May 2016 - Suburban Journals

OUR COMMUNITY’S VOICE
MAY 2016
Tuscany
Community
Clean-Up
May 14 & May 21
Tuscany Community
Association Annual
General Meeting
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
7 p.m. at Tuscany Club
In Our
Community
www.TuscanyCA.org
Tuscany Community Association
P.O. Box 27054 Tuscany RPO
Calgary, Alberta T3L 2Y1
President:
Kelli Taylor.................. president@tuscanyca.org
Vice President: John Stone
Treasurer:VACANT
Executive Administrator:
Jamie Neufeld....executiveadmin@tuscanyca.org
TCA Committees
Youth Council ........................................ youth@tuscanyca.org
Traffic and Safety Committee......................traffic@tuscanyca.org
Elected Officials
Councillor:
Ward Sutherland
403-268-2430
ward01@calgary.ca
MP:
Pat Kelly, Calgary Rocky Ridge
403-282-7980
pat.kelly@parl.gc.ca
MLA:
Sandra Jansen
403-297-7104
calgary.northwest@assembly.ab.ca
Tuscany Sun Newsletter
Editor & Article Submissions:
Elizabeth Olivier.......................................... news@tuscanyca.org
Associate Editor: Liesel Coetzee
Submission deadlines for this monthly publication are the 5th of the month, prior to the
distribution month.
Advertising Sales:
Phil 403-660-7324
phil@suburbanjournals.ca
The ad booking deadline is the 14th of the month prior to the distribution month.
This publication is published 12 times a year by Suburban Journals Publishing and delivered to
residents by Canada Post. This publication is also available for pickup from the
Tuscany Club.
Please note: the information and opinions in this newsletter are subject to
change, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the publisher or editor.
Content contained in this publication may not be reproduced without the written
consent of Suburban Journals Publishing. The information herein is believed
accurate but not warranted so. Any advertisements, home businesses, babysitters & nannies,
or other parties listed in the Tuscany Sun should not be interpreted as recommendations or
endorsements by the editor or the publisher.
TCA President’s Message
It is May and the soccer season is kicking off, the slo-pitch
teams are in full swing, and seeds have been planted in
the community garden. Thanks to the many volunteers
who are adding value to our community.
The Tuscany Community Association’s Annual General
Meeting will take place on Wednesday, May 18 at 7 p.m.
and you are all invited to join us. We will celebrate
another productive and successful year as a community,
with wine and cheese to follow the meeting.
The next Tuscany Community Coalition event will be
held on Tuesday, May 10. Everyone in the community is
welcome to attend this FREE event. Please register via the
website so we know how many people to expect. Allan
Donsky will present “Navigating Change: How to keep
things together when it feels like they are falling apart”
from 7 – 9 p.m.
I have received many comments about safety and crime
recently, and encourage residents to step up the level of
personal responsibility to make our neighbourhood better.
There have been a number of crimes of opportunity in
suburban areas in Calgary. Please lock your vehicles and
homes, and keep an eye on your surroundings. Get to
know your neighbours, and if you notice someone lurking
around, who is not familiar, say hello. If someone has left
their garage open, knock on the door and let them know.
It is easy to report a crime or a traffic concern online. If a
serious crime is in progress, call 9-1-1.
Another great idea coordinated by the Tuscany
Community Coalition is an effort to make parents more
aware of the need to pay attention and drive carefully
near schools. You may notice several people waving
signs near the entrances to the schools in the morning
and at dismissal time when it is busy around the schools.
Students are learning to wait until there are a several
people ready to cross before entering crosswalks, and
drivers are hopefully learning to follow the rules of the
road.
It has been a challenging time for those members of the
community who usually travel in and out of the area via
Tuscany Way; the road was closed to allow for utilities
to be installed for the new housing development. The
Tuscany Community Association was disappointed that
the community was not given more notice ahead of
continued on next page
THE TUSCANY SUN: OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE TUSCANY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
MAY 2016
3
In Our Community
President’s Message continued
the closure, and has suggested that Homes by Avi and
the subcontractors communicate more effectively with
residents in the future.
Enjoy the sunshine this spring, and stay safe.
The TCA’s Annual General Meeting is coming up in May.
Please join us to hear about what we’ve accomplished
in the past year, plans for the year ahead, and consider
adding your energy to the work we do. Our community
has great potential, and we invite you to be part of shaping
our future. We welcome all age groups, and value peoples’
time and opinions. For more information, please email
president@tuscanyca.org.
Kelli Taylor, President
Eric Harvie School Playground
Fundraising Update
The Eric Harvie School Playground Fundraising bottle
drive, held on April 2, was a great success. Eleven families
(including 16 children) volunteered their morning to collect
bottles. They filled a 20-foot trailer one and one half times.
We would like to thank to the community for their generous
support in this fundraising initiative. Further details on the
dollar amount raised will be posted on our Facebook page
and blog.
The fundraising team was also on hand selling Smencils
during Tuscany School conferences on April 21 and
22. Smencils are scented pencils made from recycled
newspaper and are available in ten different scents.
Each Smencil costs $2, and generates a 57% profit for our
fundraiser. If you missed us at the conference and are
still interested in making a purchase, please contact us via
email.
