After the tree comes down and the glitter is boxed up for another year I look at what’s left behind and I want to paint, rearrange or completely renovate a space. In this issues’ Home Feature we bring you three very different living spaces that will inspire your post holiday interior project.

As you hopefully know by now, Routes has gone to six issues a year and we have also taken on a few new members to the team. Jacqueline Overmars will be in the office to take on some administrative duties. As well, writer Veronica Kloiber is going to offer the occasional family perspective article, which she has titled Mindmumming!  I am sure you’ll love it.

What we love doing every issue is talking to passionate and inspiring people like four local and talented athletes who play sledge hockey – such an inspiration. We also loved working with the High River sisters responsible for Crave cupcakes, getting to know them and see what brought them this far.

And speaking of food, we asked our readers for their favourite food at their favourite eating-places and we found 12 Great Eats for 2012! So, as Julia Childs would say Bon Appetit! (must be wearing pearls when you say this).

 Stay in, stay warm and don’t forget your routes!

Look What I Found:

Do you love magazines because you can read a story in just a few minutes and or simply love the writing style of short stories? On www.foundpress.com you can purchase a short story for as little as 99 cents and easily download it to your computer or your electronic reading devices.

I feel very honoured to have Calum Graham on the cover of this issue. What an inspiration for all of us. Regardless of how great or small we feel our talents are, in the end, I believe it’s the passion, dedication and effort applied to whatever we set our hearts to, that is the determining factor of success or failure. Determination is certainly a factor for me in getting this magazine to its fourth year and in my new decision to increase Routes from quarterly, to six issues per year. I hope you enjoy having more Routes in your life! And as always, expect great content and outstanding photography. Working primarily with other women, I am also pleased that one of our writers discovered a fascinating website that shares the almost forgotten stories of our hard working, pioneering female ancestors. Also recognizing remarkable men in our midst, we meet Bill Jackson, who finds water with just a stick and intuition, and Chuck Shifflett, who turns raw wood into beautifully crafted instruments. As the holidays approach, I hope you find some time to try a cookie or two from our staff favourites found in the food feature. Also, treat yourself to a quiet meditation, a walk in the park, or a movie with a friend… and… don’t forget your routes!

Putting together this issue for you started a bit earlier than normal. Writer, Mary Savage began in January, to arrange a private interview and photo shoot with TV host, Mike Holmes. What a pleasure. Mr. Holmes was – the  same sincere and passionate man you see on TV, he’s the real deal and willing to put on a suit of armour – although not the tights that went with it!

Speaking of the real deal, don’t miss the Q&A article on Peter Fuller, one of only a few craftsmen in the country handcrafting replica suits of armour with painstaking accuracy. He’s a man passionate about preserving a piece of history.

Hammering out another piece of history right here in Nanton is Martin Reinhard, one of only a few master blacksmiths in the Canada. Check out the story by Peter Worden and then check out of his workshops and try your hand at forging.

And when it comes to history, did you know Waterton National Park, the world’s first Peace Park, is almost 80 years old?  We are also celebrating the 100^th anniversary of our national parks in Canada!

As you wonder where the time goes (maybe reading Experiment #3 can help) and as we move into the fall season, take some time to enjoy all our wonderful parks before winter, whether it be in your own town, one of Alberta’s 69 provincial parks, or across the country to a national one!

Oh – and don’t forget your routes!

Sandra

Illustration by Matts Zoumer

It’s hot. You are out on the back porch with some ice tea, trying to relax, when that one fly just won’t let you be. It lands on your forehead, your leg, your finger! That’s it… so at just the right opportunity you reach over, grab a magazine and – thwack! Done. Peace.

A rolled up magazine makes a great fly swatter on short notice but hopefully this issue we can give you several other great reasons to pick up routes magazine!

In August a few things come to mind, like checking out Longview “Longstock” Music and Arts Festival or the brand new Canadian Country Weekend (Fort Macleod) with some big names like Gord Bamford, George Canyon and Terri Clark.

If your quiet nights this summer include stargazing – check out James Durbano’s article on what you can find, and learn, in our night skies.

As our page count grows, there are more opportunities to highlight more awesome things in the foothills, like the many service groups who put in countless volunteer hours for their communities. So new this issue: Routes Salutes, our first salute going to  Soup Sisters, find out what these support groups are doing for your community and how you can get involved.

