January 2021 Issue

Country Hills Country Hills Village Coventry Hills Harvest Hills Panorama Hills Northern Hills News January · 2021 Page 2 President’s Message January 2021

I am writing this on New Years Eve, and it is with great pleasure for most of us that we are leaving 2020 and entering a new year characterized so far by cautious optimism.

The NHCA had a lot of plans at the beginning of 2020, plans that were put awry by a global pandemic. Although 2021 will likely still have it is share of lockdowns, as more and more people get vaccinated, we should see fewer and fewer restrictions as the year goes on. There is light at the end of an exceptionally long tunnel.

Nonetheless, the NHCA did accomplish a great deal this past year, and although it was Ian McAnerin not according to the original plan, it was important work indeed. We fed the hungry, President - Northern Hills Community Association comforted the lonely, entertained the young, and fought hard for our community and the people in it.

In 2021, we shall face new challenges – loss of revenue chief among them. We will need to suspend programs that do not support themselves either through fees or grants and will likely need a few fundraisers to keep providing for our community. It will be challenging but I believe doable.

Every year, I do something I call a “Descartes”, after the French philosopher who famously decided to doubt everything, even his own existence. I do it for both myself personally and my company. When I do a Descartes, I challenge everything – why does this organization exist? Should we do the things we have always done? What opportunities and trends are we missing out on? What is the purpose of this? Is there a better way? Why am I friends with this person? What do I want out of life? Is spending so much time on social media such a good idea? Doing a Descartes can be exhausting, which is why I only do it formally once a year, but it is a good way to identify bad habits, toxic relationships, and new opportunities. I find it is a lot more useful than just making some (often quickly broken) New Years resolutions. I will be doing a Descartes on the NHCA as well – questioning everything.

2021 is going to be focused on reflection, recovery, and resilience. I look forward to going on this journey along with all of you and hope you have a Happy New Year!

Northern Hills News January · 2021 Page 3 Crossword by Myles Mellor

In This Issue Northern Hills Neddie...………………..……………………………………………...12 Rhubarb Square ……………....……..……………… ……………………………...13 Elected Reps ……..………………..………….……………………………………….17-21 Celebrate Aging ……....……..……...…………………………………………………24 Photography Corner.……..……...……………………………………….……………28 and so much more!

Northern Hills News January · 2021 Page 4 Northern Hills News January · 2021 Page 5 Northern Hills News January · 2021 Page 6 NHCA CONTACTS STAFF & CONTRACTORS BOARD MEMBERS OFFICE: Executive Director: Yana Soldatenko President: Ian McAnerin NHCA at Vivo Bookkeeper: Surina Gupta 1st Vice President: Tamara Keller 11950 Country Village Link NE Newsletter Editor: Heather Hubert 2nd Vice President: Leah Argao , AB, T3K 6E3 Ad Sales: Heather Hubert Secretary: Amanda Mauch Tel: 403-226-6422 Office & Newsletter Treasurer: Azim Riaz Fax: 403-226-6421 Administrator Assistant: Jiyoung Lee DIRECTORS: Chris Abdalla, Manveer Dhadda, E: [email protected] David Hartwick, Winnie Huang, Lindsay Lantela, Public Hours: VOLUNTEERS Tara Melhus, Tavis Settles Mon-Friday: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm The NHCA is a self-funding, non-profit COMMITTEES: Remote assistance, check the organization. All our board members and Accessibility: Chris Abdalla website for more information about committee members are volunteers. Advocacy: Tamara Keller in-person appointments. Arts & Crafts: Lindsay Lantela Closed on weekends and At Home in the Hills: Winnie Huang & Samana Zehra statutory holidays Beautification & Gardens: Tara Melhus, Coventry Garden, and Harvest Garden Building Safer Communities (Blockwatch): Tavis Settles Business Development: Ian McAnerin Communications: David Hartwick Creating Coventry: Asim Riaz & Moraig McCabe Government Relations / Advocacy: David Hartwick Harvest Hills Hub: Tamara Keller & Victoria Henry EDITOR’S NOTE: Membership: Manveer Dhadda All articles submitted by the general Planning & Development: David Hartwick public are the author’s opinion and Sports & Rinks: Leah Argao and Daniel Sennhauser not necessarily reflective of the Seniors: Leah Argao opinion of NHCA. SPRY in the Hills: Jay L Emond Volunteer Relations: Tamara Keller

Northern Hills News January · 2021 Page 7 Northern Hills News January · 2021 Page 8 Last

