rrroca agm rrroca agm rrroca

NOVEMBER 2012
SHOP
Local
RRROCA
AGM November
vember 14
7pm Royal
Ro al Oak Victory
Victo y Church
Planning & Development
UPDATES
UPD TES
ROYAL OAK SUBURBAN JOURNAL
NOVEMBER 2012
Rocky Ridge Royal Oak
C O M M U N I T Y A S S O C I AT I O N
3
MOUNTAIN VIEWS
From the President
Rocky Ridge Royal Oak Community
Association
403-771-8979
[email protected]
www.rrroca.org
RRROCA Board of Directors
President ...................................Erin Stabbler
1st V.P. .................................Ward Sutherland
2nd V.P. ........................... Monique Chiasson
Treasurer ...........................Megan Malashuck
Secretary ......................................Loretta Kao
Director ........................................ Sean Fraser
Director ........................................ Jim Rippon
Director .........................................Jeff Walker
Director ...................................... Paul Delaine
Director At Large ............. Sriharsha Veluvolu
Elected Officials
Alderman: Gord Lowe
403-268-2430
[email protected]
MLA: Sandra Jansen
403-216-5444
[email protected]
Community Liason Officer:
Constable Roy Moe #2231
[email protected]
403-567-6745
Suburban Journals Publishing
Editor & Article Submissions:
[email protected]
Submission deadlines for this monthly publication are
the 10th of the month, prior to the distribution month.
Advertising Sales:
Phil
403-660-7324
[email protected]
The ad booking deadline is the 14th of the
month prior to the distribution month.
This publication is published 12 times a year by
Suburban Journals Publishing and delivered to residents
by Canada Post. This publication is also available for
pickup from local retail outlets.
Please note: the information and opinions in this
newsletter are subject to change, and do not necessarily
represent the opinions of the publisher or editor.
Content contained in this publication may not be
reproduced without the written consent of Suburban
Journals Publishing. The information herein is believed
accurate but not warranted so. Any advertisements,
home businesses, babysitters & nannies, or other parties
listed in the Royal Oak Suburban Journal should not be
interpreted as recommendations or endorsements by the
editor or the publisher.
Our AGM will be held on November
14th, 2012 at 7pm at the Royal Oak
Victory church. I would like to thank
the ROVC for once again allowing
us to hold our AGM there this year.
Proxies have been sent out to all active
members so please even if you plan
on attending fill one out so that we can
ensure quorum. If you do attend the
proxy will be given back to you.
This AGM is a bitter sweet one for
me as I will be stepping down from
the board, after 5 years I think it is
time to hand the reigns over so that
I can have a much needed break
from volunteering. It has been a very
rewarding experience to help on the
board first as Treasurer and then as
President. Thank you to all the past
and current board members for your
support and hard work and thank you
to all the amazing volunteers that help
make this community a better place.
At beginning of this month is a minute
in time in which I stop. For most it is a
day off or a slow day at work, however
most do stop on the 11 day of the
11th month at the 11th hour to reflect
on all those lost giving their lives to
protect our freedoms and rights. I
know that this day can get muddied
with all that is going on in the world
today, but it all started with the end of
WWI to commemorate the sacrifices
of life made by the members of the
armed forces who were killed during
war. It was continued with WWII and
shouldn’t be forgotten with all that is
going on in the world today. Young
men and women then and now willing
sacrifice their lives so that we may
live ours. Take that minute of silence,
for someone you may know – a great
grandparent(s), a grandparent(s), a
parent(s), sons, or daughters, family
or friend that either came home to
loved ones safely or gave the ultimate
sacrifice for what they believed in.
Lest we forget.
– Erin Stabbler
President, RRROCA
Community
Website
Did you realize...
You can read the latest newsletter, get
updated community news and all the
information you need by visiting our
website at www.rrroca.org.
Or visit us on Facebook
(Rocky Ridge Royal
Oak Community
Association) or Twitter
(@RRROCA1).
- Monique
Community Engagement Director,
RRROCA
ROYAL OAK SUBURBAN JOURNAL
Rocky Ridge Royal Oak
C O M M U N I T Y A S S O C I AT I O N
NOVEMBER 2012
5
MOUNTAIN VIEWS
Volunteers Opportunities with RRROCA
Thank you to the residents that have
stepped forward to offer a hand to
their community. The Community
Association Board of Directors and all
Community Association members are
volunteer roles. The more residents
that want to get involved, the more
RRROCA can do for you!
We currently have the following vacancies on our Board of Directors:
SPORTS DIRECTOR
Portfolio Duties:
• Liaise with City of Calgary with
respect to playfields
• Handle registration, create teams
• Coordinator Coaches and Assistant
Coaches
• Schedule practices and games
• Order uniforms and distribute
• Handle all the Equipment
• Plan the Wrap Up Party
Effective immediately
SPECIAL EVENTS DIRECTOR
• Plan, organize and implement all
events for Rocky Ridge Royal Oak
communities. Past events include
(but not limited to):
• Community Clean-up
• Parade of Garage Sales
• Stampede Breakfast
• Royal Oak School Book Drive
• Movie in the Park (few years
ago).
• Looking for additional fun events
for 2012.
• Work with local business for
sponsorship of community
events.
• Responsible for advertising for
upcoming events.
• Liaise with other groups hosting
community events; offer support
as needed.
Effective immediately
I APPRECIATE
everyone's time and
interest and am looking forward to hearing
from you! If interested
in any of the above,
email me at
[email protected].
- Monique
Community Engagement Director,
RRROCA
Rocky Ridge Royal Oak Scouts Club #242
Thank you for your support in
our Popcorn Campaign!
As you have seen from the great signs,
October is Popcorn Month for Beavers,
Cubs and Scouts – those cute smiles in
uniform are hard to resist and we thank
you for your support in helping our
group provide quality skills building
and leadership training for the children.
If you missed the sale, we will be doing
cash & carry popcorn sales December
1/2 at Walmart and Canadian Tire
(Beacon Hill) and December 8/9 at
Royal Oak Sobeyes.
2012/2013 registrations are excellent
with 39 Beavers, 23 Cubs and 10
Scouts, many of whom are girls. Mark
your calendar, as next years registration
will occur in June 2013!
September activities included two
2-night camps, one of which was a
Link Camp at which Scouts shared
their orienteering, knife safety and
fire lighting skills with Cubs. Beavers
joined in with 1 overnight camp
and enjoyed a hike and nature based
scavenger hunt at Camp Cadicasu.
October brings Investiture Ceremonies
on October 9th at Bowness Park for
all members and a family Halloween
party. In November the Beavers
hope to tour the Military Museum for
Remembrance Day and Cubs continue
to work on badges focusing on the
Outdoors, Health and Fitness. Scouts
have a winter camping trip planned
for in K-Country, in addition to rock
climbing, day hikes, tobogganing and
assisting with regular meetings and
special events.
Thank you to all the volunteers who
dedicate their time and energy to make
a successful program.
- Krissy Rennie
Parent Volunteer
ROYAL OAK SUBURBAN JOURNAL
Rocky Ridge Royal Oak
C O M M U N I T Y A S S O C I AT I O N
NOVEMBER 2012
7
MOUNTAIN VIEWS
Get Involved!
We will be performing the same review
of our website soon. We will need your
ideas/suggestions/feedback for this as
well.
Please help us improve the content of
your newsletter, your website. We also
ask that you be patient with us as we
work towards this improvement.
Are you getting the most out of
this community newsletter? Or is it
collecting dust in the corner? What is
missing? What content would you like
to see? The RRROCA Communications
Committee, along with the Board of
Directors has begun efforts to review
the contents of our community journal
and to apply more community related
content.