People often ask me how we find our stories for the content. Mostly it’s searching and researching and being open to ideas, but often it’s simply, serendipity. A couple of years back I was at The Stop in Black Diamond having lunch with a business associate and discussing how to find an artist to illustrate a story we were going to print. Well, there on the bookshelf was a cartoon book by Longview resident Matts Zoumer. I called him up and put him to work. This spring, I had the opportunity to interview and sketch Matts- in words – for our artist feature.

Our main features, coincidently, all came together around young people. Our cover story about Dawgs baseball superstar, Jordan Presychen, is only 19, and well on his way to the big leagues, and trick rider Madison Macdonald follows her dreams to the big screen. As well, writer Mary Savage takes the reader into the life of young people living on the Eden Valley Reserve, and captures the spirit and compassion of one RCMP officer, renewing their passion for learning and bringing them hope for their futures.

So whether it’s watching fly balls at Seaman’s Stadium, swatting flies as you read your favourite novel or magazine, or stargazing while the summer flies by, take some time to thank a volunteer, lend a hand, and of course, enjoy the sunshine.

And don’t forget your routes!

PS: I want to thank my awesome staff who work long hours and always put their best work forward. It was an honour to be shortlisted in four categories from the Alberta Magazine Publishers Association (best cover, best short editorial, best illustration and editor of the year. We’ll show ‘em next year!



“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”

–Lao-tzu

Now that we’ve all made it through a long chilly winter, I suggest we get out and walk on fresh paths. Spring is such an exciting time of renewal, let routes lead and lift your spirits.

For me, spring is not only about delicate new blossoms and the return of sufficient natural Vitamin D, it’s about filling up my diminished reserves with stimulating endeavours - this year specifically in fitness and social events. For example, I am planning to participate in the Turner Valley Triathlon. If this sounds appealing to you, why not come out and join me? You can be a part of Team Routes by “attending” on the Routes Facebook page.

I am also excited to get my fill of the arts and entertainment scene by taking in some of the fabulous events taking place right here in the foothills. Getting out to the Leighton Art Centre sale is a must this May, and so is attending a play at the newly opened Rotary Performing Arts Centre in Okotoks.

If I can be so bold as to spur you on, I challenge you to make this the best spring ever! Start with one new piece to your wardrobe or a whole new look – check out the fashion pages for inspiration. Is there some kind of fitness activity you’ve been dreaming of doing? Why not get started? Or maybe it’s not about fitness for you, maybe you are being called to join a new club, take up scrapbooking, or reconnect with an old friend you’ve been missing. Whatever it is, I find that spring is a great time for that single step. And along the way, maybe eat a little ice cream and …don’t forget your routes.

Sandra

From the Editor’s Note:

Every issue this letter feels a bit like a “what I did last summer” essay. Fortunately, while seeking out what great things to bring to our readers this issue, the routes team discovered a lot of interesting people and great local talent along the way.

We discovered new restaurants, new musicians, and fundraising events that felt like a party with friends. Through the last couple of months we have been exposed to some talented young people, like Hatred Burns Hope”. Ok, heavy metal is not for everyone but admiring the skill and dedication of youth is always worth celebrating. We were entertained by The Travelling Mabels, Tim Williams, Lunch at Allen’s, and enjoyed a few drinks at the Black Diamond Hotel with Terry Grant and discovered another side to local country singer George Canyon at his photo exhibit during Alberta Arts Days.

Our small towns are alive with talent! Did you know that CBC Radio named High River “Cultureville” for being the coolest cultural community in Alberta based on the numerous events it hosted (per capita) in September for Alberta Arts Days.

If arts and music isn’t enough, we (routes enthusiasts) also get to experience great cuisine by hardworking and talented chefs. Over the past two years, readers have expressed their appreciation for the recipes we feature from local restaurateurs. As an independent publisher and business owner, I understand the challenges of being your own boss. Our local restaurants deserve much support for their entrepreneurial spirit in such a challenging occupation. We are pleased to be able to continue to print great recipes from local, independent restaurants and now we will also be delighting you with a regular chef feature from Stirr! Adventures in Food, offering cooking classes in Black Diamond.

