Arbour Lake - Suburban Journals

Transcription

Arbour Lake Reflections
Arbour Lake Community Association Newsletter
February
2009
www.calgaryarea.com
Happy
Valentine’s
Day!
ALCA Board Meeting
Monday, February 9th, 7:30 pm
at the Community Centre
Everyone Welcome!
Re-Introducing
ALCA Parents & Tots
NEW DAY: for more information
See page 11 for details
KEITH
2
ANNE
TIM
MIRANDA
OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE ARBOUR LAKE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
ANDREW
SUBURBAN JOURNALS
FEBRUARY 2009
ARBOUR LAKE REFLECTIONS
ARBOUR LAKE
COMMUNITY
ASSOCIATION
12 Arbour Lake Drive N.W.
Calgary, Alberta T3G 4A3
www.calgaryarea.com
403-547-8771
Executive Committee
President...............Donna Gee
Vice President.......Craig Somers
Secretary................Margaret Russell
Acting Treasurer.......Barry Pearson
Past President...........Ken Curley
Directors
Memberships...........Available
Newsletter Editor....Available
Member at Large.....Ron Ayotte
Member at Large.....Maureen Cherban
Member at Large.....Dawn Cuckow
Member at Large.....Karen Kwong
Member at Large.....Norka Marcano
Member at Large.....Harvey Matchullis
Member at Large.....Bogdan Mihalache
Member at Large.....Patty Munson
Member at Large.....Richard Mysuwy
Member at Large.....Shelley Courtney
Administrator..........Helen Bain
Other Community Contacts
Block Parent.............................................................................................403-269-6460
Block Watch....................................Ken Pinder......................................403-650-3050
Hall Rentals....................................Helen Bain......................................403-547-8771
Seniors Coordinator.......................Ian Smith........................................403-239-3368
MLA Calgary NW..........................Lindsay Blackett............................403-216-5444
Ward 2 Alderman...........................Gord Lowe......................................403-268-3823
Arbour Lake 245 Scouting Group.......................................arbourlake245@shaw.ca
Girl Guides.....Angela [email protected]
Babysitting Club..........Christy [email protected]
Scouts..........................................................http://members.shaw.ca/arbourlake245/
Sports
Soccer
Blizzards........................Alan [email protected]
Calgary West.................Rose [email protected]
RAC Soccer(U4-U8).................http://[email protected]
Baseball
North West Little League................................................................403-208-0428
Baseball Calgary...............................Kim Lipszyc..........................403-201-2722
.............................................................................registrar@baseballcalgary.com
Softball & Fastpitch.........................Tom........................................403-241-1964
................................................................................................. [email protected]
Basketball
Steve Flesch .....................................................................................403-861-8532
Comments: [email protected]
Volunteer: [email protected]
Events: [email protected]
3
The Arbour Lake Community
Association (ALCA) publishes
information that has been provided
to us by community members and
other organizations.
The ALCA does not accept
responsibility for the accuracy or
the potential liability for information
passed onto the community as the
information is provided with the
condition and expectation that all
persons using the information will
use their own due diligence and
discretion.
VIEW ALL OF OUR PUBLICATIONS ONLINE!
WWW.SUBURBANJOURNALS.CA
The Arbour Lake Reflections is the official
newsletter of the Arbour Lake Community
Association and is published monthly by
Suburban Journals Publishing
Advertising inquiries:
Phil 403-660-7324
[email protected]
The next issue of Arbour Lake
Reflections is March
Submission Deadline for the
March issue is February 10th.
Articles are to be directed to:
Arbour Lake Reflections
Arbour Lake Community Association
12 Arbour Lake Drive N.W., T3G 4A3
or email to:
[email protected]
Note: NEW EMAIL ADDRESS
Please call 403-547-8771
if you have any questions.
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SUBURBAN JOURNALS
FEBRUARY 2009
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Arbour Lake Community Association News
President’s Report
This month, we bring to you the
following:
a) ALCA and what we do for you;
b) New ideas; and
c) Director's profiles.
the community. We also have the usual
utilities, and costs totalling approx.
$1000 per month.
Our main revenue sources are hall
rentals ($125 / 4 hours average),
donations, and community membership
sales (currently $25 per family per
year). We also receive occasional
grants from the City of Calgary, which
brought the overall expenses from our
Spring Event down substantially.
Who is the ALCA and what do we do
for you?
Arbour Lake is a community like all
others in Calgary and has a volunteer
based community board (us) to oversee
and bring forth the issues relating to the
community. Issues such as LRT and
bussing, parking, security and policing
(i.e. Blockwatch), new buildings and
structure approval (i.e. Current
overpass design), parks, new
developments and permit approval.
The ALCA brings together the
community through events such as the
recent Breakfast with Santa, the Parade
of Garage Sales, the Spring Cultural
Festival, and the summer children's
Park programs such as the cosponsored City of Calgary programs
such as “Park and Play” and “Stay and
Play”.
We share and pay our
proportionate costs of the Lake
Building, which is located on the South
side of the Lake complex.
Because the ALCA is purely volunteer
in both its members (thus why we need
to sell and administer annual
community memberships) and its
Board of Directors (thus why we are
always asking you, the Arbour Lake
people, to step forth and help us with the
Board and community related issues),
we look to Arbour Lake to support the
ALCA in any of several ways: by
purchasing a membership, by giving of
some of your expertise, services, or
time, by providing feedback as to what
your needs are and what you would like
to see, or by providing positive
feedback to what you may have seen
around the community that was
positive.
The ALCA pays to the City of Calgary,
approximately $2000 per year to host
the City of Calgary programs such as
the above-mentioned Park and Play
program. We also pay approximately
$500 for the Parade of Garage Sales,
and we pay over $5000 to run a spring
cultural festival – all of which benefit
our community and our children within
New ideas
Hampers - Unknown to most of us, but
known to some, are those in our
community who find it hard to make
ends meet.
Life's circumstances,
whether temporarily or more long term,
has them struggling with what most of
us take for granted. There is something
we can (and I dare
say, 'should') do
about it. One idea
s u r r o u n d s
assembling and delivering 'hampers' at
special occasions such as Christmas
time, but the idea is not limited to this.
If you want to be part of planning for
how we can help our neighbours in
difficult circumstances, please contact
Harvey Matchullis [email protected]...
Director Profiles:
The volunteers that serve on the ALCA
are busy people like most of Arbour
Lake population. I am very proud to
have the eclectic and talented Board of
Directors that we do. Over the next
issues, I would like to introduce them to
you a few at a time and hope that they
inspire you to step out and join us, even
for a few hours every couple of months.
Margaret Russell – has lived in
Calgary all of her life and grew up in
Bowness. She remembers the time
before Arbour Lake existed and when
Crowfoot Centre was starting to
develop. When it came time to raise her
family, Margaret moved with her family
in Arbour Lake for the past 10 years in
their first house. She works part time
as a Business Analyst and is a full-time
Mom of a 4 and 5 year old. Her family
enjoys camping and is now also
addicted the Wii.
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SUBURBAN JOURNALS
FEBRUARY 2009
7
President’s Report continued
“In the spring I joined the board to
liaison with the Playground Committee
for Arbour Crest. After attending the
meetings, I found the information and
influence on projects in the community
can be of great benefit to my family and
to help make the community we want to
live in.”
After seeing Margaret in action with the
organization and diligent work done
for the Arbour Crest playground
project, we are thrilled to have
Margaret serve on our Board in the
Executive as Secretary.
Norka Marcano – has lived in Arbour
Lake for one year. The family picked
the community because they really
wanted to be in the North West as it is a
quiet place, with the lake, offers
transportation option, is close to our
respective work places and is close to
my son school (St Francis High
School). When she is not organizing
and chairing ALCA events such as the
Spring Cultural Festival, Norka is a
geochemist in the PhD program in
Geology at the University of Calgary.
She is working as a research assistant
and teaching assistant. Her area of
research is petroleum geochemistry.
“I joined the board because I believe
everybody should work together to
make the community the best place to
live. I believe in teamwork. I have to
say that it is hard to participate in this
kind of activity with such a busy
schedule; however, I do not see too
many people in the community
interested in getting involved. I hope to
work in support of the projects and
activities of the board.”
Shelley Courtney – Shelley has lived in
Calgary since 2001 and is currently
attending SAIT. In 2004, Shelley moved
in with her then boyfriend, now
husband. He built his house in Arbour
Lake before he met Shelley. When
asked what Shelley loves about Arbour
Lake, her response was, “I love Arbour
Lake and if I were house hunting today I
would choose it again because of the
lake (great for our kids), the views (love
looking at the mountains every day),
proximity to Crowfoot shops, some of
the best and most beautiful parks in
Calgary and everything that the NW
has to offer!” Shelley is a stay-at-home
mother to two beautiful young girls who
keep her very busy. Julia is 5 months
and Maya is 2 ½ years who keep her
very busy! Shelley is an avid amateur
photographer and geeky (her word)
computer person. However, her focal is
her girls, spending time with them,
teaching them about life, and showing
them all kinds of new and interesting
things. "Hey, when you aren't even a
year old, everything is new!"
research, testing, and introduction of
an on-line membership registration
system. Shelley has also volunteered to
run the Parents and Tots program,
which is held, at the ALCA Hall
Monday mornings.
Harvey Matsallus – and his family
moved to Arbour Lake in September
2003.
They picked Arbour Lake
because Harvey grew up in the NW and
it was close to the U of C for their kids.
Harvey runs a coaching and
organizational development business
with his wife. They also focus on
international coaching, a passion
developed from many years of living in
Asia. When asked why Harvey joined
the ALCA, his reply was “I am on the
board simply because I want to
contribute to my community. The sense
of 'community' is easily lost in the big
city, but I believe most of us really want
to experience the true benefits of a close
community that cares for each other.
I'd like to contribute that to the board
and help involve the community of
Arbour Lake in discussing and acting
on issues that affect our lives
corporately”. Harvey is a recent
convert to scuba diving thanks to a
Cuban vacation but is not yet brave
enough to dive into the cold waters of
Arbour Lake! Harvey's insight and
professionalism help greatly in our
decision-making process.
“I joined the board to get to know more
people in our community and try to
make a difference. A strong community
is a safe community, and I hope to help
make our community a stronger one. I
also want to work towards getting a
playground built in our neighborhood!
Anyone interested in helping get the
Arbour Stone Way area a playground,
get in touch with me!”
Karen Kwong – Karen Kwong has
been a resident of Arbour Lake since
2005. She volunteers on the ALCA,
Shelley has responded to the need to
forward some projects such as the
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SUBURBAN JOURNALS
FEBRUARY 2009
