fall 2009

a rural hip lifestyle magazine

Fall 2009

A complimentary magazine featuring the foothills region including: Black Diamond, High River, Longview, Nanton, Okotoks, Turner Valley.

routesmagazine.ca fall 2009

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7 Cover StoryA look at the movie industry’s struggle to work in Alberta

15 Feature Artist Country Music Award winner: George Canyon

24 ShoppingRelish in the Colours of Fall

Professionally Speaking22 Fall is the perfect time to get organized, a professional gives a few pointers

23 A closer look at reaching fitness goals with IFlow™

26 Special Feature: Okotoks First in a series: profiles of our rural hip towns

34 DetoursA look back at summer days of family camping

On the Cover: Locations manager, Ben Owens photographed at CL Western StudiosBy Neville Palmer

fall 2009

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Fall 2009

A complimentary magazine featuring the foothills region including: Black Diamond, High River, Longview, Nanton, Okotoks, Turner Valley.

Activity Feature 12Fitness classes to keep you motivated this fall

Arts and Entertainment 18Harvest festivals - Arts Days - live theatre

and great music to discover

Family SectionSheppard Family Park through a child’s eyes 21

On the Lighter Side, a little family humour 30

FoodFeaturing chef and stay home dad, Allen Marles 28

Quick and delicious Turkey Chili, a recipe for the family

Braised Beef recipe by Chris’s on Fifth chef, Chris Martin 29

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I’m proud to make ROUTES magazine a part of every promotional package we send out of our office. People love it; I’m always pleased to hear the WOW comments that follow!Marilyn MacArthurBusiness & Tourism Development ManagerTown of High River

“Thanks for the copy of Routes! What a great magazine-we’ve passed it around the office and we’ve all enjoyed the variety of articles and the local flavour. The Cayley School article and the greenhouse tour article are especially interesting.” MonicaThe Great Canadian Barn DanceHillspring, AB

“I want to tell you, I LOVE ROUTES MAGAZINE!! I find it very professional, inter-esting, and I am proud in the way you recognize the different businesses and people in the Foothills Area. It contains a little of our western heritage, and also how innovative people have become in Southern Alberta. I applaud you for a wonderful job!! Keep up the great work on Routes! I look forward to your next publication.”JaniceNanton

“I have recently had your wonderful magazine delivered to my rural home in Priddis, Alberta. I was so impressed at the quality and professional presentation. This really is the first rural magazine of this caliber.” Karen Freeman Leighton Art Centre

From Our Readers

t his issue marks the end of the first year of growing this baby called Routes. Among many things, I have learned that it

takes more than a great idea and lots of enthusiasm to grow a company, it ‘takes a village’.

Not one for the traditional, I dragged the team and an old sofa out to this photo shoot. The result is a snapshot of some of us from the Routes village. These bril-liant, energetic and talented people (and others who couldn’t be there) are those who make each issue a success. A big-hearted thank you to all, you amaze me.

The cover story evolved from explor-ing films made locally to an interview with locations manager, Ben Owens who informed us of a crisis within the indus-try. Those who live in High River have been pleasantly, and at times, unpleas-antly interrupted by the making of the only two productions in Alberta at this time; Heartland, and a TV movie called 12 Men of Christmas. It may feel incon-venient when the film industry takes up our valuable parking space and closes shops for filming, but many local people make a living off of these productions. This is a look at the state of the indus-try in Alberta. Ben became our cowboy fighting for the film industry in our mock western. Thanks for being such a great sport Ben!

Our ‘artist feature’ this issue is singer, and local legend, George Canyon. Pho-tographer Neville Palmer brilliantly cap-tured George in both words and images for this article. George lives in the foot-hills area and is nominated for several Canadian Country Music awards. Read more about his passion for music, flying, and helping children who live with juve-nile diabetes. Readers have been asking, so we are delivering a ‘family page’. It will vary in content, but we will always try to include inspiration or encourage-ment with a column that reflects the funny side of parenting, like writer Pat Fream’s article. She put herself out there,

literally, with her story about capturing on video, all those precious moments of childhood.

Another new item this year is Finding Roots: A series on our small towns. This is a look into what our foothills towns are all about. Melanie Collison takes a look at Okotoks. This once small town has grown up and become a regional hub in south-ern Alberta. Next issue, she visits Nanton; is it more than antique shopping?

Finally, in Detours, Sheila Sepkowski says farewell, not just to her challenging days of tenting, but to another season of camping, comedically illustrated by Longview’s Matt Zoumer.

Fall is my favourite time of year, with cool breezes, the leaves turning, a smell of new markers, and kids back in school! Enjoy these dwindling warm evenings with a few more barbeques with friends, and remember to balance the back to school rush by getting out to the many fall harvest festivals, dances and concerts going on in your backyard, the foothills.

Sandra WiebeExecutive Editor/Publisher

With the onset of year two for Routes, this baby’s got a brand new blog. Check it out, watch it grow, leave a comment, make it your web stop for all things ‘foothills’: www.routesmagazine.ca

CAPTION: (Left to right) Back row: Sandra Wiebe, Melanie Collison, Jane RussellOn the sofa: Sheila Sepkowski, Neville Palmer, Sharon SyversonSitting on the tracks: Simon Denness


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Alberta has plenty of Hollywood appeal but will government incentives be enough to stay in the game?

Pat Fream is a freelance writer who has been writing for various Alberta businesses and publications for more than 16 years. In addition to her penchant for words, Pat is passionate about fitness, travel and all things related to her husband and three kids. Although work and activities often take her to the city, Pat enjoys acreage living in the DeWinton area, where soaring hawks, rolling hills and the distant Rockies are a constant source of awe and inspiration.

Matts Zoumer is an accomplished muralist, fine artist and acclaimed cartoonist. His murals adorn businesses and residential properties in Okotoks, Longview and Calgary. Matts lives in the Longview area with his dog and horses and derives much of his inspiration from the “cowboy way of life.” Matts is also creative in other mediums including woodcarving, hide tanning and cowboy poetry, to name but a few.

Sheila Sepkowski is a freelance writer and photographer. She has written for weekly and daily newspapers across Alberta. Sheila enjoys being behind the camera creating portraits and landscape images. She has lived in High River with her husband, two chil-dren and two dogs for the past ten years.

Neville developed an early taste for photography using a simple point and shoot camera which enabled him to appreciate the components of light, shutter speed and aperture in the image making process. His interest grew throughout the next 20 years turning professional in 1999. His work has been published in magazines, calendars and cards and has been used by music artists for CD covers, and on display for the Calgary Stampede 2009. Now located in southern Alberta, Neville enjoys the chal-lenges of photographing a different culture and lifestyle. He has a deep understanding of image making, and always tries to share his experience of the moment through his pictures.

Melanie Collison is a freelance journalist who paid her dues for 19 years in daily newspapers. She writes about everything from the High River Highland Games to environmental progress in the oilpatch. In addition to magazine and newspaper work, she’s a speech writer, editor and photographer. To recharge her spirit, she plays bass clarinet and writes a little music, and larks about in the sunshine with her four rescue dogs under the guise of a meeting with her colleagues.

Fall 2009 Issue

Publisher:Routes Media Inc.

