The Calgary April 2013 Journal FREE

The Calgary april 2013 Journal FREE

no time to grieve alpocalypse olympian gold

Alberta does not Brace yourselves — Special Olympics has require employers to Weird Al Yankovic is noticeably positive effect offer bereavement leave coming to Calgary for many competitors PAGE 4 PAGE 26 PAGE 30 THIS ISSUE

APRIL 2013 Editor-in-Chief print Special Rachael Frey Olympics bowling Editor-in-Chief online siblings Devon Jolie Page 30 Story Development & Books Editor/Copy chief Karry Taylor

Photo & graphics editors James Wilt Arthritis and Roxana Secara yoga layout & design editor Page 9 Jordan Simpson

Our city & politics editor Connor Bell

Our city & Anya calgary voices editor Ayoung Tanis Brown Healthy living & Chee technology editor Page 24 Todd Colin Vaughan

Left photo by Lisa Hallet/CJ Family life & Middle photo courtesy of Barbara Nitke/Lifetime networks Our money editor Right photo by Ian Epslen/CJ Christie Herchak

Things to do, Environment & living in style EDITOR Fashion spotlight Rachel Kane Our City environment Page 24 | Q & A with Project Runway winner about her jour- CALGARY ARTS editor Bereavement Leave Climate change futures ney to success Conor Mahoney Page 4 | Why Alberta is the only Page 16 | David Suzuki and Jeff province without mandated Rubin talk about the connection sports editor time-off between economy and environ- c algary arts Alyssa Fischer ment Infant Memorialization Supervising Editors Page 5 | Our city’s resources for Chron Goblin Page The cost of going green Page 26 | Calgary’s Goblins head Shauna Snow-Capparelli those grieving after a miscar- Page 17 | Will LED streetlights to the U.K. Sally Haney riage light the future of Calgary by Sean Holman night? Q & A Page Meaningful Ink Page 27 | A Conversation with Production & Page 6 | Why tattoos can be more Advertising Weird Al Yankovic than just body art fa mily life Brad Simm ph: 403-440-6946 sports hea lthy living Beauty: In all forms Page 18 | A family’s journey On the mats Earl Grey, hot Page 28 | High school wrestler Page 11 | The Calgary Journal fights through loss of father provides you with the facts on THINGS TO DO the health benefits of many dif- Gold medal champion As the winner of the ferent teas Turn clutter into cash Page 29 | National bobsleigh 2010 Pacemaker award for Page 21 | How to effectively sell athlete represents her city North American newspaper excellence from the Associated your unwanted extras online Collegiate Press, the Calgary c algary voices Journal reports on the people, Escape to the country issues and events that shape our A Musical Connection Page 22 | Small-town museums: city. It is produced by journalism Page 12 | Cameron Perrier’s love why they’re worth the drive students at Mount Royal University. letter to his violin Contact the Journal: Cold hands living in style [email protected] Page 13 | How one reporter is 403-440-6991 dealing with a rare-diagnosis Shoe crazy Page 23 | Calgary collector Waiver Wings estimates sneaker collection at This month’s cover: Page 14 | Tanis Brown dares to $30,000 Photo by Karry Taylor beat the heat Label by Jordan Simpson 2 apr C 2013ALGARY JOURNAL.ca Our City

Young Gun Ahead of his time 16-year-old conducts stem cell research in U of C lab

KARRY TAYLOR [email protected] e doesn’t have his driver’s license yet and isn’t old enough to vote, but 16-year-old Sarthak Sinha has spent the past two years doing research in Jeff Biernaskie’s experimen- Htal medicine and stem cell biology lab at the Uni- versity of Calgary. Sinha, currently a Grade 11 student at Henry Wise Wood Senior High School, says he became intrigued with the idea of scientific research after leaning about the Sanofi-Aventis BioTalent Chal- lenge — a program designed to introduce high school students to possible careers in science. He was in Grade 9 at the time. “The requirement was to design a research question and write a research proposal about something that you have been curious about,” Sinha says. “I thought to myself ‘Research question? I don’t even have high school biology started yet.’” Undeterred, Sinha put together a proposal about stem cells and HIV and contacted a number of re- searchers at the University of Calgary. Most didn’t return his phone messages or emails. But Sinha caught the attention of Biernaskie, an assistant professor with the faculty of veterinary medicine. Sarthak Sinha’s research in the field of neuroscience has encouraged him to volunteer with Biernaskie told Sinha — then 14 years old — that the Calgary chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada. Photo by Karry taylor/Calgary journal although his lab didn’t work with HIV, he would help him find an alternative project to work on. Sinha took full advantage of the opportunity and only do students benefit, but scientists can as well. studying alongside undergraduates — one of only has successfully taken on increasingly complex du- “Until I started training Sarthak, I never realized two high school students accepted into the course. ties in the lab over the past two years. how curious high school students are,” Kumar says. Born in India, Sinha moved to Calgary with his “The questions scientists ask are very complex. The family six years ago. He says his family has been A ‘QUICK LEARNER,’ SAYS MENTOR ones he asked were very simple — and sometimes very encouraging of his academic and research Sinha works closely with Ranjan Kumar, a PhD can- we had never thought from that angle.” endeavours — whether it has been offering moral didate in the Department of Clinical Neuroscience, support or practical support, such as ensuring he who has played the role of both supervisor and OPPORTUNITY TO STUDY, TRAVEL has a ride to the lab. mentor to Sinha. Kumar says that while he initially Sinha’s work has given him the opportunity to Monty Slim, the former principal of Henry Wise thought that Sinha was “very young” to be involved compete in national and international science fairs. Wood, says that Sinha is “an amazing young man.” in the type of research undertaken in Biernaskie’s Presenting a project about nerve re-myelination In addition to maintaining a high academic stand- lab, those concerns quickly vanished. that was based on his lab work, Sinha won a silver ing, Sinha is involved in other activities at Henry “When I heard that there would be a high school medal at the 2011 Canada-Wide Science fair. The Wise Wood, including the debate team and serving student working in the lab, I wondered what he event’s 500 student finalists must qualify from ap- as member of the Principal’s Advisory Committee. would be able to do,” says Kumar, who was assigned proximately 25,000 competitors who take part in He also represents Henry Wise Wood students as the task of instructing the young student in basic 100 regional science fairs throughout Canada. a member of the Chief Superintendent’s Student laboratory techniques His second-place showing earned him a trip to Advisory Council — a leadership program where Although Sinha had no prior lab experience, his Pittsburgh and a spot on Team Canada for the 2012 student representatives from other Calgary high enthusiasm and curiosity quickly won over Kumar. Intel International Science and Engineering Fair — schools meet once a month with Calgary Board of “He was really quite curious and wanted to know the largest international science competition of its Education chief superintendent Naomi Johnson. the science behind everything that we do. He asked kind. At this event, he received a third place prize in “Sarthak is there to contribute, and I know that his a lot of questions,” Kumar says. “He is very smart and the medicine and health sciences category. opinions are highly valued,” Slim says. picked up things very fast.” In the summer of 2012, Sinha received an “I am not sure where he finds time to sleep,” Slim Kumar says encouraging young students to bec- acceptance to take a biology course at the Universi- says. “He has already accomplished more in his life- me involved in science early is important — not ty of Pennsylvania. He spent six weeks at the school time so far, maybe, than I have.”

c algaryjournal.ca APR 2013 3 Our City

no time to grieve When mourning dawns

secretary-treasurer Nancy Furlong says such Alberta only province in leave is a completely reasonable thing to put into Canada without mandated employment standards. “People who have lost loved ones have “It is very important bereavement leave challenges in being able to attend to work in the immediate aftermath and so they should have a that Alberta and sub-standard that employers should apply.” PAULINA LIWSKI But not everyone feels that way. Brett Watson, employers provide [email protected] the manager of South Calgary Funeral Services eath is a natural and sometimes says, “Most companies offer bereavement leave and some type of healing unexpected part of life. it doesn’t really make a difference if it’s legislated But a review conducted by the Calgary or not.” space for anyone Journal has found Alberta is the only Cloutier, from McInnis and Holloway is of a who is going through province that doesn’t give employees similar view, since most people are able to take Dthe legal right to have time to grieve and make time off from work. a major health funeral arrangements. As for the government, Alberta Human Services In other provinces, bereavement leave — which public affairs officer Jay Fisher confirmed there are concern like grief.” can be paid or unpaid — can be offered for up no plans to change the situation. to 10 days. Meanwhile, employees in industries Nor does Furlong expect there to be any. Dr. Dan McKinnon under the federal government’s authority — such “It’s a social contract type of thing that doesn’t registered psychologist as shipping —can get up to three days paid leave. naturally flow from Conservative philosophy. “ Sarah Walker, the executive director of Hospice Calgary, says that bereavement leave is necessary because when a person experiences death, it can have a profound psychological impact. Even planning and organizing a funeral can take a toll, says Kathy Cloutier, community relations manager for McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes. “You can deal with a person who can’t stop sobbing, who is very angry that it’s a sudden death or someone who becomes angry at everybody: the paramedics, the cops, the other members of their family, the deceased or the funeral director just because they have to deal with it.” Dan McKinnon, a registered psychologist, says such grief can have an effect on work performance. According to McKinnon, that grief “lessens the ability to focus, it isolates you and can lead to poor decision making.”

TO ADOPT OR NOT » Do you think TO ADOPT bereavement leave should be McKinnon is among legislated for those who think alberta? VISIT bereavement leave is calgaryjournal.ca necessary. for our poll » “It’s very important that Alberta and employers provide some type of healing space for anyone who is going through a major health concern like grief.” According to Walker, “It’s a completely reasonable *Although not officialy legislated, companies in Ontario that employee 50 or people provide personal emergency leave of up to 10 unpaid days. thing to put into employment standards.” **Depending on which family member dies, employees in Quebec can get up to four unpaid days off, with one paid day, or in certain case just one paid day. ***One paid day and two unpaid days for immediate family members; up to three unpaid days for extended family in P.E.I. ****One paid day and However, Walker says when she talked with two unpaid days for employees that have been employed for over 30 days; two unpaid days if employment fewer than 30 days. people in the government about bereavement, the response has been “that the government didn’t This map shows the variance in bereavement leave times across Canada. Alberta is the need to put it in legislation because employers only provice without legislated bereavement time, leaving employees vulnerable to the would do the right thing.” policies set out by their employer. INFOGRAPHIC BY JORDAN SIMPSON/CALGARY JOURNAL Nevertheless, Alberta Federation of Labour

4 APR cal 2013garyjournal.ca Our City

n ot forgotten An unspoken sorrow

How can families dealing lost by miscarriage. “My hope is that at some point, down the road, “I can remember driving away from that ser- women, and men, will be able to talk about the with the loss of an infant vice, and the burden we both felt was lifted from impact this has had on them, “ says Lakhani. cope with their grief? us by participating in that, and feeling like it was In 2011, through the efforts of a mother who finally acknowledged appropriately.” had experienced a loss, and the support of the Geoff Crane Pierson said the service is a way to help fami- AHS PIL program, Mayor Nenshi signed a letter [email protected] lies deal with the confusion and isolation they officially recognizing Oct. 15 as Pregnancy and he death of an unborn or stillborn child can sometimes feel. Infant Loss Awareness Day. It’s a day recognized is a devastating topic that most people “It happens way more often than people re- nationally across the United Sates, but only in feel uncomfortable talking about. Ac- ally realize. It’s sometimes just not talked about a few cities and provinces throughout Canada. cording to BabyCenter.ca, an estimated much.” “I think we still have one in four pregnancies ends in a mis- While these special a long ways to go. This Tcarriage in Canada. projects and services is where events like Lindsay McCray is one of many women who have helped many the Pregnancy and has suffered the unfortunate loss of a child families with their “Memory making Infant Loss Aware- through miscarriage, and knows the feeling of grief, overcoming the ness Day can make a isolation that comes with it. loss of a miscarried or is so important.” real difference, ” says “Really, you’re left on your own to grieve. Apart stillborn infant is not a Lakhani. from a support group we have here in Victoria, one- size- fits- all pro- Deb Bennett, In the meantime, there’s really nothing else out there. You’re griev- cess. social work professor Lakhani points to oth- ing the loss of this baby, but on top of that you Deb Bennett, an as- er services AHS pro- feel so alone,” says McCray. sociate professor of vides to help parents McCray’s experience led her to get involved in social work at Mount Royal University and ex- grieving the loss of a child. a special project with the Saanich Legacy Foun- pert in grief, points out grief is a very individual Memory packages and a personalized decora- dation in Victoria. process. tive box that contains mementos of the child, as The project is called Little Spirits Garden. Lo- As a result, she says, “It makes it difficult, for me well as some donated by volunteers, are just a cated in the Royal Oak Burial Park of Victoria, at least, to say this is the blanket solution. few ways parents can have a tangible to reminder the garden offers unique ways for people to ac- “There was a time when parents didn’t have of the loved one they only spent a few precious knowledge their loved one, from small concrete the opportunity to have those pictures, the op- moments with. spirit houses to cedar flags, and an ossuary to portunity to have a funeral.” “Memory making is so important,” Bennett inter ashes. All of these memorials are provided As a grief counselor for Alberta Health Servic- says. “When you lose a child through a miscar- to the families free of cost. es Pregnancy and Infant Loss program, Azmina riage or stillbirth, those memories are so few, and The Saanich Legacy Foundation has received Lakhani hopes to see that action take place. that’s where the box comes in to help.” over one-third of the funds needed to complete the project, and more donations are coming in from all over North America, according to president Paul McKivett. On the home front, Michael Pierson of Pierson’s Funeral Service in Calgary is spearheading a similar project, in partnership with Alberta Health Services, called Silent Hopes Memorial Services. Silent Hopes is a service that cares for the remains of any pregnancy loss, but especially those of miscarriages. Pierson collects these remains of miscarried pregnancies from various medical sites around Calgary. The remains are cremated and then interred at the Silent Hopes Memorial Garden in the Rockyview Garden of Peace Cem- etery. Every spring and fall, a Silent Hopes non- denominational service is held at the garden for parents and families of the infants whose remains are placed there. Additionally, parents can choose to have their infant’s name placed on a stone tablet donated to the garden, memorial- izing their child. Pierson has had firsthand experience with the Memory boxes, hand painted by volunteers, give parents a place to store mementos of the therapeutic powers this service provides, having little one they’ve lost. Photo courtesy of by DANIELLE POPE/MONDAY MAGAZINE attended a Silent Hopes service for his own infant

