December 2008

OUR COMMUNITY’S VOICE MAY 2009

Not a WALK in the Park Page 3 THE CAUSES You Love Page 9

the GOOD and the BAD in TUSCANY Page 15

Community Cleanup & BBQ Page 45 Photo by Aneta Blaszczyk

Janet Voth STAGING Certified Staging & Highest possible ReDesign Professional "Return on Investment" 403-542-7555 in the shortest amount of time Transforming Your Home to Centre Stage Spring Promo • Real Estate Staging • Construction Division • Home Improvement & Design on now! www.DesigningSpacez.com call for more details 2 THE TUSCANY SUN: OUR COMMUNITY’S VOICE SUBURBAN JOURNALS THE TUSCANY SUN MAY 2009 PAGE 3 In Our Community

Tuscany Community Association 403-313-6131 What Do You Think? www.tuscanyca.ca P.O. Box 27030 Tuscany RPO Getting Through Our Retail Area is Calgary, Alberta T3L 2Y1 No Walk in the Park! President...... William Thompson ...... [email protected] Last month’s Tuscany Sun sparked a Vice President ...... Matthew Ball lot of response from you, especially ...... [email protected] Treasurer ...... Celeste Ransom about off-leash dogs and picking up Secretary...... Deana Simkin after your dog! Thanks to everyone who took the time to write in with Tuscany Committee Email Addresses their thoughts and opinions. I know I Communications Committee ...... [email protected] appreciated reading what you had to Events & Recreation Committee say. You can read some of these Events...... [email protected] Recreation ...... [email protected] responses in Letters to the Editor on from your home or you’ve driven to Parks and Planning Committee page 7 and in Talk in Tuscany on page the site and are walking from your car ...... [email protected] 11. to the store. Thankfully, I know I am Safety Committee ...... [email protected] not alone in this frustration. I can’t Tuscany Sun Newsletter In last month’s Sun, a number of count how many times someone has ...... [email protected] residents wrote in to express their spoken to me about their concerns, happiness with our wonderful worries or frustrations when they are Elected Officials pathways and natural areas in Tuscany. Alderman: trying to maneuver through this area Dale Hodges As the weather gets more and more while pushing their strollers, for 403-268-2445 inviting, it is always with interest that example, or trying to navigate their [email protected] I watch a veritable explosion of MLA: cars safely around the pedestrians in Lindsay Blackett residents walking, biking and heading the roadway. 403-216-5444 to our retail area for a Starbucks or a [email protected] MP: slurpee. Spring always makes me I recently contacted Paul Rudolph, Rob Anders think that maybe the census is right who manages our retail space on 403-292-6666 and there are actually almost 18, 000 behalf of FCB Property Management. www.robanders.com people in our community! Spring is We had a nice conversation regarding Tuscany Sun Newsletter also when I am struck anew by a the lack of pedestrian accessibility and Editor & Article Submissions: personal pet peeve – the fact that our he expressed surprise as he has not Michelle van de Reep [email protected] amazing pathways all lead to the been informed of any concerns Submission deadlines for this monthly publication are the centre of our community, our retail regarding this issue. I communicated 9th of the month, prior to the distribution month. space, which seemingly seems to to Paul that a number of residents felt Advertising Sales: operate on the idea that pedestrian strongly that this was an issue and I Phil 403-660-7324 [email protected] accessibility is not a priority. The asked him if there was a constructive The ad booking deadline is the 14th of the month prior to the distribution month. sidewalks around the retail space are way to work with the landlord of this This publication is published 12 times a year by Suburban Journals loaded with stairs and are often too space (First Capital Tuscany Publishing and delivered to residents by Canada Post. This publication is also available for pickup from the Tuscany Club. narrow, forcing us out into the driving Corporation) to resolve the matter. Please note: the information and opinions in this newsletter are subject to change, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of areas in order to navigate our way Paul stated that he would make the publisher or editor. Content contained in this publication may not be reproduced without the written consent of Suburban through this space. Every single inquiries in his office and get back to Journals Publishing. The information herein is believed accurate but not warranted so. Any advertisements, home businesses, babysitters & nannies, or other parties listed in the Tuscany Sun visitor to this area is a pedestrian – me. should not be interpreted as recommendations or endorsements by the editor or the publisher. whether you have walked or bicycled continued on next page FAMILY HEALTH CENTRE

Interior painting Living and Working in Your Area Faux finishes Spray painting Ceiling painting Drywall repair Wood Staining $99.00 to Basement renos Framing, drywall $299.00 and more! per room call for details

Licensed, Insured & Bonded Residential • Commercial Cell: (403) 874-1968 www.inlivingcolourpaintinginc.com

4 THE TUSCANY SUN: OUR COMMUNITY’S VOICE SUBURBAN JOURNALS THE TUSCANY SUN MAY 2009 PAGE 5 In Our Community In the meantime, if you are like me and many other residents in Tuscany Letters to the Editor who are concerned with this issue, I would suggest you take the time to read with interest your article in had dogs that I do not know come make a phone call to Paul at 403-263- Ithe April 2009 edition of the running up to me barking or 8444 and let him know your concerns. Tuscany Sun. I feel compelled to growling. People may think their Having lived in Tuscany since 1999, I write to you because I am quite dog won't hurt anyone, but I do not have heard this issue spoken of many unhappy about the number of off- know that. I do not know them, and times (haven’t two petitions been leash dogs I see in Tuscany. I do think I do not know their dog. I have circulated on this very issue?) so I was that off-leash dogs are a problem in actually ended up running home a taken aback that Paul has never heard Tuscany. Our house backs onto a couple of times with my heart of any problems. The first step in pathway, and I would estimate that racing and breaking into tears addressing any problem is to get the about half of the dogs we see are off- because I felt so scared. Because of issue out in the open. By picking up leash. This is not just a few people this, I do not use the path as much the phone, you can help make FCB who are breaking the law! Some dogs as I would like to. aware of your concerns and start the are hundreds of meters away from • I am afraid to let my young ball rolling on some pretty significant their owners! Some owners are daughter walk (with me) on the accessibility changes in our retail walking two or three large dogs off- pathways. For one, she loves dogs, space. leash! Now, I have nothing against and I do not want that to change dogs. And I also have nothing against because of an off-leash dog running If you have any thoughts on how we off-leash areas. However, the up to her and scaring her. Secondly, should proceed as residents beyond pathway behind my house is NOT an I am actually afraid that she (or this step or if you feel this really isn’t off-leash area! I actually think we another child) could get attacked by an issue of concern at all, feel free to SHOULD have an off-leash area in an off-leash dog. I worry how a dog write in and I’ll publish your ideas. As Tuscany so people can walk their dogs may react to a child crying, yelling, always, these are my thoughts. I’d there instead of on our pathways and or play-fighting. In the news last love to hear yours – in the schoolyards. And I can choose week there was mention of a dog [email protected]. to not to go to the off-leash areas. who attacked his owners because they were fighting with each other; Michelle is the volunteer editor of the Here is why I am so unhappy about those people probably never Tuscany Sun and has the wacky idea the great number of off-leash dogs on imagined their dog would attack someone out there might want to write the paths in Tuscany: them! back and share their ideas! • I am scared of strange dogs. I have • I have seen off-leash dogs defecate and the owners not pick it up because they were too far away from the dog to notice! It's a lot more difficult to not notice these things if your dog is on a leash. • I have seen several large coyotes on the pathway behind our house, in broad daylight. Once there were two of them together. My parents, who live on the other side of Tuscany, found a dead coyote on the

continued on next page Located in the Four Points by Sheraton Calgary West 8220 Bowridge Cres. NW across from C.O.P. Tel: 403-202-4408

DailDailyy LunchLunch andand DinnerDinner feafeaturestures Including: Prime Rib Dinner Thursday to Sunday $30 And the return of our NY Steak Sandwich Friday 11 am – 2 pm $11 MothersMothers DaDayy Dr. Shawna Donlevy BrunchBrunch Dr Megan Barnett Buffet May 10 with the purchase Dr. Angela Xu 10:00 am to 2:00 pm of two (2) entrees Reservations req’d *excl. Mother’s Day Brunch & daily features. Dr. Ashish Mehta Cannot be combined with other offers. Exp. 31 May 09 403.202.4408 Family and Cosmetic Dentistry “KARATE” • New patients welcome Bearspaw Lifestyle • Teeth bleaching Community Centre 253220 Bearspaw Rd. • Wheelchair accessible Beginner level classes Try a free class! Sat. 9:00 - 10:00 am • Family-friendly staff and Senior level classes Call or email to try your free class atmosphere Sat. 10:00 - 11:00 am [email protected] All belt level classes Mon. 6:30 - 7:30 pm Bearspaw School 253210 Bearspaw Rd. Beginner level classes Wed. 6:30 - 7:30 pm Senior level classes Wed. 7:30 - 8:30 pm Canada Olympic Park - Gymnastic Centre Beginner level classes Sat. 11:30 am - 12:30 pm CLASSES SUITABLE FOR ALL BELT LEVELS AND FOR AGES 6 - ADULT ON-GOING REGISTRATION Call 403-400-4741 For more information email: [email protected] www.shodankaratedo.com

6 THE TUSCANY SUN: OUR COMMUNITY’S VOICE SUBURBAN JOURNALS THE TUSCANY SUN MAY 2009 PAGE 7 In Our Community

Letters to the Editor continued

path behind their house who had clearly been attacked by either another coyote or a large dog (or several dogs). I am concerned about an off-leash dog getting hurt or killed by a coyote, or vice versa. • Finally, it is against the law to have a dog off-leash anywhere in Tuscany (since we do not currently have off-leash areas). Plain and simple.