Executive Editor:Sandra Wiebe

Copy Editor:Pat Fream

Art Director:Sharon Syverson

Photographer:Neville Palmer

Contributing Photographers:Jim NelsonChris MartinJane Russell

Contributing Graphic Design:Jane Russell

Simon Denness

Contributors:Melanie Collison, Neville Palmer,

Sheila Sepkowski, Pat Fream, Matts Zoumer, Alison Laycraft, Chris Martin,

Allen and Terri Marles, Jacqueline Overmars, Claire MacEachen, Steve

Morris, Starla Alder, Lyn Hope, Andrew Gustafson, Lisa Scholtz

Advertising:Simon Denness

[email protected]

Routes Magazine��1-� St SW

High River, AB T1V 1B�Ph: �0�.880.��8�

[email protected]

Subscriptions:1 year: $12.992 years: $22.98� years: $�2.9�

(Prices do not include GST)

Routes magazine is published seasonally, four times per year. We print 10 000 full colour, full glossy copies. They are distributed throughout the foothills region of southern Alberta by Canada Post admail, local retailers and subscriptions.

Find additional information or leave a comment on the weblog

at www.routesmagazine.ca

By Pat Fream

ONLOCATION

fall 2009

Photos by Neville Palmer

Matts Zoumer


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Co

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Featu

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ear old Alberta has something filmmakers want: pristine Rockies, sculpted ranchlands, colossal sky, haunting badlands, contemporary cityscape,

and a whole slew of directors, producers, technical crews, actors, and wranglers ready and willing to lend their expertise to the movie making business. So why is Alberta’s filmmaking industry in rapid decline?

“The government has no appetite whatsoever for developing the film industry in Alberta,” says Ben Owens, locations manager and member of Directors Guild of Canada. “It’s like we’re in this sea of oil and cows, and those are the only two resources worth investing in.”

Owens has been in the filmmaking business for more than a decade, and he has worked on numerous movie and television productions. His tone is buoyant and optimistic when the topic is about scouring the province for potential filming locations. Flip to a snapshot of Alberta’s film industry over the last decade, and the pitch turns unmistakably grim.

“We are definitely on a downward trend,” says Owens woefully. “We had a $450-million industry in Alberta in 1999,

then for a couple of years we levelled out at around $250 million. This year, we’ll be lucky if we see $100 million.”

Owens blames the plummet on factors unrelated to the sagging economy. “Sure, the recent recession has played a role in the decline, however, historically during recessions film production increases because statistics show more people go to movies and watch TV when times are tough.”

While circumstances affecting the slowdown in movie production do include such factors as the inflated Canadian dollar and the long dispute involving the Screen Actors Guild in Hollywood, Owens insists the biggest reason for the decline in Alberta is the government’s paltry incentives.

“Our incentive program is simply not competitive with other jurisdictions,” says Owens. “Primarily, it works for a certain size of production, generally the $4-million to $7-million production, which is of the TV movie size. Once you hit the $7-million mark in production, the current incentive program tops out and stops being a benefit, so we are less likely to get the larger budget productions such as A-list TV productions, TV series, and feature films.”

“ “It’s like we’re in this sea of oil and cows, and those are the only two resources worth

investing in.”Owens goes on to explain that Alberta’s incentive program is structured differently

than those in other provinces and in the U.S. Other jurisdictions offer a tax-based incentive program where the government gives a percentage back to the production after it has collected the taxes. In Alberta, the province lays out the money before taxes are collected and then slaps a cap on it.

Chad Oakes, who co-chairs Calgary-based Nomadic Pictures Corp. with Mike Frislev, is another industry player sad to see the Alberta advantage slipping away. “Alberta offers 14 to 23 per cent of all monies spent on a movie production in the province, which, at one time was the best incentive offered in the country,” says Oakes. “Now, all provinces across Canada have increased their rebates, and have far surpassed what Alberta is offering.”

Based on the 2009 International Film Incentive Report compiled by law firm Borden Ladner Gervais, Saskatchewan now offers 45 per cent to 55 per cent of all qualified Saskatchewan labour, and Manitoba offers 45 per cent to 65 per cent. In addition, some 30 American states offer tax incentives to keep U.S. producers at home, a strategy that’s working.

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“Most producers are now choosing a different province or staying in the U.S. to shoot,” says Oaks. “I do know that our premier and Alberta Culture minister Lindsay Blackett are aware of the issues our local film industry is facing, and are looking into what can be done for us to be competitive again.”

Rancher and film production company owner, John Scott is also a vocal advocate for changes to Alberta’s film tax incentive program. Scott owns a 2,000-hectare ranch near Longview and runs Calgary-based John Scott Motion Picture Animals. He has supplied horses, land, wrangling expertise, stunt co-ordination and talent scouting services for more than 150 films over four decades. In addition to his concern regarding Alberta’s capped tax incentive program, Scott maintains that Alberta needs to build a filming studio. To date there have been numerous failed attempts to get a studio off the ground.

Alberta does have a readily available western town set, located at CL Ranch near Bragg Creek. Built for the Lonesome

Dove TV series, it has been used in many westerns, including Shanghai Noon, The Claim, Into the West, and the Little House on the Prairie remake.

“This kind of setup is ideal,” says Owens. “There are fewer people to disrupt (when filming) and fewer people have a say in what you’re doing.” Owens agrees that a studio would be an asset to Alberta, but he believes that even without one, producers would come if the tax incentives were competitive.

Last fall, the province doled out a one-time cash injection of $14 million to the film industry. The funding was split into $5 million to cover a backlog of approved film financing and $9 million for new projects. While stakeholders concede anything is better than nothing, most say that without a competitive incentive program behind it, this is not enough to put Alberta back on the radar for American productions.

“When it comes right down to it, there is no downside to making movies here – it’s an economic multiplier,” says Owens.

“The worst case scenario I’ve ever heard of is a 1.36-cent rate of return – for every government dollar spent, you get $1.36 returned. That’s the worst case scenario. The government itself did a study of the financial investment and it concluded that the returns can be as high as six times (the investment). That sounds high to me, but either way, when films are made here, it’s nothing but good for Alberta.”

Alberta has been the backdrop for numerous Hollywood movies, TV programs and TV series, dating back as far as the 1920s. Some of the more famous productions include: Superman (19�8) Bye Bye Blues (1989)Honey I Shrunk the Kids (1989) Unforgiven (1992)Legends of the Fall (199�)The Edge (199�)Shanghai Noon (2000)The Claim (2000)Open Range (200�)Brokeback Mountain (200�)The Assassination of Jesse James (200�)Passchendaele (2008)TV productions filmed in Alberta include Lonesome Dove (mini-series), North of �0 and Heartland.

“When it comes right down to it, there is no downside to making movies here – it’s an

economic multiplier,”


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TRX Suspension Training As one of the most innovative fitness tools available today, the TRX Suspension Training class gives new meaning to exercise variety. This fun and unique class gives participants an edge over a pure protocol of conventional strength training. Every Suspension Training exercise builds functional strength and improves flexibility, balance and core stability all at once, as is required on the playing field of sport and in daily living. Combined into circuits, and utilizing the many metabolic conditioning tools, TRX builds functional strength using your own body weight and a toning stimulus not easily matched.

-Andrew Gustafson, Natural High Fitness, Okotoks

NiaNia draws from dance arts, martial arts, and healing arts to create purposeful movement. Often practiced in a group-fitness format, it is performed barefoot to diverse and inspiring music. This is a holistic activity engaging your body, mind, emotions and spirit that teaches you to be more joyful, expressive, and alive in your body. Nia is intended for everybody – people new to fitness or movement, and those who have been active for some time. The intention is to move in your body’s own way, receiving as much as you give. All classes invoke the opportunity to move as easily or as intensely as you desire. The Nia Belt System follows traditional Martial Arts models, moving students through progressive levels of education, skill sets and proficiency.