Oliver’s Labels are a fun, colourful and quick way to get
your child’s name on everything. These self-adhesive labels
can be purchased on the Olivier’s Labels website: www.
oliverslabels.com/EHS. This is an ongoing fundraiser and
people can order as needed with 20% of the commission
going to the Eric Harvie School playground.
Gabby and Eva Gaudet came up with an idea to contribute
to the Eric Harvie School playground while planning
Gabby’s 6th birthday party. Guests at Gabby’s party had the
option of bringing a $10 donation towards the building of
the new playground. A total of $100 was collected at the
party for the Eric Harvie School playground. The Gaudet
sisters would like to thank all their friends, neighbours and
classmates for the donations. The EHS Society would like to
thank the Gaudet sisters for their wonderful idea, generous
donation and community spirit.
We would also like to thank Crescent Point for their $500
donation and their employee, Jennifer Bains, for applying
for this donation.
There are many ways residents can volunteer to help
with the new school playground, from fundraising
to volunteering time or materials for building. If you
would like to assist us with the new school playground
please contact us at EHSSociety@gmail.com, like us on
Facebook (Eric Harvie School Council) or check out our blog
ehschoolcouncil.blogspot.com.
Santana Cunnington,
Eric Harvie School Council
École St. Sylvester
Bonjour from the staff and students of École St. Sylvester.
We have many activities planned from now until the
end of the school year. We are especially proud of our
students’ many accomplishments in French! It is fantastic
to hear all the students speaking so fluently.
The month of May is filled with fieldtrips and activities.
Our grade 3 and 4 students will be participating in
a swimming program and our grade 2 students will
be visiting the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary on May 16,
followed by the grade 6 students on May 27. Our grades
3-6 students will be going to St. Rose to watch a play on
May 25. Our kindergarten students will be headed to
Safety City on May 27, while our grade 4 students will be
visiting the Military Museum on May 31.
For those of you who are interested in French Immersion,
we like to welcome you to our orientation and open
house night on May 26 at 6:30 p.m.; visit our school, meet
the teachers and principal and hear all the fun activities
your children will be engaged in.
Important Dates:
Professional Day - no school: May 20
Victoria Day - no school: May 23
Marion celebration: May 26
THE TUSCANY SUN: OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE TUSCANY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Tanya Wttewaall
MAY 2016
5
Our Schools
Tuscany School Council
Tuscany School will be hosting a Kindergarten Orientation
evening on Thursday, June 2 for all parents and students
who are registered to begin Kindergarten in September at
either Tuscany School or Eric Harvie School. This will be an
opportunity for the children to see the school and a typical
Kindergarten classroom. Please check your email or the
Tuscany School website for details and more information.
Thank you to all the parents who volunteered their time and
enthusiasm to work at our Tuscany School Enhancement
Society’s casino at Elbow River at the end of March. There
was an amazing turn out of parents, a lot of fun people, and
we counted enough money to buy a house. We are excited to
find out how much money we raised for our school.
Thank you to all of the children and parents who
participated in our second annual Read-a-thon in March. Our
children cumulatively read for more than 157,000 minutes
and raised over $12,500 to date for both Tuscany School and
Eric Harvie School. Keep reading everyone – it is the gateway
to knowledge.
Tuscany School Council is excited to announce that we have
won the 2016 Alberta School Councils’ Association (ASCA)
School Council Award of Merit. We are very proud of the
work we have done over the past couple of years, and would
like to thank everyone, past and present, who have made
this school council a success. Here are a few examples of the
school council’s activities:
• Build a strong relationship with Tuscany School,
Calgary Board of Education administration, and the
new principal of the new Eric Harvie School.
• Help form a community coalition to foster
community wide spirit, including links with the
Tuscany Community Association (TCA) and the police
community liaison officer.
• Set up a blog and Facebook page, to enhance parent
and community communication.
• Facilitate kindergarten orientation programs to make
new parents feel welcome and more involved with
their school.
• Create an infomercial for our Kiss-n’-Drop program,
with help from arts students at Bowness High School
- big thank you to Bowness High School for their help
with this.
• Foster a healthy and friendly working relationship at
council meetings, which improved council processes,
and encouraged more council attendance. Attendance
at Tuscany School Council meetings average more
•
•
•
•
•
than 50 individuals each meeting, which is high
compared to other Catholic Board of Education (CBE)
schools. This attendance has been mentioned multiple
times at recent CBE Council of School Councils
meetings.
Foster a friendly, helpful, inclusive and respectful
environment by holding many events during the year
to bring parents, school administration, teachers, and
children together such as a popular talent show and a
welcome breakfast.
Active in supporting the fundraising and setup of the
new Eric Harvie School Council and Enhancement
Society for the K-3 Eric Harvie School.
Facilitate dialog between the councils and parents
of both current CBE schools in Tuscany, the K-3
Tuscany School and the grades 4-9 Twelve Mile Coulee
School. Members of both councils have been present
at each other’s meetings, to share ideas and discuss
collaboration. At a recent council event, the council
also invited the principal of Bowness High School for
a question and answer with parents, to let them learn
more about how the whole school system works for
their children.
Initiatives that encourage meaningful parent
engagement and involvement, such as organizing
parents to bring meals to the teachers during the
teacher-parent conferences, organizing teacher
appreciation events and recognition, organizing
fun lunch and snack days, organizing end-of-year
barbeques, year books, Halloween events, kids’
pictures with Santa, and a community caroling walk
about, among others.
