September 2013 Chatter - Townsite of Redwood Meadows

A m o n t h l y v o l u n t e e r - d r i v e n p u b l i c a t i on f r o m t h e Re d w o o d M e a d ow s C o m m u n it y A s s o c i a t i o n
Chatter in the Woods
September 2013
Volume 20, Issue 8
READ THE CHATTER ONLINE AT WWW.REDWOODMEADOWS.AB.CA
Inside this issue:
Babysitters list
p. 31
Bragg Creek campaign p. 11
Council Update
p. 3
Environmental Ideas
p. 28
Fitness
p. 26
Kids’ Crafts
p. 22
Little Schoolhous e
p. 30
Redwood Calendar
p. 5
RMCA
p. 14
Sustainable Redwood
p. 17
Wild Rose Club
p. 21
Happy September, and welcome
home if you’ve been away. After the
flooding earlier this year, it’s almost
a miracle that we have a home to
come back to. Thanks to everyone
who helped out in so many different
ways to keep our community going
during those frantic days in June.
Thanks, too, to Sebastiaan Span,
who recently volunteered to help
with the Chatter, then had to pass a
“trial by water,” laying out his first
Chatter during the flooding crisis.
Did I mention he also works fulltime, volunteers with Redwood
EMS and has a young family?
You can help the community in a
different way by running for town
council in the fall election. See page
3 for Nomination Day details.
September is a great time to jump
into new activities. Find out what’s
going on at Redwood’s fall programs open house night, Sept. 5
from 6:30 to 8 pm at Redwood
House.
Also in this issue, find details about
Redwood’s popular fall gear swap,
as well as news from the Wild Rose
Club and Sustainable Redwood.
[email protected]
Redwood Meadows was a busy place during the summer.
Some children celebrated Canada Day with face painting
(left). Participants in the second annual Ride for Will, some of
whom are pictured above, raised more than $40,000 for the
Will Bouchard Memorial Foundation. See pages 14 and 24 for
details on both these great local events.
CHATTER IN THE WOODS
CLASSIFIEDS
is a monthly, volunteer-managed
publication of the Redwood Meadows
Community Association and is distributed via email to residents of Redwood Meadows and the surrounding
area. The Chatter is also available
online at
www.redwoodmeadows.ab.ca.
Receive a link to the Chatter on the
first day of each month by emailing
us at:
[email protected]
A limited number of printed copies
is available from the Chatter boxes at
Redwood House, mailboxes and at
the BCCC in Bragg Creek.
Contact the EDITORIAL TEAM at
[email protected]
Advertising Rates:
Business Card
$25.00/month
Quarter Page
$35.00/month
Half Page
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Full Page
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FOR SALE
Bosch Washer and Dryer (2007) front loading $600, Electrolux Central
Vac System (2011) with warranty $800, moving boxes approx 70 boxes $1
per box for set, parabody 425 multi gym system $2,499. Phone Carrie or
John Hucal 403 855 4043 (local number) or [email protected].
FOR SALE
2007 Dodge 2500 crew cab Laramie SLT in excellent condition. One
owner with 175,000 km and maintenance records. Fully loaded with
leather interior, sunroof, box liner, topper, and fifth wheel hitch. Price
$27,999, must be seen to be appreciated, carproof report available on
request. John at 403 855 4043 or [email protected].
FOR SALE
2004 Forest River Flagstaff 206 ST tent trailer for sale.
Equipped with:
— 3 Speed Fantastic Fan with new topper
— Thermostatically Controlled Heated Bed Mattresses
— 17,000 BTU Forced Air Furnace/Electric Ignition
— Large 1.9 Cubic Ft. Fridge
— A&E Free Standing Awning with new heavy duty zipper
— Lined Privacy Curtains, Roof Valances, Patio light, 110 Exterior
Outlet
— Spare Tire, Tire Bracket, Tire Cover, Step
— Rear Crank Down Stabilizer Jacks/Sand Pads
— Electric Breaks (required by law for BC travel)
— Tonnes of storage!
— RV Battery Included
— Sleeps 5 (queen bed, double bed, single bed)
Payment is required with your
Very good condition and extremely clean (non-smoking). Call David or
Christine at 403-949-4963. Asking Price: $5500 obo
advertisement.
Discount rates are offered for sixmonth or one-year commitments.
Deadline for each edition is the 15th
TAI CHI INSTRUCTOR
The Redwood Meadows Wild Rose Club is seeking a qualified Tai Chi
instructor to teach a daytime class. Please forward your resume and letter
of application to [email protected]. Thank you for your interest.
of the month prior to publication.
Submitted articles must be signed.
