NOVEMBER 2020 DELIVERED MONTHLY TO 4,500 HOUSEHOLDS

your SANDSTONEMACEWAN THE OFFICIAL SANDSTONE & MACEWAN COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

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To Advertise Call 403 720 0762 Email [email protected] GREAT NEWS MEDIA CONTENTS

4 BUSINESS CLASSIFIED

5 NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT

5 CRIME STATISTICS

6 COVER PHOTO RUNNERS UP

7 NEWS FROM THE FRIENDS OF NOSE HILL

7 SAFE & SOUND: YIELDING TO EMERGENCY VEHICLES

8 SMCA PHOTO CONTEST

9 RINK RATS NEEDED

11 RESIDENT PERSPECTIVES: STOP AND SMELL THE TREES

11 MP MICHELLE REMPEL’S REPORT

12 COUNCILLOR SEAN CHU’S REPORT

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8 9

Disclaimer: Published articles, reports or submissions reflect the opinions of the author and should not be considered to reflect the opinions of Great News Media (GNM) and the Sandstone MacEwan Community (SMCA) and/or Residents’ Association (SMRA). The information contained in this magazine is believed to be accurate but is not warranted to be so. GNM and SMCA and/or SMRA do not endorse any person(s) advertising in this newsletter. Advertisements are not an endorsement of any goods or services SANDSTONE BUSINESS CLASSIFIEDS MACEWAN For business classified ad rates call Great News Media at 403-720-0762 or [email protected] 300, 8120 Beddington Blvd. NW • , AB T3K 2A8 General Inquiries: [email protected] SANDSTONE MACEWAN MORTGAGE BROKER: Your sandstonemacewan.com mortgage may be costing you thousands more than EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS you need to pay! As a local mortgage professional, I President Sue Coatham have helped your neighbours navigate their purchase, 1st Vice-President Trevor Bacon refinance, and renewal options. Call Anita at 403-771- 2nd Vice-President Phil Nantais 8771 | [email protected] | Licensed by Verico Treasurer Sharon Mazurkewich Avenue Financial Real Estate Solutions. Secretary Willa Wu DIRECTORS NEIGHBOURHOOD CONFLICT? Community Media- Membership Director Carolyn Gomez Casino Director Pinky Nantais tion Calgary Society (CMCS) is a no-cost mediation and Newsletter Director Trevor Bacon conflict coaching service that can help you resolve Director at Large Shayne Chidlaw problems and restore peace! We help neighbours be Director at Large Jennifer Bidlake Schroeder neighbours again! www.communitymediation.ca, Director at Large Colin May 403-269-2707.

Girl Guides Leslie Jones 403-275-7098 DARCY’S SNOW REMOVAL: is located in the Sandstone #224 Sandstone Steve Herz 403-262-2871 area and is looking for new clients in the Sandstone/ Community Heather Gibbons [email protected] Beddington/MacEwan and Harvest Hills area. I am a Partnerships small private company. Contracts are for snowbirds, Calgary Police Const. Bruce Graham [email protected] monthly or per snow fall, my rates are good and the ser- vice is great. Please call to book at 403-863-4679.

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Sandstone/MacEwan Community Association Meetings are held the 2nd Thursday of the month at 7:00PM at the Berkshire Citadel-Sandarac Drive, NW Everyone is welcome to attend. No meetings July or August

4 NOVEMBER 2020 I Call 403-720-0762 for advertising opportunities NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT CRIME STATISTICS