The council uses dedicated surveys to gain a good
understanding of parent knowledge and impressions
continued on next page
THE TUSCANY SUN: OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE TUSCANY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
MAY 2016
7
Our Schools
Tuscany School Council continued
on specific issues. Recent examples include the
specific CBE engagement survey, and a change in
school photographer.
• The council has donated numerous cases of fresh fruit
items left over from our annual Welcome Breakfast to
the Ronald McDonald House Charities over the past
two years, and continuously promotes a coat drive for
the Jacket Racket Program, where gently-used coats,
jackets, snow pants, hats and mittens are collected
and then distributed to children in schools throughout
Calgary. There has been tremendous parent response
to these initiatives.
• The council has a dedicated and long-term
naturalization project at the school, which has
included obtaining new sod and donation of labour
from our local Bow River Bruin Hockey Team, made
up of many former students. It turned out to be a
fantastic community building activity and generated
media coverage by Global News.
If you are interested in being a part of this fantastic school
council, please contact Julia at schoolcouncilvicechair@
gmail.com. We are hoping to replicate this success at the
new Eric Harvie School.
If your child will be attending Eric Harvie School and you
would like to get involved, please email
ehssociety@gmail.com.
Tuscany School is accepting all new registrations for the
2016-2017 school year for both Tuscany School and Eric
Harvie School, and will transfer the appropriate registrations
to Eric Harvie School once they have an administration team
set up. More information is on the Tuscany School website.
We invite all current and future parents of Tuscany School
and Eric Harvie School to the Tuscany School Council
meeting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 12. This is a great
opportunity to hear more about what is happening at
Tuscany School, as well as future plans for both schools.
DID YOU KNOW??
Koalas sleep around
18 hours a day.
243 Tuscany Scouts
In April, the Tuscany Scout
Group held their annual
advancement banquet
where each section sends
their oldest youth up to
the next section. This is
an annual tradition in
scouting that provides an
opportunity for all youth
to be recognized for their
growth and achievement
during the scouting year.
Is scouting an outdoor program? You bet! Our
Venturer scouts (ages 15-18) have spent four nights
at camp, the Scouts (ages 11-14) and Cub Scouts
(ages 8-10) have each spent six nights at camp,
and our Beavers (ages 5-7) have spent three nights
away. That totals 19 nights away for our group, and
we still have spring camps to look forward to. The
group commissioner expects the group to rack up
almost 26 nights away this year.
There have also been numerous day hikes; our
Scouts and Cub Scouts have been particularly
active, exploring Paskapoo Slopes, Troll Falls, the
Douglas Fir Trail, Nose Hill and 12 Mile Coulee. To
help finance these outdoor adventures, the Tuscany
Scouts take on bottle drives. The youth extend a
big thank you to the Tuscany community for your
continued support of our semi-annual bottle drive
held on April 16.
There has been a lot of interest in how to register
your child in the Tuscany Scout Group. Remember,
Scouts is open to girls and boys ages 5-25 years.
Registration starts late May or early June; please
view our Facebook page (243 Tuscany Scouts) for
details. You may also email our registrar if you
want to be added to the notification list: registrar@
tuscanyscouts.ca.
We are also looking for volunteers to help run the
program, if you enjoy the outdoors and want to give
back to your community please contact us.
THE TUSCANY SUN: OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE TUSCANY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
MAY 2016
9
In Our Community
Your Tuscany
Community
Association
Support Tuscany!
Buy Your Community Membership Today!
p
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s
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e
b
Mem
...do you have your
Community Association membership yet?
Benefits of Membership
• A healthier and more enjoyable
community through the provision
of community sports and
recreation activities like soccer –
your membership contributes to
the costs of operation
• Insurance coverage to participate
in Community Association
organized sports, such as soccer
• Up-to-date information about
issues affecting you and the
community through the Tuscany
Sun and our website
• Effective representation and
advocacy to external third parties
about issues of concern to the
community, including public
health and safety, development
and the natural environment
• Maintenance and preservation of
the natural environment,
including Twelve Mile Coulee
• A safer community through our
advocacy on traffic and other
safety issues
• Pride and a sense of community
through participation in
community activities
The TCA is a non-profit organization
run by a core group of volunteers
who are committed to the needs and
constructive development of Tuscany
and its community. The TCA has
a broad mandate to represent the
community to external stakeholders,
such as the City, and to provide
community sports programs. We also
have an emphasis to preserve and
protect the natural environments in
Tuscany.
This year, the TCA is focusing
its efforts on three broad goals:
community cohesiveness, traffic
safety, and the development of youth
programs in Tuscany. If you would
like to participate in the development
and implementation of these goals,
the TCA is always looking for
committed volunteers.
For more information, contact
president@tuscanyca.org or go to
our website at www.tuscanyca.org.
YES! I would like to become a member of
the Tuscany Community Association
Go to www.TuscanyCA.org to register online
for your membership today!