-Lisa Scholtz, Claresholm

Boot CampParticipating in a fitness boot camp can give a kick-start to a healthier lifestyle. Usually lasting four to six weeks, a variety of routines are used to improve body composition and overall physical well-being. Using a person’s own body weight as resistance will ensure the course is suitable for people of all abilities. Dramatic results can be obtained when the program combines with aerobic exercise for heart and lung health with load bearing routines for muscle development. A properly run boot camp can be the switch that means every aspect of your life is super charged and filled with energetic enjoyment.

-Neville Palmer, Peak Potential Fitness, High River

Personal TrainingGood personal trainers can help with nearly every fitness roadblock. They can help with injury rehabilitation and reduce the severity or reoccurrence of many health concerns – particularly when they work in coordination with other health practitioners. While ensuring that each work out is done safely and effectively, it is also their job to keep the exercises challenging and motivating. A trainer requires you to make and keep appointments for your fitness goals. For individuals with very active jobs, proper training can help you keep your energy up and stay on your “A” game while at work or play. If you need help staying true to your diet, a personal trainer will keep you honest and burning as many calories as possible a short amount of time.

-Steve Morris, The Energy Shop Fitness and Lifestyle, Black DiamondNOTE: Classes may be offered by various instructors at more than one fitness location.

Nordic WalkingWalking is the most popular form of exercise in the world, but by adding lightweight poles to propel your stride, you engage the large muscles of your upper body thereby improving muscle tone in the arms, shoulders, and chest. The use of poles to propel your stride, much like cross-country skiing, results in a greater cardio benefit than regular walking. Nordic walking poles, created by Tom Rutlin, were initially designed for training cross-country ski athletes in the off-season. Walkers use the poles to bound up and down hills and cross-country to maintain their physique and cardiovascular endurance. This exercise is good for all ages and levels of ability.

-Claire McEachen, Body Motion, High River

PilatesPilates is a mind-body technique pioneered by the late Joseph Pilates. It focuses on strengthening all the core muscles (abdominals and spine). Pilates is increasingly used in rehabilitation, cross-training, pre and post-natal, as well as for increasing or maintaining current fitness levels. There are many styles. STOTT Pilates is a contemporary approach to the original exercise method. It incorporates modern principles of exercise science and spinal rehabilitation, making it one of the safest and most effective methods available. Benefits to the participant include: better posture, greater mind-body awareness, flatter abdominals, increased flexibility, improved muscle tone, core stability and relief of pain and tension.

-Lyn Hope, Full Circle Pilates, High River

YogaYoga is an ancient practice that dates back a thousand years. It has, however, gained more attention in western society over the last few years. The term yoga means to yoke or unite and it is a practice that promotes overall well-being by uniting body, mind and spirit. The benefits are many and include increasing strength, flexibility and joint mobility through basic poses and stretches. Practicing in a calm and peaceful atmosphere reduces stress and tension. Whether you are looking for a yoga class with an emphasis on relaxation or a class that is more athletic, there is a yoga class designed for all levels of experience, guided by qualified teachers.

-Starla Alder, Active Balance Yoga and Wellness, Vulcan, Nanton, and Claresholm

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Singer George Canyon flies off with numerous country music awards as well as the hearts of children living with juvenile diabetes.

Destined for the Stars

Photos and Story by Neville Palmer


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ist

Pro

file

“I have always had an

innate instinct to be creative, be it in music or other art forms. Some

days it is the only way I can truly

express myself.”

Aim for the stars and maybe you’ll reach the sky”

s a small boy George Canyon dreamed of being among the stars. He wanted a life as a pilot in the Canadian Air Force, a dream that sustained him throughout

his young life. However, it seemed he was destined to remain earthbound when he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 14.

When he first picked up an acoustic guitar at age five, Canyon couldn’t have imagined the road he was to travel later in life. Now in his 30s, with a string of hits to his credit, a stack of Junos and Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) awards, his life has been driven

by creativity and a desire to help and sup-port others. Not only is Canyon a top-flight musician, he also paints and is an enthusiastic photographer.

“I have always had an innate instinct to be creative, be it in music or other art forms,” said Canyon. “Some days it is the only way I can truly express myself.”

The creative spark that has driven Canyon to make chart-topping music has been matched by a drive to live life to the fullest. After a handful of visits to Kanda-har, Canyon was made a honourary colo-nel, by Canadian Defence Minister Peter MacKay and Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Hillier.

“Our military holds a very special

place in my heart,” said Canyon. “I have been working with them for over five years now and it has been very reward-ing. I am so proud to be Canadian after watching the successes of our military.”

Earlier this year, Canyon embarked on a coast to coast tour, flying an Ultra-light aircraft to 15 cities, to talk with chil-dren living with type 1 diabetes, and to perform for them. The tour, called The Sky’s Not The Limit, focused on showing children that they don’t have to accept limitations because they have diabetes, and that they should always aim to fulfill their potential. “The success of this event has given us a drive to continue holding these events in the future,” said Canyon.

A parent of one young attendee was moved to e-mail the event organizers the fol-lowing day. Her message read: “As a parent of a teenage diabetic, I thought that George Canyon was amazing in talking to and connecting with how young people feel about having diabetes. He is an excellent role model.”

Canyon’s music future is also looking very bright, with a new album due for release next year. He hopes to continue his musical collaborations with Chad Kroeger (of Nick-leback) and producer Richard Marx, which began on his last album titled What I Do. Canyon has received five nominations for the forthcoming Canadian Country Music Awards.

When asked how he feels about these nominations, Canyon remarked modestly, “Any time we receive a nomination we feel very blessed. I have been in the music business since 1990 and always dreamed of what it would be like to receive a nomination for a CCMA … it’s still awesome.”

Despite his musical success and his high aspirations, Canyon seems to keep his feet on the ground and his family at the centre of his universe. George Canyon, his wife Jennifer, and two children Maddie and Kale have made the foothills their home – a place where the values he holds are reflected in the friendships they have made here.

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6th Annual River City Classics Car Club Show & Shine September 27, 11 am - 4 pmThe past years have seen a tremendous increase from just a few hundred, to close to a thousand fabulous vintage cars. Registration is $10 per vehicle, motorcy-cles welcome. Members demonstrate the principles of recycle, reuse, and restore. Most club vehicles have been saved from the scrap heaps and turned into a thing of beauty. For more information call Doug or Yvonne at 403.652.4366 or visit: www.rivercityclassics.blog.com [HR]

“Colours of Our Fall” ExhibitOctober 2 - 26Okotoks Art Gallery at the StationFeaturing artists Michele Bailey and Valerie McLenahan. Meet the artists at the opening reception October 2 Call: 403.938.3204 [OK]

Lindsay Brandon October 3, 8 pm Twin Butte General Store and Mexican Restaurant ($8 or 2/$15)Lindsay Brandon is a Calgary based musician who plays eco-folk-rockin’-roots music. Her subject matter moves her audience to consider current social and environmental standards. She also uses a looper pedal to create little skits of music between songs. Each performance is unique in form and proves to be visually enticing and intellectually stimulating. Call: 403.454.8328, or email: [email protected] [TB]

Rachelle Van Zanten October 17, 7:30 pmFlare & Derrick Community HallAn incredible slide guitarist, singer and songwriter, Rachelle is Canada’s ver-sion of Bonnie Raitt. Famous for her funky blues riffs, stellar slide playing, personal and introspective lyrics she has toured across Canada, the U.K., Europe, the U.S., India and Nepal. Call: 403.933.5811 or 403.933.7040 or visit: http://beneaththearch.org [TV]