Sandstone Valley Crime Activity Remembrance Day is November 11, and it is likely was Up in September 2020 events this year will be held virtually. Hopefully, your The Sandstone Valley community family will be able to watch one of the many ceremonies experienced 7 crimes in September that will take place in and around Calgary to recognize 2020, in comparison to 2 crimes the pre- this important date. The First World War formally ended vious month, and 4 crimes in September one year ago. at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month in Sandstone Valley experiences an average of 4.4 crimes per month. On an annual basis, Sandstone Valley experi- 1918. Please take the time for two minutes of silence at enced a total of 53 crimes as of September 2020, which is 11:00 am in honor of all those who fought and those down 17% in comparison to 64 crimes as of September who lost their lives fighting for their country. 2019. To review the full Sandstone Valley Crime report Our SMCA Annual General Meeting is on November 12, visit sand.mycalgary.com 2020, at the Berkshire Citadel Church on Sandarac Drive MacEwan Glen Crime Activity was Up in September 2020 at 7:00 pm. Please contact us for more information if The MacEwan Glen community experienced 6 crimes in you are interested in becoming a Board Member or a September 2020, in comparison to 4 crimes the previ- volunteer for one of the programs we operate (hockey ous month, and 4 crimes in September one year ago. rink maintenance, planters, music in the park, etc.). For MacEwan Glen experiences an average of 4.7 crimes per those planning to attend, masks and hand sanitizer will month. On an annual basis, MacEwan Glen experienced be available for you before you enter the room. a total of 56 crimes as of September 2020, which is up 44% in comparison to 39 crimes as of September 2019. Last Spring the SMCA Board informally initiated a skate To review the full MacEwan Glen Crime report visit macg. exchange program and, in the little time we operated, mycalgary.com we were able to collect about 30 pairs of skates, which were all in good condition. While we are not yet oper- How To Report Crime In Sandstone Valley | MacEwan Glen: Dial 911 for emergencies or crimes in progress. For non- ational, if you have skates to donate or are in need of emergencies dial (403) 266-1234. To report a crime anonym- skates, please email us at [email protected]. ously, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (Talk, Type If you know of a family in need of equipment, please let or Text), submit tips online at crimestoppers.ab.ca, or text them know they can apply for assistance through Comrie’s tttTIPS to 274637. Sports Bank www.comriessportsequipmentbank.org/. case our great community. Submit photos to info@ We are looking for volunteers to assist with the hockey sandstonemacewan.com. Pictures must be high resolu- rink. Last year we were extremely fortunate to often tion and received by the 9th of the month to get into have two shifts (day and evening) for flooding and the the following month’s edition. rink was kept in excellent shape. This rink is available to all individuals, regardless of age, so whether you play Please contact us on our website or our social me- hockey or not, please consider assisting when you can. dia sites including Facebook (983 followers), Twitter It typically works best to clean and flood in the evening, @sandstonemac (428 followers), or https://www. however, a flood can happen during the day if there are instagram.com/sandstonemacewan/ (132 followers). individuals available. Look for our occasional emails and email us at info@ sandstonemacewan.com to be included in this distribution list. We expect our two rinks are going to be busy this year because of families staying closer to home. The Christ- Please go to sandstonemacewan.com to purchase your mas lights will be put up at both rinks and we hope to SMCA memberships online or email Carolyn Gomez at have the occasional fire going to encourage skaters to [email protected]. Those who come out while maintaining a safe distance from others. purchase a three-year membership ($50.00) will receive a SMCA go mug and those with a one-year membership Thanks to those who have sent in photos for the SMCA ($20.00) will receive two SMCA beverage koozies. Photo Contest. Every month we select one picture for the cover page of our SMCA Newsletter and include sev- Sue Coatham, President SMCA eral other pictures for inside the newsletter that show- [email protected]

