OUR COMMUNITY’S VOICE JANUARY 2017

Eric Harvie School Opens Classes Begin January 3

Local Boys to Play Baseball in Cuba

Tuscany’s Candy Cane Lane In Our Community TCA President’s Message www.TuscanyCA.org would like to wish everyone all the best over the Tuscany Community Association holidays and into the New Year. I look forward to the P.O. Box 27054 Tuscany RPO I Calgary, Alberta T3L 2Y1 various projects and activities that the Tuscany Community Association (TCA) has planned for the year ahead. We are President: Kelli Taylor...... [email protected] very excited that the Eric Harvie School will open its doors Vice President: John Stone to students living north of Tuscany Boulevard on January 3. Treasurer: Cathy Ford Executive Administrator: Most of the children in our community, from Kindergarten Jamie [email protected] to Grade nine, will be able to walk to school.

Elected Officials The Calgary Police will be focusing on playground zones, Councillor: MLA: especially near the schools, over the next few months. They Sandra Jansen Ward Sutherland issued many warning tickets when the new signs were 403-268-2430 403-297-7104 [email protected] [email protected] erected in the playground zones along Tuscany Way; by now MP: drivers should be aware of the change in speed limit. Pat Kelly, Calgary Rocky Ridge 403-282-7980 In November, I attended a meeting to learn more about [email protected] plans to widen 12 Mile Coulee Road. Safety for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists will improve a great deal once the Tuscany Sun Newsletter work is complete. The project is scheduled to begin in the Editor & Article Submissions: Elizabeth Olivier...... [email protected] spring; completion is weather-dependent but the goal is to Associate Editor: Liesel Coetzee finish the work by year-end. In addition, a paved pathway Submission deadlines for this monthly publication are the 5th of the month, prior to the will be added through Alta Link’s utility corridor. Once we distribution month. receive information from Rocky View County, a link will be Advertising Sales: available on the TCA’s website. Phil 403-660-7324 [email protected] If you have a little extra time on your hands and are in good The ad booking deadline is the 14th of the month prior to the distribution month. physical condition, please consider being a Snow Angel; take This publication is published 12 times a year by Suburban Journals Publishing and delivered to residents by Canada Post. This publication is also available for pickup from the Tuscany Club. a few extra minutes to shovel a neighbour’s sidewalk. 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 Tuscany Community Coalition has been awarded $5,000 the written consent of Suburban Journals Publishing. The information herein is believed accurate but not warranted so. Any advertisements, home businesses, in funding to support the initiatives we have been working babysitters & nannies, or other parties listed in the Tuscany Sun should not be on. The funds will pay for sandwich boards to help publicize interpreted as recommendations or endorsements by the editor or the publisher. the education sessions we offer, a new logo to be designed locally, “What’s the Deal?” playing cards, and “Dinner & Dialogue”, which will encourage family conversations.

If you are willing to offer some of your time to make our community even better, there are opportunities available. The TCA’s committees welcome an injection of new energy, and some do not demand much time. If you are interested and would like to explore the possibilities, please contact me at [email protected].

Kelli Taylor, President

THE TUSCANY SUN: OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE TUSCANY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION JANUARY 2017 3 In Our Community

Tuscany’s Candy Cane Lane

During the Christmas season, the residents of Tuscany Vista Crescent, known as Candy Cane Lane, come together to decorate their houses with Christmas decorations and lights; they even have a brightly lit candy cane at every house.

The candy canes are the creative work of resident Marty Keough. Marty loves decorating for Christmas; he says, “Each year I can’t wait for Christmas to arrive. Once the Halloween decorations come down, I get excited to put up the lights.” Marty made the candy canes out of rebar and wrapped each one with white rope lights before giving one to each of his neighbours.

The brights lights flickering in time with the beat of Christmas music and festive candy canes of Tuscany Vista Crescent filled Tuscany residents with the holiday spirit again this year.

Jon Neufeld

THE TUSCANY SUN: OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE TUSCANY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION JANUARY 2017 5 Our Schools Tuscany Youth Council Tuscany School Kick Off

