Upload
source-media-group
View
221
Download
2
Tags:
Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
Â
Citation preview
WINTER 2012 • red deer Living 5
items 6 Editor’s message
Follow us on twitter:www.twitter.com/RedDeerLiving
Like us on facebook:www.facebook.com/RedDeerLiving
departments
7 food | from lefse to tamales Celebrating Red Deer’s
multicultural Christmas cuisine
11 PEoPlE | Yin and yang Music and martial arts are
complementary opposites for Jason Taylor
14 oUTdooRS | Build it and they will come. Outdoor rinks just part of being Canadian in winter
24 EnTERTainmEnT | Curtains please Youth theatre flourishing
in Red Deer
27 CommUniTY | a home away from home. Ronald McDonald House helps keep families together
feature19 Balancing act Five Red Deerians share their
favourite ways to juggle work and home
columns17 HEalTH and wEllnESS | whole-
body healing. Aromatherapy offers more than a pleasing scent
30 a SliCE of lifE | Trees & tinsel And all invisible traditions that make Christmas special
contentsw i n t e r 2 0 1 2 VOL 3 • ISSUE 12
1427
Cover photography by tanya Lee
11
24
7
6 red deer Living • WINTER 2012
P U B L I S H E R
Source Media [email protected]
A S S o c I At E P U B L I S H E R
E d I t o R
Shelley [email protected]
A R t d I R E c t o R
Jean Faye [email protected]
G R A P H I c d E S I G n E R S
Lama [email protected]
Dave [email protected]
Megan [email protected]
E d I t o R I A L A S S I S tA n t
Aaliya [email protected]
P R o d U c t I o n A d m I n I S t R At o R
Colleen [email protected]
E d I t o R I A L
Jason Brink, Susan Cossi, Leslie Greentree, Laurie Hodges Humble, Jock MacKenzie,
Treena Mielke, Laurette Woodward
P H o t o G R A P H Y
Jason Brink, Tanya Lee, Jock MacKenzie, Laurette Woodward
A d v E R t I S I n G S A L E S
Andrea [email protected]
A c c o U n t I n G
Donna [email protected]
d I S t R I B U t E d B Y
Canada Post, Media Classified, Source Media Group
P R I N T E D I N CA NA DA
Copyright 2012 by Source Media Group Corp. Material cannot be reprinted in whole or in part without the express written permis-sion of the publishers. Red Deer Living™ is published 4 times per annum and is available free through select distribution points in and around Red Deer.
Source Media Group agrees to advertise on behalf of the ad-vertiser without responsibility for claims or misinformation made by the advertiser and acts only as an advertising medi-um. Source Media Group reserves the right to refuse any ad-vertising at its sole discretion.
Red Deer Living™ accepts editorial submissions and letters to the editor by electronic mail only. Please forward any submissions, including your full name phone number and return email ad-
dress, to [email protected]
c o n tAc t :Source Media Group207, 5809 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 0J9 Tel 403.532.3101 Fax 403.532.3109 Toll free 1.888.932.3101www.sourcemediagroup.ca
Shelley Newman,[email protected]
editor’s message
Passing the torchIf you’re just picking up your shiny new edition of Red Deer Living, you may be
thinking: “That Jim Zang guy looks different these days.” Well, we’ve had a
transition — a passing of the torch, if you will.
Jim will continue as Associate Publisher for Source Media Group. Meanwhile,
I am taking on the role of editor for Red Deer Living. What a gift it’s been for me
already, working with great writers to tell stories about the city and the home I
love. Yep, Christmas arrived at my house — it just came a couple of months early.
As we bring you this winter edition,
we’ve got stories to see you through the
festive season and into the New Year.
Some stories will inspire, others will
motivate and still others will stretch
your mind to new possibilities.
Speaking of possibilities, have you
considered eating something besides
turkey at Christmas? In our food
department, you’ll read about the
delectable Christmas dishes from a few
of Red Deer’s cultural communities.
We’ve even included thoughts on the
turducken, a dish that falls into a
culture all its own.
As you continue reading, you’ll be
inspired by the diverse Jason Taylor, a world-class martial artist who records
acoustic albums in his spare time. The inspiration in the Ronald McDonald House
article is evident from the beginning: the families, the staff, the volunteers show
amazing strength and compassion.
If you’re looking for motivation, as well as inspiration, we’ve got ideas for getting
off the couch this winter. Why not build an outdoor rink? You’ll get tips and tricks
to learn how. Are you looking for better work-life balance? Some well-known,
incredibly busy Red Deerians share their balancing acts. Perhaps you want to
see kids acting out? Youth theatre is a great option for students, families and
audiences alike.
As we close out the magazine, you’ll learn more possibilities — like using
aromatherapy to help stay healthy this winter. We’ll also end the magazine like we
started: with a Christmas treat, as Treena Mielke reflects on the most important
elements of the season.
We’ve passed the torch here at Red Deer Living, and it’s lighting an exciting road
ahead. I look forward to sharing the journey with you.
WINTER 2012 • red deer Living 7
food
By Jason Brink
ARE You AND your family literally tired of turkey? While
scientists tell us turkey contains no more of the sleep-inducing
amino acid tryptophan than any other poultry, that doesn’t mean
some of us aren’t yawning at least a little bit at the notion of the
same bird every year.
For the majority, of course, Christmas simply wouldn’t be
Christmas without turkey and, if cooked properly, it can be
the highlight of the meal. We get that. But for the adventurous
looking to expand their holiday feasting repertoire and bring
something else to the table, you need look no further than some
of the deliciously diverse Christmas dishes being prepared by Red
Deer’s own cultural communities.
FrOm LEFSE tO tamaLESCelebrating
red Deer’s multicultural Christmas cuisine
»
norwegian baking. Photo by Jason Brink
8 red deer Living • WINTER 2012
food
Julie Macrae is a proud Norwegian and one of several who
run the Norwegian Laft Hus in Pioneer Square. Famous for
their baked goods including fattigman, rosettes, sandbakkels,
krumkake, julekake, flat bread and almond skillet cake,
you’d be hard-pressed to find a Canadian Norwegian family
celebrating a traditional Christmas meal without perhaps the
most signature Norwegian dish of all, lefse.
