special features - healthy family living and summer adventures 2015

We makeWe makeSummer twiceSummer twice

as Fun!as Fun!Where Central Alberta Comes to Save!

65 Burnt Park Dr.403.356.9399

5112 22 St.403.348.8014

www.westernRVcountry.com

HEALTHYHEALTHYSummer Adventures

also online!

PULL OUT

Family LivingFamily Living

2 Red Deer Express HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING, Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Kees Winter:Dr. Towers has more talent than anyone else I’ve seen for my hearing.

Lisa Hooper:I went to several clinics in Red Deer and no one could help me before Dr. Towers. He is a gift from heaven. I heard my 3 year old grandson

Gavin Noonan:I’ve worn hearing aids my entire life and this is the best I’ve ever heard. Dr. Towers provided all of the information necessary for me to

make the right choice with the latest technology.

www.hearwell.ca

HearWellAudiology

Gaetz (50th) A

ve. Greyhound

Safeway

2A

43 ST

49 A

ve

Creekside Professional Centre 4320 50th Avenue Suite #202 Red Deer, AB

403-346-6414

Dr. Andrew Towers, Au.D. Registered Audiologist — Owner

Toll free: [email protected]

BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY!

See Dr. Towers for your complimentary hearing exam

See how these people feel about

HearWell

TAKE THE 21 DAY HearWell CHALLENGE

• No money down, no obligation, every reason to Hear Well today

• 21 days to try hearing aids for free, followed by an additional 90 day trial

period to return or exchange.

K

y.ogy

a I w

Lis

avI’v

G

5 YEARPEACE of MIND GUARANTEE

5 year warrantyon hearing

instruments

5 years of batteries

Wednesday, June 3, 2015, HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING Red Deer Express 3

BY MARK WEBERRed Deer Express

Local seniors have all

kinds of informative, en-

tertaining, recreational

and thoroughly enjoyable

activities and events to take

part in at the Golden Circle.

Seniors’ Week runs June

1st-7th.

“The doors opened in

1977 right here on this lo-

cation,” said Monica Mor-

rison, executive director.

“Originally, it was a silver

jubilee project for the Ki-

wanis Club of Red Deer.”

Previous community

needs assessments had

been carried out, and had

indicated the City needed

to have a seniors’ centre.

First off, the Senior Citi-

zens Downtown House was

formed, but they eventu-

ally were outgrowing their

space, said Morrison.

“So the Kiwanis Club

wanted to leave a legacy in

the community and they

thought, ‘Let’s build a se-

niors’ centre’. Ultimately,

the Golden Circle was built

and established as a thriv-

ing hub for local seniors to

get together for a range of

functions each week.

“They had a naming

contest, and that’s how the

name ‘Golden Circle’ came

about. And it’s been mov-

ing forward ever since.”

Morrison said the Golden

Circle provides drop-in pro-

grams onsite which vary

widely depending on the

interests of the member-

ship. These run the gam-

ut from dancing groups,

games, outdoor activities,

bands and musical enter-

tainment, various exercise

groups from yoga, line

dancing, Dancercize and

Zumba to Tai Chi. “There

are also computer classes

to help seniors learn to use

the computer and stay con-

nected to family, because a

lot of extended families live

all over the world.”

Themed dinners and

travel clubs have also been

featured over the years as

well.

“We’ve also started an in-

house concert series – live

music four times a year.

Bill Bourne sold out in Feb-

ruary, and we had Maria

Dunn last year. We have

Kat Danser coming in this

October as well.”

Morrison said offering

such a range of activities

came about after a mem-

bership survey was com-

pleted. “What is it that

the members want? So we

implemented a lot of the

feedback.” Upon her ar-

rival from Ontario in 2011,

she noticed that staff were

planning much of the pro-

gramming. Morrison said

she felt that ultimately, it

should be member-driven.

A program committee

was formed that was com-

prised of members. “They

plan the calendar now, and

the new programs. And the

members themselves can

communicate their own

ideas to the committee, too.

If you are going to get peo-

ple to buy into something

and be part of something,

they should be the ones be-

hind the planning and or-

ganizing, too. That way of

doing things has certainly

helped to expand member-

ship. “Our membership

has gone from 950 in 2011

to 1,736 at Dec. 31st of this

past year. It’s huge.”

Morrison said the Golden

Circle also has an outreach

department. Workers aim to

help folks remain indepen-

dent in their own homes.

“The Golden Circle has

programs that are in-house;

non-medical services. But

our outreach workers can

also connect members to

Meals on Wheels, or Alber-

ta Health Services home

care, or Mental Health ser-

vices. It’s also about help-

ing people on the journey

to fi nd new housing, and

giving them the tools to

make the decisions that

they need to make,” she

explained. “And it’s been

working really well.”

Staff have also been

working on such programs

that are aimed at prevent-

ing elder abuse.

“One of the areas of con-

cern is crisis housing for

people that are experienc-

ing elder abuse and need to

get away. So there is some

community dialogue that is

going to be starting – we de-

veloped a protocol last year

and launched it on June

15th which was Elder Abuse

Awareness Day. Now, we

are moving to the next step

– what is it we need to do to

support our seniors?”

Ultimately, one of the

most important initiatives

the Golden Circle under-

takes is tackling the whole

issue of social isolation.

“As people age, their sup-

port systems often get

smaller and their social

networks get smaller due

to deaths. It’s the whole

disconnect from family. So-

cial isolation is one of the

reasons that seniors’ cen-

tres exist, to bring people

together.”

