March 2012 (PDF) - Townsite of Redwood Meadows

A m o n t h l y v o l u n t e e r - d r i v e n p u b l i c a t i on f r o m t h e Re d w o o d M e a d ow s C o mm u n it y A s s o c i at i o n 

Chatter in the Woods 

March 2012 Volume 19, Issue 3 

THANK YOU FOR READING THE CHATTER ONLINE! 

Inside this issue: 

Babysitter’s list p.26 

BCCA Programs p.27 

Classifieds p. 2 

Council Update p. 4 

Environmental Ideas p.12 

Fitness p.18 

Kindergarten News p. 14 

Nutrition p. 20 

Redwood Calendar p. 8 

RMSC p.11 

Wild Rose Update p.16 

This Month: When the RMCA challenged 

the community to support the 

Docs in the Creek initiative back in December, 

the residents of Redwood 

Meadows really stepped up! As a community 

we raised $12,500—thank you to 

residents and the RMCA that pitched in 

a matching grant of $5000. Bravo all!! 

There is a lot of good reading in this 

month’s newsletter. Check out the latest 

Council update from Mayor John Welsh 

and the latest news from the Sustainability 

Committee. There are also some 

great submissions from residents. 

Remember, the Chatter welcomes letters 

and stories from the public. This newsletter 

is for you—so don’t be shy and try 

your hand at community journalism! 

The big news this month is SPRING 

SPORTS REGISTRATION! Soccer, 

baseball and t-ball programs for kids 

ranging in age from 3-14 is surprisingly 

not that far away so make sure you 

check out p. 8 for details. 

March is the month where winter begins 

to wear, but don’t despair, see page 18 

for some uplifting tips to help get you 

through. Read on and enjoy ... 

No Rest for the Redwood Meadows 

Emergency Services Crew 

Late January and early February was a busy time 

for the RMES crew. The Bragg Creek Husky fire 

on January 30 was followed by a landfill fire at 

Tsuu T’ina Nation exactly one week later. Precisely 

one week after that, a rash of highway accidents 

following a snow storm kept the crew on 

the roads for over 24 hours. 

The hard work and dedication of this volunteer 

crew cannot be overstated. The rapid timing and 

experienced response to the Husky fire may very 

well have saved the town from a Slave Lake scenario; 

hence the sign to “Hug a Fire Fighter Today” 

along Hwy 22! 

Redwood residents have much to be thankful for 

and our Emergency Service personnel are certainly 

at the top of the list.

CHATTER IN THE WOODS 

is a monthly, volunteer-managed 

publication of the Redwood Meadows 

Community Association and is distributed 

via email to residents 

of Redwood Meadows and the 

surrounding area. 

The Chatter is also available online at 

www.redwoodmeadows.ab.ca. 

Receive a link to the Chatter on the 

first day of each month by emailing 

us at: 

thechatter@redwoodmeadows.ab.ca 

A limited number of printed copies 

are available from the Chatter boxes 

at Redwood House, mailboxes and at 

the BCCC in Bragg Creek. 

Contact the EDITORIAL TEAM at 

thechatter@redwoodmeadows.ab.ca 

Advertising Rates 

Business Card 

Quarter Page 

Half Page 

Full Page 

$25.00/month 

$35.00/month 

$50.00/month 

$95.00/month 

Payment is required with your 

advertisement. 

Discount rates are offered for sixmonth 

or one-year commitments. 

The Chatter is printed by the 

Bragg Creek Business Centre: 

403-949-3331 

CLASSIFIEDS 

For Sale: NordicTrack C2200 Treadmill For Sale $600.00 obo—All the 

bells and whistles-call for specs. Call Robyn (403)949-4390 or email ferrari@personainternet.com 

For Sale: Kids’ Ski and Snowboard Equipment: Two snowboards, 

Girls' Limited board- 115 cm; Sims board - 110 cm; $40 each. Burton 

snowboard boots, size 4; Lamar snowboard boots, size 3, $30/pair 

Karhu XC skis – 120 cm with NNN binding; $20; Fischer XC ski boots, 

size 33; like new, $30. Email gosselin20@gmail.com or call 949-2090 

Estate Management, Bonded and Security Certified: Personalized 

custom service for any aspect of care and maintenance 403-999-7763 

Novice gardener seeks local expertise in gardening for the Bragg 

Creek/Redwood Meadows climate. Call Stella at 403-949-2876. 

Watercolour workshops for adults available in Redwood Meadows. 

Please email karin@hueholdarts.ca for info. 

Morning Fitness Classes at Redwood House: No need to drive into 

the city for fitness classes. Join us on Monday and Friday at 9 am for a 

one-hour workout in a safe, fun and friendly environment. All levels 

welcome – work at your own pace to get your heart pumping and your 

muscles working. Bring a water bottle, mat, hand weights and an exercise 

band. Classes run until early June. Call Ann at 403-949-8287 or 

email anns@safari.ca. 

Openings at Dayhome in Redwood Meadows: Monkey Business 

Dayhome has been in Redwood Meadows for more than seven years. 

We offer daily structured learning centres, outside play time, healthy 

snacks, lunch and lots of love. We now have openings for children ages 

2-5 years. References are available. Hours : 7:30 am to 5:00 pm. Please 

call Linda or Chris at 403-949-2601. 

For sale—NordicTrack ski machine: Great for ski training or for fullbody 

cardio workouts. Buy this machine and receive two free passes to 

a Monday or Friday fitness class at Redwood House. $50. Call Ann at 

403-949-8287; email anns@safari.ca. 

Free Classifieds in the Chatter 

Buy, sell, trade: You can do it all with a free classified ad in the Chatter. 

Email thechatter@redwoodmeadows.ab.ca. 

FOUND 

Mountain Bike in trees on left hand side of the little park by climbing 

structure on Redwood Meadows Drive in Mid February. Please call 

403-949-4963 to identify if you are missing a bike. 

2 CHATTER IN THE WOODS, March 2012

LETTER TO THE EDITOR 

Bragg Creek logging discussion rife with misinformation 

To the Editor: 

The proposed Spray Lakes Sawmills' (SLS) timber 

harvest plan for west Bragg Creek in Kananaskis 

Country has generated much discussion; however, 

misinformation is circulating regarding the role of 

the Greater Bragg Creek Trails Association (GBCTA) 

in the development of this proposed timber harvest 

plan. 