Lefse is a traditional soft Norwegian flatbread made out of
potato, milk or cream and flour. Mixed and made into balls,
the lefse is then rolled out as thinly as possible into 12 to 14
inch rounds. A special lefse grill enables Julie to cook the
rounds fast and hot at 500°F, until they bubble and brown.
She flips them with wooden tongs then removes the lefse
from the grill and places it in between wet towels so it steeps
for a while and stays soft.
Norwegian meat dishes served at Christmas depend upon
which part of Norway the family is from. Traditionally, those
from the east prepare ribba (pork), while those on the west
eat pinnekjøtt (salted lamb ribs), and those in the north
enjoy lutefisk. “It’s soft and mushy cod fish that has been
soaked in lye,” says Julie, describing the notoriously polarizing
phenomenon that is lutefisk. “Some people think it’s disgusting,
others love it,” she laughs. If you have a hunch that lutefisk may
not be the best new dish to introduce to your family, Julie
suggests starting them out with a dessert that everyone in
Norway can agree on: riskrem. This delicious rice pudding
features a hidden almond and whoever gets it wins a prize
— traditionally a marzipan pig.
Marilou Bergevin, a French Canadian originally from
Montreal who’s been in Red Deer for more than three
years, assures us that “Christmas Eve for French people
is all about food.” She describes a veritable banquet
of traditional French dishes from the classic tourtière
(ground pork, veal or beef pie), meatballs, ragout (stew),
beignets de patates (potato doughnuts) and Buche de
Noel (Yule Log) to perhaps the pièce de résistance, sucre
a la crème or, as we might call it, brown sugar fudge.
Because her family’s Christmas celebration rarely
involves less than twenty-five people, they’ve adopted
a potluck approach where everyone brings a dish so no
one person ends up doing all of the work. Following the
feast, Marilou’s family gathers for an epic gift exchange
made to last as long as possible for maximum laughs.
Lefse is a traditional soft norwegian flatbread made out of potato, milk and flour.
Julie macrae with some norwegian baking. Photo by Jason Brink
Sucre a la crème
WINTER 2012 • red deer Living 9
food
Prodie Padios, a blogger on Filipino culture for the
Red Deer Advocate, has been in Red Deer for six years
with his family from the Philippines. He describes a
typical Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) meal served at
midnight by Catholic Filipino families which includes
arroz caldo (rice porridge), lechong-baboy (roasted pig),
pancit (noodles), fruit salads, dinuguan (blood pudding),
pinakbet (spicy vegetables and fish), queso de bola (Edam
cheese) and leche flan (caramel custard) for dessert.
Red Deer’s Latin community
has many delectable Christmas
dishes as well. Lissette Velasquez
came to Red Deer from Guatemala
sixteen years ago and is quick to
say, “Food in our country is the
key for everything!” Guatemalans
are predominantly Catholic and
celebrate midnight mass on
Christmas Eve with elaborate
nativity scenes that often occupy
entire churches. Afterwards they go home to eat and exchange
gifts but, unlike North American Christmas celebrations
where we get one, maybe two, big meals on Christmas Eve or
Christmas Day, Guatemalans get nine.
Lissette describes the nine-day celebration of Las Posadas
in which a choral procession is lead through the community
replicating the plight of Mary and Joseph. They stop at each
house and are refused entry, also in song, until they reach the
designated site for the party, where Mary and Joseph are finally
recognized and allowed to enter by the innkeepers. once
inside, children break open piñatas filled with candy or fruit
and the feast begins.
The most popular Christmas dishes in Guatemala are the
various styles of corn tamales
wrapped in plantain leaves. Tamales
colorados (“red tamales”) are
stuffed with strips of roasted red
bell pepper, capers, green olives,
and chicken, beef or pork, in a thick
flavorful tomato sauce. Tamales
negros (“black tamales”) are darker
and sweeter, stuffed with chocolate,
raisins, prunes and almonds. often
complementing the tamales is
barbecued pork leg cooked with bay
leaves, garlic and spices and served
with a chopped vegetable white rice
combination. Ponche de frutas (fruit
punch), a hot beverage made with
apples, pineapple, raisins, cinnamon
and other dried fruits, is another
absolute must for any Guatamalan
Christmas celebration.
Teresa Carbajal, a native of El Salvador, has a tasty
compromise for those still adamant about the turkey —
Pavo Navideno (Christmas turkey). She prepares this
traditional Latin American turkey every year for her
family, taking great care to make sure that the signature
sauce is just right. Made with a series of special spices
called “relajo” which Teresa translates as “mess”, the
sauce includes sesame seeds, oregano, black pepper,
annatto seeds, laurel leaves, peanuts, pumpkin seeds
and cumin. She serves this dish with rice, vegetables
and fresh salad. “For dessert in El Salvador,” she says,
“we have grapes and apples
because these are the special
fruits for this season, but some
families bake sweet treats like
dessert quesadillas or marquesote
(Salvadorian sweet bread).”
This is but a mere sampling
of the culinary treasures Red
Deer citizens have brought with
them from their places of origin.
Bon appétit and permission to
feast. RL
lissette Velasquez
Teresa Carbajal
Tamales
Just what the heck is a turducken anyway?HERE’S THE LoWDoWN on that often-mentioned, rarely-tried bird-within-a-bird-
within-a-bird holiday feast phenomenon.
As the name implies, a turducken is a de-boned chicken stuffed into a de-boned
duck, which is itself stuffed into a de-boned turkey. Picture those stackable Russian
dolls, only tastier. The cavity of the chicken and any other gaps are stuffed with
sausage meat or seasoned dressing. Turduckens can be braised, roasted, grilled,
barbequed, and even deep-fried.
While it’s a fun and flavourful alternative to the traditional turkey, the turducken
can be higher in calories and fat. But fear not. Local dietician Barb Dolynchuk, who
has roasted turduckens a couple of times over the past two years recommends, “just
eating the lean turkey meat and avoiding the fattier duck.”
While only available commercially during the holidays, turduckens can be
preordered from various local grocery retailers starting at around $100. No word yet
on an ostrich to hummingbird version.