To help counter that, the

Golden Circle staff makes

sure to host a number of

themed dinners. And these

events run through the

summer as well. There are

also activities and meals

set for over the Christmas

season, as well.

“Seniors need to have a

place to go to, and we are

open for those who feel

they need to connect. It’s

just about being here.”

There is also a Christmas

Eve function as well, plus

a New Year’s Eve celebra-

tion. Meanwhile, only the

outreach programs receive

some government fund-

ing, which comes through

FCSS. The United Way also

supports some outreach

programming as well.

“We have to fundraise

our own dollars. That’s

why, as an association, we

trying to advocate for oper-

ational dollars for seniors’

centres.”

Grants can be applied

for too, but as Morrison

said, an organization still

needs a consistent, reli-

able stream of funding to

be able to properly plan

for programs. Costs are

covered through activities

like bingos, for example,

or membership fees, too.

They also generate revenue

through renting out the

Golden Circle for various

activities, as well.

Morrison has been in the

industry for 25 years. She

recalls, many years ago,

seeing patients in long-

term care facilities, lined

up in wheelchairs along

walls. “That emotionally

hit me so hard. It was then

I investigated what kinds of

qualifi cations I needed to

work with people, and en-

sure they have fun right up

until the end. That’s what

took me on this journey.”

After her education in

the fi eld, she worked at a

Toronto seniors’ centre for

13 years. She later worked

for a community-based or-

ganization that provided

outreach services.

Family living here in Red

Deer were part of the rea-

son she and her husband

relocated to the west. When

the job opportunity sur-

faced, she knew the Golden

Circle was the ideal place to

apply her skills.

“Working with seniors

has been my life – I love it.”

For more, call 403-343-

6074 or visit www.golden-

circle.ca.

[email protected]

We are located in Gaetz Avenue Crossing70C, 5250 22nd Street – Red Deer, AB

See us for your Mastectomy, Ostomy, and Incontinence supplies!See us for your Mastectomy, Ostomy, and Incontinence supplies!

Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30am-5:00pm

Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm

(403) 342-4460 or 1-800-806-7999 Fax: (403) 342-4516 www.shoppershomehealthcare.ca

We have Central Alberta’s LARGEST selection ofPOWER SCOOTERS.

Your Homecare SpecialistsLifts Daily Aids Mobility Ramps

Stop In Today For

A FreeCustom Fit

Come in and take your test ride now

We have Central Alberta’s LARGEST selection ofLIFT CHAIRS.

Many models, styles and colours to choose from.

Shoppers Optimum Points With Most

Purchases

FATHER’S DAYFATHER’S DAYis

Sunday, June 21st

FANCY FEET – Members of the Golden Circle enjoy a square dancing session – one of the many activities that run regularly at the seniors’ facility. Jenna Swan/Red Deer Express

Golden Circle provides range of activities for seniors


BY KALISHA MENDONSARed Deer Express

Yoga is a practice that focuses on well-

ness in body and mind and has a lot to

offer young people in terms of skills and

benefi ts.

There are social development and con-

fi dence benefi ts, physical skills such as

balance and coordination, patience, stress

relief and self-awareness. Kids’ yoga has

become increasingly more popular over

the last several years. In Red Deer, sever-

al facilities offer mom and tot yoga, kids’

yoga classes and sessions for teens.

“If you Google benefi ts of yoga for kids,

you will get a huge, huge list. I’ve been

teaching kids for about fi ve years now, and

the main thing that I see is that kids just

shine brighter after yoga. They are hap-

pier, they are calmer and they gain confi -

dence because it’s not about being perfect

in a pose, it’s about expression,” said certi-

fi ed kids’ yoga instructor Jamie De Koning

of the Breathing Room in Red Deer.

“Even if they can hold something for

one second, they get so excited. Confi -

dence is built because of that – we aren’t

about perfection. They’re calmer because

of the resting poses. When I fi rst started, I

thought the kids would like the wild, crazy

poses but the majority of them prefer the

resting pose.”

The other major benefi t that De Koning

recognizes in kids’ yoga is the aspect of

stress relief. She says not many people un-

derstand that children feel stress as well,

and there is a great deal of children who

enjoy having to do nothing but lay still and

rest.

“We live in a fast-paced world, and even

kids are going from one activity to the

next. For them just to lie still is usually a

big deal. The stress relief and the calm that

I see in the kids are defi nite benefi ts.”

Many of the skills developed in yoga are

transferrable to other aspects of life. For

example, a child must focus to be able to

fi gure out a pose or movement, and that fo-

cus will develop over time and help them

in class. For kids who like to move around,

yoga gives them an activity to do physi-

cally, but with a mental component as well

that slows them down a little bit.

Breathing is a major component of yoga

and De Koning said many of the kids fi nd

those techniques useful when dealing with

day-to-day stress.

“Mindful breathing to be present and to

help calm the mind is a big thing. It also

regulates emotions. I always give the kids

lots of little fun breathing techniques and

they know that they can use them later.

I have asked them when they think they

should use it, and they say, ‘When you’re

angry, or sad, or frustrated.’ I had a stu-

dent who was maybe fi ve and she said once,

‘I’m really sad the session is ending be-

cause I’m just so stressed.’ A fi ve-year-old

knows that yoga can help her when she’s

feeling stressed.

“It really melts my heart when I see it

working for the kids, or when they say, ‘I

had a stressful day but I did the breathing

like you showed me.’ The other reason I

like it so much is because it’s fun and you

get to be a kid yourself.”

