Every time you cut expenses, you can put the money toward bigger goals. And if you suffer from late-payment-itis, set up auto bill pay through

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an online bank account. This will save you those $39 late fees on credit card payments.

Spend $50 a Month for Peace of Mind That's about what it would cost a healthy 40-year-old woman to buy a million-dollar 20-year level term life insurance policy, figure on less if you're younger and more if you're older. But the idea is this: A small amount of money buys your family protection if you die prematurely.

Add a 13th Mortgage Payment; Pay Off Your Loan Five Years Faster If you're in your 50s and plan to live in your current home forever, try to pay off the mortgage before you stop working so you remove that big cost from your post-retirement expenses. One way to do so is to make one extra mortgage payment a year. You can even spread the payment over 12 months. Let's say you have a $1,500 monthly mortgage payment and a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. If you divide $1,500 by 12, that's $125, so instead of paying $1,500, you send in $1,625 each month. That will cut your repayment time by five years and reduce your interest payments over the life of the loan; for a $250,000 mortgage charging 6 percent, you will save $61,000 ($228,000 in interest payments versus $289,000). That $125 a month may be tough, but it's doable. It's one small step now, and one giant leap toward future financial security.

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Nine Months Later John decided to go skiing with his buddy, Bob. They loaded up John's minivan and headed north. After driving for a few hours, they got caught in a terrible blizzard. They pulled into a nearby farm and asked the attractive lady who answered the door if they could spend the night.

"I realize it's terrible weather out there and I have this huge house all to myself, but I've just been recently widowed," she explained. "I'm afraid the neighbours will talk if I let you stay in my house."

"Don't worry," John said. "We'll be happy to sleep in the barn. And if the weather breaks, we'll be gone at first light."

The lady agreed, and the two men found their way to the barn and settled in for the night. Come morning, the weather had cleared, and they got on their way. They enjoyed a great weekend o f skiing.

About nine months later, John got an unexpected letter from some lawyer.

It took him a few minutes to figure it out, but he finally determined that it had to be the attorney o f that attractive widow he and Bob had met on the ski weekend. He dro pped in on his friend Bob and asked, "Bob, do you remember that good-looking widow from the farm we stayed in on our ski holiday up north?"

"Yes, I do." said Bob "Did you happen to get up in the middle o f the night, go up to the house and pay her a visit?"

"Yes," Bob said, a little embarrassed about being found out. "I have to admit that I did."

"And did you happen to use my name instead o f telling her your name?"

Bob's face turned beet red and he said rather embarrassed, "Yeah, I'm afraid I did… I am really sorry, buddy…”

After several minutes o f silence, Bob finally asked, "Why do you ask?"

"Well, she just died, and left me everything."

(And you thought the ending would be different, didn't you?)

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Globally, many citizens are fearful and distrustful. Furthermore, two thirds of the population believe most people cannot be trusted, while political leaders may elicit less confidence. This is perhaps due to its similarity to "reality TV shows". Trust, the firm belief (confi-

dence) in someone's/something's ability to deliver what is promised, is not easily won. Are constituents’ expectations realistic? It seems like the electorate is looking for perfection, which I'm sure we agree is impossible of any government. Much as they may convey this, they are only human and, like the rest of us, fall short at times. This results in a loss of confidence in government; yet, beliefs remain strong in the democratic process. What can be done to begin re-establishing trust, not only in the process but also in the persons? Here are five Cs to start: Knowledge gives power and character respect. Thus, integrity, the quality of being honest and possessing high moral principles, establishes a person's good character. This becomes visible when actions are aligned with ethics and values, no matter what because what is legal is not necessarily ethical. Consequently, ethical behaviour speaks to a higher standard. In addition, taking time to identify core values improves one's decision-making ability. These choices are individual, yet the evidence of those choices is public. This results in sincerity and consistency of character providing starting points for humanity to begin to trust again. Further, transparency in communication strengthens these relationships.

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BUSINESS

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Shaken & Stirred

Marcy enjoys helping others experience the joy in life. She started Mountain Lion Leadership, in 2003. As a leadership & community advocate, she is actively involved with organizations & businesses working to aid growth and development. This is combined with a passion to see women grow both personally & professionally whatever their stage of life. Contact Marcy: marcy@mlleadership.com. Follow Marcy on Twitter @MarcyLField to my profile.