WINTER 2012 • red deer Living 11
By Leslie GreentreePhotos by Tanya Lee
Jason Taylor has practiced martial arts off and
on since he was 12, but he only spent six months
learning Yongmoodo in 2011 before travelling to
Korea to bring home a silver medal in the World
Yongmoodo Championships, an event featuring
more than 200 martial arts competitors from around
the world. The 30-year-old likes to stretch himself in a
variety of ways, which may explain why he’s currently
singing and writing music for an acoustic CD with local
guitarist and music producer Dean Scott.
If music and martial arts don’t seem complementary
at first glance, Taylor and his wife Natalie agree that both
involve introspection, a desire for continuous self-im-
provement and contemplation of the world around you.
“Both are ongoing investigations of one’s good and not-
so-good habits and qualities,” Taylor says. “I also love fly
fishing and pencil drawing, though the art has taken a
back seat lately. But there’s a certain oneness that comes
with all these occupations.”
Taylor attributes his attraction to solitary pursuits to
being the only child of a single mother who encouraged
him in all his interests. Both he and Natalie grew up in
Red Deer; they went to middle school together before
Taylor moved to Hanna for high school. “He tells me I had
a crush on him in grade six, but I don’t remember that,”
Natalie laughs.
YIn and Yang Music and martial arts are complementary oppositesfor Jason Taylor
people
»
WINTER 2012 • red deer Living 11
12 red deer Living • WINTER 2012
people
The couple met again when they were both attending Red
Deer College, she for a diploma in Communications and a
BA in Sociology with a minor in Criminology; Taylor for a
BA in English with a minor in Political Science. They recon-
nected in a Spanish class and got to know each other slowly
– four years ago they eloped to Banff and were married on
a mountaintop. Now, their daughter Paige is almost three
and son Evander is four months old.
At the same time he was reconnecting with his future
wife, Taylor was playing with a number of hard rock and
metal bands, including Templedown, which resulted in a video on
MuchLoud. They played Alberta’s own three years in a row, and
Taylor smiles to think of all the great bands he shared the stage
with, including Wide Mouth Mason, Johnny Truant and Diesel May.
He was also reconnecting with martial arts, practicing Tae-
kwondo and Brazilian Ju jitsu. When his Master, Seoungmin Rim
of Master Rim’s World Taekwondo Academy, introduced him to
Yongmoodo, a new world opened up for Taylor.
“Yongmoodo has been around for about a decade, but Master
Rim is the first instructor to bring it to Canada,” he says. “It com-
bines Ju jitsu, Judo, Hapkido and Taekwon-
do — it is considered a total martial art.”
Master Rim saw Taylor as a natural for the
Korean competition and, six months later,
Taylor was on his way to bringing a silver
medal back for Canada.
“Master Rim has a great exchange
program, bringing masters from Korea to
train students here,” Taylor says. “And as
well as the intense physical training, the
masters teach important principles that I
try to bring to my marriage and my chil-
dren — being in tune with acknowledging
and trying to overcome egoism.”
Natalie wholeheartedly encourages
Taylor’s martial arts training. As a yoga
practitioner and runner, she appreciates
the spiritual and philosophical aspects of
martial arts and what they bring to family
life. “I see him teaching Paige respect,
appreciation and graciousness,” she says.
“The philosophies of martial arts are to
always be both a teacher and a student.”
Taylor was certainly reminded of his
A Family camping trip
B Jason as a young athlete
C Jason with his family: Paige, natalie and evander
D Jason on stage with his band
A
D
C
B
“And as well as the intense physical training, the masters teach important principles that i try to bring to my marriage and my children
— being in tune with acknowledging and trying to overcome egoism.”
Photos A, B and D courtesy Jason taylor
WINTER 2012 • red deer Living 13
But alongside that
humility exist the other
philosophies of martial
arts: constant evolution
and the wish to challenge oneself.
Taylor’s musical collaboration with Dean Scott will be ready to
launch in the new year, and he’s excited about it. “This new work
for the solo album is more like Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam and
Tool,” he says. “It has more of an indie alternative feel. I’m not
quite sure how to classify it.”
As well, in 2013 Taylor will travel to Indonesia for another
Yongmoodo competition and this time Natalie hopes to go along.
After all, she’s got an official stake in the black belt he earned in
Taekwondo on Father’s Day this year.
“Master Rim calls it a ‘black belt family’ because it takes a
whole family to do it. It’s a challenge and it’s worth it.” She
laughs, “And, it’s so cute to hear Paige trying to say ‘Taekwondo’.”
The Taylor family loves swimming and walking, and spends a
lot of time enjoying the park system. “A huge part of our family
life is exploring the trails. We walk through the forest looking for
the Cowardly Lion, or Dorothy and Toto,” Taylor says.
When Taylor thinks about the pursuit of a well-balanced,
meaningful life, he likes to paraphrase a quote from Plato: “It’s
like the tuning of an instrument. When it’s in tune, everything
resonates in harmony.” And so the yin of musical and martial
arts practice combines with the yang of the performance and
competition. RL
“it wasn’t just the physical challenge, it was about having to pull up courage and persistence, and hold on to a humble belief that i could do it.”
people
status as a student of life while he was in Korea, where his sil-
ver medal didn’t come without significant challenges. During
three days of intensive training with 50 athletes at a Korean
camp before the competition began, he suffered a minor head
injury that required stitches, an ankle injury, an allergic reac-
tion and a twisted knee. “All I wanted, while I was over there,
was to bring home a medal to show Natalie and Paige,” Taylor
says. “It wasn’t until after I got home that I began to reflect on
everything the experience had taught me.”
“I wanted to give up — I kept thinking things couldn’t get
worse, and then they did,” he says. “It wasn’t just the physical
challenge, it was about having to pull up courage and per-
sistence, and hold on to a humble belief that I could do it.”
Hubris and humility coexist in all of Taylor’s pursuits; he
sees it as a balance between having confidence in your own
abilities while remaining a student of life. “Humility is far
more important,” he says. “Courage needs to be guided and
reined in by humility, by an awareness of and respect for
your opponents. I would have been knocked down if I hadn’t
kept an open mind. And I was competing against world-class
athletes, so it wasn’t hard to be humble.”