c algaryjournal.ca APR 2013 5 Our City

Significant Ink Eternal images

How Calgarians use tattoos said the watch symbolizes that, “No matter what you take for granted. You might think ‘I’ll remember happens in this life, I will see these people again, that forever. I’ll remember what she looks like for- to symbolize meaning and it’s just a matter of time.” ever,’ but it does go away and pictures don’t always in their lives Her first tattoo, the butterfly on her back, symbol- do it justice.” izes freedom as O’Brien’s mom battled brain cancer ANGELA WITHER for four months before passing away in 2006. ROBERT (JOE) GREEN [email protected] With her mom diagnosed when she was only 12, Coming from a military family, Cpl. Robert (Joe) hat makes someone decide to get losing her mom was incredibly painful. Green said he joined the Canadian army at the age a tattoo? For some, the idea of get- “You feel like there’s this piece of you that’s miss- of 19 because he felt it was always in his blood. ting ink permanently marking their ing, and you’re never going to get it back,” O’Brien In 2005, he left for Afghanistan where his com- body can be a turn off. For others, said. “And that’s really hard to come to terms with pany, a section comprised of about 150 soldiers, the practice of body art is a beauti- because you are never going to see them again, lost seven members. Wful, unique and visual way to celebrate their per- or hear their laugh, or hear them tell you their After coming home, Green wore a bracelet in sonal life achievements, or to remember those they favourite joke, or even hear them walking down remembrance for the seven who were killed. But have lost. the stairs in the morning. he knew that wasn’t enough to honour those who “A lot of people get small text pieces done just “I am never going to see my mom at breakfast had fallen. because it’s got some meaning or remembrance for again and that’s really painful. It hits me at random One day at work, he left for lunch and got a tat- them,” Jake DeSade, a tattoo artist at Bushido Tat- times that she’s gone, or they’re gone, and they too in their memory. too, said. “And then people get tattoos just because aren’t coming back.” Insisting it was not an impulse tattoo, he said: “It it’s simply beautiful.” With consent from her father, O’Brien got the tat- came to the point where I had been saying I was While travelling in Papua New Guinea, DeSade too for her mom when she was just 16, and while going to get this for so long, I’m going to do it right spent some time with the tribes in the northern many would disagree with getting a tattoo so now. I just had to.” part of the country. There he experienced a com- young, O’Brien said: “I felt like I was forgetting the Starting with the first member killed on his tour, plete culture shock when it came to the meaning little things. I was forgetting her laugh, or her smile the tattoo goes up his arm in a spiral pattern, each of tattoos. or what she looked like — just little tiny things that line starting with a poppy, the initials of one of the “Almost everyone there had facial tattoos, full you have one day, then suddenly they’re gone, that soldiers, followed by the date he was killed. body scarifications, and they’d see my tattoos and ask me what they meant to me,” said DeSade — whose only noticeable tattoo is a large “X” on his Che ck out “Eternal Images: wrist, with numerous others hiding on his chest, the documentary” as part of the Calgary Journal’s In legs and side. Focus series airing on CTV2 on In a culture where tattoos and scarifications are Sunday, April 7 at 5:30 PM. practices that contain deep meaning, it was clear the tribe’s people didn’t understand DeSade’s reason for getting tattoos simply because they were beautiful. “It got to the point where they would ask, and I would be like, ‘It’s from my tribe in Canada.’ They would look at me, nod and totally understand.” While it’s undoubtedly popular to follow DeSade’s concept of getting tattoos simply for beauty, many people see the meaning behind a tattoo as more important. Looking into the lives of three people who used tattoos as a way to express loss, life experiences and passion for work and family, it becomes clear that while tattoos are pieces of art, they are also incredibly meaningful.

KIELAN O’BRIEN As the needle touches down to her skin at Bushido Tattoo, Kielan O’Brien’s body slightly twitches from the unexpected pain. In addition to carrying her mom on her back in the form of a butterfly, her best friend on her left wrist in the form of an anchor and her grandfather on her right foot in the form of a shamrock, O’Brien is now commemorating all Jake DeSade works hard to transform Kielan O’Brien’s tattoo from an image on a piece of those she has lost with a new tattoo in the form paper into a permanent piece of art on her body. Photo by Courtney Urbani/calgary journal of a pocket watch surrounded by flowers. O’Brien

6 APR 2013 calgaryjournal.ca Our City

“Back in the day, it was less common. Now you see everyone with them, especially with the military. You’ll see lots of guys with remembrance tattoos or unit tattoos.” Green said a common Canadian military tattoo is of the C10, which stands for the Canadian 10th Battalion. “A lot of guys in our unit get that. It rep- resented our unit during World War I.”

ANDREW STELMASCHUK Growing up as the only boy in a Ukrainian family, police officer Andrew Stelmaschuk takes pride in his last name. “People express themselves through piercings, or dying their hair (or) wearing a fashion state- ment,” he said. “That’s not permanent — that’s generally just a phase for most people. A tattoo lasts for life and my family’s there for my whole life.” With his parents’ names on his arms, a big piece with “Mom” and “Dad,” on his back, and his last name across his chest, Stelmaschuk’s inspiration for getting tattoos comes from “the commitment to make that decision that you want to express who you are, that commitment that you are willing to show what you have your feelings towards, what you care about — things like that make it worthwhile to me.” After two sessions and multiple hours under the needle, Kielan O’Brien’s final tattoo is Unlike DeSade, Stelmaschuk sees a greater revealed. Photo by Courtney Urbani/calgary journal importance in having tattoos with a strong meaning. “To me, tattoos always meant something of your — for the rest of my life obviously — so I don’t She said, “I think that this is an hour of pain, own life experience — maybe a path that you have sit there having any regrets or wonder what my when for my mom (it was) months and months taken — things that have happened in your past, family or friends are going to think about it. Be- of pain. So if I can do this little thing in order things you hope will happen in the future,” Stel- cause it’s all about what I want, and what still to remember her, then to me it’s not painful. It’s maschuk said. represents my family.” good, and it’s a really comforting experience. “But how can you fill up your entire arm by the “I am very much influenced by the people that time you’re 19 or 20 years old and say it actually THE TATTOO EXPERIENCE I have lost,” she said. means something to you? While O’Brien sits to get her latest piece of body “At the same time though, I have to keep liv- “Generally when I get a tattoo, my mind is in art, she winces through the obvious pain that ing my life. If I completely shut down and all I a state of calm. I know that the end product is comes with getting a tattoo on her side — an am is sad about it, I’m not going to go where I something I am going to cherish for a long time incredibly sensitive part of the body. want to go.”

calgaryjournal.ca APR 2013 7 Our City

all-inclusive LGBT icon Buck Angel breaks new ground ‘Labels not necessary’ says You have worked to get your message regarding sexual empowerment and pornographer-cum-advocate self-acceptance out to a very broad audience. Why is that so important to you? Karry Taylor [email protected] I don’t really live my life as a transgendered man. I live my life as a man — which is what I always hen it comes to gender, Buck Angel is wanted to be. So it’s important for people to adamant about one thing: it isn’t de- understand that I don’t speak for the transgen- fined by what is between your legs. dered community. That isn’t because I don’t iden- “We have always been taught that a tify as a transgendered person. It’s because there penis makes you a man and a vagina are so many of us, and we all have different voices. Wmakes you a woman,” Angel says. “But gender is I came to realize that my message needs to be much more complicated than that.” heard outside of the transgendered community Angel has lived his life questioning notions of because they already know everything that I am gender. He was born a female. In his twenties, he talking about — I don’t need to educate that underwent hormone treatment and breast removal community. I need to educate the world. It’s also surgery. He later gained notoriety as the first trans- because my life is not about being a transgen- gendered pornography star. Gradually, he has trans- dered man. It’s about becoming comfortable with formed himself into an educator, public speaker and yourself, whatever that means — whether you are advocate — not just for the transgendered commu- gay or straight or something else. nity, but for all those who he says “don’t fit into a box.” My message is about more than gender or sexu- Buck Angel calls himself “an advocate for After being invited to share his message of self- ality. It is about teaching people how to learn to people who do not fit in ‘the box.’” acceptance and sexual tolerance to audiences across Photo by Karry taylor/Calgary Journal love themselves. It sounds cheesy, but that is how North America, a documentary about his life, Mr. I transcended my porn work into my transgen- Angel, recently premiered at the SXSW Film festival. dered advocacy work and now into becoming a He recently visited Calgary to participate on public motivation speaker and educator. sex panel sponsored by the Fairy Tales Presentation Society, and sat down with the Calgary Journal to Did you have difficulty breaking out of discuss life, labels and why he thinks we are still so “Genitals have being pigeonholed as a spokesperson hung up on sex in 2013. nothing to do with for the whole transgendered community? There can be a tendency for society to being male or Yes. I have had to constantly stress that I am not stigmatize those who deviate from the so- a spokesperson, but understand that I am role called norms of sexuality. As somebody female.” model. who has publically advocated for a more I am happy being a role model because a lot fluid and flexible view of sex and gender, BUCK ANGEL, of my work touches on sexuality — and I am a have you run into this? tolerance activist firm believer that sexuality is an important part of Definitely. I am a pornographer — that is what I do, being a person. When you get in touch with your and that is where my roots lie. I am also a man with a which is considered a third world country. But it isn’t sexuality, it can free so much up for you. vagina. But I realized, because of these things, many a third world country because, despite being a very people wouldn’t give me the time of day or respect strict Catholic country, they have legalized same-sex Where do you see that you can make the me or consider what I have to say as being valid. I marriage there. Yet the U.S. hasn’t. It seems to me, in biggest contribution? had to repackage myself as a motivational speaker, many ways, people are moving backwards in their I think I am changing the way that people really an educator and an advocate. Then all of a sudden, thoughts. look at what makes you a man or what makes you everyone wanted to speak to me. The reality is that change is necessary to evolve, a woman. I am making people question gender. People still have this idea that sex is dirty and bad and to make things more accessible. It is obvious If you really think about it, what is gender? How and that we shouldn’t talk about it. People think that that sexuality is evolving. Look at, for example, the could that possibly decide what makes me into a sex is evil and causes problems. But sex is a natural transgender community. In the last three or four man or a woman? I think my biggest contribution thing. Everybody does it. years, it has just exploded and has become more out has been showing that genitals have nothing to there in the open. So that in itself makes me wonder do with being male or female — it has everything It’s 2013, not 1950. Does it surprise you why people don’t want change. I think people are to do with you as a person. that such attitudes about sex and sexual- scared of change — there is this idea that change ity still persist? means rebellion and that people will be out of con- Editor’s Note: Questions and answers have been You know, it really is shocking. I live in Mexico — trol. But change is good. edited for length and clarity.

8 APR 2013 calgaryjournal.ca healthy living

Yoga Relief Arthritis sufferers of all ages moving past pain Power of Movement fundraiser earns $170,000 across 13 Canadian cities LISA HALLET [email protected] or six months, Karissa Schmidt was plagued with pain in her hips and lower back. At 25 years old, she was taking six to 10 codeine-infused painkillers every day. She could no longer go to movies Fand playing sports was out of the question. Desperate for help, she dragged herself to 114 appointments over a three-month span. Finally, in the fall of 2012, she recieved a diagnosis. Schmidt was suffering from ankylosing spondylitis — a form of arthritis that typically attacks the hips, spine, lower back and shoulders. Schmidt is one of an estimated 4.2 million Ca- nadians affected by arthritis and autoimmune diseases — which are the most common chronic health conditions in Canada, according to a report by the Public Health Agency of Canada. There is no known cure for arthritis. However, some who suffer from the disease say that they have found pain relief in practicing yoga. Photo by Lisa HALLET/calgary journal PAIN RELIEF THROUGH YOGA Although there is no known cure for arthritis, many people who are affected by it, including one of the instructors at the event. She said that “It quiets your mind,” he said. “When you’re liv- Schmidt, have turned to yoga to alleviate the pain. she has seen the benefits that yoga can have for ing with this degree of pain, you’re willing to try “Yoga has helped to relieve the muscles and people affected by arthritis. anything. Yoga — as an exercise — expands your increase my strength, energy and flexibility,” “When you have arthritis, you get into the cycle joints. Every other exercise you do compresses Schmidt said. of experiencing pain so you stop moving, so you them and that’s the worst thing you can do with According to Yoga for Arthritis: A Scoping Review, experience more pain,” she said. arthritis.” published by the National Institutes of Health — She said that this inactivity can lead to stress and For both Schaefer and Schmidt, one of the the elements of yoga, including stretching, bal- depression, but yoga allows people to move again hardest things about the disease is other people ance and the ability to modify the postures and in a safe, gentle way. not understanding the pain. pace, are beneficial for people affected by arthritis. “People are very quick at judging when they The study said that yoga also has psychologi- YOUNGER FACE FOR ARTHRITIS can’t see something,” Schaefer said. cal benefits because of its emphasis on breathing, According to the Public Health Agency’s report, Schmidt pointed out, “Even if someone looks stress management and meditation. arthritis can affect people of all ages — from tod- completely normal, it doesn’t mean that they’re dlers to people in their “prime working lives.” not in horrible pain.” YOGA FUNDRAISER EARNS $170,000 Brad Schaefer is one of those people. Fifteen Schmidt took part in the Power of Movement fun- years ago, at the age of 31, he was diagnosed MOVING FORWARD draiser earlier this week, put on by the Arthritis Re- with osteoarthritis. At the age of 37, he had his Schmidt said she plans on staying as active as search Foundation. It’s the largest yoga fundraiser first hip replacement. He said that it’s rare to be possible. “I’m going to try different things and in Canada, dedicated to increasing awareness and that young and have a joint fall apart so quickly. see where my limit is,” she said. raising money for arthritis research. “Arthritis is not for the little old lady sitting in For Schaefer, it’s important not to let the disease More than 70 yoga enthusiasts gathered at Eau the rocking chair trying to knit,” he said. “There’s define him or take over his life. Claire Market for a one-hour session led by three a new face to it and it doesn’t mean that we have “You let it have as much power as you’re willing Calgary yoga instructors, raising nearly $7,000 for to stop living — but we have to modify what to give it. And as long as you don’t give it all of the cause. The event ran in 13 other cities across we do.” you, it will never have all of you. Canada on the same day, raising a total of more Like Schmidt, Schaefer said that he has found “Life is too amazing — no matter what you have. than $170,000. relief from practicing yoga, and that it has been As long as you can still put two feet on the floor, Kim McNeil, an independent yoga teacher, was his “saving grace.” you’ve got it made.”