Chatter in the Woods assumes no
responsibility for the content or
accuracy of articles printed. The
HOT TUB
Six (6) person hot tub for sale: $1000.00 (original price $8000). Includes
"spacap" cover (very light weight/excellent insulator) and mechanism to
minimize effects of hard water. good working condition. Dark
rustic wooden side panels. call 403 461 9748.
views reflected in this newsletter do
not necessarily reflect the views of
the editors.
2
The Chatter is printed by the Bragg Creek Business Centre:
403-949-3331
CHATTER IN THE WOODS, September 2013
COUNCIL UPDATE
After the Flood: Townsite Expects Funding for Berm Repair
It appears the Province will provide funding to pay
for the work that was done to the flood-damaged areas of the berm in Redwood Meadows and will pay
for restoring the berm to its previous level.
Rocky Bond, Redwood townsite public works manager, said he believes the south end of the berm and
the area behind Sleigh Drive can be fixed relatively
quickly as most of the work has already been done.
Bond is now getting quotes to have this part of the
project finished as soon as possible.
The north berm, on the other hand, requires a complete rebuild. Council is waiting for the engineering
report from MPE before moving forward on this section.
Residents will not be responsible for the cost to rebuild the berm to before-flood condition, according
to townsite administration manager Pat Evans. “We
may, however, need to dip into funds to build this
end and reinforce the berm in other areas,” Evans
said. “If further work is required to make the berm
higher and wider, council might have to consider
imposing a special levy to pay for the work.”
These and other post-flood matters will be at the top
of the agenda when council reconvenes its twicemonthly meetings on Wednesday, September 4, at 7
pm at Redwood House. All are welcome to attend
these meetings.
In the meantime, Townsite Office will continue to
send out updates as information becomes available.
Don’t receive Townsite updates in your email? Sign
up for the Updater – your link to the latest information and notices from townsite office - by emailing
[email protected]. Include
your name and email address.
Townsite of Redwood Meadows
Г
This is a reminder that nominations for the
election of candidates for the Town Council
of Redwood Meadows must be returned to
the Townsite Administration Office between
8:30 am and 12:00 pm by Monday, September 23, 2013.
ing regular business hours.
Any resident who is over the age of 18 and a
Canadian citizen is eligible to run for a town
council position.
Election Day is Monday, October 21, 2013.
Nomination papers are available for pick-up
at Townsite office, 1 Manyhorses Drive, dur-
Townsite of Redwood Meadows
CHATTER IN THE WOODS, September 2013
3
LETTERS
Re: Flood Update:
Levy for a Levee
that it would easily handle a flood of similar size…
It’s about the only flood insurance we have.
To the Editor:
If we over engineer the berm and it is never tested…
that is a waste I can live with. If we only build it to
previous strength, we may not be as lucky as we
were this year.
I can only speak for myself but since this berm barely
held, I feel that reinforcing the berm to higher standards than before the flood is money well spent.
To me, I would gladly pay a levy to build the berm so
Terry Ross, Redwood Meadows resident
rmca
CASINO 2013
ATTENTION REDWOOD RESIDENTS
THE 2013 RMCA CASINO DATES
ARE NOVEMBER 19 & 20, 2013
40 CASINO VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED—WE NEED 12 MORE!
Every three years, the RMCA recruits residents from
around the community to work volunteer shifts at
the fundraising casino.
The monies raised at this casino are the community
association’s bread and butter, helping fund projects
such as the development and improvement of playgrounds, cross-country ski trails, tennis courts, ice
rink, etc., and allowing us to run events throughout
the year, such as Canada Day, New Year’s Potluck
& Fireworks, Halloween Brunch and more.
Take an active role in making the dreams of our
community a reality - the 2011 casino brought in
over $45,000 with the help of volunteers like you!
CASINO SHIFTS MUST BE FILLED ASAP FOR
REDWOOD MEADOWS TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR
CASINO FUNDING.
Contact Wanda at townsite office at 403-949-3563 or
email [email protected]
and leave your name and phone number.
The Chatter in the Woods welcomes
your letters, articles, advertisements
and notices of interest to our community members.
The newsletter is published on the first
of every month except August. Deadline for submissions is the 15 th of the
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CHATTER IN THE WOODS, September 2013
month prior to publication. Send your
submissions to:
[email protected].
All articles submitted must be signed by
the author to be considered for publication.