Humility and gratitude seem to be a life theme for both
Taylor and Natalie. His portfolio as a community facilitator
for Social Planning at The City of Red Deer includes support-
ing affordable housing and domestic violence initiatives. until
Evander’s birth, Natalie worked with Parkland Youth Homes
as a youth and family counsellor.
Courtesy Jason taylor
14 red deer Living • WINTER 2012
Outdoor rinks just part of being Canadian in winter
Build it and they will comeBy Laurie Hodges Humble
outdoors
In the dead of winter, outdoor rinks, as if by magic, suddenly
appear.
The magicians, in the guise of a work crew, pull up to a play-
ground, attach a hose to a water line and spray water on the
flattened snow. The next morning, at that exact same spot, is a skating
rink swarming with kids and a happy, barking dog. Skaters gliding
across the ice with arms spread wide, cutting figure eights and shoot-
ing winning goals.
In fact, thanks to the hard work of City of Red Deer Parks employ-
ees, our city will be home to 68 public outdoor rinks this winter.
What many may see as magic, the Parks crews see as co-operation
from Mother Nature combined with their years of experience.
According to Parks Amenities Supervisor Steve Davison, there
must be three to four inches of snow before the process begins. The
area of the rink is then measured and blocked similar to edging for
poured concrete. “After the base is packed down, water is poured
over it. It takes eight to 10 days to build the ice to a clear, concise
state. The ice has to have a two to three inch base before a rink can
be opened,” says Davison. “The ice is kept smooth by resurfacers
and a tractor blade/auger. on a daily basis crews are assigned to
maintain all 68 ice surfaces in the city — ice must be cleared right
after a snow fall to keep it flat and smooth.”
Above photo courtesy Scott Cameron.
A
WINTER 2012 • red deer Living 15
Ice rinks are also found in many backyards, and Al Sim’s rink is
the pinnacle of the backyard experience. From its humble begin-
nings in 1999 as an 80 by 30 foot asphalt pad, Sim put a lot of time
and effort into his rink, and it was ranked in the top 10 in the 2004
Hockey Night in Canada (HNIC) Backyard Rink contest. It remains
a favourite gathering place for neighbourhood kids and outdoor
hockey enthusiasts.
“Having permanent boards is an advantage; however, the tem-
perature still needs to be -6 to -10ºC at all times,” says Sim. “It takes
five to six applications of cold tap water to form a good base. If the
ice becomes chewed and rutted, I flood it with hot water to help
smooth out the surface.” Sim explains that, for him, the initial
capital investment was expensive, but
now the investment is time, lots of
time to clear snow off and re-flood the
rink. He also goes the extra mile to add
special touches to the ice. “I purchase
rink lines as a kit — this is actually
tissue paper that you ‘glue’ onto the ice
with a paint roller dipped in hot water,”
he says. “The centre ice logo is printed
on perforated paper, which is then
attached in much the same manner.
once the markings are in place, the
rink is re-flooded to form a securing
layer of ice.”
A few years ago Jason Chilibek,
another backyard enthusiast, tried
his hand at building an outdoor rink.
“I found a lot of satisfaction in the
overall process,” he says. “The engi-
neering was really interesting and I didn’t know there were so
many requirements to getting it right.” Engineering requirements
include a flat level ground surface, securing soil at levels higher
or lower than the rink and clearing the rink base of stones, oils,
and unevenly cut grass. Chilibek also adds another key factor to a
successful backyard rink, “a very supportive wife who let me keep
the hoses thawed out on the kitchen floor for most of the winter.”
A touch of romance, the thrill of the great outdoors or returning
to a simpler life, there is something that draws Canadians to out-
door rinks. To keep this winter magic alive, may we always have
people like Steve, Al and Jason who find pleasure in creating the
perfect outdoor rink. RL
outdoors
A Beautiful Bower Ponds is a favourite skating destination for many (Courtesy the City of red Deer).
B A snowy november meant Al Sim would soon be able to create his incredible backyard rink.
C Al Sim recruits help to place the logo in his backyard rink. (Photo courtesy Al Sim).
Find the best outdoor rink this winterThough the popularity of neighbourhood outdoor rinks fluctuates with the city’s changing demographics, consistently the most popular outdoor rink is at Bower Ponds, located 4707 – 64 avenue. It has a skate rental booth, warm hut and outdoor fire pit. For more information call: 403-318-6298.
the Speed Skating Oval is the hidden gem of the Red Deer’s outdoor rinks. This mile competitive tract has ice renowned for its speed, and is located at Rotary recreation Park, 4501 – 47a avenue. For more information call: 403-309-8411.
Want to learn more? Visit The City of Red Deer’s website at www.reddeer.ca, and under Recre-ation, Parks and Culture, you’ll find:
• a complete list of outdoor rinks, and• a complete listing of Community association
& Activity Centres, including outdoor rinks Clearview, Eastview Estates, grandview gardens, Highland green, Lancaster, Lonsdale, normandeau, Oriole Park, riverside meadows and West Park.
Interested in building your own backyard rink? Step-by-step instructions can be found at: www.backyardicerink.com, www.chester.ca/ recreation/how-to-build-an-outdoor-rink.html RL
…another key factor to a successful backyard rink, “a very supportive wife…”
C
B
WINTER 2012 • red deer Living 17
Susan Cossi holds a Clinical Diploma in Aromatherapy and is a recognised teacher of The International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists. She has been a holistic health practitioner since 1993 and is a Metaphysician. She is the Principal of Cossi Academy of Professional Aromatology and a Vice Principal for Penny Price Academy, the only schools in Canada recognised by IFPA. www.holisticteachings.com
Aromatherapy. The term often causes confu-
sion, misleading many people and cloaking the
importance of aromatic plant medicine to our
well-being.
Aromatic plant medicine has been in use for some
6,000 years: there is nothing “New Age” about it. Plant
usage is surrounded by religion, mysticism and heal-
ing, and it has aided our survival against plagues and
disease. The Egyptians, Indians, Persians, Romans and
Greeks used plants in times of spiritual enlightenment,
love and war. The most read book in centuries is the
Holy Bible and many references can be found relating
to plant usage. The wall paintings found in the Lascaux
(Dordogne) caves on the northern slopes of the Pyre-
nees, indicate the use of medicinal plants by the cave
dwellers. These paintings were dated as being 18,000
years old.