Spruce Meadows: ‘Masters’ Tournament September 9 -13The ‘Masters’ not only features the world’s best athletes, it also hosts Equi-Fair, the TELUS Battle of the Breeds, Breeds for the World, the Spruce Meadows Prairie Dogs presented by Kozy Shack, and much more. There is truly something for everyone! Tickets are required for this tournament. Reserved seating can be purchased in advance or rush seating can be purchased at the gate upon arrival. Visit: www.sprucemeadows.com [CLY]

Weber Brothers Band September 12, 7:30 pmFlare & Derrick Community HallRyan and Sam Weber cut their musical teeth as members of Ronnie Hawkins’ legendary rock & roll band The Hawks. They’ve also played with members of The Band, John Fogerty, Leon Russell, and other icons. On bass and guitar, the Weber Brothers Band promises a night of classic boogie, including their own original tunes. Call: 403.933.5811 or 403.933.7040 or go to http://beneaththearch.org [TV]

in your town

happeningwhat’s

oct

sept

Art

s &

En

tert

ain

men

t

Alberta Arts DaysSeptember 19 - 20 Join the Government of Alberta and the Alberta Foundation for the Arts in show-casing and celebrating the arts in Alberta and become part of a spectacular experi-ence. Many venues are planned locally for High River, please watch for details and join in the fun and celebrations! Visit: http://culture.alberta.ca/artsdays/events/eventlisting.aspx?City=204 [HR]

Kim Penner September 19, 9 am - 4 pmArt Effects Creative FramingWhat better way to celebrate Alberta Arts Day than with one of Canada’s best equine artists! The gallery will be filled with Kim Penner’s work and show specials. Stop by Art Effects to meet Kim. Opening reception Friday, September 18, for details call: 403.652.4550 [HR]

Prairie Oyster September 26 Bragg Creek Performing Arts CentreMain Stage Concert Series presents Prairie Oyster. The band is touring with a new album, which finds them at the very peak of their form. The band has amassed twelve new songs that are argu-ably the best work of their illustrious career. Call: 403.949.4114 or visit: www.braggcreekperformingarts.com [BC]

Wales Watchers Film SeriesSeptember 24, 7:30 pm, Oct 26, 7:30 pm, November 26, 7:30 pmWales Theatre Be a 2010 season tickets’ holder - $60/8 filmsScreening a prominent Canadian, foreign and/or independent film for “one night showing.” Visit: www.walestheatre.com for details [HR]

2nd Annual Women’s ShowSeptember 26, 5 pm - 10 pmHighwood Memorial Centre ($10)Enjoy over 50 vendor booths, entertain-ment, and door prizes. Free gift bags to the first 100 ladies. Refreshments available. Proceeds go to the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and local pro-grams. Email: [email protected] [HR]

For event submissions email to: [email protected]

[HR] = High River [CLY] = Calgary[OK] = Okotoks[LV] = Longview[BD] = Black Diamond

[BC] = Bragg Creek[TV] = Turner Valley[TB] = Twin Butte [HS] =Hillspring

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t he sun is beating down and the sky is a brilliant blue as I walk down the little dirt road towards Shep-pard Family Park.

It takes me back to the past, as I have walked this road every year since I was six. I take in the fresh afternoon air and smile at the familiar smells of fresh cut hay and the hotdog stands nearby. As I walk closer to the back of the park I hear a low rumble, families have gathered to marvel at the artistry of a working 1950s threshing machine. Men dressed in old-fashioned apparel work vigorously at the machine, demonstrating how much work it is to make hay this way.

Looking around, I see adults touring the gardens of the Ruth McCoy house, surrounded by glorious poppies and many other flowering plants. Walking in through her door is like stepping back into

the past. The antiquity of the adorable little cottage is stunning. It’s hard to believe people once lived in such a small environment.

Horse drawn wagons take families around the park’s beau-tiful surroundings, it is as if an old-time picture has been painted for their enjoyment.

An older man carefully helps children wind their own rope using an old rope-making mechanism. Senior ladies sit on a porch together, hand quilting, as the pioneer women once did, demonstrat-ing how quilts were made. I recognize some of the ladies from my neighbour-hood. I climb up the creaky stairs to the one-room schoolhouse and peek into the

small classroom that once held intricately designed desks and countless students. A woman, acting as a school teacher, stands at the front of the class-room handing out crayons and paper and a makeshift school day begins.

The Old Time Threshing Bee is a taste of High River’s once lived working days in an atmosphere that is secure and cozy for family fun. It’s amaz-ing to see how people once lived in this small pioneer town, which is High River today.

As valuable as the experiences are at Sheppard Family Park with its yearly Old Time Threshing Bee, I know it will one day be valued much more, as it becomes a small oasis in this growing town.

Walk Through TimeSheppard Family Park

By Linea Miller

Old Time Harvest Event: September 19

Sheppard Family Park, High River

Entrance fee: $2 per person.

Available Pancake breakfast from 8 - 10 am and lunch from 12 - 1:30 pm

Threshing bee demonstrations will be held at 11 am and 1 pm.

Horse drawn wagon rides, music and historic building tours.

Highwood Museum farming display and much more fun for the whole family. For more information call the park at 403.652.2353

happenings

For event submissions email to: [email protected]

Arts Alive: Fine Crafts and Art Show. October 23, 4 - 9 pm and October 24, 10 am - 4 pmHigh River Memorial CentrePresented by the High River Art Society. Email: [email protected] for more information [HR]

Haunted BarnOctober 28 - 30The Great Canadian Barn DanceA spooky night in a 96-year-old barn, all ages welcome. Visit: www.gcbd.ca [HS]

Hallowe’en DanceOctober 31The Great Canadian Barn DanceDress up with the family and come to the Barn for a spooktacular evening of fun, games, music and dancing. Visit: www.gcbd.ca [HS]

Carmen & DavidNovember 7, 8 pmBragg Creek Performing Arts Centre (tickets $32). This Quebec City Duo combine elements of jazz, blues, soul and Latin music. A Spotlight Series Cabaret performance for adult enjoyment. Dinner available. For tickets call 403.949.4114 or www.braggcreekperformingarts.com [BC]

International Christmas MarketNovember 13 -15, 20 - 22 Spruce Meadows Riding Hall B ($8, seniors and under 12 free) Over 200 vendors spread the Christmas Spirit. Outdoor courtyard features ice carving demonstrations, fire pits and entertainment. Call: 403.931.3411 Visit: www.sprucemeadows.com for more details [CY]

Barbara Coloroso November 14, 9:30 amVenue to be announcedRenowned speaker and author Barbara Coloroso is coming to Okotoks. Barbara will discuss the keys to good parenting: treating kids with respect; giving them a sense of positive power in their own lives; giving them opportunities to make decisions, take responsibility for their actions and learn from their successes and mistakes. To register call: 403.938.8954 or online at www.netreg.okotoks.ca [OK]

“Bye, Bye, Birdie” presented by Windmill Theatre PlayersNovember 19 - 28Highwood Memorial CentreThe plot revolves around an Elvis-like rock and roll superstar (Conrad Birdie) and the complications that arise when his agent stages a publicity stunt on The Ed Sullivan Show in which he will kiss one lucky girl from Sweet Apple, Ohio before being drafted into the army. Visit: http://windmilltheatreplayers.com [HR]

