www.suburbanjournals.ca/current-issues Serving Christie Park and Strathcona Park DECEMBER 2014

MONITOR HHappyappy HHolidays!olidays! Make HHolidayoliday MMemoriesemories Earn Your WWINGSINGS In Our Community MONITOR Signal Hill Library

SCA Community Association Winter is now in session! Serving Strathcona, Christie & Aspen Winter is here and there’s no better time to head 277 Strathcona Drive SW to your warm and welcoming community library! , , T3H 2A4 Check out our great selection of staff picks and Offi ce: 403.249.1138 new books by the cozy fireplace. Fax: 403.249.7811

www.SCACalgary.ca Information about January to April programs [email protected] for adults, children and teens will be available at the library and on the website beginning mid- Elected Officials December. Councillor: MLA: Richard Pootmans Ken Hughes 403-268-1646 403-216-5439 Note the following Registra on Start Dates for [email protected] [email protected] Winter 2015 programs: December 22: Adult programs Suburban Journals Publishing December 29: Children’s volunteer-based Editor & Article Submissions: programs (e.g. Reading Buddies, Story Pals) [email protected] December 30: Children’s general programs held in Submission deadlines for this monthly publication are the 10th of the month, prior to the distribution month. January January 6: Toddler, Preschool and Family Advertising Sales: Storytime series Pam January 7: Baby Bookworms and Papa Time series 403-880-1819 [email protected] January 8: Parent-Child Mother Goose series

The ad booking deadline is the 14th of the month prior to the distribution month. Remember that all program registrants, including This publication is published 12 times a year by Suburban Journals Publishing and babies and preschoolers, need library cards before delivered to residents by Post. This publication is also available for pickup from local retail outlets or view it online at www.suburbanjournals.ca/current-issues. registering for programs so come and get your cards before the program registration date. Please note: the information and opinions in this newsletter are subject to change, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the publisher or editor. Content contained in this publication may not be reproduced without the written consent All locations will be closed of Suburban Journals Publishing. The information herein is believed accurate but not warranted so. Any advertisements, home businesses, babysitters & nannies, at 4:00 p.m. on Dec 24 and 31. All locations will be or other parties listed in the Strathcona Monitor should not be interpreted as closed Dec 25, 26 and Jan 1. recommendations or endorsements by the editor or the publisher.

STRATHCONA MONITOR DECEMBER 2014 3 In Our Community Councillor’s Report - Richard Pootmans Happy Holidays I wish you all a happy and safe holiday season Eight tree drop-off locations will also be open from with family, friends and neighbours! Special thank December 26 to January 31. For more information, you to all the volunteers who have helped make please visit Calgary.ca/waste. our communities successful and enjoyable places to live, work and play. Remembrance Day Thank you to those who attended the Snow Route Changes 2014-2015 Remembrance Day Ceremony at on Ever year Roads evaluates the Snow Route parking November 11th. It is always an honour for us to ban program to identify areas of improvement and take part in this ceremony and to commemorate best-build practices. This 2014-2015 winter season, our veterans, past and present. We look forward Roads will be making changes to the Snow Routes to next year’s 100th anniversary of Camp Sarcee at to better balance the need for on-street parking Battalion Park where thousands of solders trained options and better align with ’s bus for World War I. routes to service you better. If your snow route is removed from the parking Earn Your Wings ban network, it will still receive snow and ice control, however it will no longer benefit from as a Snow Angel! curb-to-curb snow removal that is possible when a - City of Calgary parking ban is called. “Lucky and proud.” That’s New Snow Routes will be marked by blue and how a lot of people white snowflakes signs. Those of you along a Snow describe their feelings Route will be notified of the changes by mailed when they nominate letters. Calgary.ca has also been updated with a Snow Angel. Many details and maps. are seniors without the strength to clear their For more information, please visit our website walks. Others may be on Calgary.ca/Ward6 the mend from surgery or an illness and their physical ability is limited. Recycle Your Christmas Tree Sometimes it’s a neighbour who is just having Help reduce waste in our landfills by recycle trouble coping with added responsibilities in his/ your Christmas tree. City crews will pick up real her life. Christmas trees from homes that receive black cart garbage collection. To ensure you receive this When you pick up your shovel to clear your walk service, please place your tree on the ground near this winter, take a few extra minutes to help your black cart by 7:00 AM on Friday, January out a neighbour too. You’ll make it easier for 9, and your tree will be picked up within three everyone to travel your sidewalk and earn your weeks. Make sure your tree is not blocking the wings as a Snow Angel! street, lane or sidewalk and is at least one foot away from your carts. For more information, visit Calgary.ca/snowangels