Northern Hills News January · 2021 Page 9 By Punctuation Association Joni R. [email protected]

Northern Hills News January · 2021 Page 10 Happy New Year

Design and digital publishing credit to: The UPS Store 264

612-500 Country Hills Blvd NE Calgary, AB T3K 5K3 403.226.9361 [email protected] theupsstore.ca/264

Northern Hills News January · 2021 Page 11 Northern Hills Neddie 100%

Dear Northern Hills Neddie,

I am in love with my new neighbor who moved in a couple weeks ago. I watch him from my window as he comes and goes from work, when he shovels the snow or works on his garden. I dream of us having a wedding and raising our chil- dren. Only there is one problem-we have never met. What can I do Neddie-I am in love!! Sincerely,

Happy Drowning in my dreams

2 Dear Drowning in my Dreams,

First-sorry girl I do not think you are in love. How can you be in love-you don’t even know him. Is he nice or kind? Does he have a special person already? Do you share the same morals and values and interests? I believe you have created a fantasy world for yourself through a window-you need to get out of 0 this NOW before it turns into stalker behavior!! Start with a kind neighborly gesture and bring him a pie. Start a friendship and see where it goes. Swim above the waves and float out of drowning dreams to reality!!!

2

If you would like to send in any of your problems or questions to ask Neddie advice-please send to [email protected] and we 1 will pass it along to Neddie for the next issue!

New Year

Northern Hills News January · 2021 Page 12 JANUARY WINNER!

RHUBARB SQUARE

Winner: Colleen Winhold

Bottom Base: 1 cup margarine 2 cups flour *Mix and pat in pan

Filler: 5 cups rhubarb (cubed and pour boiling water over rhubarb and drain well) 1 ½ cups sugar 2 eggs ½ cup margarine ½ cup flour *Mix and spread on bottom base

Top Layer: 1 cup coconut ¼ cup flour 1 cup sugar 2 tbsp. margarine 1 egg *Mix together and put on top (I double the top layer recipe as I love coconut)

Bake at 350 for 45 minutes until top is golden

Northern Hills News January · 2021 Page 13 Sudoku

Northern Hills News January · 2021 Page 14 Answer keys

Northern Hills News January · 2021 Page 15 Northern Hills News January · 2021 Page 16 Your Government Representatives

Muhammad Yassen Calgary-North MLA

HAPPY NEW YEAR Covid-19: Recently, the Government announced bold measures to protect the lives and livelihoods of Albertans. This pandemic poses the greatest challenge our province has faced in more than a generation. Albertans must act together to protect the vulnerable and help stop the spike in COVID cases. By acting now, we can bend the curve and ensure our health care system has the capacity to protect Albertans. My office staff have received many enquiries regarding exemptions to covid restrictions. To request an exemption, please send your request to [email protected].

Supports for Alberta’s Small Businesses: Small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of Alberta’s economy. The Alberta Government has been supporting job creators that have suffered the unfortunate impacts of COVID-19. In light of additional health measures, I am pleased to let you know that affected small and medium-sized businesses will receive additional support through the opportunity to apply for a second payment from the Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant. For more information, please visit www.alberta.ca/sme-relaunch-grant.aspx.

Fiscal Update: The global health crisis, economic recession and low oil prices have significantly affected Alberta’s finances. Our mid-year update shows improvement under responsible fiscal management in the face of the pandemic. Alberta’s government is projecting a $21.3-billion deficit for 2020-21, $2.8 billion less than the last quarter, largely due to improving revenue and government efforts to hold the line on spending. While there is a long road ahead to full recovery, Alberta’s economy is gradually emerging from the depths of the downturn. Alberta has also seen a significant rebound in employment already this year, recovering more than 258,000 of the 360,900 jobs lost between February and April.

Connecting Families, Removing Barriers to Adoption: Bill 48, Red Tape Reduction Act 2020 (2) was introduced in the Legislature and if passed it will make it easier to access adoption information for adult adoptees, birth parents and siblings.

Muhammad Yassen Calagry North MLA

[email protected] 403.274.1931 104, 200 Country Hills Landing NW Calgary AB T3K 5P3

Northern Hills News January · 2021 Page 17 Your Government Representatives

Jyoti Gondek City of Calgary –Ward 3 Councillor

Happy New Year, everyone! I hope you found some time to relax and reconnect with family and friends via phone calls, video chats or physically distanced outside visits. I have hope for the upcoming year that our lives will slowly return to greater interactions with each other, something we’re all missing. That being said, it is crucial that we keep up to date with the latest advice from our health officials. We must remain vigilant until COVID-19 can truly become a part of the past.