Happy New Year from the Tuscany School Council. We hope Please join us as we kick off 2017 with a Pizza and everyone enjoyed the holiday season. Games night for our Tuscany Youth. Bring a friend if you like. Classes resume on Tuesday, January 3 at 8 a.m. With a few more weeks of dark mornings ahead, please remember to When: Friday, January 13, 2017 drive with caution throughout our community. Thank you for Where: Tuscany Club keeping the children safe as they walk to and from school. Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Help the Tuscany School Council grow by donating We will be welcoming new members in Grades six to your time and talents. We have a variety of volunteer 12. Please email us if you would like to attend: opportunities for all members of our community including: [email protected]. • Special Events: Various roles with respect to the planning, preparation and execution of social events organized by council throughout the school year. • Learning Commons: Assist with the shelving of books - 60 to 90 minutes in the morning or the afternoon. • Kiss ‘n Drop: Keep traffic moving efficiently at the school by assisting children out of vehicles as they arrive for school. 7:40 a.m. to 8:05 a.m. daily. • School Spirit: Support our teacher appreciation committee and/or monthly fun lunch; includes distribution of lunches and playground supervision of children. St. Sylvester

Whether you have 30 minutes or more to spare per month, Bonne Année et Bonne Santé - Happy 2017 from the staff the Tuscany School Council can find an option that will and students of St. Sylvester School. We hope everyone suit your schedule. Police security clearance is required enjoyed a peaceful and rejuvenating Christmas break. when volunteering during school hours. The online application is quick and simple, and there is no fee. The Grade five and six students will participate in ski and volunteer coordinator is available to assist you. If you are snowboard safety lessons on January 12. They will then interested in becoming involved, please contact Juli, the head to Canada Olympic Park (COP) for a full day of ski volunteer coordinator for the Tuscany School Council at lessons on January 27 and January 31. [email protected]. Your help is greatly appreciated. With a successful Fall Frolic behind us, St. Sylvester School is looking forward to the next event for our Kindergarten registration for the 2017-2018 school year families; the annual Snow Ball on January 26. There will begins on Monday, January 9. The Tuscany School will be be a DJ, glow items and treats for sale, a photo booth, and holding a Kindergarten Open House on Thursday, January a black light so wear something that is sure to stand out. 12 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. This is a parent session that will provide a great deal of information about the Kindergarten Important Dates: curriculum and Tuscany School. Further information January 9: Regular Classes resume regarding Kindergarten can be found on the CBE website: January 13: Fun Lunch www.cbe.ab.ca/programs/kindergarten. Registration January 26: Fun Lunch is an ongoing process; however, please register your child January 27: Professional Development (PD) Day: No School prior to spring break, if possible, to help the school with their planning for next year. Registration for Kindergarten and Grade one is ongoing Please join the Tuscany School Council on Thursday, January with the Calgary Catholic School District. All parents 12 at 7 p.m. for the monthly school council meeting. who are interested in French immersion are encouraged to register their children at our wonderful school. All For further information and updates, visit us at: www. families are encouraged to enquire, contact us at facebook.com/tuscanyschoolcouncil and/or www. 403-500-2063. tuscanyparents.blogspot.com.

THE TUSCANY SUN: OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE TUSCANY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION JANUARY 2017 7 Our Schools In Our Community Eric Harvie School Practicing Traffic Safety: A

The Eric Harvie School Council hopes that everyone had a New Year’s Resolution wonderful, relaxing, and safe holiday season. The School Council is very excited to be returning from the Christmas At a time when many people are making New Year’s vacation and starting the year at the new Eric Harvie School. resolutions and looking for ways in which to bring a more productive and positive outlook to the New Year, Classes start at the new Eric Harvie School on January 3. please look no further than yourself. At this time of Please be cautious and aware of students in the school zone year, review your own actions to ensure that you are around Eric Harvie School before, during, and after school. setting a good example for your children and those in our community. Traffic Safety remains a concern within Our next school council meeting will take place on Thursday, our community. In an effort to ensure a safe community, January 19 at 7 p.m. at Eric Harvie School in the Gathering residents need to be accountable for their actions. Space. Children learn more from what they see than what we Eric Harvie School Council will ever tell them. How can we expect our children to grow up into responsible pedestrians and motorists when we as adults are making our own traffic infractions? Playground Update In order to ensure we are teaching by example, conduct a The Eric Harvie School applied for the CFEP matching mini check of your own actions. grant on December 15, 2016 and are waiting to hear • Ensure that you are using the crosswalk and not whether the application has been accepted. Thank you to J-walking with your children. the community for their support. The Eric Harvie School • Do not drive with your phone within reach or text now turns to raising the remaining funds to make the while driving, even while stopped at a traffic light. playground a reality. • Do not use excessive speed through playground zones and in the streets. The next bottle drive will take place on January 7; please • Do not park in front of the school where there is no save your holiday bottles. Feel free to drop off your parking within 5 m of the crosswalk. bottles in front of EHS between 9 a.m. and noon, email us at [email protected] to arrange for a bottle If these are some of the actions our children witness, collection, or drop them off at the Spy Hill Bottle Depot there is little motivation for them to follow the rules. marked for Eric Harvie School. We look forward to another successful year of traffic and The Eric Harvie School extends a heartfelt thank you safety information. to Charlesglen Toyota for their $5,000 donation; ARC Resources for their donation of $1,000, and Lindsay Tuscany Traffic & Safety Committee Auld Professional Corp and Sierras of Tuscany for their donations of $500 each.