Five Cs for Re-Establishing Trust in Leadership

Sincerity and competence provide a strong combination and according to American writer, Peggy Noonan, "In politics, it is everything." Therefore, the possession of sufficient knowledge and skill to complete tasks is essential, providing an opportunity to engage and build trust with the electorate. It seems like a shift in focus to showcasing the skills necessary for good governance will bring change. It is important to note that successful leaders have not only mastered hard skills, they've taken the time to learn and master soft skills. These includes skills such as listening, negotiating, collaboration, managing change, flexibility and building morale, which are essential for building trust. The results are stronger relationships and engaged teams working towards mutually beneficial goals. Empowered people are more productive and innovative.

Commitment and Communication

Consequently, leadership is much more than position and title. Through communication, both verbal and non-verbal, their commitment to community and vision are evident. Most of all, it carries a responsibility to serve the community, seeking the best results for all. Almost everyone can lead wherever they are, when their desire is the betterment of society. Thus, a servant's heart in important to establishing trust and creating change.

Clout is Essential

Finally, the authority to deliver is imperative in establishing leadership and improvements result in trust growing. Therefore, persistence in commitment, communication, competence and character is required.

In summary, it is possible to re-establish trust and follow Socrates wisdom by switching our focus from fighting the old to building the new.

Where and what will you choose to focus on?

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Welcome to the FUTURE of publishing – not to mention the LET’S GO GREEN movement sweeping our planet.

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It’s easy! Just go to www.thenewsyneighbour.com and subscribe to become another one of our online readers.

When you subscribe to be an online reader, your name will be automatically entered into the $500 shopping spree we are drawing names for at the end of September 2016, but you will also be entered in to win a weekly draw of $50.00 for merchandise or a service provided by one of our special advertisers.

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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.

el rack. Your uncluttered counters will make the bathroom seem larger. A stager will suggest that buyers want to imagine that they are the first people to have ever used the bathroom... just like in a hotel room.

Artwork is important in a bathroom, but stick with the theme of a spa and use something very tranquil. One larger print of a black and white beach scene or a message board is very popular right now.

Stand back and admire your work... You did it!

Bathroom Staging Last time I wrote an article about staging details, the theme was "making a bed". Today, the topic is bathrooms! Bathrooms and kitchens sell houses, so the preparation here is very important!

A bathroom remodel should work within your budget and can be super luxurious, but also does not have to be expensive. The room is typically small and the impact is dramatic. We want you to consider investigating the cost. A new toilet, a new floor option (if needed), a new vanity and sink, paint, a light and you have completely transforms the room.

Let's start with everyone's friend, the toilet. If you don't have a low flow toilet, buy one and get it installed. There are great local plumbers out there who can help. Your Real Estate Agent should know a few contactors that they could recommend to you. If you are a very handy person, there are definitely options for the "do it yourselfer," but this is your toilet, so be sure you know what you're doing.

If you have a tub in good condition, leave it. If it's not white, then contact a professional tub refinisher – don’t attempt to do it yourself!

If you did decide to remodel the bathroom and it is now complete, woohoo!! This will make a great selling feature!

And if you didn't remodel because it's not in your budget, that's no problem. We do recommend that you do paint the room, though.

A fresh coat of paint will brighten up the room!

Next, CLEAN! I mean strip everything off the walls, the floor and the counters. Scrub the shower, re-caulk if there’s mildew, and clean the mirror. You can clean the entire bathroom yourself or get a professional cleaner. Your goal is to have the floor so clean that you could eat off it. And don't forget behind the toilet, too. All your personal products (tooth brush, comb, perfumes, etc.) can be placed in a caddy and put in the cupboard under the sink. Make sure all of your personal products are hidden from viewers.

If you aren't remodeling the bath, repair any fixtures that are dripping or possibly broken.

Buyers love a spa experience, so invest in a few NEW white towels. Go to your favourite discount big box store and buy the best priced towels you can find (I paid $3 recently!). These are only for display, so you don't need fancy towels.

Roll a towel up onto the counter, and hang 1 or 2 on the tow-

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Strathmore, AB

trilogyhomes.ca Brian Martin 403.830.0949

$534,900 Available for Immediate Possession

5 Features to Look for in a Forever Home It's easy to find information about buying a "starter home," but what about when you want to find your forever home? A forever home is one your family can grow up in and where you can spend your golden years safely and comfortably. Finding a forever home is different than searching for a starter home because you're investing for the foreseeable future. A forever home not only grows with you, it can accommodate your changing needs.