In a very unexpected past year, Calgarians like you made a difference in our city. Through your exceptional achievements and contributions, you made life better for all of us. After witnessing Calgarians’ outpouring of generosity this past year, I have again volunteered to be a Council Champion for The Calgary Awards.

The Calgary Awards is a time to celebrate our city-builders and acknowledge the hard work they put in to making Calgary a better place to live. If you know of a neighbour, colleague, family member, local organization or business who is deserving of recognition for their contributions to our city, please consider nominating them for one of the 13 award categories.

This is your opportunity to thank the individuals, businesses & organizations who have improved the everyday experience in our community. The official nomination period will launch on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 and end on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at midnight. For more information on each award category, eligibility criteria, how to nominate someone, and previous award recipients, please visit calgary.ca/calgaryawards. Jyoti Gondek City of Calgary – Ward 3 Councillor Community Contact: Ally Bates Telephone: 403-268-4854

Northern Hills News January · 2021 Page 18 Your Government Representatives

Jag Sahota Calgary - Skyview January 2021

Hello friends and neighbors! I hope everyone in our community was able to have wonderful end of year celebrations with loved ones either virtually or in person. The advent of the new year marks a time of renewal, and whether with our neighbors or in matters national we need to continue to stand together and help each other as the end of the COVID-19 pandemic looms in the course of this year. Calgarians, Albertans, and Canadians have resolutely risen to the challenges we have faced, and I have absolute confidence that all of us will do our part to keep Canada strong, safe, and healthy.

In Ottawa, my colleagues and I marked the 50th Anniversary of the Royal Commission on the Status of Women, which began the long and ongoing process of achieving equality for women in Canada. In celebrating milestones old and new on the path to a fair shake for all Canadians irrespective of gender, Conservatives, from our first female Prime Minister to our diverse and incredibly capable team of women MPs, have a tradition of and are at the forefront of continued efforts to ensure that the rights of women in this country and abroad. I am proud to serve as Shadow Minister for Women and Gender Equality, and look forward to another year of building constructive policy in opposition and holding the government to account for its shortcomings for women and girls, be it in the ongoing pandemic response or cutting funding to organizations that combat human trafficking and provide support for women and girls fleeing their abusers.

I am honoured to have the opportunity to serve as your MP, and as always if you have issues that you are passionate about in our community, or if you simply need help navigating federal programs I would absolutely encourage you to make your voice heard and reach out. I look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely, MP for | Shadow Minister for Women and Gender Equality

[email protected] 403-291-0018 101-2635 37th Avenue NE, Calgary, Alberta, T1Y 5Z6 www.mpjagsahota.ca

Northern Hills News January · 2021 Page 19 Your Government Representatives

Rajan Sawhney MLA for Calgary-North East, Minister of Community and Social Services

LEGISLATURE REPORT Dear friends and neighbours,

I would like to wish my constituents a Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season filled with joy and the love of family and friends. I would also like to wish our friends in the Chinese community a Happy New Year filled with luck and good fortune, as the Year of the Ox begins on February 12, and the Ukrainian community a very blessed Christmas, which they will celebrate on January 7.

Preparing for COVID-19 vaccine distribution in Alberta

Alberta’s government is fully prepared to receive and distribute COVID-19 vaccines and up to 435,000 Albertans will be offered vaccine in the first quarter 2021. Alberta’s government has appointed a new COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force, which will be chaired by Municipal Affairs Deputy Minister, Lt. General (retired) Paul Wynnyk. This new Task Force will build off the extensive work that health officials have done to ensure Albertans get immunized as quickly as possible. For more information please visit Government of Alberta | Alberta.ca

Tougher and swifter penalties for impaired drivers

Impaired driving has serious consequences for everyone on the road. One out of 10 drivers involved in a fatal crash in Alberta was impaired at the time of the collision. Put simply: impaired driving is a crime and it is avoidable. The Provincial Administrative Penalties Act empowers police to get impaired drivers off the streets immediately alongside the new SafeRoads Alberta branch. Please see the below link for more information: SafeRoads Alberta | Alberta.ca

Harnessing the power of civil society

Our government is keeping our commitment to expand civil society capacity and help reduce social issues in Alberta by launching the new Civil Society Fund. This is a $20 million, three-year fund that will help leverage the existing strengths of civil society organizations and help them deal with the significant impact the pandemic has had on organizations and communities. $7 million has been allocated for fiscal 2020/21 and applications are now being accepted at Alberta.ca/civil-society-fund.aspx. Civil society organizations such as charities, not-for-profits and volunteer groups as well as First Nations and Metis Settlements can submit funding projects that have a positive impact on the civil society sector. Applications are due by January 20, 2021. Please see the following link for more information Civil Society Fund | Alberta.ca

I want to thank my constituents who have reached out to me. As always, it is my great honour to serve as your MLA.