President’s Report continued
CNRCS (Calgary Northwest
Recreation Society), and Canadian Ski
Patrol System (CSPS). A professional
engineer interested in the technical
aspects of this great community. Karen
has been a key member of our Board by
assuming the Chair positions of two
major building projects, the CNRCS,
and the ALCA hall expansion
committee.
Karen's dedication,
organization, and enthusiasm add
tremendously to our team.
We welcome new ideas such as
Harvey's food hamper idea and
Shelley's playground project. There
are many other ideas and ways that we
can work together to bring our
community together and we look
forward to hearing your ideas.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Gee, ALCA President,
[email protected].
ALCA “At A Glance”
Parents & Tots
Every Monday 9:30 – 11:30 am
For more info call Shelley: 403-340-9462
or by email at [email protected]
Arbour Lake Seniors' Group
Every Tuesday 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Arbour Lake Community Centre
For more info call Ian: 403-239-3368
Spring Soccer Registration
Commences: February 1, 2009
For more info see page 17
Reflections March 2009 Deadline
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Email newsletter: [email protected]
or drop off at the lake office (please provide your contact info)
ALCA Board Meeting
Monday, February 9, 2009
Arbour Lake Community Centre @ 7:30 pm
Everyone welcome!
Your Mother’s 75th Birthday
your Triplets 9th
or your Prince’s 4th
ALCA members receive a discount on all Hall Rentals! For more information or to book
your special date, contact 403-547-8771.
9
Podiatrist
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403-247-1961
SUBURBAN JOURNALS
FEBRUARY 2009
11
Calgary Northwest Recreation
Centre Society Update
Happy Valentines!
The CNRCS committees have been
busy analyzing The City of Calgary
needs and preference study. This report
is now available from our
www.cnrcs.ca web page under the
"Resources" section as the "Recreation
Center Needs and Preferences Study"
file. The committees are investigating
conceptual plan options to address the
needs of the NW communities. The
plan options include art, cultural,
structural design, environmental
design, and financial coverage.
Though the recreation center may not
be complete for a few years, now is the
time to be involved to make sure it's a
center that will meet your needs.
Consider how your family will want to
use the center. Consider what facilities
you'd like to use as you near or enter
retirement. An outline of the current
operating committees can be found at
our web site under "Resources" in the
"Detailed overview of the CNRCS"
document. If you can't commit time to a
committee, we have a general volunteer
list for those who may be able to help
with special activity/events. We
welcome volunteers of all ages and
backgrounds.
Your Arbour Lake representative(s)
are: Karen Kwong, Jodi Flanagan
www.cnrcs.ca
[email protected]
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#
/group.php?gid=34113012966
Membership News
Time to renew! Spring Soccer
registration is here.
Make sure you have up to date Arbour
Lake Community Membership to avoid
delay with registration. Memberships
expired June 30, 2008.
Not sure if you are current?
You are current only if you have a green
membership card that starts with the
number 9.
How to renew?
It is easy just stop by the Lake office
and you will get you new card right
away.
Don't forget
you must have
a current
community
membership
for you child to eligible for most local
sports such as soccer and basketball.
Members are the key to any community.
Successful communities are those who
have lively active memberships.
Lets make our community great!!
Renew now!
Thank you for you support!
Arbour Lake Community Association
Parent & Tots
Program
Looking to get out of the house with
your kids, and to make some new
friends in the neighbourhood? Come on
by to the Arbour Lake Parent and Tots
group, we meet every Monday morning
from 9:30 - 11:30 am. For more
information, call Shelley at 403-2309462, or by email at
[email protected].
Arbour Lake
Seniors’ Group
Retired but not “tired”? Come on
out to our Seniors drop-in group for
cards, conversation and coffee. The
Arbour Lake Seniors drop-in group
gets together every Tuesday afternoon
1:00 pm - 3:30 pm, at the community
hall, located at 12 Arbour Lake Drive.
ALCA membership is required. For
more information, please call Ian at
403-239-3368.
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SUBURBAN JOURNALS
FEBRUARY 2009
13
In Our Community
School News
Citadel Park
Music plays a big part in the life of
Citadel Park School! Our Grade 2 and
3 students celebrated the winter holiday
season with a musical performance
showcasing their skills with Orff
instruments, African drumming and
choral work.
Despite the snowy
weather, the turn out of parents and
friends was fantastic. As well, our
Grade 2-3 choir performed for
approximately 50 seniors residents at
the Newport Harbour Care Center
during December.
Our annual Giving Tree project was a
great success, providing a happy
Christmas season for two families. On
behalf of the families, the Boys and
Girls Club of Calgary, and Citadel Park
School, we extend heartfelt thanks to
those who contributed so generously.
Kindergarten registration began on
January 12, 2009 and continues
through to the first day of school. We
appreciate registration at Citadel Park
as early as possible to assist us with
planning for next year's school
organization. A birth certificate is
required at the time of registration.
Documents such as a baptismal
certificate, passport, record of landing,
or Canadian citizenship certificate may
be used in lieu of a birth certificate.
Registration in daycares or day homes
within Citadel or Arbour Lake does not
automatically mean eligibility to
register at Citadel Park. A wait list will
be established for all students with
addresses outside the communities of
Arbour Lake and Citadel Park.
An evening orientation for parents is
scheduled for April 30 at 7:00 p.m.
Early tours will not be held. Please
contact Mrs. Kennard, Principal is you
have questions affecting your choice of
Citadel Park School for your
Kindergarten child.
We want to extend a belated Happy
New Year to all of our neighbors in
Citadel and Arbour Lake!
École St. Luke
February is a month of FUN, FUN,
FUN at École St. Luke as we have a
great mixture of sports, entertainment,
food, religious celebrations and
holidays throughout the entire month.
SPORTS: The Grade 5's and 6's will
once again take part in the Speed
skating program at the Olympic Oval.
This is an amazing experience and the
students have a lot of fun trying this.
Maybe we're even creating a future
Olympian?
ENTERTAINMENT: We celebrate at
the school this month with our annual
family Mardi Gras Dance on Feb. 20.
We dance, eat, get entertained by
students and dance some more. This is
one event, not to be missed.
FOOD: Our Shrove Tuesday Pancake
Breakfast will take place on Feb 24th.
This breakfast was met with such
delight last year that we had to host this
once again.
RELIGIOUS CELEBRATIONS: Our
Ash Wednesday celebration will take
place in the gym on Feb. 25th at 10:30
am. All parents are invited to attend.
H O L I D AY S :
T h e Te a c h e r s '
Convention is scheduled for Feb. 12 &
13 and Family Day takes place on Feb
16. The children will remain home
from school on these days.
The French Immersion Program at
École St. Luke is a wonderful
educational program that allows for
entry at both the Kindergarten and
Grade 1 level. If you have children
ready to enter school at either of these
levels for the 2009-2010 school year,
please consider enrolling them.
St. Ambrose
The students have a lot to look forward
to in the Month of February. For starters
all three grade 7 classes are going to
tear up the hill at Canada Olympic Park
Skiing or Snowboarding. Our Grade
8&9 students are headed up to Nakiski
for a little bit more of a challenging ski
and snowboard.
All four of our basket ball teams are up
and running. This year our sr. boys are
defending their city championship,
“the pressure is on.” In other sport
related news our 08-09 Dance works
begins this month and this is an event
that all students (even boys) are able to
enjoy. All students from grade 1-9 can
shows there moves on the dance floor.
This event is lead by Ms. Bohaychuk
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oil extra
GIVE YOURSELF SOME WINTER DRIVING PIECE OF MIND
Have your winterizing done by a Mazda trained technician. Our service includes oil, lube, and filter check
and adjust all fluid levels, test and set antifreeze, rotate tires, set tire pressures, brake inspection report, test
battery and test the block heater. Valid only at Stoney Trail Mazda. Expires 3/31/2009.
Just minutes west of Beacon Hill Shopping Centre
and 1 minute east of Royal Oak
403-705-4040
14
AMVIC LICENSEE
www.stoneytrailmazda.com • 7727 - 110 Ave. NW
SUBURBAN JOURNALS
FEBRUARY 2009
15
In Our Community
School News
St. Ambrose continued
one of our gr. 8 teachers. Last year this
event had over 100 participants, which
is an amazing turnout.
Our Ash Wednesday Celebration is on
F e b r u a r y 2 5 2 0 0 9 . Wi t h a s h
Wednesday comes the beginning of the
Lenten season, so the students will start
thinking about what they are going to
give up or do for 40 days and 40 nights.
We will also be raising money for
Mission Mexico.
Madeleine
D'Houet
Bonjour! February proves to be a very
busy time at Madeleine d'Houet!
We begin the month with an
opportunity for MDH parents and
students to prepare for High School
Registration at our Grade 9
Information/Registration evening on
February 5 beginning at 7:00 pm. This
is an invaluable meeting for MDH
students to prepare for next year.
Our “PD for MDH Parents” will be
held on February 17. This session is
entitled “How Do I Support My Child's
Learning When I Don't Understand the
Question”. This program will give
ideas and information to parents, who
do not speak French, insight into how
they may support their child in an
immersion environment.
Madeleine D'Houet will be having our
annual Early Immersion
Informational Evening on Feb. 26th at
7:00pm in our school gym. This
information session is intended to give
parents more information about our
junior high school as well as our
Continuing French Immersion
program. We look forward to meeting
parents and answering any questions
you may have about our school and
programs.
Dolphin basketball is now in full swing
at MDH! Students had an opportunity
in January to join either the boys or girls
Junior and Senior teams. All teams
have been busy refining their skills and
having fun in their team environments.
Our band continues to practice and play
hard as well. Students in Grade 8 will
be heading off to our annual Band
Camp in mid February. We look
forward to listening to their tuneful
skills in the next coming months.
Finally, our students will all be involved
in Activity Day. This day provides
students with the opportunity to
experience active living pursuits in the
community.
Please continue to watch for updates of
our upcoming school events and
important dates or look us up on our
s c h o o l w e b s i t e a t
www.cssd.ab.ca/schools/dhouet/.
Arbour Lake
February brings the beginning of the
second semester at Arbour Lake
School. Students have begun new
complementary courses and are excited
about the new opportunities they bring.
In the month of January grade seven
students participated in a Junior
Achievement program called “Dollars
with Sense”. Students are now aware
of what it will take to buy their first
Porsche!
Our intermediate band
students participated in a two-day band
camp at Pioneer Lodge. Our grade nine
students have begun the transition
process to high school. Guidance
counsellors have been out to our school
to talk with our grade nines and
students have had the opportunity to
attend open houses.
In the month of February we look
forward to more basketball action, the
International Band Festival, another
school dance, and our second set of
parent-student-teacher conferences.
Students are also eagerly anticipating a
five day holiday during the teacher
convention / Family Day holiday
weekend.
We would also like to tell parents who
are wanting to register their students at
Arbour Lake School for the 2009 –
2010 school year to come in now to
complete the registration forms. (This
does not apply to students currently
enrolled at our school or attending our