calgaryjournal.ca APR 2013 9 healthy living

PHARMA-PHILOSOPHY Not just about prescriptions

With taxes, Geldreich explains that the dis- Learning the business of pensing fee pharmacies use as a source of in- pharmacies come has not increased with inflation. A com- plication, he argues, that will only grow as the “It will be Larissa Pinhal baby boomer generation emerges. [email protected] “Fifty per cent of all prescriptions are filled for impossible or most people, going into a pharma- seniors, but we know that the senior population ceutical career is based on the desire is increasingly becoming the majority of the total for younger to help those in need of medical atten- population,” said Geldreich. “It will be impossible tion. But along with the quality of care, for younger generations to fund the baby boom- generations comes the business appeal of owning ers.” to fund the baby Fa pharmacy in Alberta. Geldreich’s solution seems simple: either raise However, this interest may not always coincide taxes — which government has not shown inter- boomers.” with the corporate model of larger organizations est in — or have seniors pay more of the cost. such as Shoppers Drugmart or grocery store de- Script Pharmacy takes part in the western divi- Bob Geldreich, partments. sion of PharmaChoice, which aims to group to- pharmacist and owner of Script Pharmacy By owning and operating pharmacies on their gether 400 pharmacies giving them larger buying own, Bob Geldreich — pharmacist and owner of power and better prices from wholesalers, manu- Script Pharmacy — says there is “opportunity to fol- facturers, and suppliers. » GO to calgaryjournal.ca for more coverage of low your own ambitions and passions a bit more For Geldreich, in today’s pharmacy atmosphere, health-related issues, events and discussions » closely,” both with medicine and business. the key to success is knowing when, “to have our University of Alberta student, Ken Soong — who professional hat on, or our business hat on.” is also president of Alberta Pharmacy Students As- sociation — says steps to further the business approach to pharmacy are now part of the courses and options provided to students. Pharmaceutical science students are now required to take a mandatory business management course, including the “introduction of business concepts and developing business plans.” Although he believes the main focus is therapeu- tics and clinical knowledge, Soong is now consid- ering a new option at the university. Students can now graduate with both a degree in pharmacy and business after a one-year concentrated MBA program prior to their final year. This can provide a “major business push” that students are excited about and interested in learning. This option, according to James Kehrer, dean of the faculty of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences, is one of the ways the U of A is training their students “for the future and tomorrow of pharmacy.” But with private business and self-direction — regardless of education level — comes the struggle to keep pharmacies up and running. For Geldreich, the main challenges come from lack of funding from low taxes: “Having government realize that pharmacies are a business” and receiving “kickbacks” for those pharmacies. A fee structure — determined by Alberta government and Blue Cross — is set to a maximum price for pharmacies to sell prescription medication. Discounters such as drug marts are able to charge below the maximum. Geldreich says this causes the Alberta government to argue that pharmacists are not in need of the full charge or profit and therefore need no increase in funding.

10 APR c 2013algaryjournal.ca healthy living

Loose Leaf Healthy truths behind tea

feine found in coffee.” Green, black, oolong, Hurley practices what she preaches. it doesn’t matter — all have “My favorite tea depends on the mood and the 7 reasons time of day: in the morning I start off with a cup benefits for health of green tea called Sky Between the Branches — which is my favorite,” Hurley said. to drink tea: HANNAH CAWSEY [email protected] Hurley maintains that tea drinkers have reduced cholesterol levels, stronger bones and reen tea is often reported for its health lower rates of cardiovascular disease and cancer. can reduce the risk benefits, ranging from clearing up “I prefer using loose leaf tea because you use of cancer acne, to curing major health ailments. the whole leaf. From my point of view it is a But why are health benefits generally much better form of tea.” 1 only being reported for green tea? In addition, Hurley said teas with artificial

GJonathan Kane — owner of the Naked Leaf flavouring or over-processed teas or tea lattes Cafe located on 10th Street N.W. in Kensington — won’t provide the health benefits loose leaf tea sells various types of loose leaf tea. He explained will. lowers that green tea is in the news because the original “Regular consumption of tea appears to re- cholesterol levels studies on the health benefits of tea came out duce the risk of cancer of the breast, prostate of Japan, where the drink of choice is green tea. and other organs,” Hurley said. 2 It is a common mis- Claiming any type conception that only of tea is the healthi- green tea is good for est is subjective, but the drinker. Kane said if someone is looking causes lower rates all teas start out the for the tea with the of cardiovascular same. “You drink in best health benefits, disease “Teas are made from Kane suggested mat- 3 the same tea leaf. all the antioxidants cha. Whether it’s green, and all the “(Matcha) is a very white, oolong or black, high-end green tea they’re just processed goodness when leaf that has been bolsters your differently,” Kane said. ground into a very “All of them have anti- you drink tea. The fine powder. When immune defense oxidants, caffeine and caffeine found in you prepare matcha, 4 benefits. you actually ingest “I tell people if the leaf so you’re get- they’re really look- tea is more ting maximum vita- ing for nutrition, just gentle than the mins, antioxidants find teas they like and and caffeine. decreases the risk drink them through- caffeine found With regular tea, of cataracts and out the day.” you steep it and throw arthritis According to iVil- in coffee.” the leaves out — with 5 lage.ca — a Canadian matcha you ingest it,” women’s online health janette hurley, Kane explained. magazine — some of family doctor and practitioner However, any tea the top reasons for can be ground up for increases bone drinking tea are to re- the health benefits. If density duce risk of heart attack and to bolster immune someone doesn’t like green tea but would like to defence. make a powdered tea, they can purchase a tea 6 The American Journal of Nutrition, meanwhile, grinder and make their own powder. stated that possible benefits of consuming tea There’s more reasons to drink tea than just the include decreasing risk of cataracts and arthritis, health benefits — most tea lovers consume it as well as increasing bone density. for the taste and ritual. A recent customer to the lots of anti- Dr. Janette Hurley — a Calgary-based family Naked Leaf, Brandy James, said she drinks tea oxidants, which doctor and general practitioner — recommends because it makes her feel better. reduce cell damage tea to her patients all the time as a healthy addi- “I do believe green tea is good for you and I 7 tion to any diet. drink it every day,” said James, whose favourite SOURCE s: dr. janette hurley, ivillage.ca, american “You drink in all the antioxidants and all the is a mint blend. journal of nutrition goodness when you drink tea,” Hurley said. “The “I feel better when I drink tea rather than cof- caffeine found in tea is more gentle than the caf- fee, and there’s always a tea for your mood.”

calgaryjournal.ca APR 2013 11 calgary VOICES

musical magic Cutting the violin strings Purchase of a new instrument brings complicated emotions CAMERON PERRIER [email protected] hat if we got you a new instrument?” my mother asked. I had originally traveled to the small violin shop that “Wevening to look for a new bow, after being advised that it was necessary. A new violin had been the farthest thing from my mind. My mother continued, “I just have a feeling the person who loaned us the violin might take it back.” I loosened the bow in my hands and set it back on the table, tentatively picking up another.

HARMONIOUS BOND Violin has been my life for the past five years — daily practice, weekly lessons, orchestra rehearsals and chamber music. A lifelong curiosity that had turned into my deepest passion, the truest way to express feelings that if I tried to put into words, I could barely scrape the surface. The violin I had been using was built in the 1930s In the four years that Janine and I played together, I discovered my passion for music and in Germany. The varnish was hazelnut brown but, in a deep connection to my instrument. Photo by ian esplen/calgary journal certain lighting, it looked darker. The way it sounded was incredible. A smaller voice, but it was lush and deep. On the lower registers I pushed to hear MUSICAL ANXIETIES ficulty finding a violin that I would like. its secrets, asking to open up to me — and it did. As I tucked Janine into her case, I knew our days The violin had seen the years, the top worn down together would be numbered. I worried that I NEW PARTNER with a few chips and cracks. wouldn’t be able to find another violin capable The ninth violin I tried was the one. It was the It belonged to a friend of my mother, who had of satisfying my musical needs. I knew there were appearance alone that first caught my eye, the loaned me the violin four years ago in case the better instruments, and it would be an upgrade. rich terracotta brown varnish that reminded me rental I had been using needed repair. Eventually, But it was the relationship, the seamless merge of Florentine shingles. The details of the antique after calling to return the violin — to no avail — of emotion and instrument, that I was fearful of finishing on the two-year-old instrument left me and a restoration, it was mine. I named it Janine, losing. in awe. after my favourite violinist Janine Jansen. Janine had seen the deepest caverns of my soul, The tone was resonant and smooth. As I played Janine was with me through my best and my she knew how to unravel feelings within that I the instrument for the first time, its subtle nu- worst. She was there for my acceptance into a couldn’t express through any other medium. A ances and angelic overtones struck a chord. In an conservatory orchestra. She was witness to my new instrument would be a stranger. instant, I knew that this was it. musical growth, and we forged an intimate rela- After much thought I went back to the shop With a new instrument, the possibilities of un- tionship. She fit so well in my hands. Everything to see their violins within my price range. As 10 raveling its mysteries are endless and it‘s all mine. synchronized when we played together. We were violins were laid before me, I noted their features, No one before me has known how this violin a team. and once I had my hands on them, the maker and sounds on this or that note, or the deep vibrations Janine and I share a bond that many musicians the year. Old instruments typically sound better, in the hollow wooden body. This violin will be my have with their instruments. World-renowned vio- but new instruments have the most potential to new partner for many years. linist Sarah Chang told me in an email that her change their sound over time. I named it Lady Florence — because of the priceless Guarneri del Gesu violin is “my voice There was a way of knowing if an instrument varnish. When we play together, a new musical when I’m onstage. I feel that it’s almost an attach- fit. If it was a “no,” I knew right away. A “maybe,” mystery is unraveled. ment of my own body.” required a couple lines of music or different ar- Her secrets are a constant source of motivation That’s why it was so odd when my mother pro- ticulations to decide. for me, my primary reason to improve my abilities. posed a new instrument. It made sense, having If I was still unsure, I would take a violin home Every few weeks I take Janine from her case and reached a level where a high quality instrument for a week. It was difficult to find an instrument we play for an hour or two. Each note she makes was necessary. However, it had never crossed my comparable to how Janine sounded or felt. The now reminds me of going back to an old lover, so mind that I would need a new violin right now. process was disheartening, having so much dif- familiar and full of memories.