THE TUSCANY SUN: OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE TUSCANY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
MAY 2016
11
Meet Your Tuscany Community Association
Volunteers
Kelli Taylor
President
Brad Austin
Adult Sports Director
J. John Stone
Gord Elliott
Vice President
Ric Lockhart
Membership Director
Past Treasurer
Cathy Ford
Director at Large
Jon Neufeld
Secretary
Jamie Neufeld
Executive Administrator
For more information about the TCA, or to explore the volunteer opportunities available,
please visit www.TuscanyCA.org or email executiveadministrator@tuscanyca.org
Using Herbs
W
hen you are planning your garden, or outdoor
containers this spring, consider adding fresh herbs
to your list! They not only fill in your garden, they are
fragrant and have so many practical uses. It’s such a
delight to pick them, fresh, from your own garden to use
in your every day meal preparations.
•B
asil, cilantro, mint, and oregano can be added to
savory dishes
•R
osemary is fantastic for roasted veggies or barbecuing
•M
int is fantastic for tea, adds refreshment to water, and
is delicious in desserts
•C
hamomile and lavender are fabulous as teas
• Oregano and thyme are delicious in pizza or pasta sauces
•C
ilantro is a great herb to use in salsas, stews and soups
•C
hives and dill are wonderful, stirred into dips
•S
age and tarragon work well with poultry dishes
Larynda McKay
12
The Tuscany Sun
SUBURBAN JOURNALS www.suburbanjournals.ca
Rent Rooms at the Tuscany Club
The Tuscany Club is operated by the
Tuscany Residents Association (TRA) as a
private recreation facility for the exclusive
use of its members. For more information
about the TRA, visit the FAQ section at
www.tuscany-connect.com.
Address
Tuscany Residents Association
212 Tuscany Way NW, Calgary, AB T3L 2J6
Contact
403-241-6402 or tuscanyclub@shaw.ca
Regular Hours of Operation
Park and Facility Hours:
Mon. to Sun. 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. (all activities end at 9:45 p.m.)
Office Hours:
Mon. to Sat. 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Access to the Tuscany Club
If you are new to Tuscany or have moved within the
community, please read this!
• All new residents must visit the Tuscany Club
office to register their home and be eligible for TRA
benefits, such as accessing the park and taking part in
programs and events.
• If you move within Tuscany, you must also visit the
office to update your account to remain current.
• Tenants must complete a transfer of privileges form
from the homeowner to gain Tuscany Club privileges.
• Add your children to your account so they can enjoy
our great programs.
• Update your email address to stay informed about
Tuscany Club happenings.
Tuscany Club Features
Check out the current program guide online at
www.tuscany-connect.com or pick up a copy at the
Tuscany Club. We offer family special events, plus sports,
fitness, and recreation programs for all ages.
•Gymnasium
• Fitness and dance studio
• Outdoor basketball court
• Banquet and meeting rooms
• Summer skatepark
• Winter outdoor hockey rink and skating oval
• Grass volleyball court
• Summer Splash Park
•Playground
• Two outdoor tennis courts
We have spaces available for receptions, banquets,
birthday parties, seasonal events, club and business
meetings, and more! Contact us for info on spaces to fit
your needs, prices, and available dates, or come in for a
tour.
• Available exclusively to TRA members.
• Tables and chairs included with rental – also includes
access to kitchen facilities.
• Gym can be rented at designated times on Saturday and
Sunday afternoons.
• For more information, email customerservice.
tuscany@shaw.ca or call 403-241-6402.
May Events & Notices
Annual Fees Now Due
The Tuscany Residents Association (TRA) endeavors to
provide quality recreation programming, a facility that
is open and welcome, and superior summer landscaping
for the citizens of our wonderful community. As such, we
cannot do this without the assistance of the residents of
Tuscany. As a reminder, notices for the TRA annual fees
will be in the mail and to your homes by the middle of
April. Fees are due by April 30; however, interest will not
be applied until May 31. We appreciate your assistance in
allowing the Residents Association to serve you and make
our community better.
Community Clean-Up
Sat., May 14 & 21, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Email
recreation.tuscany@shaw.ca to sign-up to help
clean up the trails, streets, and parks. Free electronics
recycling, paper shredding, household goods and clothing
donations, bottle recycling, and more will be available at
the Tuscany Club on May 14. City of Calgary trucks will
be available on May 21 to pick up organic yard debris
and large household and waste items. Full details will be
available on the Tuscany Club website during the week of
the event.
Giant Garage Sale
Register now for the Giant Garage Sale on Saturday, June
11 – one of Calgary’s biggest with over 200 homes each
year. Email your name, address, and contact number to
recreation.tuscany@shaw.ca by June 8 to get on the
map!
THE TUSCANY SUN: OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE TUSCANY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
MAY 2016
15
In Our City
Councillor Report
I routinely hear from senior citizens with fixed incomes
who are anxious about how they are going to pay
property taxes and utilities that increase faster than
their pensions. They are not alone; many Calgary
families are facing economic challenges. In 2018, I will
propose a wage freeze for The City of Calgary employees
(including unions) to give Calgarians a 0% property tax
rate. This proposal, if passed in Council and combined
with large savings in operations and capital spending,
would result in a corresponding freeze on property
taxes (that are expected to rise by 4.7%) in 2017-2018.
A tax freeze on The City of Calgary portion of property
levies could take effect as early as 2017.
The City of Calgary did not fill at least 350 vacancies,
which has saved $17 million. Contracting out services
has also benefitted savings without The City of Calgary
seeing an increase in complaints. However, The City of
Calgary can do more. Union employees need to take into
account that wage increases over the past three years
(3.1% average) were higher than normal in the current
economic environment.