Thank you to Angela Hockley, Rachelle Nuytten, Mair Hockley, Lindsay Mclean, Lloyd Raugust, Les Groeller, Trevor Sterner, Lilia Kravets, and the Reddeman Family for their generous donations.

Please contact us at [email protected] if you have any questions, ideas, or offers of support. Follow our blog at ehschoolcouncil.blogspot.com, or like us on Facebook (Eric Harvie School Council).

Santana Cunnington EHSES Director

Photo by Jon Neufeld

THE TUSCANY SUN: OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE TUSCANY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION JANUARY 2017 9 In Our Community 12 Mile Coulee Girl Guides Update 243 Tuscany Scouts

The Twelve Mile Coulee Girl Guides are enthusiastically The 243 Tuscany Scouts wish looking forward to the second half of the Guiding year. everyone a Happy New Year. The Please look out for our Sandwich Cookie Drive in March. Scouts are grateful for the support More information will follow closer to the event. they received throughout 2016. Special thanks to the Tuscany Here are photographs Residents Association and the staff of the Tuscany of our 34th Guides Club; thank you to all the residents of Tuscany who and 77th Pathfinder’s supported the Scouts through popcorn purchases participating in and bottle drives; and thank you to all the Remembrance Day volunteers who help run the excellent program. Ceremonies last November. The Tuscany Scouts look forward to many new Each unit is dedicated adventures in 2017. The Beaver section is looking to assisting the girls in forward to some camping in the spring. The Cubs their personal growth are also looking forward to a spring camp, and through a number of hope they can get into some canoes this year. The adventures and badge Cubs will also celebrate the 100th anniversary of development projects. Cubs. The Scouts have an adventure coming up, they will attend the Canadian Jamboree 2017 in The Twelve Mile Coulee Girl Guides are always looking Nova Scotia. for volunteers to become leaders at the unit level, as well as alternate positions at district level. Volunteers are The Chinook Council will be offering summer not required to have a child involved in the program. camps at Camp Impeesa. The camp is open to In addition to unit leaders, positions such as Guide all youth, not only those currently participating treasurer and more are available. in scouting. For more information please visit: campimpeesa.ca. Registration is open. Please contact the District Commissioner, Michelle Head at [email protected] or 403-463-8189.

Local Boys to Play Baseball in Cuba

What Canadian baseball enthusiast doesn’t dream The team is raising $10,000 to fund of playing in a Caribbean climate during the winter some of the costs related to uniforms, months? For 11 local 12U baseball players, that is practice venues, team shuttles in Cuba, about to become a reality. The boys, seven of whom are and supplies. Please look out for team Tuscany residents, have been invited to participate in the members in the coming weeks; they will 2017 Canada Cuba Baseball Goodwill Tour. be collecting bottles. They are also accepting donations of gently used baseball equipment and new This is a once in a lifetime experience for the boys and school supplies. If you would like to contribute to these their families. Not only will they play baseball against initiatives, please contact Dana at [email protected]. Your talented Cuban little league teams, they will also be support of these local athletes is greatly appreciated. supplying the Cuban teams with much needed baseball Dana Ceklic equipment. During the tour, the team and their families will visit a local school to distribute essential school supplies such as backpacks, pens, erasers, and glue sticks (600 lbs of supplies and equipment). The boys are excited to make a difference in the lives of many less fortunate youth, while playing the sport they all love.

THE TUSCANY SUN: OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE TUSCANY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION JANUARY 2017 11 In Our Community

Banded Peak can be recognized from the air as part of the View from Tuscany: Banded Peak commercial airline flight path to and from Vancouver. Look

below and see the peak’s band below the summit.

Fitness enthusiasts know the mountain for its Banded Peak Challenge, an annual race held in mid-July in support of Easter Seals.