Aromatherapy is not just all about smells. Modern
day aromatherapy can be defined as: “The controlled
use of essential oils to maintain and promote physical,
psychological and spiritual well-being.” The essential
oils are obtained by a steam distillation process from a
large variety of plants. The oil’s molecular structure al-
lows it to penetrate the skin via hair follicles and sweat
glands, and the fat-soluble oils can also permeate skin
cells. After a 10-minute body application of lavender
(Lavandula angustifolia), for example, traces of linalool
and linalyl acetate, which are components of lavenders,
can be detected in the blood 20 minutes later.
The four classifications of aromatherapy include:
1. clinical therapy,
2. stress management,
3. beauty therapy and
4. environmental fragrancing.
There are also four different classification grades of
essential oils. Professionally-trained aromatherapists
will administer these in a variety of different ways,
Whole-body healing
health and wellnesswith Susan Cossi
Aromatherapy offers more than a pleasing scent
EssEntial oils rEcommEndEd for wintErcedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) - antibacterial; anti-catarrhal;
antiseptic; cicatrizant; lipolytic; sedative; rubefacient
chamomile roman (Chamaemelum nobile) - antibacterial; anti-
inflammatory; anti-migraine; antiseptic; anti-spasmodic;
carminative; sedative
clove (Syzygium aromaticum) - analgesic, antibacterial, antiseptic;
anti-infectious; anti-inflammatory; anti-spasmodic; antiviral
Eucalyptus (Smithii) - analgesic; anti-infectious; anti-inflammatory;
antiseptic; antiviral; decongestive; anti-catarrhal
frankincense (Boswellia carteri) - analgesic; anti-infectious; anti-
inflammatory; antioxidant; antidepressant; immune stimulant
lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) - analgesic; antibacterial; anti-
inflammatory; antiseptic; anti-spasmodic; antidepressant;
cardio tonic
lemon (Citrus limon) - antibacterial; anti-diabetic; antifungal;
antiseptic; antiviral; sedative; immune stimulant
thyme sweet (thymus vulgaris ct linalool or ct geraniol) - anti-
infectious; anti-inflammatory; anti-spasmodic; antiviral;
antiseptic; immune stimulant; use with care
rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) - antiseptic; antibacterial; anti-
infectious; anti-migraine; antiseptic; antiviral; anti-catarrhal
tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) - analgesic; antibacterial; anti-
infectious; anti-inflammatory; anti-parastic; antiviral;
Immune stimulant»
18 red deer Living • WINTER 2012
which may include dermal, inhalation,
oral or rectal treatments.
The world of aromatherapy is diverse
and extraordinary — its usage can range
from clinical to the scientific and esoteric.
Treatments can include anything from
dealing with symptoms associated with
cancer to the unsightly look of cellulite.
Aromatherapy has also been widely used
to prevent illness and provide protec-
tion against epidemics. Consider using
essential oils to help protect you and your
family from illness this winter. RL
colds Cedarwood 1 dropsEucalyptus Smithii 4 dropLemon 3 drops
30ml of sweet almond oil or unscented lotion designed to blend with essential oils.
Joint stiffness Rosemary 4 dropsSweet Marjoram 3 dropsChamomile roman 2 dropsClove Bud 1 drop
Dilute in 20ml of sweet almond, 10ml of calendula, and 10ml of St. Johns Wort.
adult Bath recipe Rosemary 5 dropsEucalyptus 6 dropsLavender 8 drops
Dilute oils in a tablespoon of honey and pour into the bath.
health and wellness
air freshenerCinnamon 6 dropsClove 3 dropsThyme 4 dropsorange 5 dropsRosemary 4 drops
Dilute in minimum 100 ml of distilled water. Can also be sprayed on the bottom of shoes, bags and coats.
EssEntial oil Buying tips1. Research and get to know and trust a reputable supplier.
2. The label should include the plant’s Latin name,
show the country of origin and include cautions and
directions of use.
3. The word “Natural” on the bottle does not guarantee
purity.
4. The bottle should be dark and always sealed.
5. Always dilute essential oils.
6. Before using therapeutic or clinical grade essential
oils, always get professional advice from a trained
aromatherapist that belongs to a professional
aromatherapy association.
adult Body ruBs
WINTER 2012 • red deer Living 19
feature
Five Red Deerians share their favourite ways to juggle work and home
BaLanCIng aCtStory and photos by Jock Mackenzie
A chieving a balance between work and
home is a constant struggle, a struggle
to achieve fulfillment, satisfaction, a
sense of well-being and to attain one’s
goals. Red Deer Living spoke with five prominent
Red Deer citizens to see how they maintain that
delicate balance between their busy professional
lives and the pastime activities they love.
mayor morris Flewwelling smiles broadly as he
looks forward to a well-deserved retirement. He
recently announced he will not
run in next year’s election
and so will say good-bye
to 12 years on City Coun-
cil and eight years as
mayor. Flewwelling explains that his
positions have been very rewarding be-
cause he loves the work.
Weekends and evenings off — and not
attending over 800 engagements per year —
will give him time to spend with his wife,
Hazel, to cook, to read historical novels, to
enjoy art and antiques and genealogy, and
to spend time with his horses. Even though
he and Hazel rode horses together in their
youth, it wasn’t until age 40 that he owned
his first horse. But a lifetime of riding has
left its mark, and now he owns or shares
ownership in over a dozen horses. He anx-
iously awaits the time when he can spend
even more hours riding Willow and the
other horses on his property near
Pine Lake.
Morris Flewwelling with horse willow
»
WINTER 2012 • red deer Living 19
20 red deer Living • WINTER 2012
fire chief Jack macdonald worked 16 to 18
hour days when he first became chief ten years
ago. That’s eased up, but being in charge of five
fire stations and 190 staff and always being on
call doesn’t make for a laid-back lifestyle. Added
to his plate is the responsibility of overseeing
the 911/Dispatch Centre that looks after an area
north to Lacombe, south to the American border
and east and west to the provincial borders.
When he does have time to relax, you might
say he slows to the pace of a three-alarm blaze.