I have, several times, mentioned to people with off-leash dogs that it is not as off-leash area. The majority of times the person has responded very when I see off-leash dogs. The bylaw always see several piles of dog poo; rudely. One woman actually called me officers have been coming out and I'm seeing the same thing that the a name that rhymes with “witch”. they are giving people tickets. They parents who wrote the "Gentle Another woman recently told me that will have bike patrols going in Request - Poop Pick-Up" from the she could not walk her three large Tuscany starting in May. It is a $100 April edition are seeing. I would hope black dogs on-leash because the paths fine for having a dog off-leash. that in a fenced off-leash area, dog were “too icy”. Yes, we live in Anonymous owners would remind other dog Canada – it gets icy!!! If she is unable owners about scooping up the poop! to control her dogs, she should not fter reading your article in the have three of them! Or she could AApril Tuscany Sun, I was We also have dog owners in our circle walk them separately. Or take them to convinced that there should definitely who, on a regular basis, do the ball an off-leash area. Or get those metal be an off-leash area for dogs. I think a throw-and-retrieve sessions with their cleats for her shoes so she can walk fenced off-leash park, similar to the dogs down the street. I am not a dog more easily on ice. She should not one at the 85th Street bridge, is just owner but I would be upset if I saw use that as an excuse for breaking the what Tuscany needs. Lets face it, it one of these dogs hit by a car or, law. will only make things better, even if a worse yet, a child on a bike thrown off small portion of the Tuscany dog I have contacted the city and the guard by a dog running full speed. owners made the effort to take their Tuscany Community Association to When dog owners are using our dogs to the park. see if they could put up signs to say streets as a dog park we definitely that dogs must be on a leash. They have a problem. I would hope an off- I'm not sure what part of Tuscany you told me that they cannot do this, and leash area would nip these lazy live, but where I live, dog feces is a that dog owners should know that if practices in the bud. HUGE problem. When I go for a walk there are no signs that say it is an off- I see a lot of dog poo all along the leash area then their dogs must be on a Again, I am not a dog owner but I Tuscany Ravine pathway, as well as leash. would be the first to sign a petition to on the greens that run the length of the So, after these “friendly” attempts at designate a fenced off-leash park for main streets. When walking past the reminding people to have their dogs Tuscany's dogs! school fields and playgrounds I on-leash, I have taken to calling 3-1-1 Jorge Nosehill Dental Centre A Full Service Family Practice Located In The NW Corner Of Calgary Our Services • New Patients Welcome • Children’s Dentistry • Orthodontics & Invisible Braces • Smile Makeovers, Tooth Whitening • Sports Guard • Hygiene Care • Gum Therapy • Implant Tooth Replacement • Crowns, Bridges & Veneers • Jaw Disorders • Snoring & Sleep Apnea • Laser Dentistry • Wisdom Teeth, Root Canals • Dentures & Partials • Cancer Screening www.nosehilldental.ca Your Comfort & Care • Comfortable, Gentle Care • Sedation Dentistry Available CR Our Dental Professionals O Jo • Low Radiation Digital Xrays CR W h O FO n L SS O au IN T ri • Dr. Art Piercy • Dr. Shairoz Meghji • Dr. Belinda Sher • Emergency & Extended Hours G W e B N lv C . d. • Dr. Barbara Kostyk • Dr. Rahul Kulshrestha • Flexible Payment Options O r NW -O D P ll i Ra h nc e hla s nd o s N Blv d. Call Us Today! 403-241-1900 NW C ro wc hil d T r. #101, 1829 Ranchlands Blvd. N.W. NW

A Team of General Dentists Providing Excellence In Treatment, Service And Care

Fitness Valley Ridge Chiropractic Boost-Camp and Wellness Centre Special WHAT’S NEW at Valley Ridge Chiropractic Be Ready For: and Wellness •Individual or group Centre training in our Tuscany Saturday Studio or in your Home. Dr. Janice La-Kwan, BPE, DC Dr. Anisa Lila, DC appointments •Special rates for now available Get Fit for the summer - join our Services offered include: Group Training. • Chiropractic •We speak French and Boost-Camp in Tuscany starting on April • Trigger Point Therapy We welcome • Soft Tissue/Muscle Release Therapy Dr. Fernandes English. Register online • Ultrasound and Interferential Therapy to the clinic • Custom Orthotics Contact us and meet with your Fitness-Health Guardian Angel. Services offered [email protected] include: • Pain Management 403.923.2448 • Women's Health • Chronic Fatigue www.wealthehealth.ca Syndrome Dr. Shana Shang, • Health Maintenance Dr. Christine •One Free Trial Session TCMD • Stress Management Fernandes, TCMD •We can train all ages from Registered Acupuncturist • Hypnotherapy Registered Acupuncturist Certified Personal Trainer Teenagers (11-17) to Serving Northwest Calgary's Chiropractic & Wellness Needs & Nutrition Wellness older adults (50+) NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS Specialist •Monthly and Over 25 years of experience Hourly Packages (403) 202-1114 325, 11245 Valley Ridge Drive, Calgary, AB

8 THE TUSCANY SUN: OUR COMMUNITY’S VOICE SUBURBAN JOURNALS THE TUSCANY SUN MAY 2009 PAGE 9 In Our Community The Causes You Love

If you have a cause you love to I have seen first hand the impact of support and would like our community the work of World Vision Canada to know about it, email when I visited my sponsored child in [email protected] and we'll see that El Salvador in 2006. WVC takes a it reaches our newsletter. community development approach which is long-term in nature, meaning Kids Up Front they do not just drop money into a http://www.kidsupfront.com community but work with the people If you have tickets to an event that to develop plans and ownership for you can't use, why not donate them to the projects they fund to increase a kid who would never otherwise get sustainability. It is absolutely amazing to go? Kids Up Front works with over how much they do with so little and money goes to the Alberta Cancer 100 Calgary child-serving agencies to the appreciation received from the Foundation. Last year I raised $770 provide exciting opportunities to kids. children and families was and this year my brother and I want to You can donate your tickets up to 2 overwhelming to me. You can really raise at least $800. My brother and I p.m. on the day of the event and change lives for the price of a coffee a are going to have a used book sale on almost any type of ticket is accepted day. Over the years I have been May 9 to raise money for KidsK. I (Calaway Park, Zoo, movies, hockey creative in raising funds for WVC: would like to ask the citizens of games, concerts, theatre tickets, etc.)! spare change collections, bottle drives, Tuscany to donate books that are silent auctions, yard sales. You can gently used (but please no textbooks, However, the more notice the better so make a real difference in whatever magazines or used activity books). If the tickets can be distributed to the way you choose. Our world is too you can, please drop them off at our kids. If you have season’s tickets to small to ignore the potential of its house (44 Tuscany Reserve Green) the Hitmen or the Flames, it’s even children. by May 7 (you can leave them on the easier – you just need to call the Lisa Ondejko front porch). Flames office and let them know that you’d like to donate your tickets for International Justice Mission We'll be having the book sale at our that game and they will print new www.ijm.ca house at 44 Tuscany Reserve Green tickets and leave them at the will call International Justice Mission is an on Saturday, May 9 from 9 a.m. box for Kid Up Front. You can even organization that seeks to bring justice until 3 p.m. Please come to our book get a tax receipt for your donation, if to unjust situations and works to stop you have proof of purchase. As one victimization of people around the Last Month’s Causes child who got to go to a Flames game world but they need our help. Please said, “It’s like a surprise present give. The Brain Tumour Foundation because you don’t expect it and then Lisa Ondejko of Canada you get this really great thing to do www.braintumour.ca that you never dream of doing. It KidsK Dress for Success made me feel really www.kidsk.ca www.dressforsuccess.org lucky, like the luckiest kid on my My name is A.J. and I am 9 years old. street for a change.” My brother and I love to support Light Up the World Kim KidsK. KidsK is a walk for kids lutw.org/home.htm between the ages of 5 and 15. The World Vision Canada walk is to raise awareness and money Calgary Reads www.worldvision.ca to find a cure for cancer. All the www.calgaryreads.com 10 THE TUSCANY SUN: OUR COMMUNITY’S VOICE SUBURBAN JOURNALS THE TUSCANY SUN MAY 2009 PAGE 11 In Our Community Your Tuscany Community Association

The TCA is a non-profit organization run by a core group of volunteers who are committed to the needs and Support Tuscany! constructive development of Tuscany and its community. The TCA has a Buy Your Community Membership Today! broad mandate to represent the community to external stakeholders such as the City and to provide hip ...do you have your embers community sports programs. We also M Community Association membership yet? have an emphasis to preserve and Benefits of Membership protect the natural environments in Tuscany. • A healthier and more enjoyable • Effective representation and advocacy community through the provision of to external third parties about issues of community sports and recreation concern to the community, including This year, the TCA is focusing its activities like soccer – your membership public health and safety, development efforts on three broad goals – contributes to the costs of operation and the natural environment community cohesiveness, traffic • Insurance coverage to participate in • Maintenance and preservation of the Community Association organized natural environment, including Twelve safety and the development of youth sports, such as soccer Mile Coulee programs in Tuscany. If you would • Discounted insurance rates - email • A safer community through our like to participate in the development [email protected] advocacy on traffic and other safety • Up-to-date information about issues issues and implementation of these goals, the affecting you and the community • Pride and a sense of community TCA is always looking for committed through the Tuscany Sun and our through participation in community website activities volunteers. For more information, contact [email protected] or go to our website at Family Membership Application www.tuscanyca.ca. YES! I would like to become a member of the Tuscany Community Association

Name: Address: Postal Code: Home Phone: Email:

for Cut this out and mail it with a cheque for $20 nk You payable to the Tuscany Community Association Tha our porting Y Tuscany Community Association Sup iation P.O. Box 27030. Assoc Tuscany RPO, Calgary AB T3L 2Y1 Community Note: Memberships are annual for the period of April 1st to March 31st of the following year. This information will only be used by the Community Association to further the goals of the Association, so will not be resold or provided to third parties. YOU CAN...... remove 99.94% of the bacteria in your home without OFF YOUR the use of toxic chemicals! NEXT ...stop pouring toxic household cleaners down your drains! ...make a difference for our planet, the health of your HAIR CUT! family, and save your time & money! Valid10% Monday To Friday Until July 31st 2009 "Chemicals have replaced bacteria as the main threat to health. The diseases we are Come get your Melonhead’s hair cut in our beginning to see as the major causes of death in the latter part of (the 1900's) and into theme park style chairs! the 21st century are diseases of chemical origin." - Dr. Dick Irwin, Toxicologist, Texas A&M University To make an appointment call us at (403) 516-1505 To learn more about this healthy alternative with Norwex Enviro Products please contact Terra Vaughan at Beacon Hill Centre Monday - Saturday 10am - 6pm 403-547-2797 or visit www.norwex-tuscany.com (403) 516-1505 Sunday 11am - 5pm TUSCANY RESIDENTS: Next day delivery on most orders! 2009 Melonhead Inc./Head Company Inc. - All Rights Reserved

Do You Need Window Film?

•99.9% Ultraviolet Protection •Reduces Hot Spots, Glare, Fading •Security and Etch Films Available •Comprehensive Manufacturer’s Warranty 2840 - 19th St NE •Professional Installation (403) 250-3829 •Courteous Service WWW.SPECTRALIGHT.CA •Free Estimates

Specializing in • Basement Development • Kitchens • Bathrooms • Interior Renovations Add beauty & value to your existing home. Take advantage of the New 2009 Home Renovation Tax Credit. Licensed & Insured. References upon request. Free Estimates Gabe Tallerico 403-818-9227 Our Customers are Our Success Story.