Welcome Wagon Baby & Grandparents Show November 21, 9 am - 1 pmFoothills Centennial CentreThis event is for moms-to-be and moms with babies, four months and under. Also for new grandparents, grand-parents-to-be, or anyone over fifty! Gift bags for the first 100 moms and first 75 grandparents and all day door prizes. If you have any questions, or are interested in advertising your business at this event, call Angie at 403.938.4996 or email: [email protected]. To register call Lisa at 403.995.0037 or email: [email protected] [OK]

nov

The New McDadesNovember 28, 7:30 pmFlare & Derrick Community HallOriginally a Celtic band, The New McDades have expanded their repertoire and have grown their sound. They com-bine traditional rhythms with jazz improvisation and a world-beat, with innovative arrangements and ground-breaking compositions. Fiddle, winds, guitar, bass and hand drums, energetic playing and spirited vocals. Call: 403.933.5811 or 403.933.7040 or visit http://beneaththearch.org [TV]

Country Christmas Dinner & Show SeriesDecember 5, 10, 12The Great Canadian Barn DancePrivate bookings and families welcome. For reservations call 1.866.626.3407 or visit: www.gcbd.ca [HS]

more

[HR] = High River [CLY] = Calgary[OK] = Okotoks[LV] = Longview[BD] = Black Diamond

[BC] = Bragg Creek[TV] = Turner Valley[TB] = Twin Butte [HS] =Hillspring

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a common expression I often hear is, “If only I had time!” If you are overwhelmed by paperwork and you feel lost and out of control, it’s time to make some changes. Let me give you some easy tips.

Scheduling: Your time is valuable, keep it simple.How many calendars do you have in the house? I’ll bet it’s more than two. One for work, one for at home, maybe one on the fridge or even another by the phone (wherever the phone is!). Do you worry about missing or forgetting something and you must check all five calendars before making an appointment?

Paperwork: Handle papers only once.Is your desk one big mess, with papers everywhere? There is only one way to change that: take a deep breath and just get to it. Don’t go get a coffee first or do all the things you think of now, as an excuse not to tackle this mess. Make one big pile of all your papers and start on top. Don’t pick up your top document and read the second one or shuffle the third one around. Take the first document, read it and deal with it. There are many refer-ence systems available to make this even easier to do. Making one big pile and getting it done, also works for all those little yellow sticky notes. You will notice it doesn’t take a lot of time to get through the pile. The pile in your head is always bigger than the actual pile on your desk. And the relief when it’s done ... well, now it’s coffee time.

Filing: Establish a system.Filing does not have to be time consuming, if you have an easy system. Filing is not about putting things away; it’s about finding them when you need them. For filing there are some simple rules:• Always use the alphabet.• File the most recent document at the front of the folder.• Make a new folder for each new topic – no ‘miscellaneous’ folders. Think about where you would look to find it – that is how to label the file.• If you use binders, make sure the labels are specific.

It’s amazing what happens when you get organized! And isn’t it about time?

Jacqueline Overmars, owner of Overmars Office Organization, is a professional organizer with more than 10 years experience in office management and office structure. Jacqueline will come to your office, home-office or home and will help you with all your organizational challenges, from paperwork to your workspace.

Change your work habits and regain control of your time with a few easy tips from a professional.

TIP #1: Throw out all the calendars except one for your own personal appointments, and one other in a convenient place for the family appointments.

TIP #2: When handling papers ask yourself: what is this? Do I need to keep it? Is this item redundant? Where or when will I need this again?

TIP #3: If you file every day for just a quarter of an hour, you will get more done than waiting for that ‘afternoon to file’. I can tell you, that afternoon will never come.

t his program is an innovative alter-native to your fitness regime and one that will keep you committed to an active lifestyle. Participants

receive the benefits of resistance training and cardiovascular exercise, as well as increased flexibility and range of motion as experienced with yoga and Pilates type exercise programs.

Using resistance tubes set on an anchor point, participants work their body with a very natural circular move-ment, unlike traditional weight train-ing where movement works in a straight line. This is especially beneficial for the most commonly injured major joints of the body such as the shoulder, spinal column, and hip. Conventional exercises are linear and do not allow the shoulder to be truly conditioned in its full range of motion.

This exaggerated range of motion results in increased flexibility. Tubing contains potential energy. The tube itself is alive with energy and when you use it, the tube gives you energy, and then it takes it away. This constant exchange of energy leaves you feeling invigorated. Tubing allows you to engage the muscle in a fully lengthened position, thus giving the muscular system, as well as the joint, the opportunity to increase its ability to generate force at all ranges of motion.

iFlow™ can be practiced indepen-dently or in a group setting. The group sessions work in a circle anchoring to a ring whereby further stability is required as participants work against one anoth-er’s body weight.

Core recruitment is inevitable with the iFlow™ system. The body’s ability to stabilize is ignited as the body works against gravity and with the movements of the other participants.

During a session, the body works like a well oiled machine, flowing from one movement into another, the mind present, upper and lower body working in unison, leaving the participant to feel invigorated and open. The body responds quickly to iFlow™ and results can be felt immedi-ately. Heavier resistance tubes are used as a participant progresses.

Due to the softer nature of this type of training, participants can work with iFlow™ several times a week and will soon see definition and a decrease in muscle tightness. This dynamic work-out takes approximately 40 minutes for beginners or advanced practitioners.

Claire MacEachen is a certified fitness trainer, yoga and iFlow™ instructor, and owner of Body Motion in High River.

Co writer: Tyler Chisholm, iFlow™ FitnessSystem creator

The iFlow™ Fitness System is a high caloric burning, muscle toning program that is designed to tone and sculpt the entire body.

Submitted by Claire MacEachenImages courtesy of BodyPrint™

Go with the Flow

Time to get Or gan iz ed

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Submitted by Jacqueline Overmars

Go with the Flow

“Painted Ladies,” by Glenda Savard, $2,995Oil on canvas 48” x 60”Fresh Country22 Elizabeth Street, Okotoks403.938.9507 Triangular imported vases, $6.95 each

Sweets and Blooms314 Main Street NW, Turner Valley403.933.4200

Telephone wire bowls, handrafted by Zulu men, imported from South Africa, $22-$94Heartwood African Gallery & Imports2110-17 Street, Nanton403.646.2425

Red cross strap Mary Jane shoes, by Fidji, $192Ginger Laurier

#102, 52 McRae Street, Okotoks403.938.6146

Stories from Shakespeare, by Usborne books, $2910 best-known tales retold in a lively, easy-to-readstyle, beautifully illustrated.Pixie Hollow Bookshop417 - 1 Street SW, High River403.649.8800

Daisy Comfort Grip Cutter, by Wilton, $5.99 eachDeep, heavy-duty stainless steel

The Candy StoreMain Street, Nanton

403.646.0000

Nutter’s hull-less popping corn, $4.49/1kg bagNutter’s Bulk and Natural FoodsSouthridge Village Mall, Okotoks403.938.1740

Mini Wee Go glass baby bottles, by Baby Life$15 – 4 oz, $21 – 9 oz

Baby Boutique by McArthur#1 North Railway Street, Okotoks

403.995.2416

By Alison Laycraft Photos by Jane Russell

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High RiverWelcomes You

Shop, putt, play, eat, kick up your heels, stroll or float through the day... High River has it all. Situated along the Highwood River, only 20

minutes south of Calgary, this friendly community combines the spirit of small town living with the comforts of a larger centre. Come for a day, a week, or put down roots in this town with a rich history and a vision for the future. High River welcomes you!