We are in a strong financial position at present, and the
conditions to pursue a tax freeze are better than ever,
given $86 million in recent expense savings, including
$73.6 million in lower capital project costs. A wage
freeze could also enable The City of Calgary to hold off
any increases to transit or recreation fees for two years,
which would save $10 million.
A wage freeze is possible, but it will ultimately depend
on the will of Council.
Ward Sutherland, Councillor, Ward 1
DID YOU KNOW??
In downtown Calgary,
you can walk 16 km
without having to go
outside, by using the
Plus 15 system. They
connect 100 buildings,
with 59 suspended bridges. The first
Plus 15 opened in 1970.
Living Separately Under
One Roof
As Alberta’s economic
downturn continues
into 2016, people are
experiencing the effects
beyond their workplaces
and into their homes.
Many people have
experienced a change
in employment and
resulting financial strain,
which has led to an adjustment in spending patterns, a
reassessment of values, and lifestyle changes.
Lifestyle changes may contribute to, if not cause, marital
discord. If the discord is significant, couples may choose
to proceed with divorce. While this choice is often the
best for emotional security, in this economy it is often at
the cost of financial stability. If the spouses can manage
to work together in these difficult circumstances and coexist in the same home, they may be able to obtain both
positive emotional and financial results.
A divorce may be granted after a couple has lived
separately for one year, but living separately does not
necessarily mean that spouses must be living at separate
addresses as long as they are living separate lives.
Sharing a home may be beneficial, or the only viable
option, if one spouse cannot afford the home without
the other, if the property is taking a long time to sell, or
if the financial burden of rent for a second home is not
feasible.
When living separately within the same home, the couple
is able to commence divorce proceedings immediately
and, at the end of the year, file the documents necessary
to finalize the divorce. During this time, the couple
may work together to address their property through
agreement or court process.
It may not be possible for all couples, but by accepting the
need to make a psychological and lifestyle readjustment
and working together to achieve the ability to continue
with separate lives, couples can lessen the emotional and
financial effects of divorce. As each situation is different,
this is meant to be for information purposes only and is
not legal advice.
Marla Baker, Family Lawyer and Tuscany Resident
THE TUSCANY SUN: OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE TUSCANY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
MAY 2016
17
In Our City
Calgary Connection
Volunteer Calgary
Visit the “Volunteer” page of www.propellus.org for
volunteer opportunities in Calgary.
Women’s English & Social Group
Improve your English and meet new women at a New
Friends and Neighbourhood Group. We have 16 groups
locations in the city. Groups meet once a week for
two hours to practice English, make friends and have
fun! No cost, no immigration requirements and no
minimum English. Free childcare provided for children
6 months to 6 years old. Visit www.ciwa-online.com
or contact Debra Colley at debrac@ciwa-online.com
or 403-444-1752.
You’re invited to University of Calgary’s
Congress 2016
UCalgary hosts the 85th edition of Canada’s largest
gathering of scholars welcoming over 8,000 attendees
during the 2016 Congress of the Humanities and Social
Sciences from May 28 to June 3. Themed “Energizing
Communities,” Congress 2016 highlights include free
events open to the public including the Big Thinking
lecture series, the Interdisciplinary symposia and
daily performances by the School of Creative and
Performing Arts. For more information visit,
www.Congress2016.ca.
CBC Calgary / Calgary Reads Big Book Sale
More than 1,000,000 previously-loved books will be
ready to be purchased and find new homes. This is a
signature fundraising event for Calgary Reads.
Our 14th annual event! Held at the Calgary Curling
Club, 720 3rd St. NW, Calgary Friday May 13 – Sunday
May 15. Donate books: we welcome donations of
good quality, gently used adult and children books
for the book sale! We cannot accept encyclopaedias,
dictionaries, text books, Harlequin Romances, Reader’s
Digest, cassettes, magazines or agendas. At Calgary
Reads we build connections, strengthen networks,
champion, involve and innovate—because we ALL
have a role to play in creating a thriving community
where all children can read with confidence and joy!
Learn more at www.Calgaryreads.com.
Festival for the Birds
In celebration of International Migratory Bird Day, The
City of Calgary will be hosting a free festival on Sunday,
May 8 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Inglewood
Bird Sanctuary. This all-ages event will include guided
sanctuary tours, face painting and mini birdwatching
sessions. Exhibitors and birding experts will be on hand
to share information about bird species, migration
and how you can help conserve bird habitats in your
backyard. For more information, visit calgary.ca/parks.
Family Fun at Disaster Alley – Calgary
Emergency Management Agency
They’re your friends and neighbours. They’re everyday
heroes. They work for organizations like the Calgary
Fire Department, Calgary Police Service, STARS,
Alberta Health Services, HAWCs, Enmax, ATCOGas,
Calgary Transit, and many more. Meet them all at
Disaster Alley on Saturday, May 7, from 11:00 a.m.
to 3:00 p.m., at McMahon Stadium (east parking lot).
Disaster Alley is fun, family-friendly, and best of all, it’s
FREE! Learn what first and other responders do to help
keep Calgarians safe every day, and in emergencies
and disasters. Check out calgary.ca/disasteralley for
more information!
Calgary Rock and Alpine Garden Society is having
their annual plant sale on Saturday, May 14. It will
be held at the Lakeview Community Hall located at
6110-34 Street SW, Calgary, from noon to 3:00 p.m.