John Campbell, the ninth Duke of Argyll, the Marquis of Last month we focused on Devil’s Head, the most Lorne (the husband of Queen Victoria’s daughter Louise, recognizable mountain in Calgary’s western skyline. This for whom Lake Louise is named) sketched this group of month we feature Banded Peak (9,625 ft; 2,934 m), located in mountains when he was Governor General of Canada from the middle of the ribbon of mountains. It is the headwaters 1878 to 1883. The Marquis painted his way across Canada of the Elbow River, where our drinking water comes from. and, recorded his journey in Canadian Pictures – Drawn with Pen and Pencil. A free electronic copy of this book is available Banded Peak is the most easily identifiable peak of a small on the Toronto Public Library website four-mountain range called the Glasgow Range that can be www.torontopubliclibrary.ca. seen from the dog-walking park on the east side of Twelve Mile Coulee; look west and a bit south. The Glasgow Range To hike in and around Banded Peak, head west on Highway is sometimes covered in snow when other further ranges 1 and then south on Highway 22 to Bragg Creek. Follow seem clear. Banded Peak is the furthest south in this range; Highway 66 into the Elbow Valley. Many people have the other mountains (south to north) are Outlaw, Mount experienced the Elbow Valley Loop, a 43 km trail that winds Cornwall, and Mount Glasgow. Banded Peak can be seen around the Glasgow Range. The 2013 floods have made from all parts of Tuscany. A drive on Highway 22, heading to the trek more challenging, and some of the backcountry Bragg Creek, also offers a great view of this mountain. campsites are still closed. The name Banded Peak has been in use since 1896 and is Gillean Daffern’s Kananaskis Country Trail Guide, Volume 2 the official name of the mountain. True to its name, Banded has some useful maps and a list of hiking and biking trails Peak boasts a dark band near the pyramid-shaped peak, on and around Banded Peak and the Glasgow Range. Many setting the mountain apart from others in the area, especially Calgarians hike around this entire range over a weekend. in the winter. The band makes up 30 metres of sheer rock that is too steep to sustain any snow. The distinct look of this A View from Tuscany is a series of articles that highlight mountain is caused by its erosion pattern; when a hard layer the majestic mountain peaks that can be seen from our of limestone rock erodes it leaves a steep cliff, softer rocks homes, walking paths and parks throughout our beautiful like shale leave a gentler slope. For more information, visit community of Tuscany. www.peakfinder.com. Laureen Harper Letter to the Editor A Respectful Start to 2017 Dear Tuscany Sun,

I have two concerns. Secondly, I have made it my responsibility to take a garbage bag with me on my walks. It gets filled 10 Firstly, I walk my two dogs on a regular basis. I am minutes into my walk. There appears to be an excessive very mindful of people and other dogs. I make it my amount of litter on the St. Basil school grounds and responsibility to pull my dogs aside so people can pass. pathways leading up to them. Reminder to the public At least once a week, I get a jogger/walker coming up and school: it doesn’t take much effort to pick up after behind me unannounced. This can result in startling ourselves. It makes our community a much nicer place to dogs, getting tangled in leashes, etc. Coming up behind live. dogs is a no-brainer. This could create charging, biting, etc. Reminder to residents: Please be respectful of others Thank you for listening. on sidewalks and pathways. Tuscany Resident

THE TUSCANY SUN: OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE TUSCANY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION JANUARY 2017 13 Meet Your Tuscany Community Association Volunteers

Kelli Taylor J. John Stone Cathy Ford Jon Neufeld President Vice President Treasurer Secretary

Brad Austin Ric Lockhart Jamie Neufeld Adult Sports Director Membership Director Executive Administrator

Michelle Piper Berman Nkechi Odina-Seale Tim Heger Director Director Director

For more information about the TCA, or to explore the volunteer opportunities available, please visit www.TuscanyCA.org or email [email protected]

THE TUSCANY SUN: OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE TUSCANY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION JANUARY 2017 15 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 constructive development of Tuscany and its community. The TCA has Support Tuscany! a broad mandate to represent the Buy Your Community Membership Today! community to external stakeholders, such as the City, and to provide community sports programs. We also have an emphasis to preserve and protect the natural environments in ...do you have your Tuscany. MembershipCommunity Association membership yet? This year, the TCA is focusing its efforts on three broad goals: Benefits of Membership community cohesiveness, traffic safety, and the development of youth •Ahealthier andmore enjoyable •Effective representation and programs in Tuscany. If you would community through the provision advocacy to external third parties like to participate in the development and implementation of these goals, of communitysports and about issuesof concern to the the TCA is always looking for recreation activities like soccer– community, including public committed volunteers. your membership contributesto health and safety, development the costsofoperation and the natural environment For more information, contact •Maintenance and preservation of [email protected] or go to • Insurance coveragetoparticipate the natural environment, our website at www.tuscanyca.org. in CommunityAssociation including Tw elve Mile Coulee organized sports,suchassoccer •Asafer community through our advocacy on traffic and other •Up-to-date information about safety issues issues affecting youand the • Pride andasenseof community community through the Tuscany through participation in Sunand ourwebsite community activities

YES! I would like to become a member of the Tu scany Community Association Go to www.TuscanyCA.org to register online for your membership today!

