COUGAR RIDGE October 2013 TIMES AAlsolso sservingerving WWestest SpringsSprings

GGiftsifts ffromrom tthehe LandLand

HHappyappy TThanksgiving!hanksgiving!

EEastast PPaskapooaskapoo SlopesSlopes CommitteeCommittee COUGAR RIDGE TIMES OCTOBER 2013 3 COUGAR RIDGE In Our Community September 2012 TIMES Also serving West Springs

CONTACTS East Paskapoo Prepare Your Dog

West Springs Cougar Ridge Slopes for Halloween Community Association www.wscr.ca Committee If you are Phone: ...... 403-770-8585 throwing a Mailing Address:...... Suite 138, Unit 406, City Council has been asked Halloween bash 917 - 85 St SW, Calgary, T3H 5Z9 to reactivate the East Paskapoo Slopes this year, keep Joint Advisory Committee, after your dog safe approval of a controversial plan to and happy with Elected Officials develop single family homes. a few simple Alderman: tricks from Trainer Julian Bronk from Richard Pootmans The Slopes are home to mammal PetSmart: 403-268-1646 • [email protected] and bird species, archaeological sites • Keep him on a leash or in a crate MLA: for buffalo jumps, as well as native while everyone arrives so he doesn't Alana DeLong vegetation. accidentally get out the door. 403-216-5400 • [email protected] • A blanket rule of “don't feed the MP: The committee will attempt to achieve dog” is probably your safest bet Rob Anders consensus and has the ability to make when guests come over. 403-292-6666 • [email protected] submissions on land use, outline plan • If your dog gets nervous around approval, and development permits. crowds and noise, it is best to fi nd a private room or crate to keep him in Suburban Journals Publishing However, its role is not to re-examine while you are entertaining. Using a Editor & Article Submissions: or debate the already approved Area "Thundershirt" can also calm down [email protected] Structure Plan (ASP). a nervous dog by applying gentle Submission deadlines for this monthly publication are the 10th of the month, prior to the distribution month. pressure to the body. There has been fl ooding and one of the • If he is a barker when the doorbell concerns about drainage is the Cougar rings, some pre-training will be Advertising Sales: Ridge Sewer Line. necessary. Pam: 403-880-1819 [email protected] The ad booking deadline is the 14th of the month prior to the Although the terms of reference may - News , www.petsmart.com distribution month. change, the original members are:

This publication is published 12 times a year by Suburban Journals Publishing and delivered to residents by Canada • Landowners within the East Post. This publication is also available for pickup from local Paskapoo Slopes Area Structure retail outlets. Plan

Please note: the information and opinions in this newsletter • Calgary Olympic Development are subject to change, and do not necessarily represent the Association (CODA) opinions of the publisher or editor. Content contained in • The East Springbank Community this publication may not be reproduced without the written consent of Suburban Journals Publishing. The information Association herein is believed accurate but not warranted so. Any • Heritage Society advertisements, home businesses, babysitters and nannies, • Paskapoo Slopes Preservation or other parties listed in the Cougar Ridge Times should not be interpreted as recommendations or endorsements by the Society editor or the publisher. • Calgary West Alberta Special Places Committee • with City staff.

- Anne Burke COUGAR RIDGE TIMES OCTOBER 2013 5 In Our City Signal Hill Calgary Connection