The Chatter team
Redwood House
September 2013
Sun
1
8
Mon
2
Tue
3
Wed
4
5
Town Council
Meeting 7pm
Redwood House
22
Fri
6
Sat
7
Private
Function
OPEN
HOUSE
6:30-8:00pm
9
10
11
12
13
14
Fitness 9am
TKD 6:30pm
Playgroup
9:30am
Fitness 9am
KINDERMUSIK
Fitness 9am
Private
Function
19
20
21
KINDERMUSIK
Fitness 9am
9-1pm
TKD 6:30pm
Eco-Film
Night 8pm
Private
Function
9-1pm
TKD 6:30pm
RMCA Mtg 7pm
RMES 7pm
15
Thu
16
17
18
Fitness 9am
Yoga 6:30pm
Playgroup
9:30am
Fitness 9am
Town Council
TKD 6:30pm
After School Art
4:30pm
RMES 7pm
Meeting 7pm
23
24
25
26
27
Fitness 9am
Yoga 6:30pm
Playgroup
9:30am
Fitness 9am
KINDERMUSIK
Fitness 9am
TKD 6:30pm
After School Art
4:30pm
Yoga 6:30pm
RMES 7pm
9-1pm
TKD 6:30pm
SPORTS
SWAP
DROP
10am-7pm
WRC event
28
SPORTS
SWAP &
BOOK
DRIVE
10am-2pm
29
30
MAKE IT Fitness 9am
Yoga 6:30pm
DAY
TKD 6:30pm
1pm-4:30pm
CHATTER IN THE WOODS, September 2013
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6
CHATTER IN THE WOODS, September 2013
CHATTER IN THE WOODS, September 2013
7
COMMUNITY
Redwood a Great Place to Run a Summer Camp!
Redwood House hosted three different day
camps this summer, all of which proved to be a
great success.
Camp in the Creek, run from the Bragg Creek
Centre, held most of its weekly camps in Redwood. The Elbow River was a favourite spot to
hang out during Splish Splash Water Weeks.
Redwood Meadows Emergency Services ran two
weeks of Fire Cadet Camps here. Some of the
training topics included: Fire Extinguishers,
Search & Rescue, Hoses and Hydrants, Vehicle
Extrication, First Aid/CPR and Team Building
and Leadership.
Camp director Captain Gary Robertson said he
was thrilled with how well the camp was received in its first season. “We had a lot of positive feedback from participants and parents,” he
said, “and are looking forward to developing
this camp for next summer and beyond.”
Finally, the Alberta Soccer Association, in partnership with RMCA Sports, hosted a week-long
intensive soccer camp for kids. Coach John
Clubb did not waste a moment in immersing the
kids in the sport, including everything from
challenging drills to daily quizzes on European
soccer team names. There’s no doubt participants ended the week with a renewed love for
the sport and huge improvement in skills!
Wanda Urbanowicz 8
CHATTER IN THE WOODS, September 2013
CHATTER IN THE WOODS, September 2013
9
COMMUNITY
Redwood Residents Offer a “River of Thanks” to Flood Workers and Volunteers
&$
On July 27, less than one week after the state of emergency in Redwood Meadows, hundreds of residents
gathered to hear Mayor John Welsh thank dozens of
contractors, emergency personnel, volunteers and staff
for their part in helping save the townsite from potential
disaster.
The “River of Thanks” banner—donated by local resident Tony Morrish—was presented by the RMCA to
Mayor Welsh. Residents attending the BBQ were encouraged to sign the banner to express their gratitude.
!" #$$
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10
CHATTER IN THE WOODS, September 2013
The banner is currently available at the townsite
office to anyone who would like to sign it.
Special thanks to Joni and Murray Bouchard, Ed
Taaffe and others who quickly stepped up to organize this event on very short notice. Thank you
also to SYSCO for their generous food donations
and to Enerplus for beverage donations.
Townsite of Redwood Meadows staff
CHATTER IN THE WOODS, September 2013
11
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CHATTER IN THE WOODS, September 2013
CHATTER IN THE WOODS, September 2013
13
RMCA
Canada Day in Redwood:
A Welcome Diversion From the Flood and a Day to Celebrate Our Country!
It was “96 degrees in the shade” … yes it was TOO
hot … but that didn’t stop the community from coming out of wet basements to celebrate a gorgeous
summer day in Redwood!
Canada Day 2013 came just days after the devastating
flooding in the region, but the RMCA knew that if the
City of Calgary was going ahead with the Stampede,
then “the show must go on” in Redwood too.
Thanks go out to the countless volunteers who rallied
to keep the event rolling and the many guests who
came out to enjoy the festivities. Also thanks to Jody
Be of Jojo’s BBQ Truck for donating more than $250
in giant pickle and Freezie sales to community flood
relief!
"(*"—,
,—-
See you July 1, 2014!
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CHATTER IN THE WOODS, September 2013
RMCA
Canada Day continued ...
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CHATTER IN THE WOODS, September 2013
15
Thank you to the countless volunteers,
council members, companies, RMES and
everyone else who helped keep our town dry
and safe during the flood crisis in June.
Without you and your dedication, we would
not have had a place to return home to!
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CHATTER IN THE WOODS, September 2013
SUSTAINABLE REDWOOD
Rainwater Collection, Conservation
and Recycling Project Update
If you purchased a rain barrel this spring or summer and kept the
receipt, you are now eligible to enter a draw to refund the cost of your rain barrel
(maximum $100)!