Admission is free and everyone is welcome. We focus
on alpine and speciality plants, but also sell annuals
and tomato plants. Tufa rock will be for sale. For
further information please see
www.crags.ca or call Irena at 403-217-8240.
THE TUSCANY SUN: OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE TUSCANY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
MAY 2016
19
In Our City
Events In and Around Calgary
Calgary Beer Festival:
Calgary International Children's Festival:
May 6 – 7, BMO Centre. Increase your beer knowledge
and find a new favourite by sampling some of the more
than 500 different types of beer on site. New this year,
you can find out exactly how beer is made, preserved,
and enjoyed at ATB Financial's Beer University!
www.albertabeerfestivals.com
May 25 – 28, Olympic Plaza. The Calgary International
Children’s Festival is one of North America’s largest
performing arts festivals of its kind. Bringing
professional live theatre, dance, music and more to
Southern Alberta families, the Festival is held in Calgary’s
esteemed EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts. The
Festival is not only fun, but provides great entertainment
with performances that appeal to people ages 2 to 102.
The Festival boasts world-class performances from
Brazil, West Africa, Scotland, Belgium, USA and Canada.
www.calgarykidsfest.ca
Sport Chek Mother’s Day Run & Walk:
May 8, Chinook Centre. The Sport Chek Mother’s Day Run
and Walk starts at 9:00 a.m. from Chinook Centre. Warmup from 8:30 a.m. at the start line. The fundraising event
supports the Calgary Health Trust.
www.mdrunandwalk.com
May Classic at Spruce Meadows:
May 7 – 8, Spruce Meadows. The May Classic Tournament
welcomes horses and riders to the first outdoor
tournament of the season - Calgary spring weather
permitting! Come to Spruce Meadows not only to view
the competitions, but also to visit our new-born foals and
enjoy the tulips in bloom.
www.sprucemeadows.com
Stars on Ice:
May 15, Scotiabank Saddledome. Visitors will be dazzled
by professional skaters in striking costumes, telling
stories through movement on ice-skate. Three-time
World Champion and two-time Olympic Silver Medallist
Elvis Stojko returns to the ice with an incredible
collection of superstars. www.starsonice.ca
TELUS Spark Adults Only Night:
May 12, TELUS Spark. Experience the ultimate
night out at the Science Centre. Open for extended
hours, from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., just for adults.
www.sparkscience.ca
Heritage Park 21st Annual Festival of Quilts:
May 28 – 29, Heritage Park. The Festival of Quilts is
Western Canada's largest outdoor quilt show! Hundreds
of stunning handmade quilts of all shapes, sizes and
techniques will decorate the Park's exhibits inside and
out. www.heritagepark.ca
YWCA Keep a Roof Over Their Heads:
May 5, YWCA of Calgary Downtown. Most Calgarians can
consider themselves incredibly lucky, in that they have
no idea what it's like to be homeless. In this signature
fundraising and awareness-building event, participants
can get just an insight into what it's like. Participants
challenge themselves to experience being homeless on
Calgary's streets for just one night. Participants enter
a simulation of the YWCA winter emergency shelter
program, experience the typical intake process and
receive a light dinner. www.ywcakeeparoof.com
Tickets, admission or registration may be required for
events. Event details are believed correct as of press
time but may change at any time.
THE TUSCANY SUN: OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE TUSCANY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
MAY 2016
21
In Our City
Muskrats – Hardy Little
Creatures
T
he muskrat (Ondatra zibehticus) is a fairly large
rodent which has adapted to life in and around water.
Their name comes from their two musk (anal) scent
glands, the odour used in communication, especially
during breeding season. Muskrats are found in North
American wetlands and waterways and are considered
to be an important creature in their freshwater
environments.
These animals have a round, portly body covered with
rich waterproof fur made up of a short dense silky under
coat and a longer, coarse glossy guard coat. Their fur
covers small ears and provides buoyancy in the water.
Fur colour ranges from a dark brown head to a light
grey belly. Their feet are mostly hairless; the hind feet
acting like paddles during swimming and described as
semi-webbed, with the four longest toes of each foot
having a fringe of specialized hairs along each side,
giving the foot a paddle like effect in use. The front feet
are used like hands to build lodges, hold food and dig
burrows and channels. There are five toes on all feet but
the inner toes of front feet are small so rarely show in
tracks. Full grown large adults can weigh from 1 – 2 kgs
(2 – 5 lbs) and are up to 60 cm (24 in) long (including the
tail). Their tail is slender, flattened vertically (to act as a
rudder when swimming) and covered with scaly skin to
protect it from damaging easily. The muskrat has special
teeth that protrude ahead of the cheeks and lips, which
can close behind them, permitting the animal to chew
on stems and roots under water “with its mouth closed.”
Its four front teeth are chisel like (two upper, two lower
incisors), each up to 2 cm long, used for cutting stems and
roots of plants.
Muskrats typically live in freshwater marshes, marshy
areas of lakes, slow-moving streams, dugouts, ponds,
and watery areas controlled by beaver dams. The water
must be deep enough to not freeze to the bottom during
winter, but shallow enough to allow for the growth of
aquatic vegetation. Areas with good food sources such as
bulrushes, cattails, pondweeds, or sedges are preferred.