Library Women’s English and Social Group: to meet friends and try new things. Improve your spoken English and meet Activities include survival training, • One Book, One Calgary: November new women in your neighbourhood trekking, marksmanship, military book club, The Book of Negroes by with the New Friends and marching, sports, leadership training, Lawrence Hill. Neighbourhood group program. Drop and more. Parade nights are held at • An Evening with Lawrence Hill: in at one of our weekly groups. There the Sir Arthur Currie Building on Nov. 8, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm. at the is no cost. There are no immigration Thursdays from 6:20 pm. to 9:10 pm. Central Library. requirements and no minimum English with optional training on Sundays. • Q & A with Lawrence Hill: Nov. requirement. Free childcare for kids 6 Visit www.1292armycadets.ca or 10, 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm. months old to 6 years old. Visit www.1292cadetparentsociety.com to • Calgary Public Library’s 2013 www.ciwa-online.com/get-involved/ learn more. Writer in Residence is Barb ongoing-events for group locations and Howard: Oct. 3, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm. times. For more information Free ESL Conversation Cafe: Tue. • Islamic History Month fi lm contact 403-444-1752 or Sep. 17 – Nov. 19, 10:00 am – screening: Oct. 5, 1:00 pm – 3:00 [email protected]. 11:30 am, at SCA Community Centre, pm. 277 Strathcona Dr. SW. All welcome! • Citizen Preparation Class: Oct. 19, Volunteer Calgary: Visit Drop in or join us every week. Contact 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. www.volunteercalgary.ab.ca for Laura at 403-612-9949 or community. • Career Basics—Resume volunteer opportunities in Calgary. [email protected]. Development: Oct. 26, 2:00 pm – Offered by St. Martin's Anglican 4:00 pm. Global Festival Sale: Oct. 25, Church. • Computer Technology Coaching: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm; Oct. 26, Every Wed. to Dec. 18, 6:30 pm – 9:00 am – 4:00 pm; Oct. 27, Free Giggles for Tots: Song, rhyme 8:30 pm. 11:30 am – 1:00 pm at Woodcliff and playtime for tots and parents. Thu. United Church, 5010 Spruce Dr. S.W. Sep. 19 – Nov. 28, 10:30 am – 11:30 Visit www.calgarypubliclibrary. (south entrance to Edworthy Park). am. at the Community Room in West com for more information on these International Fair Trade marketplace Springs Co-op. 917-85 St. S.W. Drop programs. Registration is required for with wonderful handcrafted treasures. in or join us every week for early all programs unless otherwise noted. No admission cost. language learning and coffee. Contact Laura at 403-612-9949 or community. Kitchen Fires The Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary [email protected]. Presented by St. Home-Start Program is looking for Martin's Anglican Church. Focus of Fire volunteers: Volunteers visit a family home once a week to provide emotional Prevention Week and practical support by offering companionship and practical assistance. Fishy Business "Kitchen activity is the number one Help create a healthy community and Here's an insider cause of home fi res, so we need to meet a new family! Training, Police fi shing tip by Patrick warn and educate families,” says and Child Welfare checks are provided. Campeau, a pro Stephen Gamble, a fi re chief and For more information or to register angler with 27 years of experience: president of the Canadian Associa- as a volunteer, please contact Marion Always wear polarized glasses to tion of Fire Chiefs (CAFC). Pre- at 403-660-6809 or mpaulson@bgcc. help see what's underneath shallow venting kitchen fi res will be a focus ab.ca. water and to protect your eyes. during this year's Fire Prevention Week from October 6 to 12. 1292 Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal - News Canada, Canadians) Army Cadet Corps: Join - News Canada, www.safeathome.ca www.DiscoverBoating.ca us if you are 12 years or older, want COUGAR RIDGE TIMES OCTOBER 2013 7 In Our City

Tickets, admission or registration may be required for events. Event details are believed correct as of Events In and Around Calgary press time but may change at any time.