Please complete the short survey below.
staple the original receipt to the survey sheet,
and deposit in the collection box at Redwood House.
The draw will be made at the fall program open house event at Redwood House
on September 5th. Good luck!
Your Name: _____________________________________________________________
Phone Number: 403-____________________ Email:____________________________
Tick or fill in the blanks as appropriate:
1. I purchased # ____rain barrel(s) this spring/summer.
2. I emptied the barrel ____ times.
3. I used the water for ____washing my car ___watering flowers and ____ lawn.
4. I estimate I saved $______ on my water bill this summer using recycled water.
Please note: Only fully completed surveys with receipt attached will be eligible.
The Updater brings you local news
Get local news and advisories—cougar
sightings, Elbow River stream flow advisories,
etc.—delivered to your email inbox by signing
up for the Redwood Meadows Updater.
Send an email to :
[email protected].
Or keep in touch by visiting the town’s
webpage: www.redoodmeadows.ab.ca. We’re
also on Facebook and Twitter @Redwood
Meadows.
CHATTER IN THE WOODS, September 2013
17
SUSTAINABLE REDWOOD
Local Food Producers 2013
Company
Contact Name
Kevin Ryan
Place/Phone
Water Valley
Website/E-mail
www.fallentimbermeadery.ca
Nathan Ryan
(403) 637-2662
[email protected]
Buckler Farm
Charlie Buckler
Cochrane
www.bucklerfarm.ca
Berries & Vegetables
Kim Buckler
(403) 932-6097
[email protected]
WineGlass Ranch
Travis Eklund
Cochrane
www.WineGlassRanchAlberta.com
Beef
Kara Eklund
(403) 932-5792
[email protected]
Lazy JL Ranch
Darcy Scott
Cochrane
[email protected]
Ryan’s Honey & Fallen
Timber Meadery
Honey & Mead
(403) 932-3449
Beef
Marion ‘s Meal
Marion Wearmouth Cochrane
[email protected]
(403) 932-4088
Beef, Lamb, Chicken Eggs,
Vegetables & Lamb
Sundance Fields
Clarence Krahn
CSA Vegetables, Chickens,
Ingrid Krahn
Olds
www.sundancefields.com
[email protected]
Eggs & Pork
Uncle Bernie’s
Bernie Pagenkopf
Airdrie
www.albertafarmraisedelk.com
Elk, Bison, turkey, chicken
Linda Pagenkopf
(403) 935-4907
[email protected]
Buffalo Horn Ranch
Judy & Peter Haase
Olds
www.buffalohornranch.ca
(403) 556-2567
[email protected]
Armena
www.sunworksfarm.com
(780) 672-9799
[email protected]
[email protected]
Bison
Sunworks Farm
Sheila Hamilton
Chicken, Eggs, Pork, Duck,
Geese, Beef & Bison
Right Off the Farm
Will Pederson
Cochrane
Beef
Laurel Pederson
(403) 932-6352
CC Orchards
Joseph Ciaramella
Calgary
Cherry
Patricia Ciaramella
(403) 281-3360
Trail’s end Beef
Tyler Herbert
Nanton
www.trailsendbeef.com
Beef
Rachel Herbert
(403) 646-2550
[email protected]
The Saskaberry Ranch
Phil Trenholm
Olds
www.saskaberryranch.com
Saskatoon, strawberries,
Christine Trenholm
(403) 507-8994
[email protected]
Bernie’s Bakery
Bernhard Fortner
Cochrane
Nourish Whole Health
Jackie Skrypnek
Cochrane
www.nourishwholehealth.ca
Twisted Basil
Leslie Thorson
Cochrane
www.twistedbasil.ca
www.ccorchards.com
green house, chickens
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CHATTER IN THE WOODS, September 2013
CHATTER IN THE WOODS, September 2013
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CHATTER IN THE WOODS, September 2013
WILD ROSE CLUB
50+ Club Members Celebrate Summer and Fall with Full Roster of Events
It wouldn’t be Canada Day without our special birthday cake to celebrate, and this year was no exception.
Wild Rose Club members cut and served the cake as
always and we were very grateful to receive this
year’s cakes with the compliments of Glamorgan
Bakery. After the flood and the great work done by
the community, they just wanted us “to have a special day.”
Club members kicked off the summer season with a
well-attended (and very delicious) Strawberry Social
hosted by Sharon McMeekin and Carol Lowe at Redwood House in early July!
Also in July we enjoyed a glorious sunny day and an
outing to the Innisfail Golf Club for lunch, followed
by a visit to the RCMP Police Dog Service Training
Centre with bus service provided by the Lions Club.