Muskrat homes are compact mounds of partially dried
and decayed plant material scattered among cattails,
reeds or bulrushes, looking much like dead heaps of
plants. If these materials are not available, muskrats
dig burrows in firm banks of mossy soil or clay.
Andrea S. H. Hunt
They still need quick access to deep water for escape
from predators and food access in the winter. Their
construction of open-water canals through reeds, and
floating houses of aquatic vegetation, creates habitats
for many species of waterfowl and aquatic plants which
could not survive among dense areas of cattail and
sedges.
After freeze up muskrats chew through the ice, and push
up plant matter to cover the hole with a dome to make a
miniature lodge, which is used as a feeding station and
resting place when searching for food underwater. They
can remain underwater up to 15 minutes by reducing
their heart rate and relaxing their muscles when
submerged, thus reducing oxygen use by their body.
What’s unusual about the muskrat?
•T
hey are more widely dispersed across North American
(north to south, east to west) than any other mammal.
•T
hey were introduced to Europe in 1905 and are now
common there too.
• I f normal plant food is not available, and animal food
is abundant, they are known to become carnivorous
(eating fish, frogs, clams)!
•N
umbers decrease dramatically every 7 to 10 years.
This is believed to be the result of cyclical health
declines, deaths and reproductive failure.
•M
uskrats appear to thrive even when harvested heavily
for fur, impacted by agricultural draining of wetlands
and increases in industrial activity! They can even
adapt to brackish (salty) water. Hardy little creatures
aren’t they?
If you find an injured or orphaned muskrat, or other
wild animal or bird, please contact the Calgary Wildlife
Rehabilitation Society for further instructions.
THE TUSCANY SUN: OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE TUSCANY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
J. Turner, CWRS
MAY 2016
23
In Our City
Calgary Reads:
Writings About Reading
Your child’s summer reading plan
It’s never too early to think about what your child
might read during the summer break. Reading over
the summer not only improves children’s literacy and
language skills but also prevents what is known as the
‘summer slide’—a regression in reading ability that
can occur when children have an extended break from
school.
How to help your child:
• Children need access to books and other print
materials to help them become consistent readers.
Make books and magazines available throughout your
home (or in the car on road trips) and utilize your
public library!
• Even reading just six books over the summer holidays
can help your child maintain or improve their reading
level.
• Children need books that are “just right” – not too easy
and not too hard. Let your child choose what they
want to read. As they fall in love with books, then you
can help them discover more books!
Ways to make reading fun this summer:
• Get involved with your child’s reading. Consider a
family book club or read your child’s book along with
them and have conversations about the characters and
plot. Read aloud a book above their reading level too –
to build vocabulary and critical thinking.
• If you are taking a vacation or visiting family, involve
your child in your on-line research and vacation
planning; give them an attractive journal so they can
write or draw about each day’s fun and experiences.
• Does your child have a hobby, sport or interest they
will be involved in during the summer? If so, build
reading opportunities around this as they research
to start a collection, read to build skills or navigate
instructions.
The CBC Calgary Reads Big Book Sale runs from May 13
to 15. This is Calgary Reads’ signature fundraising event.
With children’s books starting at just $1, the Book Sale
is a great time to stock up on summer reading for the
entire family, keep books in circulation locally and to
support our work to help children read with confidence
and joy! Find full event details on our website
www.calgaryreads.com.
Calgary Reads
Did You Know...
These Facts About May
• The birthstone of May is the emerald.
• The birth flower is the Lily of the Valley.
•T
he two zodiac signs in May are Taurus (April 20 –
May 20) and Gemini (May 21 - June 20).
•M
ay was named for the Greek goddess Maia.
She was the goddess of fertility.
• May was once considered a bad luck month to get
married. There is a poem that says "Marry in May
and you'll rue the day".
• I n any given year, no other month begins or ends
on the same day of the week as May does.
•M
other's Day is celebrated on the second
Sunday of May
THE TUSCANY SUN: OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE TUSCANY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
MAY 2016
25
Your Family
Immunization:
Be Aware;
Get Protected
A
lberta Health Services (AHS) is
encouraging parents to learn more
about arming their children against
disease by visiting immunizealberta.ca.
and immunity have all been incorporated into a simple
website parents can trust.
In addition to arming children against disease,
immunization is also important for adults. Benefiting
people of all ages, immunization not only
protects individuals – it also arms our
communities against disease. As more
people are immunized, the risk of disease
for everyone is reduced.
Adults need booster doses throughout
their lifetime, and people may also need
additional vaccines if they have certain
health conditions, risks or are travelling
out of country.
Developed for Albertan parents,
together with Albertan parents, the
immunizealberta.ca website provides
parents with information and support,
as they consider immunization for
their children.
For more information about immunity,
immunization, and how to protect your
family, visit www.immunizealberta.ca
or call Health Link at 811.
With answers just a few clicks away,
this website simplifies the search for
credible immunization information in the crowded
online environment. Common questions, concerns and
information requests about vaccine safety, immunization
Alberta Health Services
Conversations Matter:
Talk About Your Wishes and
Health Care Values
D
o your loved ones know what type of medical care you
would want if you were unable to speak for yourself?
Many of us “save for a rainy day”, plan for retirement, or
even plan our next vacation. Just as important, we need
to plan for our health care future – and make sure our
wishes are known.