We have been asking some
of our residents what they
would like to see more
of, less of. Here are a few
responses:
• Interviews/stories with residents
• Photos of the community (perhaps a
contest)
• Local preschools/daycares in our
area
• Monthly portfolio updates from the
Directors (transportation, parks,
community engagement, sports, etc)
Want to help? It’s simple! Send a quick
email with your thoughts. It doesn’t
mean that we will be adding all of
the ideas but we will evaluate/discuss
each of them. Want to be more directly
involved? Join the Communications
Committee as an official member and
help put this in motion! However you
decide to get involved (quick email or
joining the committee), email me at
[email protected].
- Monique
Community Engagement Director
RRROCA
Planning &
Development
Updates
Kaiser Well Update
October 2012
Minister Hughes has requested the
ERCB postpone any decision pertaining to application/completion of
inquiry within Urban areas until the
Alberta Urban policy is completed by
the Energy department. The ERCB has
acknowledged this request and will
comply pending completion of the Urban policy and/or subsequent direction
from the Government of Alberta. The
new Urban policy is expected in the
new year.
We are encouraged by this decision and
look forward to a suitable solution for
all stakeholders.
Rocky Ridge Road
(entrance and exits options)
Dialogue continues with the City
of Calgary and the Province of Alberta regarding possible alternatives
to entrances and exits for the Rocky
Ridge area. This process will continue
over the winter and hopefully we will
have some potential solutions that “fit”
within the fiscal budgets.
LDS Temple
We would like to thank Mayne and his
team of volunteers that did an excellent job with traffic control through out
the month of tours. They stood out in
some tough weather, were very friendly
and waved to all that passed by. There
should be minimal impact now with
any traffic in the future.
Royal Oak Park
We would like to congratulate Certus &
First Capital on negotiating the future
removal of the fence along Wal-Mart.
This will create better access to the
new businesses in Royal Oak Park for
all residents without forcing people to
go through the intersection lights. It’s
great to see different developers work
together in the best interests of the
community, we appreciate it!
Stripping & Grading
Development Permit
(DP-2012-1657) – Update
Rocky Lake Area bordering Rocky
Ridge Rd.
RRROCA has filed an appeal (DP2012-0151) with the City of Calgary
Subdivision & Development Appeal
Board on behalf of the community.
continued on next page
ROYAL OAK SUBURBAN JOURNAL
Rocky Ridge Royal Oak
C O M M U N I T Y A S S O C I AT I O N
Planning & Development
Updates continued
The current submitted Conditions of
approval-development permit is not
accurate in-terms of tree protection.
The addition of retaining walls through
out the development will effect the tree
protection in those areas and currently
lack a detailed plan. There are opportunities for transplants options and
clarification of the protected areas in
detail. The appeal date has been set for
October 18th, please check the RRROCA webpage for updates of the appeal.
Royal Oak – Phase 2 Application
Tentative Plan
File: SB2097
Conforming - Royal Oak 2 - Section
21NW
Proposed Subdivision: Storm Pond,
Multi-Family Development(Retirement
Centre), ME/MR
See link on RRROCA website.
- Ward Sutherland
Planning & Development
NOVEMBER 2012
9
MOUNTAIN VIEWS
Christmas Charities
It’s Not Too Early To Think About
Christmas Charities
This time of year, most people resist
thinking about anything Christmas. It
just seems too early! However if you,
your family, or community group supports a Christmas charity now is the
time to start thinking about and planning for your Christmas giving. Those
deadlines creep up very fast! There are
so many worthwhile organizations to
support this time of year but here are
three worthwhile mentions.
Operation Christmas Child is perhaps the best-known charity that gets
in full swing this time of year. If you
don’t know what it’s all about, it’s a
global Christmas gift exchange project
operated by Samaritan’s Purse, a relief
organization created by Franklin Graham, son of evangelist Billy Graham.
Each November, it collects filled shoeboxes containing toys, school supplies,
hygiene items and other treats and
distributes them to needy children in
countries throughout the world. Many
families fill multiple shoeboxes each
year as part of their Christmas giving. Many Calgary volunteers are also
needed at their NE Calgary warehouse
to check shoeboxes that arrive from all
over western Canada and prepare them
for overseas shipping. The national
collection week is November 19-25th.
To find out more about how you can
help or how to fill your own shoebox,
please see www.samaritanspurse.ca.
Stephen’s Backpacks was started in
2006 by 6 year old Stephen McPhee
from Airdrie who wanted to help
homeless children at Christmas time.
He and his family purchased and filled
15 backpacks and handed them out to
needy babies and children. Since then,
young Stephen’s vision of giving ev-
ery homeless and vulnerable Calgary
child a Christmas present has blossomed into a successful local charity
with the help of corporate donations,
Volunteer Calgary and Inn from the
Cold as well as many individuals.
As of December 2011, over 16 000
backpacks have been distributed. They
contain books, warm hats, socks and
gloves (even pyjamas and blankets),
personal care items, small toys and
games, and more. If you would like to
be a part of this local initiative, please
see
www.stephensbackpacks.com or call
403-852-9308.
Adopt-a-Family works in conjunction
with many local organizations including the Calgary Sun newspaper and the
Salvation Army. The Salvation Army
gathers names of Calgary families
who wouldn’t otherwise have a merry
Christmas. Donor families, organizations and companies then “adopt” that
family over Christmas, providing them
with a complete Christmas plus other
household essentials they need to get
by during a difficult time. Keep an eye
out for details of this year’s program,
which should be getting underway
sometime in November. In the meantime, you can call 403-250-4197 or
emailing [email protected].
Hopefully, your family or community
group will consider spreading a bit of
Christmas cheer to someone in need
this year. It is easy and cost-effective
when items are purchased in bulk. But
more importantly, the time and money
you spend will make you feel amazing.
- Carla Knipe
ROYAL OAK SUBURBAN JOURNAL
Rocky Ridge Royal Oak
C O M M U N I T Y A S S O C I AT I O N
NOVEMBER 2012
11
MOUNTAIN VIEWS
An Invitation to Shop Local
Royal Vista Business Park is quickly
taking shape and NW Calgary
residents are eagerly anticipating the
arrival of more amenities to the area.
But are Rocky Ridge and Royal Oak
residents actually taking advantage
of “shopping local”? The fact that
Calgary is a car-dependent city is well
known but Rocky Ridge and Royal
Oak is a fantastic location where
shops and services are easily accessed.
Already we can choose to do our
banking, buy groceries, get a fast food
fix, attend medical appointments and
then get our prescriptions filled - all
without making a huge trip outside
of our Community to do it. We are
very lucky compared to many areas in
Calgary. But many people still think
“the grass is greener” and are in the
habit of driving long distances to other
shopping areas in Calgary. However,
shopping local has its benefits. Here
are some reasons to consider spending
your money close by.
Local Economy—A lot of the retailers
going into the new area are franchises,
but often it’s local business people
who own the franchises. They also hire
local people so it’s worth supporting
them for that reason.
Community Support—When looking
for team sponsorship or donations
for their community organizations,
people tend to look for support
from businesses in the immediate
vicinity first. A lot of businesses make
donations quietly to local causes and
charities and don’t crave the media
spotlight. When you shop locally, you
are helping to support your community
through your purchasing power.
Environmental Impact—Forget
about “food miles.” When you drive
across the city to run errands, you are
polluting the earth. When our local
area has a diverse array of businesses
and services that you can access
on foot, by bike or by transit, the
environmental impact of errands is
greatly reduced. Not to mention the
stress and aggravation at having to do
all that driving in heavy traffic.
Save Money—Shopping locally
can save you a lot of money and
time. Gas is expensive and so is car
maintenance. By staying local and
grouping errands together, the amount
of gas money you save really adds up.