SANDSTONE MACEWAN I NOVEMBER 2020 5 over

Buck in MacEwan Ridge Ravine by Harvey Martens Runners-Up

MacEwan Hallow by Greg Reinhart

Nose Hill Sky by Jennifer Bidlake Schroeder SAFE & SOUND Yielding to Emergency Vehicles Time is the enemy in an emergency. For everyone’s safety, it is important for motorists to understand how to correctly yield right of way to emergency vehicles with lights and siren activated. You can help EMS, police, and fire get to the scene quickly and safely by following News from the these rules of the road: When an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren activated: Friends of Nose Hill • If you’re in the middle of an intersection when an by Anne Burke emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren activated, safely clear the intersection; The Steering Committee for the Nose Hill Master Plan • On a one- or two-lane road, motorists should move to Review was a group of volunteers who invested sub- the right side of the road, slow down, and then stop. stantial personal time and effort. They discussed, -lis Remember to signal; tened, debated, convinced, and compromised on a • On a road with three or more lanes, motorists should wide range of issues which were part of the Plan and move to the nearest side of the road and stop. If driv- the preservation of . They believed in the ing in the centre lane, move to the right side of the long-term future of the Park as an invaluable resource road and stop. Remember to signal; for all residents of Calgary. However, to ensure their legacy, it depends on the continued strong interest of • Come to a complete stop and wait for the emergency citizens, like those who participated on the Committee. vehicle to pass. Shoulder check for more emergency vehicles (there is often more than one) before re-en- Habitat restoration uses native vegetation such as vetch, tering traffic flow. Remember to signal; blue flax, and a variety of grasses. Planting of native • Emergency vehicles might use any available road shrubs and seeding (wildflowers and grasses) reduces space to maneuver. This could include the shoulders, maintenance costs to help support plants, animals, and turning lanes, in order to pass other traffic. insects. This increases the beauty, diversity, and access When operating a vehicle: to nature. Restoration takes time. A project can take 3+ • Drive attentively and defensively at all times. Be cogni- years and more to reach the full benefits of the restored zant to sirens and be prepared to yield the right of way; area. Please obey any temporary closures, fencing, and • It is Alberta law for motorists to slow down to at least signs while the work is done to improve our wild areas. 60 km/hour (unless a lower speed is posted) when As a key biodiversity target, Calgary aims to restore 20% driving in the lane next to a stopped emergency ve- of open space by 2025. Native plants were added along hicle, including tow trucks, with their lights activated. the banks of Nose Creek, with invasive plants removed If you’re not in the lane next to the stopped vehicles, and controlled. Mowing was stopped in some areas so reduce speed and leave lots of space between your- woody plants grow as a natural buffer to prevent ero- self and emergency personnel. sion and help improve Creek health. • Do not break the rules of the road in order to give right The Nature Conservancy of (NCC) protects and of way to an emergency vehicle. This could include pro- cares for our country’s most vulnerable natural areas ceeding through a red light, or making an illegal turn. and the species they sustain. It is the only national or- Actions such as these jeopardize all motorists in the area; ganization dedicated to preserving Canadian biodiver- • Drivers must place their full attention on the roadway sity through the conservation of land. By donations and and toward the safe operation of their vehicle at all times. conservation agreements, the Canada’s Ecological Gifts The fine for distracted driving in Alberta is $287.00; Program provides a way for Canadians with ecologically • Always leave plenty of space between your vehicle sensitive land to protect nature and leave a legacy for and an emergency vehicle, should it be required to the future. stop suddenly.

SANDSTONE MACEWAN I NOVEMBER 2020 7 Stay informed, Get involved! Submit pictures, community articles and upcoming events to newsletter@ sandstonemacewan.com. Front cover pictures must be at least 1MB in size. 300 DPI preferred. Every month we will select one SMCA picture for the cover page of our SMCA Newsletter and also include PHOTO several other pictures for inside the CONTEST newsletter that showcase talents in our great community.

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT! PURCHASE YOUR COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIP TODAY! Membership Application Family Name:______Address:______Postal Code:______Phone:______Email:______Number of Residents:______Children’s Ages:______Date:______Signature:______May we put you on a list of volunteers? Yes No Membership Fees are: $20 per household per year, or $50 for a 3 year membership Make cheques payable to Sandstone/MacEwan Community Association Mail or deliver to: For Office Use Only 300, 8120 Beddington Blvd. NW, Calgary, AB T3K 2A8 Date Received:______Reg/Assoc Email: [email protected] Card # Issued:______New/Renewal Memberships can be purchased Init:______Cash/Cheque online at sandstonemacewan.com Source:______Rectified if Assoc:

8 NOVEMBER 2020 I Call 403-720-0762 for advertising opportunities SANDSTONE MACEWAN I SEPTEMBER 2020 9 MENTAL HEALTH MOMENT The Who, Why, and What of Seeking Therapy by Nancy Bergeron, RPsych While mental health is in the forefront of media these person talk about themselves days, many do not seek help. Some may feel their ‘prob- • To process your life events lems’ may not be big enough, important enough, or • To share things that other people don’t have time to or perhaps unsolvable. Others may think therapy is just for want to hear about those suffering from a mental illness. Hopefully this ar- • To have manage physical pain ticle will shine a light on who seeks therapy, why people • To get a new viewpoint or unbiased perspective go to therapy and what therapy can be like. What therapy might be like: Who goes to therapy: • You won’t hear things like “it’s going to be okay” “I know • People wanting to learn why they self-sabotage (what’s how you feel” or “you’ll get over it” the story behind the behaviour) • Your feelings will be validated • People Wanting to work through relationship issues • You will feel empathized with instead of pitied or judged • People making life transitions like divorce, having a • You get an entire hour to talk about whatever you want baby, empty nesting, or retirement guilt-free • People who want to vent about life events • You get to ‘think’ out loud as this helps you understand • People who are determining if they are ready to make thoughts in a different way a change • A therapist helps you develop insight and coping skills • People who need support when making difficult changes • There is no competition in dialogue, a therapist won’t • People who experience anxiety, depression or other talk about their problems or make their problems big- mental/emotional issues ger than yours • People who are struggling with global events • You will feel like you are not alone in your challenges • People dealing with a loss or trauma • The only normal is that we are all abnormal • Therapists, coaches and leaders As you can see, anyone can go to therapy. Many people • People of all types have a therapist just as they have a doctor and a den- Why go to therapy: tist. The sooner you can seek some extra perspective • To cry without being prompted to stop or cheer up on things that may be troubling you, the better you will • To have someone to hold space for your difficult emotions have the skills to cope with other things that come along. • To learn more about yourself Sometimes just a few sessions can do a world of good. • To talk about people in your life who need therapy but Please consider your mental health as important as your won’t go physical health. Just an FYI, you do not need a doctor’s • To have someone sit with you through difficult times referral to see a therapist. Wishing you all good mental • To hear yourself talk without having to listen to another health and wellbeing.

November’s name comes from the Latin “novem”, meaning “nine”. This is because in the Roman calen- Calling All BABYSITTERS dar, November was the ninth month of the year out Enroll for free at mybabysitter.ca and choose the of ten. With the addition of January and February at Calgary communities you would like to babysit in. the hands of Julius Caesar, November Calling All PARENTS became the eleventh month of the Visit mybabysitter.ca and find available babysitters year, as we know it today. in and around your community.

10 NOVEMBER 2020 I Call 403-720-0762 for advertising opportunities RESIDENT PERSPECTIVES Calgary Nose Hill Hon. Michelle Rempel, MP #115 – 70 Country Hills Landing NW Calgary, AB, T3K 2L2 403-216-7777 [email protected] Stop and www.michellerempel.ca

Smell the Parliament returned in September with a Speech from Trees the Throne after being prorogued by the Prime Minister. You can read my full statement in response to the by Elisabeth Fayt Speech on my website: MPRempel.ca/news. Last March, I was on the chairlift at Panorama Ski Resort, I have been working hard in my capacity as your Mem- and as I stared out at the majestic snow-peaked moun- ber of Parliament and as the Conservative Shadow Min- tain, I reflected on my fast-paced life. Despite many at- ister for Health. In addition to advocating for a jobs and tempts to “slow down”, I realized it was going to take a economic plan for workers and businesses in our com- change, so I made an internal cry for help. munity, I am continuing to press the government on The next day on the hill, I experienced a full-body col- their COVID-19 pandemic response. lision with another skier, resulting in a fractured rib. It Specifically, I have been raising the serious issue of wasn’t long before I remembered my divine plea. Even rapid testing in Canada. Many of our G-7 allies already through the pain with every breath, I couldn’t help but have had access to rapid and at-home testing for some smile at the irony. A week later, Covid hit Calgary. time. This fall, the government announced that Can- I think the Universe hit me twice, to make sure I wouldn’t ada would be contributing to an initiative to ensure resort back to my old ways. This is what happens when that low-income countries have those same rapid tests. we don’t listen. We’re forced with the opportunity to Families and businesses in our community have been make a change. Although it may be uncomfortable, it’s correctly asking why Canadians have not had access to always a good thing in the end. these same tests and resources. Rapid testing is critical to getting the Canadian economy to reopen safely and Perhaps the whole world has been given the same les- can play a large role in helping families with children in son; to stop and smell the coffee, to stop and listen to the school system. your child, to stop and tell your spouse you love him or her, to stop and tell your Creator “thank you”. I will continue to press for answers for the government’s decisions on these matters and present viable, safe solu- I’m sure each one of us has a Covid story to tell, about tions for Canadians. how it changed our lives. I have a few. So here is one of mine: every day during Covid, I would see droves of peo- Earlier this fall, I was pleased to host a virtual Town Hall ple outside my window walking their dogs. I thought to Meeting for residents of our community. While we are myself, “what a wonderful way to slow down”. A pet gets not yet able to resume in person meetings of this nature, you out for a walk. A pet requests your undivided atten- it was good to connect with so many in our community tion. A pet shows you unconditional love. and hear directly about the issues that are important to them. So my family agreed to my request for a puppy, which took 6 months to arrive. And as of two weeks ago, I Should you have any questions or concerns, or if I can now have a West Highland Terrier puppy at home. He is be of assistance to you as your Member of Parliament, teaching me patience (through potty training), but best please do not hesitate to contact me. of all, he is teaching me to slow down. With slow walks Finally, despite the challenges and changes that 2020 around the block (versus my usual power walk), where has presented us with, let us all still find time to pause together, we stop and smell the trees. and reflect this Remembrance Day on the many sacri- Thank you, Universe, for the greatest gift I could have fices that have been made on our behalf. Thank you to ever asked for. our brave Veterans for your service.