De Koning was very clear that kids’ yoga

varies within age groups, but as a whole it

is very different from yoga for adults.

Poses are not held as long, and usually

there are games and themes that promote

discussion and communication, unlike the

quiet, zen environments of adult yoga.

Children’s anxiety could also be helped

through yoga because of the practice of

mindful breathing, a technique that has

been shown to help reduce the feeling of

anxiety. Children are able to gather the

skills to cope with stress in a safe, fun way

and then are able to use those skills later

when they feel panic or stress.

De Koning said, “Some people might

think it’s all poses and ohms – I don’t think

there’s a large understanding of kids’ yoga.

It’s not like adult classes – we are teaching

so much more than just poses. It’s fun and

we’re teaching them skills to live a happy

life. And that is universal to kids’ yoga.”

[email protected]

Benefi ts to incorporating yoga into the lives of children

PARTICIPATION - Noah Doucette, 3, takes some time to rest after a playful yoga session at the Breathing Room during the Yoga Playground program.

Kalisha Mendonsa/Red Deer Express

Now That’s Clean!Now That’s Clean!

• 100% Natural Cleaning Solutions• High Heat Truck Mounted Steam Units

• IICRC Certifi ed Technicians

www.will-do.ca 403.342.1821403.342.1821

It’s Time for a Summertime Clean!$20.00 OFF$20.00 OFF

ANY order over $125For Carpet, Upholstery or Tile & Grout cleaning.

*Expires 06/30/15. See in-store for full details

*

Saying “I love you” is not

nearly as meaningful if our

actions don’t match our

words. Combined, words

and actions have a power-

ful effect.

Here are some sugges-

tions for families on show-

ing love all year round:

1. Disconnect from

technology. Connect with

each other. One way of do-

ing this is to deposit your

Blackberry, iPod, DS and

any other distracting elec-

tronic device in a bowl at

your front door. Retrieve

when you leave to go out

again.

2. Do the unexpected.

Prepare a snack, make

someone you love a cup

of tea or breakfast in bed.

Clear the dishes in the sink

without being asked.

Don’t wait for an occa-

sion such as Valentine’s

Day or a birthday to plan

a special event or reserve a

table at your favourite res-

taurant.

3. Make someone else

happy. On occasion, going

to see a movie of his choice,

even though it’s last on

your list says, “I love you.”

Hopefully, this show of love

will be reciprocated.

4. Schedule family time.

As opposed to having each

family member off in his

or her own corner of the

house, doing his or her own

thing. It’s these times that

they will remember when

they are on their own.

5. Say hello and goodbye.

It’s easy, as you rush out

the door in the morning to

forget to say goodbye. Try

to remember. Saying good-

bye and offering good wish-

es for a great day ahead

says that you care. When

you come back home, take

time to connect with your

family members. Catch

up on the news of the day.

These points of connection

are vital.

6. Take care of one an-

other. Massage aching feet,

offer a hot water bottle or a

blanket when someone you

love is cold, run a bath with

bubbles and make sure that

you family eats nourishing

food.

7. Work as a team. When

each family member knows

that they have a role to play

at making sure that proj-

ects get completed, that

routine runs smoothly at

home, he or she feels an in-

tegral part of a family unit.

When you sit down as

a family to discuss an up-

coming family vacation or

a diffi culty that the family

is facing, and then ask for

everyone’s input, you are

showing that you love them

enough to include them in

your discussion and that

you value their input.

8. Say “I love you” with

conviction. Instead, cup

your partner’s face in your

hands, look into his or her

eyes and say “I love you”

with expression and emo-

tion.

Said at the right time

and not over used, these

words, combined with acts

of caring, will convey their

intended special message.

Sara Dimerman, C. Psych. Assoc. is registered with the College of Psychologists of On-tario. Visit Sara’s web site at www.helpmesara.com.

Showing ‘I love you’ as a family

Sara

DIMERMAN


KIDSEATFREE*

EVERYTUESDAY4PM-10PM*Limit two free kids’ entrées with the purchase of one regular priced adult entrée. Kids meals limited to all entrées listed on the kids’ menu.

2940 50th AvenueRed Deer 403.348.5040

Look for these healthier choice iconson our menu.

Over 8g of fiber Over 20g of protein

Under 550 calories Under 15g of fat

CHOOSE WHAT’S RIGHT

FOR YOU!

dennys.caSirloin Steak Over 20g of proteinUnder 15g of fat

BY JENNA SWANRed Deer Express

For the ninth consecutive year children

will be able to experience the magical

world within the Central Alberta Chil-

dren’s Festival.

The annual event takes place on Friday

June 5th and Saturday June 6th in Rotary

Recreation Park and is hosted by Family

Services of Central Alberta.

This year’s event will be host to a wide

variety of activities for children including

performances from a number of storytell-

ers, acrobats, jugglers and even a circus

act from Flyin’ Bob.

As Rotary Recreation Park transforms

into the magical realm that is the Chil-

dren’s Festival, activities will be available

for children in the form of activity tents

explained Executive Director for Family

Services Judy Scott.

“What we’ve tried to do over the year is

give children a lot of diverse activities with

everything from scientifi c and cultural ac-

tivities to very educational activities and

just plain fun activities.”

She explained the festival began nine

years ago when staff at Family Services

noticed a growing trend in families not

fi nding enough time to play together,

“We as a family service agency see fami-

lies struggling to take the opportunity to

engage, play, connect and have fun - life is

so busy and we’ve really become a 24/7 so-

ciety even more so over the last nine years

that we’ve been doing this.