So, the consumer choices you make do
impact the heath of your community.
Hopefully more Rocky Ridge and
Royal Oak residents will begin to
see the value in shopping close by.
However, another perhaps tougher
challenge will be for people to access
their local shopping by walking,
cycling or using public transit at least
once in a while. It’s easier than you
might think, increases your amount
of exercise (no expensive gym
membership required!) and it reduces
your carbon footprint. Plus, it helps
build our NW Calgary economy.
- Carla Knipe
Rocky Ridge &
Royal Oak Youth!
RRROCA wants to hear from
you!
We would like to start looking at
activities/initiatives for the Youth in
our community! What’s missing?
What would you like to see? What
activities are your friends participating
in, in other communities? Grab a
friend, neighbour, classmate and start
gathering some ideas. Then send those
ideas to [email protected] so we
can get to work!
Parents/Caretakers, please feel free to
email us your ideas as well!
- Monique
Community Engagement Director
RRROCA
ROYAL OAK SUBURBAN JOURNAL
Rocky Ridge Royal Oak
C O M M U N I T Y A S S O C I AT I O N
NOVEMBER 2012
13
MOUNTAIN VIEWS
Rocky Ridge/Royal Oak Pet of the Month
on her and bugging her due to her
history. But, there was no need to worry
as Kaylee had two new best friends
and lets them do whatever they please
with her. She is a wonderful dog and
completes our family!
CONGRATS Kaylee!
Each month, our sponsors will be
providing wonderful prizes for our
winners. The PAW SPA at Crowfoot
will be providing a $100 gift certificate
as the 1st prize! And Royal Pooch Pet
Services will be providing a $50 gift
certificate as the 2nd prize!
The First Prize winner is…
PEBBLES
Here's her submission:
Pebbles is a seven year old mini
dachshund who everyone mistakes for
a puppy because she's so tiny! She
causes a commotion wherever she goes
- everyone wants to meet her and pet
her because she's so cute! Not only that,
she's wonderfully well-behaved and
friendly - the staff at her vet clinic say
she's the best dachshund they've ever
met. She's a sucker for a belly-rub; she
figures everyone she meets is there just
to pet her and rub her tummy! In the
picture, she was seen in Bragg Creek,
during a summer day out.
The RRROCA would like to thank
the support of our generous sponsors,
The PAW SPA at Crowfoot (www.
crowfootpawspa.ca) and Royal Pooch
Pet Services (www.royalpooch.ca.)
You are welcome to send in MONTHLY
submissions however your pet can
only win ONCE per sponsor! We are
seeing lots of wonderful pets; keep ‘em
coming!
THANK YOU again to our sponsors!
Does your pet look like you? Is he/she
exceptionally cute? Funny? Talented?
Or maybe just downright lovable?
CONGRATS Pebbles! Go get
pampered!
The Second Prize winner is…
KAYLEE
Here's her submission:
Kaylee is a German Shephard/Collie
cross and is 11 years old. She has
been our loyal and lovable companion
since day one. Kaylee was recused
at 6 months old from the Cochrane
animal shelter and has a history of
abuse. Kaylee clicked with our family
immediately and learned how to trust
us completely. Before our children,
she was our baby and did everything
with us. She loves rafting down the
bow, camping, hiking, road trips and
just about anything she can do with us.
When we had children, my husband
and I were a bit apprehensive of how
she would act around children jumping
If you think your pet has what it takes to
become the Rocky Ridge/Royal Oak Pet
of the Month, drop us a line explaining
why he/she is the BEST!
Of course, we will need a picture too!
Any pet will do; a cat, dog, bird, reptile,
rodent; you get the picture!
Send your submissions to
[email protected].
ROYAL OAK SUBURBAN JOURNAL
Rocky Ridge Royal Oak
C O M M U N I T Y A S S O C I AT I O N
NOVEMBER 2012
15
MOUNTAIN VIEWS
NW LRT Update
Northwest LRT Extension to
Royal Oak/Rocky Ridge and
Tuscany Project Update –
November 2012
Tuscany Station Construction Has
Begun
Crews began work on the new Tuscany Station in July and the construction
is visible from Crowchild in the median of Crowchild Trail just north of
Stoney Trail. Crews will continue their
construction work throughout the fall
and winter, accessing the Crowchild
Trail median through the closed lanes
adjacent to the LRT Right of Way.
Tuscany Station is on track to open for
Transit use in the fall of 2014.
Construction has also begun on the
Arbour Lake Substation and Rocky
Ridge Utility Complex. Both buildings
are required to provide power for the
future LRT extension. Both buildings
are expected to be complete in the
summer of 2013, with interior work
ongoing until fall of 2014.
Park & Ride Tender and
Construction
The tender for the work on the Park &
Rides is expected to go out in December 2012, with construction anticipated
to begin in spring 2013.
Update on Eamon’s Sign and
Building
Although the building and sign have
not yet moved physically from the
future Rocky Ridge Park & Ride site,
there has been a lot of activity around
the Eamon’s building and sign. As per
Council’s direction in May 2012, the
project team proceeded with acquiring
the land that the Eamon’s building sits
on. The land sale was completed in
August 2012.
Also, as per Council’s direction, the
building will be moved off-site and
stored so that construction can continue on the Park & Ride lot, but it will
be returned to the Rocky Ridge Park
& Ride site at a later date. The actual
move date has yet to be determined.
Council also directed the project team
to pursue options to restore and reuse
the Eamon’s building as part of the
overall station plan. A Request for
Pre-Qualification (RFPQ) was posted
by The City to determine interest in
restoring and using the Eamon’s building as a business. The RFPQ closed on
Oct. 10. The project team will report
its findings from this RFPQ back to
Council.
The gas station sign from the Eamon’s
site will be moved off-site and re-furbished, and returned to the site in the
pick-up and drop off area during Park
& Ride construction. This was the plan
in the original design for the Tuscany
Station.
For more information
Please see www.calgary.ca/nwlrt for
more information about the Eamon’s
building and sign, and for more information and ongoing updates on the
NW LRT project.
NOVEMBER 2012
ROYAL OAK SUBURBAN JOURNAL
Rocky Ridge Royal Oak
C O M M U N I T Y A S S O C I AT I O N
17
MOUNTAIN VIEWS
Babysitter’s Registry
This service is available to all Rocky
Ridge Royal Oak Community
Association (RRROCA) members
with current active memberships; for
sitters as well as for interested families
(one membership per household).
Note that the RRROCA membership
differs from any Homeowner’s
Association Membership you may
hold. The RRROCA membership is
a voluntary membership that helps us
offer programs and services (such as
this one) to our community residents.
to inquire about using the service
or to have your name added to the
registry list, please send an email to
[email protected].
We currently
have over 40
families and 12+
sitters that are
participating in
the babysitter
registry program.
For full details,
please go to the RRROCA website
at www.rrroca.org (look under the
Community section). For questions
specific to the babysitter’s registry,
If you want to inquire about your
RRROCA membership, please check
out our online membership inquiry at
www.compusim.com/rrroca/meminfo.
php.
- RRROCA Babysitter Registry
Coordinator
RRROCA’s Mission & Vision
Mission Statement
The Rocky Ridge Royal Oak
Community Association is a vital
organization that effectively acts upon
the common interests and concerns of
the community’s diverse residents.
Vision Statement
To build a sense of community that
encourages involvement between
neighbourhoods, while preserving the
unique nature of each neighbourhood.
We the Community Association
will strive to develop a community
that will be Friendly, Safe and
Environmentally Sensitive.