Calgary Gem and Mineral Show: Run featuring plenty of great prizes. to the conservation of primates and Oct. 4 – 6, Calgary Chinese Cultural In support of the Alzheimer Society of Canadian wildlife. In support of the Centre. Annual gem, rock, mineral, Calgary. www.alzheimercalgary.com . gorillarun.com/about fossil and jewellery show and sale. Door prizes, demonstrations and more. WordFest—International Writers Ghouls Night Out: Oct. 24 – 27, www.calgarygemshow.com Festival: Oct. 14 – 20, various venues. Heritage Park Historic Village. Perfect Authors read from their works in a for families with little ghouls, aged ScreamFest: Oct. 4 – 31, Canada celebration of the spoken and written three to nine, who are looking for a fun, Olympic Park. Features a FestEvil tent, word. www.wordfest.com safe night out. www.heritagepark.ca four haunted houses, a Zombie Town maze and a lot of screams and thrills. Cutting Horse Calgary Woman's Show: Oct. 26 www.screamfest.ca Futurity: Oct. 16 – 20, Stampede – 27, BMO Centre. Features guest Corral. Cutting horse competition celebrities, seminars, product exhibits, Helping Families Art Exhibit: Oct. 4, focused on Futurity classes—those demonstrations, competitions and more. 7:00 pm., Marda Loop Communities limited to 3 year old horses. More www.calgarywomansshow.com Centre. Art sold on a fi rst come fi rst than $300,000 in cash and awards. served basis. Tickets include appetizers ag.calgarystampede.com The 50 Plus Living Show: Nov. 2 – and live music by The Doll Sisters. 3, BMO Centre. A one stop shop for www.helpingfamilieshandlecancer Harvest Classic Tournament: Oct information, resources, products, fun 17 – 20, . Experience and services for Baby Boomers & Harvest Pumpkin Hunts: Oct. 5 – 27, a horse jumping competition up-close Seniors. www.50pluslivingshow.com Butterfi eld Acres Children's Farm. and in the indoor comfort of the Equi- Features a pumpkin hunt and pumpkin Plex. www.sprucemeadows.com decorating. Children can also visit with the animals in the farmyard. Rocky Mountain Food & Wine A Sampling of www.butterfi eldacres.com Festival: Oct. 18 – 19, BMO Centre. Enjoy samples of international wines, Concerts Light The Night Calgary: Oct. 5, port, scotch, liqueurs, beer, spirits, as Eau Claire. A twilight walk where well as delicious food samples. • Hanson Anthem World Tour: participants carry illuminated balloons www.rockymountainwine.com Oct. 5, Deerfoot Inn & Casino to commemorate and celebrate lives • Jason Aldean: Oct. 5, Scotiabank touched by cancer. In support of the Calgary Tattoo & Arts Festival: Saddledome Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Oct. 18 – 20, BMO Centre. All things • Sarah Brightman: Oct. 21, Canada. www.lightthenight.ca/ab related to and associated with tattoo culture including choppers, fashion, • Loretta Lynn: Oct. 23, Southern Heritage Park Thanksgiving Thank hotrods and more. Over 100 artists Alberta Jubilee You Weekend: Oct. 12 – 14, Heritage from across the world will be present. • Brad Paisley: Oct. 25, Scotiabank Park Historical Village. Your last www.calgarytattoos.com Saddledome chance to enjoy the attractions for the • Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson: Oct. season. The fi rst 500 guests between Calgary Baby & Tot Show: Oct. 19 25, Jubilee 9:30 am – 10:30 am will be treated to a – 20, BMO Centre. A wide variety of • Leon Russell: Nov. 9, Deerfoot free pancake breakfast. exhibitors showcasing products and Inn & Casino www.heritagepark.ca services for parents and kids. • Nine Inch Nails: Nov. 25, www.calgarybabyshow.ca Scotiabank Saddledome Investors Group Thanksgiving • Pearl Jam: Dec. 2, Scotiabank Memory Walk/Run: Oct. 13, Eau The Gorilla Run: Oct. 20, Glenmore Saddledome Claire. A 5K Walk, 5K Run and 10K Reservoir. A fun way to contribute COUGAR RIDGE TIMES OCTOBER 2013 9 In Our City Halloween Safety

Alberta Health Services EMS would like increased visibility. • Be sure costumes are loose enough to to remind parents and trick-or-treaters • When purchasing or making costumes, be worn over warm clothing, but not of some basic Halloween safety tips, as look for materials and accessories that so baggy or long that they become a October 31 approaches. As a member are labeled fl ame-resistant. tripping hazard. Costumes should not of the Calgary’s Child Magazine, • All costume accessories, such as be longer than your child’s ankles. Partners for Safety, ambulances, along sticks, rods or wands, should be soft • Ensure your child is wearing adequate with Calgary police, fi re, bylaw, transit, and fl exible, with no sharp edges. foot wear that takes into consideration and Shaw Cable vehicles will be out • Consider using hypoallergenic make- weather conditions and walking. patrolling communities on Halloween up kits instead of masks that may night to provide a visible safety resource impair breathing or vision. - Alberta Health Services for parents and trick-or-treaters.