STRATHCONA MONITOR DECEMBER 2014 5 In Our City Calgary Connec on

Women’s English and Social Group: Improve your spoken English and meet new women in your community with the New Friends and Neighbourhood Groups program. Drop in at one of our weekly groups throughout the city. No cost, on how your investment is making a substantial no immigration requirements and no minimum difference to Fish Creek Provincial Park. To join our English requirement. Free childcare for kids 6 Park Protectors or for more information visit www. months to 6 years old. Visit www.ciwa-online.com friendsoffishcreek.org/park-protector-signup for group locations and times or contact Rae-Lynn at 403-444-1752 or [email protected]. Fish Creek Speaker Series Geology: The Foundation for Alberta Parks, Presented by Make a Diff erence in the Life of a Family! Dr. Mark Fenton of the Alberta Geological Survey. Are you looking for a way to give back to your Thursday, January 22, 2015, 7:00 – 8:00pm. Fish community? Our Home-Start program is looking Creek Environmental Learning Centre, Shannon for volunteers! Our volunteers visit a family's home Terrace, Fish Creek Provincial Park. (13931 once per week, provides support, friendship and Woodpath Rd. SW - Access via 130 Ave. SW and 37 encouragement, Gets the family involved with the St. SW). Admission: Free to Friends members, $5 for local community and shares their own experiences non-members. For more information or to Register of parenting. For more information, visit www. visit www.friendsoffishcreek.org/event/geology boysandgirlsclubsofcalgary.ca or call 403-660-6809 (North) or 403-660-1136 (South).

952 Westjet Squadron Air Cadets: A Sampling of Concerts 952 Westjet Squadron is currently accepting new • Johnny Marr: December 4, Republik members! Come to our meetings Thursday nights • Spencer Burton: December 4, The Gateway at 6:30 p.m. at the Springbank Middle School (SAIT) Gym (244234 Range Road 33), directly south of • The Tea Party: December 5, Flames ). Remember to come with your birth Central certificate, Alberta Health Care Card and your • Pure 204 feat. Armin Van Buuren: December parent or guardian. For more information, visit 28, BMO Centre www.952aircadets.ca. • Trooper: December 31, Deerfoot Inn & Casino Volunteer Calgary: • Bryan Adams: January 16, Visit www.volunteercalgary.ab.ca for volunteer • 54-40: January 17, Deerfoot Inn & Casino opportunities in Calgary. • Buckcherry: January 24, Deerfoot Inn & Casino Park Protectors Needed! As a Park Protector, you will be part of an extraordinary group that is helping the Friends tackle our most complex challenges and long-term projects. In addition to receiving a valuable tax receipt and the newsletter Voice of the Friends, as a Park Protector, you will receive monthly updates