We will strive to accomplish our
vision by recruiting and working with
committed volunteers, assisting and
co-ordinating shared programs and
amenities, working towards financial
stability and providing effective input
to planning and transportation.
Membership & Renewal Form
I would like to become a member
of the Rocky Ridge Royal Oak
Community Association.
Your personal information will be used for Association purposes only and will never be given to third parties
I am a member …please renew
my membership in the Rocky
Ridge Royal Oak Community
Association.
Memberships are annual and are valid
from January 1 to December 31
New Memberships - $35.00
($10.00 administration fee and $25.00 Annual fee)
Renewing Membership - $25.00 per expired year
If membership has not been renewed by Feb 28 after it has
expired it will be deleted and a new membership will need to be
purchased.
Send this form and your payment payable to
Rocky Ridge Royal Oak Community
Association or RRROCA to:
RRROCA – Membership
PO Box 91009,
RPO Royal Oak
Calgary, AB
T3G 5W6
Last Name
First Name
Address
Postal Code
E-mail*
Phone
•Please note e-mail is use to communicate your membership number,
•if you choose "No" for update the e-mail will be on file but not used for Association news or updates.
Would you like Association news and updates by e-mail
Yes
No
Yes, I would like to volunteer my time, interest or experience in the areas of…
Communications…web/internet, newsletter, road signs
Programs… Sports, recreational, fitness, special events
Civic Advocacy… planning & development, transportation, schools
Fundraising… Casino, grants, donations
Amenities … Buildings, sports facilities, parks/playgrounds, pathways
Other
NOVEMBER 2012
ROYAL OAK SUBURBAN JOURNAL
19
Our Community
Royal Oak Estates Homeowners
Association
year as they were well received by
residents last year.
Hopefully you have all enjoyed our
glorious Indian summer and are
already thinking about hauling out the
Christmas decorations and getting them
up before the inevitable cold. There
has not been much to report over the
summer months. We have received
many positive comments on the flowers
and landscaping improvement in our
parks.
On the topic of our parks, I would
also like to thank a couple of our
homeowners who are not dog owners
themselves but have purchased poop
bags for the containers at the main
park entrance. Pet owners should be
bringing their own when they walk
their pets; however it is apparent that
many have forgotten their bags or they
have misjudged their pet’s needs. Our
thanks go out to them (they wish to
remain anonymous) for helping resolve
an ongoing problem, however perhaps
it should be the pet owners themselves
who are restocking the bag dispensers.
The sign at the top of the hill had
been put in the hand of Foothills
Landscaping since they have a lot
of expertise in this area. To date,
they have not yet provided a formal
quote for handling all aspects of the
installation, including submission of
the required plans to the City. The
services of a landscape architect may
be required. The boulder has however
been reserved with Burnco. You can
expect to see winter planters again this
Financially the Association had
been holding it’s own but because
the City will not allow us to create a
contingency fund to save for major
expenses. We are finding it difficult to
obtain the funds needed to take care of
major projects–like the fencing–since
they require significant funding. There
is no money in this year’s budget
to undertake major fence repairs/
maintenance. Unless funds can be
raised from other sources (such as
grants) we may need to cut back on
specific maintenance tasks in future
years to accommodate maintenance
of the fences or other amenities. If
any of our members have any ideas
to raise funds to assist in these major
projects we would welcome any input
or expertise. The City of Calgary will
allow, and ROEHA has requested,
an inflationary adjustment of 3% to
the Special Tax for 2013. This should
keep us in line with escalating costs of
maintenance.
Our best to you and your families this
coming winter season and we look
forward to seeing you all at our AGM
later this year. We’ll send out AGM
notices by mail, please attend to stay
current on what’s going on in your
community.
Board of Directors:
President: Guy Parsons
Secretary: Andrew Barker
Treasurer: Laura Parsons
Directors: Leroy Burton
Shelley Cervi
Alan Hildebrandt
Michael Oladosu
Be Creative with
Holiday String
Lights
“String lights
have come a
long way over
the past few
years” says
Rob Rizzi, a
fashion lighting
specialist from
Lowe's Home Improvement. “Today
there are so many indoor options to
choose from including LED, coloured
bulbs, even electroluminescents.
Rizzi suggests wrapping LED string
lights around the frames of doors,
windows, picture, and mirrors to
help lighten the perimeter of your
room. “This will help illuminate your
surroundings without employing direct
overhead lights.” They can also be
bunched under sofas, arm chairs, and
cabinets to create an up-lighting effect.
Generate a warm and romantic
ambiance by looping indoor string
lights or net lights (net lights are string
lights that are secured to each other to
create a grid effect) over your window
curtain rod so that they hang behind a
sheer curtain panel.
Lights help draw attention to focal
points such a center pieces and
mantles. Fill vases or large mason
jars with string lights and add some
Christmas balls or small ornaments
to the mix. Frost the glass with a
light coating of translucent metallic
spray paint. This will help dim the
light through the glass and will help
enhance the ambiance.
- News Canada
ROYAL OAK SUBURBAN JOURNAL
NOVEMBER 2012
21
Our Schools
Royal Oak
It’s hard to believe that the new school
year is already two months old! Since
the beginning of September there
have been many exciting activities at
the school. Many thanks go out to all
those who supported the sale of Student Union Coupon books as well as
the Scholastic Book Fair in September.
These two fundraisers were very successful and will be used to purchase
needed learning materials for the classrooms and library.
The school also got students active!
The first-ever Circle of Courage Olympics was held and with the assistance
of many parent volunteers and the
school staff, students participated in a
wide variety of events that emphasized
teamwork and co-operation. The entire
school also participated in the third annual Terry Fox Run in late September.
On a glorious autumn day, students
ran laps around the school field and
counted their laps by marking them on
a popsicle stick. In the week before the
run, students learned about Terry Fox
and why he was a Canadian Hero and
also donated “Toonies For Terry” to
go to cancer research. The goal was to
raise $1200 but the generous students
raised an incredible $1400!
There was a very special school assembly on October 5th. The school was
presented with an award of merit by
Ducks Unlimited and Calgary-based
Newalta in recognition of its innovative curriculum, which uses the wetlands located below the school as an
“outdoor classroom”. Since the school
opened in September 2010, all Royal
Oak students from Kindergarten to
Grade 4 have made regular field trips
to the wetlands to learn about how the
wetlands are important to our community and to the environment as a whole.
The wetland lessons aren’t just about
biology and ecology; the students also
sharpen their reading and writing skills
through the use of journaling and “field
notes” as well as their artistic skills by
drawing and even sculpting their observations. All the staff work together to
teach these lessons in a fun and engaging way and the students look forward
to their wetland trips.
Ducks Unlimited heard about Royal
Oak School’s achievements and in partnership with corporate partner Newalta,
chose to honour Royal Oak School with
the first ever Newalta Wetland Hero
Award of Merit. Students wore blue and
green wetland colours to the assembly
to add to the theme, local dignitaries
attended the presentation and there was
even a surprise visit from Canadian
gold medalist (in skeleton racing) Jon
Montgomery who is Ambassador for
Ducks Unlimited Canada. The students
were excited that CTV Calgary covered
the assembly and featured the story on
the evening news that night.
For their efforts, the school received
teaching aids and a $500 grant in order
to purchase further materials to continue their conservation efforts of our local wetlands. Royal Oak School wishes
to convey the important message to the
community that these wetland ponds
may seem just a simple landmark in our
area but are in fact a vital part of our
ecosystem. Everyone has a role to play
in helping our local environment thrive,
from encouraging wildlife to thrive to
using environmentally-friendly household cleaners that don’t damage our
water supplies.
This is a very big achievement for
Royal Oak School. Staff and students
are extremely proud of the recognition
their efforts received. If you would
like to find out more about Royal Oak
School’s efforts in wetland conservation, please contact school principal
Scot MacNeill at [email protected]
or 403-777-6279.