THE TUSCANY SUN: OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE TUSCANY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION JANUARY 2017 17 In Our City

Councillor Report would not be possible. Umpires and volunteers for several positions are needed; volunteers with a variety of skills are Happy New Year, and welcome to 2017. I have good news welcome. to share with you from The City of Calgary. As vice chair of the Finance Committee, I am pleased to announce It may seem a little early to be thinking about baseball in that there will be no property tax increases for 2017. On January, especially in Calgary, but the volunteers at Bow November 21, 2016, City Council unanimously passed Ridge Little League are already planning the new season. budget adjustments for the New Year, resulting in a 0% This ensures sufficient indoor resources are available for property tax increase. This freeze is made possible by pre-season clinics and training sessions for players, coaches, a one-time $18-million rebate via The City’s “rainy day” and umpires. These activities are followed by evaluation fund. sessions with the goal of building balanced teams. Registration must be completed by the end of February. The City has done much cost cutting and found numerous Player clinics will begin in early March, and much of March new efficiencies; however, these cuts can only go so is dedicated to indoor activities. Players and coaches would deep. Saying “no” to spending is the easiest thing to do, be assigned teams by mid-April to accommodate team yet at times it can be the worst decision. For example, practices as soon as weather permits. The regular season you may cut spending and realize a savings in the short begins in May and runs until the end of June and into July term, and end up having to spend double to catch up for ages five to eight years. Try-outs for the All-Star Teams later. There are times where we have made decisions run to the end of June for ages nine to 14 years. in Council to spend money in order to save quadruple and sometimes more over a long period of time. I would Bow Ridge is a well-established Little League Baseball like to thank City Manager, Jeff Fielding and his team for program catering to all interested players, from first-time to finding millions in savings in City spending - the City has advanced. managed to find $183.3 million in savings overall. Registration information for the 2017 season: I have no doubt 2017 is going to be a challenging year for Online Registration: January 15 to February 28 us all. However, we are Calgarians, and being natural entrepreneurs is just part of who we are. We will adjust, Please visit our website for details: and we will prosper. www.bowridgebaseball.com or contact [email protected]. All the best for 2017; thank you for the opportunity to serve and advocate for you.

To follow future updates on municipal news, sign up for West Valley Softball my e-newsletter at www.WardSutherland.com. West Valley Softball registration for the 2017 season Ward Sutherland, Councillor, Ward 1 begins on January 5. West Valley is the designated softball program for children in your community wishing to play softball. The softball season runs from late April Bow Ridge Baseball to mid-July. Calling All Little League Baseball Players West Valley offers a Learn-To-Play program for children born between 2012 and 2009, and a softball program for Registration for the Bow Ridge Little League 2017 baseball those born 2008 and 1998. season opens on January 15. Whether you are new to the game or experienced, there is a team for you. Girls For more information visit the West Valley website www. and boys, five to 18 years of age, are invited to join us for westvalleysoftball.com, email me at [email protected] another active and fun season playing this great game and or call 403-288-2616. West Valley happily learning new skills. All that participants require is a glove accepts JumpStart and and basic protective gear. KidSport funding.

There are also many positions for adults to volunteer for within the league; without our volunteers this exciting sport

THE TUSCANY SUN: OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE TUSCANY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION JANUARY 2017 19 In Our City