It was an interesting and thoroughly enjoyable outing to this national centre for training all operational
police service dog teams within Canada. Well worth
the visit!
plete without delicious food and great company, so
before the observatory tour we had lunch at the Priddis View & Brew. It was another great day with
wonderful weather to enjoy out on their deck with a
cold beer, pub grub and good friends! (Tell ‘em we
sentya!)
If you are 50+, a resident of Redwood Meadows and/
or perhaps new to the area, you’re invited to visit the
Wild Rose Cafe held at Redwood House every
Wednesday from 10am to noon, beginning Oct. 9 th.
As a 50+ resident of RM, activate your complimentary membership and be on our contact list to receive
news of current and upcoming events.
We hope to see you at the Redwood House open
house event on September 5 th. Complete a short survey about what you’d like to see in the RM Wild Rose
50+ club and be entered into a draw for a nice surprise!
September 20 th will be our first group dinner and
social after the summer with a Western BBQ theme
event to celebrate the beginning of fall. Sign up on
September 5 th.
The Wild Rose Cafe reopens on October 9 th with
past RM residents Lilles & Graham Briand hosting.
October 16 th we invite all those running in the town
council election to a Meet and Greet, Coffee and
Community Conversations.
Stay tuned for the remainder of our busy fall calendar in next month’s issue!
Visiting nearby Rothney Observatory in Priddis has
been a popular request, and we did manage to schedule an afternoon there in July. “Dr. Phil” Langill
shared his passion for the observatory, its history and
mission while keeping us thoroughly entertained
(and educated) for the afternoon.
An event with the Wild Rose Club wouldn’t be com-
If you have any questions about the Club, please
speak to one of our members at the Cafe or contact
me at the phone or email below. You’re guaranteed a
warm welcome (and great coffee!).
Carol Scarratt
For everyone at the RM Wild Rose Club.
403-949-2238
[email protected]
CHATTER IN THE WOODS, September 2013
21
KIDS’ CRAFTS
Just Two Ingredients Add up to Hours of Fun with Flubber
What a great time of year in Redwood. The campers
and the motorhomes come home, the kids pile on
the backpacks and head to school, and everyone settles back in to the community we love. It's a great
time to reconnect with friends and unpack from the
long, hot, sunny summer. Okay, maybe not long or
hot or sunny this year, but you get the idea.
As our kids and grandkids get back into the swing
of school, they may need a break from all the excitement. If so, here's an easy activity you can do with
them that can help them wind down and relax a bit.
It's called Flubber.
All you need are two ingredients – white glue and
Borax. I found a box of Borax in the laundry aisle at
Safeway. It's inexpensive and there are other fun
things you can make with it, like crystal snowflakes,
which we'll save for the December Chatter. Until
then, Flubber will keep your kids occupied for
hours.
Here's how to make it. In one bowl, mix together ¾
cup of cold water with 1 cup of glue. If you want to
add a couple of drops of food colouring to this, you
can.
Then, in a separate bowl, mix together ½ cup of hot
water and one teaspoon of Borax, until the Borax is
completely dissolved.
Slowly add the glue mixture to the Borax mixture.
Mix well, and pour off any extra liquid.
That's it. A fun and easy project that can help your
kids kick back and have a little fun as they head off
to school this year.
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CHATTER IN THE WOODS, September 2013
Г
$
Get away from the kids and head to Make It Day
September 29 th from 1-4 at Redwood House. We are
a group of friends who bring our own craft projects
to work on for an afternoon. We scrapbook, knit,
crochet, etc. Join us!
Faith McLean
Come join us for crafting, creativity, conversation and fun! Whether you scrapbook, knit, make
jewellery, or just want to get out of the house,
we would love to have you join u s. Bring your own
project and supplies, and enjoy an hour, or an
afternoon, once a month away from the kids.
Make-It Day:
Sunday, September 29
1:00-4:30 at Redwood House
If you are interested in coming or have more
questions, please feel free to give Marianne a
call at (403) 830-6658 or
email [email protected]
Get Crafty at the Kananaskis Country Christmas
in Redwood Meadows 22 nd Annual Fine Arts and
Crafts Sale!
Friday, November 15 – Sunday November 17 th
Limited vendor space still available.
See you at the
September 5 th Open House event
at Redwood House.
Look for the Christmas Display and our
information table.
Or contact [email protected]
Faith and Marianne
CHATTER IN THE WOODS, September 2013
23
COMMUNITY
Community Comes out in Full Force to Support Second Annual Ride for Will
More than two years have passed since our community celebrated the amazing but shortened life of 12year-old Will Bouchard of Redwood Meadows in
May 2011. Will was one of those loveable children
who had the unique ability to put a smile on people’s faces and make the world a better place.
On June 15th, our community, along with a network
of friends and family from Will’s life, gathered for
the 2 nd Annual Ride for Will. A total of 315 riders of
all ages participated in the ride, while 477 attended
the evening event at Redwood House, which included a BBQ, silent auction and raffle.