I wish all of you the best in 2021.

Rajan Sawhney

MLA for Calgary – North East Minister of Community and Social Services Proudly Serving the Communities of Livingston, Harvest Hills, Coventry Hills, Skyview Ranch, Redstone, Cornerstone and Cityscape

[email protected] 587-318-2946 #1080, 11124 – 36th Street NE Calgary AB T3N 0T1

Northern Hills News January · 2021 Page 20

Your Government Representatives

Honourable , M.P. Calgary - Nose Hill

Happy New Year!

This past year I have been working hard to address the imminent health crisis our country has been facing. I have been fighting to ensure our community has access to rapid testing and an effective vaccine to better allow Canadians to return to work quickly, and safely. While I have been in Calgary and Ottawa fighting for policies to address this pandemic, our community has been right beside me the entire time.

This past year has been challenging to say the least, however, even through the hardest times of the global health crisis our community came together to support one another. From all the residents of that volunteered to support the most vulnerable in our community to the thousands of front-line and essential workers that have served over the last year, I sincerely thank you.

This pandemic has had a profound impact on the lives of all Albertans. We have seen family owned busi- nesses have to close their doors, students transition to at-home learning, seniors face extremely isolating conditions, and workers stay home to protect the health and safety of all.

Reflecting on this past year, I see the compassion and integrity that our community has shown. I have also heard frustration at the lack of planning and the impact that the continued jobs crisis is having.

As we enter into the New Year, I remain focused on advocating for the needs of all Albertans.

I am eager to return to Ottawa as Alberta’s strongest voice and continue fighting for our community.

As always, if there is anything my office can assist you with or if you have policy concerns you would like to share with me please reach out to my office at [email protected] or 403-216-7777.

The Hon. Michelle Rempel Garner Calgary Nose Hill

[email protected] 403-216-7777 115 – 70 Country Hills Landing N.W. T3K2L2

Northern Hills News January · 2021 Page 21 Northern Hills News January · 2021 Page 22 Youth Artist of the Month

Artists of the week.

Hello! My name is Wudasay Belayneh. I am a 16 year old, and I have been making art for as long as I can remember. I started when I was about three or four by experimenting with crayons and paints. Making art was one of my favourite things to do, and the range of mediums grew as I got older. By five and six I did a lot of collages, and by seven and eight years old, I knew I had an interest in drawing and sketching. My parents noticed my love for art and sent me to summer camps and art classes to help me refine my skills. I tried sculpting, mixed media, and oil pastels, but I still found that drawing was my favorite way to create art. As I entered middle school, I entered art contests and took electives at school, but I was still learning at that time to learn and develop my own personal art style. It wasn’t until I entered high school and took Art 10 that I discovered my drawing potential and created a signature drawing style for myself. Today, I sketch and draw animated characters in my free time. I am learning more about realism and hope to be able to draw realistic portraits as I expand my art skills.

Name : Eshaal Manzoor Age: 6 years old Grade :1 Started painting in Kindergarten. Seeing her sister paint got her inspired to paint too. Her mom is also a self-taught painter. She just learned on her own and hasn’t taken any painting lessons. She sometimes searches the internet for inspiration. She loves coloring, painting canvas and painting rocks. She was a very confident presenter and did not hesitate to show off her artwork and rocks and bird house that she had painted.

Evie (Evangelina) is 13 years old, and in grade 8. She started learning on her own when she was about 8 years old. She has taken art through art school previously for 2 years, but learns a lot on her own from YouTube and in the Internet. Evie likes different mediums, such as watercolor, gouache, pencil crayons, and pencil. Evie loves to see what other artists are capable of, and this inspires her to continue learning. Evie has created her own style, and has created her own Original Characters. Evie works on artwork about 3-4 times per week.

Northern Hills News January · 2021 Page 23

Volunteer Opportunities

Do you love your community? Are you looking for ways to become more involved?

There are many ways you can volunteer for your community with the NHCA, from helping out at a community event, working with a team to deliver programs or community initiatives, to taking a leadership role by joining the Board of Directors.