MacDonald enjoys a mix of physical activities
that includes weights at work, cycling, hockey,
Pilates and Bikram yoga. In March of 2012, he
attained a degree of fame when he and dance
studio instructor, Natalie Brooks, won the inaugural Red Deer Hospice Society
Celebrity Dance Competition. When he does sit down, it isn’t to watch televi-
sion. MacDonald enjoys reading books about leadership, including Jim Collins’
Good to Great and Peter Drucker’s many books; his recent favourite is a lifestyle
edition, Younger Next Year, by Chris Crowley.
Jack MacDonald performs in the red Deer Hospice Celebrity Dance Competition, 2012. Photo courtesy Jack MacDonald.
Lynne Mulder
When he does have time to relax, you might say he slows to the pace of a three-alarm blaze. macdonald enjoys a mix of physical activities that include weights at work, cycling, hockey, Pilates and Bikram yoga.
Karen Simon
WINTER 2012 • red deer Living 21
red deer city councillor lynne mulder
explains that, after her most recent career as
Vice President Academic at Red Deer Col-
lege, she’s not retired, she’s refocused. Many
consider City Council work a part-time job
but often it isn’t. Preparation for most regular
meetings involves reading over 800 pages of information
and, as one example, a recent meeting went from 11 a.m.
until 9:30 p.m.
A believer in giving back to her community, Mulder has
been on local, national and international boards for the
united Way and, although she has eased her involvement,
continues to sit on the Advisory Board to Chairs of the
united Way. Her current passion comes with her position
as President of the Board for Red Deer & District SPCA,
and it is with considerable pride that she speaks of all that
has been done by the people of Red Deer and area for this
important cause. When she does have time off, Mulder
and her dogs are regulars at the off Leash area at Three
Mile Bend. Accompanied by her furry friends, Dali and
Maggie, she loves her hour-long circuit. Leisure time also
includes local theatre (with Bull Skit being a favourite)
and reading — her bookshelf includes Lisa Scottoline,
Michael Connelly and James Patterson.
inspector Karen simon of the Red Deer RCMP is ex-
tremely active both professionally and in her spare time.
Simon’s official title is operations Support officer and
with it comes responsibilities for supporting people on the
front lines as well as operations within the office. Added
to these many tasks, she has another position that is al-
most a second full-time job — ERT (Emergency Response
Team) Commander. The ERT reacts to high-risk situations
in the southern half of the province.
Apparently, any down time is considered time worth
filling. To ward off the possibility of a dull moment, Simon
is co-chair for the Women’s Advisory Committee for K
Division, a Rotary Club member, a board member for
Women’s outreach and an aide-de-camp for Alberta’s
Lieutenant Governor. Always an early riser, she exercises
each morning with a one-hour routine and often ends her
day with yoga at Breathing Room Yoga Studio and Café.
Golf in the summer and curling in the winter are further
opportunities for her to keep fit and be active.
feature
Always an early riser, she exercises each morning with a one-hour routine.
“I’ve got great tools in the garage, and I can always dream up some kind of project.”
Pieter Langstraat
red deer public school superintendent pieter langstraat is another busy man. He began his ca-
reer in Red Deer as a teacher at Eastview Junior High
School, and he describes “growing up in the system”
as a vice principal, principal, Co-ordinator of Instruc-
tion, Deputy Superintendent and, for the last three
years, Superintendent of Schools. His days are filled
with meetings with senior administrators, work
with the School Board, parent concerns, school vis-
its, the necessary paperwork and the list goes on.
Langstraat notes, “When I’m at work, I really work.”
With commitments that frequently eat away at
evenings and with trips out of town, he says, “I treasure
and value my time at home.” When he gets free time,
he loves to sit with a Saturday morning coffee and chat
with his wife about the world and what’s going on. And
he loves puttering. “I’ve got great tools in the garage,” he
says, “and I can always dream up some kind of project.”
For exercise, Langstraat prefers the solitary variety like
riding on the bike trails (with dog Winston in the basket),
running, and cross-country skiing. “I like these kinds of
activities,” he explains. “My life is very busy, but I can do
these whenever I have a spare moment.” RL
22 red deer Living • WINTER 2012
red Deer Downtown
DoWNToWN IS THE place to be. With the great gathering spac-
es at Veterans’ Park and the redeveloped of Gaetz Avenue, Red
Deerians are frequently treated to events, concerts and markets
throughout our historic city centre. Plus, the diverse cafes and
restaurants offer a delicious sampling of North American and
multicultural cuisine.
And, you may have heard: the shopping is fantastic. Downtown
Red Deer is filled with specialty and locally-owned shops that
have a unique mix of products. Looking for local artwork? You
can find that downtown. Perhaps you want a one-of-a-kind item
for your home? Downtown. And when it comes to fashion, down-
town retailers are making a name for themselves with designer
items that can’t be easily found elsewhere.
To learn more about downtown, just park your car and let your
feet guide you. You can also visit www.downtownreddeer.com.
Destination downtownCharacter and community makes a special shopping experience
WINTER 2012 • red deer Living 23
red Deer Downtown
Contact Andrea Rinkel403.877.2560 • 1.888.932.3101
Get ConneCted!Advertise in Red Deer Living
24 red deer Living • WINTER 2012
entertainment
A Aric Froese as Aslan in narnia
B Cast of Annie – Cornerstone Youth theatre
C Sydney Malyon in a tree House production (photo courtesy Andrea and Sydney Malyon)
D Stephanie Orr rehersing with narnia Cast
Photos A, B & D by Laurette woodward.
IT WAS SEVERAL years ago that Sydney Malyon first
tried a summer camp at Tree House Youth Theatre.
She enjoyed it but didn’t continue because, in her
words, “I was afraid people at school would categorize
me as a drama person.”
Fast forward a few years, and several more
experiences at Tree House, and 14-year-old Sydney
loves Tree House. In fact, she loves it so much it even
influenced her choice of high school. She selected the
school that offered drama opportunities she wanted,
and where some of her Tree House friends attend,
rather than the school where most of her elementary
and middle school friends would go.
“We’re like a big family at Tree House — it’s a place
where you can be yourself,” says Sydney. “I think
everyone should have that.”