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403.938.4483natural high.ca

Partnered with the Town of Okotoks to offer the ‘best fitness value

NHFA_Routes09_third4c_vs2.indd 1 28/07/09 4:16 PM


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pinning coming-of-age tales about his beloved town, Okotoks fixture Allen King says there wasn’t even a liquor vendor as recently as the ’70s. “When someone was going

to High River for liquor, somehow every-body knew it. They’d all give him money and he’d come home with a full car,” he says with a chuckle.

Owner of King’s Pharmacy for five decades, King was on Okotoks town council in the 1970s when a boom time Calgary first spilled out into surrounding towns. “The mayor was a tough old bird who had to fight the developers,” King says of his days fighting alongside him. “I said we’ve got to have some rules and regulations, and I started the planning commission.”

Newcomers wouldn’t guess that High River used to dominate the region, but sleepy small-town Okotoks found itself

playing catch-up in the ’80s when the Lineham brothers had their sawmill and ranches. “There wasn’t the interest in developing the town that there was in High River.

The elders of High River got the hos-pital; when the municipality was born they got the MD office. They had the school division,” King says. AGT chose High River, and during the war it had the flying station, all of which boosted

employment. High River was the regional centre for retail, and agricultural and government services.

“High River was bigger until about the late ’70s, early ’80s,” says Okotoks Museum officer Kathy Coutts. “I grew up in Okotoks, and for junior high home economics and industrial arts we had to go by bus to High River. High River had a lot more regional services and the pop-ulation was much larger.”

Veteran High River journalist and historian Bill Holmes pins the awaken-ing of Okotoks on the doubling of High-way 2 in 1986 and the arrival of the first substantial retailers there, the big gro-cery stores. Then Okotoks built subdivi-sions for real estate refugees, city folk who wanted a larger house and lot.

Commuting revved up again in 2003 with the Deerfoot extension and twin-ning Highway 2A. With half its popu-

Roads and retail shift the regional balance of this once, small town into one of Alberta’s fastest growing communities.

By Melanie CollisonPhoto by Neville Palmer

lation strung out along the highway to Calgary, Okotoks doesn’t have a traffic problem in town - except Sundays.

“Most of the Sunday traffic is not Okotokians,” says economic develop-ment official Shane Olson. You’ll see familiar faces from the 85,000-strong trade area that includes Turner Valley, Black Dia-mond, High River, Nanton, Heritage Pointe and De Winton, the ranches and acreages.

They’re shopping in the seven-year-old Wal-Mart, newly revamped as a gro-cery “supercentre,” and in Home Depot and Cana-dian Tire. Soon they’ll be pouring into Costco, slated to open in the summer of 2010 on the Highway 7 big box strip.

“We [have become] the largest commercial centre and the largest community between Lethbridge and Calgary,” Olson proclaims. Half of Wal-Mart’s cus-tomers come from Calgary and, “The short-haul tour-ism market is a big one for Okotoks. The definition of ‘shop local’ is changing. It

means the foothills now.” The town even draws a thousand daily commuters from Calgary.

The real plus for Okotoks of mush-rooming to 22,000 over the past 15 years is not the retail diversity, but the bur-geoning educational opportunities, ser-vice clubs and arts groups, King says. “We now have the people who can do these things.”

King’s main concern remains the decade-old population cap. It is set at 30,000 to accommodate the carrying capacity of the Sheep River would divert growth across Highway 7 and direct taxes to the Municipal District of Foothills.

A lot has changed in 30 years, but with residents like King, who are passion-ate about their town, Okotoks’ unique charm, character and economic strength will be preserved.

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s“The short-haul tour-ism market is a big one for Okotoks. The definition of ‘shop local’ is changing. It means the foothills now.”


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a lmost three and a half years ago, my wife Terri and I were blessed, and somewhat surprised, to find

out we were adding twins to our family of three. This meant re-thinking how we would balance caring for our three small children and our finances. To complicate the life of three kids under the age of two, we had just started a small catering busi-ness and decided to open a café. Things were happening quickly, to say the least.

Terri took leave from her teaching job, while I ran the business. As a chef, I knew what was in store for me, but the endless hours I had spent working in restaurants prior to owning my own business were nothing in comparison. While Terri held down the fort at home, I did the same at the café, but as those three little children grew, so did the challenge of balancing our busy life.

Two years in, it was time for Terri to make the tough decision of whether to return to work and leave our two-year-old twin girls and four-year-old son in the care of someone else, or leave a career that she loved and one that worked so well with raising a family. The cost of daycare or a day home for our three kids was too much for us to manage financially, and more importantly, someone else would be caring for our children. We knew it just wouldn’t work for our family.

Terri is, let’s just say, not the “cook” in the family. When people tell her she is lucky to be married to a Chef, she tells them she would have married a drycleaner if she couldn’t do laundry. She is honest about the fact that her specialty is Kraft Dinner with hotdogs, and she doesn’t pre-tend to enjoy the kitchen.

So, we decided to change things up a bit in our house; we sold the café, I became “Mr. Dad,” and Terri returned to work full-time. My new title comes with just as many hours and stress as owning a café or working as a chef, but it is far more rewarding. Instead of a buffet for 100 people, I am figuring out what to make for the three biggest food critics I have ever encountered, my children.

I’m a Chef du Cuisine, and yet it is a challenge to make quick, healthy and enjoyable suppers for pre-school children. Sometimes they won’t even taste what I make for them, then next time I try it, they ask for seconds. To this day, my kids refer to all proteins as “chicken.” Beef is brown chicken, pork is white chicken, and fish is fishy chicken. It doesn’t matter to us what they call it, as long as they eat it. We want them to try new things and eat a variety of foods. We always try and bal-ance their meals with a side of veggies.

One trick we have learned is to never put too much on their plate, just a little bit of a few different things. If they are still hungry, they always ask for more. It’s not always easy and we find ourselves saying the old catch phrase: “Three more bites and then you can have dessert.”

All of these changes in our lives have given me the inspiration to start up our catering business once again. Now ‘timing’ is on our side and I am more inspired than ever to create some exciting meals, thanks to the help of my personal food critics.

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“Instead of a buffet for 100 people, I am figuring out what to make for the three biggest food critics I have ever encountered, my children.”

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Fresh

Healthy Eating Begins at Home For chef Allen Marles, family values come first, even amidst launching a new catering business and his changing role as a stay at home dad.

Allen Marles is a Red Seal chef who has worked in all aspects of food services, from restaurants, hotels, hospitals to golf courses. Marles furthered his career by completing the Chef du Cuisine program. Former owner Chef du Jour in Okotoks, Marles is now chef and owner of the Inn House Chef, a catering service for small or large parties (up to 200 people).

Method:Brown off turkey.

In a food processor, use pulse mode to

chop up vegetables.Sauté until most of the liquid has evaporated.

Add spices. Add canned items.

Simmer for 1 hour and serve with cheese buns.

Submitted by Terri and Allen Marles

Ingredients:1 kg lean ground turkey454 g mushrooms (finely diced)1 medium sized onion (finely diced)1 medium sized pepper (finely diced) 3 cloves garlic (finely diced)796 ml can crushed tomatoes796 ml can kidney beans (drained & rinsed)

398 ml beans in tomato sauce540 ml diced tomatoes with spicy red peppers156 ml tomato paste50 ml or ¼ cup chili powder5 ml black pepper10 ml salt5 ml sugar

Photo by Jim Nelson

Above Picture:Allen with son, Ben,

working in the kitchenPhoto by Jim Nelson

Turkey Chilli

Recipe by Allen Marles

this low fat, inexpensive and easy to prepare chilli

will certainly be a favourite with your kids! Enjoy it with shredded cheese on top

and a cheese bun on the side.