- Carla Knipe
St. Sylvester
Hello from the staff and students of
École St. Sylvester School. November
is a month to remember the men and
women who have served, and continue
to serve our country during times of
war, conflict and peace. To mark the
importance of this day, Ecole St Sylvester will be having a wonderful Remembrance Day Celebration on November
8. All are welcome to attend!
We like to thank the parents and students for collecting non-perishable food
items for the St Vincent de Paul Food
Bank Drive. The drive was held in October and provided families with meals
just in time for Thanksgiving. Thank
you all for your continued support in
making the drive a success.
Just a reminder to all, there will be no
school on November 1st , which is
Faith Day. As well, Ecole St Sylvester
School Council will hold its meeting
November 21st at 7:00 pm and all are
invited to attend.
École St. Sylvester School is a place
where caring, respect, responsibility,
trust, and family are taught and lived!
All parents are encouraged to register
their children at our wonderful school.
If you are not Catholic, please call us to
enquire at 403-500-2063.
NOVEMBER 2012
ROYAL OAK SUBURBAN JOURNAL
23
In Our City
Responsible Gifting
Do you think a family member or
friend would benefit from having a cat
or dog in his or her life? Before you go
ahead and buy that special
someone a pet, consider a
gift certificate instead!
Since cats and dogs are
like people in that they all
have unique personalities
and needs, we suggest
that you purchase a gift
certificate from Animal
&Bylaw Services. With
gift certificates, the
recipients can choose a pet
that they and any other members of the
household feel comfortable with. They
enable the beneficiaries to choose cats
or dogs that will fit with their lifestyle.
Potential pet owners need to find a pet
that is the right size, whose activity
level and personality complements the
family’s and whose needs can be met in
terms of time and costs.
All the cats and dogs for adoption at
The City of Calgary Animal Services
Centre have been vet-checked, spayed
or neutered, have received their first
set of vaccinations (excluding rabies),
are licensed and have
a microchip . Animal
& Bylaw Services’ gift
certificates come in any
denomination and can
also be used for licensing
fees.
If you choose to buy a
gift certificate toward
the purchase of a pet
elsewhere, ensure that
the provider is reputable
and treats its animals humanely. There
are many reliable rescue organisations
offering cats and dogs for adoption in
Calgary.
For more information on our gift
certificates or adopting an animal,
contact 311, visit calgary.ca/
animalservices or visit the Animal
Services Centre at 2201 Portland Street
S.E., during regular business hours.
- Animal & Bylaw Services
Fostering Safe Communities...
With the onset of winter and impending
snow and ice concerns, please consider
the safety of older adults, those with
mobility issues, parents wheeling
strollers or walking with young
children and our service providers.
• Property owners are responsible
for clearing all snow and ice from
adjacent sidewalks within 24 hours of
the snow being deposited.
• Sidewalks must be cleared down to
the bare concrete.
• Snow from private property cannot be
put onto a road or boulevard.
• For hard to remove ice, take a
container to a fire hall or Roads depot
for a sand and salt mixture.
• Keep extension cords and other
obstructions off the sidewalk.
Help to ensure everyone’s safety this
winter!
- Animal & Bylaw Services
Hunting for Truth
and Absolution
Against the disturbing backdrop of
South African apartheid, Patrick
Flanery unravels the haunting story
of Absolution (Alfred A. Knopf
Canada).
Flanery, in
this his first
novel, tells the
intertwined
story from the
perspectives
of a reclusive,
aged writer
Clare Wald
and her
biographer
Sam. Sam has
come back to South Africa to fill in
the gaps in his own story—which
in many ways intersects Clare’s.
The result is a book that shows
how our own take on the truth often
supersedes real events.
“She knows, but she doesn’t know,”
realizes Sam as they both search
for the truth. Clare’s memories are
tormented by her sister and her role
in her death, her missing activist
daughter and her lack of support for
her, and by her turning away of a
young boy who needed her help.
You will appreciate this book that
shows “that the record of memory,
even a flawed memory, has its own
kind of truth.”
- Jean Andrews
Book of the Month
ROYAL OAK SUBURBAN JOURNAL
NOVEMBER 2012
25
In Our City
Yielding to Emergency Vehicles
Time is the enemy in any emergency.
You can help; EMS, police and fire
get to the scene quickly and safely by
following the rules of the road. It’s
important for motorists to understand
how to safely yield right of way to
emergency vehicles with lights and
siren activated so that everyone stays
safe.
What to do when an emergency
vehicle approaches with lights and
siren activated:
• If you’re in the middle of an
intersection when an emergency
vehicle approaches with lights and
siren activated, clear the intersection.
• On a one or two lane road, motorists
should move to the right side of the
road and stop. Remember to signal.
• On a road with three or more lanes,
motorists should move to the nearest
side of the road and stop. If driving
in the centre lane, move to the right
side of the road and stop. Remember
to signal.
• Come to a complete stop and wait
for the emergency vehicle to pass.
Shoulder check for more emergency
vehicles (there is often more than
one) before re-entering traffic flow.
Remember to signal.
• Remember, emergency vehicles
may need to use any available road
space to maneuver. This may include
the use of shoulders and left hand
turning lanes to pass other traffic.
While driving on the road:
• Drive defensively at all times. Be
attentive to sirens of emergency
vehicles and be prepared to yield the
right of way.
• It is the law for motorists to slow
down to at least 60 km/hour (unless
a lower speed is posted) when
driving in the lane next to where an
emergency vehicle is stopped.
• Do not break the rules of the road
in order to give right of way to
an emergency vehicle. This could
include proceeding through a red
light or making an illegal turn.
Actions such as these jeopardize all
motorists in the area.
• Do not drive on or block the shoulder
of highways if emergency vehicles
require it for access. Instead, wait for
the emergency vehicle to pass before
merging safely back in to the flow of
traffic.
• Always leave plenty of space
between your vehicle and an
emergency vehicle in case it should
stop suddenly.
- Alberta Health Services
The Great Raptor Migration
We have all witnessed the annual
migration of Canadian Geese, with their
recognizable ‘V’ formation signaling
the start of fall or the coming of spring.
But have you ever
witnessed a mass
migration of raptors?
The Swainson’s Hawk
is an amazing bird
that boasts one of the
longest migrations
of any bird. These
small hawks migrate more than 10,000
kilometres from their breeding grounds
on the prairies of North America to their
wintering grounds in South America.
After reaching three years of age, the
Swainson’s Hawk forms a monogamous
pair and together raises their fledglings.
During this time, the hawks feed
mostly on Richard Ground Squirrels,
mice and rabbits. Interestingly, in early
September, they start to gather in small
groups feeding almost exclusively on
grasshoppers found in newly harvested
fields of grain. These small groups join
others until they amass into a huge
congregation of migrating birds bound
for Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.
The Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation
Society (CWRS) receives 20 - 30
of these beautiful hawks each year,
usually from collisions with vehicles
or vulnerable
baby fledgling's
falling from the
nest. The CWRS
does everything
medically to ensure
the recovery and
release of these
birds, however
severely broken wings as well as the
vulnerability of the babies make this a
challenge.
The good news is that the public can
help, but time is the factor. Should you
see an injured hawk or a baby fledgling
that is not in the nest, please call the
CWRS at 403-239-2488 as soon as
possible. Let’s ensure that precious time
is not wasted in assisting these beautiful
birds, increasing their chances of
survival, rehabilitation and release.
For more information on the CWRS,
visit www.calgarywildlife.org.