Accessible entry

When searching for a home where you can age in place, one of the first features you come to is the main entry. While having front steps to sit on during nice weather may appeal when you have a young family, they can be problematic as you age. A safer entry is one without steps that has some form of shelter from the elements. Benches to sit on both inside and outside the entry give you a place to rest and put down items when necessary. To make it easier to enter the home as you age, look for doors with lever handles instead of knobs. Lever handles are easy to install if the home doesn't already have them.

Safe flooring

It's important to have durable flooring that can withstand children and grandchildren, but the floors also need to be safe for older adults. Good material choices include wood, cork, linoleum, or carpet. You might not want to think about falls as you age, but these types of materials are safer should you fall. They're also kinder to joints when walking.

Spacious hallways

Just as you may not want to think about falling in your home, you probably don't want to think about the possibility of needing a wheelchair or walker. Although you may never need a wheelchair or walk, it's a good idea to find a home with spacious hallways suitable for a walker or a wheelchair. Wider hallways also allow room for the installation of railings that can make it easier to navigate your home safely through all stages of life.

Pullout shelves and drawers

Reaching into those tricky corner cabinets may not seem difficult at first, but can become challenging if you experience reduced mobility as you age. A good solution to getting into those deep cabinets is a pullout rack or shelf that provides easy access to everything within. Deep drawers can fill up quickly with excessive clutter that can be dangerous to dig through. Tiered pullouts or separators in the drawers provide easier access and keep things

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organized. Additional beneficial kitchen features for an age-inplace home are cabinet and drawer pulls that are large and easy to grasp. These types of features are installable in existing kitchens, but it doesn't hurt to look for a home with them already installed.

Seating at appropriate height

Kitchen islands are attractive, functional, and a great place for seating for kids doing homework or adults working on tasks.

However, higher seating can be challenging to use for older adults. A kitchen island with lower, table-height seating is a good alternative as is a kitchen with an area large enough for a kitchen table.

Finding a forever home may take more research and time than searching for a starter home. However, it's worth the extra effort when investing in a lifetime of happiness in the house.

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BANKS COME UNDER FIRE

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For years, the Banks have always been the institution that consumers have gone to for financial products and services. It used to be,

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back in the day, that everyone from the tellers to the loans officer and even the branch manager knew many of their customers by name. Those days may be long behind us for the foreseeable future. The banks are feeling intense pressure from investors and stock holders to continue increasing the bottom line…but at what cost?

In light of the recent allegations by employees working for five of the major Banks, I feel it is important to bring attention to what I do for my clients as a mortgage broker, and dispel any possible negative thoughts, misconceptions or assumptions about the sales process in this industry.

Starting in April, Canada’s financial consumer watchdog will be implementing a review of the banks’ business practices. According to a report by CBC, employees from five of Canada’s biggest Banks allege that they have felt pressured to upsell, trick and even lie to customers to meet sales targets. They go onto admit to signing up existing and new clients for products and services without their knowledge and consent. Perhaps this may be part of the reason why it appears that there is so much staff turnover within the banks these days.

As a mortgage professional in good standing with RECA (Real Estate Council of Alberta), AMBA (Alberta Mortgage Brokers Association) and MPC (Mortgage Professionals Canada) I am mandated to present my clients and have them authorize a consent form that outlines what my role and responsibilities are, how I am compensated, as well as privacy and disclosure practices.

As a dedicated mortgage specialist, with a financial planning designation, my mission statement is simple…finding my clients the mortgage financing option that best suites them and their situation, and doing so in a clear, convenient and professional manner. While my clients always have the choice of which chartered bank or financial institution they want me to work with on their behalf, more often than not, they choose a “mono-line” lender for various reasons. For those not familiar with this term, a mono-line lender only offers one financial product…mortgages. Needless to say, you don’t have to worry about tied selling, cross selling or assumptive marketing practices as these companies don’t have any other products or services to offer. With that said, there are situations where the big Banks have mortgage products that may be better suited to a specific client and situation. If my clients determine that the bigger banks are offering a product they prefer, I am only to happy to finalize the mortgage itself, and then refer the file to the branch. Prior to handing off the mortgage file to the branch, I make my clients aware that the branch may contact them to offer additional products or services sometime down the road.