“So there’s never been a better time to

take the time and have families take the op-

portunity and have a venue where they can

just play.”

Not only is the Festival a great place to

play, but the low cost of admission makes

the event a must-see for the summer with

family passes boasting a low price of only

$20.

“We know there are families who maybe

don’t have the money to be able to travel

to places like the Telus World of Science so

why not bring things like the World of Sci-

ence to them,” she said of the scientifi c vis-

it held on the Friday of the Festival. “It’s

an opportunity to give families the chance

at a reasonable cost.

“That’s why we make it so you pay at

the gate and the only time after you’ll open

your wallet is if you wish to make a dona-

tion in the donation jar.”

Activity stations are set to include but

are not limited to bubbles, box city, a multi-

cultural diversity corner, face painting,

obstacle courses, imagination stations, the

Maxwell amazing maze, wacky hair and

nails at the Marvel College booth, Scooter

the roving mascot, special stops for tod-

dlers, as well as booths from Red Deer Col-

lege and Sylvan Learning Centre.

The safe family-friendly fenced loca-

tion allows children the chance to explore

their environment without intense paren-

tal supervision and involvement allowing

children to delve into the experience of the

festival.

Scott added the Festival is a great way to

encourage the community to be involved

in the lives of local families and can help to

foster partnerships.

“If a person is engaged in a station and

their child is having fun or learning some-

thing benefi cial at that station, people are

going to remember who they are and often

times connect with that organization later

outside of the Festival.”

The Festival is based on the idea and

philosophy of never having to grow up and

guarantees parents will have just as much

fun at the non-profi t event as their beam-

ing children.

Attendees are reminded the Festival

does provide access to a nutrition station

free of cost with admission to the Festival,

however attendees are asked to bring their

own water bottles for use at the hydration

stations as no cups or bottles are provided

with sunscreen also being recommended.

[email protected]

Annual Central Alberta Children’s Festival set for this weekendEvent offers an excellent chance for local families to have lots of fun together

FAMILY FUN - Sophie Macleod, 2, makes herself a box fort at the Central Alberta Children’s Festival last year. The festival is hosted by Family Services of Central Alberta. Express fi le photo

Wednesday, June 3, 2015, HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING Red Deer Express 77 Red Deer Express HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING, Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Gasoline Alley • Red Deer County403.343.FORD(3673) • 1.888.308.9457 • www.camclarkfordreddeer.com

Scan Me

*IInterest rates may vary, available at time of print. All rebates to dealer including delivery allowance, RCL cash. *1 payments based on 48 month lease, 20,000km/ year, 0%, O.A.C. *2 payments based on 48 month lease, 20,000km/year, 0.49%, O.A.C. *3 payment based on 48 month lease, 20,000kms/year, 0.99%, O.A.C.Cost per KM on overage is 12c/km. Cost of borrowing on #15T9356 is $0.00. Sale price on #15C8237 is $22,639.00, #15T9356 is $30,630, #15T3954 is $43,594 & #15C1425 is $27,419. Prices do not include GST. Vehicles may not be exactly as shown. See dealer for full details.