- Cheryl Bowman, Calgary Wildlife
Rehabilitation Society
NOVEMBER 2012
ROYAL OAK SUBURBAN JOURNAL
27
In Our City
Community Check-Up
• Calgary has a population of
1,120,225. The total number of
youth (14 and under) is 222,570 and
of seniors (65 and older) is 118,750.
The median age was 36.4; 56.3%
of Calgarians have completed postsecondary education.
• As many as 50.3% of those aged 15
and older volunteer, while 60.2%
of those aged 12 and over report a
“strong or somewhat strong” sense of
community.
• About 88 schools have schoolyard
nature programs, with native and
perennial plants; 5 schools have
edible gardens (fruits and vegetables).
There were 76 public community
gardens and 56 private community
gardens.
• Calgary firefighters provided 100,695
responses to 50,520 incidents and
there was one firefighter for every 840
Calgarians.
• Calgary Public Library customers
visited a library 5,350,000 times.
• The Immigrant Access Fund
disbursed $3.1 million through 737
micro-loans.
• For the first time, in Calgary’s history,
50% of trips to the downtown (during
morning rush hour) were made by
transit with about 20% of all Calgary
jobs there. Ridership on C-Trains and
buses increased to 96.2 million rides.
The multi-use pathway and on-street
bikeway network has almost doubled.
• Although 93% of Calgarians (15
years of age and older) were satisfied
with their personal safety, 58% feel
worried about safety while waiting for
or using public transit, alone or after
dark.
- Anne Burke
Source: “Vital Signs”, an annual
community check-up conducted
by community foundations across
Canada, coordinated by Community
Foundations of Canada. For
more citizen comments, see: www.
thecalgaryfoundation.org.
New Cell Tower Rules Delayed
Proposed changes to a City Policy
for Telecommunications Antenna
Structures (TAS) on public land were
delayed, until further notice. The
reason for the delay is that the City
has not met with the Calgary Public
Board of Education. The City will also
need to meet with the Calgary Catholic
School District, another member of the
Joint Use Committee.
The Intergovernmental Committee
wished to clarify proposed policy 3:3
“A City-owned property will not be
available if a School Board or Regional
Authority (who has an existing or
potential school on park or open space,
on or near to the parcel) objects to the
TAS.”
School Site
Review
The Province,
with jurisdiction
for Education and
Infrastructure,
has announced an
accelerated program for construction of
schools in Calgary.
There have been problems due
to school construction in affected
communities with traffic, parking,
pedestrian safety, student drop-off and
pick-up (by parents and school buses),
and transit service.
Now there is a new proposal designed
to alleviate some of the community and
school traffic concerns.
According to a Notice of Motion at
City Council, resolution of these issues
after a school has been built and is
operating has been less than adequate,
due to planning and funding by both
the City and the responsible School
Boards.
As a result, the City will undertake a
review of both completed and planned
school construction, over the past 5
years, for elementary, middle, and high
schools.
Among the topics for discussion are
the revenues for potential towers, under
a license of occupation on priority
locations (on City and Reserve lands).
This is also important because there has
been a suggestion that cell towers could
be built on the roofs of community
association and recreation centres.
The aim is to identify areas of
common concern, in both developed
and developing communities. The
study will make recommendations
for pedestrian safety, staff and parent
parking, as well as student drop-off
and pick-up locations. There will
be a budget of up to $250,000 from
the Council Innovation Fund. The
report will be sent to the Planning and
Development Committee by June 2013.
- Anne Burke
- Anne Burke
ROYAL OAK SUBURBAN JOURNAL
NOVEMBER 2012
29
In Our City
Rec Centre Draft
Design Coming
Soon
The City of
Calgary is
making plans for
a new, 250,000
square foot
recreation facility
in Rocky Ridge—
and the draft
design is almost
complete.
Extensive research and community
engagement helped form the list of
what should go into the new Rocky
Ridge facility and Council approved
that list in June 2012. Since then
architects have been busy developing
conceptual designs to include pools,
gyms, a fitness centre, ice surfaces and
more.
“It’s exciting to see the designs starting
to take shape,” says City project
manager, Rob McAuley. “Rocky Ridge
is going to be a great facility that will
act as an indoor/outdoor recreational
playground for all ages and abilities.”
The draft designs will be made
available on www.calgary.ca/
newreccentres and distributed for
community members to view prior to
the development permit application
process.
"Your vision will
become clear only
when you can look
into your own heart. "
Carl Jung
Crowfoot Library
Bowness Library
One Book One
Calgary 2012—
The Book of
Awesome—
Programs
• Tag! You're
It!: Nov. 3,
2:30 pm – 4:30 pm.
• “happy”—The Movie: Nov 15,
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm.
• Readers' Theatre: Nov. 17,
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Ages 5 – 9.
• Calgary Foodie Edition: Nov. 21,
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm.
• Awesome Social Networking: Nov.
25, 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm.
Programs for Adults
• Career Basics—Interview Skills:
Nov. 3, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm.
• Inspired Art Journals—One Book
One Calgary 2012: Nov. 5,
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm.
• Law at Your Library—Landlord
and Tenant: Nov. 19, 7:00 pm –
8:30 pm.
• Money Matters: Nov. 24 & Dec. 1,
10:30 am – 2:30 pm.
Programs for Adults
• Great Reads for ESL Learners:
Nov. 1, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm.
• How Science Fiction Influences
Science and Technology: Nov. 7,
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm.
• Drop-in Computer Coaching:
Tue. 10:00 am – 12:00 pm and 7:00
pm – 8:30 pm.
Programs for Children and Youth
• Drop-in Family Storytimes: Ages
2 – 5 with a parent/caregiver. Wed. &
Sat. 10:30 am – 11:00 am. Additional
times for winter:
• Picture It! Nov. 13
• Holiday Tune Time: Dec. 18
• Waiting for Santa: Dec. 21
• Navigating the World of PostSecondary: Nov. 1, 7:00 pm –
8:00 pm. For teens and parents.
• Sarah Ellis: Nov. 22, 10:00 am –
11:00 am. Ages 6 – 13.
• Living and Working in Space: Dec.
8, 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm. Ages 12+.
Visit www.calgarypubliclibrary.com
for more information on these
programs. Registration is required for
all programs unless otherwise noted.
Programs for Kids and Teens
• Baby Bookworms: Thu. Nov. 1 –
Dec. 6, 10:15 am – 11:00 am. Ages 6
to 23 months with a parent/caregiver.
• Parents and Tots Make Music
Together—One Book One Calgary
2012: Nov. 10, 10:30 am –
11:30 am. Ages 2 to 6 with caregiver.
• Canadian Road Trip: Nov. 13,
4:00 pm – 4:45 pm. Ages 5 – 11.
• PD Day Movie: Nov. 16, 2:00 pm –
4:00 pm. With parent/caregiver.
• Happiness is a Storytime—One
Book One Calgary 2012: Nov. 17,
2:00 pm – 2:30 pm. Ages 2 to 5 with
a parent/caregiver.
• Sarah Ellis: Nov. 22, 1:30 pm – 2:30
pm. Ages 6 – 13.
Visit www.calgarypubliclibrary.com
for more information on these
programs. Registration is required for
all programs unless otherwise noted.
ROYAL OAK SUBURBAN JOURNAL
NOVEMBER 2012
31
Your Health
World Prematurity Day—November 17th
Becoming a new parent is difficult.
Becoming the new parent of a premature baby weeks before you were
ready to give birth, a baby who may not
survive or be born with developmental
problems that will follow them for a
lifetime, is terrifying. Unfortunately,
however, this is a reality faced by 1
in 12 parents in Alberta, almost 4,500
families a year in our province alone.
Premature birth, or preterm birth, is
the most common cause of illness and
death in newborns because premature
babies are born too soon and too small.