12 THE TUSCANY SUN: OUR COMMUNITY’S VOICE SUBURBAN JOURNALS THE TUSCANY SUN MAY 2009 PAGE 13 In Our Community walkways and the view. However, I a car or a person had tried to cross, it The Talk in wonder where Cristy lives, to have the would have been a serious injury walkways cleared? We live on problem. Tuscany Tuscany Hills Park and the walkway behind (south) of our house has never With some consideration from all been cleared, except by private members of our community, not just citizens. In my case, I clear it so I can some, it would make this the best throw a ball for our dog. Many who community within the City of Calgary. have seen us marvel at what our dog Robert B. Hadlow can do! No Middle Ground in School Zones Thank you for your article “rules of I have talked with the Tuscany Club the road” printed out in the Sun. Talk in Tuscany belongs to you. Have and Alderman Hodges, and have been Certainly we all can learn or re-learn you read something in the Sun you’d told that the city does not pay the proper driving rules. like to comment on? Are you looking Tuscany Club to clean walkways. Yet,

the City pays someone to clear the for some feedback on an issue? Or, Since we live in Calgary, and walkways downtown and along the would you like to comment on what’s currently have two schools in Tuscany, river for all the joggers. I guess that happening in and around Tuscany? it would have been appropriate for the our tax dollars at work downtown We’d all love to hear what you have to article to note the school zone times in have a very high priority compared to say. affect for our city and area. As our community. One walkway never mentioned in the article, municipal Grossed Out! cleared is the walkway from Tuscany bylaws determine actual school zone Hi Michelle, Drive up to Tuscany Blvd. That times. The City of Calgary has set Perhaps you haven’t been walking the walkway goes by the Separate school, school zone times that are consistent same places I have with my kids. In 2 playgrounds, and leads right up to city-wide and are posted for 8 a.m. - 5 the space of two blocks on Tuscany the shopping centre. In other words, p.m. on school days. The signs Blvd., we counted 38 piles of dog right up the middle of the community. themselves even note these times. feces. 6 piles in the four feet (see www.calgary.ca or surrounding their school bus stop. Can Dog poop, empty drink containers, www.cbe.ab.ca for additional you say disgusting? I’m all for having and speed on our roadways are a information) off leash areas for dogs but if dog problem - Tuscany Way south from owners can't be responsible for their Tuscany Blvd. between 10 p.m. and In Calgary, there are no “in-between” pets outside their front doors then... midnight every night is a real times (those quoted in the article are no. Dog ownership is a responsibility problem. How do I know? I walk my provincial times noted from the that far too many of our residents are dog at that time. The black Dodge Alberta driver’s license handbook taking far too lightly. Charger with the hemi engine tries to when people can drive over the posted A Completely Grossed Out Resident see how fast that car will go, 30km/hr speed limit.) particularly when the radar unit was Great Potential set up just before Tuscany Drive. I Also, what about the Catholic school Having lived in Tuscany for 11 ½ won’t say how fast it was going, but if years, my wife and I feel that it is the continued on next page best community we have lived in during our 39 years in Calgary.

We chose the area because of all the CELEBR ATING 110 YYEEAARS COCHRANE’S 0 RS BEST KEPT SECRET ANYTHING GROWS COCHRANE GARDEN STORE 209 RIVER AVENUE ONLY 10 MINUTES WEST OF CALGARY YOUR YEAR-ROUND GARDEN CENTRE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

A GREAT SELECTION OF ANNUALS • PERENNIALS • TREES • SHRUBS 403-932-9922 POTTERY • GARDEN GIFTWARE • and more!

FIVE YEAR WARRANTY ON TREES & SHRUBS AVAILABLE ALL-WEATHER WICKER-RESIN FURNITURE IN STOCK FREE DELIVERY TO CALGARY ON PURCHASES OF $300 OR MORE WITH THIS COUPON

GARDEN STORE ONLY. SOME CONDITIONS APPLY.

While in Cochrane... Don’t forget to visit ANYTHING GROWS - HOME LOCATED ON MAIN STREET JUST A FEW DOORS EAST OF MACKAY’S ICE CREAM

FEATURING HOME FURNISHINGS FROM BIRCHWOOD • STYLUS MAGNUSSEN • AND MORE! 403-932-HOME 4 6 6 3

14 THE TUSCANY SUN: OUR COMMUNITY’S VOICE SUBURBAN JOURNALS THE TUSCANY SUN MAY 2009 PAGE 15 In Our Community The Talk of Tuscany continued is 403-974-2204 and the manager's name is Glen. timelines? School starts at 8:45 a.m. The Good and Anonymous in Tuscany and ends at 3 p.m. with kindergarten start and end times in between, plus the Bad in Using Resources Wisely lunch from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. I have intended to reply to your article Tuscany It should also be noted that the school in The Tuscany Sun as I really find the path system here to be a treasure. It is zone encompasses both schools in one In previous issues, we asked you to a pleasure to be able to walk every school zone. Therefore, ideally, if one comment on what you thought were day on a path away from the traffic. of the schools is open, then the entire the good and not so good parts of our One can vary the route each day zone is in effect between 8 a.m. and 5 community. Here’s what you had to with the many paths throughout the p.m. say. community. Next time can you include the rules If you’d like to comment on the great for left turns at intersections and who I understand that the community only and not so great things about Tuscany, has the right of way, please? has so much money to plough the email [email protected]. Neil W. pathways in the winter but it is puzzling to me why the truck which May 9th – Come & Clean Tuscany! tours the interior pathways to pick up Mailbox Litter My family loves Tuscany mostly for the garbage each week does not have a Hello Michelle: its pathway system and the plough on it. I would like to take this opportunity to breathtaking mountain views. The thank you for your article. I also pathways and the 12-mile Coulee Park A brick for the people who have used would like to comment on what I see provide opportunity for the residents the south side of Tuscany Blvd as a real problem that repeatedly to spend hours outdoors exploring the between Tuscany Ridge Park and neighborhood and to exercise. Now occurs in Tuscany, Tuscarora and Tuscany Ridge View as their large dog that the weather is nice, I am having Tanglewood – posters and flyers latrine this winter. A disgusting mess lots of walks around and I can’t help placed all over the mailboxes. It looks now that the snow is melting. but notice that there is waste like a slum when you drive into Clem T. everywhere - cups, plastic bags, Tuscany! Tuscany Springs Blvd. is sandwich bags, snack wraps, dog poop especially terrible and the mailboxes Access Concerns to name a few. never seem to be maintained, with the I thought I’d take a moment to reply ground around the mailboxes often to the query on page 11 of the March I would like to invite the residents of littered with papers and elastic bands. Tuscany, Tuscarora and Tusslewood to issue of the Sun. come out on May 9, 2009 and pick up Over the years, I have called 311, The walking paths are definitely one the waste that has been accumulated Canada Post and Depot 4 over the of my favourite things about Tuscany. during the cold season. Of course if deplorable conditions the mailboxes you are busy on that particular and surrounding areas are in. They morning, you can do that on your own I think the pedestrian access to the simply don’t seem to care. schedule... just do it! Let’s clean our shopping centre is appalling – one People should know that putting beautiful community! Showing that cannot get a stroller (or wheelchair) to posters on mailboxes is illegal and we care for our neighborhood would the shops without wheeling into people putting them on are keep unwanted activities out of it. the parking/driving areas. I really wish committing an offence against the law. Dilliana the sidewalk access would be fixed as, If you feel like I do, please pick up the in my opinion, this is not only very phone or send an email to the City and The opinions on this page do not poor planning but unsafe. Canada Post. Let’s clean up our necessarily reflect the opinion held by Elizabeth S. the Tuscany Community Association. community. The number for Depot 4 Incomparable. Bearspaw.

Spectacular Mountain Vistas • Natural Prairie Land & Waterscapes • Premium Builders • 2 acre serviced lots • 30 acres of green space & walking trails

Call Charlotte Henson RE/MAX R.E. Mountain View at 403-374-2580 or 403-519-1277 www.willowcreekbearspaw.com

16 THE TUSCANY SUN: OUR COMMUNITY’S VOICE SUBURBAN JOURNALS THE TUSCANY SUN MAY 2009 PAGE 17 In Our Community Tuscany Sports

Please visit www.tuscanyca.ca for current information, including game schedules and field locations.

We would like to thank our generous Acres, Silver Springs, Tuscany and sponsors Tim Hortons and Valley Ridge who want to play in the Landmark Homes for donating our Calgary Minor Basketball Association U4 and U6 jerseys. We would also program in 2009-10. The program has like to thank Ray Cote, of Remax been administered by Silver Springs Realty, for donating a van for the Community Association for many equipment sorting evening. With years. All programs run from Ray’s help, we were able to move all September to March and are subject to equipment from the storage facility to adequate enrollment and volunteer $50 volunteer deposit, which will be the Tuscany Club at one time. If your support. cashed if the volunteer role or task is local business is looking for a way to not performed. Contact Steve at 239- get involved, the end-of-season To register online, go on to 0637 or Janice at 288-2616 to let us barbeque is a great opportunity! It www.silverspringscommunity.ca. takes place June 27 at the Tuscany know how you can help. You can also register at the Silver Club. Springs Community Center (5720 Programs Offered Silver Ridge Drive) or call 403-288- Learn-to-Play, for ages 5-6, introduces Calgary Minor 2616. players to the game of basketball. Basketball Association Dribbling, passing, and shooting skills Volunteers will be taught in fun and engaging 2009-10 Registration All basketball programs are offered ways and there will be lots of time for for our children by volunteers. Help, Registration wide-open and creative game play. 1- Silver Springs Basketball is the home both on and off the court, is essential hour LTP session will be run on club for all players from Arbour Lake, to the continuation of the program. As Friday nights using 6' nets and Size 5 Bowness, Lynx Ridge, Bearspaw, part of the registration process, every balls. Players are given a program T- Rocky Ridge, Royal Oak, Scenic parent will have to commit to a shirt that is theirs to keep. volunteer role or task and provide a continued on next page 18 THE TUSCANY SUN: OUR COMMUNITY’S VOICE SUBURBAN JOURNALS THE TUSCANY SUN MAY 2009 PAGE 19 to May with units running on Tuesday In Our Community and Wednesday nights in the Tuscany Club, Kaleidoscope Kids Preschool Basketball Registration continued and Tuscany Elementary School.

Tyke, for ages 7-8, is a 5-team house If this sounds like something you league that takes players a step closer would like your daughter involved in, to CMBA-level basketball, with a please join us for Registration Night continued emphasis on fun and skill on Tuesday, May 5, 2009 from 6:00 to development. There is more structured 7:30 pm in the Tuscany Club Studios. game play that minimizes bench time, Please don't delay as space is limited. consistently calls basic infractions, and provides collaborative coaching Sparks: Ages 5 & 6 (Kindergarten on court. Time is allotted for intra- and Grade 1) squad practices and both intra-squad Brownies: Ages 7 & 8 (Grades 2 & 3) Guides: Ages 9, 10 & 11 (Grades 4, and inter-squad game play. Tyke 5, & 6) sessions are run on Friday nights using Pathfinders: Ages 12, 13, & 14 (Grades 8' nets and Size 5 balls. Players are community basketball and partial 7, 8, & 9) given a team T-shirt that is theirs to refunds are issued on request. Players Rangers: Ages 15, 16, & 17 (Grades keep. provide a uniform deposit and are 10, 11, & 12) issued full uniforms for return at Calgary Minor Basketball Association yearend. Depending on age, play is on Do you want to be a leader for girls in (CMBA), for ages 9 and up, starts 8½' or 10' nets and use size 5, 6 or 7 Tuscany? You don't need to have a with player evaluations followed by balls. daughter to get involved. Please player placement on tiered teams that contact Maureen at [email protected] play inter-community basketball. to discuss. Practices are held on weeknights in Girl Guides communities within our registration area and most games are played on Registration Night Saturdays throughout Calgary with Tuesday, May 5, 2009 some games on Friday nights at higher 6:00 - 7:30 pm age levels. Players in or going into Tuscany Club Studios high school can play community Girls of all ages are encouraged to join basketball until December 1, 2009. Girl Guides - no previous Guiding Players making their high school experience is necessary to join. teams become ineligible to play Meetings run weekly from September starting from the low $400's

1331 sqft. bungalow 2006 sqft. two storey 2208 sqft. two storey 2269 sqft. two storey 1 bedroom, 1.5 baths 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths

all lots are adjacent to greenspace accommodating soccer fields and a toboggan hill. select lots enjoy unique views of the rocky mountains and canada olympic park.

country hills boulevard

royal oak way north

royal birch rocky ridge road royal boulevard birkdale drive

stoney trail call Peter Donovan 403-452-5644 crowchild trail

20 THE TUSCANY SUN: OUR COMMUNITY’S VOICE SUBURBAN JOURNALS THE TUSCANY SUN MAY 2009 PAGE 21 In Our Community Local Residents Remind Everyone that Tuscany Resident Breast Cancer is Hard, Walking Isn't! Riding to Conquer

Deborah and Mark Sawdon from hydration, portable restrooms, safety Cancer Tuscany are taking personal steps to on the road, comprehensive medical fight breast cancer by participating in services and an overnight campsite “There's no road that ain't a hard The Weekend to End Breast Cancer® complete with tents and hot showers. road to travel on” benefitting Alberta Cancer (Sam Roberts, Hard Road, 2003). Foundation. During the weekend of Deb and Mark have a combined July 25-26, they will be joined by fundraising goal of $6400. You can While I think that Sam Roberts was thousands of men and women who help them reach this goal by visiting right with this sentiment, I definitely share the desire to make a powerful their webpage: think that some roads are harder than stand against breast cancer. They will www.endcancer.ca/goto/debandmark others. The road of a cancer patient is walk 60 km to raise awareness for the _walkforlife, or if you would like to all uphill with no guardrail and very disease and funds for the Alberta take part in this life-changing journey, rough conditions. I have witnessed Cancer Foundation. they invite you to come and join their this journey first hand in my work at Tuscany-based team, Miles for Smiles, the Tom Baker Cancer Center.