feeder schools. These students will be
automatically enrolled.) Please note
that Arbour Lake will be accepting
grade four to nine students from Citadel
and Arbour Lake communities, and
grade four, five, seven, and eight
students from Scenic Acres. Any other
student wishing to attend Arbour Lake
School can fill in a transfer form and
will be placed on a waiting list.
Enjoy the snow! Spring will be here
soon!
Ryder Insurance Ltd.
#405, 400 Crowfoot Cres. NW
(in the Crowfoot Business Centre)
284-4771
We offer a Variety of Insurance Products
- Auto, Home, Commercial, and Life Call one of our Specialists:
• Paula Wallace Ext. 224
• Sarah Rouse Ext. 226
• Marg Shearer Ext. 222
For your Commercial needs, call:
• Dwight Clink Ext. 227
• Wes Brower Ext. 228
For Life and Financial products, call:
• Jerry Littman 284-4771
• Myron Littman 284-4771
Ryder Insurance
proudly represents
Earning Your Trust Since 1896
16
“A high standard of compassionate health care for your pet.”
Dr. Catherine Miller, D.V.M.
Dr. Kristi Torwalt, D.V.M.
• Daytime and Evening Appointments
• Consultation and Examination Services
• In Clinic X-Ray, Laboratory, and Surgery Facilities
• Dental Care
• Complete Line of Prescription and Therapeutic Diets
Access to 24 Hour
Emergency Care
Hours of Operation:
Monday
Tues, Thursday
Wed, Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Closed
8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Closed
Full Service Veterinary Care
for Companion Animals
208-0847
180, 8888 Country Hills Blvd. NW
SUBURBAN JOURNALS
FEBRUARY 2009
17
In Our Community
Sports
RAC Soccer
Registration
The 2009 outdoor soccer season is
approaching and registration will begin
February 1st. RAC Soccer provides
outdoor non-competitive soccer for
U4, U5, U6 and U8 (children born 2005
- 2001) from the partner communities
of Ranchlands, Arbour Lake and
Citadel/West Citadel/Morningside.
Active community membership is
required. Registration and more
information is online at
http://racsoccer.ca.
Spring Soccer
Registration
CMSA League
U10-U18
Competitive A and B, and Premier
All registrations and communities
welcome.
Inter-Community House League
U10-U18
Registering for the community of
Arbour Lake.
Technical Development Program
Head Coach Milan Bartosz
Assistant Head Coach Nigel Brattle
Registration starts February 1 and
ends March 1. Late registration runs
until March 15th.
Please watch our website at
www.calgarywestsoccer.com
for more details
Calling All
Referee’s EXPERIENCED AND NEW
Calgary West Soccer Club is actively
recruiting referees for the 2009 outdoor
season. Calgary West Soccer Club
welcomes back all referees from
previous years and extends a special
invite to those interested but new to
being a referee. It's a great way for the
older kids to learn more about the game
and be a mentor to younger kids. CWSC
will cover the cost of training for new
referees and provide the uniform. New
monetary incentives have also been
added to our referee program. We will
host the refresher courses for people
who have taken the referee training
course before. Referees must be 12
years of age at the time of the training
course. It's a great way to make a little
extra cash while taking in nice summer
evenings out on the soccer field. If you
are interested in refereeing for Calgary
West Soccer Club or you know of
someone who may wish to stay in touch
with the great game of soccer please
email [email protected].
Our
courses will be taking place sometime in
late March or early April.
www.calgarywestsoccer.com
Residential
Parking Permits
IT'S TIME TO RENEW!
This is a reminder that Residential
Parking Zone XX permits expire
March 31st, 2009. You may obtain
your year 2009/20010 permits
beginning February 1st from the
Calgary parking Authority.
Your
permits may be renewed in one of the
following ways:
The permit may be picked up at our
office at the address below. The bylaw
requires that you present a valid
ALBERTA vehicle registration for
each vehicle requiring a permit,
showing the address within the
restricted zone.
PLEASE DON'T FORGET YOUR
VEHICLE REGISTRATION!!!
If you wish, you may mail or fax a
photocopy of your entire valid vehicle
registrations(s) along with a copy of
some other proof of address, such as a
cable or utility bill (Driver's Licence
does not fax well). We will mail your
permit to you. See address below. Be
sure to allow enough time for mailing.
Calgary Parking Authority
620 – 9 Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta T2P 1L5
Phone: (403) 537-7000
Fax: (403) 537-7001
Business Hours: 8:00 am – 4:15 pm
Monday – Friday
It is your responsibility to renew
your permits in a timely manner in
order to avoid receiving a parking
violation tag.
18
SUBURBAN JOURNALS
FEBRUARY 2009
19
In Our Community/In Our City
Animal & Bylaw Services
Crime Monthly
Break & Enter Home
Break & Enter Shop
Break & Enter Other
Vandalism
Theft of Vehicle
Theft from Vehicle
Dec.
0
1
0
0
1
0
YTD
5
23
1
45
28
34
Break & Enter - Shop
Dec 07/08
Between 16:53 hrs.
and 18:00 hrs. – 400 Blk. Crowfoot Cr.
Professional Offices. Picked lock and
triggered Alarm.
Theft of Vehicle:
Dec 28/08
Between 17:00 hrs and
19:00 hrs. - 0 Blk. Crowfoot Tc. Mall
Parking Lot, Culprit unknown.
If you notice
suspicious or
criminal
activity you
must call the
police.
To
report Crime
in progress call 9-1-1. To report Crime
after the fact call 403-266-1234.
Arbour Lake
Babysitting Club
Are you looking for a babysitter
in our community? LOOK NO
FURTHER!! The Babysitting Club of
Arbour Lake has been active since
January 2005. Available to watch your
children are enthusiastic girls, boys,
adults and day-home workers. A list
can be picked up at the Arbour Lake
office today.
If you would like to be a part of the
Babysitting Club, please contact
Christy Hagel [email protected] or
403-374-1890.
Keep it Up! – Keep Sidewalks Clear
It's great to bundle up and go for a walk
on those sunny, winter days. Especially
when Calgary gets one of its famous
chinooks! As good neighbours, we all
must remember how dangerous
sidewalks can be for pedestrians when
they are not cleared of snow and ice.
This is a good time to remind ourselves
and others how important it is to shovel
and remove the snow and ice down to
the bare concrete within 24 hours after
the snow stops falling.
When the days warm up and are
followed by colder nights, sidewalks
can become treacherous.
Service
providers such as mail carriers, meter
readers and delivery people have to
walk our streets everyday. Citizens
may be inconvenienced if their walks
are icy or snow covered enough to be
deemed dangerous because workers
may refuse to deliver service to those
homes.
For the safety of service
providers and all citizens, the Street
Bylaw 20M88 states that property
owners are responsible for clearing all
sidewalks adjacent to their property. As
a temporary solution for ice that is
difficult to
r e m o v e ,
homeowners
can take a
container to the
nearest fire hall
or Roads depot to pick up a free sand
and salt mixture. Failure to remove the
snow and ice could result in a City
contractor removing it at the owner's
expense.
Sidewalks also need to be clear of
obstructions such as electrical cords.
Please make sure that if you need to
plug in your car, you are parked so that
you do not run the cord across the
sidewalk.
Let's all remember that snow, ice and
obstructions on our sidewalks can
result in serious injuries and can cause
those with limited mobility to be
confined indoors. Let's ensure that
everyone can get out, be safe and enjoy
those winter chinook days.
For more information about snow and
ice removal, call 3-1-1 or visit
www.calgary.ca/animalservices.
Travel All City
Participate in amazing activities with
other 9 - 12 year olds from around
Calgary with this FREE Saturday
progam!
Call 403-268-3800 and use the course
codes below to register. Advance
registration required as only a limited
number of spaces are available.
February 28: Snowshoe Trip
(Course #234622)
March 14: Skating Trip
(Course #234623)
April 18: Storybook Theatre
(Course #234624)
For more information call 311 or visit
www.calgary.ca/cns.
OPEN HOUSE
9:30 AM
Thurs., Feb. 19, 2009
&
Thurs., Mar. 12, 2009
1 MONTH
F R E E WITH ANY MEMBERSHIP*
START YOUR FITNESS ROUTINE TODAY
FITNESS CLASSES EQUIPMENT TANNING PERSONAL TRAINING
• Modern, Clean Facility With New Fitness Equipment • Affordable Membership & Training Pkgs
• Men's & Women's Strength Training & Conditioning • Tanning Booths & Juice Bar
• Fitness Classes Include Fusion, Yoga, Step, Cycle, • NEW Pilates Reformer Training Sessions
Abs, Boot-Camp and Total Body Conditioning
No registration fees EVER!
• Personal Training
*New Members only. Valid until Feb 28/09.
Call
403.294.0102
HOURS: MON-THU 5:30AM - 10:00PM, FRI 5:30AM - 8:00PM, SAT 8:00AM - 5:00PM, SUN 9:00AM - 4:00PM
• New Tanses® stand-up tanning
booths
• Clean, Sanitized rooms
• Walk-oms only
• Tan in 10 minute sessions or less
• Tanning packages and products
available
Call
403.266.5363
HOURS: MON-THU 7:00AM - 9:30PM, FRI 7:00AM - 7:30PM, SAT 8:00AM - 4:30PM, SUN 11:00AM - 3:30PM
www.fitnessrefinery.ca | Arbour Lake Centre: #209, 18 Arbour Lake Way NW (Corner of Nose Hill Drive NW and Arbour Lake Way NW) | www.quicktanstudio.com
NEW
Diode Laser Hair Removal
certified trained technicians
15% off your first laser treatment
FULL HAIR & ESTHETIC SERVICES
FOR MEN & WOMEN
Facials $50*
and 10% off
all services*
Custom hair design & styling
Up do's • Perms
Manicures • Pedicures (Free Nail Art)
Hi-lites • Colour
Waxing • Tinting • Relaxation
Artificial Nails
Massage • Facials
NEW Hand Painted Nail Artistry
Make-up Artistry • Make-up Lessons
*cannot be combined with any other
Walk-ins Welcome • Gift Certificates & Packages Available
offers or coupons. Exp. Feb 28/09
20
Tue 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Wed & Thur 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
Fri 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Sat 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
ARBOUR LAKE CENTRE
#107 - 18 Arbour Lake Way NW
(Corner Of Nose Hill Dr. NW
& Arbour Lake Way NW)
403-241-7322
SUBURBAN JOURNALS
FEBRUARY 2009
21
In Our City
Crowfoot Library
Alderman Report
Register in person or call 403-2214122. Registration is required for all
library programs unless otherwise
noted.
2009 Assessment Notices
Providing quality customer service is a
top priority for The City of Calgary
Assessment business unit. Each year,
over 430,000 assessment notices are
prepared and mailed to property and
business owners in Calgary indicating
the assessed value of their property
and/or business. Assessed values
provide the basis on which property
and/or business taxes are calculated.
Law at Your Library: Custody and
Access
Know your basic rights and
responsibilities as a legal guardian of
your children. Presented by Calgary
Legal Guidance. Tuesday, Feb 10, 7:00
- 8:30 pm.
Building Back Care
Learn from chiropractic doctors how
you can focus on wellness and live
more happily and comfortably through
proper care. Thursday, Feb 26, 7:00 8:30 pm.
C a re e r B a s i c s 1 0 1 : R e s u m e
Development
Learn how to create a professional
resume. Workshops are led by
professional career practitioners from
B o w Va l l e y C o l l e g e ' s C a r e e r
Connection. Wednesday, Feb 11, 6:30 8:30 pm.
Career Basics 101: Interview Skills
Improve your skills by learning about
different types of questions and how to
answer them. Workshops are led by
professional career practitioners from
B o w Va l l e y C o l l e g e ' s C a r e e r
Connection. Wednesday, Feb 25, 6:30 8:30 pm.
Daddies and Babies
Learn about baby's growth and
development, safety, sleep, play,
parenting and more. Presented by the
Calgary Health Region. Ages up to 12
months with a parent/caregiver.
Register by calling 403-781-1450.
Saturdays, Feb 21 and Feb 28,
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
This year, assessment notices were
mailed on Jan. 2, 2009. This date also
marks the beginning of the 30-day
Customer Review Period, which
provides customers with the
opportunity to conduct an assessment
self-review using resources on the
A s s e s s m e n t w e b s i t e
(www.calgary.ca/assessment), get
more information about their assessed
value and, if necessary, make an
appointment to review their value with
an assessor. The Customer Review
Period ends on February 2, 2009.
The Assessment website, located at
www.calgary.ca/assessment, provides
customers with a variety of tools and
resources to conduct an in-depth
assessment self-review to:

Check the factual details the
Assessment business unit has on
record for their property (Assessment
Search - Assessment)

Review their market value by
comparing sales of similar properties
(Assessment Search – Sales Data)

Ensure fairness and equity by
comparing their assessment with
other properties in their
neighbourhood (Assessment Search
– Community Profiles) and;

Learn more about market value and
Calgary's assessment process.
In Calgary, assessments are based on a
market value system as legislated by
the Municipal Government Act (1994)
which requires that all property in
Alberta be assessed every year
reflecting the local market value of
that property as of July 01 of the year
prior to the tax year. Therefore, 2009
assessment notices will reflect
property values given Calgary's real
estate market as of July 01, 2008. Any
changes in value after this valuation
date will be reflected in the 2010
reassessment.
During the Customer Review Period,
after reviewing the information on both
sides of their assessment notice,
customers can use the Assessment
website to conduct an assessment selfreview, and contact the Assessment
business unit with any questions they
may have. If customers still have
questions or concerns after taking these
steps, they can call to book an
appointment with their assessor.

For more information:

www.calgary.ca/assessment

calgary.ca/assessment/contactus

403-268-2888 (Mon-Fri.,
8:00 am – 4:30 pm)

311 (daily after 4:30 pm and
weekends)
Lone Star Mercedes-Benz
403-253-1333
22
10 Heritage Meadows Rd. S.E.
Corner of Deerfoot Tr. & Heritage Dr.
www.lonestarcalgary.mercedes-benz.ca
Freight & PDI $1,995 options & applicable taxes extra. AMVIC Licensee
SUBURBAN JOURNALS
FEBRUARY 2009
23
In Our City
City Beat
The Community and Protective
Services Council Committee met on
January 7, 2009. On the agenda were
two items of special interest to
communities, the Parks Special Tax
Levy Bylaw Amendment (CPS200905) and the Community Capital
Conservation Grant (CCG) Policy
Amendments (CPS2008-06).
The first deals with how a Parks Public
Levy is set up by community request to
provide enhanced landscape
maintenance. It now requires a mailout vote to all community propertyowners every five years, to continue
with or eliminate the Special Tax. The
fees are paid (from the levy) by the
nonprofit community association. A
change would allow the vote to take
place at the annual general meeting. If
the AGM votes to continue the levy, no
further action is taken. If the AGM
votes to remove the levy, a second
petitioning of the entire community is
required by mail-in vote, through the
City's Local Tax Improvement Group,
paid for by the levy account. These
results supersede the AGM vote. AGM
voting will occur in the final year of a
levy, ensuring a community has funds
to pay for a petition, if required.
Supporters may not attend the AGM
and opposition may be more active.
Complacent support may result in more
petitions to determine broader
community direction as a result of votes
against.
The second deals with new CCG
guidelines for grants to community
associations (CA) and social recreation
organizations (SR), increasing the
annual maximum from $75,000 up to
$125,000 per organization. From 2002
to 2007, $6 million has been provided
by the City of Calgary for 145 plans and
777 projects. (There are 179 groups
eligible to apply.) In 2008, Council
approved up to $3.0 million. The
funds, used for building lifecycle plans
and upgrade projects, will become
available for emergency situations that
include “imminent threat to the health
and safety of people using any part of
the facility.” If approved, cash could
also go to energy and water efficiency,
accessibility, and facility renewal.
Committee recommendations are
slated to be voted on by City Council at
their January 26 Regular Meeting. You
can check out the meeting minutes
posted on the City Web Site at
www.calgary.ca.
Anne Burke
Volunteers
Needed
The Calgary
International Children's Festival is
looking for volunteers for the upcoming
festival May 19 -23. We are currently
looking for older youth volunteers
(ages 14 and up) and adult volunteers.
Please check out our website at
www.calgarychildfest.org under
volunteer opportunities or contact the
volunteer coordinator directly at
[email protected] or
403-294-7414 ext. 4.
Come join us for five days of fun and
imagination!
Community
Forums on
Public Art
The City of Calgary Public Art Program
wants to hear from you! Five
community forums, one in each
quadrant as well as in the City Centre,
are being held in mid-February to
encourage and solicit your thoughts and
perspective on future public art
initiatives in your community and
throughout the city.
A short presentation of selected public
art projects in neighborhoods and urban
areas will be followed by a discussion
on:

What values, commonalities,
aspirations and unique features of
your community deserve
acknowledgment and/or celebration?

What anchors your community?
Where do people tend to gather?
What are the
landmarks or
locations you would
take a visitor to see?

What public art have
you seen or
experienced that you
especially liked?
What about it made
it successful?
Light refreshments
will be served – all are
welcome. For the
forum date, time and
location nearest to you,
as well as other ways to
provide input, please
v
i
s
i
t
www.calgary.ca/publi
cart.
24
SUBURBAN JOURNALS
FEBRUARY 2009
25
In Our City
Donate Sports Equipment for
Communities in Need
The NWCAA Bantam AAA Bronks are
collecting used hockey and sports
equipment to send to Cambridge Bay,
Nanavut. It will then be distributed to
the kids and any extra will be flown to
outlaying settlements like Spence Bay
and Coppermine.
association, and
community by
sending up our
good, used hockey and sporting
equipment. The impact a donation like
this makes is immeasurable. Parents,
youth, and the whole community
benefit.