It should be noted that as a mortgage broker, it is my fiduciary duty to offer each and every client the opportunity to protect their mortgage with either life, disability, job loss, and/or accidental life insurance, but as a client, you are NOT mandated to take any of this coverage.

As always, I welcome any questions or comments you may have regarding the information contained in my articles. Until next month…

Jason Eldridge

The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

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So thank you, the readers of the Newsy Neighbor for all of your comments, questions and continued support over the past 15 years. I really appreciate your inquiries, feedback and your business, and I certainly look forward to working with you either again or for the first time down the road.

Sincerely, Jason Eldridge B. Admin, PFP Mortgage Specialist

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A good escape plan takes into consideration various factors, such as the layout of your home and which family members are responsible for whom. Your family can cope better with fire emergencies by making advance preparations and working cooperatively. Follow these steps to develop an effective and comprehensive escape plan:

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1. Draw a clear floor plan.

Create a simple map of your home, ensuring all windows, doors and smoke alarms are clearly labeled.You may want to download and print out a fire escape grid template online, and then draw your floor plan. Alternatively, use a graph paper, if available.

Make sure to identify all possible exits on each floor, including windows and back doors. It helps to include arrow symbols to show the right path to go.

Identify two or more potential exit routes for each room and level, and come up with different escape routes in case one of the exits gets blocked by smoke, fire, furniture or debris. Provide copies of the escape plan to each family member, and display one in a visible area, such as the refrigerator. Your escape plan should be simple and easy to understand to avoid confusion.

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2. Gather your entire family to discuss your fire escape plan.

Your whole family should be present when discussing the importance of preparing for and dealing with fire emergencies. Be sure to explain the dangers of fire, especially to young children.

Encourage everyone at home to take extra caution and avoid playing with potential culprits of fires, such as matches and lighters. Work together as a team, and plan to share responsibilities instead of leaving family members to fend for themselves. After explaining everything, make sure everyone fully understands the escape plan; for a more interactive discussion, invite questions or ideas.

3. Include safety tips in the plan.

Jot down crucial actions that will help reduce risks of injury. You may want to create bullet points for better readability. When fire occurs, your family should be aware not to open doors that are hot to the touch, as there will be a fire on the other side. It's better to feel the doorknob first; if it's hot, a secondary escape route should be pursued.

When there's less smoke and heat, crawling on the floor is recommended. Instruct your family to never go back to the burning home once they reach safety. Remind your family not to panic and run if clothes catch fire; the appropriate reaction is to cover the face and roll over the ground to extinguish the flames.

8 Essential Tips for Fire Emergency Planning in Your Home

4. Consider family members' physical qualities and health conditions.

Whether you live in a house, apartment, townhouse or a mobile home, it's imperative that you take time to create a fire emergency plan that helps keep your family safe. Every family member should know exactly what to do in the event of a fire emergency.

5. Keep emergency tools handy and fire protection equipment in good condition.

Consider the characteristics of every family member, including age, height and physical condition. Small kids particularly need more attention, as they tend to panic easily and hide under beds.

Teach them to get out of the house immediately during dangerous situations. Household members with disabilities or special conditions should also be taken into account when choosing escape routes. Assign family members who will be responsible for assisting young kids, seniors and those with health conditions, once they hear the smoke alarm.

Jane Bennet

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Collapsible ladders that are approved by a recognized testing laboratory are a useful emergency escape tool. If your home has The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

•

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security bars on windows, make sure they have a quick-release mechanism on the inside and that your family knows how to use it. Power banks can help keep mobile devices powered up for constant communication when there's a blackout. Test your smoke detectors once a month, and change the batteries a couple of times each year. Also, if you have any fire extinguishers, test and recharge them properly.

8. Prepare an emergency supply kit.

A basic disaster supply kit includes a first aid kit, flashlight with extra batteries, water and packaged, non-perishable food. Additionally, prepare a hand crank or battery-powered radio with extra batteries. Other must-have items to add to your supply kit include a whistle, dust masks, mobile phones with solar chargers, a manual can opener, local maps and personal hygiene items.