One in nine Canadian women are by visiting www.endcancer.ca or Mr. Green's journey is one such diagnosed with breast cancer in their calling 403-770-WALK (9255). Deb example. I first met Mr. Green (not his lifetime and Deb and Mark view the and Mark are participant #'s 131235-5 real name) in his hospital room. He Weekend to End Breast Cancer as a and 131307-9. call to action. They are walking had recently been admitted because he because they can, and because they The Alberta Cancer Foundation was feeling very fatigued and both feel really blessed that breast accepts and raises funds to support breathless. He had colon cancer in the cancer has not touched the lives of Alberta Cancer Board research past and was worried it had returned. their families or friends: projects, patient education and support I knew as soon as I heard his “We hope this will never happen to us programs, equipment and technology symptoms, even before I walked in his or to you, and we are doing this walk acquisition and cancer treatment room, that his cancer was back. Truth so that one day a cure will be found programs. It works to match donations be told, this is the part that I dread and nobody will experience or be to specific needs and encourages and about working with cancer patients. touched by this awful disease again. supports charitable contributions from The part where we have to tell them We believe that by walking we can donors on behalf of the Alberta that their cancer has come back and show support for everyone whose Cancer Board. we cannot help them anymore. Mr. lives have been affected, and honor Green was devastated when our team their amazing courage and strength. told him that his cancer had returned We are joining the battle to make and he would not be cured. In fact he breast cancer a thing of the past”. would only have a few months to live. He looked at me in disbelief and asked This is the fifth annual Weekend to “why?” “I did everything I was End Breast Cancer in Calgary. supposed to. I went through surgery Throughout their journey, Walkers and chemotherapy and radiation. Why will be supported by hundreds of is it back” ? Our response is always volunteers and crew members, the same, “cancer is unpredictable, providing them with food & continued on next page It’s time to change your winter tires.

Offers available at the following participating locations:

Business Hours: Mon to Fri 7:30 am - 6:00 pm; Sat 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

22 THE TUSCANY SUN: OUR COMMUNITY’S VOICE SUBURBAN JOURNALS THE TUSCANY SUN MAY 2009 PAGE 23 In Our Community Riding to Conquer Cancer continued way. I am sure I will want to quit at even with our aggressive treatments, some point. I am sure I will be cursing sometimes we don't get the results we the day I ever signed up at others. I are hoping for”. Mr. Green looked at have one consolation though, my road me through teary eyes, he asked if we will be short and relatively painless could help him make it to his son's compared to that of a cancer patient. wedding in 6 months. We told him we’d do everything that we could. This is where you come in. I am hoping to get your support in my ride I work with patients like Mr. Green to conquer cancer. I have committed everyday. Although we have come a to raising at least $2500.00 for the long way in cancer care, we still have Alberta Cancer Foundation. I would a lot of work to do. We still need to like to raise much more. I would like find new and better treatments for all to enlist the support of my fellow types of cancer. We need to help community members. Any donation, people not only make it to important large or small, would truly be pervasive in our lives. In fact, 14,000 appreciated. You can visit the official events in their lives, but to give them Albertans will be diagnosed with ride to conquer cancer website at back their lives. I believe that one way cancer this year. Right now, 81,000 conquercancer.ca. My team is called this can be accomplished is through Albertans are living with cancer and MedOnCycles. We are 10 members continued research and access to 1in 2 Albertans will be diagnosed with strong and on a conquest to raise innovative treatments. This is why I cancer in their lifetime. This disease awareness and funds. am participating in the ride to conquer kills more Albertans aged 34-65, than You can also visit my personal cancer on June 26 and 27th, this year. heart disease, stroke, infectious webpage at I will be riding with over 1000 other diseases and accidental injuries www.conquercancer.ca/site/TR/Eve cyclists to raise critical funds for the combined. nts/Alberta2009?px=1780859&pg=p Alberta Cancer Foundation. The ersonal&fr_id=1282. funds raised will go to support many So, I am raising funds and riding my different types of research including: bike over 200 km in two days. I will Thank you in advance for your new discoveries and drug be riding with my team of medical generosity. Look for me out on my development, exploring the causes of oncologists. We all want to do bike, training for the big day, in and cancer, innovative tests for faster more something to change the “road” of around Tuscany (if the snow ever goes accurate diagnosis and treatment, and cancer patients. I know that it will not away)! clinical trials to provide Albertans be an easy task. There will be many with access to leading-edge therapies grumbling aches and pains along the Colleen Cuthbert before they are standard treatments. In short the monies raised for this event will enable researchers to provide us with better tools to fight this devastating disease.

Unfortunately, this devastation is something that many people can relate to. Almost everyone knows someone with cancer. Whether it is a sister, a mother, a father or a friend, cancer is 24 THE TUSCANY SUN: OUR COMMUNITY’S VOICE SUBURBAN JOURNALS THE TUSCANY SUN MAY 2009 PAGE 25 Our Schools important initiative. We have received many compliments from parents in St. Basil School Update our community regarding our parent By Mr. Tousignant, Principal, Mr. in good hands with our great staff, Mr. parking patrol, as with their persistent Kittelson, Vice-Principal and Mrs. Kittelson, the newly appointed efforts they continue to make a Welte, Assistant Principal Principal and Ms. Welte our new Vice- difference with our goal of keeping Principal for the 2009-10 school year. students safe. Greetings to the Tuscany Community: Parent Parking Patrol – Making a The Parent Parking Patrol has enlisted Although many of you have heard this Difference the assistance of a representative from news, it is with mixed emotions that I Student safety will always be one of the Calgary Police Service, Constable announce to the entire St. Basil School our most important school goals. On Moe, for those repeat offenders and and Tuscany community that I will be behalf of our St. Basil School has made a request for the City of retiring at the end of June. Since my community, I would like to Calgary Parking Patrol to drop by our appointment as Principal of St. Basil acknowledge and thank the “Parent school to observe the unsafe traffic School, it has been a pleasure getting Parking Patrol!” Volunteers have been practices. to know many of you as we worked raising awareness on a regular basis together to build this awesome for over a couple of months now at the When a few parents were questioned community and culture. Although I beginning and end of the school day recently as to why they were parked in look forward to the last few months by giving gentle reminders to parents the parking lot their response was, “I and I will be sad to leave our school, who continue to put our students' don't want to leave my children who rest assured that the school will be left safety at risk by not supporting this are asleep in the back of my car continued on next page

Trade-in your: Receive a credit of: Suit $150 towards a new Suit Sport Coat $100 towards a new Sport Coat Slacks $50 towards new Slacks

Also receive $200 discount on Leather Jackets!

SALE STARTS MAY 1, 2009 and ENDS MAY 16, 2009 * All credits must be used by the end date. All clothing will be donated to charity. HOURS: Mon-Wed 10-6 pm; Thurs-Fri 10-9 pm; Sat 9:30-5:30 pm #830 - 20 Crowfoot Cres. NW www.ewmenswear.com TEL: 403-241-2111 Teeth Cleanings can Save Your Life!

any people do not realize the importance of a clean mouth. Your gums are filled with blood M vessels that connect your mouth to the rest of your body. Bacteria that builds up around your gum tissue from plaque and decay of your teeth travels to the rest of your body infecting vital organ systems. There are recently many studies supporting the connection between heart disease, diabetes, pancreatic cancer, and low-weight births to poor gum health.

At Aesthetic Dental Studio, we are not only concerned about the health of your teeth, but also the health of YOU. We utilize painless and comfortable ultrasonic cleaning instruments to get your gums and smile looking their best. We also have laser gum therapy available to help minimize those bacteria levels around your teeth.

For more information about our services please visit www.dentalstudio.ca

Dr. Gordon Chee Aesthetic Dentistry 26 THE TUSCANY SUN: OUR COMMUNITY’S VOICE SUBURBAN JOURNALS THE TUSCANY SUN MAY 2009 PAGE 27 Our Schools

St. Basil Update continued unattended!” We don't want you to do Tuscany School Update that either. *Please make arrangements for your child to meet We had a wonderful April – lots of On a good news note, our project went you in a safe spot, rather than the heavy snow to play in and more and before the City Joint Use Committee current arrangement a few of you have more sunny days to help us feel for its final stage of approval and the made, driving into the parking lot summer is really on the way. Our City voted to approve our project. The where you risk injuring one of our Performing Arts students put on an committee will now be moving ahead students. amazing “April in Paris” performance. with budgeting and full fundraising in Please remember that our volunteer Thanks to everyone for their hard order to get started on the Parent Parking Patrol has been work and great efforts. implementation stage of the established with one goal in mind: to Naturalization project. I hope you are ensure that your children, our Thanks to all the parents who helped all as excited as we are to moving students, are safe! We will continue to to support our Naturalization Project's ahead! monitor the traffic issues and ask all first fundraiser of buying hanging parents be considerate and make safe baskets from Blue Grass Nursery. Kindergarten Registration decisions when dropping off or Many of you not only bought some Kindergarten registration is now an picking up your children. hanging baskets for yourself but ongoing process. All the information St. Basil Students win The Royal enlisted the help of friends and family you need about registering for Canadian Legion Annual Poster and outside of your community. Your kindergarten is available on our Literary Remembrance Contest efforts are greatly appreciated. The website at www.cbe.ab.ca/b393. St. Basil Elementary / Junior High hanging baskets will be delivered to school (under the guidance of Mr. our school on Friday, May 29th and Upcoming Dates Oberhauser) entered students in will be available for pick up by 3pm. May 13 Evergreen Theatre grades 4, 5, 6 and 8 in this year's If the weather is great, we'll have the May 13 School Council, 7pm Royal Canadian Legion Literary and May 14 Spring Family Dance baskets organized out back in our field. Poster Contest. The contest was to May 18 No School If we are experiencing spring showers, write an essay, poem or create a poster May 29 Volunteer Tea to remember the importance of the we'll have everything organized in the May 29 Hanging Basket Pick Up, soldiers that fought and who are school gym. 3pm currently fighting for Canada. It is with great pleasure to announce that two Grade 6 students: Sara C. and Lamees E. won first place and second place respectively for the category of junior essay contestant. The St. Basil students came in first for the City of Calgary, District and Area level for this year's contest.