This misinformation indicates that the GBCTA had 

input into, and helped design the timber harvest 

plan, and that our association has endorsed these 

documents with a written agreement with Alberta 

Sustainable Resource Development (SRD) and SLS. 

This is not correct. 

To set the facts straight, the GBCTA negotiated and 

signed several agreements with SRD and SLS in 2011, 

but these agreements were related to new trail development 

and maintenance in West Bragg Creek, and 

have not specifically addressed the SLS logging plan. 

measures should protect the trails through various 

methods such as cutblock design, location, visual 

modelling, rehabilitation, and the use of buffers to 

minimize negative impacts on trails and maintain the 

aesthetics of the trails for users. 

Our association provided written mitigation 

measures to SLS on Jan 10, 2011, and SLS has called a 

meeting for late Feb 2012 to discuss our requested 

mitigation measures. 

The GBCTA does support the concept of FireSmart 

planning for Bragg Creek, and we believe that it can 

be done while recognizing all stakeholder rights, including 

tourism, trails, and economic development. 

The GBCTA recognizes there are many views on the 

proposed logging, and believes that there should be 

further, facilitated public input into the timber harvest 

plan. The large turnout at the SLS Jan. 26, 2012 

open house, and the many letters and animated discussions 

over recent months show that Albertans believe 

they have a right to be consulted and that their 

views should be incorporated into forest land use 

plans in a meaningful manner. 

In late fall 2011, SLS presented the GBCTA with their 

draft Final Harvest Plan. It should be clearly noted 

that the GBCTA has not had input into the design of 

the Final Harvest Plan, and that we are simply in negotiations 

to minimize the impact the logging will 

have on the trails and trail users. 

Our association and many of our members are not 

opposed to the logging, but believe mitigation 

More information can be found at 

www.braggcreekski.org. 

Sincerely 

Bruce Barker 

GBCTA Vice President 

Bragg Creek, Alberta 

www.braggcreekski.org 

CHATTER IN THE WOODS, March 2012 3

TOWN COUNCIL NEWS 

It’s March 2012, and the current Town Council is approximately 

halfway through its term. We have had 

a successful start, completing most of the projects in 

our three-year plan in the first year. This year our 

intention is to complete a few outstanding projects, 

address budget issues, and do a better job of planning 

for emergencies. As always, these decisions and 

priorities are made with the purpose of further developing 

our relationship with the Tsuu T’ina Nation 

and aligning ourselves with them. 

Following is a summary of key projects, purchases, 

issues and budgets that we are tackling for 2012. 

Capital Budget and Grants 

In the midst of winter, while planning for spring, we 

examine the needs of the community and develop a 

list of projects and items and then prioritize these 

issues based on their overall impact to the community 

and the operations budget. This year we have a 

fairly lengthy list of improvements that will impact 

many areas. 

Emergency Services 

Sewage Pump- During last year’s flood, it became 

evident that Redwood Meadows is vulnerable to an 

infrastructure breakdown resulting in sewage backup. 

This recognition brings home the need to continue 

with our long-term plans for improvements while 

ensuring that sufficient resources are available to 

handle emergencies. As part of our emergency planning, 

Townsite is purchasing a powerful pump and 

trailer that can pump 1,500 gallons per minute out of 

our sewage system, helping to prevent possible backups. 

This pump can also be used to fill tanker trucks 

during emergencies. 

Continued on page 22 ... 

Dave Dunay takes a break from Councillor Duties to play for the Redwood Jolly Green 

Giants men’s hockey team. 


WE DID IT! Docs in the Creek Reaches Fundraising Goal 

The Mountain Woods Health Services Board is delighted 

to announce that our Greater Bragg Creek and 

area Docs in the Creek fundraising campaign has 

reached our initial $170,000 goal and we can now proceed 

with the build-out and equipping or our new 

health center. MWHS Board members have been 

overwhelmed by the support this initiative has received 

from residents and patrons alike and we are 

thrilled with the speed with which the target was 

reached. A hearty thank-you to each one of you! 

Final negotiations are under way for the location for 

the new health center and will be announced very 

shortly… Andi Gabb, Vice-Chair of the MWHS 

Board, commented, “All I can say at the moment is 

that it’s in a perfect location and in our commercial 

core. We feel it is a ‘win-win’ for everyone concerned, 

not only providing a much needed service to 

our communities, but also bringing in additional traffic 

to local businesses in the hamlet.” 

Drawings have been submitted for approval, permits 

and licences have been applied for and at least two 

physicians have signed a letter of intent to practice in 

the clinic. As the patient base increases there will be 

an additional full time physician recruited to join the 

team. April is still the date targeted for the grand 

opening. 

All enquiries may be sent to mountainwoodshealth@gmail.com 

and additional information regarding 

progress and the ongoing fundraising campaign 

can be found at 

www.mountainwoodshealth.com. 

Please Note: Mountain Woods Health Services will 

be tendering the construction build-out of the health 

center. General contractors who would like to quote 

on this project should visit the 

www.mountainwoodshealth.com for tendering qualifications. 

The Chatter in the Woods welcomes your letters, articles, advertisements and 

notices of interest to our community members. Deadline for submissions is the 15th of the month prior to publication. 

Email thechatter@redwoodmeadows.ab.ca. 


RMCA EVENTS 

Winter Carnival 2012 

Thank you to all the volunteers who made this day such a success! The weather could not have been more perfect, 

the food was great and fun was had by all. Special thanks to Malcolm Scarratt and Lee Edwards who sponsored 

the arrival of our special guest—Bonhomme and to Shane Keyser who was the most popular French-speaking 

snowman at the Carnival! 

Bonhomme makes friends with the kids. 

Bonhomme loves babies too! 

Mayor John Welsh and RMCA President 

Catherine Watson can’t pass up a photo op 

with Bonhomme. 

Can’t have a Winter Carnival without maple 

syrup taffy! 