Trick-or-Treaters: • Remember: all regular pedestrian rules A Flash of White in the Forest still apply. Be sure to cross the road at The most abundant large mammal in marked cross walks or well lit corners North America is also the smallest of only. It is safest to work your way up its family: the white-tailed deer. On one side of the street and then cross average, bucks weigh 300 lbs and does once to the other side. 130 lbs. They live from southern Canada • Stay away from houses that are not to northern South America and usually well lit. Do not accept rides from inhabit fi elds and meadows near forests, strangers, or enter any home you feel PPictureicture ccourtesyourtesy which they use for shade and protection. AAndreandrea HHuntunt is unsafe. White-tailed deer are primarily • Let your parents know where you are nocturnal, and will usually forage for communicate things like social status, going to be at all times and advise food at dawn, dusk, and throughout breeding condition, health, and to warn them if you will be late returning. the night. They are herbivores, and can others of danger. eat almost any type of vegetation from Parents: leaves to twigs to fungi, thanks to their In Alberta, white-tailed deer’s mating • Be certain that young trick-or-treaters four-compartment stomachs. season, or rut, is in November. During are accompanied by an adult. Older the rut, bucks will battle, using their children should stay in groups. In summer, white-tailed deer are reddish antlers, for the right to mate. Does • Pre-determine boundaries to trick-or- brown. In winter their coat becomes give birth to one or two fawns in the treat within and establish a fi rm time to thicker and turns a duller grayish springtime. A fact worth noting about return home. brown. However, year-round they have white-tailed deer is that they will leave • Advise children not to eat anything markings that remain white, like the their reddish-brown, spotted fawns alone until they return home. Dispose of characteristic white underside of their for hours at a time. The fawns have very any items that appear to have been tails. They hold their fl uffy tails upright little scent, and their white spots act as tampered with, or that are not properly and fl ick them side to side while running camoufl age, so they are safer when left wrapped. to serves as a warning for other deer alone. The does return a few times a day and as a mark for their young to follow. to feed them. Costumes: Despite their relatively small size, these • Choose bright colored costumes that deer can run up to 48 km/hr and jump If you fi nd an injured white-tailed deer are highly visible. Adding refl ective up to 10 ft high and 30 ft long in order or other wild animal, please contact the tape to costumes further increases to escape their predators, like bobcats, Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society visibility. mountain lions, coyotes, wolves, and (CWRS) at 403-239-2488. • Consider sending your children with bears. White-tailed deer spread scent a fl ashlight for additional safety and from their many external scent glands to - Alicia Sully, CWRS COUGAR RIDGE TIMES OCTOBER 2013 11 In Our City Flood Task Force Report An Outstanding Flood service requests (3-1-1) are An advance received from insurance First Novel tracked for power or gas repair, was $50 million. information and assistance, as well as Tell the Wolves I'm new garbage and recycling bins. After the 2013 summer fl ood, the City Home (Dial Press) is looked at recovery plans from Alberta, an outstanding novel. According to a report from the City's British Columbia, , Australia, Carol Rifka Brunt Flood Recovery Task Force, the impact and New Zealand. An external expert tells a story of secrets, of the fl ood will affect both current and advisory panel will review fl ood issues loss and bonding future capital budgets. and make recommendations by spring from the perspective 2014. of 14-year old June. A list of recovery projects will be identifi ed for the November 2013 The City faces public health and safety budget and ranked in the 2015- issues, waste disposal, stabilizing June has lost the uncle she loves to 2018 business plan. These pertain riverbanks, and alternate housing. AIDS. She then loses his friend— to infrastructure assessment, fl ood Damage was done to parks, pathways, Toby, a man she only learns about mitigation, and resiliency riverbanks, the Municipal Building, after the death of her uncle. They roadways, and bridges. Environmental share their love for Finn, and also On a preliminary list there was a $147 impact will be assessed. the sadness and jealousies of their million ask from the Province's Disaster relationships with him. June also Recovery Program. Estimated costs - Anne Burke struggles with her feelings toward covered by insurance are $166 million. her "mean" sister Greta, and how they have grown apart.

Readers will relate to and deeply Low Income/Senior Transit Passes understand the honesty and openness of the feelings and City administration was asked to $44 in 2013 to $48 in 2014; and emotions exposed in this book. explore changes to the Senior Transit • Increase the yearly senior regular The feelings powerfully reveal Pass Program, the yearly seniors' transit pass from $95 to $150 per year. selfi shness and greediness—just as passes, and the fares for monthly low- wolves are hungry and selfi sh. income transit (LITP) passes, with a The City's Potential Revenue Loss, if report back to a Council Committee by all those eligible apply, are: This is Rifka Brunt's fi rst novel, and November 2013. • 2014 Adult: 87.5 to 100% LICO = a book defi nitely worth adding to $2.8 million your reading list. Council directed Administration • 2014 Youth: 100% LICO = $0.5 to study both seniors' bus passes, million - Jean Andrews including but not limited to: • The basis for the discount; City staff recommended that Council • A needs and ability based criterion; direct them to: Book of the Month • Peak versus off-peak pricing; and • Review regular and low-income • A stepped rate, based on income, age senior transit passes with the Calgary or both. Transit Fare Structure Review, due February 2014; and "The best way to Some of the suggestions are to: • Align the Fare Structure Review predict the future is • Change the eligibility for monthly report with the Fair Calgary Policy LITP from 87.5% in 2013 to 100% update report, due Dec. 2013 to create it." Low Income Cut Off (LICO) in 2014; Peter Drucker • Increase the monthly LITP fare from - Anne Burke COUGAR RIDGE TIMES OCTOBER 2013 13 Thanksgiving A Farm Spin on Thanksgiving Crafts Get Stuffed