Sara and Lamees will now be competing for the finalist of Alberta and even Canada. We at St. Basil wish to congratulate them on a job well done!

Please check out our St. Basil School website www.stbasilonline.com for important updates. Discover The Manor Village at Rocky Ridge Elegant Retirement Community for Active Seniors

• Large 1 & 2 Bdrm Suites “I cannot • Full In-Suite Kitchens remember when I • Dining Room & Meal Program have had • Wellness Center so much FUN • Exercise Club with such good • Limo - Bus FRIENDS” • Cafe • Private Transportation ASK US ABOUT OUR LIMITED-TIME Service MOVE-IN PROMOTIONS! • Much more. . . !

OPEN HOUSE - 1:00 - 4:00pm 403.239.6400 EVERY THURSDAY AFTERNOON 450 Rocky Vista Gardens NW www.themanorvillage.com

Power Consulting Small business development Personal and Corporate Taxes Payroll GST

28 THE TUSCANY SUN: OUR COMMUNITY’S VOICE SUBURBAN JOURNALS THE TUSCANY SUN MAY 2009 PAGE 29 Our Schools

Tests for the 2008 - 2009 school year Marion Carson will be written this month and finished in June. Another event to take note of School Update for students coming from Tuscany School Grade 4 to join Marion Carson With the warm weather comes the School in September 2009 in Grade 5, renewal of energy and the need to get will be a tour and orientation on June outdoors. Our students are so excited 9th. Students will receive notice from to be able to spend more time outside their teachers at Tuscany School. and take advantage of Marion's Meadow, our naturalization area built Next year Marion Carson School will by Parent Council. Even though the celebrate its 40th Anniversary. If you area is in its infant years and the have any memorabilia/ photos or winters have been challenging, it is stories of our school and would like to such a beautiful place to wander have it shared at our anniversary through and enjoy the wonderful celebration, please contact us. If there fragrance. We have been working are questions about any of the events with the Calgary Zoo Schoolyard above, please call the school at 403- exciting things are around us in our Naturalization Program for support in 777-6050. every day lives and what we can do to making this a place for learning and protect them, well done! enjoyment. We thank all of the parents who have contributed to the St. Sylvester April was a short but busy month; with creation of this amazing resource. field trips to the Glenbow Museum, Mt. School Update Pleasant and the FCJ Center. We also During the month of May, we have had a school wide “N'Step Plank Off” many activities happening to engage The Easter season has once again come which was a lot of fun for all. We our students. School Council has to a close. We hope the many celebrated Earth Day by turning out the brought in Mad Science to show some blessings that this special season brings lights from 23pm. Our students have have touched your family in one way of our students amazing new concepts learned a lot about the environment or another. The students shared their and how we can make a difference just in science. We also have our many blessings over the Lenten season by doing little things. This generation Volunteer Tea where we get an with their good deeds, service and will definitely have the knowledge to opportunity to celebrate those people “Making a Difference” commitment make our world a little greener. who give so generously of their time through our “Community of Caring” to help in our school. Our program. Our Easter Baskets were a The City of Calgary has approved our Kindergarten Orientation Evening is huge success, raising money for the request to change the signs on the on May 27 at 7:00 pm. Please call the food bank and for the Canadian Cancer Boulevard to allow for stopping to school before you attend, if you have Society. A big thank you to all the drop off students. Stopping will be not already confirmed that your child families who contributed to this allowed from 5 meters east of the will be attending Marion Carson fundraiser as it is a cause close to our current cross walk to 5 meters from the Kindergarten. If your child is hearts. intersection. Students can use the front presently in Grade 5 you will want to stairs to access the playing field and join us for the Famous Canadian The Science Fair was a huge success at tarmac. We are hoping parents who Night on May 21 at 6:30 pm. This St. Sylvester. Congratulations to all the wish to drop off their children will use promises to be a very special event. students, their hard work sure paid off. this location and leave the lane for Our first Provincial Achievement We all learned a little more about what people who wish to park. Thank you! Dr. Cam Brauer and Dr. Scott Townsend DDS ASK THE DENTIST

Q How do you avoid baby bottle decay in children's teeth?

A • start cleaning their mouth with a washcloth before they have teeth • brush daily once the first tooth erupts in the mouth (plan to help your child brush - "buddy brushing" - til age 8) • never give a bottle in bed unless it is only water • begin flossing your child's teeth daily once all primary teeth have come in • bring your child to see the dentist if you have any concerns or notice any discoloration or changes in the color of the teeth

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

30 THE TUSCANY SUN: OUR COMMUNITY’S VOICE SUBURBAN JOURNALS THE TUSCANY SUN MAY 2009 PAGE 31 ! If you are receiving Supports for Hear stories and watch a film about Independence, Assured Income for creative kids, then create your own In Our City the Severely Handicapped, art. Drawing supplies provided. Guaranteed Income Supplement, or have a Medical Services Card, the ! Welcome to Canada: Newcomer's Bowness Library yearly fee for a Library Card may Session – Saturday, May 16, 1:30 - ! be waived. The fee may also be 3:30 p.m. Find out what our country Stitch and Chat – Tuesdays, waived if it causes you to be in has to offer, including do's and May 12 - Aug 25, 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 financial difficulty. ase talk to staff don'ts in our culture, city and p.m. Come for an afternoon of at your branch. national supports and services, and stitchery and tea, and learn about local attractions. needlecrafts of all kinds. No Visit www.calgarypubliclibrary.com registration required. for more information on these ! Human Rights in Canadian programs. Registration is required for ! Tenancy – Tues. May 19, 7:00 p.m. Other programs in May include: all programs unless otherwise noted. - 8:30 p.m. Understand the meaning Gardening in Calgary for adults; of discrimination, racism, tenancy Baby Storytime for babies 6 to 23 rights, and other diversity and equity months with a parent or caregiver related issues. and computer classes for both Crowfoot Library Adults and Seniors. ! Gardening in Calgary – Thursday, ! Papa Time – Sat. May 23 - Jun 6, ! May 7, 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Basics 10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. Ages 6 - 18 Reading buddies – Teens call months with a parent/caregiver. A 403-221-2036 to volunteer this of designing a garden and tending to it in Calgary's climate. chance for fathers and their babies to summer! Parents sign up your grade share books, learn new skills and 1-3 children to buddy up with a teen ! enjoy fun language activities and improve their reading skills! Creative Kids – Saturday, May 9, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Ages 5 - 9. together.

•Diabetes Products and Services •Free one-on-one diabetes consultation •Free medication review •Member of the Canadian Diabetes Association’s Community Pharmacy Outreach Program •Free Prescription Delivery Ascensia Contour 100 strips $ 99 59Reg $79.99 Free Ascensia Contour Meter

Ph (403) 455-9939 Located in the Crowfoot West Business Center 11 - 600 Crowfoot Crescent • Calgary, AB T3G 0B4 www.medicineshoppe.ca Spring Clean-up Snow Removal Paving Stones Retaining Walls Patios Natural Rock Walls Decks Fences Trees & Shrubs Acreages Sod Installation Tuscany Landscaping & Construction Ltd. Call Today To Book Your Free Estimate Check out our website www.tuscanylandscaping.com 403-617-5306

32 THE TUSCANY SUN: OUR COMMUNITY’S VOICE SUBURBAN JOURNALS THE TUSCANY SUN MAY 2009 PAGE 33 In Our City Animal & Bylaw Services 211: Your Off-Leash Dog Areas – Looking parks in Calgary. Since off-leash areas Community to the Future were first established, our city has grown by over 311,000 people and Connection Off-leash dog areas are a valued part 32,000 dogs. This has resulted in a of Calgary's culture and play an sharp increase in the utilization of Dial 211 to get important role in the philosophy of these multi-use sites for a variety of connected to the responsible pet ownership. They are activities including jogging, cycling, community also important meeting places that family outings and use of the off-leash services you help Calgarians to build community areas to exercise dogs. need 24/7. and a sense of belonging. But as the city and dog population continue to The management of off-leash dog 211 provides free, grow and these parks are being areas is an important issue and confidential, and utilized by more people and their requires public input. In February, an multilingual canine companions, it has become online survey was available on The support to callers important to investigate the social, City of Calgary website to gain public seeking information about services environmental and economic input from dog owners, non-dog and programs in their community that implications in order to improve the owners and park users. The survey can help them. Talking to a trained service delivery and management of remained on the website until mid- specialist makes it easier to find these areas. April. In March, The City of Calgary information, discover options, and Animal & Bylaw Services, in deal with the challenges life hands In June of 2008, City Council adopted partnership with Parks, hosted three you. Alderman Pincott's motion to review public open houses. All citizens were the management of off-leash areas. invited to attend the open houses, Here are some reasons why people Some of the topics being reviewed are share their views and to comment on call 211: the location and access to existing off- what is needed to create successful ! A senior seeking homecare support leash areas, the establishment of new off-leash dog areas. Attendees had a ! A laid-off employee wanting off-leash areas in existing chance to talk to staff from Animal & information about employment communities and the minimum Bylaw Services and Parks business insurance standards and facilities needed to units. ! A teenager struggling with school or create successful off-leash dog areas. social issues Findings from the survey and open ! A family looking for child care The City of Calgary has 138 off-leash houses will be reported to Council and services in their community areas, all of which are located within the public in October, 2009. Visit ! A recent immigrant looking for help our multi-use parks. Currently, there calgary.ca/animalservices for getting settled in Calgary. are no city-run, designated, dog-only updated information. 211 is a partnership Distress Centre Calgary, The City of Calgary and United Way of Calgary and Area. The Calgary Health Region is also an important contributor through its InformCalgary/InformAlberta database partnership with The City of Calgary.

Visit www.211calgary.ca for more information. ABOUT PAINTING

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL INTERIOR & EXTERIOR 20 YRS. EXPERIENCE

SAME DAY SERVICE PROFESSIONAL YET REASONABLE

• All Painting • Spray Painting • Drywall Repair • Ceiling Painting • Wood Staining • Stucco painting

Licensed & Insured “Free Estimates & Advice” ALL WORK FULLY GUARANTEED - 2 YEAR WARRANTY SERVING CALGARY & ALBERTA South North 403-252-1366 403-239-9022

34 THE TUSCANY SUN: OUR COMMUNITY’S VOICE SUBURBAN JOURNALS THE TUSCANY SUN MAY 2009 PAGE 35 In Our City

! Escalators have been installed and completion. Alderman Report elevators are operational. ! Landscaping and final furnishing ! The communications system installation remains. Crowfoot Station Update – April including speakers, cameras and ! Calgary Transit has successfully 2009 help phones are 80 percent installed. completed bus test-runs in the bus The Northwest LRT extension to ! Currently finalizing track terminal and along the traffic circle. Crowfoot will be open for revenue adjustments and inspections. service on Monday, June 15, 2009. ! The station platform is complete. Nose Hill Drive / Crowchild Trail The City of Calgary would like to Interchange invite adjacent businesses, residents, South Park and Ride: Construction on Nose Hill Drive is and transit users to a public event on The majority of work is finished on complete. Saturday, June 13, 2009 to celebrate the south Park and Ride, and trailers ! Tie-ins will be completed the the completion of this project. are being moved off site. weekend of April 3, 2009. ! Lighting, curb and bus gate Station: installation remain. Upcoming work on Crowchild Trail Clean up has begun on the interior of ! The white fencing is complete. The final asphalt placement, curb-arly the station in preparation for Metal facing tie-ins will be finished May on eastbound and westbound completion. by mid-May. Crowchild Trail NW. ! Glass panels have been installed and work, and line painting will be the majority of the interior granite North Side: undertaken in early May on eastbound work is complete. The north Park and Ride is nearing and westbound Crowchild Trail NW. In uncertain times, you need a mor tgage broker that’s certain. Do you feel overwhelmed by credit card bills and high-interest loan payments? Take equity out of your home and lower your Ballet • Jazz • Tap • Lyrical • Hip Hop payments...today!