From left to right: Ben, Allen, Terri, Ruby and Lily.

AfricAn GAllery & imports

“Showing a unique array of art, gifts and decor.”

Physical Address:2110 - 17th street

Nanton, ABPhone Number:

403-646-2425

HeartwoodHeartwood

OF

Robyn’s NestSpa & Tanning Salon

Robyn WalkerOwner

Esthetician & Nail Technician

Phone: 403-652-4473

F 403 652 4476

112 Centre Street SE High River

(403) 652-4473

Manicures

Pedicures

Facials

Waxing

Sculptured Nails

Teeth Whitening

Eyelash Perming

Microdermabrasion

Non-invasive Light Therapy

Massage

Hypnotherapy

Eyelash & Eyebrow Tinting

Standup and Laydown Tanning

New Specials Each Month

Clothing for Women, Men and Children

[email protected] 3rd Ave SW High River, AB

403-652-2252

Featuring Jackpot, Inwear and Part Two

Savour the beauty and magic of fall in the country.

The First Ever

At Kayben Farms on September 26, October 3 & 10, join usfor our fall themed events, contests, food and entertainment.

Tour the town to view and vote on the “Scarecrows for Charity”.

See www.okotoks.ca or www.kayben.com for the full schedule of events.

Sponsored by:

Kayben Farms

Okotoks Pumpkin and Scarecrow Festival


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The next in the spectacular installment in the House of Night Series is Tempted. In this sixth book of the series, Zoey Redbird is a sixteen-year-old fledgling vampyre who has joined the House of Night, a school where she trains to become an adult vampyre. Now, this high Priestess in-training finds that the dark force lurking in the tunnels under the Tulsa Depot is spreading. Aphrodite’s visions warns Zoey to stay away from Kalona and his dark allure, but they also show that it is Zoey who has the power to stop the evil immortal. Soon it becomes obvious that Zoey has no choice: if she doesn’t go to Kalona he will exact a fiery vengeance on those closest to her. Will Zoey

have courage or chance losing her life, her heart, and her soul? Written by mother and daughter team, PC Cast and Krstin Cast, Tempted is fiction fantasy for young teens. Release date: October 27.

-Submitted by Sandi Rowland, Pixie Hollow Book Shop-Café-Fudgery

Chris Martin is a Red Seal chef and owner of Chris’s on Fifth, High River, open for breakfast, lunch and catering. Chris created this recipe for Routes using ingredients available at Highwood Natural Foods, High River.

Preparation:

1. Trim and tie roast. Heat oil in a large heavy pot (with a lid) over medium high heat. Brown roast on all sides, taking 1� to 20 minutes total. Do not skimp on this step, browning adds depth of flavor to the final dish. Transfer roast to a platter.2. Place dried mushrooms in a medium bowl and pour 1 cup boiling water over, steep for 20 minutes.�. Drain off all but about � ml (1 tsp) or less of the oil, be careful to reserve all browned bits in the pan. Add onion and � g (1/2 tsp) salt and cook, stirring and scraping up browned bits on

the pan until onion is soft, about � minutes.�. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add paprika and cook, about 1 minute. Add wine, scrape up any bits clinging to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.�. Remove mushrooms from water and chop finely. Add the soaking liquid (leaving any grit in the bottom of the bowl), mushrooms, and beef to the pot. Cover and bake for 1 hour.�. Add salt to taste and root vegetables to pot. Continue to bake until it is tender, about �0 minutes.

I had just stepped out of the shower, when I was moved by one of those tender sights that never fails to trip the heart switch. There, snuggled up close in my bed, were my two little cherubs, my dau-ghter, four, and her brother, two. The pair looked perfectly angelic, as they lay quietly watching their favourite morning TV show.

After savouring the view, I wrapped my hair in a towel and tiptoed to the kit-chen in search of the video camera. Like the rest of the world, I wanted every deli-cious moment captured and preserved for all time. I returned without disturbing the pair, and proceeded to film the cozy scene. Afterwards, I panned the entire room to get some footage of our recently renovated ensuite.

Later that week, some family and friends came by for a birthday celebra-

tion. After dinner, I popped in a video to show them scenes from a terrible hail storm that had devastated homes and vehicles in our neighbourhood. After the chaotic weather episode, the picture abruptly flipped to the serene bedroom scene.

“Ahhh...” said the spectators in unison, as the camera zoomed in on the sweet little faces of our kids curled up in the bed.

Then the room got quiet; momenta-rily airless, as the camera slowly panned the room and when passing the bathroom mirror, captured a full frontal image of the buck naked videographer.

I shot out of my seat, too late to block the screen.

“Coffee anyone?” I pleaded, cheeks on fire. I heard not one response over the gales of laughter.

Fam

ily

The staff favourite will be printed in the next issue and runner-ups will be posted on the routes blog. www.routesmagazine.ca

Laugh Or Bust

By Pat Fream

If you are lucky enough to have a root vegetable garden, this recipe is a great way to use them and warm up to fall weather. For urbanites, shop the local farmers’ markets or check the selection of local, organic produce available year round at Highwood Natural Foods in High River.

Braised Beef with Root VegetablesIngredients:

1 beef round or other braising roast (2 1/2 to 3 lbs.) 1 small butternut squash, peeled, seeded and thinly sliced 2 Tbsp vegetable oil 28 g (1 oz) dried mushrooms 1 onion, chopped salt - to taste 3 garlic cloves, chopped 15 g (1 Tbsp) hot paprika (for a smoky essence, use half hot paprika and half smoked paprika)

750 ml red wine

2 parsnips, trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces

2 rutabagas, peeled and cut into bite-size pieces

2 turnips, peeled and cut into bite-size pieces

Green onion or green garlic for garnish (optional)

Recipe and image by Chris Martin

Cooking time: 2 hoursPreheat oven to 190 C (��0 F)

BookReview

SayCheeseSubmit your cutest kids photo by email to [email protected]

“Charlie”

D.A.R.E. Annual General Meeting

Celebrating 10 years of investing in kids in the Foothills

In Recognition of National Addictions Awareness Week Tuesday, November 17, 2009

7:00 pm ● Room 1423 Okotoks Health and Wellness Centre

11 Cimarron Common Dynamic Guest Speaker

Danna Ormstrup Foothills Fetal Alcohol Society

www.darefoothills.ca

HIGH [email protected] www.goldenviewstorage.com

• Self Storage Bays Ranging from 5’ x 10’ to 10’ x 30’

• Secure Outdoor RV Parking / On Site Management

Enjoy our fun, hands-onfamily discovery room and

fascinating exhibits.Now on exhibit :

Listen Up! Musical Memoriesof the Highwood

Archives • Library • Gift ShopSpecial events • Programs

* * *FREE ADMISS ION***Please call for

hours of operation.403-652-7156

Located in downtown High Riverin the former CPR station

Museum ofthe Highwood

403-933-4348 • [email protected] • www.town.blackdiamond.ab.ca

We invite you to take a leisurelyscenic drive just 30 minutes southwest of Calgary, downHighway 22, to the

With warm western hospitality, Black Diamond welcomes you and your family to discover the unique appeal of our charming rural community foundclose to Calgary’s doorstep. With the help of friendly shopkeepers, you willmarvel at the treasures to be found as you walk amongst our restored historical downtown core of distinctive galleries, shops and eateries. We feature many musical talents, artisans, activities, an in-town campground and events like our annual country-style parade. Here in the foothills, at theeastern gateway to Kananaskis Country, unlimited fresh air and unforgettableadventures await the explorer and outdoor enthusiast.