STRATHCONA MONITOR DECEMBER 2014 7 In Our City Events In and Around Calgary Tickets, admission or registration may be required for events. Event details are believed correct as of press time but may change at any time. Zoolights: 1 km Elf Walk. Run or walk as an individual, family November 21 – January 3, . Visitors are team or corporate team. There will be post event welcome to enjoy spectacular light shows and displays refreshments, awards and prizes. at Calgary Zoo. More than 1.5 million twinkling lights www.runningroom.com are involved in this interactive light show, complete with kids' play areas, festive choirs, Santa and hot Adults Only Night: chocolate! www.calgaryzoo.com Dec. 11, TELUS Spark. Experience the ultimate night out at the Science Centre. Open for extended hours, Once Upon a Christmas: from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m, just for adults. Nov. 22 – Dec. 21 (Sat. & Sun. only), Heritage Park. www.sparkscience.ca Experience the magic of an old fashioned Christmas during Once Upon A Christmas. Tour the Park on a New Year Eve Family Dance Party: festive horse drawn wagon ride, decorate gingerbread December 31, City Hall. Bring in the New Year with men, and sing classic Christmas carols. a free Family Dance Party at City Hall followed by a www.heritagepark.ca free Outdoor Winter Party at . Be ready for music, dancing, skating, kids’ countdown and a Charlo e's Web: spectacular midnight countdown. Nov. 27 – Dec. 31, Martha Cohen Theatre. Presented www.calgary.ca/nye by the Alberta Theatre Projects. Wilbur is “SOME PIG” - at least that’s what his friend Charlotte the Spider Zoo Year's Eve: thinks. www.epcorcentre.org December 31, Calgary Zoo. Zoo Year’s Eve at the Calgary Zoo is a family friendly way to roar in the Lougheed House Christmas: New Year. Little party animals, mom and dad will Nov. 28 – Dec. 21, Lougheed House. Learn the enjoy the Zoolights displays, fireworks show, Kids history of Lougheed House, marvel at the unique Zone and some wild entertainment. Fire pits and hot and breathtaking Christmas designs, and rejoice in chocolate are available to keep everyone warm and numerous Christmas activities. toasty. 5,4,3,2,1 happy Zoo Year’s Eve! www.lougheedhouse.com www.calgaryzoo.com

A Christmas Carol: TELUS Spark Noon Year's Eve: Nov. 27 – Dec. 24. Celebrate the holidays with Scrooge Dec. 31, TELUS Spark. Join us for a special Noon Years and the Spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Future. Eve Celebration to ring in the New Year early with www.theatrecalgary.com your little ones. Perfect for Calgarians with early bedtimes, enjoy a day jam-packed with family fun, Santa Shuffl e Calgary: live science demonstration and experiences including December 5, Eau Claire Market. The Santa Shuffle a special Noon Years Eve countdown! Starts at 10:00 will take place in Eau Claire market at 10am. a.m. www.sparkscience.ca Participants can choose to do the 5 km Fun Run or the

STRATHCONA MONITOR DECEMBER 2014 9 Your Pets Why Pet Adop on is the Best Op on Save a life: News Canada, www.petsmartcharities.org Most people (66 per cent) underestimate the number of pets euthanized annually in Canada. From walks in the park to cuddles on the couch, That number is estimated to be 70,000. By choosing pet owners know better than anyone the joys that adoption we can work together to decrease this a furry friend can bring to someone's life. And yet, number. while most of us are compassionate to man's best friend, new data from the 2014 Shelter Pet Report Find a loving friend: (by PetSmart Charities of Canada) illustrates that Those who adopt from a shelter can feel confident many don't understand the magnitude of the pet in the temperament of the pet. Veterinarians and homelessness problem. For example, while 73 per behaviour experts evaluate pets in their care for cent of people say that pet homelessness is at least health and temperament issues. somewhat important to them, an equal number of people admit that they don't do anything to help Find the pet of your dreams: solve the issue. Adopters can find almost any age of pet and breed at a shelter or breed-specific rescue group. Other data shows that if communities work Puppies are frequently available at shelters and together now, we can end pet homelessness in a one in every four dogs at a shelter is a purebred. generation. Here are the top three reasons to adopt Pets from shelters are also likely to be spayed or your next pet: neutered as well as vaccinated. Oh Christmas Tree Sudoku Corner News Canada The objective is to fill a 9x9 grid so that each column, each row, and each of the nine 3x3 boxes According to legend, the Christmas tree was first contains the digits 1 – 9 only one time each. introduced to Canada long before Confederation, in 1781. This first tree, decorated with white candles, 749 was a balsam fir cut from the dense forest in the region that is now the city of Sorel-Tracy, Quebec. 9583

Even though we're no longer using lit candles 62 91 as tree ornaments, the risk of fire remains real. 48 2 Preventing them is as simple as ensuring the tree is regularly watered. 59