REGISTRATION Saturday, May 23 403•585•9959 10:00am-4:00pm [email protected] Bearspaw www.kedsdance.com Lifestyle Center 403-478-0775 Ages 3 to Adult. Recreational & Competitive. RAD & CDTA Methods.

36 THE TUSCANY SUN: OUR COMMUNITY’S VOICE SUBURBAN JOURNALS THE TUSCANY SUN MAY 2009 PAGE 37 In Our City NW LRT Extension to Rocky Ridge/Royal Oak and Tuscany

In November 2007, City Council approved funding to extend the Northwest LRT line from Crowfoot Station to a new station at Rocky Ridge/Royal Oak and Tuscany. The City of Calgary initiated the preliminary design phase for the extension in 2008. Since September 2008, The City of Calgary has been working with a Community Consultation Committee (CCC) made up of representatives from the communities of Rocky Ridge, Royal Oak, and Tuscany. The CCC provides The City feedback on proposed plans, brings forward issues and concerns, and facilitates two-way communication between residents, businesses, and The City.

The focus of the preliminary design Dalhousie Station phase of the project has been to develop a concept for the station, Park and Ride Lots At public open houses held in June determine the layout of the site With an estimated ridership of 9,300 2008 to introduce the project, we including pedestrian circulation, bus riders per day, this station is intended heard from the community that the terminal access, and the number and to be a community station. The new proposed number of 400 parking stalls location of Park and Ride stalls, and station will be easy to get to by for this station was not sufficient. The discuss design principles such as walking, cycling, or taking the bus. CCC and the Ward Alderman have Crime Prevention Through Many residents will be within walking echoed this feedback, and the number Environmental Design (CPTED), or cycling distance, and bus service of parking stalls has been increased to sustainability, and functionality. will be frequent as feeder buses will approximately 600 in total; an no longer need to exit the community estimated 300 stalls in each of the Station Concept to reach the station. north and south Park and Ride lots. Several CCC meetings have been dedicated to developing the station There will be no direct access to the Calgary Transit is currently concept. At the beginning of the Park and Ride lots from Crowchild implementing a $3 per day charge to process, the CCC was asked to Trail; the Park and Ride lots are being park in all Park and Ride lots. The identify elements or themes they felt designed to primarily serve the charge will apply 24 hours a day, were important. These descriptors immediately adjacent communities. seven days a week. When this station included safety, security, aesthetics, Park and Ride customers from outside opens the parking charge will be in people-centred design, and pedestrian Royal Oak, Rocky Ridge, and effect. For more information on Park movement. The preliminary station Tuscany will find Crowfoot Station a and Ride policies, please visit concept, in combination with the more convenient alternative with www.calgarytransit.com. project goals of quality, performance, 1,350 parking stalls and direct access and sustainability, has been developed to the Park and Rides from Crowchild with these ideas in mind. Trail. continued next page PROFESSIONAL APPLICATION • TOP OF THE LINE PAINT • THOROUGH PREPARATION My Best Friend's Groomer Michelle, dog groomer

• gentle & professional handling • quiet, stress-free environment • one dog at a time service

Conveniently located in Tuscany • Residential & Commercial [email protected] • Drywall Repairs • Stucco Coatings www.mybestfriendsgroomer.com 403-875-8752 • Stipple Ceiling Painting & Repairs • Knockdown Texturing Now Accepting Cuthbert Plumbing & Heating Exterior Bookings for Summer ‘the plumbing outfitter’ 403-254-4726 www.hardingspainting.com Scott Cuthbert Honorable Mention Ethics Award INTERIOR & EXTERIOR • FREE ESTIMATES • NO UP-FRONT FEES T: 403-863-7149 F: 403-503-0481 Northwest Dental Centre & Orthodontics Dislike multiple dental visits? Tired of travelling to several offices for your family’s dental treatments? Experience Calgary’s Newest Early AM-Evenings-Weekend Dental Concept appointments available We Provide Complete Care in Fewer Visits New Patients & Emergencies Welcome We welcome children as early 2nd Opinions, Implant & Orthodontic as 6 months old Consults are Complimentary

Jo hn La Dalhousie Drive uri Suite 206, 3604-52 Ave NW e B lv d. il ra i T pp na ga ha 52 Avenue

S e

Phone: v Northland i 403-282-7933 r Sir Winston D Village C d Churchill High ro n Mall a wc l h h i t ld r

T o ra www.northwestdental.ca il N

38 THE TUSCANY SUN: OUR COMMUNITY’S VOICE SUBURBAN JOURNALS THE TUSCANY SUN MAY 2009 PAGE 39 In Our City Changes to Bus NW LRT Extension Update continued low-power or as-needed power Routes alternatives. For example, no Design Philosophies escalators will be installed in the Updated transit information has There are two philosophies that form station, eliminating long-term power been posted on the TCA's the foundation for the design of this and maintenance costs associated with website at www.tuscanyca.ca. LRT station and Park and Rides: this machinery. Rather, two elevators Calgary Transit plans on putting sustainability, and Crime Prevention will be installed to serve people with out a Rider's Guide at the end of Through Environmental Design disabilities or mobility challenges. May and bus stops will start (CPTED). changing over around the • Social sustainability second week of June. Safety and security are always a Calgary Transit is committed to concern for communities when a new building a high-quality, functional alternative solutions for Rocky Ridge LRT station is proposed in their area; facility that will not only serve the Road and Crowchild Trail N.W. with a safety and security are also a high community, but be viewed as an report to return to Council no later priority for Calgary Transit. One of amenity and meeting place that adds than 2009 April 27. the ways to promote safety and value to the community. For example, security at LRT stations is to much consideration has been given to Both the LRT extension and incorporate CPTED principles into the the pedestrian bridge that will link the Crowchild Trail/Stoney Trail design. CPTED is a multi-disciplinary communities together to ensure it interchange construction depend on approach adopted by The City to deter meets the needs of both transit the closure of Rocky Ridge Road, so criminal behaviour through customers and regional pathway users. further design has been suspended environmental design, particularly by until Council reconvenes on April 27, creating opportunities for natural • Economic sustainability 2009. surveillance. The basic idea behind The materials chosen for use in the natural surveillance is that people will station have been selected for A public open house will be held in be less likely to break the law if there aesthetics, but also for their durability June 2009 to gather feedback on the is a possibility someone might be and low-maintenance requirements. station concept, and present watching them. In practice, creating For example, high-strength concrete, information on the bus terminals, Park opportunities for natural surveillance glass, wood, and rusticated stone will and Ride lots, and construction includes eliminating dark areas or make up the majority of materials schedule. The date and location of the “dead spaces” where there is no traffic, used within the enclosure, rather than open house will be advertised on road creating open and transparent sight materials such as painted metal that signs in the community, and through lines between the community and the requires regular upkeep. the Community Associations. station, and within the station itself, and encouraging pedestrian traffic in Next Steps For more information on the the area to create a sense of On March 9, 2009, a public hearing of Northwest LRT Extension to Rocky community and vibrancy. City Council was held to present an Ridge/Royal Oak and Tuscany, please application to close Rocky Ridge visit calgary.ca/ti or call 3-1-1. The project team and The City of Road. After presentations by both City Calgary have identified sustainability Administration and representatives as a key element for this project. The from the communities of Royal Oak project team plans to implement and Rocky Ridge, Council provided sustainability in the following ways: the following direction:

• Environmental sustainability That the following Bylaws [road The project team endeavours to use closure and land use amendment] be recycled and locally-produced tabled in order that further discussions materials when possible, and reduce can occur between the Province of power consumption by incorporating Alberta and Administration regarding NOW OFFERING TRADITIONAL JUNIOR KINDERGARTEN!

If you are looking for an outstanding school, our academics are just the beginning. Find what you’ve been missing in our inclusive community. As the only Accredited Montessori School in Western Canada, we are offering two individualized programs with an enriched academic focus on success:

Montessori: Grades 1 to 3 and 4 to 6 Traditional with a Montessori Approach: Jr. K to Grade 6

Contact us for a personal tour. Our new School Director, Sharon Reib, would love to meet with you!

3127 Bowwood Drive NW 403.246.2275 [email protected] www.rivervalleyschool.ca

40 THE TUSCANY SUN: OUR COMMUNITY’S VOICE SUBURBAN JOURNALS THE TUSCANY SUN MAY 2009 PAGE 41 In Our City Clean Calgary: Investing in the Future

Q: I try to live a simple and conscious they did with my money once I exceeded that of the entire energy use life. I'm a vegetarian, I recycle and deposited it but I figured it was safer emissions in Canada during 2006. compost, and I support fair trade in their hands than mine. That was That is, the “financed emissions” products. I live close to work, which until a few years ago when I began exceeded the emissions from all allows me to walk and because I have thinking about investments, only to activities across Canada including chosen not to own a car, I use public discover that my financial advisor was power plants, industry, manufacturing, transportation to get around the city. suggesting that I put my money into transportation and the energy used to One area that has concerned me for mutual funds that were directly keep our homes and offices up and some time is my money. I often supporting companies that I would running. This is due to the fact that wonder what my bank is doing with it systematically avoid as a consumer. banks are heavy financiers of the (I have a feeling that it isn't being used fossil fuel industry. And this is just to do good). Some days I feel like According to Dr. Ellis Jones, author of looking at emissions. Many banks also putting all of it under my mattress but The Better World Handbook, banking back ventures such as concentrated this doesn't seem like the solution. is one of the top ten actions that animal feedlot operations or they What do you suggest? individuals can take to create a better finance companies that produce Stumped, world. He writes: “Money is not armaments for the ongoing wars Erica inherently good or evil. It is just around our world. another way in which we shape the A: Hello Erica, world around us. Money does not care The point is, unless a bank has made it This is a dynamite question and one if we use it to destroy the world or clear that it does not support these that I've struggled with myself, so I'd rebuild it. It merely flows wherever projects or companies (and few have), be more than happy to weigh in on the we direct it.” He goes on to explain we have no way of knowing if our issue. In the past I've used various that many of the activities that banks money is being used for good or if it is banks for various reasons. My first finance may not align with our set of contributing to social unrest and account was opened because that is values but, rather, destroy the things environmental degradation. It is really where my parents kept their money. that we “hold dear in this world”. up to the investor, or anyone that The second was necessary to appease opens a bank account for that matter, the folks at the National Student Loan Just late last year, the Rainforest to choose a bank that holds similar Centre. And, later on, shortly after Action Network (RAN) released a values to our own. And despite what finishing my degree, I opened an report that calculated that the carbon you've heard about banks in the past, account at a major bank for a free ipod. footprint of Canada's largest banks I didn't give much thought to what continued next page PROPERTY IMPROVEMENT SPECIAL! IN INSTANT SAVINGS $1,350 Order by June 15th and mention promo code: TYSJ0509 • Garage specialists • Single, double, custom sizes • Permits, concrete, structure, Contact us Today for a Free Onsite finishing, electrical Quote - Pricing Guaranteed! • Five year warranty • Licensed, bonded, insured, 403-248-6553 WCB www.carshacks.com 42 THE TUSCANY SUN: OUR COMMUNITY’S VOICE SUBURBAN JOURNALS THE TUSCANY SUN MAY 2009 PAGE 43 In Our City