Garry Kuhn - Fleet

Mindy Sitko

James Himbury

Kory Stonehouse

Allen Bachor

Geoff Trentham

Jeff Warriner

Kelly Grant

Nathan Cottenie

Clayton Masur

2011 Ford Edge Ltd. AWD75,184kmsWas $28,888

BLOWOUT

BLOWOUT

$26,888

$26,888

2015 BMW X4AWDOnly 1,084kms!Was $53,995

BLOWOUT

BLOWOUT

$49,998

$49,998

2013 Ford F-150XLT31,327kmsWas $36,495

BLOWOUT

BLOWOUT

$32,499

$32,499

2009 Ford FusionSE100,090kmsWas $10,995

BLOWOUT

BLOWOUT

$9,998$9,998

#U29721#U29722#U29966#U29795

2013 Ford ExplorerXLT91,410kmsWas $30,995

BLOWOUT

BLOWOUT

$26,888

$26,888

2014 Ford F-350SDLariat69,000kmsWas $57,995

BLOWOUT

BLOWOUT

$55,898

$55,898

2012 Dodge Avenger SXT75,486kmsWas $18,995

BLOWOUT

BLOWOUT

$16,888

$16,888

2014 Ford Escape Titanium31,299kmsWas $31,495

BLOWOUT

BLOWOUT

$27,888

$27,888

#U29806 #U29684 #U29700 #U29810

2012 Chevrolet Impala LTZ30,610kmsWas $18,995

BLOWOUT

BLOWOUT

$16,388

$16,388

2014 Ford F150XLT/XTRONLY 205kms!Was $45,599

BLOWOUT

BLOWOUT

$30,998

$30,998

2010 Ford F-150XLT92,129kmsWas $25,995

BLOWOUT

BLOWOUT

$22,871

$22,871

2008 Ford FocusSE78,223kmsWas $12,995

BLOWOUT

BLOWOUT

$9,988$9,988

2014 Ford EscapeS50,497kmsWas $21,995

BLOWOUT

BLOWOUT

$17,888

$17,888

2013 Ford F-350SD Lariat34,599kmsWas $60,995

BLOWOUT

BLOWOUT

$56,998

$56,998

2006 Honda Accord EX V673,843kms!Was $14,995

BLOWOUT

BLOWOUT

$10,888

$10,888

2014 Ford Transit ConnectOnly 370kms!Was $36,495

BLOWOUT

BLOWOUT

$28,888

$28,888

#U29725 #U29746 #U29741 #U29827#U29766 #U29819 #U29771 #U29781

2015 Ford Escape SEMy Ford Touch, Heated Seats, 4WD!

#15T9356

$349/mo +tax*1

only

2015 Ford FusionAuto, My Ford Touch!

Auto, My Ford Touch! #15C1425$349/mo +tax

*2

only

2015 Ford Edge TitaniumAuto, Sunroof, Sync, Leather!

#15T3954

2015 Ford FocusHatchback SE

Auto, Sync! #15C8237

only$269/mo +tax

*1

2015 Auto

$549/mo +tax*3

only

Escape

Edge& liveon the

Jordan Courtright

Garland Jones


BY KALISHA MENDONSARed Deer Express

Not every family can afford to put chil-

dren through sports, with high costs of

equipment and registration fees – enter

KidSport.

KidSport is a national non-profi t organi-

zation that provides fi nancial assistance to

open the doors for children to participate

in sports. KidSport helps to cover or covers

the costs of registration for sport teams for

low-income families.

“When the current board took over in

2011, we were able to help out 85 kids regis-

tering that year. “Last year, we helped just

over 250 kids. There is obviously some good

fundraising support and more awareness in

the community,” said chairman of the Red

Deer KidSport chapter, Mike Jaillet.

Jaillet says that often, it’s the registration

fees that create a barrier for children to join

sport teams.

“A sport like soccer is relatively easy on

money for equipment – you need shorts and

shoes. It’s not a high equipment cost, but

registration fees are often the barriers that

keep kids from playing. That’s a big reason

why so many kids miss out on sports – the

families simply can’t afford to register.”

As a non-profi t, KidSport relies solely on

donations to continue the service. Jaillet

said that most of the funds come from gen-

erous community donors, but KidSport also

tries to maintain a presence in the commu-

nity. For example, during the 2015 Junior

Stamps Kids Camp hosted by the Calgary

Stampeders and Red Deer Minor Football,

there will be a booth for KidSport to take in

donations and give out information.

KidSport will also be represented dur-

ing Westerner Days and seeking sponsor-

ship there. “Donations are always our big-

gest obstacle. We need roughly $50,000 a

year just to fund the 250 kids we have now.

People can get involved by donation or by

volunteering, and information for that is

available on our web site,” he said.

Jaillet said programs like KidSport are

important because they provide opportu-

nities that may open other doors in life. He

says the benefi ts of sports are seen in other

aspects of children’s lives.

“I think the greatest benefi t of kids get-

ting into sports is just getting them up and

active. There’s a lot of literature right now

regarding how kids are so involved in social

media and everything electronic – I think all

of us, kids and adults, need to be more ac-

tive,” he said. “I think studies have shown

that kids who participate in sports do better

generally in school and socially. Some of

the long-term benefi ts are watching some

kids go through the program and then con-

tinue to play sports in college and univer-

sity and beyond the youth programs.”

Youth sports are a way for kids to learn

how to interact with others, develop skills

like teamwork and hand-eye coordination

and to better their motor skills.

Teams encourage group participation

and can help develop self-esteem and lead-

ership skills. In leading an active lifestyle,

fi nances can sometimes become obstacles

but there are a number of activities that are

free around Red Deer. There are bike and

walking trails, outdoor fi tness centres and

a variety of parks and playgrounds to keep

families active as well.

[email protected]

KidSport provides many opportunities

FAMILY FUN - Amie and Derek Cotter take daughter Brinley, 7, and son Cohen, 6, on a bike ride through Red Deer’s many trails on a sunny afternoon. Jenna Swan/Red Deer Express

Shake things up!Shake things up!It’s time toIt’s time to

on now until June 30on now until June 30 th th !

50%50%offoffPrograms

20%20%offoffProducts

$5$5 off off

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

Follow us across the web: www.uweightloss.com uweightloss.com/facebook twitter.com/uweightloss blog.uweightloss.com

U WEIGHT LOSS® CLINIC OF RED DEER104A 4315 - 55 AVENUE

403.340.0612 OR EMAIL US AT [email protected]

*Available O.A.C. Conditions may apply. See in-store for details

Best of Red DeerGOLD WINNER

2014 Readers’ Choice Awards

Weight Loss Clinic

Available 0 % Fianancing!*

**

**

**

BEFOREBEFORE

Protein PowderProtein Powder

AFTERAFTER

Kristen lost

115 lbs!


McKay Place is located in

the rolling hills of South East

Blackfalds and is now leasing!

A gated, maintenance free community justminutes from all the amenities of the city and the

open landscape of the Alberta country side.

McKay Place - Blackfalds, AB

New ManufacturedHome Rental

Lots Available.

Payments aslow as per month $539*

*OAC. See in-store for full details. Ask us about 6 MONTHS FREE!

403-396-5047 • www.CommonwealthHomes.com7898A Gaetz Ave • Red Deer

N

70% Sold Out

Affordable Housingat its fi nest!

FinancingAvailable!

BY ERIN FAWCETTRed Deer Express

Families can enjoy live the-

atre in Red Deer via Calf Skit – a

branch of Bull Skit Comedy.

The family-friendly shows re-

tell classic fairy tales and offer a

chance for the audience to get in-

volved and to tell the story.