Sydney’s mom, Andrea Malyon, has been excited
to watch her daughter’s growth. “At first Sydney was
hesitant and a bit overwhelmed,” says Malyon. “Now
she’s the one that encourages and comforts the new
people. She’s blossoming. I’m so proud of her.”
Tree House’s Artistic Director, Matt Gould, has
enjoyed observing Sydney’s growth too. “I have
watched Sydney gain not just confidence, but
exuberance, energy and focus as she becomes more
and more comfortable with herself.” Gould says some
of that is maturation, but, “Sydney is taking more
chances as a performer; she’s coming out of herself
more and more.”
Gould says Sydney’s experience is what Tree House
is all about. “We want our kids to have a strong sense
of community. Kids are accepted no matter who they
are,” he explains. “That’s our culture.”
This culture began almost 25 years ago, when
Richard o’Brien from Red Deer College’s theatre
department founded Tree House Theatre. Gould came
to Tree House in 2005 and now serves as Artistic
Director. “I fell in love with the kids,” says Gould.
“That’s what keeps me here.”
Tree House serves youth 12 to 17 years old through
weekly rehearsals where kids prepare a play or
musical for performance. During these rehearsals,
Gould teaches the fundamentals and nuances of
stage performance, focusing on what each student
needs. Tree House produces annual performances in
December and May, and it also offers a summer camp.
New students can join in the fall, in January or for a
summer session.
Productions over the years have
included Mulan Junior, Sleeping Beauty
and Some Grimm Tales as well as
some plays written by Gould.
In January, Tree House is starting
a program for nine to 11 year olds.
Their spring presentation will be
Folk Tales, which audiences can view
at the same time as Scene Stealers,
performed by the 12 to 17 year olds.
cornErstonE youth thEatrE Local youth can also experience the
fun and friendship theatre brings at
Cornerstone Youth Theatre, which began
in 2009. Tari Puffer, the current Executive
Director, brought the organization to Red
Deer because she wanted to start a group
that would provide theatre arts training
and wholesome family entertainment.
Youth theatre flourishing in Red Deer By Laurette Woodward
CUrtaInS PLEaSE!
a
WINTER 2012 • red deer Living 25
entertainment
The organization’s first production, Christmas Carol, had 13
students involved. Compare that to its most recent production,
Narnia, which had a cast of 78.
“The numbers say Cornerstone is fulfilling a need in the
community,” says Stephanie orr, Cornerstone’s Artistic Director.
“I think what attracts people to Cornerstone is the opportunity
for families to work together.”
And families do contribute. When a child is cast in a
production, parents agree to become a part of a committee with
assignments such as sets, costumes, tickets, treats or backstage.
“our program fosters creativity for students and parents,”
says orr. “And it creates a strong sense of community. I love the
families I’ve met and been able to interact with.”
The sense of community really appeals to Candace Froese,
who has two children involved in Cornerstone. “Parents are so
encouraging and supportive of one another,” says Froese.
She is also pleased with the growth she’s seen in her son, Aric.
“Before Cornerstone, I had no idea Aric could sing like he does,”
says Froese. “I’ve also seen growth in his confidence. He’s more
outgoing because of Cornerstone.”
Aric says, “it’s a great learning experience and a place to
meet people.” He particularly loves the challenge of
portraying someone he’s not. “My favourite characters
are the comical bad guys.”
According to Stephanie orr, there are many children
who find acceptance at Cornerstone. She recalls
working with a teenage girl who couldn’t read. “She
was sure she was going to fail,” says orr. “But she took
a risk, auditioned, and was cast in a role.” orr says she
worked with the girl on memorization and strongly
emphasized her talent at expressing emotion. orr
says the girl’s experience allowed her to see herself
differently — in light of her strengths.
Cornerstone’s Area Co-ordinator, Jen MacAhonic,
loves watching kids’ confidence grow. “You can
really see that at auditions,” says MacAhonic.
“You might observe a child, who hasn’t auditioned
previously, be quiet and shy. The next time they
audition, they’re better, and then after that they
start blowing you away. It’s such a confidence
builder.” MacAhonic adds, “Learning to be
comfortable in front of people is a life skill.”
Cornerstone’s annual calendar involves productions
that are rehearsed and produced during three 10 week sessions,
starting in January, March and September. Children who are
eight to 18 years old are eligible to audition if they are enrolled
in a Cornerstone class offered concurrently with the production.
Classes are held one night a week and cover a range of skills such
as voice, dance, drama and specialty areas like make-up, musical
theatre and improvisation.
Children can also participate in week-long summer camps,
designed to let them ‘try’ it before committing to attend a 10
week session.
Recent productions include Snow White, Jungle Book, Robin Hood,
Annie and Narnia. In January, Cornerstone will begin rehearsals
for Wild West; and Night at the Museum.
For additional information, visit www.treehouseyouththeatre.ca
or www.cornerstoneyouththeatre.org. RL
C
d
“…it creates a strong sense of community. i love the families i’ve met and been able to interact with.”
B
WINTER 2012 • red deer Living 27
community
A home away from homeronald McDonald House helps keep families together
Things became immediately complicated for
Angela Grinde Handbury and her family
when she delivered her son Lachlan by
emergency C-section in March, 2012. As
a result of Angela contracting gestational diabetes,
Lachlan was born at 11 pounds, 13 ounces. unable to
regulate his own blood glucose, Lachlan’s pancreas
wasn’t creating enough insulin, and his levels dropped
dangerously low. If left too long, there was the risk of
brain damage.
Suddenly, what had already been a difficult four-day
ordeal for the Handbury family, an hour away from
their home in Wetaskiwin, was about to become even
longer and more uncertain.
Scenarios like this are the foundation upon which
the Ronald McDonald House Central Alberta (RMH-
CA) was built. Located down the street from Red Deer
Regional Hospital, RMHCA offers a comfortable home
for out-of-town families with sick children.
Since opening its doors in February of 2012, RMHCA
has served 126 families like the Handburys. The
house contains 11 suites designed to comfortably fit
four family members, with cots and extra bedding
available if needed.