The general objective of the day was to raise money
for the Will Bouchard Memorial Foundation. The
generosity of everyone resulted in a contribution to
the fund of approximately $40,000, far exceeding
anyone’s expectations. More importantly, families
and friends were given the opportunity to connect
with their kids and witness firsthand the power of
giving.
We all feel fortunate to have had the weather on our
side (for the most part). Only five days later, things
looked very different in Redwood Meadows.
The Will Bouchard Memorial Foundation was initiated at the time of Will's passing, and has been dedicated to support charities that direct their monies to
children 11 to 15 years old; grief support programs
offering support to parents and siblings; as well as
local community charitable needs.
This year, most of the funds raised will be directed
towards STARS, Banded Peak School, Alberta Children’s Hospital, AHS Grief Support Programs, Easter Seals Camp Horizon, and Kamp Kiwanis Calgary
(Bragg Creek). Visit www.willbouchard.com to see
an incredible tribute to Will and learn more about
the memorial foundation.
The bike ride commenced at 2 pm from Redwood
House, where 250 of the riders were given a “Ride for
Will” bike licence plate and a chance to win prizes
for the top pledge earners. Riders had a choice of
24
CHATTER IN THE WOODS, September 2013
either a 10km ride (to Bragg Creek) or the full 20km
ride, which inc luded Banded Peak School as the
turnaround point. Over $10,000 in pledges were
raised during the bike ride alone. The support provided by a network of safety personnel and race organizers was overwhelming. Local mountain bike
gurus "The Potlickers" acted as ride ambassadors,
and did a superb job looking after maintenance and
leadership.
The day could not have happened without the generous support of many sponsors. In particular,
thanks go out to our Gold Sponsors: Nalco Champion Technologies, Chris Baillie (Ribbon Creek Resources), and Kel Johnston (Wylander Crude Corp.).
Major corporate support was also provided by Dave
Desormeaux (Sysco Canada), Craig & Brenda Hruska, and Marty Gunson (Granville Island Breweries).
In addition, thanks go out to Gord Tate (Syncon
Management), Jeff Schneider (Cornerstone Agencies), Steve Stretch family, Ted Hart (Envirosoft Corporation), Jason Baba (RBC Dominion Securities),
Dennis Clease (Jack Carter Leasing), Stephen and
Claire Willis, and Doug and Debbie Barry.
Many thanks to Mark and Tanya Kamachi and the
entire Admaki/Run Digital teams for their inspiration marketing ideas and promotional material.
The evening included 50 silent auction items along
with an eclectic array of raffle items. Thanks to all
who generously contributed.
Local Bragg Creek businesses stepped up to support
the event, including Loko's Lounge/Joey's Only Restaurant, The Powderhorn Saloon, Scoops and
Snacks, Bragg Creek Food Town, The Bavarian Inn,
The Italian Farmhouse, and Bragg Creek Physio.
Many less fortunate will benefit from the
“Willpower” that was abundantly evident that day.
It was yet another example of why we all feel so fortunate to be part of a community that rallies together
to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
John Griffin
COMMUNITY
One Bald Head Equals One Wig for a Sick Child
Redwood Meadows resident Keely Anderson
decided this summer to donate her hair and raise
money for A Child's Voice Foundation (http://
www.acvf.ca/). The Springbank Middle School student said she knows of “way too many people who
have died or have been affected by cancer” and she
wanted to help. She vowed to cut off her hair, and
if she raised at least $1,000 by Aug. 17, to shave her
head completely.
Here’s part of the email she sent in late August:
By August 17, I had far surpassed my goal. At this
moment, the total is just over $2,000 and donations
are still coming in!
I just wanted to say thank you all so much for supporting me. I am so proud that so many people donated and sent along their personal experiences
and anecdotes! (I will definitely not forget to put
Г— sunscreen on my head!)
I hope whoever gets my wig gets passed along all
the kindness you put into this cause, and I know
the money can make a huge difference to someone
in need.
Thank you again all so much for coming together to
support my cause!
Keely Anderson
Redwood Couple Competes in Contract Bridge at Alberta 55+ Summer Games
Lee and Linda Edwards of Redwood Meadows recently competed in the Alberta 55+ Summer Games,
representing Zone 2 in Contract Bridge.
played well, but did not place in the medals. Contract bridge is essentially a game of luck, and luck
was not with us that weekend.”
The couple won gold at the zone level to advance to
the provincial competition, which was held in Westlock, north of Edmonton, in mid-July.
Linda also said the location of the games had special
relevance for her, as Westlock was where she began
her teaching career and also where she first learned
to play bridge.
Congratulations, Linda and Lee!
Linda said in an email, “ ...at the provincial level we
CHATTER IN THE WOODS, September 2013
25
FITNESS
Ready to try something new to get in shape for the
winter season? Try our fun new NordicKidFit and
NordicFit Class, hosted by XC Bragg Creek and instructed by Flora Giesbrecht and Ann Sullivan.