Making Thanksgiving crafts can be farm colouring pages. Or take out your without Bread fun, but the activity can also provide a kid's little plastic farm animals and talk unique learning opportunity for your about what foods the animals provide It seems that kids or grandchildren. us—from milk and eggs to turkey and more and more hot dogs, and what foods we will have people are trying So many kids don't really know where for our Thanksgiving meal. to avoid gluten. our fruits, vegetables or meats come They either have from. Why not have this year's craft You can even enjoy the crafts at the sensitivities to gluten, such as those creations focus on how our foods are Thanksgiving celebration—providing a with celiac conditions, or want to grown and raised? new meaning for the feast. avoid it for various other reasons. But avoiding gluten doesn't mean your Hundreds of children's craft sites have - Jean Andrews Thanksgiving turkey dinner needs to go without stuffi ng.

Sure you can't do your regular bread Gifts from The Land for Your stuffi ng, but there are many options— Perfect Thanksgiving Feast with rice being a no-fail one. I recently tried—for the fi rst time-- a Rural Canada is famous for producing rice stuffi ng, and I may never go back some of the most delicious food on the to the traditional bread stuffi ng. I planet. From tasty vegetables, to crisp cooked a blend of wild rice according apples and impressive roast beef, the to directions. As I had a relatively quality is in the process. But with most small turkey, I only needed two cups of us knowing little about farming these of cooked rice. days, perhaps we could benefi t from some understanding of that process. Just and mental health and that ultimately Once the rice was cooled, I stirred in what does it take to put quality into the affects the quality of the beef”. sautéed celery, onions, mushrooms foods that grace our Thanksgiving table? and green and red peppers. I added our And of course what cattle eat, ultimately favourite herbs for seasoning (parsley, Take roast beef for example: It all starts effects the beef on your table. Bill raises basil and sage), along with salt and with good cattle—good genes are key cattle to maturity on a diet of corn, hay pepper. I left all of this overnight in to good beef from the get-go. Canadian, and forage that he mainly grows himself. the refrigerator, and stuffed the turkey and Alberta, cattle breeds are a hearty He works with a nutritionist to develop as usual (yes, I still like stuffi ng inside lot—well suited for our varied climate of the perfect blend to support cattle the bird) just before cooking. harsh winters and hot summers. Canada growth, health and ultimately produce has cattle of all colours—about 30 consistent fl avourful and tender beef. The fl avour of this stuffi ng was simply breeds and cross breeds. The BIG 5 are: outstanding. The wild rice gives Angus, Charolais, Hereford, Simmental As Canadians we have much to be a "nutty" fl avour and the sautéed and Limousin. thankful for. As we sit down to our vegetables gave lots of interesting bountiful feast this Thanksgiving, let's texture and crunch. And caring for cattle has much to do take a moment to acknowledge the good with quality beef as well. Cattle rancher work and process that went into getting Whether you are worried about gluten Bill Sheard sums it up: “Cattle need to it to your table. or not, I think you and your family be happy and healthy. Like humans, will like this break from tradition. stress on an animal affects their physical - News Canada, www.beefi nfo.org - Jean Andrews COUGAR RIDGE TIMES OCTOBER 2013 15 Halloween Stingy Jack Tips for Safe Trick-or-Treating