12 APR 2013 calgaryjournal.ca calgary voices

chilling diagnosis Can you be allergic to cold? My extreme reactions to low temperatures are symptoms of Raynaud’s disease

VERONICA POCZA [email protected]

utting a new key on my keychain. Hold- ing a cold fruit for too long. Opening a cold beer can. Digging in the freezer for the last popsicle. Shoveling the drive- way. PThese are some of the tasks that are momentarily unpleasant for anyone, but that are now almost impossible for me — causing unbearable pain, numbness and discoloration in my fingers, lasting hours upon hours. This extreme reaction began to happen this year, There is a lack of blood supply to tissues during a Raynaud’s attack. around wintertime. In some of the worst moments Photo courtesy of wikimedia commons of it, my fingers feel thick, swollen and sprained —but look dead and lifeless. I’ve always been the girl who’s “so cold” and has adulthood — when connective tissue disorders the heat up “crazy high” in my car — poor circula- start appearing. “No one knows why,” Mosher tion runs on my mom’s side of the family — so I says. just took these new, uncomfortable reactions as She says that secondary causes are much more an unfortunate repercussion of that. I didn’t seek clear, as symptoms usually appear after frostbite medical help. injury, trauma or accompanying connective tis- However, upon a trip to the doctor for a shot, sue diseases. my very attentive general practitioner noticed the There’s no way to prevent or cure Raynaud’s, extreme discoloration in my fingers and sent me and Mosher says, “awareness starts upon diagno- off to do some testing. sis, learning what you can and can’t do.” Surprised to learn a diagnosis was even possible, I went off to do the required blood work and arte- TAKING NECESSARY MEASURES rial ultrasounds — to find that I have Raynaud’s Mosher says there’s been no one good solution disease. in terms of medication for Raynaud’s. It’s crucial that I stay warm all winter. “Some find blood pressure medications that WHAT IS IT? Photo by tera swanson/calgary journal dilate the vessels helpful,” she says. Surgery was Dr. Dianne Mosher, division head of rheumatol- formerly tried, she says, “but most patients just ogy at the University of Calgary, describes Rayn- take the basic, precautionary measures to avoid aud’s as, “A condition where the blood vessels in NOT MUCH YOU CAN DO an attack now.” the extremities reversibly constrict during cold I found my diagnosis to be quite a fluid process. For me, that means shopping for fun little things temperatures and emotional stress. The fingers But, I wondered what it was like for others. like heated mittens, heated blankets and beer- will become cold, painful, and turn either white, “I was just glad to finally have a name for it,” Deb can sleeves. purple or blue.” Ashton, a mother of two, says of the symptoms. The condition is definitely not life threatening, It’s definitely painful, sometimes beyond descrip- “When my fingers would turn white and be so but boy is it a nuisance. The odds are definitely tion. Mosher explains the source of that internal painful — no one took it seriously — I couldn’t against my favor because Raynaud’s reactions pain as deriving from “the extreme lack of blood even untie my soccer shoes after a cold game.” can be triggered from both cold temperatures supply to a tissue.” Ashton was diagnosed over 12 years ago. and stressful situations. I’m a student and live in Good thing my doctor is thorough — as Mosher I found relief in learning there was a diagnosis, Calgary — stress and cold sum me up. says, “Undiagnosed Raynaud’s phenomenon can however I still had all these questions — I’m feel- I usually experience my Raynaud’s on a daily ba- lead to ulcers on the finger tips and even gan- ing invaded, having a disorder and not knowing sis, especially in the winter. But it will be minor grene if there is not enough blood supply.” why it’s present in my body. The answers I’ve if I can whip on a mitten or run my hand under Whether the reactions are considered major or been getting from doctors and experts alike – warm water before the blood supply is cut off. minor, according to the Government of Canada’s to no fault of their own – remain a bit unclear. There are silver linings to everything. Upon this Occupational Health and Safety statistics, I’m one “The cause of primary Raynaud’s — the one that diagnosis, I finally have a reason to demand that of the lucky four per 10,000 Canadians experienc- acts alone — is still unknown. It’s highly believed automatic car starter I’ve always wanted — and I ing the unfortunate setbacks to daily life in a cold to be hereditary,” says Mosher. I’m 21, and she will never, ever, agree to shovel the walk again. I environment. adds that this is right around the age — early can honestly say, “It’s dangerous to my health.”

calgaryjournal.ca APR 2013 13 C algary voices

Feeling the heat Waiver wings waiver and it’s legally binding,” says Habanero spice Tony Balakas, the pub’s owner. “Al- like I’d never though I must admit, it does add to the experience.” experienced before Introducing its waiver-required “the bull vs. the volcano” wings in T anis brown 1996, the Bull and Finch is well known [email protected] for having some of the hottest wings ears poured down my in the city, Balakas says. cheeks as I rocked myself While the family recipe is a well- back and forth in the small kept secret, Balakas did tell me that corner booth of the Bull the heat in the wings is due in large and Finch Pub in Douglas part to habanero peppers, and a TGlen. I had just taken a few quick double baking process that seals in bites of their famous “the bull vs. the the flavour. volcano” flavoured wings and my “Baking them the first time kind of body was in shock. brings out the flavours, and then do- Adrenaline pumped through me ing so a second time solidifies them, as my shaking hands reached for the giving the wings an extra punch,” small glass of milk that I had ordered Balakas says. in anticipation of the explosion of An extra punch is right — one bite spice that would surely erupt after my into the wing and my mouth was on first bite. While I knew these wings fire. Another bite and my eyes welled would be spicy, I wasn’t expecting up. The third bite was when the sen- this. sation hit the back of my throat and I had always been a fan of spicy I dropped the wing back onto the food. My step-dad and I were plate, defeated. almost fanatics, putting hot I would like to say that it was Reporter Tanis Brown felt the blistering heat of “the bull vs. the sauce on everything from extremely spicy, but honestly, volcano” wings, her mouth igniting with spice after just one bite. our eggs to bowls of soup I couldn’t tell you — all I felt Photo by LISA TAYLOR/calgary journal when we were sick. So was pain. I gulped several when I was dared by glasses of milk — even the Calgary Journal ate sour cream — but wings in perspective, I checked the themselves,” Balakas says. “Person- to try these wings, nothing could stop rating of the habanero on the Sco- ally, I can’t even dip my pinky in the I didn’t think much of it. I wrangled the burning sensation. ville heat scale — which measures sauce to taste them, they are just up some friends and we made a night Within a few minutes I had de- the hotness of chili peppers, or any- too spicy.” of it. veloped hives, realizing that I had thing derived from chili peppers. While I will never be biting into Signing the waiver — which re- touched my chest with the wing It measures a whopping 350,000 another waiver wing myself, I will leased the Bull and Finch of any li- sauce still on my hands. My lips and Scoville heat units, as compared to enjoy bringing my friends out to ability for what might happen to my ears swelled up, and turned bright cayenne pepper at just 50,000 units see if they can beat the heat of stomach in the meal’s aftermath — I red. In between glugs of water I gig- or the chipotle pepper at just 10,000 “the bull vs. the volcano.” For me, was un-phased, laughing it off as a gled at my stupidity until finally — units. Ouch. it wasn’t about the food or or the cute marketing ploy. about 30 minutes later — my tongue “You get a lot of tough guys who taste, rather an experience that will Boy was I wrong. went back to normal. are like, ‘These aren’t so bad,’ hold- not soon be forgotten — by me, or “We did have a lawyer look at the To put the blistering heat of these ing back tears as they try to defend my stomach.

GOOD DAY FINE READERS! Have you a dare for us? If you have a bold, terrifying, disgusting or just plain out there idea, please send them to [email protected] and we’ll have one of our intrepid staff tackle anything you can throw at them. Except sharp things.

14 APR 2013 calgaryjournal.ca calgary voices

award winner The accusor and us For 5 years, we were hauled through ‘the system.’ As my husband says, ‘Be nice, it has our lives in its hands.’

MELISSA MOLLOY [email protected] o the cops come to my house. God, I think my husband has been killed in a car wreck when I see them outside with their flashlights. The black hair on the back of my Sdog stands straight up. I hold the leather collar around his neck tightly in my fist — his rumbling growl shakes beneath my skin. “We’re here to check on the safety of Ellie*,” one of the large, solid looking officers says. He seems deeply concerned, and so does his partner. Me — well, now my heart is slowing to a somewhat less-hysterical pace. My husband is not dead. There is no tragedy. I know entirely what this is all about. My stepdaughter’s grandmother has a mental illness that twists her mind with paranoia. She often involves the law — mostly the family-court with various orders. But this is the first time the cops have come to me. “Can we take a look at her?” the taller one asks After being accused of child abuse by her stepdaughter’s bipolar grandmother, Melissa — he must have noticed my sudden ease be- Molloy and her husband were hauled through ‘the system’ for five years. cause he seems a lot less stern. Photo Courtesy of Creative Commons “Of course — she’s actually sleeping,” I say as the three of us walk down the hall of our tiny home. I see the glare of their flashlights dart into them — crouch on the sofa by the window and my kitchen and my bedroom checking for the watch the officers sit in their car outside. I think markings of an unfit parent, I guess. about how my house is that house right now. But they find nothing. Maybe the neighbours are watching and won- My six-year-old is fast asleep in her little bed, dering. Congratulations to our black cat curled in the nook of her legs. She I feel a strange mix of shame and contentment. Melissa Molloy for starts to rub her eyes as the flashlight crosses I’m that neighbour on the street with the cops at winning gold in the over her face. their door, but I also might be the one call those “Hi sweetheart,” the cop says very gently. guys get tonight that brings them relief. emerging writer’s And that is that. We all walk back to the door. I walk back to bed, and hope that this never category at the Alberta They ask me if I might know what this is all happens again. Hope there is someway to ease Magazine Publishers about. the woman’s broken mind. To help her see that I know they don’t have time for the ins-and- the only abuse Ellie is getting comes from mo- Association Awards for outs of the last five years. The months of calm ments like this — police, social workers, and this piece, published in the followed by out-of-the-blue packages summon- worn out judges — each of them obligated to Calgary Journal’s Profiles ing my husband to court. The horrific and often search, and each of them finding nothing but bizarre accusations of abuse and neglect coupled parents doing the best they can with a child who West magazine. with a plea to have full custody of our child. is turning out pretty damn great. Read the rest of The I know these men are too weary for the drama Just pray, I guess, for a miracle or something. accusor and us on of it all. They’ve seen children in real danger. “Her Or for a judge that will finally say “enough is grandmother has bipolar,” I say. “She does this enough, you can’t do this anymore.’’ profileswest.ca. kind of thing quite a lot. I can’t really tell you why.” Editor’s note: *Names have been changed to I close the door and lock the handle behind protect privacy.

calgaryjournal.ca APR 2013 15 ENVIRONMENT

CliMate concern Finding common ground: David Suzuki and Jeff Rubin on tour Ecologist and economist talk rising fuel prices, ‘green economy’ and Calgary’s sprawl KARRY TAYLOR [email protected]

nitially they may seem like a odd pair as en- vironmentalist David Suzuki has been publically critical of economists while Jeff Rubin is the former chief economist of CIBC World Markets. David Suzuki (left) and Jeff Rubin will tour cross-country together until the fall of 2013. IIn 2012, Rubin published a book — The End of Photo by karry taylor/calgary journal Growth: But Is That All Bad? — in which he argues that rising oil prices will bring the growth of Cana- dian and other western economies to a halt. Ac- whether we intend to or not. crisis and depression and saying, ‘its too late.’ cording to Rubin, as prices become too high for Suzuki: Higher oil prices are a good thing. I wish Wind power is now competitive with oil. It people to burn non-renewable fossil fuels such as that we had taken advantage of the fact that we doesn’t need any subsidies — windmills will pay oil, carbon emissions will drop, slowing the pace have brains, and that we could have used our brains for themselves. Solar power is coming very rapidly. of climate change. and managed our way to that kind of steady state. But the reality is that oil is a very special source of Suzuki, who recently published a new environ- This provides us with a crisis — and it’s a mul- energy and it’s going to be very hard to replace it. mentally themed book of his own called Everything tiple crisis. It’s an economic crisis because all of We can have all of our electricity, I believe, gener- Under the Sun (co-authored by Ian Hanington), said our thinking is that if the economy isn’t growing, ated by renewables. But the challenge is renewable he became interested in Rubin’s ideas. we are in deep trouble. But we are also facing an energy requires strength of will. The two are currently on a cross-country speak- ecological crisis — which is the amount of carbon ing tour across eight Canadian provinces. that we are putting in the atmosphere. So, I think Given Canada’s geographic size and The Calgary Journal’s Karry Taylor recently spoke that if Jeff’s thesis is right, this is the moment to population density, how realistic — with Rubin and Suzuki on the Calgary stop of their start thinking hard about where we are going into and how fair — is it to expect things tour. the future. like mass public transit systems such as trains to replace automobiles? Although drivers may not see any up- How aware are Canadians of the inter- Suzuki: Well it’s a problem. It might be possible side to higher fuel prices, as an econo- play between the economy and the to economically justify between Edmonton, Red mist and an ecologist, what benefits do environment? Deer and Calgary. But there generally aren’t the each of you see? Rubin: The reason they are called ‘man-made population concentrations needed, certainly, for Rubin: The consequences of higher emissions’ is that we are putting it out inner-city travel. fuel prices are that we are not there. But we don’t want to hear But our cities haven’t been designed in the right going to be able to grow at the that. We want to hear ‘green econ- way. You look at Calgary — the sprawl here is sick- same rate. The caveat being, of & omy.’ We want to paint everything ening. There has been no attempt to create com- course, that in Alberta’s case, it’s Q A green and we want to pretend munities as the city sprawls out. Every block should the opposite — higher fuel prices that we can continue to consume have a grocery store — things like that is what cre- benefit Alberta. But for the rest of as much energy as we have in the ates community. But we have badly designed our the world, triple digit oil prices are very past, with wind and solar. And guess what? cities — everything is in the service of cars. problematic. It’s bullshit. We can get energy from wind and solar The concentration of people in Europe is greater, Eighty per cent of the fuel that drives GDP but it faces constraints similar to oil. and that is why they are confronting these chal- is oil, coal and natural gas. So when you stop I am an economist, so prices are my religion. I lenges and opportunities. They don’t have the re- growing, whether its your intention or not, you believe that prices determine human behavior. sources that we have and they don’t have as much stop emitting. But I guess the question is, if we Triple digit oil prices are going to lead us to some spaced — so they are having to confront climate couldn’t get our act together to put a meaningful very green places — whether we have that as our change and having to actually do something about price on carbon when the economy was growing, goal or not. But who cares what our goal is? What it much quicker than we are here. But I certainly what do you rate our chances of doing that when really matters is where we are going. think that our cities could become much more our economy stops growing? benign. The silver lining here is we’re not going to have Suzuki: We seem to be going from denial, without to do anything, because the very process of not any kind of acceptance that it is happening and Editor’s Note: Questions and answers have been growing is going to lighten our carbon footprint, looking at what do we might do about it, to simply edited for length and clarity.