They often require complex equipment
and longer hospital stays to care for
their underdeveloped bodies. Many
of these babies have serious health
problems, such as blindness, cerebral
palsy or breathing problems, or will
develop learning disabilities that result
in lifelong struggle.
The causes of premature birth are very
complex, possibly including genetic,
lifestyle, and environmental factors.
More research is needed to discover
how to predict and prevent preterm
birth, but some factors have been associated with an increased likelihood of
prematurity:
• cigarette smoking or second-hand
smoke,
• violence/abuse and maternal trauma,
• pregnancy over age 35,
• acute or high levels of chronic stress,
discrimination, or anxiety,
• multiple births such as twins or
triplets,
• a history of previous premature
delivery,
• overweight or underweight prior
to conception or poor weight gain
during pregnancy.
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is important to talk to
your doctor or midwife about the risks
of preterm birth.
This November 17th, spread the word
about this important issue. For more
information, visit www.marchofdimes.
com/mission/prematurity_wpd.html.
The All Our Babies Cohort is a research project funded by Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions, the Alberta
Children’s Hospital and the Preterm
Birth Healthy Outcomes Team (PreHOT). www.prehot.com/allourbabies
'Tis The Season to Be Jolly—And Healthy
“Gearing up for the holidays can
certainly take a lot out of us,” says
Helen Sherrard, president of the
Canadian Health Food Association
(CHFA). “That's why it's a good idea
to keep some helpful natural health
products on hand with you when you
feel your body may need a boost.”
CHFA suggests looking into these fastacting natural alternatives that can help
during the holiday season:
• Ginger tea—If that extra plate of
turkey pushed you over the edge,
ginger tea can help. It assists in
digestion by aiding in the release of
gastric acids and helps you avoid
possible tummy aches from too much
food intake.
• Vitamin C—If you feel a scratchy
throat and the sniffles coming on,
vitamin C supplements are a great
option to supercharge your immune
system. It is a powerful antioxidant
that reduces, neutralizes, and prevents
the damage done to the body by free
radicals. Vitamin C supplements
come in a crystalized form now and
can be diluted in a glass of water, for
quick symptom relief.
• Magnesium citrate (mineral)—If
you've been burning the candle at
both ends, going from company
dinners, to gift shopping, to family
parties, chances are you're exhausted.
Magnesium is the anti-stress mineral.
It's taken as a supplement for a better
night's sleep.
“It's always recommended to consult
your health practitioner before adding
something new to your regime,” says
Sherrard. “Once you do, you'll benefit
from the safe, accessible products
available so you can get the most out of
the holidays.”
- News Canada
ROYAL OAK SUBURBAN JOURNAL
NOVEMBER 2012
33
Remembrance Day
Remembering to Say Thanks
When you think of Canada's
multicultural society and all the
freedoms and opportunities that we
experience on a daily basis, devoting a
few minutes of silence on Remembrance
Day, November 11, to think of our
troops is an important and meaningful
gesture. Our soldiers and veterans
sacrificed their time, personal comforts,
and in many cases their lives so we
could enjoy ours.
Here are some other ways that you can
show gratitude:
• Wear a poppy. From the last Friday in
October to November 11, pin a poppy
on the left lapel of your garment or as
close to the heart as possible. This will
publicly remind you of our soldiers'
sacrifices and will encourage others to
do the same.
• Write to soldiers.
Send a letter or card
to express your
appreciation. Mailing
addresses are listed
on the Department
of National Defence
website. You can also
post a message to troops
on the site's message
board.
• Donate in honour of
a soldier. Just as the Canadian Forces
aim to bring peace and security to
countries in need, consider doing your
part to help those around the world
who are suffering. Organizations like
Christian Children's Fund of Canada
offer a gift catalogue where you can
purchase items such as fruit trees or
insecticide treated bed nets in honour
of one of Canada's heroes. You can
also personalize a card and mail your
thanks to a Canadian Forces member.
- News Canada, www.ccfcanada.ca
Military Museums of Calgary A Worthwhile Trip
Many visitors to Calgary highly rank
their visits to the Military Museums
of Calgary. November, in recognition
of Remembrance Day, is an ideal time
for Calgarians to take their families
to discover the work of the Canadian
Forces—from the Northwest Rebellion
in 1885, the Boer War, the First
and Second World Wars, to modern
peacekeeping operations and the
current conflict in Afghanistan.
“The Military Museums is dedicated to
preserving the memories and traditions
of the countless Canadians who so
proudly served their country through
numerous wars and conflicts by their
selfless dedication, commitment and
courage.” Canada’s navy, army and
air force are represented in the eight
distinct museums and galleries located
at 4520 Crowchild Trail S.W.
Over the years, with the support of
countless volunteers, the museum
has grown and expanded. Today the
facility, formerly called the Museum of
the Regiments, is home to the largest
tri-service museum in Western Canada
and the second largest military museum
in Canada next to the Canadian War
Museum in Ottawa.
The galleries include the Naval, Army
and Air Force Museums of Alberta,
four regimental army museums and
the University of Calgary’s Military
Museums Library and Archives. The
Founder’s Gallery completes the many
exhibits that focus on education.
A virtual tour is available on the
museum’s web site if you want to
get an idea of what is offered at this
extensive facility.
- Jean Andrews,
www.themilitarymuseums.ca
"Our hopes are high. Our faith in the people is
great. Our courage is strong. And our dreams
for this beautiful country will never die."
Pierre Trudeau
ROYAL OAK SUBURBAN JOURNAL
NOVEMBER 2012
35
Your Family
Top Gift Ideas Then And Now
Each year Canadians are after that
must-have gift to complete their
holiday lists. Whether it's a toy for a
child or a new gadget for a big kid,
there are always a few items everyone
is after.
eBay Canada says it has a good idea
of what's going to be at the top of
everyone's list this season.
“Working with trend experts and our
sellers, we get a sneak peak into the
season's must-haves and biggest bets,”
says eBay Country Manager Andrea
Stairs. “Before the holiday season even
begins, we know which gifts will hit
the top of any wish list.”
Here are some of this year's must-have
items, along with a fun, retrospective
look into the eBay vault to compare
the hot items of 2012 with those from a
decade ago.
Tech:
• 2012—The iPhone 5 and iPhone4S
from Apple, along with the Samsung
Galaxy III and Galaxy II are sure to
be on many wish lists this year.
• 2002—The Motorola i95 flip phone
was the top-selling cell phone—that's
before smartphones became all the
rage…remember those tiny screens?
Gaming:
• 2012—This year the heavy hitters are
expected to be Call of Duty: Black
Ops 2, Halo 4, Assassin's Creed
III and New Super Mario Bros 2
consoles and video games. The WII
Nu will also be a popular gift.
• 2002—Grand Theft Auto Vice City
for PS2 was a favourite buy, along
with Yoshi's Island Super Mario 3
(Gameboy Advance) and Perfect Dark
(N64). While popular game themes
have remained consistent through
the years, the graphics have certainly
evolved.
Toys:
• 2012—For girls, the FAO Schwarz
150th Anniversary Madame
Alexander Wendy doll and newer
Lalaloopsy dolls are expected to be
popular. For boys, with the release
of blockbuster movies like Batman
and the Avengers, action figures from
those films will likely be making their
way into stockings across the country.
• 2002—The most popular action figure
and character toys were Storm Jet
from Transformers and a talking Buzz
Lightyear from Toy Story 2, both of
which are now “classics.”
- News Canada
Awaken Our Children’s
Entrepreneurial Spirit
Entrepreneurship is one of Canada's
greatest strengths. Parents can help
accelerate the growth of young people
by providing them with the experience
and expertise needed to become
successful entrepreneurs—and business
leaders can help with specialized and
focused attention.