SANDSTONE MACEWAN I NOVEMBER 2020 11 Councillor, Ward 4 Sean Chu 403-268-3727 [email protected] www.calgary.ca/ward4 www.seanchu.ca Dear Ward 4 Residents, When driving during the winter season, be sure to plan for long LOCAL MORTGAGE BROKER trips carefully, listen to the radio or television for the latest weather Your mortgage may be forecasts, and monitor road conditions. If poor weather is forecast- costing you thousands ed, drive only if necessary. more than you need to Prepare your vehicle for winter: pay! As a local mortgage Have the following checked on your vehicle prior to the winter season: professional, I have helped • Antifreeze levels • Lights your neighbours navigate • Battery and ignition system • Oil their purchase, refinancing, • Brakes • Thermostat • Exhaust system • Windshield wiper equipment and renewal options. • Fuel and air filters and washer fluid level • Heater and defroster Contact anita for a Quote Safety tips for your vehicle during the winter season: 403-771-8771 • [email protected] • Keep your gas tank full • Install good winter tires • Have your emergency car kit updated for the winter season What to include in your emergency car kit: • First aid kit tire traction • Jumper cables • Non-perishable food Licensed by Verico Avenue Financial Real Estate Solutions. • Flares or reflective triangles • Blankets, hats, gloves, scarves • Ice scraper • Small shovel • Car cell phone charger • Face covering/mask • Sand or kitty litter for better • Hand sanitizer or soap Visit calgary.ca/getready for more emergency preparedness tips. The Guidebook for Great Communities (Guidebook) is a tool that helps plan communities where people can live, regardless of their stage of life, income, or age. When your community undergoes a Local Area Plan (LAP), which determines what type of development goes where, you will use the Guidebook to help with that exercise. Through engaging with citi- zens and stakeholders, it’s a key tool used by City planners to plan a community’s future. Furthermore, a community’s LAP can be cus- tomized so future growth respects a community’s unique identity, UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA MEDICAL conditions, and environments. It makes sure our neighbourhoods can continue to grow and be STUDENTS ARE OFFERING more vibrant over time. The Guidebook also supports Calgary in our new economy. Our city Free Grocery is one of the most attractive places to live in Canada and even the world. We want to make sure our great city remains attractive with Delivery Services our citizens and for people moving here in the future. Having great communities in which to live also helps to attract business and in- 1. Place an order online at a grocery store, vestment to our city. we will pick up and deliver to your home When our communities are attractive and thriving, so is Calgary. Explore: 2. Give us your grocery list, we will shop • calgary.ca/guidebook for you, and deliver to your home • Share your community stories at engage.calgary.ca/guidebook • calgary.ca/lap Call: 587-982-3804 to place an order Report a streetlight outage accurately using The City’s Streetlight Outage reporting map calgary.ca/streetlights. This map allows you Visit: baghalffull.com/calgary to accurately report streetlight outages, and even receive updates Email: [email protected] on repairs using your myID account.