16 APR 2013 c algaryjournal.ca environment

Goin g Green Lighting the way with LEDs

The high cost of LED streetlights using existing bud- replace just 19,500 of the 90,000 Leotek also said that programs geted funds. But City Council has also streetlights in the city with LED where paybacks exceed 10 years changing Calgary requested a comprehensive imple- lights is in the area of $23.7-million. should normally be deferred for streetlights mentation plan for 2015 to 2017. A ten-year implementation plan is economic reasons — but it notes The switch is taking place against likely to be undertaken if the city that many municipalities proceed, the backdrop of a recent Calgary decides to go ahead with the street- despite very long financial payback Katherine Camarta [email protected] Transportation Report that con- light replacements. periods, to address climate change cluded, “Replacement of standard Leotek, an American company considerations. high pressure sodium streetlights specializing in LED lighting, has said The estimated average annual op- with LED streetlights where feasible the key downside to conversion is erating costs savings would be $65 can provide an overall economic and the significant capital outlay as LED per fixture. The Calgary report esti- environmental benefit to the City of lights are two to four times more ex- mates the costs of installing LEDs Calgary.” pensive than traditional lights. will be recouped after 15 years. Cities such as Edmonton, Hamilton, Halifax and Fredericton, as well as cities in the United States and abroad, have conducted similar investigations that have reached similar conclusions. LEDs, which stand for Light Emit- ting Diodes, use less energy over AM a longer life span than traditional 8 lighting sources. Each lamp contains more than 80 tiny bulbs, which have a life span of 60,000 hours or around 16 years when lit for 10 hours each day — five times that of a traditional $ street lamp. classe So far, the appearance of LED lights on Calgary’s streets has been limited to a one-year pilot test program in the community of Brent- wood, which concluded in February 2012. are City spokesperson Kelly Dyer said citizen feedback on that project was generally neutral, although there were some complaints about the quality of the light. LEDs are known to shine with a whiter light than the painful. LED streetlights may be blue light of the earlier streetlights appearing throughout the and individuals may prefer one tone With an average student return of $1000, to the other. city, but the potentially at least taxes are painless.* environmentally-friendly Dyer said a pilot project was nec- change comes at a cost. essary, despite the earlier studies, Photo by Rachel Kane/calgary journal since each city has its “own unique infrastructure” and “spacing of lights.” She also noted the City does not ight years ago, Calgary “take the philosophy that what finished switching 37,500 works in one city will work in an- student pricing 95 * streetlights to lower wattage other.” $29. & free SPC Card EnviroSmart fixtures. At that time of the earlier switch Now, new technology to EnviroSmart fixtures, the admin- meansE that the city may be chang- istration touted reduced energy ing those streetlight bulbs again, consumption and the resultant sav- this time to LEDs — a move that ings and estimated the city would hrblock.ca | 800-HRBLOCK (472-5625) could mean a large expenditure for regain the cost of installing the © 2013 H&R Block Canada, Inc. *Average is based on all student returns prepared at H&R Block in Canada for 2010 tax returns. The average refund amount calculated for students was over $1,100, cannot be guaranteed and varies based taxpayers. new fixtures from energy savings on each individual tax situation. $29.95 valid for student tax preparation only. To qualify, student must present either (i) a T2202a documenting 4 or more months of full-time attendance at a college or university during the applicable Currently, the city is only looking at by 2011 or 2012. tax year or (ii) a valid high school ID card. Students pay $79.99 for Complex/Premier return. Expires 12/31/2013. Valid only at participating locations. Additional fees apply. SPC cards available at participating locations in Canada only. a phased approach to installing the Dyer said the estimated cost to Offers may vary, restrictions may apply. For full terms see www.spccard.ca.

calgaryjournal.ca APR 2013 17

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PUBLICATION/LOCATION: Mars Hill FAMILY life

precious snapshots Photos of brief lives, taken with love Non-profit organization, volunteer photographers strive to help families heal

KAYL RRY TA OR [email protected] riella Gonsalves’s life was very brief. But it was a life full of love. Born on Jan. 16, 2013, she suffered from trisomy 13, a genetic disorder. Unsure how long their daughter would Bsurvive, Briella’s parents arranged for a Catholic baptism and confirmation ceremony to be held in the operating room. She was later introduced to her grandparents and uncle, and to Tobie, her 18-month-old sister. Seventeen hours after her birth, Briella passed away peacefully in her mother’s arms. Her parents, Rock Gonsalves and Heidi Schmaltz, say that they take comfort in having accomplished A mother’s love: Heidi Schmaltz and her daughter Briella. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Cranmer all the goals they had for their daughter’s short life — namely that Briella was kept comfortable and felt surrounded by the love of her family. ance. She was also very tiny, weighing less than more photos after Maddux had been disconnected Gonsalves and Schmaltz had a professional pho- four pounds. Schmaltz says that Crammer’s kind from the life support equipment. tographer record their daughter’s brief life. and gentle manner with Briella helped the family “And bless her heart, Sandy agreed to,” Haggard The photographer was from Now I Lay Me Down throughout the day. says. “Those images mean everything to me.” to Sleep — a non-profit organization that offers “Even though I had already had a baby, it kind of Touched by the tenderness that Puc had shown parents facing the loss of an infant the opportunity surprised me how different it was and how awk- in photographing Maddux — and realizing the im- to receive free professional portraits of their child. ward I felt,” Schmaltz says. “But Elizabeth was just so pact that the photographs had on her family dur- Schmaltz says that the photographs are a “gift” easy and comfortable and loving with Brie. ing their grieving process — Haggard says that she that her family will cherish forever. “She helped me feel more comfortable.” wanted to share her story to let all parents facing a similar loss know that it was okay to have por- PHOTOGRAPHS A BLESSING FOR FAMILY ORGANIZATION’S FOUNDING traits done. Puc agreed to offer her services free- Twelve weeks into Schmaltz’s pregnancy, she and Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep began with the birth of-charge to other bereaved parents in the Denver Gonsalves were told there was a high possibility of Cheryl Haggard’s fourth child, Maddux, on Feb. 4, area. that Briella would be stillborn. 2005. Born with a condition called myotubular my- Within a month of Maddux’s passing, approval Given their daughter’s prognosis, they began opathy, he was unable to breathe, swallow or move. for a non-profit organization was secured and Hag- working with a pediatric palliative care team, which Six days after his birth, Haggard and her husband gard, along with four others, started Now I Lay Me provides care for children, including those not yet made the difficult decision to disconnect Maddux Down to Sleep. born, with life-threatening conditions. from life support. The organization’s first official photography -ses It was through the team’s grief counsellor that With their Colorado home decorated with por- sion took place two months later. they first heard of Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. traits of their older children, Haggard says she and Within two years, almost 3,000 professional pho- Photographer Elizabeth Crammer, one of 11 local her husband wanted to ensure that Maddux would tographers had signed on as volunteers and the photographers who volunteer with the organiza- have a place among the photos of his siblings. organization was able to hire an executive director tion, spent six hours with the family to help capture After initially taking photographs of Maddux and office staff. their time with Briella. herself, Haggard eventually called in professional Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep currently has nearly Schmaltz says that Crammer’s photographs — as photographer Sandy Puc, a specialist in infant and 13,000 volunteer photographers in about 40 coun- well as her presence — proved to be “a blessing.” family photography. tries worldwide, including about 125 in Canada. “Elizabeth was amazing,” Schmaltz says. “She was “I wanted photos while he was on his life sup- Haggard wanted to ensure that parents facing willing to be there the entire day. She’s just a very port — how we knew him for those six days,” Hag- the loss of an infant who wanted professional pho- loving person.” gard says. “But I also wanted more intimate pictures tographs of their child are not hindered by financial The family knew ahead of time that Briella’s where I could hold him skin-on-skin.” circumstances. Parents are provided with a disc of condition would affect her face and her appear- Haggard asked Puc if she would be willing to take touched-up images free-of-charge.

18 APR c 2013algaryjournal.ca family life

“I never wanted a parent to think, ‘I can’t afford to hire a professional photographer,’” she says. “Sadly there is a need for this service — there is only one chance to capture, on film, the connection between the parents and their child. “There is no tomorrow with that child.” The need for the service is not uncommon, says Krista Fuller, the organization’s parent co-ordinator for Calgary. Fuller says she takes an average of two calls per month requesting a photographer. The exact number of Calgary-area families requesting the service is difficult to measure because sometimes parents or hospital staff will contact photographers directly, but Fuller says, on rare oc- casions she has had up to three calls in one day.

PHOTOGRAPHS COMFORT PARENTS Like Haggard, the organization’s Colorado-based CEO Gina Harris knows first-hand the importance the photographs have for grieving parents. Harris first learned about the service in 2007 when she was faced with losing her unborn son David to a rare condition called Potter’s syndrome. Stats Canada calculates the infant mortality rate as the number of deaths of children under David passed away at birth. Sandy Puc took one year old per 1,000 live births of the same year. infographic by Dan mACKENZIE/calgary journal photographs of him with his parents. Told that she could go on and have a healthy baby, Harris became pregnant again less than a year later. PHOTOGRAPHERS CALLED ‘HEROES’ here such a short time. Sometimes it seems like it Her second son — whom the Harrises had Haggard says the volunteer photographers are the was just a dream. named Ethan — developed a condition called hy- “heart and soul” of Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. “We can now look back on those photos and drops and cystic hygromas, which is severe swelling “They are angels with cameras,” she says. “They that will help keep her with us for a lot longer.” and fluid buildup around the organs. go into situations not knowing what to expect. Schmaltz treasures the links the photos provide Harris carried Ethan for 24 weeks before losing “No situation or family is exactly the same — ev- between Tobie and her sister. him. Given the severity of his condition, his parents ery family’s grief process is totally different.” “At 18 months old, Tobie will have an emotional decided not to have photographs done. Harris says that the photographers are her he- imprint of this time, but the concrete memories “Going through the loss of two babies, having roes and that the organization would not exist will probably fade,” Schmaltz says. photographs of one of our sons and not the other without them. “We will be able to let her see that she met her really made a difference in our grieving process,” “Any type of volunteer service is commendable,” sister, and that she got to hold Brie.” Harris says. “Having photographs of David, there is Harris says. “But to be a volunteer photographer for Schmaltz adds that the photographs were a par- more of a memory of him. The pictures say ‘he was Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep is one of the most dif- ticular comfort for Gonsalves, who had less time real, he was my baby and I held him.’ ficult volunteer positions that I know about. with his daughter and was not present when she “We didn’t get that with Ethan.” “Walking into a hospital room with a family who passed away. is in immense grief and who has just lost a baby is “One of the gifts of those photos was, looking a very emotional thing. back on them, he didn’t even remember some of “They are able to use their talent and their pas- the photos that were taken with him holding Brie,” sion for photography to give the only gift they can Schmaltz says. to a parent who is losing an infant,” Harris says. “It was a real comfort for him because he was able to look at those photos and say, ‘Yeah, she VOLUNTEER AIMS TO HELP OTHERS really did know that I loved her.’” Calgary photographer Jody Crane says she became involved with the organization as a way to THE RIPPLE EFFECT offer community service through her photogra- At a celebration of Briella’s life — held a week after phy. she passed away — her parents showed a slide- Crane works with the families to ensure that the show of the photographs taken by Crammer and photos will be personal and intimate. reflected upon what their daughter’s brief life had “Sometimes we will take pictures with a special meant to them. blanket that was knit for the infant, or with a spe- Schmaltz says that an email, written by the fam- cial bracelet that both mom and baby have — the ily and containing a brief story about Briella and a little touches like that can help,” Crane says. handful of Crammer’s photographs, drew numer- There is also a personal motivation behind ous responses — including many from strangers Crane’s involvement. Her own sister lost a baby who had received it second- or third-hand. girl. The family has been inspired by stories of peo- “It was quite difficult because it was also my ple doing things in Briella’s name, such as making loved one — but it really showed me what effect charitable donations to Now I Lay Me Down to the photos can have for a family,” says Crane. Sleep. Father and daughter: Rock and ‘The ripple effect has been kind of amazing,” Briella Gonsalves. Photo cour. of Elizabeth Cranmer KEEPING MEMORIES ALIVE Schmaltz says. “I don’t totally understand it, but it’s “It’s a little bit of Brie,” Schmaltz says. “She was also a gift to see the effect that Brie has on people.”

