9 Sep
Featured

The town that changed Alberta

Wendy PortforsSeptember 9, 2020

The small town of Turner Valley, just 63 kilometres southwest of Calgary, has a history steeped in the petroleum industry, with the development of Canada’s first commercial oilfield that triggered Alberta’s first oil boom in 1914.

This is a historical look at how it all happened:

William Stewart Herron has been referred to as the “Father of Alberta’s Petroleum Industry.” Herron was an Ontario native who spent time in the Pennsylvania oilfields. In 1905, he and his wife relocated to Alberta and bought a ranch in the Okotoks area. To supplement the ranch income, he started a freight and cartage business, mainly...

26 Aug
Featured

The longest journey

Jerry CvachAugust 26, 2020

Just like many others before us, one day we left home to improve our lives. The reasons vary. It is usually either for religious, political, wars or penury reasons, but the result is the same. We didn’t know that by emigrating we were embarking on the biggest and most educational trip a person can make. Vacation trips no matter how long and interesting, please, step aside!

We have been observing, adjusting and learning for 52 years now. With our life experiences formed in inflexible and static European society, steeped in history and in a very small country, we flew on a...

26 Jun
Featured

The ironing board

Barbara EllisJune 26, 2020

Today’s the day, I can’t put it off any longer. I have to get that ironing done. With all the determination I could muster, I wrestled my ironing board out of the cupboard and dragged it into the living room. The...

25 Jun
Wellness & Healthy Aging

Bread is good for the soul

Lesli Christianson-KellowJune 25, 2020

My fingers brushed against a single small packet of yeast that I had thrown in the back of the cupboard earlier this spring. My friend had placed the packet in my hand, looked at me with pity and suggested that...

24 Jun
Opinion

Learning the language of cats

David DarnielleJune 24, 2020

I have always been a dog person. There are fond memories in my mind of my grandma’s Doberman Pinscher — Czar — who, without fail, would take the spot beside my toddling form in a protective stance whenever a stranger was...

23 Jun
Current Events

Muslim seniors sew masks for charity

Andrew McCutcheonJune 23, 2020

Although Seniors Week in June couldn’t be celebrated normally due to COVID-19 restrictions keeping folks indoors and distanced, some unstoppable seniors took the chance to work on charitable efforts to give back to the community. A group of Ismaili Muslim seniors...

15 Jun
Money

Scams exploiting fears of older adults amid COVID-19

Alberta Securities CommissionJune 15, 2020

The pandemic has impacted lives around the world, including families across Alberta and especially seniors. The recent volatility of the markets, coupled with potentially lost retirement savings and social isolation, has created an environment of fear, uncertainty and vulnerability. Unfortunately,...

14 Jun
Featured

Tiny homes for Canada’s larger-than-life heroes

Sheila AddiscottJune 14, 2020

In November, on Remembrance Day, we remember those who have given their lives in service for Canada. Nevertheless, there are thousands of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) veterans who return after their service who struggle to find their way home. Calgary-based Homes...

9 Jun
Featured

Seeing Europe by boat

Jerry CvachJune 9, 2020

Seeing the European continent from a cruise ship is a very different experience. We booked our first cruise in 1988, and how the times have changed since then. When we were packing back then, we needed an extra suitcase just for...

6 Jun
Wellness & Healthy Aging

Reducing dementia risk factors

Andrew McCutcheonJune 6, 2020

Independence is a trait we’re trained to value and take pride in at a young age. The first memories of going out for a sit-down meal or taking a ride with friends about town are cherished in many minds. Losing one’s...