We will do “dryland training” that includes
strength circuits, plyometrics, stretching, and ski
walking, all in preparation for the upcoming ski
season (appropriate for ages 12 and up). No cross
country ski experience required.
Registration begins September 4 at xcbraggcreek.ca.
Or visit the fall programs open house at Redwood
House on September 5 from 6:30 to 8 pm for more
info and a ski waxing demo.
Classes will be held outdoors on Thursdays from
5:00 to 6:15pm from Sept. 19 to Oct 24.
There will also be a weekend hiking and rollerski/
rollerblade opportunity for class registrants on
either October 6th or 20th (weather dependent).
Who: For ages 12 and up (adults can register too)
Fee: $65
Where: Locations will vary between the Greater
Bragg Creek area and Redwood Meadows. Classes
will be held outdoors, rain or shine.
Required equipment:
Running shoes, suitable clothing for the weather,
water bottle
Recommended optional equipment: ski poles that
fit under the armpit, preferably with wrist straps.
The older and “less fancy” a pole the better ;) Yaktraks, or other suitable footwear for icy conditions.
Flora Giesbrecht
xcbraggcreek.ca
Exciting News?
Share it with the community!
Do you have a story to tell or an event to advertise?
Spread the word in the Chatter.
Contact us at
[email protected]
for details.
26
CHATTER IN THE WOODS, September 2013
CHATTER IN THE WOODS, September 2013
27
ENVIRONMENTAL IDEAS
Choosing to Live a Simpler Life is Easier in the Summer!
It's late August as I type and our family has reentered the land of better personal grooming after
spending the summer at my husband's family cottage. It's amazing how good you can think you look
in the gloom of a dimly lit cabin. One peek at yourself in the unforgiving light of a well-lit bathroom,
though, and any illusion of looking presentable is
gone.
This has been my experience every year on our way
home from the lake. The grubby shorts, the semiclean t-shirt and the hair – oh, the hair! – all of which
worked just fine all summer, just don't pass muster in
a city. It's all about context, I guess. When everyone
around you is also dressed in a saggy bathing suit
and shorts from the 1993 MEC catalogue, you can't
help but fit right in. And when you don't have ready
access to a hot shower or a blow dryer, you jump in
the lake, run a comb through your hair, and hope for
the best like everyone else.
Actually, that last statement is misleading since we
do have access to a hot shower and a blow dryer if
we choose to use them. We just don't usually choose
to use them. It's all about choices, whether we're at
home or on vacation.
Every year at the lake I think I should try to live more
simply when we get home. And every year, after that
first glimpse of my post-summer self in the mirror, I
fall back into at-home patterns: doing laundry more
often than every few weeks, wanting the modern
conveniences and the material things that come with
a comfortable home.
In any case, I may be kidding myself about leading a
simple life at the cottage. As I was typing this, my
husband, who was unpacking bags from the summer, yelled from the hall closet: “Man! You have a lot
of shoes!” Does it make any difference if most of
them are sporty and/or practical? Or that I really only wore two pairs all summer? Not really.
When I opened my closet to find something to wear
this morning, our first day back, I was decidedly un28
CHATTER IN THE WOODS, September 2013
derwhelmed (as usual). What's the point in having a
closet full of clothes that don't even look appealing
after a summer of wet trunks and dorky shorts?
There must be a lesson in there somewhere. Happiness doesn't come from a store or a hair salon. I think
we all know that anyway. I learn and relearn that lesson every summer, when all that really matters, aside
from the weather, is family and friends. I think all of
us in Redwood Meadows and Bragg Creek were reminded about the importance of family, friends and
community earlier this summer, when we came close
to seeing all our material goods, possibly our entire
community, washed down the Elbow River.
All of which reminds me – I want to thank everyone
who helped out in so many different ways during the
flooding in late June. I still get goose bumps thinking
of how people rallied to help one another during the
flooding, offering time, muscles, food and shelter to
friends and strangers alike.
If ever there were a reminder of why we live in a
place like this and how much we cherish a sense of
community – way more than a dozen pairs of shoes! - that was it.
Ann Sullivan
If you’re reading a paper copy of this
month’s Chatter, please remember to
recycle it. Better yet, return it to one of the
four Chatter boxes in
Redwood Meadows (at the mailboxes and
at the entrance to Redwood House).
Thanks!
CHATTER IN THE WOODS, September 2013
29
The Little Schoolhouse
August News 2013
Despite it being summer, there are still activities
going on at the Little Schoolhouse. Unfortunately, one of the main activities is the cleaning and
rebuilding of the school’s basement. Yes, we survived the flooding, but it did fill the basement.