calgaryjournal.ca APR 2013 19 listings

Orny Adams The Grad You Never Had Fish Creek Star Night Entertainment The Laugh Shop Calgary April 11-13 Red and White Club, McMahon Stadium April 6 Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre thelaughshopcalgary.com childrenswish.ca April 13 Music 403-297-7926 13th Annual FunnyFest Talent 4th Annual Vegan Bake Sale TransCanada Alberta Music Search Freckleface Strawberry Calgary and Okotoks April 20 & 27 Storybook Theatre April 5 -21 Series Hose & Hound April 6, 13, 20, 27 veganbakesale.org Epcor Centre April 3-6 funnyfest.com storybooktheatre.org epcorcentre.org California Wine Fair The Number 14 Hotel Arts April 10 Yukon Blonde with Zeus The Playhouse April 12 -14 Festivals calgaryopera.com vertigotheatre.com Republik April 6 therepublik.ca Calgary Spoken Word Festival The Three Mooseketeers Various Calgary locations April 6-29 Family Events Loose Moose Theatre April 13-15 Discovery Series Concert: vertigotheatre.com Dimensions calgaryspokenwordfestival.com Rozsa Centre, University of Calgary Campus Taking Flight: A Festival of Aggie Days April 6 Student Work BMO Centre Stampede Park April 13-14 performingarts.ucalgary.ca Reeve Theatre, University of Calgary April 2-13 ag.calgarystampede.com Each year many cosplayers performingarts.ucalgary.ca attend the Calgary Comic Tannis Slimmon Imagination Movers Rock-O- Gallery House Concerts Society April 7 Cassie Campbell Street Hockey Matic & Entertainment Expo. Festival Jack Singer Concert Hall April 29 This year the event takes galleryhouseconcerts.com epcorcentre.org Olympic Oval May 3-4 place from April 26 to 28 La Traviata ahomeawayfromhome.org Day Out with Thomas at the BMO Centre. Go to Jubilee Auditorium April 20, 24, 26 Heritage Park May 4, 5, 11, 12 calgaryexpo.com calgaryopera.com Tradeshows heritagepark.ca Photo courtesy of Calgary Comic & Anberlin Entertainment Expo MacEwan Ballroom April 26 Body Soul & Spirit Expo unionevents.com Big Four Building April 5-7 bodysoulspiritexpo.com Deric Ruttan Deerfoot Inn & Casino April 27 Calgary Moms Trade Fair dericruttan.net Courtyard Marriott Conference Centre April 20 calgarymomstradefair.ca Motley Crue Scotiabank Saddledome April 29 The Calgary Woman’s Show scotiabanksaddledome.com BMO Centre Stampede Park April 20-21 calgarywomansshow.com Theatre Acadia Vintage, Retro & Antiques Show If I Weren’t With You Acadia Recreation Complex April 20-21 Lunchbox Theatre April 1-20 antiquesbydesignshows.com lunchboxtheatre.com Calgary Comic & Entertainment Lady Windermere’s Fan Expo Joyce Doolittle Theatre April 11-20 BMO Centre Stampede Park April 26-28 gasandlight.com calgaryexpo.com Amaluna — Cirque du Soleil Garden Show Stampede Park April 11-21 Spruce Meadows April 13-14 cirquedusoleil.com/amaluna calhort.org Chicago Supertrain Stage West April 18-June 23 Subway Soccer Centre April 20-21 stagewestcalgary.com supertrain.ca The Gondoliers Victor Mitchell Theatre April 19-May 4 Community Events morpheustheatre.ca Anne of Green Gables Multicultural Night 2013 Epcor Centre April 23-June 2 Jubilee Auditorium April 7 theatrecalgary.com 403-277-0206

Almost A Love Story Unique Lives: Dr. Jane Goodall Lunchbox Theatre April 29-May 18 Jack Singer Concert Hall April 22 lunchboxtheatre.com uniquelives.com

Ink Spot Poetry Collective SLAM COMEDY Open Mic Series Chris Molineux Wine-Ohs Bistro and Cellar April 29 Yuk Yuk’s Calgary April 4-6 ciswf.com yukyuks.com

20 APR 2013 calgaryjournal.ca THINGS TO DO

time to tidy How to sell household items online

Experts share secrets for Like Lyer, the Baker family’s situation is among the extremes — they liquidated almost everything turning clutter into cash they owned to pay off a massive debt. However, Baker says it has allowed her to become an expert VERONICA POCZA on the topic. [email protected] “Whether you are looking to completely clear out pring-cleaning is just around the corner your household and start from scratch like we did, and thanks to technology, there’s a way to or make a couple of bucks cleaning a closet, there clean your closet, garage, basement and is a definite way to go about things,” Baker says. make a little extra cash too! She recommends having a designated work- Selling things online is by no means a space so the project doesn’t disrupt living space. Snew phenomenon, but it is something to keep in “For us, it was the garage. We brought things in mind this time of year when sorting through piles there to sort, photograph, list and sell. It also al- of needless items. lowed us to work without distractions,” she says. It seems simple. But the truth is, the Baker breaks down the sorting pro- majority of us have no idea where cess into phases and says it be- to start. comes easier with each transition. “The first phase is surface level. WHAT’S HOLDING US BACK? Walk through the house and grab The first step is deciding to sell. everything that’s either in the way Suba Lyer, a California-based writer for or you know you don’t use,” she says. finance blog WealthInformatics.com, says most of The next step is thought to be harder. us “are guilty of keeping those things that we think “This is when you are actually required to sort we will use and never do.” through things and decide if they are of use,” Baker Can you turn your clutter into cash? She says the lack of urgency or immediate need says. “It can take a few weeks depending on how Photo illustration by samara hawkins/calgary journal for money could be a factor in why sorting and sell- big your house is, and how much you are looking ing is low priority. to get rid of.” Lyer’s situation was much different. An earth- However, Baker insists this step be done room- “online marketplaces” like this allow a local option quake warning in her residential area was the mo- by-room: take items that can be sold to the work- for those who want to avoid shipping. tivation she needed to start. She sold her things to space, sort into listing piles by item type, then The most important tip — which Baker learned make a quick $2,000 emergency fund. photograph and list. the hard way — is to never agree to hold an item. “Once I got started and created a system, I was “I’ll tell someone I have other people waiting to able to make the money I needed,” Lyer says. THE SELLING PROCESS buy, whether I do or don’t,” she says. “People will Although Lyer is no longer in a scramble for Baker says a great way to gain momentum is by feel a sense of urgency to then agree to pick up money, she still uses her easy selling system to get selling an item at the beginning of the process. This the item as soon as possible.” rid of items to bring in an extra $300 to $400 into can be accomplished in the first phase, selling the the household each month. big obvious things that are in the way — like that GET IT STARTED It sounds too easy, a moneymaking system that desk you’ve been storing and never use. Baker urges everyone to get started on “de-clut- turns cleaning into cash, but Lyer says it all starts “Furniture usually sells the easiest, and it’s en- tering for cash.” with “a good organization strategy before listing couraging to list something and see it sell,” she says. While out of debt, Baker and her husband are to sell.” Once you’ve gone through a whole room, Baker still sifting through unneeded items every six to says to line up the items and sort based on cat- eight weeks, as clutter continues to creep into their THE SORTING PROCESS egory or website, because specific items sell best home. “The best advice I can give is to sell a bunch of on certain websites. “It’s inevitable that things will build up, and no, things at once,” says Courtney Baker, from Man- Learning these tricks of the trade comes with you are never going to fully get back what you paid VsDebt.com — a blog focused on making money time, but Baker says she’s found it best to sell elec- for them,” she says. from your clutter. tronics on eBay, furniture on Craigslist or Kijiji, and “But it’s better to recoup anything you can for “You’d think it’d be easier to find one thing and books on Amazon. your things rather than throw them out or leave go through the process of selling it — but it’s much However, she recommends Craigslist for inexpe- them around.” more time consuming and discouraging that way,” rienced online sellers, saying it is the most “casual she says. marketplace since a yard sale.” for more tips on HOW TO TO SELL Baker considers herself a “well-oiled machine” Baker says she still likes to post items on Craigslist ONLINE GO TO CALGARYJOURNAL.CA when it comes to “selling crap.” — even if they are listed on another site — because

calgaryjournal.ca APR 2013 21 things to do

escape the city Small-town museums: hidden gems

Abundance of Alberta history Laurie Harvey, the museum’s curator, said they regional story. also have two meeting rooms that are rented out “We are re-developing our south galley, which within 70 km of Calgary to bring in additional monthly revenue. will tell of the Calgary-Edmonton wagon trail and OLIVIA CONDON However, Harvey understands the museum how that impacted the expansion between Cal- [email protected] image needs to adapt to the future and to the gary and Red Deer, Red Deer and Edmonton.” needs of the community. Revenue to fund this new project will be ac- ith such a culturally and historically “People’s perceptions of museums as boring cessed through a number of streams, including rich city center, many Calgarians places where old things go to die needs to be community and corporate sponsorship as well as forget about the equally interest- changed, so we are doing the best we can to do municipal and provincial funding from the Alber- ing surrounding areas. that,” she said. ta Museums Association (AMA), Dougherty said. The rural areas within a 70-kilome- “It is hard to see where you’re going if you “The AMA offers a range of services, products, Wtre radius of Calgary boast nine museums and don’t know where you came from,” Harvey said. and grants to museums across Alberta,” said Mat- heritage sites. Harvey is trying to make learning about the thew Wangler, executive director of the provin- These buildings and their societies have been past fun with a new tool for local schools. cial Historic Resources Management branch. part of our province for decades, and they con- “We now offer kits that schools can come and And even if museums don’t apply for some of tinue to serve the community with accounts and pick up to take to the classroom. They can also the Alberta Museums Association’s grants, the artifacts of their past. ask for the curator to come talk to them,” she said. Alberta Historical Resource Foundation (AHRF) “We are adapting as we see fit and I think it’s is there to pick up the slack, he said. NEW CONCEPTS, OLD VALUES producing great outcomes.” “The direct funding the AHRF provides to sm- Located 44 kilometres south of Calgary, the city of Okotoks is full of small-town charm and comfort that can sometimes get lost in a big city. Among the quiet, older part of the city is the Okotoks Museum and Archives, housed in an old Victorian-style house. Inside, the 19th century museum offers an ar- ray of antiques — from a 1900s washing machine to children’s toys. And museum manager Kathy Coutts said their collection is always growing. “Through the help of our donators we are building a hands-on area in our attic which will serve as an exciting addition to our school program.” In addition to local school programs, Coutts said the museum does its best to get out into the community with what resources they have. “It will never stop being important to honour those who came before you and all of the de- termination and hard work they gave to make Okotoks what it is. And that’s why we’re here,” Coutts said. However, the museum sees a cycle of success and struggle all too often. “We faced a big hit. The federal government eliminated a major program that we traditionally With a vast collection of artifacts, the Roulston Museum in Carstairs offers a unique look had accessed funds for,” Coutts said. “We’ve had at life in Alberta during the past 150 years. Photo by OLIVIA CONDON/calgary journal to readjust our priorities based on the changing grants, or the reduction of grants. That is never easy.” FUTURE PLANS TO ENTICE VISTORS museums assists them with projects that are The funding that Coutts referred to is operated Only 40 kilometres further north is another not eligible for funding through AMA grant pro- through several provincial and federal govern- unique and interesting heritage site, the Roulston grams.” ment programs. It is designed to restore and pre- Museum in Carstairs. Built as an addition onto an However, with so much learning potential, it serve Alberta’s history. In addition to being able old Presbyterian church, this museum and its so- may come as a surprise to know that many Cal- to apply for project-based funding, museums can ciety were born out of a desire to preserve. garians do not know about small town museums. also apply for numerous restorative and other “They wanted to see something happen to the “I’m amazed that there are so many (museums) up-keep grants. church rather than it just getting demolished. So so close to us that I didn’t even know about,” sin- the historical society was formed and the church gle father Blake Desson said of the culture-rich TURNING TO THE COMMUNITY was given over to us,” said Michael Dougherty, rural areas of Alberta. To combat this sometimes unstable financial fu- the museum’s manager. “Now that I know, I will definitely take my kids ture, some museums, like Airdrie’s Nose Creek Dougherty said the museum is currently go- out there. We are always looking for things to do Valley Museum, charge a small admission fee. ing through a transformation to help tell a more once they are out of school,” Desson said.

22 APR 2013 caj lgary ournal.ca LIY VING IN ST LE

Sole Searchers For the love of sneakers

Decade-long collector shares The YYC SOLEmates page is also where Mejia and some of them he had to patiently wait for. presents his talent on shoe restorations — a hob- “My cousin and I slept in front of a store for 11 his passion for shoes and by he picked up since beginning his collection. hours to grab a pair of Air Jordan 1 – the very first restoration skills “I buy a lot of sneakers that are used,” Mejia pair Michael Jordan wore in the NBA,” he said. said. “A lot of people think that the sneak- Mejia’s love for sneakers transcends his Kian Sumalpong ers they sell me are lifeless. overall fashion sense. [email protected] “But I enjoy the cleaning Mejia owns Legal Hustle eiling-high piles of sneakers occupy Al- part, the painting and seeing Clothing, a company where bert Myles Mejia’s home. Estimated at 150 what the finished product is at some of the apparel designs pairs, his collection includes Nike, Jordan, the end.” are influenced by sneakers. Adidas, Puma and Reebok. Costing from Garcia has been a long-term Co-owner and de- $100 to $250 per pair, the total retail value client of Mejia’s for about eight signer, Jeremy Alfon said Cof his collection is about $30,000. years. He said that it’s great Me- Air Jordan 3 True Blue in- “Growing up as a kid, I always travelled to the jia picked up this hobby, because he doesn’t spired the very first shirt the duo designed. States with my parents. Buying sneakers from a dif- know of any other options for shoe restorations He said they look out for new sneaker releases ferent country was always my thing,” Meja said. He in Calgary. to mesh their ideas with. added that he always wanted to have the sneakers Though his collection isn’t as large as Mejia’s, Recently, the company collaborated with YYC that nobody else had. Garcia’s love for sneakers branches off from his SOLEmates and designed T-shirts with a logo Even with his whopping selection, he doesn’t love of basketball – just like Mejia. typography influenced by the famous French wear all of his shoes — like his Nike Air Yeezy 1 de- Mejia started collecting at 13 years old, and he designer Yves Saint Laurent. signed by Kanye West. He’s had them for about four hasn’t stopped since. He said he started learning Alfon also incorporated a sneaker design us- years and they stay fresh in the shoebox. more about the sneaker culture when he played ing the model of the Air Jordan 1, replacing the With the hopes of expanding the sneaker com- basketball in junior high — learning through Nike logo with Legal Hustle’s to represent the munity in Calgary, Mejia and three other friends magazines and books before the onset of his collaboration. created YYC SOLEmates. It is a Facebook group with online research. Mejia continues to work through YYC SOLE- 269 members where other sneaker lovers connect “Sneakers have always been my thing,” Mejia said. mates and hopes to someday host the very first to share pictures and sell or exchange shoes. Quite a few of Mejia’s pairs are limited editions sneaker convention in Calgary.