“Keep the tree watered,” says Wayne Ross, an 354 insurance expert at Aviva Canada. “It's our mantra at this time of 74 9 5 year. Not only does it create a 2354 fragrant indoor winter wonderland atmosphere, but a wet tree is a safer 48 6 tree.” Answer on Page 15

STRATHCONA MONITOR DECEMBER 2014 11 Your Family Fun Ways to Make Holiday Memories 5 Together in the Kitchen News Canada, www.hersheyskitchen.ca

n most houses, fresh-from-the-oven Having fun ingredients in your pantry will Icookies don't last long – especially help avoid a baking rut. around the holidays. What does last however, are the memories shared Change it up: with loved ones baking in a warm When it comes to holiday baking kitchen and the satisfaction of we often think of the classics, like enjoying a delicious treat (or decorated sugar and gingerbread two!) made from scratch. cookies, but know that you can branch out and try something Anna Olson, celebrity chef and modern like cake pops, or host of Food Network Canada's whoopie pies with a holiday twist. Bake with Anna Olson, knows just how great spending time in the kitchen Or keep it simple: can be at this time of year. Never underestimate the power of a chocolate chip cookie. Wonderful memories “Holiday baking always stirs up memories for me can be made even over the simplest recipe. of spending time with my loved ones,” says Olson. “Laughing over spilt ingredients, sneaking a bit of chocolate here and there, watching cookies rise and smelling the sweet aroma of sugar, butter and Host a Wrapping Party vanilla.” News Canada, www.stampinup.ca

To make your own memories this season, why not here are few holiday traditions as time try a few of Anna's favourite baking tips for the most Thonoured as wrapping and preparing gifts festive time of the year: for loved ones. More and more creative do-it- yourselfers are taking this special tradition a Start with the basics: step further by adding a personalized touch Olson suggests stocking your kitchen with essential to their gifts with handmade wrappings ingredients. Keeping the basics like flour, sugar, eggs, and cards. In fact, creative types are even butter, nuts, dried fruit and chocolate chips on hand organizing “wrapping parties” to take means you are ready to start baking at any time. advantage of this special time to connect with friends and family. Make it fun: Play your favourite music or holiday tunes to really get you in a festive spirit. Singing and dancing around the kitchen can be just as fun as the baking process.

Get inspired: Instead of adding just regular chocolate chips, for example, brighten up the cookies with different flavours, like the variety offered by Hershey's Chipits.

STRATHCONA MONITOR DECEMBER 2014 13 Your Money How to Stretch Your Entertaining Dollars This Season News Canada, www. cocktaildeeva.com

f you would like to play hostess during the Select a rich dessert to feed several people Iholidays, you're probably wondering how A creamy dessert will go a long way. For it will affect your wallet. But, fear not. example, an 8-inch cheesecake can feed Entertainment expert and mother of up to 13 people. four, Dee Brun, says she knows how tight budgets can be at this time of Use your beverage containers as year and offers the following tips decora on on how to save on your next soiree: When stocking your bar, think about using drinks as part of the Serve spirits instead of wine decor. Replicate festive colours Did you know the average 26 ounce of silver, red and green by serving bottle of spirits serves approximately small green bottles of sparkling 17 drinks versus an average of six drinks water alongside cans of Diet Coke to from a bottle of vino? Stock up on the basics attract attention. Not only are these no calorie of rum, vodka, and gin and the entertaining drink options perfect for your guests and their possibilities are endless. waistlines, but they also allow you to save on decorating costs. Rethink appe zers Instead of serving pre-packaged appetizers which add up quickly, baked vegetable snacks are a great Donate Wisely This way to reduce costs, without reducing taste. You can slice vegetables into bite-size pieces, roast Holiday Season them in the oven and serve with salsa. This is a News Canada healthy alternative that won't break your bank or expand your waistline. nsure the organization is a Canadian Eregistered charity or other qualified donee. Only Canadian registered charities and other qualified donees can issue official tax receipts. Sudoku Corner You can find a list of Solu on registered organizations on the Canada Revenue Agency's (CRA) website at www.cra.gc.ca/ charitylists.

Donating to your favourite charity should be a feel-good experience, not one that puts a knot in your stomach.

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