Investing in Our Future continued in some of the world's poorest thoughtful members. this is not an impossible task even communities through its Shared World here in Calgary. Term Deposit. As with some of Finally, if you'd like to take your Calgary's other credit unions, they community commitment one step This humble little city is home to offer mutual funds through The further, you may want to check out several member-owned credit unions Ethical Funds Company, which has Calgary Dollars. This local, grassroots that have a strong commitment to been at the forefront of the socially currency brings together local talents supporting the local community, responsible investing industry for over and resources to strengthen the local financing community projects or 20 years. economy, while building community. supporting the establishment of small It's just one more tool that we can use businesses. Similarly, Citizen's Bank Placing our money in the hands of to create the world that we dream to of Canada, a subsidiary of VanCity organizations that share similar values live in. (Canada's largest credit union) has to our own is a surefire way to support recently opened a boutique branch in initiatives that we can be proud of. Suggestively, the downtown. Citizen's Bank is an Changing banks is an empowering Ashley exemplary bank that has a clear journey and an easy one at that. And Ethical Policy, supporting you don't have to be a high roller for Ashley Lubyk, BSc. in Environmental organizations like Amnesty this to matter, as even meager savings Science, is the Coordinator of International and Oxfam, while also can make a big difference when Residential Environmental Services at freeing up affordable credit to people combined with thousands of other Clean Calgary Association. Pre & post-natal fitness classes On-going registration 403-874-4063 www.fitmomcanada.com

FITDECK Exercise Playing Cards THINK IT’S NOT EASY BEING GREEN? THINK AGAIN. • Bodyweight • Junior Smart Home Systems makes it easy to be • Pilates “green.” Affordable, easy-to-use home-control solutions help you conserve energy by • Stretch managing lighting and temperature, saving • Pre-Natal you money while saving the environment. • Office • Playground Easy to Use • Control your home theater–and • Stairs your entire house–with one • Baby Stoller remote! • Travel • Intuitive interface is easy enough for kids and parents to master Easy to Install A one of a kind deck of playing cards that • Have your house up and running in a matter of hours or days provides over 3 trillion simple, convenient, • No need to knock down walls or undertake extensive and fun exercise routines for all ability levels! rewiring Affordable Never get bored with the same old routine ever again!! • Basic home theater control from $699* • Reduce your energy costs and consumption Visit: www.fun2bfit.ca Smart Home Systems Bay #10, 7130 Fisher Road SE Email: [email protected] | Ph: 1-866-905-5714 Calgary, AB T2H 0W3 A NEET EVENT - Marketing Division 2009 www.smarthomesystems.com

Contact Shawn Holsapple 403-243-8823 ext. 120 [email protected] Ebtec Inc. Call or click to COMPLETE HOME RENOVATION AND ADDITION SPECIALISTS schedule your FREE CallCall EbEbbb aatt ($150 value) Over 30 Years in Business 403-850-2216403-850-2216 home-automation BBB Member & Insured oror 403-286-0675403-286-0675 assessment! Book now and take advantage of the $1350 Home Reno Tax Program

44 THE TUSCANY SUN: OUR COMMUNITY’S VOICE SUBURBAN JOURNALS THE TUSCANY SUN MAY 2009 PAGE 45 Upcoming Events

The Tuscany Club is operated by the super event when the Tuscany Tuscany Residents Association. community gets together for a giant garage sale. 212 Tuscany Way, NW Community-Wide Clean Up & BBQ Email [email protected] by 403-241-6402 Saturday, May 9th - 9 am to Noon June 9th to register. Complimentary Get involved in keeping our www.tuscany-connect.com signage will be available to community clean – volunteer a few HOURS OF OPERATION participants. Area maps of hours with friends and family and help Park Hours: participating homes will be available out with the annual spring clean up. Mon.to Sun. 9:00 am - 10:00 pm at the Club on Friday and Saturday. Office Hours: Email [email protected] or Mon. to Sat. 9:00 am - 4:30 pm call the Club at 403-241-6402 to sign- (closed 12:00 - 1:00 pm) up. We’ll meet for morning juice and Email the Office Administrator at: coffee before hitting the trails and [email protected] parks then enjoy a barbecue lunch at the Club to wrap up the event.

Tuscany Neighbourhood Garage Sale Saturday, June 13th - 9 am to 3 pm Don’t miss out, get involved in this Rob Anders Member of Parliament Calgary West MP Update Last month, the Conservative government fulfilled the election promise of getting tough on crime. New legislation was brought before the house of commons that will increase the jail time for gang related murders. Mandatory minimum sentences will also be included to crack down on drive-by shootings. As promised to many, I have an update on the Remand Centre drop off practices for former inmates. In the last few months, I have held Town Hall meetings on the problem of gang activity. It is clear that Calgarians As you may be aware, due to the location of the Calgary were frustrated and tired of seeing a revolving door justice correctional facilities, they are not served by public system, which is why our government has taken action. transportation. Therefore, the Correctional Services Division has an obligation to ensure that individuals who do not have If you have any questions about the new justice legislation, transportation from a correctional centre upon release are or need assistance with any federal government programs, transported to a point where public transportation can be please do not hesitate to contact my office. accessed. The practice of dropping off individuals who have been released from Calgary correctional facilities at the Calgary West Constituency Office: 11 Spruce Centre SW, Calgary, AB T3C 3B3 Brentwood Station has not occurred for some time. Since the Phone: 403-292-6666 Email: [email protected] extension of the northwest leg of the C-train and the addition Website: www.robanders.ca of the Dalhousie Station, released inmates have been transported to that station only.

Concerns have been raised that with the further extension of the northwest leg of the C-train and the addition of Crowfoot Station, inmates will soon be transported to the new Crowfoot Station upon its opening.

In March 2009 I met with the Honourable Fred Lindsay, Specialists in Creating Beautiful Yards Solicitor General and Minister of Public Security, and discussed the practice of correctional centre staff dropping off former inmates on the C-train line and the concerns raised • Retaining walls due to this practice.

• Patios I am please to inform you that in response to these concerns, inmates will no longer be released at the Dalhousie Station. • Plantings They will be dropped off at the 10th Street Station located downtown. • Excavations I trust this information has addressed any concerns regarding • Consulting the drop off of inmates close to your community. • Sod Calgary-North West Constituency Office • And More!! 29, 735 Ranchlands Boulevard NW Calgary Alberta T3G 3A9 Call 403-614-7292 Phone: 403-216-5444 Fax: 403-216-5442 email: [email protected] Book now for 2009 Open 9am – 4pm Monday to Friday 46 THE TUSCANY SUN: OUR COMMUNITY’S VOICE SUBURBAN JOURNALS THE TUSCANY SUN MAY 2009 PAGE 47 Your Safety Traffic Rules from the Book

Every month, community members are before entering the crosswalk and has its alternating amber lights on, reporting to the TCA their concern allow the pedestrian to cross. do so with caution. regarding traffic safety in Tuscany, • Never pass another vehicle when • Once the bus comes to a stop to with the key issues being excessive you are approaching a crosswalk. load or unload students, its speed and dangerous driving practices There is always a chance that the alternating red lights will come on. regarding school zones, crosswalks other vehicle is slowing down or You may also see a stop sign and traffic lights. The tone of stopping for a pedestrian. extended from the left-hand side of concerned residents is that the drivers • Remember that not all crosswalks the bus. You must come to a causing the concerns are careless, in are marked, but nearly all complete stop before you reach the too much of a hurry or just don't care intersections have crosswalks. bus. about the impact they're having on our • At night, do not “over-drive” your • You are not permitted to continue community's safety. headlights. This means you must until the alternating flashing red be able to stop your vehicle within lights are turned off. When But, here's another idea. What if many the distance illuminated by your stopping for a school bus that is of our drivers do care but perhaps, headlights. Be especially alert for letting students on or off, stay well like me, have been driving for well pedestrians. They may be wearing back from the bus. The alternating over a decade. It's been a long time dark clothing and be difficult to see flashing red lights also need to be since we wrote that Drive's License from a distance. seen by other vehicles behind you. test and the exactness of the rules • In residential areas, watch for have dimmed to a distant memory. children darting our from between Next month – Sharing the road with With that in mind, we thought it might parked vehicles, riding bikes or cyclists and Right of Way be interesting to provide a couple of playing in the street. Glance under driver rules per month, as found in the parked vehicles ahead to check for For your own copy of the handbook or Driver's Handbook. Maybe it'll help children's feet, toys, for information on the Traffic Safety lend a fresh perspective and act as a bicycle/tricycle wheels that may Act go www.infratrans.gov.ab.ca and bit of a refresher for all of us. indicate the need to stop. look under Drivers and Vehicles.

Pedestrian Safety (excerpt) School Buses • If a pedestrian has entered a • The greatest danger to the safety of marked or unmarked crosswalk, a students on a school bus happens motorist must stop their vehicle when motorists pass a bus while it before entering the crosswalk and is loading and unloading students. yield the right-of-way to the • When approaching a school bus pedestrian. When stopping for a from either direction, check to see pedestrian, remember to stop far if the bus operator has turned on enough back so that traffic in the alternating flashing amber another lane is able to see the lights. If they are on, you must be pedestrian in the crosswalk and ready to stop. This is a warning have time to stop. that the alternating flashing red • When a pedestrian has indicated lights are going to come on and the their intention to cross the street, a bus is going to stop. motorist must stop their vehicle • If you must pass a school bus that BRING OUT YOUR BEST WITH OUR NON-SURGICAL FACE LIFT Advanced Finer Face™ Micro Current technique tightens, tones and lifts your muscles THE CHOICE IS YOURS—CALL US! 403-851-0123 #8 205 First Street East www.creatingbalance.ca

PHOTO & DESIGN

Please Join Us May 10th, 2009 Make Your Reservation Now! Brunch Seatings: Dinner Seatings: 9 am - 2 pm 4 pm - 8 pm

Adults - $36 Seniors/Youth - $20 CONTACT: Children (5-10yr) - $12 P. 403.221.9682 x 2 Under 5yr - Free E. [email protected] Westside Victory Church A Place Where You Belong NOW OPEN! A great family church! LOUNGE PUBLIC WELCOME 10 AM Sunday Celebration www.westsidevictory.org Ph: 403.247.8148