Your equipment can be dropped of at
the following locations until Feb. 15:

Dalhousie Community Centre,
5432 Dalhart Rd. NW

Max Bell Arena - Skate Sharpening
Shop, 1001 Barlow Trail SE
9:00 am - 5:30 pm, 7 days a week)

Gail Hamilton - call 403-239-7714
With the social issues facing small
communities in the north like
Cambridge Bay, we have the chance to
make a difference as a team,
Equipment accepted includes jerseys,
skates, sticks, cleats, ball gloves, etc.
Everything is welcome.
“Give a kid a good pair of skates and a
stick and you know where they are all
winter”... safe! The plane leaves midFebruary - let’s fill it up!
If you have questions or comments
please contact Gail Hamilton at
403-239-7714.
Drama Takes Mainstage
Students at Sir Winston Churchill have
been hard at work since October
preparing for this year's Mainstage
production of Witness for the
Prosecution by Agatha Christie. Plot
twists abound in this clever court room
drama that follows the story of a man on
trial for murder.
Sir Wilfred Robarts, a revered London
barrister agrees to represent Leonard
Vole, the naïve defendant. Leonard
stands accused of murdering Emily
French, a wealthy middle aged woman.
A trial ensues with an eclectic mix of
witnesses, including Leonard's wife.
Will she speak on behalf of the
defense... or will she be a Witness for
the Prosecution?
35+ students have devoted countless
hours to this production and would be
delighted if you join us for an evening
of murder and intrigue!
Show Dates: March 4, 5 and 6,
7:00 pm
Sir Winston Churchill,
5220 Northland Drive NW
Tickets can be purchased by calling
403-289-9241 ext. 3244.
Digital TV: How
is it Affecting
Canadians?
While Canadians who receive their TV
signals from nearby American border
towns could find their favourite
programs fading to black on February
17, 2009, they will continue to receive
Canadian television channels without
any additional equipment until the
transition takes place in Canada on
August 31, 2011.
The switch will only affect those
Canadians who still use antennae or
rabbit ears to receive their TV signals
with an analog television. Those who
want to continue receiving television
from the US will need to either buy a
digital television or converter box.
All Canadians using an analog
television with an antenna or rabbit ears
will need to do the same in time for the
Canadian transition on August 31,
2011. About three million Canadians
rely on antennae to receive TV signals.
You can find more information about
the switch from Industry Canada at
www.ConsumerInformation.ca or by
calling 1 800 O-Canada
(TTY: 1-800-926-9105).
News Canada
bo bébé
lifestyle
®
$15 off
ANY
purchase!*
•
•
•
•
www.bobebe.com
Crowfoot Village
Market Mall
Westhills Towne Center
Shawnessy Village
*Valid on purchases over $75, not combined with any other
discount. Not retroactive, Coupon must be presented at time of
purchase Valid January 1/09 to Feb.28/09. All stores.
RRSP season is upon us. Like the new
Tax Free Savings Account that we can
help you establish, both are designed to
help you SAVE for when you need them.
In light of this SAVING season, we here
at the Co-operators Crowfoot location
would like to say Thank you.
Thank you for helping us GIVE as much
as we did to the Ronald McDonald
House this past Christmas.
Dickau Insurance & Investment Services Ltd
o/a Crowfoot Insurance
33 Crowfoot Rise NW, Calgary, AB T3G 4P5
[email protected]
"The many toys ‘the Co-operators’
collected was wonderful and support all
of the families for months ahead!"
quote from Thank You letter received
from the Ronald McDonald House
Vern & Staff
(403) 221-7227
26
SUBURBAN JOURNALS
FEBRUARY 2009
27
Your Safety
February is Heart Month
In 2008, The City of Calgary
Emergency Medical Services
responded to over 8000 calls for cardiac
related emergencies. Do you know the
signs and symptoms of a heart attack?
Do you know what steps to take in the
event you or someone you know
experiences these symptoms? The
greatest risk of death from heart attack
lies in the first two hours from the initial
onset - knowing what to look for can be
vital.
February is Heart Month - take the time
to be heart safe and learn how you can
reduce the risk.
Risk factors:

Risk factors for heart disease that you
CAN control include: maintaining a
healthy weight, leading an active life
style, being smoke free, watching
your cholesterol levels, maintaining
healthy blood sugar levels
(particularly with diabetes), and
maintaining normal blood pressure.

All of these factors can be modified
with help from your family
physician.

The list of risk factors that you can't
control is much smaller: your age,
gender, and family history. Though
these factors may not be in your favor,
there are many other positive steps
you can take to reduce your risk of
heart disease.
What to look for:
Classic symptoms of a heart attack

include chest pain with
accompanying shortness of breath,
often not alleviated with rest.

The pain may be described as
“crushing” or “squeezing”, but may
also be described as an “ache”,
sensation of pressure, or simply,
“chest heaviness”.

Sometimes this pain is accompanied
with discomfort elsewhere in the
body, such as the shoulder or arm, or
in the neck and jaw. People may also
experience sweating or nausea and
vomiting with the discomfort.
Pre-hospital Treatment:

Although definitive care for a heart
attack occurs in hospital, your
treatment begins the moment
Paramedics arrive.

Paramedics are able to administer
oxygen, start an intravenous and
perform an electrocardiogram (ECG)
of your heart.

When necessary, Paramedics can also
administer important medications in
the early minutes of a heart attack to
reduce heart damage.

Early intervention in cardiac
emergencies can make the difference
between life and death. If you are
concerned, don't wait - call 911.
Calgary EMS
Protect Your Skin
From Strong
Winter Sun
Sunburn is
b e t t e r
prevented
than treated.
Most health
professionals
recommend a
sunscreen
SPF level of
at least 30—and greater if you plan to
be outdoors on a winter vacation, north
or south. Take a look at these valuable
sun protection quick tips, courtesy of
the makers of Neutrogena:

Wear a wide brimmed hat to shade
the face, neck and ears—and avoid
direct sun rays in the middle of the
day.

When buying new sunglasses check
the label to be sure the lenses block
out 99 to 100 percent of both
ultraviolet A and B (UVA/UVB)
radiation rays. Sunglasses should
also be free of distortion and
imperfection.

To keep cool and hydrated, drink lots
of water and wear light coloured
clothing to reflect, not absorb, the
sun.

Sunscreen should be generously
applied and should contain both UVA
and UVB sunscreen actives, since the
sun causes damage by penetrating to
different depths in the skin.
Avobenzone is considered one of the
most powerful sunscreens available
to date, even more effective if it is
stabilized with technology called
Helioplex.
News Canada
f t
of isi
% tv
20 r 1s
u
yo
Now open in Arbour Lake.
Inviting you in for an unforgettable
experience of rest and relaxation.
Whether your visit is half an hour or a full day of pampering,
once you put on your robe, you won't want to leave.
Specializing in Facials, Spa Pedicures, Microdermabrasion, Light Therapy, Hair Removal and Relaxation.
Call to book your appointment today at 403 669 6866 or email [email protected]
Gift Certificates Available
+
Ask us about wine pairing.
fine wine, liquor and ale • 16 Bottle Tasting Machine • See our complete online Tasting Calendar
11668 Sarcee Tr NW Calgary AB (Beacon Hill Shopping Centre) • 403.730.8430 corkwine.ca
Now accepting new patients
Hours: Mon - Fri 8am-7pm • Sat 8am-1pm
• Chiropractic
• Postural Correction
• Activator
• Active Release
Techniques / ART
• Custom Orthotics
• Therapeutic Massage
• Relaxation Massage
• Reiki
• Reflexology
• Hot Stone Massage
• Traditional Chinese
Medicine
• Acupunture / Acupressure
403-239-3000
Massage and
610-20 Crowfoot Cres. NW
Acupuncture Special:
JOH
NL
Purchase five 60-min. massages
or five acupuncture treatments
in advance and receive
Cannot be combined with
other offers. Exp 28 Feb/09.
LVD
Crowfoot
Village
CR
OW
FOO
T
WAY
DR
each massage or
acupuncture session.
IE B
SEH
ILL
$5 off
AUR
CRO
NO
Allstate Insurance Agency
Crowfoot Centre
305 - 150 Crowfoot Crescent NW
Calgary, Alberta T3G 3T2
located by Arbour Lake Dental
T: 403.280.3111
E: [email protected]
WFO
OT
TR
Visit our website at www.crowfootchirocentre.ca
28
SUBURBAN JOURNALS
FEBRUARY 2009
29
Your Safety
Swiped - How to Protect Yourself From Credit Card and
Debit Card Fraud
It takes just seconds to become a victim
of credit card or debit card fraud — and
it can take a lot longer to repair the
damage done to your finances. The
most common way people fall victim to
this type of fraud is by losing a credit or
debit card with an easily compromised
personal identification number (PIN),
or through the counterfeiting of a credit
card that is temporarily out of the
owner's hands (the thief may copy the
information from the credit card and
use it to make a duplicate card).
Protect yourself from fraud. You can
save yourself a lot of time and trouble
by taking these simple precautions,
recommended by the Calgary Police
Service:

Always know where your debit cards
and credit cards are - care for them as
carefully as if they were cash.

When you use your card (at a
restaurant or gas station, for
example), try to keep the card in sight
at all times.

Watch carefully to ensure your card is
only swiped in a proper debit
machine. “Skimmers” are devices
used to steal credit or debit card
information. They are about the size
of a napkin holder, and can easily be
concealed.

Use an unusual PIN - not your phone
number, licence plate, birth date, or
something simple such as four zeros.

Cover your hand when entering your
PIN to prevent others from seeing it,
even at Automatic Teller Machines
(ATMs).

If you think your PIN has been
observed, change it.

Do not allow anyone access to your
accounts. Never give your card and
PIN to anyone.

Never provide your credit or debit
card number to anyone by phone
unless you called them and you know
they are a trustworthy company.

When you are shopping over the
Internet, stick to trusted websites that
use up-to-date security measures
(look for the padlock symbol on the
web page).

Don't write your PIN down for
safekeeping. If you really need it in
writing, store it in a secure location
such as a bank's safety deposit box,
well away from your cards.

When you use your debit or credit
card, double-check that you have
replaced it in your wallet following
the transaction.

Know what you are spending and
check your statements to ensure they
match your purchases. If there's a
discrepancy, immediately notify your
credit card company or bank.

Store all the information from your
cards in a safe place to make it easy to
report them if they are lost or stolen.

Regularly check your wallet. If you
discover a card is missing, cancel it
immediately - don't wait (if you wait,
you might be held responsible for any
misuse of it).

Only carry the cards you need. Leave
the others in a secure place.

When you receive a new card in the
mail, sign and activate it
immediately, and destroy the old one.