such as trees and Helping Your Children rocks, or with other people on the hill. with Social and Unprotected falls can result in injury Emotional Skills if you lose control at high speeds. Parents strive to help their children learn basic life skills Everyone is at in the early years of their lives. These skills include risk – especially learning to walk, to dress themselves, to use the toilet, children. Have a and many more things. Teaching a child social and fun and safe trip on emotional skills are as important. These skills include the toboggan hill recognizing and understanding their thoughts and by following these feelings, making healthy decisions, learning right from simple reminders. wrong, being a friend and making friends (conflict resolution and cooperation), self regulation (calming Equipment themselves down in an appropriate manner), being • Always ensure your toboggan or sledding device is empathetic to others. in good repair. Inspect it for any damage, or missing parts before each use. Here are some tips on how to foster social emotional • Be certain the operator is fully capable of staying in development in a baby: control of the sled at all times. 1. Respond to the baby when they cry. They need to • Children should wear a properly fitted helmet know that they can depend on you in times of need. designed for other high impact sports such as hockey, 2. Hold and hug your child. cycling, or climbing. 3. Learn their cues for tiredness, hunger, happiness, sadness, etc. Hazards 4. Be gentle and comforting in times of need. Rock the • Avoid hills that are too steep, or too icy – you can lose baby, sing a soft song, cuddle, or walk with them. control very quickly. • Choose hills free of all obstacles such as trees, rocks, The Calgary NW ECD Coalitions consists of three utility poles, or fences. coalitions that have joined forces with parents, • Beware of loose clothing (i.e. scarves), or clothing community members, organizations, and professionals. containing drawstrings which can present a choking They are working together to better the lives of young hazard if they become caught or snagged. children and their families. The coalitions work to support five important developmental areas for children: Plan ahead social competence, emotional maturity, language and • Dress warmly in layers and anticipate weather thinking skills, physical health and well-being, and changes. communication skills and general knowledge. • Consider bringing extra sets of gloves and toques to exchange wet garments for dry ones. The Calgary NW ECD Coalitions are always looking • Take breaks to warm up out of the cold. for interested parties to join the coalitions. If you are • Attempt to cover exposed skin from the elements. passionate about children and their future, and would • Even when properly protected from the elements, like more information about the Calgary NW ECD finger tips, toes, ears, the tip of the nose, and other Coalitions, or if you have any questions, please email us high points on the face such as the forehead and at: [email protected]. cheeks may be affected by the cold. • If a cold-related emergency has occurred, treat it by first removing the individual from of the Sledding Safety environment. • Gently warm the affected skin by placing a warm lberta Health Services EMS would like to remind hand over it or by placing the affected part in warm Aparents and children of some basic sledding safety water (41°C max.) until re-warmed. tips as the winter season continues. Sledding injuries Alberta Health Services can result from collisions with stationary objects,

THE TUSCANY SUN: OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE TUSCANY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION JANUARY 2017 21 January Events & Notices

Winter Programs Beginning Week of January 9, 2017 The Tuscany Club is operated by the Program Guide is available online. Registration is open Tuscany Residents Association (TRA) as a private recreation facility for the exclusive and ongoing. use of its members. For more information about the TRA, visit the FAQ section at www.tuscany-connect.com. Children’s programs include: skating lessons, indoor field hockey, music and theatre, dance, karate, Taekwondo, art Address classes, sportball, one and two hour un-parented stay- Tuscany Residents Association and-play classes for three to five year olds. 212 Tuscany Way NW, Calgary, AB T3L 2J6 Contact Adult programs include: Yoga, Zumba, fitness, art, and English language learning. 403-241-6402 or [email protected] Regular Hours of Operation Park and Facility Hours: Tuscany Cup Classic Adult 3-on-3 Hockey Mon. to Sun. 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. (all activities end at 9:45 p.m.) Tournament Office Hours: Saturday January 21 and Sunday January 22 Mon. to Sat. 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (closed 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.) • Registration packages available online at www.tuscany-connect.com and at the Tuscany Club Access to the Tuscany Club after January 9. If you are new to Tuscany or have moved within the • Two residents plus friend per team. community, please read this! • Entry fee: $30 per team (maximum of 12 teams). • All new residents must visit the Tuscany Club office to register their home and be eligible for TRA benefits, such as accessing the park and taking part in programs and events. Youth Leadership Program Interested in making new friends, learning new skills, • If you move within Tuscany, you must also visit the collecting volunteer hours for school, or just looking for office to update your account to remain current. a fun place to hang out? Join the Tuscany Club Youth • Tenants must complete a transfer of privileges form Leadership Program. We will begin meeting January 11. from the homeowner to gain Tuscany Club privileges. Email [email protected] for more • Add your children to your account so they can enjoy information. our great programs. • Update your email address to stay informed about Tuscany Club happenings. Volunteer Opportunities Available at the Club Tuscany Club Features There are many opportunities to volunteer at the Tuscany Check out the current program guide online at Club. From helping with special events, flooding the ice www.tuscany-connect.com or pick up a copy at the rink to program support, there are many ways to be a Tuscany Club. We offer family special events, plus sports, part of our amazing facility. Email assistantmanager. fitness, and recreation programs for all ages. [email protected] for more information. Rent Rooms at the Tuscany Club The Tuscany Club offers spaces available for receptions, banquets, birthday parties, seasonal events, club and business Calgary Public Library Book Truck The Calgary Public Library Book truck will be at the meetings, and more. Contact us for information on spaces to Tuscany Club every second Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 1 fit your needs, prices, and available dates, or come in for a p.m. beginning September 6, 2016. Children and adult tour. This service is available exclusively to TRA members. books and videos can be signed out and returned at this The gym can be rented at designated times on Saturday mobile CPL location. and Sunday afternoons. Tables and chairs are included with rental; rental also includes access to kitchen facilities.