“My cousin and I slept in front of a store for 11 hours to grab a pair of Air Jordan 1 – the very first pair Michael Jordan wore in the NBA.”

Albert Myles Mejia, sneaker collector

Rupert Garcia, a friend and member of YYC SOLEmates, said one of the benefits of the group is the open communication available amongst the members. Many often post questions asking anything sneaker-related — whether it’s about which specific pairs are better for a certain sports or particular weather, or the life duration of certain sneakers. Garcia also said he has had the opportunity to The pile of shoeboxes behind Alberta Myles Mejia represents just part of his collection meet other people with similar interests through of about 150 pairs of sneakers. With such an abundance of shoes, his collection expands the Facebook group. beyond his bedroom. Photo by Kian Sumalpong /calgary journal

calgaryjournal.ca APR 2013 23 living in style

Fashion Forward Strutting down the catwalk of success Anya Ayoung Chee beat the odds, came out a winner on Project Runway Ashely Alcantara [email protected] hen it comes to fashion, Calgary doesn’t quite make the list, with Can- ada’s major fashion schools in cities such as Toronto and Vancouver. Trinidad and Tobago isn’t exactly a Wglobal hothouse for fashion design either, yet that’s where Anya Ayoung Chee, winner of Project Run- way Season 9, hails from. She launched her first collection,Pilar by Anya in 2009. In an interview with the Calgary Journal, Ayoung Chee, dished about how she achieved success as a designer and what young designers can do to follow in her footsteps — even if they aren’t from New York or Paris. Ayoung Chee overcame many struggles to get to the point where she is now in her fashion career. Photo courtesy of barbara nitke, lifetime networks Tell me about how you first came to be interested in fashion. I originally studied graphic design but really wanted But it definitely has to do with not being born into opened otherwise in the fashion industry. It has to do fashion. I think I kind of chickened out. I car- a certain network of people or a place related to the given me the opportunity to actually have what I ried on doing graphic design until my brother died industry. I’ve had to cultivate a lot of relationships. wanted, which is a global fashion brand. in 2007. I went back home to be with my family, and I was kind of lost. I decided to enter Miss Trinidad How did you come to compete in Proj- Given all your experiences, what ad- and Tobago — to eventually go on to Miss Uni- ect Runway? vice would you have for young fashion verse. When I did Miss Universe, one of the things I I happened to see a tweet early in 2011 that said designers looking to break into the got to do was design some of my wardrobe. That’s applications were being accepted. I figured “what industry? what really peaked my interest in doing fashion as do I have to lose?” so I applied. I came and did a Maintain your individuality, because nothing is a career. I always loved it and when I look back now, few rounds of auditions, and each time, I couldn’t going to differentiate you in a pool of all of these I realize it was my calling. really believe it was happening. I really thought people trying to do the same thing except your when I got there for the final audition, which was own voice — plus your dedication and focus. Trust Tell me about some of the difficulties the first episode, that would have been it. I never yourself, and also realize any dream you want can and doubts you’ve had along the way. anticipated that I would get to the second episode, come true. I had a lot of doubts! I didn’t know how I was going far less to win. to be received, I didn’t know if people would think What’s in your future? “well she’s not really a fashion designer, who does What was the experience like? If anybody had asked me five years ago what she think she is?” Designing in a small society is It was amazing! I never went to fashion school and my future would be like today, there is no way I challenging because people are always quick to it really showed me that when you focus, it bares could have said this. I’ve always wanted to be criticize and judge. In some ways, I already knew fruit. Also, the camaraderie of the other designers the Caribbean brand that is accepted glob- I was doing it for myself. I wasn’t that afraid of its — I was really impressed that on a competition ally. I have a deep passion for representing success outside of whether or not I thought it was show we became friends. It was amazing to see a Trinidad and taking our culture into the world. good. That relinquished a lot of pressure for me. show of that level be produced. It was a privilege My work has always been in some ways linked to to be amongst all the talented people who came how do I give back, what is the bigger purpose of You’re from a small island in the Ca- together to make the show. my work and how can I influence my home in a ribbean. How did that make fashion positive way. designing more difficult? What impact did winning Project If it wasn’t for Project Runway, I wouldn’t be in the Runway have on your success as a Editor’s note: Questions and answers have been position I am in now. It’s definitely challenging. I designer? edited for length and clarity. don’t think it has to do with coming from Trinidad. It really opened doors that would not have been

24 APR 2013 calgaryjournal.ca CALGARY ARTS

Swingin ‘60s Showcasing Calgary’s art decade-by-decade New Glenbow exhibits explore city’s 1960s artistic coming of age KARRY TAYLOR [email protected] t’s something that has been a part of Harvey Locke’s life since he was a boy and has travelled with him through moves across several provinces and abroad — a painting of a downtown Calgary alley on a cold and snowy day. IIn the mid-1950s, Locke’s parents bought the painting from artist Jim Nicholl. Nicholl and his wife Marion, also an artist, had a studio on Bowness Road, across the street from the home of Locke’s grandmother. The couple was selling their artwork to raise money for Marion to travel to New York to study art and modernism. Locke, now an attorney and conservationist, grew Made In Calgary: The 1960s aims to showcase both the artistic and social landscape of the up with the painting hanging in his family’s home. He city. PHOTO courtesy of Andy Nichols says that it depicts what he fondly remembers as the Calgary of his childhood. “It’s perfect. Jim Nicholl captured the light and the with most of the emphasis on local subject matter cold of downtown Calgary,” Locke says. such as paintings of mountains. “When you grow up in Calgary and then later travel “There was an idea of what art in Alberta was all to other places, you begin to realize that the light else- “They wanted to be about, but it was a very dated idea,” says Graff, who where isn’t the same.” worked with the province’s Visual Arts branch for over Locke’s father gave him the painting in the early part of the larger 30 years. ‘80s. Locke says the painting has been with him in scene that was The 1960s installment at the Glenbow, Graff says, every city he has lived in since. will be showcasing artists who “suddenly got in step “It’s always gives me a sense of home — I love this going on at the time with the 20th century and started to do things dif- painting.” ferently.” Calgarians now have the chance to see the paint- — abstraction, pop This shift in the art scene of Alberta began when ing. Locke has loaned the piece to the Glenbow mu- students and instructors from Alberta College of Art seum for a new exhibit. Made In Calgary: The 1960s art, found art.” started going outside the province to study under showcases the artistic and cultural changes the city well-known artists in the United States, Europe and Mary Beth LaViolette, witnessed during the course of the decade. Mexico. Graff himself studied in Michigan. curator of Made In Calgary: The 1960s The exhibition is the first installment of a year-long “They came back to Calgary with new ideas,” Graff celebration of artists who have lived and worked says. “Instructors also came into the province when Calgary over the last 50 years. Four other exhibitions, how “active and energetic” the arts community was there was an increase in the number of students, but each focusing on a success decade, will debut later. in Calgary during the 1960s. not enough local instructors with qualifications. “It was an art community that was interested in “That added a whole new dimension to the art in- DECADE-BY-DECADE LOOK AT ART IN CALGARY what was going on in the larger art world,” LaViolette struction being available within the province. Mary Beth LaViolette, the curator who put the exhibit says. This installment includes art work drawn from This change was coupled with a general growing together, says that while the Glenbow has held ret- the Glenbow’s collection and other public collections, interest in art in all parts of Alberta — what Graff calls rospectives before, this is the first time that there has such as the Alberta Foundation for the Arts and the a “grassroots” movement. been a decade-by-decade show. Nickle Arts Museum. Several pieces, such as Locke’s “People were taking painting classes and learning Organized into three separate themes — friends painting, have been loaned by private collectors. ceramics and how to weave,” Graff says. “There was and colleagues, newcomers and couples — Made in increasing enrollment at every level, and so there was Calgary: The 1960s, surveys the city through paintings, ART IN ALBERTA COMES OF AGE a tremendous expansion of ideas.” original prints, sculpture, ceramics and textile art cre- Les Graff, a 1959 graduate of the Alberta College of Made in Calgary: The 1960s runs until April 28. The ated by local artists during the decade. Art and Design, says that prior to the 1960s, Alberta next installment in the series, dealing with the city’s LaViolette says that the exhibit provides insight into tended to be very “regional” when it came to art — art scene in the 70s, will open in May.

calgaryjournal.ca APR 2013 25 calgary arts

get freaky Weird Al Yankovic to open Calgary Comic Expo Comedian says comics spurred his success

Jeff Medhurst I think there’s going to be a lot of [email protected] crazy fans there. We haven’t done a he Calgary Comic and En- live show in Canada for this tour. We tertainment Expo opens on shot our concert special in Toronto, April 26 and runs until the but aside from that we haven’t done a 28th this year, and Weird Al whole lot of dates in Canada, so we’re Yankovic is coming to the looking forward to coming up there. Weird Al is set to come April 26 for the Calgary Comic and Tcity for it. The Expo has hosted some Entertainment Expo. Photo courtesy of: wikimedia creative commons big names over the few years it has Why is a pop culture icon like been running, from the entire cast yourself coming to this kind of Star Trek: The Next Generation to of expo? edy — taking a left turn unexpect- It wasn’t something that I really Spiderman creator Stan Lee who is Well it’s just kind of how these comic edly. I think you’ll find there’s a lot of enjoyed, the stuff that made me returning for an encore appearance. book conventions are expanding. I randomness in my lyrics. happy was going on the Campus This year they’re adding Yankovic to was influenced a lot by comic books Humor is very subjective; what’s radio station every Saturday night its numbers, complete with a concert growing up, like Mad Magazine really funny to some people isn’t funny to for three hours and doing the Weird the opening night of the Expo at the informed my sensibility growing up. others, so I never try to write like that. Al show and playing all sorts of fun- Saddledome. I would scavenge used book stores I write to amuse myself and hope that ny music and just acting stupid on Having got his start on the syndi- and magazine stores to find back is- other people are as warped as I am. the air. I thought gosh, wouldn’t it cated Dr. Demento radio show when sues and I was really obsessed with it. be great if I could make a living off he was a teenager, Yankovic made his And it was that sensibility that really Can you recall that moment doing something like that? name in the entertainment industry guided my own warped sense of hu- when making people laugh with his infamous song parodies, mor. was something you knew So now about 40 years lat- such as “Dare to Be Stupid” and “Like you wanted to do? er, what do you think makes A Surgeon.” The Calgary Journal had Some of your songs are just Well I’ve always liked making peo- your songs so popular? a chance to talk to Weird Al over the so silly, like Bedrock Anthem ple laugh, even as a kid. But I never I don’t know, I mean they’re osten- phone as he prepares to come to Cal- and Amish Paradise. What is thought I’d make a living off it. In sibly silly and ridiculous, but there’s gary for his concert on April 26. it you find funny about these my college days I thought I’d be an still some craft there. I pay atten- songs? architect but sometime around my tion. I’ve had the same band for What are you looking for- (Laughs) Well I try not to dissect hu- junior year I realized that wasn’t how thirty years and they’re all amazing ward to at the Calgary Comic mor because once you really analyze I was going to spend my life, I found musicians. and Entertainment Expo? humor it takes away the joke. So I out that I was at best average, pos- I’m looking forward to doing the live don’t know why funny stuff is funny, sibly even mediocre at my architec- Editor’s note: Questions and answers show. That’s always a lot of fun, and I think surprises are a big part of com- ture skills. have been edited for length and clarity. MOUNT ROYAL UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY INFORMATION EVENING Take the next step… Wednesday, April 10 Talk face to face about programs, admission, registering for classes – and financing your education. 4 8 p.m. The Roderick Mah Centre for Continuous Learning Find out what makes Mount Royal a great choice. mtroyal.ca/uie

26 APR 2013 calgaryjournal.ca cas lgary art

london calling Metal band ‘moving on up’ From U of C dorms, to London’s DesertFest

CONOR MAHONEY [email protected] rothers unite, let’s stand up and fight. Fulfilling our fate, we are heeding the call.” The lyric from Swedish metal band HammerFall“B could be a Facebook status update for a the Calgary-based heavy music group Chron Goblin. Out of thousands of applicants, Chron Goblin won an opportunity to play at the second annual DesertFest 2013 — an underground rock festival that will be held in Camden, a historical rock and roll suburb of London, England. The festival takes place in late April. “We never expected we would actually win,” says drummer Brett Whittingham. “We are still in shock

To be selected out of bands from around the world and to have the opportunity to play with artists we

respect is a dream Bandmates (from left) Brett Whittingham, Josh Sandulak, Devin “Darty” Purty and come true.” Richard Hepp will soon play at DesertFest 2013. Photo courtesy of brett whittingham

brett whittingham, heavy metal music born here in Alberta. be done to further hone their craft.” Chron Goblin Chron Goblin submitted songs, photos and their Writing in Calgary music magazine BeatRoute, latest video, “Bring Your Idols.” Lori Meyers called Chron Goblin “a force to be reck- we were selected, and are extremely excited about “To be selected out of bands from around the oned with. Each song crescendos into screaming this opportunity to play our first show in the U.K.” world and to have the opportunity to play with fits, blasting out of once-slow jams. Chron Goblin The band mates met in 2009 at Rundle Hall, a stu- artists we respect is a dream come true,” Whit- is a great recipe for madness: a bunch of rock, a dent residence at the University of Calgary. tingham says. pinch of hardcore and one fat doobie. Vocalist A couple years later, during a night of beer drink- The pressure to stand out amongst so many Josh Sandulak ran from side to side possessed, ing and a casual jam session, Whittingham, guitar- talented musicians is difficult. Whittingham says eating his microphone and spewing out lyrics at ist Devin “Darty” Purdy and vocalist Josh Sandulak forming a unique sound does not come easy. mach ten.” joined forces to create Chron Goblin. Shortly after, “Songwriting can be very challenging. We try Whether the critics like them or not, the band’s long-time friend Richard Hepp was recruited to to never write the same song twice,” he says. ability to be recognized is undeniable. They con- play bass. The band began writing lyrics, rehears- “There’s a plethora of bands and artists that we tinue to grow as artists, and credit their ability to ing and playing shows. look up to. We are motivated by their music to collaborate. Their gritty, guitar-heavy sound is influenced create our own addition to rock and roll.” “Our style has evolved so much in the last four by acts like Black Sabbath, Kyuss and Queens of The band’s reviews in Calgary have been years and we’ve all grown as musicians. That con- the Stone Age. Whittington said that while tour- mixed. Music critic Jimmy Deen Caterine states: tinuously makes being in a band exciting, espe- ing western Canada last year, the positive reaction “You can feel the passion and my guess is they cially when we play a great show.” Whittingham from fans that inspired the band to enter the com- perform well in front of an audience. But there says. “We are all fortunate enough to have built a petition. They are thrilled to give Europe a taste of is definitely some wood shedding that needs to strong friendship before we started writing.”