Hockey action with the Redwood Jolly Green Giants taking on Bragg Creek’s 

Powderhorn Pistols 

Our team remains jolly despite their loss to Bragg Creek. 

Great southern-style BBQ courtesy of JoJo’s 

BBQ Truck from Calgary. 

Thanks also to … Dave, Peg & Sara Rupert, Megan 

Harvey, Trevor Davis, Glen Van Camp, Erik & Keely 

Anderson, Sabrina Gosselin-Epp, Dave & Cat Dunay, 

Mike Brown, Ben Kilbride, John Welsh, Jim Evans and 

of course … all the fabulous ladies of the RMCA ! 


REDWOOD HOUSE 

MARCH 2012 

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 

1 

2 

3 

fitness 6:30pm 

TKD 6:30pm 

fitness 9am 

FREE 

KINDERMUSIK 

DEMO 

9:30-11:30am 

4 5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

fitness 9am 


playgroup 

WR Bridge 1pm 

fitness 9am 

TKD 6:30pm 

Women’s Shinny 

8:45pm 

9:30am 

Coffee & 

Muffins 10am 

ZUMBA 6:30pm 


TKD 6:30pm 

Council 7pm 

11 12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 

fitness 9am 


playgroup 


fitness 9am 

TKD 6:30pm 


8:45pm 

9:30am 


Muffins 10am 

ZUMBA 6:30pm 

TKD 6:30pm 

Wild Rose 

Spring Dinner 

6pm 

18 19 

20 

21 

22 

23 

24 

fitness 9am 


playgroup 

WR Bridge 1pm 

fitness 9am 

TKD 6:30pm 


8:45pm 

9:30am 


Muffins 10am 

ZUMBA 6:30pm 


TKD 6:30pm 

RMSC Film 

“King Corn” 

8pm 

Council 7pm 

25 

26 

27 

28 

29 

30 

31 

CLASSICAL 

CONCERT 

(CELLO & 

VIOLIN) 

3:00pm 

fitness 9am 

TKD 6:30pm 


8:45pm 


playgroup 

9:30am 

Coffee & Muffins 

10am 

ZUMBA 6:30pm 


TKD 6:30pm 

fitness 9am 

EARTH 

HOUR 

BONFIRE 

7-9pm 


REDWOOD MEADOWS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION 

SPRING SPORTS PROGRAM 2012 

SOCCER / BASEBALL / TBALL for ages 3-14 

REGISTER MARCH 1 — MARCH 30 , 2012 

FOR FULL DETAILS GO TO WWW.REDWOODMEADOWS.AB.CA 

AND CLICK ON “SPRING SPORTS” 

The 2012 RMCA Spring Sports season is gearing up! This recreaonal, parent volunteer-driven league is fun and 

affordable — bringing the kids of Redwood and Bragg Creek (and everywhere in between) together for outdoor play, 

fresh air and skill-building. Play commences Tuesday, May 1 and ends with our season-end BBQ on Tuesday, June 26. 

The strength and success of the Spring Sports Program is enrely dependent upon the parents of team members who 

volunteer to coach and assist. Coaching experience is not necessary. The RMCA is offering a FREE SOCCER COACHING 

CLINIC scheduled for Saturday, April 14 from 9—1 pm at the Bragg Creek Community Center Gymnasium. This clinic is 

available to all adults and teens - whether you are a new and reluctant coach or one of our veteran coaches wanng 

to brush up on skills and learn some new drills. PREREGISTER FOR THE CLINIC ONLINE. Volunteer coaches who 

aend this clinic will receive one child’s free sports registraon (and free lunch at the clinic) 

REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS 

Go to www.redwoodmeadows.ab.ca and click on Spring Sports. Fill in and submit the online form; print and sign the 

PDF waiver and drop off with payment to Redwood House by March 30 (use drop box aer hours). Forms and waivers 

also available for pick up at Redwood House during office hours (Mon–Fri. 9am-4pm). 

REGISTRATION CONTACT: 

Wanda Urbanowicz 949.3563 rmcasports@gmail.com 


Redwood’s First-Ever Gaming Day Turns On New Enthusiasts 

Thanks to Redwood resident Gus Asensio and 

Shaurath Sayani for hosting an AWESOME game extravaganza 

last Saturday at Redwood House. It started 

at noon and went until midnight. It was the perfect 

length of time because people could drop in and 

out to play games. Having never been to an event 

like this before, I was surprised at the number of 

games that were available to play—Euro games, 

strategy board games, card games. There were people 

of all skill levels there, so if you had no experience 

(like my friend Tristan and I) all you had to do 

was sit down at the table of your choice and the more 

experienced gamers would show you how to play. 

We arrived in the early evening and stayed until midnight. 

The snack bar was very handy especially when you 

consider that one of the games took 6 hours to finish. 

However, before you get the wrong idea, there was 

such a wide variety of games, that some of them only 

took thirty to sixty minutes to complete. 

There was a great turn out. There was a guy there 

that was actually a game designer. Very cool! 

I’m really glad that I went. We thought it was so 

much fun that the next day Tristan went to Calgary’s 

premier gaming shop “Sentry Box” and bought one 

of the games, so now we can play at his house. I have 

since bought the card game “Dominion” and have 

played with my mom and dad. 

I think Gus did a really good job at setting this up. I 

hope he does it again! 

Bryn Welter 


RM SUSTAINAILITY COMMITTEE 

In Search of Sustainable Waste Management 

Apart from hosting a monthly film series and organizing 

our next Earth Day celebration on April 22, the 

Redwood Meadows Sustainability Committee has 

been working behind the scenes on a number of pet 

projects. One initiative that is very dear to us is getting 

Redwood certified as a “green community” 

through Audubon International. As you can imagine, 

there is a rather long list of certification criteria, 

but one of the first that we're addressing is waste 

management. 

In the past decade, communities around Alberta have 

taken direct action in reducing waste by promoting 

recycling and composting programs. In Calgary, the 

goal for 2020 is to reduce the amount of waste going 

to landfills to just 20 per cent, and to recycle or recover 

80 per cent of waste materials. Blue cart residential 

recycling programs and 52 city depots enable residents 

to make recycling a habit-forming part of their 

lives. 

es. How can we significantly reduce our waste production 

if composting attracts wildlife? How can we 

encourage all residents to recycle? What are the targets 

to meet in seeking “green community” status? 