Behind Lantern As much fun as Halloween is with want to go with friends. If so, plan all the pumpkins, haunted houses, a route and make them carry a fully Lore candy and costumes, it's important to charged cell phone in case they get remember it's also a night when extra separated from the group. When it comes to good tales, the Irish safety precautions should be taken. can't be beat. They even sorted out the The Rogers Pumpkin Patrol offers the • Check Halloween candy carefully. origins of the Jack-o'-Lantern for us. following tips and tricks: Treat kids to a Halloween snack before they head out so that they are Stingy Jack was behind this • Ensure costumes are safe. Make sure less likely to eat the candy they gather Halloween icon. Old Jack was too your child's Halloween costume is before you have a chance to inspect mean to get into heaven, but he also made of fl ame-resistant materials and it. Teach children never to eat treats in couldn't enter hell as he had played too is well fi tted. Costumes that drag on packages that have been opened, show many tricks on the devil. the ground can pose a tripping hazard. pinholes or have other damage. And Masks, hats and other accessories remember, always avoid homemade The sad outcome: he eternally wanders should also fi t your child properly treats or fruit unless they are from a the fi elds and marshes carrying a without inhibiting their vision. family member or close friend. lantern. The devil gave him a single Halloween make-up is a safer option. ember to light his way. "Jack of the • Know where to look for help. Teach Lantern" inspired the Irish tradition • Make sure your children can be children to fi nd a police offi cer or of placing Jack-o'-Lanterns made seen. Visibility is a very important a red Rogers van if they are lost or of turnips and other vegetables in safety consideration. Flashlights need help while trick-or-treating. windows or doors at Halloween. Irish with fresh batteries, glow sticks and “Hundreds of our employees and immigrants brought the tradition to refl ective tape are must-haves on volunteers will be patrolling local the United States, where the plentiful Halloween and will enable drivers to neighbourhoods in red cable vans to pumpkin took on the role of lantern. see kids as they go from door-to-door. offer any assistance needed to ghosts, ghouls, goblins and their parents,” The mysterious light of Jack's lantern • Always trick-or-treat in groups. says company director of public and those of other poor, lost souls Children should always be affairs, Patricia Trott. continues to fl icker in the darkness—at accompanied by an adult when they least one night a year. go out trick-or-treating. Teens may - News Canada

- Jean Andrews, www.jackolanterns.net A Selection of Ghoulish Sayings

Add some fl air to your Halloween and black cats are seen, greetings and crafts / cards with some the moon laughs and whispers, of these sayings: 'tis near Halloween. • Come as you aren't. • Ghosts have real spirit! • Backward, turn backward, • You are booo-tiful. Some people believe that O Time, in your fl ight • I only spook when spooken to. if you see a spider on make me a child again • Hugs and Kisses, 5 cents Halloween night, it is the just for tonight. – Elizabeth Aker Bugs and Hisses, 10 cents spirit of a dead loved one • Trick or treat. Smell my feet. Give • Remember the gh'oul times? who is watching you. me something good to eat! • Eat, drink and be scary. - Jean Andrews • When witches go riding, COUGAR RIDGE TIMES OCTOBER 2013 17 Your Family Be a Reading Role-model

Does your child, books or newspapers when the kids destination. For fun, try a different grandchild or other are around. Instead, get caught reading library than usual to see what's little-person in your life and talking about what you have read. different. Make sure everybody gets to love reading and think Don’t wait until after bedtime! pick some materials to take home. there is nothing fi ner than to escape into a book? Or perhaps • Read aloud together and discuss the • Tell your child what your favourite they need to be coaxed into any sort of book. Ask questions about it. book was when you were their age. reading? Help your child become a more Read that book together if you can. confi dent and joyful reader and turn that • Have a weekly Screen-Free Day reluctant reader into a voracious book- (SFD), where books and magazines • Make books a really big deal. Put fi end. By sharing your joy of reading replace computers and televisions. your favourites on the fi replace mantle, you can encourage your child to pick up Make sure to have lots of enticing use the pretty ones as centerpieces on this healthy habit. Here are a few simple books and perhaps a few new the table. Give gorgeous hardcovers or tips: magazines or comic books for SFD. boxed sets as gifts and write a personal Don't forget to turn off your own note inside. If you show that books are • Be a role model. Most kids see their screens. special, kids will think so too. parents reading on screens all day long, and mom and dad don’t read • Make your local library a regular - Calgary Reads

Self-Esteem Not Always Related to Good Grades

When it comes to school, it is not “Pay attention to what your child with average necessary to get As, or even to pass, does and says. Is he or she a leader or achievement in order for students to have high follower or somewhere in between? (so as not self-esteem. For students of all ages, Having a balance would reasonably to stand out feeling good about their abilities suggest that healthy self-esteem is from his peer comes from the confi dence of developing.” group) or knowing that their minds are capable does s/he try of understanding, and from learning To evaluate this, ask the following to excel? and that they are worthy people, say questions: experts in this fi eld. • Does your child have an independent Confi dence mind? is key to According to Dr. Nick Whitehead, • Is s/he willing to act on his/her classroom the CEO of Oxford Learning, some knowledge? success, says Dr. Whitehead, so keep students with high self-esteem • Does all learning have to be highly tabs on your child's self-esteem, have only mediocre marks. That's structured or does s/he accept sudden especially as they enter pre-teen/ because those students have learned change? teenage years and social pressures a very important lesson: that trying • Can your child willingly accept begin to mount. Evaluate your own is as important as success and that diffi culty, or deal with failure? communication and interaction as overcoming failure and learning from • When confronted by failure, does s/ well. Do your part to help young mistakes are essential to development. he blame somebody else? Or does students feel good about who they are your child take responsibility for his and what they can achieve, both inside Dr. Whitehead points out that parents or her own learning experiences and and outside the classroom. can tell if children have healthy self- results? esteem by observing their actions. • Is your child content just to get by - News Canada COUGAR RIDGE TIMES OCTOBER 2013 19 Your Money A Website Makeover Can Help Your Business Soar