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HEART OF THE COWBOY TRAIL

unique shops • trendy eateries • parade day • music • artisans • adventure

UPCOMING EXHIBITIONSOctober 2nd - 31stValerie McLenahn & Michelle Bailey | Main GalleryMembers Show & Sale | Small Gallery

November 6th - 28thJana Milne and Friends | Main GalleryBrian Burness | Small Gallery

December 4th - 20thHigh Plains Paintbox | Main GalleryMembers Show & Sale | Small Gallery

Hours:10a- 5p | Mon - Fri12p- 5p | Sat - Sun53 North Railway St | Okotoks ABwww.okotoks.ca403.938.3204


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Yard

Office Solutions

The Garbage Bin Guys Commercial, residential or acreage garbage bin delivery and yard clean up services. Call: Kim 403-333-8460

Stem Enhance ™ - Breakthrough natural product releases body’s own adult stem cells to provide optimal health. Impossible dream? 403-652-2162

It Works!Lose inches of FAT as quick as 45min. Visit: www.studio304.itworks.net Call Tracy: 403-554-4945

InkMagic International Ltd. Affordable, compatible inkjet cartridges. Use ‘RoutesMag’ coupon to save 10%. Ph: 403-602-0166 www.inkmagic.com

Sport

Send Out Greeting CardsClient Retention Solutions/make money from home sending out greeting cards. Call: 403-477-2273 (CARD)

Hillbilly Arms Gunsmith ServicesRepair & refurbish firearms. Sell, supply and mount scopes and accessories. Dan: 403-646-2509. www.hillbillyarms.com

Life Force Healing - Taking you to new levels of relaxation and personal healing. CranioSacral, Usui-Karuna Reiki Master & Teacher. 403-601-1874

Foothills Concierge Service Resources, support, and practical help for your lifestyle and business needs. Ph:403-603-8666 foothillsconcierge.com

WellnessEvolution Energy Healing Helping you take control & reconnecting to your truth. Life coach and progressive angel card reader. Lisa: 403-312-3149

Business Directory Advertising: $�0 per issue/ $1�0 for one year

Ph:�0�.880.��8�[email protected]

Dir

ect

ory

Home-Based Businesses

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Serenity Bear Contracting Decks, garages, basement development, millwork, cabinet building. Call Heather 403-601-6967 / [email protected]

Overmars Office Organization Personal advice & practical solutions to getting you organized & have more time.403-336-8866/[email protected]

Nikken Wellness - Products that ad-dress daily health concerns. A business that will change your life. 403-862-0724 www.mynikken.net/options4everyone

Building

Cook & CleanAhhh...Cooking and Cleaning Want to come home to clean house and a home cooked meal? Call Andera 403-422-3732 [email protected]

Fitness

Serving the entire foothills area

Foothills Real Estate High River Okotoks Black Diamond Turner Valley Nanton Claresholm and surrounding communities

You can see the familiar signs of Century 21 Foothills Real Estate on many properties throughout the area and there are good

Blair Gordon has served the real estate needs of the foothills since 1977 and his team of sales associates have daily contact with the

provide experienced services to both the buyer and seller that are

If you want the best in personalized real estate service from people who are looking out for your best interests, call Century 21 Foothills

www.c21foothills.caHigh River

403-652-2121Okotoks

403-995-7721Claresholm

403-625-5321Nanton

403-646-2721Black Diamond

403-933-2188YOUR

LOCALEXPERTS

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Opportunity is Knocking. Open the door!

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consolidation or investments. Or pick up the phone if you are looking for an interesting mortgage career.

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www.opendoormortgages.ca


��

n past years, when summer came to an end and I looked ahead to autumn, a secret place deep inside of me had to admit to just a smidgeon of relief. The pres-

sure that we Canadians put on ourselves during the warmest months of the year is astounding. We attack the green houses, hardware stores and RV dealerships with ferocity - born out of desperation - for each sunny day must not be wasted.

I don’t remember this summertime anxiety as a child, and I’m sure my own children do not feel this. But one image that does dominate my memories as a youth is camping. We participated in this great Canadian pastime in an old, musty smelling canvas tent; the type that took at least three very organized and patient people to erect.

I am the youngest of seven kids, but I only remember camping with my older sister. The remainder of my siblings were smart enough to know that laying on an old, smelly foamy, on cold, hard ground in the middle of bear country was not their idea of a good time. But at the time I had no choice, and so I came to view the old tent as a necessary evil if I wanted to enjoy the outdoors.

Later, with a family of my own, I recalled the smells and memories of my childhood summers whenever a camping trip was suggested. Much to the irrita-tion and disappointment of my husband and kids, I wasn’t about to drive hours into the mountains to suffer from sleep deprivation and hypothermia. I did not enjoy the call of nature, often in the middle of the night. It involved having to first, become an escape artist just to get out of my sleeping bag; second, scramble

around, crawling over bodies to find the elusive flashlight; and then third, stumble stupidly in the dark in search of the out-house, while fighting off the underlying fear of being attacked by a hungry carni-vore. I simply would not go camping.

This past summer, my husband finally admitted defeat and we bought our first trailer. I have to say, I feel quite posh in our brand new house on wheels, which includes a kitchen, more up to date than my own at home, a fully equipped bath-room, and the best part, a heated mat-tress. The kids embraced the trailer with an excitement that was contagious.

We broke in our new home with a trip to a beautiful provincial park camp-ground. As a first-time RV owner, I was a little anxious about how all of this would work. How hard would it be to set up? Would it be worth all the effort and prep-

aration? I came to realize fairly soon that my concerns were unfounded. Our 21-foot trailer towed like a feather, fit easily into the stall, and took less than 30 min-utes to set up.

There is something to be said about having a roof over your head instead of flimsy leaky canvas, the pleasure of indoor plumbing with running water, and access to lights that are attached to the wall.

These admissions will probably pro-duce some knowing smiles from those veterans of the recreational vehicle camp, and raised eyebrows from the die-hard tent users. But for me, the simple truth is this: camping in comfort has all but eliminated that tiny sense of relief that autumn brought, and replaced it with a fervent desire that summer would last just a little longer.

Deto

urs Pitching

the Tent

By Sheila Sepkowski

i

Illustration by Matts Zoumer

Ranger Matt

s

montrose-highr iver.com Call: 403-245-3515

Stress Relieving Points

A 16 acre linear pond throughout the community

Magnificent walk-out lots backing on your pond

Here your children can bike or walk to school

Minutes from recreational centre, and bicycle trails

Choice of golf courses, minutes away

Excellent health and hospital facilities nearby

Shop High River’s expanding grocery & retail stores

HIGH RIVER

Savour the winds of changefrom the low $300’s

Less than 25 minutes south of the big city awaits a peaceful and accessible oasis, Montrose in High River. Here, the pace of life gracefully gears down. Concrete canyons are replaced by classic rural heritage buildings. Neighbours have the time and take the time to smile.

You’ll find lush parks and meandering green spaces at every turn. Safe, serene and stress-free. This is what family living is truly all about. Welcome to the lifestyle you’ve always wanted. Welcome to Montrose in High River.

Freedom for your values to grow and prosper

Mon. - to Thurs. 2 pm to 8 pm Sat. - Sun. 12 pm to 5 pm Closed Fridays

Eleven Heartwarming Showhomes

Showhomes Hours12th Ave.

Town Centre

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Greenboro Lifestyle Bellia Crossley

Landmark Cornerstone Westview Evolution

5795-Routes Mag.indd 1 2/20/09 1:04:57 PM

fall 2009

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