How would you like to help? Please select the options below for more information.

Casual Volunteer Do you: • See fun stuff happening and want to help out? • Have a few hours now and then available? • Like helping ensure an event or program happens successfully? • See an upcoming event that you’d like to help out with? Current Opportunities: Northern Hills News Journalists Coventry Hills Ice Rink Helper Project, Events, Programs (PEP) Volunteer

Do you: • Enjoy working with a team to bring project, programs, events to life? • Love organization and making things happen? • Have time available on a regular basis? • Possess a specific skill that you want to share with your community? • See an existing or potential project, programs, events that you’d like to work with the NHCA to deliver? Current Opportunities: Communications Helpers Grant Writer Seniors Committee

Leadership Volunteer Do you: • Have a passion for community involvement? • See yourself as a community leader? • Desire to bring your skills to a non-profit board? • See a position on the NHCA Board that is a strong fit for you? Current Opportunities: Community Relations Sports Planning & Development Volunteer Relations

Learn more on our Volunteer page: http://nhca.ca/volunteer/

Northern Hills News January · 2021 Page 24 Celebrate Aging with an Active Lifestyle

By MPC Foundation

Celebrate Aging with an Active Lifestyle by MPC Foundation The benefits of exercise for all age groups are well-documented. This is particularly so for older adults where research has identified exercise as the single most important factor for optimal aging, both physically and mentally. The key to sticking to exercise is to find something you enjoy doing. Here’s a reminder of some of the amazing benefits of adopting an active lifestyle.

Exercise means more independence. Research has shown that older adults who exercise regularly are less likely to depend on others. In fact, exercise is the single best way for older adults to maintain independence in daily living.

Exercise improves balance For older adults, falling down can have long-term consequences such as emergency room visits, or worse, death. According to the National Council of Aging, exercise reduces the likelihood of falling by as much as 25%.

Exercise increases energy levels Exercise triggers the release of endorphins which are linked to pain & stress mitigation, increase a sense of well- being, promotes better sleep and feeling energetic and lively.

Exercise helps to prevent and reduce severity of diseases Older adults who adopt a healthy lifestyle stands a much better chance of preventing or reducing the unpleas- ant symptoms of common aging ailments such as osteoporosis, depression and diabetes.

Exercise improves brain function A healthy body translates into a healthy mind. Studies have shown that older adults who exercise regularly have better cognitive health and reduced risk of developing dementia.

The Seniors Council of Canada recommends at least 150 minutes of exercise per week. These exercises should include 2 core components, that is, aerobics (walk, dance, swim, cycle etc.) and muscle strengthening. Incorpo- rating exercise in your daily routines can be as simple as adopting an active lifestyle attitude. Take a dance class, walk everywhere where possible, choose standing over sitting and take the stairs instead of the elevator (where possible). By weaving physical activity into your daily routines, exercise is no longer one more ‘chore’ you need to do.

MPC Foundation is a registered non-profit serving seniors in Alberta. Visit mpcfdn.ca

Northern Hills News January · 2021 Page 25 Northern Hills News January · 2021 Page 26 Waste and Recycling

Northern Hills News January · 2021 Page 27 News from the Calgary Public Library

Discover Your Library at Home

We’re all finding new ways to have fun and stay busy this year, and the Library wants to help make your time at home as enriching as possible. Visit the updated Library at Home page to explore free activities, learning tools, and materials the whole family can enjoy. Find craft tutorials, job search support, health and wellness resources, virtual programs for every inter- est, movies and music, and much more. Visit calgarylibrary.ca/library-at-home to start exploring. Stream Library Events On-Demand

Missed a virtual Library event you wanted to attend, or wish you could re-watch one you enjoyed? Many of our virtual talks and events are recorded and available to stream on-demand. Watch engaging talks by local and international experts on a variety of topics for free, anytime. Right now we’re streaming events like our Exploring Religion series, Anxiety in a Time of Crisis, and much more.

Visit calgarylibrary.ca/events to start watching.

Have a question or looking for more information? Visit calgarylibrary.ca or call the Library Hotline at 403.260.2600.

Northern Hills News January · 2021 Page 28 Northern Hills News January · 2021 Page 29 Calling all local photographers! Please send in your photos so we can feature them in our issues!! Please email in to [email protected].

Northern Hills News January · 2021 Page 30 Northern Hills News January · 2021 Page 31 Northern Hills News January · 2021 Page 32