Have a grab bag ready so you can leave the house in a rush while carrying all the necessary items you need.

Preparing for emergencies gives you and your family peace of mind, knowing that you're aware of exactly what to do when a fire disaster strikes. Make sure to update your fire escape plan whenever necessary, especially when you renovate or change the layout of your home or move into another house. With a wellthought-out and regularly practiced emergency plan, you and your family will be ready to take action when the unexpected occurs, rather than succumb to panic and fear.

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7. Perform emergency evacuation drills.

After the planning phase, practicing your escape plan is crucial.

Remember that it takes only a short time for a small flame to get completely out of control and turn into a major fire, especially when combustible household products are nearby.

Repeat the drill regularly, preferably at least two times per year; it's also a good idea to practice both at daytime and at night. Be sure to involve everyone at home, from children to seniors. Allow your children to master fire escape evacuation before practicing at night. During the drill, make changes to the emergency plan as you discover weaknesses and find safer and quicker ways to escape.

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Another critical part of your disaster plan is knowing where to meet after evacuating the house. Although you may decide the ideal location to meet is right outside your home, it's essential to choose secondary meetup points, such as the home of a trusted relative or neighbor. Remind your family members to dial 911 immediately after they get out safely.

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6. Decide where to meet after escaping the house.

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If you break your neck, if you have nothing to eat, if your house is on fire—then you got a problem.

Everything else is inconvenience. ~Sigmund Wollman, quoted by Robert Fulghum, Uh-Oh, 1991

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Wendy Zak is owner of Bloomfield Garden Centre, located just off Highway 1 between Langdon and Strathmore. Come check out their fabulous selection of one-off containers, locally grown plants, gardening accessories and gifts. Or just come for a wander round their beautiful location, and a chat with their knowledgeable gardening enthusiasts. www.bloomfieldgardencentre.net. 403-466-7978.

Wendy Zak Owner

Three Tips for Gardening with Children Kids love dirt! I’m pretty sure that’s the main reason it’s so easy to get them into gardening, but they soon learn that there’s lots more to love.

If you’re itching to get your own hands back in the soil, you’ll find it much easier to find time for gardening if your children are happy to be there with you. Here are some tips for making their gardening experience one they’ll cherish:

1. Keep it small

It’s very tempting to let your children loose in the garden centre, choosing an array of exciting plants, and planning elaborate beds or gardens. If your child is young, or new to gardening, I strongly suggest starting with just a few plants - or even one. A planter on the deck with some annuals or vegetables is a great way to start, and because it’s close to the house, it’s easy for everyone to keep an eye on. If that’s not an option, maybe find a small corner of a flower bed that you can divide off with some stones or string to make your child’s own special patch.

2. Set them up for success

Some plants are easier to grow than others. Your child will make much happier memories this gardening season if you choose plants that are easy to care for and produce fast, impressive results. With a little care, a tomato plant will yield a bountiful harvest of sweet, colourful fruits; likewise, a squash will work itself across the garden before growing a lovely crop of impressively oversized vegetables. Or choose annuals such as marigolds, geraniums or calendula that grow quickly and flower prolifically.

Remember: for children, quantity is much more important than quality!

N R E DE T R G A C E N

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We have a lovely selection of gifts for the avid bloomfieldgardencentre.net gardener ... and for the armchair gardener! Come and browse our beautiful store for something special for Mom this year:

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Don't know what Mom would like? Bring her on Mother's Day for a wander round our lovely new store and complimentary tea or coffee.

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3. Accept responsibility

There are few things more satisfying than nurturing a plant and seeing it grow and blossom. Your children will love the experience.

But remember, a few days of neglect can be bad news for any plants, especially in the heat of the summer. If you want your children to learn the love of gardening, help them out by reminding them to tend their plants, or even sneaking in a little TLC of your own.

4. Grow food

Even though flowers are fun to grow, there’s something incredibly exciting about eating something you grew. And what a great way to get your children to eat vegetables! There are so many that are easy for children to grow, and they will never taste a vegetable as sweet as one that came from their own garden.

This year at Bloomfield Garden Centre, we’re giving every child who comes here a free 4” vegetable plant (while supplies last).

Stop on by with your children, and see what we have.

403-466-7978

wendy@bloomfieldgardencentre.net 243015 Boundary Road

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• 71

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