Check your credit report regularly this is free of charge once a year
through Equifax Canada
(www.equifax.ca; 1-800-465-7166)
or Trans Union Canada (www.tuc.ca;
1-800-663-9980).
Visit the Calgary Police Service Web
site at www.calgarypolice.ca for more
information on crime prevention.
Calgary Police Service
R&R
Personal
Professional
Guaranteed
Accounting Services
Personal
Personal &
& Small
Small Business
Business Income
Income Tax
Tax
Our Services Include:
FREE E-FILING
FREE Pickup & Delivery for Seniors
On-site Accounting Solutions
1-on-1 Personal Attention
GUARANTEED Accuracy Of Our Work
FREE Double-Check of Prior Year’s Return
Students & Seniors Receive 15% Discount
Free Tax Preparation Estimate
Contact:
Bob Ferguson C.G.A.
Dental Implants
Loose dentures? Missing teeth?
Dental implants may be
the option for you.
Mention this ad for a
Complimentary
implant consult*
Phone: 403-282-7933
403.978.8297 Resident of
[email protected]
Northwest
Dental Centre
& Orthodontics
Scenic Acres
for your appointment today
206, 3604-52 Ave NW
*exp Feb 28/09
PAY THOSE
HOLIDAY BILLS
Join Avon for only $20.
and receive $160.00
in FREE product.
Unlimited earnings,
work from home.
Call 403-452-8480
We have a new location!
We offer:
• Sewing Classes
• All Types of Alterations
• Custom Made Clothing
• Leather & Fur Repairs
• Custom Made Home Decor
• Interior Decorating
• Dry Cleaning Service
Liliia Bencz
ph: 403-516-6133
cell: 403-512-9727
111 - 150 Crowfoot Cres. NW (next to M&M's in Crowfoot Corner)
12:00 - 8:00 pm Mon-Fri, 12:00 - 5:00 pm Sat
30
SOLD
SOLD IN
IN
3 DAYS
FOR
FOR OVER
OVER 100%
100% OF
OF LIST
LIST PRICE!
PRICE!
Call Melanie Todd
B.Comm.
Century 21 Castlewood Agencies
403-651-5428
SUBURBAN JOURNALS
FEBRUARY 2009
What’s Up At The Lake?
What a winter at the lake… we opened
later than ever before and Mother
Nature was not at all cooperative with
us in getting the ice ready. None the
less, Dave and the lake staff put in a
valiant effort to get the ice ready for our
January opening. We are expecting
February to be a busy month with
skaters, hockey players and ice
fishermen/women getting their last
minute fun in before the ice disappears
for another year.
Lake Fees
OVERDUE
Arbour Lake fees are officially past
due. As of February 1, 2009, interest is
accumulating on your overdue balance
at the rate of 18% per annum,
compounded monthly and your access
to the lake is denied.
You can pay your fees at the lake office
by cheque or debit. You can also pay
your fees by visiting your local bank
branch or using your online banking.
The External Reference number on
your invoice can be used as your
account number to make payments at
your bank or through your online
banking.
Ice in February
February is a tricky month, it can be
warm and sunny or cold with blizzardlike conditions. If the weather warms
up drastically in February, as it can in
Calgary, the ice surface will no longer
be safe to use. The flag pole by the
beach gazebo will indicate whether the
ice is open or not.
31
Joanne Isaak, Program Director, 403-241-2628,
[email protected], www.arbourlake.com
Yellow Flag means there is a partial
closure at the lake.
Red Flag means there is a full closure at
the lake.
Lake Cards
As you may or may not know the
membership card police are out in full
force at the lake entry gate. If you do
not have your swipe card you will not be
able to gain access to the lake grounds.
The lake is a membership facility so it is
only fitting that you should have your
lake card to get in. Also, by not
bringing your lake card you
inconvenience all other members trying
to get into the park. Thank you for your
cooperation in complying with the
facility rules.
Ice Fishing
Derby Results
We had a great day, weather wise, for
the 2009 Ice Fishing Derby –the sky
was blue and the sun was out but there
was just one problem – the fish were not
biting! A total of 6 fish were caught in
the morning derby and, believe it or
not, the afternoon participants got
skunked, with not one fish caught!
That was definitely a first! Thanks to
everyone who came out to enjoy the
day with us!
Our morning winners:
1st – Clay Snelling
2nd – Mike Bouvier
3rd – Randy Rempfer
Northwest
Dental Centre
& Orthodontics
Dislike multiple dental visits?
Tired of travelling to several offices
for your family’s dental treatments?
We welcome children as early
as 6 months old
Early AM-Evenings-Weekend
appointments available
New Patients & Emergencies Welcome
2nd Opinions, Implant & Orthodontic
Consults are Complimentary
Suite 206, 3604-52 Ave NW
Phone: 403-282-7933
www.northwestdental.ca
32
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Experience Calgary’s Newest
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We Provide Complete Care in Fewer Visits
Sir Winston
Churchill High
SUBURBAN JOURNALS
FEBRUARY 2009
33
Your Money
Managing your Money
PAC your RRSP – the Easy Way to
Save and Grow
It's RRSP crunch time again. That time
of year when you search the nooks and
crannies of your finances for the money
you need to fill up your RRSP
contribution room. And that is
absolutely the right thing to do: An
RRSP is the best tax-saving, incomebuilding investment for most
Canadians.
But it's also tough to come up with a
lump sum any time, and especially right
after holiday season. If you end up
leaving your RRSP top-up to the last
minute, this can mean you have missed
all that tax-sheltered, compounded
growth you could have benefitted from
through the year.
So here's your best solution for
maximizing future RRSP growth: PAC
your RRSP. PAC stands for PreAuthorized Contribution Program and
it's such an easy way to invest, you'll
hardly know you're doing it.
As time passes, your income changes
and your life changes – so your PAC
should change too. Reset your PAC
annually by a lump sum dollar amount
or by a designated percentage. That
w a y, y o u ' l l k e e p y o u r R R S P
contributions and other investing in line
with inflation and personal wage
increases.
And by the way, when you PAC year
round, you'll never again have to fear
RRSP crunch time … you'll never have
to search for elusive top-up dollars at
this time of year... and you'll
significantly improve your financial
future - that's a win-win-win any way
you look at it.
Of course, PAC-ing
your RRSP is just one
(really good!)
element in a total
financial plan aimed
at achieving financial independence on
your own terms. Your professional
advisor can help you put a complete
package together that is absolutely right
for your life today and tomorrow.
Jamie Powell, CFP, EPC
Comments can be directed to:
[email protected].
*The rate of return is used only to illustrate the effects
of the compound growth rate and is not intended to
indicate future returns on investment.
Here's what PAC-ing your RRSP
can do to deliver a much more
comfortable retirement:

By automatically investing, say
$250 regularly each month at a
compound annual return of 8%,
you'll have $354,230 in your
retirement nest egg 30 years from
now.* But, if you wait until the
end of each year to invest a
$3,000 lump sum, you'll have
only $339,850. By investing
monthly, you've added $14,380
at retirement without an extra
penny of cost. That's just one
example of the considerable
value of paying yourself first
with PAC.

Tie your PAC strategy to a
comprehensive financial plan.
Decide what you want to do in
retirement and it'll be much
easier to achieve your goal. And
by PAC-ing your RRSP, you'll
enjoy the double benefit of
working towards your goal and
saving on taxes.
Students Can File
Their Income Tax
For Free Using
Netfile
Students wanting to save money on
their income tax this year may qualify
for free NETFILE-certified tax
preparation software. There is a list of
NETFILE-certified software at
www.netfile.gc.ca. The list is updated
during the filing season as products are
certified, so you might want to
bookmark it and check back regularly.
NETFILE is quick, easy, secure,
confidential, accurate, and paperless.
Get a confirmation of receipt by the
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
immediately and receive your refund
faster. In order to use NETFILE, you
must have a four-digit access code,
which you can find on the information
sheet of your T1 personal income tax
return package. If you did not receive an
access code, starting February 9, 2009,
you can get your access code online at
www.netfile.gc.ca or by using the
CRA's My Account service at
www.cra.gc.ca/myaccount. Your
access code, along with your social
insurance number and date of birth,
become your electronic signature.
News Canada
[email protected].
So long sugar? Discover if you
are at risk for diabetes.
Over 5.2 million North Americans living with diabetes
are not aware of their condition. If left untreated
diabetes can cause chronic, life-threatening problems.
Fortunately, these complications are far from
inevitable. If you understand the risk factors and
follow the proper preventative strategies, you can
come out on top.
Join us at The Medicine Shoppe® Pharmacy for a
free diabetes risk assessment and A1c screening
We'll provide you with a consultation on your results
and share information on lifestyle choices and
treatment options that can help reduce your chances
of developing diabetes.
Free Diabetes Risk Assessment & A1c Screening
Thursday, February 26th · 9 am to 5 pm
Please call (403) 455-9939 to book your appointment and details.
Ph (403) 455-9939
11 - 600 Crowfoot Crescent • Calgary, AB
www.medicineshoppe.ca
34
SUBURBAN JOURNALS
FEBRUARY 2009
35
Your Money
Tax Benefits for Families - Giving Your Family
a Helping Hand
One of the many reasons for filing an
income tax return is ensuring you get
the most out of the tax benefits to which
you may be entitled. For Canadian
families, there are many benefits.
For example, you could be getting:

a tax-free Canada Child Tax Benefit
in the form of a monthly payment for
children who are under the age of 18;

a taxable, guaranteed Universal Child
Care Benefit of $100 per month per
child up to the age of six;

a tax-free Child Disability Benefit for
families who care for a child under
the age of 18 with a severe and
prolonged impairment in mental or
physical functions;

a goods and services tax/harmonized
sales tax (GST/HST) credit which
helps individuals and families with
low or modest incomes to offset all or
part of the GST or HST that they pay
on most purchases of goods and
services; or