How far are we willing to go to live more sustainably? 

These are the questions the RMSC is currently exploring. 

At the same time, a community-wide resident 

survey is in the works to help determine which recycling 

and composting options are best suited to Redwoodians. 

Living here often leaves us feeling that we're worlds 

away from “big city” problems, but this is an illusion. 

We cannot sustain our throwaway lifestyles indefinitely. 

As individuals and as a community, it's time 

for us to make a change. This is the kind of place 

where we can shape our destiny as a community - we 

can make this an even better place to live! 

Wanda Urbanowicz—RMSC Member 

This month several Calgary communities are also 

starting a food and yard waste “Green Cart” pilot 

project, in which the City will pick up residential 

green bins, and the contents will be turned into highquality 

compost. 

In Redwood Meadows, the weekly roadside garbage 

pickup clearly demonstrates that we are 20 years behind 

other communities in reducing waste and making 

recycling and composting opportunities accessible. 

It's certainly convenient to skip the hassle of sorting 

recyclables – you just put your garbage at the end 

of the driveway every week and then come home to 

an empty can (or cans, as is often the case.) However, 

our system is outdated, and the RMSC believes that it 

is time to start asking our residents to consider 

change. 

Because of our location in a wildlife corridor, waste 

management in Redwood presents unique challeng- 

RMSC Friday Night Film Series 

proudly presents …. 

King Corn is a feature documentary 

about two friends, one acre of 

corn, and the subsidized crop that 

drives our fast-food nation. What 

emerges is an informative and at 

times disturbing account of both 

the food Americans so readily 

consume without so much as a 

second thought, and the alarming 

state of the contemporary agricultural 

industry. 

Admission at Redwood House is f ree! 

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 8:00pm 

organic herbal teas and non-GMO organic popcorn served, 

select wine and beer available for purchase. 


Celebrating the Positive 

I must be getting mellow in my middle age. Instead 

of wanting to rant about some environmental injustice 

– idling cars, hectares of floating plastic in the 

ocean, global warming – I feel more like raving. Instead 

of focusing on what we're doing wrong, I want 

to celebrate the things we're getting right for a 

change. Lord knows the glass isn't always half-full in 

my world, so I think I'll run with this one. 

One of the things I feel we're getting right is community 

building. In the past few weeks, I've been lucky 

to take part in Redwood Meadows' first winter carnival; 

bask in the sunshine at the outdoor rink and chat 

with friends and neighbours; buy enough beans and 

grains through the local bulk-buying program to 

keep my family in baked goods for a LONG time; 

and meet two families who've just moved to the 

neighbourhood and have jumped into activities here. 

A strong sense of community, as I wrote in a Chatter 

article last spring, is a great step on the way to environmental 

friendliness and sustainability. When people 

feel connected to the place they live, they're more 

likely to want to work toward the success of the 

place. In many ways a green community is an oldfashioned 

community, where people get to know 

their neighbours and pitch in where they're needed. 

The winter carnival, organized by the Redwood 

Meadows Community Association in mid-February, 

was a case in point. People came out not only for the 

maple syrup taffy and JoJo's BBQ truck, but also for 

the sense of community and chance to meet and socialize 

with their neighbours on what turned out to 

be a beautiful winter day. 

Another community builder is our outdoor ice rink, 

lovingly maintained by a core group of very dedicated 

volunteers. Frankly, I don't know whether the 

newly purchased Zamboni has decreased the quantity 

of volunteer hours, as some would claim, or just 

increased the quality of those many hours. Isn't it 

every guy's dream to drive a Zamboni? 

The groomed and trackset cross-country ski trails on 

the berm and golf course – and this is the first time 

we've ever had such a luxury in the neighbourhood 

– have given another boost to the feeling of community. 

Thanks to everyone who maintains them. 

The local bulk-buying program, which I mentioned 

above, has been growing in popularity too. In mid- 

February, there was a steady flow of residents picking 

up “happy chickens”; and buyers split almost 60 

huge bags of beans, grains, nuts and dried fruit. Curious? 

You can get in on the next bulk buy, coming 

up in about three months, by contacting Shana at 

shana@barbourwelsh.com. 

If you need more examples of where our community 

spirit shines, wait a few months for the start of 

spring sports. Or come to an ethical movie night, a 

series of films presented by RMSC on the third Friday 

of the month. Coming soon is also the second 

annual Earth Hour bonfire on March 31 from 7 to 9 

pm as well as Earth Day festivities on April 22. 

Out of curiosity, I checked into LEED standards for 

communities. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental 

Design), provides a rating system for the 

design, construction and operation of buildings, 

homes and neighbourhoods. (Thanks, Wikipedia.) 

Redwood Meadows fails in a few key LEED areas. 

We're definitely not in a location with reduced automobile 

dependence, floodplain avoidance, or transit 

facilities. On the up side, we do have walkable 

streets, access to civic and public spaces, and maybe 

we can claim tree-lined and shaded streets. (To see 

the LEED checklist, visit www.usgbc.org.) 

By my standards at least, we have a great community 

and one that we can be proud to live in. Get out 

and enjoy it! 

Ann Sullivan 


edwood meadows sustainability committee 

and redwood meadows community association 

proudly present ... 

2012 

earth 

day 

celebration 

sunday, 

april 22 

11am—4pm 

Volunteer and help us 

make this day 

make a difference! 

email us at: 

sustainableredwood@gmail.com 

redwood house 


Local Girls Fundraising for Easter Seals Camp Horizon Renovations 

Redwood resident Keely Anderson and her Springbank 

Middle School classmates Alexa Toews and 

Madison Michiels have partnered with Easter Seals 

Camp Horizon, a nonprofit camp for people with disabilities. 

It’s a camp where people with disabilities 

can be themselves and not have a fear of being 

judged. For many people, this camp is their only vacation. 

It’s also a well-earned break for their caregivers. 

It’s situated just outside Bragg Creek. But since it 

was built in 1965, it’s in need of renovation. So far 

they have broken down their renovation plan into a 

timeline of five years. However, they would like to be 

able to finish sooner. 