Today, a website is a vital tool for You don't need to invest in a big, “That's why digital marketing is so many companies. However, Canadian costly website at the outset, Bergeron powerful. It gives you great tools to entrepreneurs lag in using the Internet says. Free and low-cost services such measure, learn and optimize.” to boost sales and reach customers. as WordPress and GoDaddy allow Only 40% of small businesses in businesses to design and update a - News Canada Canada had a website in 2012, site quickly, with no programming according to Statistics Canada. And know-how. Social media pages also let those with a website often don't use companies promote themselves with no it effectively.This means Canadian up-front cost. businesses are missing out on huge opportunities, says Michel Bergeron, Make sure your site is aligned with Financing for senior vice-president, marketing your online strategy and tells visitors and public affairs at the Business the essentials of your business—what Your Small Development Bank of Canada (BDC). your company does, what your main products are, and what makes you Business “This is how customers fi nd products special. Also, prominently display your and services today, when more than contact info and a “call to action”—for The Canada Small Business 50% of the purchasing decision process example, a button or pop-up that invites Financing Program is aimed at takes place online. A website is your visitors to call you or sign up for a start-ups and new small businesses digital storefront and lets you showcase newsletter. that have diffi culty accessing the your products 24 hours a day to a fi nancing they need to grow and worldwide market.” “As you become more sophisticated, expand. Visit the Industry Canada you can expand your site and add website at www.ic.gc.ca/csbfp, or To get started, step back and create content,” Bergeron says. If you use one an online strategy for your website, of the free or low-cost website design call toll-free 1-866-959-1699. Bergeron suggests. It doesn't have to be services, it's easy and cheap to test fancy or incredibly detailed. The idea different layouts, photos and text to see - News Canada is to hammer out your website's goals, what gets the best reaction from web target audience and key messages. visitors, he adds. How is Your Balance? Over the past 30 years, Canadians have moved from being a nation of savers to a nation of investors. This chart shows what portion of savings Canadians keep in deposit instruments (such as bank accounts and GICs) and investment funds. In the late 1990s, there was a major shift, as people became more aware of the benefi ts of investment funds. When the economy is not performing well, people tend to place slightly more in deposit accounts, but investment funds have become an important and stable player in the fi nancial lives of Canadians. News Canada, Source: Investor Economics, 2012 COUGAR RIDGE TIMES OCTOBER 2013 21 Travel & Destinations "Like No Place Else On Earth"

Inspiration comes from various no place on earth." How could I not collapsed and created the hole—the sources. I recently read the book Wild: know about this? caldera—we see today half-fi lled with From Lost to Found on the Pacifi c water. Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed. While Crater Lake is 1,943 feet deep. That for most of us, a trek from Mexico's makes it the deepest lake in the United The water in the caldera is a border to Canada's border is far States, and the ninth deepest lake in spectacular blue colour. "The water beyond the realm of realism, I was the world. According to the site, for is so blue because there is hardly enthralled by the author's description approximately 400,000 years, volcanic anything else in it—just water. It's not of Crater Lake in Oregon. So eruptions here built up a 10,000- to pure water, but it's close." enthralled that I have added it to my 12,000-foot mountain now called Mt. list of places to see. Mazama. 7,700 years ago, the volcano Each year about half a million people erupted in a cataclysmic eruption. So visit Crater Lake National Park. In I checked out the web site for Crater much material was evacuated from 2014, I will be one of them. Lake National Park where the site's the internal magma chamber that photos and descriptions describe a afterwards, there was not enough left - Jean Andrews, place of "immeasurable beauty...like to support the remaining mountain. It www.nps.gov/crla/index.htm