Alberta Health Services is encouraging you to think about,
talk about and document your wishes for healthcare to
ensure your voice is heard. Advance Care Planning allows
your family or close friends to know what kind of care you
want, and could bring comfort and peace of mind to those
making healthcare decisions on your behalf.
Take the time to talk to your friends and family about
your wishes. If there’s an unexpected event or change in
your health and you aren’t able to make decisions about
your healthcare, having a plan in place ensures your
wishes are known. Check out AHS’s interactive guide to
help you start the conversation.
Things you can do:
•L
earn about Advance Care Planning
•T
hink about your values and wishes for your healthcare
now and in the future
•T
alk with those who you are close to about your values
and wishes
•D
iscuss your wishes with your health care provider
•C
onsider naming an Alternate Decision Maker or agent
• Complete your personal directive
It’s about making choices for your health care before a
personal crisis, you owe it to yourself and you owe it to
your family to think about your health care wishes now.
Visit: www.conversationsmatter.ca.
THE TUSCANY SUN: OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE TUSCANY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Alberta Health Services
MAY 2016
27
Get Out and Explore Alberta
Natural Wonders
Explore the Crown of the Continent, where the
mountains meet the prairies. Spend time at world
heritage sites and unique provincial parks. Drive the
Cowboy Trail through high ranch country. See the
locations where movies like Unforgiven and Brokeback
Mountain were filmed.
magine a journey through rolling
ranchlands, mountain forests,
prairie landscapes, eerie
badlands and dusty Wild West
towns. Sound like something
you’d see in a movie? It may
very well be – the authentic
vistas of Southern Alberta
are favourite locations for
Hollywood filmmakers.
And three of Alberta’s five
UNESCO World Heritage
Sites are found here.
Canadian Tourism Commission
I
Drive east across endless golden
prairies, and the fertile land
suddenly drops away into a strange and
stark moonscape of multicoloured, layered
sandstone and otherworldly rock formations known as
hoodoos. The badlands – even the name is mysterious.
Covering a major portion of southeastern Alberta, the
Canadian Badlands boast some of the world’s most
prolific dinosaur bonebeds.
In summer, stay on a guest ranch and herd cattle with
real cowboys. Go mountain biking and whitewater
rafting in the mountains. Hike, ride or paddle to your
heart’s content. In winter, fall in love with downhill
all over again when you ski Castle Mountain. Visit the
Crowsnest Pass for cross country skiing, snowshoeing
and snowmobiling.
For more information, check out these websites.
Alberta SouthWest: www.albertasouthwest.com
Canadian Badlands: www.canadianbadlands.com
Chinook Country: www.exploresouthwestalberta.ca
Cool Little Towns: www.coollittletowns.com
Crown of the Continent: www.crownofthecontinent.net
Newell Region: www.nrta.ca
Reprinted with kind permission from Travel Alberta
Wildlife Viewing
N
o one dares to breathe as we focus on the sound of
branches snapping in the bushes. There’s definitely
something big in there. Hear the collective “Oooh!” as an
enormous bull elk emerges from the thicket. When he
turns his majestic head and stares right into your camera
lens, you know you’ve got the shot of a lifetime.
Alberta is teeming with wildlife and offers some of the
most accessible and rewarding wildlife viewing year
round. Set off at dawn or in the evening, when the
animals are most active. Deer, eagles, coyotes and herds
of elk, big horn sheep and mountain goats are often
spotted. Keep your eyes open for bear, moose, beaver
and the elusive wolf.
And for all you birdwatchers, Alberta is the only place
in North America where the prairie, boreal forest and
mountain ecosystems coexist. As a result, the province
is a haven for indigenous and migratory birds – more
than 400 species, and counting. So grab your spotting
scopes and head out during spring and fall migrations for
birding opportunities of a lifetime!
Reprinted with kind permission from Travel Alberta
THE TUSCANY SUN: OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE TUSCANY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Parks Canada
MAY 2016
29
Chinook Centre
www.heritagepark.ca
Heritage Park
Heritage Park
21st Annual
Festival of Quilts
May 28 – 29
29
22
www.starsonice.ca
Scotiabank Saddledome
Stars on Ice
15
www.mdrunandwalk.com
MONDAY
30
VICTORIA
DAY
23
16
9
8
MOTHER’S
DAY
Sport Chek Mother’s
Day Run & Walk
2
1
SUNDAY
31
24
17
7:00 p.m.
Tuscany Club
www.calgarykidsfest.ca
Olympic Plaza
Calgary
International
Children's Festival
May 25 – 28
25
7:00 p.m.
Tuscany Club
Tuscany Community
Association Annual
General Meeting
18
11
10
Tuscany Community
Coalition Event
4
WEDNESDAY
3
TUESDAY
26
19
www.sparkscience.ca
TELUS Spark
6:00 – 10:00 pm
TELUS Spark
Adults Only Night
12
www.ywcakeeparoof.com
May 5
YWCA of Calgary
Downtown
YWCA
Keep a Roof
Over Their Heads
5
THURSDAY
May 6 – 7
27
20
13
albertabeerfestivals.com
BMO Centre
Calgary
Beer Festival
6
FRIDAY
28
9:00 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Tuscany Club
Community
Clean-Up
21
9:00 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Tuscany Club
Community
Clean-Up
14
7
SATURDAY
2016
M
A
Y