That’s why Alexa, Madison and Keely are trying to 

raise $25,000 for the camp. Half of the money will be 

used to renovate and update the camp, while the other 

half will be used to keep up the 50% subsidy for 

campers with disabilities who can’t afford to pay the 

registration fee. If they raise more than their goal, 

they would like to send some campers with disabilities 

to the camp for free. 

So far they have been contacting companies and other 

organizations to see if they will donate to their cause. 

They have also set up an account on indiegogo.com, a 

fundraising website. If you would like to donate, you 

can go to indiegogo.com and type “Easter Seals 

Camp Horizon” into the search bar. Their link is the 

Keely Anderson, Alexa Toews and Madison Michiels 

one with the picture of three hands together. Or you 

can email their team manager Virginia Wong at virginia-wong@shaw.ca. 

Thank you for your support. 

Keely Anderson 


The Little Schoolhouse February 2012 News 

Mother Nature 

brought a whirlwind 

of weather 

in January – from extremely cold to unseasonably 

warm. The middle of January said goodbye to our 

warm weather and gave way to a cold and snowy 

winter. Or at least for a week! And while the fresh 

snow meant skiing and sledding and an opportunity 

to investigate everything winter at The Little Schoolhouse, 

the early February melt made everyone think 

spring was just around the corner… 

The Pre-Kindergarten class had a fun month focusing 

on groundhogs, valentines and families. Clouds 

were a theme for this class in February, so many of 

their crafts and activities focused on that. These 

three-year-old students are becoming more independent 

every week and really blossoming in this 

program. 

The children in the Junior Kindergarten class had a 

very successful field trip to the Bragg Creek Post Office, 

where they learned how mail is distributed in 

Bragg Creek and Redwood Meadows. Parents received 

a very special piece of mail a few days later! 

Thank you to everyone at the Bragg Creek Post Office 

for this educational and fun event. 

centre in Calgary, to partake in the Making Mixtures 

program. Thank you to all the parent volunteers for 

making this trip successful! 

But the Kindergarten class also did some work this 

month focusing on groundhogs, families, valentines, 

and of course, pets and vets. They reviewed their 

colour and sight words and in math they continued 

with measuring lengths, counting, and comparing 

numbers. Family Day was incorporated into the social 

studies program this month with the children 

learning about how to take care of one another. 

With the overnight trip to Drumheller and the Tyrell 

Museum quickly approaching, the Kindergarten 

children will also start focusing on all things dinosaurs. 

This annual field trip is an exciting event for 

the children and the parents. 

We would like to thank Don Cooper for carving the 

beautiful new sign that hangs at our schoolhouse. 

His donated time as a contribution to our Little 

Schoolhouse is much appreciated. Thank you also to 

Lucy Curtis for designing and staining the sign, Deb 

and Troy Zelisko for hanging the sign, and Moose 

Mountain General Store for donating the materials to 

hang it. What a great team effort! 

This class also focused on groundhogs, valentines, 

and the importance of families. Children were invited 

to share some of their family traditions with the 

class. And the Valentine's Day celebration was lots 

of fun with treats and cards exchanged with classmates 

and teachers alike. 

The Kindergarten class was also busy with a field 

trip to Bragg Creek Animal Hospital, where Victoria 

Fielding showed the children the many aspects of a 

veterinary hospital. A hot chocolate and banana 

bread stop at Creekers Deli on the walk back to 

school made this a most successful trip! Thanks to 

Bragg Creek Animal Hospital and Creekers Deli for 

the wonderful morning! 

The class also visited Telus Spark, the new science 

The Little Schoolhouse offers classes for 3-year-olds 

(Pre-Kindergarten), 4-year-olds (Junior Kindergarten) 

and Kindergarten. The Kindergarten class is 

held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 am to 

3:00 pm; the Junior Kindergarten class is on Mondays, 

Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00 to 11:30 

am; and the Pre-Kindergarten class is on Mondays 

and Wednesdays from 1:00 pm to 3:00pm. 

Fall 2012 registration for Kindergarten, Junior Kindergarten 

and Pre-Kindergarten is ongoing. For 

more information about our programs and how to 

register, please check out our website at 

www.thelittleschoolhouse.ca 

Carmen Ryan 

The Little School House Board Member 


WILD ROSE SENIORS 

Out and About with the Redwood Meadows Seniors’ Wild Rose Club: 

Founded in 1987, the club celebrates its 25 th anniversary 

this year! 

Other notable events this year include Queen Elizabeth’s 

60th anniversary jubilee celebrations and the 

100 th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. There’s 

sure to be a WRS event in there somewhere, so be 

sure to check back here regularly for details. 

Catch up on the news and generally “set the world to 

rights” any Wednesday morning from 10 am to noon 

and join us in the Wild Rose Room at Redwood 

House for coffee and muffins. Perhaps drop in as part 

of your morning walk – non-members are very welcome 

and the price is right. 

Your Neighbourhood 50+ Club 

Bridge is running every second and fourth Thursday 

from 1 to 4 pm. We have 20 people (4 tables) and everyone 

always has a good time. The eats are not bad, 

either! We don’t worry about the scores; we just enjoy 

socializing. If you used to play and want to get 

back into it, consider joining us and give Elaine a call 

at 403-981-7743. 

Our Valentine’s brunch to PaSu Farm (just west of 

Carstairs) on Sunday February 12 th was a great success 

with 19 members attending. A lovely setting, 

beautiful brunch and a browse around their store 

made for a wonderful getaway afternoon. We’re 

lucky enough to have use of the Lions’ bus for outings, 

and even the weather co-operated! This year’s 

spring dinner is being planned for March 16 th . 

Please contact us through the Redwood Meadows 

townsite office at 403-949-3563 if you’d like to learn 

more about Wild Rose Seniors. We’d love to have 

you join us. 

Unit next month … 

Carol Scarratt 

VIOLINO SCHOOL OF MUSIC PRESENTS … 

FREE CONCERT SERIES @ REDWOOD HOUSE 

Classical Music for a Sunday Afternoon 

Sunday, March 27, 2012 3:00 pm 

16 CHATTER IN THE WOODS, March 2012 

The Great Italians 

and Their Music 

featuring: 

Chrysanthema Pashunkova (violin) 

Joan Kent (cello) 

Refreshments will be served - everyone is welcome!