For more information, email customerservice.tuscany@ Winter Gym Schedule Available Online Visit www.tuscany-connect.com to view. shaw.ca or call 403-241-6402.

THE TUSCANY SUN: OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE TUSCANY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION JANUARY 2017 23 In Our City

Top 10 Ways to Add 7. Set up a book More Comfort to Your stack. Winter is a great Home in Winter time for 10. Fill your home with soft, relaxing music and sounds. reading. Try something that is new to you. If you have never The ugly given Classical music a chance, January is a great outside season for Mozart. Perhaps you enjoy the relaxing can spa sounds, or even the sounds of nature, like a rain encourage forest or the soothing sounds of a lake. great reading time, inside. Setting up a stack of books can really bring a sense of calm, and books are a 9. Add a throw to an armchair, your couch, and the naturally calming part of home décor. ends of your beds. Be generous with accessible warmth. There is something so inviting about a 6. Set aside time each week to connect with your chair, welcoming you to wrap yourself in comfort. family. Enjoy a game or a movie; but do not forget to actually talk. Find out what the family needs are, 8. Soft light is perfect for this time of year. When you celebrate the family’s achievements. Connecting come in from the cold, after a hectic day at the office, creates warmth in the home and a sense of safety the tone of your home can set you into a sense of and belonging. peacefulness with low lights. Add dimmer switches to your home, fill a jar with tiny lights and bring it 5. Seek out some a variety of new casseroles and along from room-to-room. Try eating one meal a comfort foods to try this winter. Cooking is comport, week by candlelight. as is the finale; gathering around the table to something cheesy, wholesome, and warm.

Sudoku Corner 4. Keep work clothes for work, and cozy clothes for that moment you get home. Shed the day of its formality The objective is to fill a 9x9 grid so that each column, and pressures, and crawl into shirts and pants that each row, and each of the nine 3x3 boxes contains the stretch and the softest socks you can find. digits 1 – 9 only one time each.

3. Keep a journal. Record the day, and include thing 5 4 that made you the happiest, things you are grateful for, and lists of things that bring you joy. Dwelling 3 9 4 7 on the things that you love, is a calming, comforting activity. Journal writing has soothing qualities. 4 8 1 9 2 2. Plan a night to appreciate your friends. Invite friends 2 5 3 over for wine and cheese. Create comfort in your home, and welcome your guests. Enjoy laughter 3 1 and the deepening of relationships. Time with great friends can be a healing balm to a tough day. 1 2 3 1. Cinnamon, clove, spruce, vanilla... spicy and warm 9 4 7 1 6 scents can create instant comfort in the home. Candles are a great way to add scents, with the bonus 2 6 5 8 of a warming, soft light. Essential oils can add scents, and also can be healthy and medicinal. Breathe in... 6 4 relax out. Larynda McKay Answer on Page 27

THE TUSCANY SUN: OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE TUSCANY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION JANUARY 2017 25 In Our City because the car in the lane closest to you has stopped that Look Out for Each Other! other cars will stop too.

he City of Calgary, Calgary Police Service, Be safe TAlberta Health Region, the Alberta Pedestrians do have the right of way at Motor Association and other traffic marked and unmarked crosswalks; but be safety partners are working together careful, some drivers might not know to reduce the number and severity that rule or always follow it. Being of pedestrian collisions. Through right won’t keep you from being hit. education, enforcement and engineering strategies, these Stay alert while walking partners are striving to improve • Unplug headphones when crossing intersection safety in Calgary. the street. • Hang up your cell phone until you The slogan of the campaign is "Look are out of the intersection. out for each other". It was created to • Texting can wait until you know you emphasize that the safety of pedestrians are safe. on Calgary's streets is the shared • Look up and make eye contact with the responsibility of all users of our roadways and approaching driver and make sure the driver sidewalks. sees you.

Be aware For more information on pedestrian safety, visit Make eye contact with drivers turning right before you www.Calgary.ca/lookout. step into a crosswalk. Make sure they see you, plan on City of Calgary stopping, and have time to stop. Also, don’t assume that

26 The Tuscany Sun SUBURBAN JOURNALS www.suburbanjournals.ca Your Health Quitting Tobacco

s today the day you decide Ito quit using tobacco? Did you decide that same thing yesterday or the day before, or was it last week or even a month ago?