Every effort has been made to create a home away
from home for families coping with the stress and
fatigue experienced during the
treatment of a sick child. Ame-
nities include a fitness room, a
computer area, a jaw-dropping
magic room and a playroom.
“This house was a long time
coming,” says Larry Mathieson,
Executive Director of Ron-
ald McDonald House Central
Alberta. “It was originally in-
tended to be smaller but, after
a feasibility study was con-
ducted, we were surprised by just how many families
needed this service. It was clear we needed
a bigger facility.”
The study revealed that more than 33,000 children
stay at Red Deer Regional Hospital each year, and
one-third of them come from out-of-town. That’s an
average of 30 out-of-town children per day.
For RMHCA to help families in need, volunteers
play a big role. Their support is evident in fundraising
efforts like the upcoming “Freeze the House” bonspiel
and in programs such as “Home for Dinner,” where
volunteers come and cook meals for families, then
clean up and package the leftovers.
These special touches make all the difference for
families like the Handburys, who spent 11 days at
RMHCA. They were five minutes away from Lach-
lan — instead of an hour commute on unpredictable
springtime highways, and they also received support
for the whole family.
“We were welcomed from the moment we arrived,”
explains Handbury. She describes how Karen Billings,
the house’s “go-to girl” — who was previously a nurse
and understood exactly what was happening with
Lachlan — would take their two-year-old daughter
to do crafts or dog therapy while they were at the
hospital. “It’s certainly not a place you want to go to,
but it’s nice to know it’s there when you need it. The
house was a soft place to land when everything else
was going totally wrong.” RL
Story by Jason Brink
“the house was a soft place to land when everything else was going totally wrong.”
Photo by Jason Brink
Angela and Kirk Handbury with their children Gabriela and Lachlan in the Magic room at rMHCA. Photo courtesy Handbury family.
WINTER 2012 • red deer Living 29
| AdveRtising FeAtuRe |
Helping clients reach health and wellness goals
Planet Fitness and Health Club
“At Planet Fitness and Health Club, we help people from all walks of life achieve their health and wellness goals,” says Lanett Young, manager with Planet Fitness and Health Club.
“Everyone has a different path to becoming healthy and, no matter where people are on their own journeys, we’ve got the facilities, staff and support to help them get there.”
This support is evident when you first walk into Planet Fitness and the smiling staff members greet you by name. The facilities will undoubtedly be the next thing to catch your eye, as the bright, clean, colourful atmosphere provides an inviting space to work out.
As you travel through the club, your first stop is likely to be the cardio area, which has a variety of machines to get your heart rate up. Next, you’ll have different options to tone your muscles, whether in the free weights room or in the APEX circuit training room. “Our APEX room has 17 separate weight training machines,” says Young. “People can choose to target specific areas, or they can do a full circuit to target every muscle group in the body.”
Planet Fitness also has an unexpected perk for members: spa facili-ties that include a 19 me-tre pool, along with a hot tub and steam room. This peaceful area can either be incorporated into your routine, with swimming and water workouts in the pool, or it can be a relaxing way to cap off your time at the club.
“There are so many special elements here,” Young explains. “From our facilities to our oxygen bar to our great staff and personal train-ers, we offer the complete package to help people achieve their health and wellness goals.”
For more information on Planet Fitness and Health Club, visit www.planetfitnesscentre.com or call 403-346-8260. n
The APEX training room has 17 machines to target every muscle group in the body.
30 red deer Living • WINTER 2012
couldn’t see it in my humble childhood home, where I lived
with my dad and my brothers, was that feeling: that excit-
ed, joyful, happy feeling that some people call the spirit of
Christmas. That’s when I caught it. The Christmas spirit.
I rub my eyes and my kitchen — with its brand new
look-like granite counter tops — is back. Ahhh, Christmas,
I think. It’s a good thing. only at Christmas can you take
an ornament off the tree, polish it until it glows bright and
shiny and peer inside to find a kaleidoscope of memories.
I hear a knock at the door and, when I open it, my son is
there, holding a gorgeous evergreen wreath tied with a
red ribbon. “I was just passing by and thought you might
like this, mom,” he said. I smile at him gratefully, think-
ing it is hard to believe that he was the six-week-old child
his dad held up to help choose our very first tree so many
years ago.
“That was our best tree,” I said to him later at the kitchen
table, as I recounted the story for the thousandth time.
“You say our tree is the best tree every year, mom,” he
chided gently.
“of course I do son,” I reply. “It’s tradition and traditions
are important.” RL
a slice of lifewith Treena Mielke
Christmas is only a few sleeps away. I know this to
be true because one of my grandchildren phoned
me and told me so. “It’s almost here, grandma,”
the dear little voice coming over the line said. “It’s only a
few sleeps away. And I wrote a letter to Santa and mom
mailed it and,” she added with special emphasis, “I have
been very good.”
I smile. Just hearing her voice prattle on about nothing
and everything makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
The telephone call is a perfect excuse to take a break,
so I pour a cup of coffee and sit down amidst a half-fin-
ished ‘to do’ list, a topsy-turvey pile of presents and my
favourite, well-worn Christmas cookbook.
Wrapping my fingers around my Frosty the Snowman
mug, I chuckle when I think of my conversation with my
granddaughter. I do love this time of year. I am really no
different than my grandkids.
“When did it all start?” I muse. “When did I first get this
feeling — this warm, excited, happy, joyful feeling that,
for some unknown reason, comes back and wraps itself
tenaciously around my heart every year?” I look around
at the cheerful clutter that surrounds me, but, even as I
look, it fades away.
In its place I see an old house, a shack really, with
tattered curtains in the windows and smoke pouring out
of a blackened chimney. It looks rather desolate, but the
windows are bright against the inky black night. When I
peer inside, I see a magnificent real tree lit up with
bubble lights. Atop the tree is the most beautiful star
in the world, fashioned out of tinfoil and cardboard by
my brother and me.
And, on each of the trees branches hang tiny
strips of tinsel, glittering and sparkling and
picking up the reflection of the bubble lights. The
homemade tinsel was created by me as well, using
the tinfoil from my dad’s roll-
your-own cigarette packages.
And, somewhere,
even though you
And all invisible traditions that make Christmas special
Trees & tinsel