Calf Skit is recommended for

kids 10 and under. They take

place once a month – starting

again in the fall – at the Scott

Block Theatre downtown.

This is the second season Calf

Skit has ran and Jenna Goldade,

artistic director of Bull Skit, said

it has proven to be a success.

“The reason for us doing Calf

Skit was that we saw that there

weren’t a lot of opportunities for

young kids to see theatre in Red

Deer – there isn’t anything con-

sistent for kids and families to

enjoy together,” she said. “There

is something to be said about see-

ing live theatre as a young person

and experiencing that type of en-

tertainment.”

Some of the shows Calf Skit

has put on include the classic

tales of Cinderella and The Three

Little Pigs.

“We always take a classic fairy

tale and we improvise it to try

change it up a little, so it’s a little

bit different and we infuse it with

improv. This way the kids can get

involved in helping to tell the sto-

ry and we really wanted the kids

to be part of the theatre and help

create the theatre that they are

seeing,” said Goldade. “We have

done some shows that are not as

improv-based as other ones – Cin-

derella was pretty classic but for

The Three Little Pigs we had three

ninja chicks fi ghting the big bad

wolf instead of the pigs, so that

was fun.”

Goldade said the cast has a

great time re-creating these clas-

sic tales.

“Kids are really honest. They

will respond when they like it,

but they won’t really respond

when they don’t like it. We get

honest reactions from kids,” said

Goldade. “That is really exciting

for us because it’s something new

and we adapt in different ways

and tell stories in a different way.

“Of course we are geared to-

wards kids, but I think anyone of

any age can enjoy it in some ca-

pacity. We try and sneak in some

fun stuff for the adults although

the majority of it is for the kids.”

In addition, Goldade said she

encourages families to come

check out Calf Skit.

“We have a good following of

families who come every month,

which is great and which is what

we wanted,” she said. “But for

people who haven’t checked us

out, the shows are so fun and we

want to be able to bring entertain-

ment consistently to Red Deeri-

ans. Theatre should be enjoyed

by all ages. Calf Skit is such a

fun, honest show that it’s a really

great time for everyone.”

Shows are $20 per family with

tickets being purchased at the

door. Admission includes free

popcorn. The setting is unique in

that there are pillows for kids to

sit on that are right close to the

stage so that they feel part of the

show as well.

Before next season, Calf Skit

can be found at various events

throughout Central Alberta in-

cluding the Children’s Festival

this weekend and at Lacombe

Days in July.

For more information, visit

www.bullskitcomedy.com.

[email protected]

Calf Skit offers live theatre for families

HAPPY SWINGING – Jayden Pupetz, 4, gets a push on the swings from grandmother Tammy Wong at the playground at Bower Ponds. Jenna Swan/Red Deer Express


BY JENNA SWANRed Deer Express

With more than 85 kms

of trails in and around the

Red Deer City limits the

Waskasoo Park network is

the perfect way to get out-

doors and explore local na-

ture and history.

The expansive trail sys-

tem offers stunning views

of the Red Deer River,

Piper Creek, Waskasoo

Creeks, as well as the

Gaetz Lake sanctuary.

During your journey

through the Waskasoo

system, whether you are

walking, cycling, or hiking

– you may venture freely

through as many as 18

parks each with their own

insightful sets of interpre-

tative signs explaining the

history of the site as well

as information on nearby

fl ora and fauna.

“Every park has its own

set of interpretive signs

explaining the signifi cance

of the location,” explained

Kathryn Huedepohl, pub-

lic programmer and spe-

cial events coordinator

with Waskasoo Environ-

mental Education Society.

“Some places like Barrett

Park and Coronation Park,

which are named after peo-

ple, will have the history

of those people for you to

learn about on their inter-

pretive signs.”

Popular sites along

the way include Heritage

Ranch, where people can

use the interpretative

signs to look for wildlife

along the paths and learn

about the history of the

original ranch. Here one

may visit with the Heri-

tage Ranch horses, play

on one of two playgrounds

and enjoy a stunning view

of the river.

With a pedestrian bridge

across the river connect-

ing Heritage Ranch to the

Bower Ponds site it’s easy

to hop across the rapids

where you can rent paddle-

boats, canoes and water

balls. This time of year al-

lows patrons to visit with

the many baby geese while

exploring the history of

the previous rock quarry,

which once graced the

grounds along the river-

bank.

Bower Ponds is also

home to the Cronquist

House, an important local

heritage site and one of

Red Deer’s oldest homes.

The Victorian-inspired

farmhouse, built in 1911

by Emmanuel Cronquist,

was later relocated to the

site in 1976 by its current

operators, the Red Deer

Cultural Heritage Society.

Nearby is the Kiwanis

Picnic Park where people

can stop for lunch and en-

joy full immersion into the

beauty of nature. Easy ac-

cess to Maskepetoon Park

is also available from this

site, and is the newest ad-

dition to the Waskasoo

system and is dedicated

to Chief Maskepetoon, a

renowned Cree chief from

the 1800s.

Although originally

an undisturbed river val-

ley, it was later bisected

by the Hwy. 2 overpass in

1959. An increase in hu-

man activity and develop-

ing neighbourhoods left

the delicate ecosystem at

stake, leading Waskasoo

to take Maskepetoon Park

under its protection and

begin the process of rees-

tablishing the diverse nat-

ural area.

“It was great for it to be

made an offi cial park two

years ago because the area

has a very sensitive eco-

logical area in it that was

getting slightly trashed by

off-roading,” said Huede-

pohl. “Now there is no off-

roading allowed and the

environment is recovering

beautifully.”