The 2012 Wild Rose Seniors Club 

Board of Directors 

President: Irene Lenz 

Past President: Jim Arnett 

Treasurer: Graham Briand 

Secretary: Sharon McMeekin 

Directors: Lilles Briand & Garth Benson 

Historian & Photographer: Dave McPherson 

Muffin Coordinator: Lilles Briand 

Honour bar: Malcolm Scarratt 

Bridge: Elaine Fleming 

Newsletter: Carol Scarratt 

Auditor: Patricia Benson 

Occasion Cards: Sharon McMeekin 

Kitchen Supplies: Carol Lowe 


Don't Store your Skates and Skis Just Yet – March still means Winter 

With our crazy mountain weather that can change the 

landscape from white to brown in a matter of hours, I 

may regret recommending winter fitness activities at 

the beginning of March. But this is my last chance to 

do so before spring really hits, so I'll take the risk. 

My advice for March? Get out there and enjoy the 

snow, or whatever is left of it. If you've never tried 

cross-country skiing, now is the time. Thanks to a 

small but dedicated group of volunteers, Redwood 

Meadows has trackset and groomed trails along the 

berm and part of the golf course for the first time ever. 

The terrain is mostly flat, perfect for beginners 

who want to go slowly and for more experienced skiers 

who want to fly. 

Moose Mountain General Store in Bragg Creek rents 

gear for kids and adults, so take advantage of it. If 

you're shy about your skills – or lack thereof – hop 

onto the golf course trails near the junction of Wolf 

and Redwood Meadows Drives. I've seen people on 

the berm trail but not as many on the golf course side. 

Check out redwoodmeadows.ab.ca for a trail map. 

RMSC INVITES Y0U TO ... 

Thanks to another group of dedicated volunteers – 

and a Zamboni – we also have some of the best outdoor 

ice in the area. As long as there's ice, there's free 

skating, women's drop-in shinny (Mondays at 8:45 

pm) and men's hockey (Thursdays and Sundays at 

8:30 pm). 

Snowshoeing is another great winter/spring option, 

either around the neighbourhood or on the designated 

trails that start from the West Bragg Creek parking 

lot. (Moose Mountain also rents snowshoes.) If the 

planned timber harvest goes ahead in the West Bragg 

area, the trails may look much different next year, so 

take advantage of them now. 

And if by chance all the snow has melted by the time 

you read this, lace up your hiking boots or your running 

shoes and get outside. Knowing Alberta weather, 

though, I wouldn't put the skis and boots away 

just yet. 

Ann Sullivan 

Ann leads fitness classes at Redwood House Monday and 

Friday mornings at 9. 

earth hour 

2012 

Turn off your lights and electronics and join us 

Saturday, March 31 from 7- 9 pm 

at the Redwood House fire pit for a bonfire, 

marshmallows, hot chocolate & good company! 


SPRING INTO ACTION! 

FREE BIKE FIT PRESENTATION 

Whether you are a road racer or a commuter; ensure the bike fits you… 

learn how to improve your comfort and efficiency through proper fit 

GOLFING GREATNESS CLASS 

This 4 week program of strengthening, stretching and techniques will help improve your game and minimize 

your risk of injury 

FITNESS CLASSES 

Beginner Core Class and Functional Strengthening Class (an all-encompassing workout); both begin the 

week of February 27 th ! 

Get all the details under the “classes” tab at www.braggcreekphysio.com 

Working together to meet your health and lifestyle needs 

Ph: 403-949-4008 


Local Athlete Still Going Strong Despite Years of Injuries 

Merissa Redwood, 16, lives in Redwood Meadows 

and is a member of the Cowessess Reserve. She has 

been an elite-level athlete since she was eight years 

old and currently swims with the Killarney Synchronized 

Swim Club in Calgary. 

Merissa started her synchro career with the Calgary 

Aquabelles and was following an Olympic dream 

when she suffered a serious back injury three years 

ago. A very successful athlete, she went from training 

22 hours a week to not training at all. Her injury was 

so bad that she had to quit swimming and assumed 

the worst: that her synchro days were over. 

An MRI determined that she had a bulging disc, an 

injury for which there is no cure other than physiotherapy 

to help manage the symptoms. 

Merissa had also suffered for several years from knee 

and hip pain, which was caused by overuse and led 

to IT band issues. Knee and hip problems are common 

in this sport, but with enough physiotherapy, 

they can get better. 

In Grade 9, Merissa was accepted into the national 

sports school, but because her back injury left her 

with a slim chance of swimming competitively 

again, she left NSS after one year. Merissa is now a 

student at Springbank High School. 


Merissa had to cope with a huge life change and 

struggled with a bout of depression and a sense of 

failure due to her back injury. However, after many 

months off, she started to feel better and began thinking 

once again about swimming. Not knowing if her 

back could handle the stress of training 22 or more 

hours a week, Merissa decided to leave the Aquabelles 

and join the Killarney synchro club, which had 

a less intensive training schedule. 

Merissa is a national-level athlete, and despite taking 

a year off, came back strong and had a very successful 

year. She was so successful that she was invited to 

go to Hawaii last July to compete in the US Open, her 

first international competition. Merissa was excited 

to be part of the team representing Alberta in a competition 

with participants from all over the world. 

She swam in the combo event and her team came in 

fourth. She also took part in the figures competition 

and came in 36th place, the best-placed member of 

her team. 

Merissa still suffers from chronic back pain; however, 

she loves competing and refuses to give up. She has 

had many special moments that she will cherish forever. 

Merissa may not go to the Olympics, but she 

hopes to be able to compete in many more national 

and international competitions, and she will always 

give it her all. 

Merissa is now training for team and solo events despite 

her injuries and she still loves the sport in which 

she is a natural. Merissa has had a rough start this 

season and has been out of the water more than in it, 

but she is trying to manage her pain and hopes to be 

back in the water soon. This year Westerns will be 

held in Winnipeg and the Canadian Open in Victoria. 