a Working Income Tax Benefit for
families with low incomes.
To maximize your benefits and ensure
that payments continue, you must file
an income tax and benefit return. The
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) needs
to know your most recent address,
marital status, and the number of
children in your care, as well as banking
information for direct deposit of
amounts that are owed to you.
If you need help preparing your income
tax return, the CRA has volunteers who
may be able to assist you.
The best way to view and
manage your profile with the
CRA is to set up an account
online through its My Account
service. Once you register, you
can view and manage your tax
and benefit information, and
apply for the Canada Child Tax
Benefit and the Universal
Child Care Benefit.
The CRA makes it very easy to
get more information. To find out more
about child and family benefits, go to
www.cra.gc.ca/benefits, or call
1-800-387-1193 for English service
and 1-800-387-1194 for French service.
News Canada.
[email protected].
ine
Own Valent
Make Your
Everyday is a party when
Tupperware® is there!
Book your party today!
Contact Yvonne at
403-640-0665 or
[email protected]
Evening & Weekend times available
Turn a play date into a party!
Or order online: http://www.my.tupperware.ca/alacartewares
REDUCE YOUR
M O RTGAG E
COSTS!
Pam Pettie
Mortgage Associate
403-457-6175
[email protected]
www.wisemortgage.com/pam
CAN’T BEAT THE HEAT!
Fairmont Timeshare
FOR SALE
Prime season. Sleeps up to 8.
Lock off unit. Call for details.
403-217-5228
Enjoy a Winter Tan
PHOTO
&DESIGN
SMALL & HOME-BASED
BUSINESS OWNERS:
IF YOU'RE READING
THIS, YOUR CUSTOMERS
ARE TOO. PLACE YOUR
AD TODAY.
36
For:
• New Home Mortgages
and Renewals
• Home Owner Debt
Consolidation
• Refinancing & Lines of Credit
• Bruised Credit
• Investments & Renovations
• Self-Employed & Business
Owners
• Appointments and walk-ins
welcome
• New beds
• 7 min power-tans and 20 minute
tans available
• Stand up or lay down tanning
• Minutes can be shared
• Premium lotions available from
California Tan, Swedish Beauty,
Australian Gold, Supre & more
Mystic
Mystic Tans
Tans (Sunless
(Sunless Spray)
Spray)
To book your next tanning appointment or for
more information... call 403-241-1244
410 - 20 CROWFOOT CRESCENT NW
(Beside Chianti’s Restaurant)
www.perfectan.ca
SUBURBAN JOURNALS
FEBRUARY 2009
37
Your Health
Counsellors’ Corner
Healthy Weights for Healthy Kids
Childhood obesity has reached
epidemic proportions all across
Canada. Children of all ages are
struggling with weight and are
developing adult issues such as high
cholesterol, high blood pressure and
high insulin levels. In addition, children
are experiencing problems with their
bodies again typically seen in older
adults such as hip and knee problems.
There have been considerable
discussions regarding what has caused
this epidemic with an emphasis on
video games and television, but instead
of focusing on the causes, why not
focus on how to make changes?
One of the main causes of childhood
obesity or weight gain (for children or
adults) is eating more than one is
burning off (energy in versus energy
expended). Why does this happen? The
answer, though simple, is also complex.
Simply, it is about eating for reasons of
want as opposed to need (hunger).
There are many reasons we eat more
than we need including boredom, social
pressures, habit, taste, smell, sight,
anxiety, sadness, etc. For example,
foods that taste good are often over
consumed (e.g., pizza). Smell is a
powerful sense that encourages us to eat
even when we are full (e.g., popcorn in
a movie theatre). For children, boredom
is one of the major reasons that they
tend to eat when they are not hungry.
Though children may be engaged in a
video game or watching TV, they are
often bored, thus leading to the habit of
reaching for food. The reasons we eat
when we are not truly hungry comes
down to want as opposed to need.
How do we combat eating for want
instead of need? Again, the answer is
simple - putting it into practice is the
challenge. A first step to changing one’s
behaviours (or habits) is to bring the
topic to the forefront. For example,
when your child goes to the fridge (such
as during a commercial) a powerful
question to ask is: “Why are you
reaching for food? Are you truly hungry
(i.e., do you truly need food) or do you
just want food (i.e., are you bored)?”
Often when this question is posed it
makes one think about why they are
reaching for food. The next step is the
challenge – finding an alternate
behaviour to avoid eating for want. For
children, helping them change their
behaviours can be as simple as
encouraging them to go outside to play.
The bottom line is when you or your
child are eating for reasons other than
hunger (need) an
alternate behaviour is needed. Creating
a list of activities with your child and
putting it on the fridge can be very
helpful as the list can then be re-visited
each time your child is bored or in need
of an alternate behaviour to eating.
Liann Meloff, Sharon Ashton, and
Janice Shigemi are Registered
Psychologists in private practice.
[email protected].
Decorative Liquid Soap Pumps
This custom soap pump bottle is
great to co-ordinate with your
decor, or can make the perfect
Valentine’s gift.
Supplies:

clear soap pump bottle

clear liquid soap

glass stones, marbles or gravel*

silk flowers and other decorations
Directions:
1. Clear soap pump bottles can be
purchased, or you can recycle clear
bottles that come pre-filled with
liquid soap. Begin with an empty
soap bottle, or remove labels from
pre-filled bottles and pour out about
half of the soap into another
container for later use as your bottle
empties from use.
2. Add the glass stones, marbles, or
gravel to the bottom of the bottle,
about 1 1/2" - 2" deep.
3. Trim silk flowers to fit the size of
the bottle., then insert
into the bottle.
Smaller flowers (such
as lily of the valley,
sweet peas, or violets)
are easiest to use. You can use the
stem of the pump dispenser to push
the bottom of the flower stems into
the glass stones, marbles, or gravel
to secure them in place.
4. Fill the soap bottle about half full
with clear liquid hand soap and add
any other decorations (plastic fish
can be a fun addition). Once all
embedded decorations are in place,
fill the bottle up to 1" from the top
(to allow for displacement caused
by re-inserting the pump).
* Be sure that the stones
are larger than the pump
dispenser tube to
prevent clogging
the pump as you
use it.
38
SUBURBAN JOURNALS
FEBRUARY 2009
39
Your Health
A Healthy Baby is Worth the Weight
We all know that pregnancy and weight
gain go hand and hand. But, in this
world where weight gain has become a
bad word, are we losing our focus on
what a healthy weight gain during
pregnancy means for the health of the
baby and the mother?
There are two recent trends in Calgary
that have sparked the concern of
Calgary's Medical Health Officer – the
fact that 13-26% of Canadian women
are underweight and that there is an
elevated trend in Calgary for babies
born of low birth weight. Research
shows that women who do not gain
sufficient gestational weight are 3 times
more likely to have a low birth weight
baby or a preterm birth. This is
significant, as low birth weight babies
are more likely to experience health
problems than babies born of
appropriate birth weight. Similarly,
women who gain excessive gestational
weight are also at risk for preterm birth
and poor neonatal outcomes.
Complications such as pregnancyinduced high blood pressure (preeclampsia), and gestational diabetes are
associated with excessive gestational
weight gain.
It is for these very reasons that the
Calgary Health Region's Healthy
Babies Portfolio has established a
number of teaching tools for pregnant
women to learn more about prepregnant BMI and healthy gestational
weight gain. (Check out
Weight Category Pre-pregnant BMI
http://www.calgaryhealthregion.ca/
programs/babies/). The good news is
that by making healthy lifestyle
choices, women can make a direct
impact on not only their health but on
the health of their baby. Working with
your health care provider will help you
to make the best choices for a healthy
pregnancy.
What factors contribute to healthy
gestation weight gain?

First and foremost, is to know what
weight gain is right for you. Every
pregnancy is unique and so is your
body, so talk to your caregiver about
what amount of weight gain is right for
you.

Now is not the time to diet or lose
weight. Talk to your caregiver if you
have ever struggled with an eating
disorder.

Eat well. Your baby shares the food
you eat and both of you need to eat
well. It is very important that you eat
nutritious food and take a prenatal
vitamin everyday in order for the baby
to grow.

You are eating for two, not like two.
Most women need to increase their
daily calorie intake by 100 calories in
the first trimester, but do you know
what that looks like? This only
translates to 1 cup of low fat milk or 12 servings of fruit and vegetables.
Consult the Canada Food Guide to
help you chose the right amounts and
types of food to eat for the health of
you and your baby.
Total Weight Gain
Total Weight Gain
* Underweight
< 20
28 - 40 lbs / 12.5 - 18kg
1 lb/week / 0.5 kg/week
* Healthy Weight
20 - 27
25 - 35 lbs / 11.5 - 16 kg
0.75 lb/week / 0.4 kg/week
* Overweight
> 27
15 - 25 lbs / 7 - 11.5 kg
0.5 lb/week / 0.3 kg/week
^ Obese
> 29
At least 15 lbs / 7 kg
Consider Nutrition Referral
*HC guidelines ^IOM guidelines for use with singleton pregnancies and with women with at least 2 years post menses
Where Does the Weight Go
During Pregnancy?
Your blood: 4 lbs
Your protein & fat storage:
5-8 lbs
Your body fluids: 2-3 lbs
Breasts: 2-3 lbs
Baby: 6-7 lbs
Placenta: 2-3 lbs
Uterus: 2-3 lbs
Amniotic fluid: 2-3 lbs
Average Total Weight Gain:
25-35 lbs / 11.5-16 kg

Be active. Daily moderate activity
during pregnancy is very important.

Reduce stress.
Some stress is
normal but too much can stop you
from taking care of yourself. Make
sure you get enough sleep at night and
rest when you need it. Talk to
someone you trust or a caregiver about
your stress.