Different Needs for Different Snowbirds

It's that time of year again, when their winters in the common U.S. sun medical insurance–up to $5 million Canadian snowbirds make their plans destinations—there is also as well as trip cancellation and to spend the winter in a younger segment of interruption insurance, if you require warmer locales. RSA, a snowbirds emerging. it. Canadian travel insurance • Ensure your policy has you covered provider, surveyed more They're Baby Boomer for the entire duration of your trip. than 2,400 Canadian age, 55 to 64, and they • Check to see what exclusions and travel consumers and have their own unique limitations your policy contains. Are discovered there are preferences, typically there conditions around your health different categories of favouring trips to status, the part of the world you're snowbirds with varying more exotic, overseas visiting or the activities you'll be travel habits and preferences. locations. They're also more likely to doing? It's a good idea to talk to your spend their time parasailing or trekking broker about your destination and the “As our population ages, the snowbird than lying on the beach. And, they kinds of activities you have planned sector has grown and diversifi ed,” says tend to travel more frequently, but take to make sure you have the right Erin Finn, director of underwriting for slightly shorter trips than traditional coverage. RSA's travel insurance division. “Our snowbirds. • Ensure you have access to 24-7, research has found there is noticeable worldwide telephone assistance, variation in travel habits between RSA offers some recommendations should you have to report a claim or different categories of snowbirds, in for snowbirds and others buying travel require travel assistance. terms of trip lengths, frequency and insurance: • If you travel more than once a year, destinations.” • Don't wait until the last minute. Talk consider an annual plan that covers to an experienced travel insurance you for multiple trips. In addition to traditional snowbirds— broker and get a policy that suits your those 65-and-ups who travel longer than travel needs. - News Canada, 30 days at a time and typically spend • Ensure you have adequate emergency www.rsatravelinsurance.com COUGAR RIDGE TIMES OCTOBER 2013 23 Fashion & Beauty Winter Fashion Finds Focus Again on It's never too early to start looking for • Opulent jewelled embellishments are Eyes and Lips the perfect dress or fashion accessory everywhere, from necklaces to shoe for the winter holiday season. And accents to handbags and dresses. for Winter it never hurts to add even one new, trendy item to your wardrobe to help • Try a glamorous plush fabric for A quick pick things up over the winter months. your party dress or for a romantic survey of a top. Failing plush, try a modern, variety of With the help of global trend sleek metallic fabric. websites forecasting service Global Sources, on makeup trends shows that eyes we've highlighted some of their • On a more practical winter note, and lips continue to be the focus of inspirational fashion trends for fall / you'll be pleased to know that the attention for the coming season. winter 2013-14: turtleneck is a must have. Try it in a chunky cable, or in a sleek luxurious Start with a sheer complexion, then • Add some passion to your wardrobe yarn. enhance your look. Mauve-based or with red—perhaps in a gorgeous aubergine lips with a little gloss work evening dress, or a deeper-coloured • An over-sized chunky scarf is not well. Or try a dark red and keep it red coat, or as a pop of colour in only great for those cold days, it is a velvety. your evening bag. perfect accent to any winter fashion fi nd. The eyes are always a key component • Dainty fashion accessories such as of any makeup approach. The smoky small evening bags are a must, but - Jean Andrews, don't be meek about your colour www.globalsources.com eye just doesn't go away when it choice and make sure there are some comes to enlarging your eyes. A big embellishments. smoky taupe can be used—with gloss or without.

Handbags Big and Small For the truly glamorous try adding some glitter to your eyelids. Start by A change of handbag can do a lot to outlining your eyes with a dark liner, bring your wardrobe up to date. then embellish the line with glitter.

The ever-practical "Doctor's Bag" is a For a classic impact, the cat eye is a perfect choice for your fall and winter defi nite choice. Or emphasize your wardrobe. You can go with a slate gray eyes with a graphic eyeliner, and keep or dark blue, or why not try a beautiful the skin and lips nude. ox-blood hue? Satchels, in a variety of shapes and sizes, are another great - Jean Andrews way to take your look to the offi ce. fall and winter fashion runways—a perennial favourite it seems. So don't A metallic bag—in gold, bronze, silver hesitate to pick a new bag with lots of "It's a funny thing or pewter—along with metallic shoes prominent hardware. is an ideal choice for this year's festive about life; if you evenings. Keep the bag small and Classic bags—perhaps a consignment refuse to accept dainty. The clutch is a perfect choice— store fi nd—are always an elegant way anything but the best, and according to some fashion gurus is to accessorize. Chanel, Vuitton or the bag of the season. Coach can't miss. you very often get it." W. Somerset Maugham The Biker look had it's place on the - Jean Andrews