Merissa was also to go to Sacramento for an international 

meet at the end of February. 

Good luck, Merissa, and good work! 

Love your family, friends and community 

Do you have a story to share 

with the community? 

Send it to us at ... 

thechatter@redwoodmeadows.ab.ca

Slumber Party For One 

Lack of sleep, or worse insomnia, is a sure fire way 

to feel un-motivated, tired (obviously), and irritable. 

Sleeplessness also leads to poor memory, an impaired 

immune system that weakens all our systems, 

weight gain and wrinkles. Nevertheless, we all experience 

sleepless nights at some point for a variety of 

reasons. Rest assured, however, there are foods that 

can help you drift toward dreamland. 

The amino acid tryptophan stimulates the production 

of serotonin necessary for a good sleep. Serotonin 

is also needed to make melatonin; it tells you 

when to sleep. Bananas and oats are good sources of 

melatonin. Foods high in tryptophan include: turkey, 

tuna, soy, live yoghurt, whole grains, brown rice, 

potatoes, dates, nuts and nut butters. Eating nuts before 

bed is a good practice because they are high in 

protein, fiber, and minerals necessary for a good 

night’s sleep. Almonds also contain high amounts of 

magnesium, your relaxation mineral. 

Drinking chamomile tea throughout the day relaxes 

the nervous system as it acts as a mild sedative. Having 

a cup after dinner might just help you nod off. 

There are also many lifestyle choices that support 

sound sleep. Keeping your room cool and dark allows 

your nervous system a well-deserved break. 

The cell phone, iPad and laptop do not make good 

bedmates for a good night’s rest. Electronic devices 

mimic sunlight, which confuses the sleep centres of 

the brain preventing restful sleep. 

Finally, reduce stress levels any way you can. Exercise, 

meditation, stroking your pet or simply doing 

something you enjoy on a regular basis will do wonders 

to reduce stress levels and encourage your 

slumber party for one. 

Cathleen Fisher—www.fitnutrition.ca 

Holistic Nutritionist & Fitness Professional 


Continued from p. 4 ... 

Rescue Vehicle- In the last few years, Council has 

spent a large portion of our capital grants and budget 

on upgrading the Fire Department. This year is no 

different, and Council has agreed to purchase a new 

rescue vehicle to replace the current vehicle, which no 

longer meets safety standards. The Fire Fighters Association 

has also agreed to work in conjunction with 

Townsite to support this purchase. 

Parks and Recreation 

Zamboni- Many people have rejoiced at the purchase 

of our new ice resurfacer while others have questioned 

the need for it. The decision to purchase the 

Zamboni was based on the recognition of our dwindling 

volunteer base, and the annual problems that 

come with trying to maintain the rink. This purchase 

has already improved the quality of our ice while 

substantially decreasing volunteer hours. 

Parking- Parking near the rink in winter is a problem 

that has plagued Redwood for years. This year we 

have budgeted for a permanent solution to the issue 

and plans are being developed to fix this problem. 

Infrastructure 

Water and Sewer - Council examined a long list of 

areas that needed upgrading and improvements. The 

focus this year is on improving water monitoring and 

water quality; ensuring aging key parts are replaced; 

and upgrading aging systems at our sewage lift station. 

Overall, the system is working well and these 

changes will keep the system working efficiently. 

Sound Berm – Noise is an issue that concerns many 

residents. A number of years ago Townsite built a 

sound berm on the north side to decrease noise and 

light pollution. Over the years the berm has slumped, 

and the traffic and resultant noise have increased exponentially. 

To address this issue we have agreed, in 

principle, to examine and fund the building of a noise 


abatement fence on the berm. There are many issues 

that need to be overcome before it’s approved, and 

we will be working on them this spring. 

It’s important to note that our ability to make these 

purchases and improvements in Redwood is largely 

due to the efforts of Tim Anderson. Tim tirelessly and 

relentlessly lobbies the Provincial Government for 

equal treatment on behalf of Redwood Meadows. I 

have no doubt that without Tim’s efforts, Redwood 

Meadows would not be in the position to make these 

improvements, and taxes would be significantly higher. 

Thank you, Tim. 

Budget and Taxes 

From January to March, your Council examines Redwood’s 

financial position and makes decisions that 

ensure our long-term sustainability. In many ways we 

are similar to other municipalities, but when it comes 

to budgeting, we do not have the ability to maintain 

substantial deficits. We have to balance our budget 

while saving for emergencies. 

We have been successful in keeping our operational 

expenses in line. In fact our operational budget has 

increased less than the rate of inflation over the last 

few years. 

One of the key problems we encounter is managing 

our books in as consistent a manner as other municipalities. 

In 2009, the provincial government mandated 

a change to our accounting practices that forced municipalities 

to account for the depreciation or amortization 

of their capital assets. In other words, we needed 

to develop a reserve to plan for the replacement of 

our infrastructure. Redwood Meadows could have 

chosen not to follow these practices, but that choice 

would have resulted in the loss of grants that fund 

our capital upgrades. Currently these grants far exceed 

the annual amortization requirements. 

What does that mean? This year that amortization is 

approx. $220,000, and our current budget has only 

$98,000 accounted for. We are approx. $122,000 short

from this goal, and we have to decide how to get 

there. At the time of writing this article, the decision 

has not been made, but tax increases are inevitable. 

Some residents have asked to be consulted during 

this budgeting process, especially when potential tax 

or service increases are considered. As your Mayor, 

and as a Council, we have struggled with community 

consultation in regards to budgeting as there are very 

few choices to make. We are a volunteer Council. We 

have a volunteer Fire Department. Many of our services 

are provided by volunteers. The rest of the positions 

provide essential services and require paid, professional 

staff. Where is there room to cut? In my 

opinion, there isn’t. This is what it costs to run this 

community, and we do it on a tight budget. 

Lease and the Tsuu T’ina Nation 

$5,000 in scholarships for Tsuu T’ina members. Redwood’s 

Council is working directly with the Tsuu 

T’ina education department and Councillors in the 

development and implementation of these scholarships. 