One of the highlights of putting this issue together was tracking down reality TV host, Terry Grant. Not only did the routes team track him down, we captured the man (literally) and writer Mary Savage captured his story.

Please let us know what you like, what you love and even what you don’t like – we always want to hear from our readers.

Many blessings to all of you this coming holiday season, relax, eat and enjoy all that the foothills has to offer, and … don’t forget your routes.

Sandra

…pick up your issue of ROUTES to read more….Find a copy near you.

Night time fun writing with light. Photo by Neville Palmer

With the start of our 3rd year, we have some new additions to the magazine.

Routes challenged writer and copy editor, Pat Fream, to contribute on a regular basis with her column, The Motherload, a witty and insightful look at raising (and surviving) a family. I am pleased she is up to the challenge. In addition, we added two new columns, Clearly For You in which Dave and Heather Meszaros (Sun Life Financial) shed some light on the confusing issues of insurance and investments. The other regular column is Pet Matters with veterinarian Dr. Shannon Budiselic. In this piece Dr. Shannon offers her expertise and experience to help you give the best care to your pets.

Our cover story is an interview with anchor and broadcaster, Darrel Janz. We have a feature story on how one family in Okotoks is living la vida verde… a greener energy lifestyle. As always, many great activities and some delicious recipes from a Bragg Creek Restaurant as well as a look at rural municipal elections.

Fall issue available now. You can also now easily view past issues! Check them out under the Past Issues tab.

Sandra Wiebe, publisher

Each issue I gather as many of our contributors as I can for a photoshoot. I do this for a reason – I think it’s nice to be able to put face to a writer. Also, I hope it will encourage you to send me an e-mail and comment on the styles and stories in Routes.

For this issue, the Routes team photo illustrates an upcoming event that I am keen to be participating in. It’s the Ride to Conquer Cancer – a two-day (June 26-27), 200 km bike ride in the Rockies, benefiting the Alberta Cancer Foundation. I am excited to help make a difference in the fight against cancer, and lucky to have my Routes team cheering me on!

We are also cheering because we know that you are going to LOVE the summer issue, available Wednesday, June 2. See the “Get Your Copy” page for locations to pick up your copy.

If you can’t find a copy  – subscribe, and you’ll never miss an issue!

Sandra

As this issue of Routes hits your coffee table the planet is moving towards the Vernal, or Spring, Equinox. Each passing day will feel like we are moving a little closer to the sun.

I feel I should have made fire the theme of this issue. Maybe it began when the Olympic torch came through towns and the crowds were lit with patriotic enthusiasm. Then, as each athlete competed, we shared in the glory of their victories and the pain of their disappointments, knowing the years of work it took to get there.

Editorial Staff photo taken at Vescpucci's, High River. Photo by Neville Palmer

Here in our own backyard, we all know many inspiring people who work as hard as any athlete, but often, without ever seeing a spotlight. This issue we profiled two amazing and passionate people in the series titled “Fire in the Belly.” These two are on fire for youth and helping others achieve their dreams.

The third installment of Finding Roots, a series featuring the heart of small towns has its own history of fire and flames. Sheila Sepkowski exposes the past and future, heart and soul of the growing town of Turner Valley. A town once aglow with the flare of gas wells, nestled in a corner of the Cowboy Trail, is building a new identity through its residents who are on fire for a town they love.

And speaking of small towns, here in the village of Routes we believe in having fun when it comes time to put ourselves in front of the lens. The photographers, writers, and designers are the bright minds that inspire each issue and make it all happen. Read more about who they are (and see what they really look like) on the contributors’ page.

The final quarter of this magazine is the month of May and a day set apart to give a little something back to our mothers, or women who feel like mothers to us. Pat Fream has written a tribute and poem to honour the amazing Moms in our Routes community.

Now go, take this magazine out to the patio with a fresh cup of coffee, relax and enjoy some sun on your face.

Sandra

Does this guy look familiar to any of you students?

Heritage Heights School is a leader in the use of technology as a primary teaching and learning tool in a wireless Mac environment. Students are encouraged to push the creative boundaries, making podcasts, virtual classrooms, blogs, websites, and use online learning environments such as Moodle. The end result is impressive! Heritage Heights kids know their technology and they’re not afraid to use it.

More from this story by Pat Fream in Routes, Spring 2010…available in March.