calgaryjournal.ca APR 2013 27 SPORTS

team leader After losing father, wrestler returns to the mat High school athlete competes, gives back through coaching

KARRY TAYLOR [email protected] here are many reasons why 17-year-old George Euren loves wrestling. “It’s a good sport. It keeps you out of trouble and keeps you in good shape,” Euren says. T“Its not about winning or losing. It’s about having fun — and going out and giving it your all.” Euren, currently a Grade 11 student at Father Lacombe, recently took part in the Calgary Senior High School Athletic Association wrestling championships. Competing against 24 others in a highly competitive 65-kg weight class, he placed second. At the provincial championships a week later, he wrestled his way to third place in a field of 16. The sport has a long tradition in his family. Euren has been involved in the sport for seven years. In addition to his school team, he wrestles with the George Euren (top) pins an opponent during the 2013 Calgary Senior High School Athletic Calgary Jr. Rebels — a community club based out Association wrestling championships. Photo by KARRY TAYLOR/CALGARY JOURNAL of Jack James High School. His older brother Randy also competed for many school wrestling tournament of 2013 — held at the a pleasure to have in our club.” years and now coaches the sport. The two brothers beginning of February — was particularly difficult were drawn to the sport by their father. for everybody. GIVING BACK Douglas Euren rarely missed a wrestling prac- “We hosted the first tournament, and I was hav- Following in the footsteps of his brother, Euren tice, and never missed a tournament that involved ing a hard time getting through it,” Daye says. “I has started to transition into the coaching side George or Randy. Douglas Euren passed away sud- kept looking at George’s corner and there was a of wrestling. denly on Dec. 22, 2012. He was 42 years old. void there.” Daye says that few high school wrestlers give “I remember saying to George, “It’s just a wres- back to the sport the way the Euren brothers do. LOSS FELT BY WRESTLING COMMUNITY tling match — you can’t be carrying everything else “George is not even done competing yet, and Russ Mendonca, the head coach of the Rebels, says with you in terms of expectations.” he is already involved with coaching,” Daye says. that the loss was felt deeply throughout Calgary’s Euren won his weight class and was voted the For his part, George Euren says that he enjoys wrestling community. most outstanding wrestler of that tournament. the coaching side of things. Although he does “Doug was just an incredible person. We miss Daye says that he was so overcome with emotion admits that it puts him in somewhat awkward him dearly,” Mendonca says. that he had a hard time announcing the award position due to the fact that he is so young and “It’s hard to imagine what it is like for George, results. also helping to coach his teammates. because it was hard for all of us.” Coaching, Euren says, has given him another Helen Colbourne, a teacher and wrestling coach COACH PRAISES ‘HEART AND SOUL’ view of the sport. He says that wrestling — from at Forest Lawn High School, says that she also feels Mendonca meanwhile says that Euren, who also both a coaching and athletic standpoint — helps the absence of Douglas at city wrestling events. competes in lacrosse, is an natural athlete and an instill communication skills and respect for oth- “You could always count on his dad to be there in excellent wrestler. ers. support — Doug was always a happy and positive “He’s incredibly strong and has a great work “Whether you win or lose, you shake the hands person,” Colbourne says. ethic,” Mendonca says. of your opponents, the referees and the coaches,” But Mendonca also says Euren’s contribution Euren says. “It’s a good way for everybody to gain RETURN TO COMPETITION to the club goes far beyond his performance on respect from you, and for you. Euren has decided to return to competing. the wrestling mat. “If you lose a match, you lose — everybody Mendonca says it hasn’t been easy because ev- “He brings leadership and a very positive at- has their bad days,” Euren says. “Everybody loses erything connected to the sport reminds Euren of titude,” Mendonca says of the 17-year-old. “He sometimes.” his father. drives everybody in the room to move forward Mendonca says the Euren has a bright future, Keith Daye, a teacher and wrestling coach at and excel. whether it is in wrestling or anything else he de- Forest Lawn High School, says that the first high “He expects that from himself, and others. He’s cides to do.

28 APR 2013 calgaryjournal.ca sports

Winter Wonder Woman

Bobsleigh racer Chelsea Valois has Fast start: a memorable rookie season aboard Canada 1

IAN ESPLEN [email protected] askatchewan is known for two things: flat, open plains of wheat fields and the province’s beloved Roughriders. But, after her strong first season on the World Cup circuit, Chelsea Valois may be add- Sing bobsleigh to that list. The former University of Regina track star – who is from the small prairie town of Zenon Park, population roughly 190 — decided to tryout for the sport this past summer to see if bobsleigh might be for her. A former University of Regina track teammate, who was recruited by Bobsleigh Canada a few years earlier, perked Valois’s interest in the sport. Once she recorded good results at a local push camp, the coaches talked her into coming to Cal- gary for the national team tryouts. “I told myself going into camp, that no matter what, I still had a year of school left and I was going to finish school,” said Valois. But after her impressive performance at the camp, her plan went out the window. Valois Chelsea Valois (left) and Kaillie Humphries smile after receiving their gold medals at the headed to Calgary with one goal — to make 2012 Canadian Bobsleigh Championships in Calgary this past October. Olympic and world champion Kaillie Humphries’s Photo COURTESY OF CHELSEA VALOIS team. A few weeks later, Humphries and Valois would set off on a record-setting run. They won the first Bobsleigh Canada speed and strength coach the training for both sports are similar. five races of the World Cup season and eight of Quin Sekulich isn’t surprised with Valois prog- “When she came into the camp, she put up the 11 races they competed in — including win- ress — because of her previous success as a track push numbers that were better then the girls ning the Canadian and World titles. athlete. that we had in the program already. So right Teammate Humphries said Valois has a lot of Before bobsleigh, Valois was a successful pen- away she was the number one girl,” Sekulich said. potential, and that two athletes complement tathlete, winning the 2011 Canadian Interuni- He went on add that Valois’s success was some- each other well . versity Sport gold medal while at the University what predictable when you combine someone “She allows me to focus because I’ve got confi- of Regina. She also won the schools President’s that can push as well as Valois with a pilot such dence in her, and I know that she’s going do her Award – which goes to the student athlete that as Humphries. job well,” said Humphries. best combines excellence in sport with academic Because of her success this season, the small “She’s really quiet, pretty reserved and mellow, excellence. community of Zenon Park has added a new fea- but once she opens up she has some pretty witty Sekulich said that bobsleigh is a sport that ture to their roadside: a sign that reads “Home of things to say.” track and field athletes typically excel at because bobsleigh world champion Chelsea Valois.” The Edge of Earth Exploring Environmental Sustainability with Dr. Roberta Bondar Tuesday, April 9, 2013 Ross Glen Hall Roderick Mah Centre for Continuous Learning 7 – 9 p.m. Complimentary admission. Public welcome.

ca lgaryjournal.ca APR 2013 29 sports

the event Changing lives through sport ketball. This is the first time basketball will be in mends coming to watch if you are in Red Deer. Red Deer prepares to host the Alberta Special Olympics. “You’ll see a huge range of athletic abilities The winners of the games can move on to the and capabilities. Some of our higher functioning Alberta Special Olympics national games in Vancouver during the summer athletes will be pushing some of the most com- in April of 2014. petitive times in the province,” Byrne said. John Byrne, vice president of sport for Special Admission to all the events is free and you can IAN ESPLEN Olympics Alberta, has seen his share of games find out more information at specialolympics. [email protected] during his 14 years of involvement, and recom- ab.ca/2013spring hen Red Deer hosts the Special Olympics in April, it won’t just be hosting an athletic competition — it will also be hosting a competition that is a form of therapy for some of Wits participants. The Special Olympics was first introduced in the late ‘60s with the goal of giving people with intellectual disabilities a chance to participate in sport, live healthy lives and make new friends. According to Theresa Garagan, who has been a coach with the Special Olympics for seven years, the event teaches athletes “life skills, teamwork, independence, and develops new friendships.” Garagan — who is also director of the Alber- ta- area, Law Enforcement Torch Run, one of the Special Olympics largest fundraising groups — said she has seen first-hand the value that is added to the lives of the athletes she has coached. While there are a number of success stories Ga- ragan has witnessed in her years of involvement, she does remember one individual in particular who started out timid, shy and quiet. But after being around Garagan and the other police officers at Law Enforcement Torch Run events and being part of the Special Olympics, the girl began to walk with her head up and began giving speeches. “Her whole self confidence changed from day to night. She was considered a lost soul and she’s doing things now that she was told she could never do.” The Autism Aspergers Friendship Society of Calgary, which was founded by Dean Svoboda in 2004, shares a similar opinion that getting people with disabilities more socially involved is the best way to combat their disability. Svoboda said, “Most therapies out there will have an unintentional effect of making people de-valued because they’re trying to fix them. Special Olympics and programs like ours that just focus on the recreation and the social world, allow them to be themselves, and that gives them personal value and self-esteem.” Several people in the AAFSC program are also involved with Special Olympics in some capacity and have been to past games like the ones that will be held April 19-21 in Red Deer. The games will have over 600 coaches and The Special Olympics has noticeably positive effects on many of the atheletes involved. participants and will feature four sports: swim- Infographic by ian esplen/calgary journal; SOURCE MATERIAL FROM SPECIAL OLYMPICS CANADA ming, five-pin bowling, 10-pin bowling and bas-

30 APR 2013 calgaryjournal.ca sports

The athletes

Robbie Miles races through the water during practice at Inglewood Aquatic Centre. Miles will be competing in the Special Olympics in Red Deer, April 19-21. Photo by DAN MACKENZIE/calgary journal Water, the ultimate equalizer

DAN MACKENZIE This month he will be competing in his fifth “We have some excellent swimmers, some who [email protected] provincial competition as a member of the Spe- could swim for generic swim clubs,” says Bob or 25-year-old Robbie Miles, the swimming cial Olympics program — one he joined 13 years Miles, who joined the club as a coach in 2001. pool is an equalizer. ago in 2000. “That’s how good they are.” When his parents Bob and Lorraine Miles He rockets from one end of the Inglewood The coaches are competitive swimmers and F Aquatic Centre’s pool to the other during his lifeguards who take their athletes very seriously, enrolled him in Calgary’s Learn to Swim program, the program was reluctant to take him. Wednesday evening practice sessions. building success by getting into the water and They weren’t sure how well a child born with When he is not in the water, his distinctive bull- showing their students how to race. Down’s syndrome would keep up to and fit in frog bellow booms over the pool, encouraging his “Having those competitive swimmers working with other children. But they agreed to let him try. teammates. with them makes a world of difference,” Bob Miles “He was one of the first handicapped children Miles is an accomplished athlete. says. to be involved in the program,” Bob Miles says. At the national Special Olympics competition in In the spotlight, Miles is shy, giving one-word Miles learned quickly, though, quickly evapo- London, Ontario in 2010, he carried away a total of answers to questions. But in the pool, he is free, rating any doubt that he belonged. six medals. He is also a leader on a club, with other a cruising torpedo, ready to give anyone a run for talented swimmers. their money — no matter who they are.

Bowlers hope to keep rolling IAN ESPLEN Dean, grinning ear-to-ear. When asked what the secret to their success [email protected] Dean’s 46-year-old sister Debbie echoed her was, Debbie replied, “You have to relax yourself ebbie and Dean Pelletier’s biggest obstacle brother’s comments, and added that the pair of- when you’re bowling. If you let others disturb you, on their path to the Special Olympic glory ten arrive early so they can talk and share a laugh you’re not going to do well.” in Red Deer might not be their competitors. with friends over lunch before bowling. Coach Caroline Rippe, who has coached the sib- D The duo originally started bowling with Special lings since 1992, has aided a lot in the Pelletiers’ Their biggest obstacle might actually be the Cal- gary transit system. Olympics Calgary more than 20 years ago. development in the sport. Both Debbie and Dean have to take three buses “Our friends were bowling, so we thought we Rippe said that she has never had any problem almost every Saturday in order to join more than would give it a try,” Debbie said. coaching either one of them, and would describe 110 friends for an afternoon of fun and Special Since that day, the pair hasn’t thought twice coaching them as easy because of their positive at- Olympics bowling at Deerfoot Mall’s Bowling De- about trying another sport. Because of their ath- titudes. pot. letic development over the years, they have com- You can catch Debbie and Dean — along with “I like it because it’s fun and you get to go out on peted in several games and brought a number of 28 other Calgary bowlers going for gold — in Red the weekends with your friends,” said 47-year-old medals back home. Deer, April 19-21.

calgaryjournal.ca APR 2013 31