Whether you’ve made it a New Year’s resolution or not, you’re not alone when you decide it’s your time to quit.

People use tobacco for different reasons, and there is no shortage of good reasons to quit. Longevity, quality of life, the sheer cost of cigarettes or chewing tobacco, the impact smoking has on your friends and loved ones: these are all major factors that may motivate you to quit.

For all the motivation, quitting can still be a difficult process. The nicotine in tobacco is an extremely addictive substance and when you stop using tobacco, your body reacts to the lack of nicotine in your system.

The good news? There are services and resources that can help get you through. In fact, you can double your chances of quitting successfully if you have support.

AlbertaQuits has a wide range of services to help you quit, including a free online service, a free phone service operated by trained cessation counselors, text support, individual counseling and group programs like QuitCore that will teach you how to quit and connect you with others who are also quitting.

Regardless of when, or how you choose to quit, here are some tips to help get you there successfully: • Set a quit date • Identify quit tools • Consider stop-smoking medications • Change your daily routine • Get support from family and friends • Prepare for withdrawal and cravings • Change your eating habits • Participate in regular physical activity • Reward yourself • Believe that you can do it

Giving up tobacco may be one of your toughest challenges in life. But it will also be one of your most rewarding. For more information on supports available to help you quit, visit www.AlbertaQuits.ca or call 1-866-710-QUIT. Alberta Health Services

28 The Tuscany Sun SUBURBAN JOURNALS www.suburbanjournals.ca Get Out and Explore Alberta Heli-Snowshoeing in K-Country Off The Beaten Path

Okay, I’ll admit it. I love winter. I love pulling multiple sweaters over my head, wriggling into long johns and squashing my hair under a toque. I love skating on frozen lakes and skiing on groomed cross-country trails or knee deep in backcountry powder. I am long past school age, but I still catch snowflakes on my tongue. So when a friend suggested I try heli-snowshoeing in Kananaskis Country, I laced up my toasty snow boots and headed out to add a new winter activity to my list.

Alberta’s Wonderland Tanya Koob @mountainmomyyc Kananaskis Country is many Albertans’ favourite playground. Covering more than 4,000 sq km on the before we grew tired or cold, our pilot, who had also eastern flanks of the Canadian Rockies, there’s far more served as our guide, lifted us effortlessly into the sky. wonderland than can be explored in one lifetime. And Gliding through the frigid air high above the forested in wintertime, this alpine wilderness is fascinating and valleys and nearly eye-level with the soaring peaks, I was treasure-filled. mesmerized all over again. Less than an hour’s drive west from Calgary on the Next time, I think I have to check out their romance TransCanada Hwy, Rockies Heli Tours is located beside packages at Horseshoe Falls on the wintry banks of the the Stoney Nakoda Resort at the Highway 40 junction. Bow River. From here, a quick 10 to 15 minute helicopter ride transports us high onto a broad ridge in the Sibbald area Reprinted with kind permission from Travel Alberta of what the locals call K-Country. Stepping out of the helicopter, our pilot shuts down the machine and in an instant the only sounds we hear are the crunch of our Ice Skating snowshoes on the snow and a raven welcoming us to his turf. The crisp winter air brings a glow to your face as you glide briskly across a frozen lake. Your skates provide Easy Walking for Everyone a sense of freedom like no other as you fly across Unlike skiing or climbing, snowshoeing requires little the ice at exhilarating speeds. instruction. Lightweight, modern aluminum-frame snowshoes fit with regular snow boots, and hiking poles Alberta’s climate is perfect for creating the ultimate help you maintain balance. We had not gone far when I outdoor skating experience. Show up at an outdoor spotted evidence a snowshoe hare had recently come this rink with a hockey stick for an impromptu game of way. Walking through a pristine snowscape etched with shinny. Attempt a camel spin on a freshly cleared pond. other tracks including deer and elk and coyote, I was Savour a Rocky Mountain skate with dramatic views mesmerized. Although we never saw any of the squirrels, in Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper. Take hares, voles, and other forest critters that left those advantage of our cold winters and skate just about marks, we did not mind because we never saw any other anywhere in the province. humans either. Glide the ice at Olympic Plaza in downtown Calgary Bird’s Eye View Taxi and picture the crowds when the medals were handed Basking in the midday sun with a clear view across the out at the 1988 Winter Olympics. Check municipal foothills to the east and the snow-painted Canadian recreation websites where you are visiting to find Rockies to the west, we passed around a much outdoor locations and schedules for indoor rinks. appreciated thermos of steaming hot chocolate. Then, Reprinted with kind permission from Travel Alberta

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