Thank you to all the volunteers who helped
clean up – we couldn’t have done it without
your efforts and support. Because of you, the
school will be ready for our children in September.
We never hope for events such as this flood, but
it truly showed what Bragg Creek and Redwood
residents are made of – grit, determination,
strength, and the spirit of volunteerism. It was a
beautiful thing to see how the communities came
together in this time of need, plus all the volunteers from communities nearby and far away, to
make rebuilding a possibility.
Bragg Creek Days was a great way to celebrate
our community and The Little Schoolhouse had
a small group of children participate in the parade, walking through Bragg Creek handing out
candy and balloons. Thank you to all the children who joined us for the event and the parents
for your assistance in organizing it all.
August saw the teachers return to the Little
Schoolhouse to prepare it for the arrival of the
children. Open houses were held in August to
welcome students back and to introduce new
students to the school. It was a great opportunity
to reunite with friends and staff and to meet new
students.
30
CHATTER IN THE WOODS, September 2013
The Little Schoolhouse is happy to welcome
Tracey Lynch to the team as our new preschool
teacher. She has lived in Bragg Creek for 10 years
and truly understands the community feeling we
bring to our school. With her Bachelor of Education, she brings many years of experience, most
of it teaching Kindergarten and Grades One
through Three. The preschool class will benefit
greatly from her years of experience teaching a
diverse group of students and honing her communication skills between students, parents, and
teachers. Welcome aboard, Tracey!
We would also like to say goodbye to Miss Gilian, our preschool teacher last year. She has been
offered an opportunity to teach at the same
school her daughter attends. We wish her all the
best in her future endeavours and thank her for
her year with us. The children in her classes benefitted greatly from her experience and expertise.
The Little Schoolhouse offers a Kindergarten
program and a combined preschool class for 3year-olds and 4-year-olds, in Bragg Creek. The
Kindergarten class is held on Tuesdays and
Thursdays from 9:00 am to 3:15 pm while the
Preschool class is on Mondays, Wednesdays and
Fridays from 8:45 – 11:15 am, or Mondays,
Wednesdays, and Fridays from 12:15 – 2:45 pm.
For more information about our programs and
how to register, please check out our website at
www.thelittleschoolhouse.ca
Carmen Ryan (Parent)
Redwood Meadows Babysitters List
Name
Age
Courses
Phone
Alexandra Sargent-Laskin
14
St. John's Babysitting & Home
Alone Safely
949-4424
Aly Mohun
15
Red Cross Babysitting
949-4944
Anita Doglioni Majer
11
St. John’s Babysitting
949-4120
Bernadetta Mayer
15
Red Cross Babysitting
949-2416
Brian Goerzen
12
Red Cross Babysitting
949-0054
Chiara Schmid
12
Red Cross Babysitting
949-2006
Chris Thornton
13
Red Cross Babysitting
949-4968
Kathleen Griffin
14
Red Cross Babysitting
949-2428
Kathryn Gibbesch
25
Nanny; CPR, babysitting
course
587-433-8252
Keeling Barrie
11
Red Cross Babysitting, Home
Alone, First Aid
949-3149
Keely Anderson
12
Babysitting Course
949-8287
Logan Schnell
13
St. John’s Babysitting, Home
Alone
949-2825
Lucy Talman
17
Home Alone, Babysitting
Course and First Aid
949-3785
Natasha Black
14
Alberta Safety Council
Babysitting Course (YMCA)
949-3337
Quinta
van der Lee
14
Home Alone, Red Cross
Babysitting Certificate
949-3510
Rachel Holloway
15
St. John’s Babysitting, Home
Alone courses
949-0074
Sabrina Gosselin-Epp
13
Babysitting Course
949-2090
Scott Goerzen
14
Red Cross Babysitting Certificate; backcountry emerg.
workshop
949-0054
To have your name added to the babysitter list, email [email protected].
CHATTER IN THE WOODS, September 2013
31
Your Good Health is OUR Business
Come in and meet our Pharmacy team
in Bragg Creek. Our certified pharmacy
staff are trained to help you in the
following areas:
Bragg Creek
Pharmacy
(403) 949-3177
20White Ave, Bragg Creek, AB
Monday
9am-6pm
Tuesday
9am-6pm
Wednesday
9am-6pm
Thursday
9am-8pm
Friday
9am-8pm
Saturday10am-6pm (RX Closed)
Sunday 10am-6pm (RX Closed)
32
CHATTER IN THE WOODS, September 2013
Pharmacy
Manager
Alzeen Virji
• Detailed Medication Reviews
• Injections
• Flu Shots
• Certified Diabetes Management
• Adaptation and refill of prescriptions
• Auto-refill reminder
• Transfer RX service
• Vitamin & Supplemen t Counseling
• Over the counter medications
• Health & Beauty Aids
• Cosmetics
• Seasonal choices & Greeting cards
• Giftware