For example, through Junior
Achievement activities, such as the
Company Program, students are
developing the core business skills
necessary to become successful and
creative leaders of tomorrow.
“Junior Achievement provided me with
the tools and skills needed to focus
on who I want to be,” said Mansoor
Hassan, a previous Junior Achievement
student. “The Company Program
allows you gain self-confidence, learn
leadership skills and make mistakes.
This is a foundation of skills that I will
take with me no matter what career or
industry I am in.”
- News Canada, www.jacan.org
Entrepreneur in The
Making?
Does your child have what it takes
to be a successful entrepreneur?
• Perseverance
• Innovative thinking
• Self-confidence
• Action-oriented
• Excellent communication skills
• Specific knowledge about their
potential business.
ROYAL OAK SUBURBAN JOURNAL
NOVEMBER 2012
37
Your Health
How’s Your Heart?
What are YOU doing to help you
heart? Maybe I should put the fear of
God in you first with some disturbing
facts…
1. Heart disease kills more women
than ALL cancers combined.
2. Four percent of women are
diagnosed with breast cancer annually,
whereas 44 percent of women are
diagnosed with heart disease.
3. Even though heart disease has been
called a man’s disease, since 1984,
more women have died annually from
heart disease than men. (30% of all
women)
4. In the United States, 39,520 women
died of breast cancer last year but
nearly 500,000 women died from heart
disease. Put another way, in worldwide
figures, 400,000 women die from
breast cancer, but 8.6 MILLION
women die from heart disease.
5. Given these statistics, only 24
percent of participants in all heartrelated studies are women.
6. For 50 years, women have been
treated based on diagnostics created
for men. Our symptoms differ
7. Surveys of available data show that
a very small percentage of research
dollars spent in the United States focus
on the treatment of women with heart
disease.
What’s the ‘take home’ message?
Women need to pay attention and take
care of their hearts and health. What
can YOU do? You need to include
heart healthy exercise to your daily,
yes, you heard it, DAILY routine. You
need to pay attention to your nutrition.
Forget ‘going on a diet’ just to look
good. How about eating well to live
well? That is, to see your children
grow up and be a cool Grandma and
not a dead one. I know that sounds
harsh.
Time for some tough love. Fact
is, heart disease is TOTALLY
PREVENTABLE.These statistics
make my blood boil because women
are letting this happen to them.
Here’s a great little workout to get
you started on your heart healthy
exercise…it takes nothing more than
a little space and the will to improve
your health. If you don’t want to do it
for YOU, then think of the loved ones
that you’ll be leaving behind if you
were to become one of the statistics.
Get a Gym Boss timer, an app on your
phone or use an old fashion timer of
sorts…
Welcome to the tabata. This is a
workout protocol that Scientist,
Izumi Tabata did the 1996 study that
concluded tabata training causes:
• an increase in resting metabolic rate
• this means more calories burned AT
REST
• significantly lowers insulin
resistance
• improved glucose tolerance
• basically calories are used for energy
more efficiently
And guess what? This is the sort of
HEART HEALTHY exercise that will
help increase cardio function and help
prevent disease.
Do 20 seconds of work and rest 10
seconds. Do 8 sets all together for 4
minutes of total work.
The exercise that you choose for the
tabata depends on your fitness level.
Exercises can include things like:
• jumping jacks (step jacks)
• high knees (march in place)
• running stairs
• jumping rope
• mountain climbers
• burpees (super hard!)
Rest up to one minute between each
tabata. Work up to 3-4 tabatas for a
total of 15-20 minutes of high intensity
cardio work.
You know how I feel about those
that read a magazine while pedaling
a stationary bike or walking on a
treadmill…that sort of exercise is
better than nothing, but not much.
Spend your time wisely when you
workout and help your heart out at the
same time.
I have audio tracks that you can
download to your MP3 player so I
can tell you when to start and stop for
a tabata if you can’t manage a timer.
I have a great plan to help you with
these mini workouts…you owe it to
your loved ones to get your heart in
shape so you’ll be around to nag them
the way I nag you.
- Shawna Kaminski
NOVEMBER 2012
ROYAL OAK SUBURBAN JOURNAL
39
Food & Drink
Sweeten Up A Holiday Cookie
Exchange
A cookie exchange—where everyone
brings a baked treat to share—can be
the perfect way to enjoy a wide variety
of homemade treats without having to
make them all yourself. Here are a few
new tips for this holiday event:
• Encourage your family to bake
together. According to
the baking experts at
Robin Hood, the key to
a great family baking
activity is choosing a
recipe that everyone will
enjoy making together.
• Bake something
different. Opt to bake
a delicious square or
another bite-size dessert instead of a
cookie (see below for an idea).
• Get children involved in the
preparation. No cookie exchange is
complete without decorative boxes to
take home everyone's delicious treats.
During the get-together, get the kids
to decorate cardboard baker's boxes.
• Capture the memories in a fun way.
Kids will love taking photos of all the
treats. Just download or print off the
photos and let the children create their
own picture album.
Sweet and Salty Chocolate Caramel
Squares
Prep: 20 min; Bake: 30 min; Makes 36
squares
•
•
•
•
2 cups Robin Hood all purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
¾ cup butter, melted
½ cup brown sugar, packed
Easy Entertaining
with Mushrooms
•
•
•
•
½ cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
10 oz chopped Swiss milk chocolate,
divided
• 1 can Eagle Brand dulce de leche
caramel flavoured sauce
• 1 tsp sea salt, divided
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Line a 9” square baking
pan with parchment paper,
overlapping the sides for
easy removal.
In a medium bowl, combine
flour and baking soda.
In a large bowl, using an
electric mixer, beat butter and sugars
until just combined. Add eggs and
vanilla and mix until smooth. Add
flour and baking soda and mix on low,
until dough is formed. Stir in half of
chocolate.
Bring caramel flavoured sauce to a
boil over medium heat in a medium
saucepan. Stir constantly, cook 5
minutes. Remove from heat.
Divide dough in half. Press half into
prepared pan. Spread thickened caramel
flavoured sauce over dough. Sprinkle
with ½ tsp sea salt. Drop remaining
dough over caramel flavoured sauce
and spread until covered.
Bake 25-30 minutes or until light
golden brown. Melt reserved chocolate
and pour evenly on top of bars.
Sprinkle with remaining ½ tsp sea salt.
Let cool. Cut into squares.
- News Canada
Have you thought
about what
appetizers to serve
at your next get
together? Fresh
mushrooms are
easy to prepare,
flavourful and
elegant. Here are
some ideas:
• Mushroom Fondue—Fondue is back,
especially the melted Swiss cheese
version served with fresh mushrooms,
whole or halved. Skewer and dip
mushrooms (whites and browns are
delicious) into your favourite cheese
fondue mixture. Serve with dry white
wine.
• Mushroom Bruschetta—Combine
2 cups chopped assorted mushrooms
with minced garlic, chopped fresh
parsley, fresh basil, 3 tablespoons
of olive oil, and pepper to taste.
Refrigerate several hours or overnight.
Spoon onto lightly toasted slices of
fresh bread. Sprinkle with grated
mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Broil until mushrooms are cooked and
cheese melts.
• Mushroom Dippers—Use fresh
whole or thick sliced mushrooms for
dipping instead of crackers or chips.
They're nutritious, great for the calorie
conscious and delicious.
• Mushroom Kebabs—Thread
mushrooms onto several bamboo
skewers; brush with oil and broil,
turning often. Remove mushrooms
from skewers onto platter. Serve hot,
with a ranch style dressing for dipping.
- News Canada, www.mushrooms.ca