Avoid smoking, drugs and alcohol.
All of these can harm your baby and
limit the baby's growth. No amount is
safe in pregnancy.
It is important to note that the amount of
weight each woman should gain during
pregnancy is unique and is based on
each woman's BMI prior to her
pregnancy. Remember, every body is
different.
Ask your health care
provider (doctor or midwife) how much
weight gain is right for your body.
Pregnancy is an important time to make
the necessary changes that will have a
lifelong impact on your health and your
baby's health. A Healthy Baby is Worth
the Weight.
Lori Anne Shultz is the Research
Project Coordinator for the Healthy
Gestational Weight Gain Project in the
Public Health/Healthy Babies
Portfolio of the Alberta Health
Services. Comments can be directed to:
[email protected].
Inspiring a Lifelong Love of Learning
Every child is capable of
excellence.
We create and maintain an environment of respect, responsibility,
caring and trust so that each child’s potential can
unfold at its own pace.
As the only Accredited Montessori School in Western Canada, we
are offering two exceptional individualized programs:
Mixed-Age Montessori:
Grades 1 to 3 and 4 to 6
Traditional Program Enriched with a Montessori Approach:
Kindergarten to Grade 6
If you are looking for an outstanding school, our academic results are
just the beginning. Find what you’ve been missing in our inclusive
community that fosters leadership,
respect, independence and responsibility.
Contact us for our next Open House date or for a personalized tour.
Our new School Director, Sharon Reib, would love to meet with you!
3127 Bowwood Drive NW
[email protected]
40
403.246.2275
www.rivervalleyschool.ca
SUBURBAN JOURNALS
FEBRUARY 2009
41
Your Pets
Safe Passage
Need to transport your cat to the vet,
another home, the pet sitter? A cat
carrier is one of the essential items that
every cat owner must have.
People attempt to transport cats in some
very creative containers: gym bags,
cardboard boxes and even blankets.
Others may simply carry their cat in
their arms, with or without a harness
and leash.
MEOW Foundation has rescued several
cats who spent unnecessary time on the
streets eating garbage and sleeping in
dirt because their owners did not
transport them with a secure cat carrier.
Also, car accidents occurring as the
result of allowing a cat to free-roam
inside a vehicle are not uncommon.
Cats going to veterinary clinics are
especially vulnerable if not in a secure
carrier. Aside from the risk of being lost
on the way to the clinic or home, inside
the clinic cats who
are not protected by
a carrier have
attacked or been
attacked. Veterinary
clinics can be
e x t r e m e l y
frightening and
stressful to cats
thanks to foreign
sights, sounds,
smells and other
animals. Regardless
of how friendly
“Fluffy” is, cat
owners have a
responsibility to
their own cat and to
others to keep kitty
inside a carrier.
Carriers are not expensive. They can
range from $20-50 or even less for a
used carrier. They can even be
borrowed (clean them thoroughly to
remove the scent of its last occupant).
Ensure the carriers are escape-proof
with strong latches. Also, make sure the
carrier is large enough to house the cat
comfortably. Ensure also that the
interior has flat surfaces so that kitty
cannot be injured during transport. If
your cat is resistant to entering a carrier,
wrap him in a blanket and put cat and
blanket together into the carrier.
Responsible pet ownership requires
some investments on the part of cat
owners: a cat carrier is as essential to the
well-being of your cat as regular
veterinary care and a good diet.
Jorinda Rankin. Comments can be
d i r e c t e d
t o :
[email protected].
Bird Lovers Can
Go Nuts for
Squirrels Too
The battle begins every time a feeder
goes up; homeowner versus squirrel,
and it's usually the squirrel who wins.
There is a way to feed your beloved
birds without the disturbance of these
crafty creatures, however: offer
squirrels a feast all their own.
Outdoor pet food
producers such as
Wild Delight have
mixes specially
designed for
squirrels (such as Wild Delight
Squirrel Food) that contain corn,
sunflower seed and whole peanuts -things that squirrels love. The trick is
to keep it away from bird feeders.
Bird watchers can also fill their
feeders with seeds that squirrels are
indifferent toward. Nyjer Seed from
Wild Delight is great for all types of
finches, but squirrels ignore it.
If your squirrel conflict calls for
drastic measures, capsaicin, the
burning chemical of hot peppers, is
effective. However, offering squirrels
their own food is safer for you, your
children and your pets.
By offering squirrels a place in the
backyard, homeowners can end the
battle and enjoy the company of both
their feathered friends and their furry
new pals.
Courtesy of ARA Content Comments
can be directed to:
[email protected].
Dr. Cam Brauer and Dr. Scott Townsend DDS
ASK THE DENTIST
Q What is Halitosis (or
Bad Breath)?
It's Never Too Early Or Too Late To Start Planning For
Post-Secondary
Now is the time when grade 12 students are thinking about
where they want to attend college or university in the fall. Alberta
learners don't have to leave the province or even venture far to
go to world-class secondary institutions.
With so many options, Albertans need the resources to make
informed decisions. One of the tools that the Alberta government
is promoting is the Learning Clicks program. This program offers
free presentations to inform students about the opportunities and
benefits of education and training after high school.
This year the department of Advanced Education and
Technology is celebrating the fifth anniversary of the Learning
Clicks program. This interactive, dynamic and informative
program helps students in junior and senior high, parents and
other interested adults get real-life information on postsecondary education and training.
Enthusiastic student ambassadors can bring the program to our
communities in an informal and face-to-face environment. By
sharing their own unique experiences, these Learning Clicks
Ambassadors help motivate Albertans to think about planning for
post-secondary studies and provide them with the tools to get
there.
In the 2007/2008 school year alone, youth Ambassadors
delivered 905 presentations in 327 junior and senior high
schools, and spoke with nearly 19,500 students. Adult
Ambassadors delivered 58 presentations to various groups, and
spoke with over 600 individuals.
A
Halitosis, oral malodor, breath odor,
mouth odor, foul breath, fetor oris,
fetor ex ore, or most commonly bad
breath are terms used to describe
noticeably unpleasant odors exhaled
in breathing. Halitosis has a
significant impact — personally and
socially — on those who suffer from
it and is estimated to be the 3rd most
frequent reason for seeking dental
aid, following tooth decay and
periodontal disease. By seeing a
dental hygienist regularly tartar can
be removed from below the gum line.
As tartar traps the bacteria in the
mouth and is a contributing source to
why bad breath occurs it is a very
effective way of reducing the effect
of the bacteria in the mouth that
causes bad breath and periodontal
disease.
Learning does not end after high school or on the job. It is a
journey that is continually evolving and the Alberta government
has many tools to help you along the way. For more information
please visit: www.learningclicks.ca
Calgary-North West Constituency Office
29, 735 Ranchlands Boulevard NW
Calgary Alberta T3G 3A9
Phone: 403-216-5444 Fax: 403-216-5442
email: [email protected]
Open 9am – 4pm Monday to Friday
42
Dr. Cam Brauer and Dr. Scott Townsend DDS
403-239-0010
Located Next to the Tuscany Sobeys
#2078, 11300 Tuscany Blvd. N.W.
Mon: 7am - 5pm Tues: 7am - 7pm Wed: 9am - 7pm
Thurs: 7am - 7pm Fri: 7am - 5pm
SUBURBAN JOURNALS
FEBRUARY 2009
43
Your Pets
Now I Gotta Watch The Dog's Weight, Too?!
We are part of the North American
culture and are constantly bombarded
with articles and advice about the
problem most of us battle on a daily
basis... our weight. Guess what? The
North American population of pets has
the same problem. Most of our pets eat
too much, don't get enough exercise,
and eat a diet too high in carbohydrates
and fats.
Start by looking at your pet. I hate
being asked to give a client these two
numbers. How much should my dog
weight? How much should I feed my
cat?
Look at your pet.
Most
veterinarians will body score your pet.
A number is assigned usually from one
to nine based on a chart. One would be
a grossly emaciated animal, probably
weak, with no body fat, muscle wasting,
and bones protruding. Five would be
ideal for the average pet. Inspecting a
dog visually may not be enough.
Veterinarians touch and run their hands
over a pet. A thin dog may be under
those masses of hair on a husky. A
whippet will look differently from a
corgi. Feel the bone structure. Nine on
the body score scale would be a pet so
fat they probably have difficulty
breathing and standing up.
Our
examination would be compromised by
the layers of fat on the animal's body.
You may want to aim on either side of
the ideal five depending on your pet's
health and activities. A lean four is
better for an elderly large dog with
arthritis. Maybe six is better for a
Labrador retriever at the start of hunting
season and swimming in ice-cold
ponds.
I run my hands over my Labradors,
consciously adjusting their diets almost
daily. When we are in a cold snap with a
wind chill of -30 C no one is being
walked and they are fed less. When we
are camping and they are running miles
everyday and sleeping outdoors they
are fed more. If the padding on the ribs
is more obvious, down goes the amount
in the scoop. If they look great I try to
feed that amount consistently, but as
with most families our activity level
constantly changes.
If you are barely feeding your pet
anything and too much weight remains
a problem, a visit to your veterinarian
maybe warranted.
Numerous
endocrine problems can cause weight
gain or your pet may need a specialized
diet. Pets that have sudden unexplained
weight changes especially precipitous
weight loss should be checked for a
medical disease.
How is your pet's weight distributed? I
once was called into an examination to
see a pet brought in because it had
gained too much weight according to
the owner. I walked in to be confronted
by a dog that was a walking skeleton
with a body score of about two. The
owner was concerned about the
massive abdomen. That was an eight
pound tumor in an abdomen with about
five more pounds of fluid around it.
The owners were horrified when they
realized their mistake and immediately
had their pet successfully treated with a
good outcome, but what had happened
is they had focused their concerns on
one part of their pet. Never forget to
look at the whole creature.
I am always telling my clients during
their pet's annual physical examination,
one of the best indicators of their pet's
overall well-being is their weight, what
they body score at, and have there been
any weight changes. This diagnostic
test is free too!!
Jennifer L. Scott, D.V.M. Comments
c a n b e d i r e c t e d t o :
[email protected].
Baby Beef
Biscuits
Makes: approx 2 dozen biscuits
Ingredients:

2 3/4 cups whole wheat flour

1/2 cup powdered milk

1 teaspoon salt

1 egg

6 tablespoons vegetable oil

8-10 tablespoons water

2 small jars (about 2.5oz each)
strained baby food (beef, chicken,
lamb, or liver)
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
Mix all ingredients together in a
large bowl and knead for about 3
minutes. Roll out to 1/2 inch thick.
Cut with bone-shaped cookie cutter
and place biscuits on an ungreased
baking sheet. Bake in preheated
oven for 20 to 25 min.