Another popular des-

tination along the way is

the Gaetz Lake Sanctuary

located at the Kerry Wood

Nature Centre. The unique

location of the sanctuary

provides the eco-diversity

necessary to host a variety

of wildlife and is a great

spot to bird watch and

hike; however no running,

jogging, biking, strollers,

or dogs are allowed on the

trails of Gaetz Lake.

If you’re hoping to take

Fido along for the trip try

visiting one of Red Deer’s

incredible maintained dog

parks including the Ox-

bows Off Leash Dog Park

available via the trail sys-

tem or the Three Mile

Bend Recreation Area.

Three Mile Bend offers

stunning views of the river

alongside a trail system

often frequented by a num-

ber of wildlife species.

Hidden gems along Red

Deer’s trail system include

Barrett Park, located in

the downtown core across

Ross St. The trails here

boast a number of public

art installations from com-

munity members and also

offer unique integrations

of culture into one’s daily

activity.

Another often-over-

looked location along the

extensive network of trails

is the Michael O’Brien

Wetlands located near the

Michener Centre in Clear-

view.

Named after a commit-

ted local environmentalist,

the constructed wetlands

was built by the City to

capture and fi lter storm

water before it gets to the

river and offers a number

of environmental and edu-

cational opportunities.

For more information

and to view a map of the

system visit www.reddeer.

ca/recreation-and-culture.

[email protected]

AdventuresSummer Get Out & Have Fun!

Enjoying Red Deer’s extensive trail system

CallToday!

www.otterrafting.com1-800-661-7379 [email protected]

A great day offun on the UpperRed Deer River

$120full day rafting

Conveniently located in Sundre, Alberta.Rafting on the eastern slopes of the Rockies.

Earl Dreeshen, MP4315 - 55th Avenue, Suite 100A403-347-7426

A Voice for Families A Voice for Families in our Communityin our Community

www.earldreeshen.ca

NATURAL SPACES - Lesley Gallant and Andrea Letourneau enjoy a stroll through Bower Ponds recently. Red Deer has an exten-sive trail system which connects many parts of the City. Jenna Swan/Red Deer Express


AdventuresSummer Get Out & Have Fun!

BY MARK WEBERRed Deer Express

Nestled in a picturesque stretch of land

near Spruce View, the Danish Canadian

National Museum offers visitors a multi-

layered experience of learning about Cen-

tral Alberta’s historical connections to

Denmark.

People come from all around to visit the

popular site – including from Denmark.

“It’s like their little Denmark,” chuck-

led Joanne Nielsen, cultural events and

volunteer coordinator at the Danish Cana-

dian National Museum, which is open May

and June (Wednesdays to Sundays) from

10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. “I hope we can instill

a bit of ‘Denmark’ in our visitors. Hope-

fully they will come back to have a cup of

coffee and a pastry, and learn more about

the Danish and Canadian immigration or

come and see our events.”

Hours through July and August are

(Sundays to Thursdays) from 10 a.m. to

5:30 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from

10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

To get there, take Hwy. 54 west of Inn-

isfail, turn south on RR 31 in Spruce View

and go straight through the four-way stop

in Dickson. The Museum is located just

less than 1 km from there on the right.

According to the Danish Canadian Na-

tional Museum Society, immigrants from

Denmark came to North America primari-

ly during three distinct eras. The fi rst wave

took place 1860 to 1914.

“Danes typically emigrated in groups.

Most went to the United States. However,

a group of dairy farmers settled in New

Brunswick in 1872 and 40 Danish butchers

arrived in Ontario in 1893.

“In 1903, the fi rst group of Danish home-

steaders came to Alberta from the United

States.”

The second wave took place from 1919 to

1930.

“About 1920, Danish immigration to the

Unites States was halted. But Canada was

now actively seeking experienced farmers

from Europe. Danish and Danish-Ameri-

can farmers arrived. Many purchased CPR

land in Nova Scotia, Ontario, Manitoba,

Saskatchewan and Alberta.”

The third wave started in about 1945 and

ran through to the 1970s.

“After World War II, Danish farm work-

ers and skilled tradesmen arrived. Most

settled in towns and cities. After more

than a century of immigration, countless

Canadians can proudly identify a Danish

branch in their family tree.”

To really help visitors understand the

richness within Danish culture, plus all

the incredible history of both the country

itself and the experiences of immigrants

that settled in Central Alberta, there are a

number of fascinating artifacts and exhib-

its on display. A bequest from Karen and

Kresten Sommer enabled the Museum to

acquire a Gokstadfæring (small boat) rep-

lica which was built at the Viking Ship Mu-

seum Boatyard in Roskilde, Denmark. It

was eventually christened Freydis Joanna

and shipped to Halifax.

The boat is now part of the Danish Ca-

nadian National Museum’s permanent col-

lection.

“It traveled through Canada to Alberta,

stopping at different locations – a replica

of an authentic boat the Vikings would

have used. We have beautiful housing for

the ship as well.”

There are also gardens to explore and re-

lax in - the Pioneer Garden has traditional

vegetables, herbs, small fruit and apples.

Flowerbeds and gardens feature fl owering

bulbs and colourful annuals, biennials and

perennials and several types of roses and

Linden trees.

The Children’s Garden of Imagination

celebrates well-loved Danish fairy tales

and the world of make-believe.