10623 West Valley Rd. SW www.valleyridgegolf.com Calgary, AB, Canada T3B 5T2 Located 1km west of the C.O.P.

48 THE TUSCANY SUN: OUR COMMUNITY’S VOICE SUBURBAN JOURNALS THE TUSCANY SUN MAY 2009 PAGE 49 Your Family When you thought I wasn't looking, I Parenting Your Preschooler saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing, and I As I was deleting some files from my even on difficult days. Happy learned that those who have computer, I stumbled across an email Mother's Day! Enjoy your special something should give to those who that had been forwarded to me some day! don't. time ago. With Mother's Day approaching, it occurred to me that When you thought I wasn't looking I When you thought I wasn't looking I even though this piece doesn't use the saw you hang my first painting on the saw you take care of our house and word, mother; it illustrates how far- refrigerator, and I immediately wanted everyone in it, and I learned we have reaching the influence of a mother (or to paint another one. to take care of what we are given. father, or another significant adult in a child's life) can be. Parenting is When you thought I wasn't looking I When you thought I wasn't looking I indeed a job of great importance saw you make my favorite cake for me, saw that you cared, and I wanted to be which we may not fully appreciate and I learned that the little things can everything that I could be. until we are parents ourselves. The be the special things in life. words quoted below are an excerpt When you thought I wasn't looking I and speak to the way young children When you thought I wasn't looking I looked at you and wanted to say, learn. Hopefully, this will inspire us saw you make a meal and take it to a 'Thanks for all the things I saw when as parents, (and those of us who work friend who was sick, and I learned you thought I wasn't looking.’ with young children) to be more that we all have to help take care of Author Unknown purposeful in striving to be at our best each other. Submitted by Betty Ann Chandler, B. Ed. Being Overweight is a Serious Health Risk

We Have a Solution at GUARANTEED RESULTS Lose 12-15 pounds in 4 weeks with Ideal Protein (THESE RESULTS ARE TYPICAL) Learn How to Keep Your Weight Off Permanently

Our Service to YOU is Exceptional FREE CONSULTATIONS

Call us at 403-851-0123 #8 205 First Street East www.idealprotein.com • www.creatingbalance.ca Ending the Wait for Ideal Weight

Miracle Developments Inc. REINVEST...RENOVATE... love your entire home! We are going outdoors this spring… DECORATIVE CONCRETE PATIOS SIDEWALKS • DRIVEWAYS Visit our website www.miracledevelopments.com 403-483-2989 licensed, insured and bonded

Mention this ad • Interior / Exterior • Lacquer, Epoxy & Special Coatings and receive • Ceiling & Drywall Repairs • Stipple & Knockdown Texturing % off 403-891-5855 1offer expir0es 31 May 2009 free estimates • licensed & insured • no up-front fees

50 THE TUSCANY SUN: OUR COMMUNITY’S VOICE SUBURBAN JOURNALS THE TUSCANY SUN MAY 2009 PAGE 51

Financial Focus: Give Your Investment Portfolio A Spring Cleaning With the arrival of spring, it's time to redundancies with your investment too little of another. This could mean tidy up your investment portfolio. portfolio. For example, you may have you are taking on too much risk or, Here are three financial spring- two stocks issued by different conversely, that your holdings have cleaning tips you might want to companies that sell similar products. become too conservative to provide consider. Instead, you might find it's much the growth you need. As a result, some better to exchange one of those for a important re-balancing could be Get rid of what you no longer need – different company in a different sector required to get your relative When you clean your home to boost your diversification. While weightings back in tidy order, thoroughly, you end up disposing of diversification cannot guarantee a especially in light of the market all kinds of things, some of which you profit or protect against a loss, it may changes we have seen in recent may have even forgotten you own. help reduce the effects of market months. The same principle might apply to volatility. some of your investments. Speak with By working with your financial your financial advisor to see if you Put things back in order – Many of us advisor for your portfolio's spring still have some holdings that are no tend to have messy closets and storage cleaning, you can help make sure your longer appropriate for you and are sheds because over time we've investment holdings are up-to-date, best removed from your portfolio. haphazardly tossed item after item appropriately suited to your needs and into them. There may not be anything well-positioned to help you make Trim back your duplicates – If you that has to be thrown out, but a good progress toward your long-term went through your house carefully, clean-up is needed to organize financial goals. you might be surprised at how many everything properly. Similarly, your items serve the same purpose. For portfolio may need a good spring Kevin Baer is a Financial Advisor in example, do you really need two shake-out. For instance, you could NW Calgary. toasters? There may be similar have too much of one investment and CARRIER ALL SEASON SALE $500 OFF! UP TO HIGH EFFICIENCY $300 OFF! GAS FURNACE NEW CARRIER GAS FURNACE BY CARRIER Carrier 80% Mid Efficiency For a limited time only. For a limited time only. Call for details. Call for details. Cannot be combined with other Cannot be combined with other coupons or specials. coupons or specials. Offer Expires 07/31/09 Offer Expires 07/31/09 $400 OFF! 12 months PRE-SEASON SPECIALS est A NEW CARRIER no inter AIR CONDITIONER yments! For a limited time only. no pa Call for details. nditions some co Cannot be combined with other apply coupons or specials. Offer Expires 07/31/09

GIVE US A CALL: (403)- 452-7272 WWW.GREEN-TECH-HEATING.COM LAUNCHING... want in? UNIQUE, patented, & recession-proof never DY MAKEOVER get fired or laid off RAPID BO and YOU control your income The Fat Burning Begins NOW! LAUNCHING... Eliminate want in? 3 - 5% Body Fat, Call Barb 403-475-5822 5 - 12 Pounds, 1 - 3 Inches off the midsection and more! ReflexologyReflexology Get 1 Includes a FREE month AA holisticholistic approachapproach toto healthhealth FREE! Nutrition Seminar andand well-being.well-being. plus Before/After HowHow cancan itit helphelp you?you? 4-week Outdoor Assessments Total Fitness MichelleMichelle FramptonFrampton Transformation All shapes, sizes 403-585-1906403-585-1906 for Women... and abilities [email protected]@shaw.ca and now Men Too! welcome! Lose up to 100% Money-Back 30 lbs in only Guarantee! 3 months at HURR Calgary Law Office is happy to accept new clients and offers Nex Y! legal services in the following areas: t Cam • family law and divorce • real estate and financing Starts M p onday • wills and estates • companies and small business law Sign up ! online +

Nicky Davis, BGS, LLB (HONS) N O I

BARRISTER & SOLICITOR T A R O P R O C

Suite 202, 60 Crowfoot Cres. NW L A N O I

Calgary, Alberta T3G 3T9 S S E www.FBCC.ca F O R P

tel: (403) 452.3300 [email protected] S I V A D

. 403-246-7386 EXT 3 fax: (403) 932.8928 www.calgarylawoffice.ca N +

52 THE TUSCANY SUN: OUR COMMUNITY’S VOICE SUBURBAN JOURNALS THE TUSCANY SUN MAY 2009 PAGE 53 Real Estate Fixed or Variable Interest Rates… What's the Difference?

You've found your home, a Mortgage The following five questions are some potential fluctuations in payments. Broker has helped you through the of the key questions you should ask One important thing to note is that process and now you're ready to yourself and your Mortgage Broker to with the Variable Interest Rate commit. But what are your options? determine what is the best choice for Mortgage you can fix your interest One of the first choices to make you and your situation. rate at any time to the best Fixed Rate regarding your mortgage is “Fixed” or Mortgage available through that “Variable” interest rate. • Is saving as much money as lender. If you don't like where the possible each month important to prime lending rate is going, you may The Fixed Interest Rate mortgage you? fix your interest rate at any time. defines the interest rate for the entire • Is knowing the amount of your bills term of the mortgage from the outset. every month important to you? Ultimately, does the stress of your This means you will know exactly • Where do experts see interest rates payments potentially going up justify what your mortgage payment will be going in the next 12 months? the cost savings? If yes, then go for for the entire term of your mortgage (1, • What are the differences in the variable. Otherwise, the fixed is 2, 3, 4, 5 or 10 years). For some payments between the two options probably right for you. Ask your people, this is important as it allows and how does that fit into your Mortgage Broker to assist you with them to set up their monthly budget budget? the details of your situation so you can with certainty. • What are your options further down make the most informed decision the road if you are unsatisfied or if possible. The Variable Interest Rate mortgage your situation changes? defines its interest rate in relation to In the next issue we will review the lender's prime lending rate. This Once you have your answers to these “Essential Paperwork for Refinancing means your payments can change questions, take the time to consider Your Home”. along with the bank's prime lending them. rate (often called “at prime”). The Jason Peatz is a Mortgage Broker in prime lending rate for all lenders With its uncertainty, what is the NW Calgary. fluctuates: one month your payment advantage of the Variable Interest Rate may be $1000 but the next month Mortgage? The advantage is that $1025 if prime went up by 0.25%. historically the variable rate is lower The prime lending rate may also go than the fixed rate and could save you down which would mean your money over the entire term of the payment would drop. mortgage if you can handle the Northwest Dental Centre & Orthodontics Do you or your partner LOSE SLEEP Because of Snoring? We can help. Call today and mention this ad for a Complimentary consult* Phone: 403-282-7933 for your appointment today

206, 3604-52 Ave NW*exp May 31/09

403-247-1961 Podiatrist

54 THE TUSCANY SUN: OUR COMMUNITY’S VOICE SUBURBAN JOURNALS M Happy Mother’s Day! SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY A REMINDER: 1 2 • Direct downspouts onto well-drained lawn and garden areas. Calgary Zoo Feast • Recycle home electronics and computers. Visit Calgary.ca/waste or call 3-1-1 for locations. Y with the Beasts • If you lose your pet visit Calgary.ca/animalservices to see if your dog or cat is in the shelter. 6 p.m. visit calgaryzoo.com Environment Week: May 31 to June 6 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Youth Employment Community Wide Emergency Summer Hiring Cleanup & BBQ Preparedness Fair Tuscany Club Week Big Four Building to signup email May 4 - 9 visit nextsteps.org/yec or [email protected] call 403-268-2490 Ph: 403-241-6402 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

MOTHER’S DAY

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 VICTORIA DAY International Galileo Live! Children's Festival May 21 - June 21 136th birthday of May 19 - 23 Telus World of Science NW Mounted Police visit Discovery Dome Theatre Fort Calgary calgarychildfest.org (701-11 Street SW) 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Early Reader Rock 24 25 26 27 28 29 Registration 30 for Sept. 2009 Garden Tour Scouting Year call 3-1-1 Tuscany Residence Association Gym Heritage Park 6:00 to 7:30 pm Festival of Quilts Beavers, Cubs, 31 Scouts and Ventures May 30 - 31 2009 www.tuscanyscouts.ca 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. SERVING TUSCANY

TheMcKelvieGroup.com

C/S

230 Tusslewood Drive NW 18 Tuscarora View NW 101 Tuscany Spring Green NW 75 Tuscany Hills Circle NW RECENT 85 Tuscany Springs Green NW 779 Tuscany Drive NW 396 Tuscany Valley View NW 340 Tuscany Valley View NW TUSCANY 53 Tuscany Ridge Way NW 143 Tuscany Glen Park NW 17 Tuscany Vista Cres. NW 19 Tuscany Springs Road NW SALES 206 Tuscany Ridge Park NW 272 Tuscany Springs Blvd. NW 23 Tuscany Hills Park NW 456 Tuscany Drive NW