The Dagmar Pioneer Church is a minia-

ture version of a popular Danish church

design and experience the good old days in

Elmer Thomsen’s log cabin.

There are all sorts of exhibit rooms to

explore at the Museum as well, from the

Hans Christian Andersen exhibit room

and the Heritage Exhibit Room to special

rooms dedicated to immigrant history and

a library featuring some 3,000 books.

Meanwhile, there are all kinds of events

to take part in at the Museum over the

summer, starting off with a Father’s Day

lunch on June 21st, a Danish Service and

Old-fashioned Picnic on June 28th and

Canada Day celebrations on July 1st which

includes coffee and cake. The Museum is

also featured in the nearby Spruce View

parade that day as well.

During the June 28th picnic, there will

also be a pie auction to help raise funds for

the museum, a fashion show which falls in

line with this year’s theme of Danish cos-

tumes, a sing-song, old-fashioned games.

“We have congregations come from Cal-

gary, Edmonton, Dickson and Craig. And

it’s open to the public as well. They can

come and picnic on the grounds, or order

the lunch that we make,” she said.

Other summer highlights include

æbleskiver and Jam Day on July 12th.

Enjoy these Danish pancake dumplings

topped with Saskatoon jam and sprinkles

of icing sugar. Staff will also have an on-

going demonstration on how to make

æbleskiver. “We have demonstrations on

how to make them,” she said. “We also

have entertainment – musicians doing

musical jams, for example. This year, we

are having artisans come to show off their

crafts as well.”

Viking Days run Aug. 15th-16th as well

– a very popular annual event and the Mu-

seum’s major fundraiser, said Nielsen.

Viking Days features a look at Viking

history, including reenactments and an

up-close look at how Vikings lived 1,000

years ago. Visitors can learn how they

made their crafts and tools, cooked their

food and set up their tents.

Demonstrations on armor and battle

skills also offer visitors a chance to mingle,

interact and experience Viking ways, said

Nielsen. People come from across Canada

to take part in the very special event, she

added.

“We have an authentic Danish meal, and

will feature some ‘Viking’ foods too.”

Admission to the Museum and grounds

is by donation (except for special event

days); staff rely on the generous contribu-

tions of visitors to assist them in keeping

this wonderful facility open for all to enjoy.

Tax receipts are available for donations

of $20 or more. The Danish Canadian Mu-

seum closes for the regular season on the

September long weekend.

For more information, call 403-728-0019

or visit www.danishcanadians.com.

[email protected]

Museum offers look into Danish culture and tradition

HISTORIC SCENE - Actors take part in a battle reenactment as Vikings at the Danish Canadian National Museum. Viking Days, one of the Museum’s most popular events planned for the sum-mer, runs Aug. 15th-16th. photo submitted

EXQUISITE DINING

CASINO EXCITEMENT

RELAXING LOUNGE

RELA

POOL & WATER SLIDE

Call 1-888-784-8441to book your Sunday escape at the Best Western Plusin Camrose!Standard roomPLUS breakfast.

PO

FUN & ENTERTAINMENT

$59

ELEGANT ROOMS & SUITES

1-888-784-8441

camroseresortcasino.com

fffffaaasssssttttt...For Sundays in June, you can stay at the

Best Western Plus Camrose Resort Casinoin a King or Double Queen room for just $59*.Enjoy the excitement of the Casino with its

array of slot machines, VLTs and table games,relax in the Joker’s Den Pub, frolic in the pool,unwind in the hot tub or feel the exhilaration

of the child-friendly water slide.Wake up to a free hot breakfast buffet Monday

morning, in Eats Restaurant from 630 to 930AM.

Visit camroseresortcasino.com to sign up for contests, exclusive offers and specials.

*MUST BRING IN THIS ADTO SECURE SPECIAL RATE Taxes extra. Based on availability. Offer valid June 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2015


DDDDDDDooooooonnnn’t take cccchhhhaaaannnces wwwiiithhh yyyooooooouuuuuuurrrrrrrr ffffffffaaaaaaaammmmiiiilllllyyyyy’’’ssssss

hhhhheeeaaaallltttthhhhh..LLLiiiifffffee iiisss uuunnnnpppprrrreeeedddiiiccccttttabbbblllleeee,,,, bbbbbuuuutt wwwiitthh aaaaffffoorrddaaaabbbblllleeee ccooovvvverraaagggeeee ffrroomm AAAlllbbeerrttaaa BBBlluueee CCroooosssssss,,

yyyyoooouu ccaann rreesst eeaasssyyy kknnnowwiinnnggggggggg yyoooouu hhhaavvveee tttheeee ppppprrrraaacccccccccccttttttttttiiiiiiiicccccccccccaaaallll bbbbeeennneefififittttssss yyyyyyyyyoooooooouuuuu nnnneeeeeeddd tttttoooooo mmmaaaaaiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnntttttttttaaaaaaaaiiiiiiinnnnnn yyyyyyyyyooooooouuuuuurrrrr ffffffaaaaaammmmmmmiiiiiilllllyyyyyyy’ssssss hhhhheeeeaaaalllltttthhhh aaaannnnnddddd wwwweeeellllllllbbbbeeeeeiinnnnngggggg....

dental • prescription drugs • vision • travel • massage • chiropractic • ambulance and more

If you’re without employer-sponsored health benefits, contact us today for your free information package.

Toll free 1-800-394-1965

www.ab.bluecross.ca

ABC

833

09 2

015/

04

special features - healthy family living and summer adventures 2015

Documents