Mentorship Program- Although in its infancy, this 

mentorship program would assist Tsuu T’ina members 

looking for educational, employment or apprenticing 

opportunities. This program will be run by 

Town Council, Redwood residents, Tsuu T’ina Education 

Department and the Tsuu T’ina Adult Learning 

Centre. If you have opportunities at your workplace, 

Townsite would be grateful your assistance. 

Program Sponsorship- Council has previously approved 

sponsorship of Tsuu T’ina events like the Pow 

-Wow and Rodeo, and we will continue these sponsorships 

in the future. 

What’s happening with the lease? In Nov 2010, this 

Council made the decision that any lease extension is 

a function of a strong relationship with the Tsuu T’ina 

Nation. In the last 17 months much of our efforts have 

been focused on developing plans and programs that 

are in alignment with Tsuu T’ina objectives and values. 

Specifically we’ve been focusing on areas that 

expand First Nation employment and education opportunities. 

Following are a few examples of some of 

these efforts. 

The Tsuu T’ina Police- Council has been working 

with the Tsuu T’ina Nation’s Police Commission to 

have the Tsuu T’ina Nation take over all policing, including 

bylaw enforcement. We have numerous issues 

within Redwood that we believe can be better 

served by Tsuu T’ina Police. 

Employment Opportunities- Council is working with 

Tsuu T’ina Nation on a number of projects that can 

provide employment with our Infrastructure and Administration 

teams. 

What does all of this mean? It’s a fair question and 

one that can’t be answered tangibly as this isn’t a tangible 

process. Overall, we are working diligently toward 

developing a relationship that provides opportunities 

for all. We believe that these opportunities, 

and a strong relationship, will ensure long-term success 

for Redwood Meadows. 

I recognize this isn’t the answer many are looking for, 

but it’s also virtually impossible to explain the complexity 

of this issue in this format. If you want a more 

detailed understanding of this issue, Council strongly 

recommends that you attend our AGM on May 30, 

2012. 

In summary, Redwood Meadows is in a strong fiscal 

position with many promising programs and developments 

to look forward to. We also don’t have the 

luxury of being judged by our competence, but by our 

ability to ensure our long-term survival. We recognize 

this position, and all of our decisions are focused on 

ensuring a bright and prosperous future. 

Leadership Scholarships- Council has approved 

John Welsh 

Mayor 



KINDERMUSIK FREE DEMO CLASS: SATURDAY, MARCH 3 

Looking for an activity close to home to do with 

your child? Or perhaps you are in search of some 

quality bonding time with your little one? Maybe 

you just want to get out of the house or are looking 

to meet more people in the community? 

Look no further—Kindermusik is a the world’s 

leading movement and music program for children 

newborn through 7 yrs old. Introduce your child 

to the adventure of music and then move at his 

pace, pausing to engage his interests, nurture his 

gifts and celebrate his discoveries. Meet new people, 

get out of the house and open up your child's 

eyes to the world of music, finger-play, rhythm, 

rhyme, dance and instrument play. 

Kindermusik gives you and your child the time 

and tools to bring the power of music into your life 

at home and into his life forever. 

Begin your child's Kindermusik journey today! 

Join Courtney Wright for a free demonstration 

class at Redwood House on March 3rd at 

9:30am for ages 1.5 to 3 years old and 10:30am 

for ages 3 to 5 years. 

For more information visit us at ... 

www.fiddlestixmusic.com 

or call Courtney Wright at 587-707-0887. 


Redwood Meadows Babysitters List 

Name Age Courses Phone 

Alexandra Sargent-Laskin 12 

St. John's Babysitting & Home 

Alone Safely 

949-4424 

Aly Mohun 15 Red Cross Babysitting 949-4944 

Anita Doglioni Majer 11 St. John’s Babysitting 949-4120 

Bernadetta Mayer 15 Red Cross Babysitting 949-2416 

Brian Goerzen 12 Red Cross Babysitting 949-0054 

Kathleen Griffin 13 Red Cross Babysitting 949-2428 

Lauren Armeneau 16 Babysitting Course 949-4119 

Logan Schnell 11 

Lucy Talman 16 

St. John’s Babysitting, Home 

Alone 

Home Alone Babysitting Course 

and First Aid 

949-2825 

949-3785 

Megan Harvey 16 Babysitting Course 949-3110 

Natasha Black 14 

Alberta Safety Council Babysitting 

Course (YMCA) 

949-3337 

Quinta 

van der Lee 

12 

Home Alone, Red Cross Babysitting 

Certificate 

949-3510 

Rachel Holloway 13 

Scott Goerzen 14 

St. John’s Babysitting, Home 

Alone courses 

Red Cross Babysitting Certificate; 

backcountry emergencies workshop 

949-0074 

949-0054 

To have your name added to the babysitter list, email thechatter@redwoodmeadows.ab.ca. 


BCCA Program Update 

March 2012 

Personal Safety Level 1 

The deadline to register for our personal safety class is Friday March 2nd. 

This 4 hour class is an excellent opportunity to learn simple and effective self defense skills. 

Course takes place Saturday March 10th 1-5pm. Cost is $125 

Food Handling Safety Course 

The deadline to register for our food Handling Safety course is Friday March 2nd. This is an All day course and is approved 

under the AB Government – section 31 regulations. 

The course will be held Monday March 19th from 8:30 to 5:30pm. Cost is $80 and includes lunch. 

Movie Night 

On Friday March 26th we have Teen/Adult movie night. We will be showing the film “Sherlock- A Game of Shadows” 

starring Robert Downey Jr. Doors open at 7pm movie begins at 7:30pm $5 admission. 

Easter Pancake Breakfast 

Saturday April 7th, join us for the Easter Pancake Breakfast from 10 am to Noon. $5.00 per person and under 5yrs is free! 

Coming Up… 

Plans for summer programs are underway. Mark July 13 & 14th on your calendars for BRAGG CREEK DAYS! As always 

we require many hands to make this event happen. If you would like to help your community, give us a call, an hour of 

your day is all we ask. 

We are now accepting resumes for summer camp counselors. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age, have a police 

check and standard first aid. 

Don’t forget to renew your membership to the community association. Membership fees help keep program costs down, 

but having registered members also shows Rockyview County we are an engaged community that deserves their support. 

Your membership is important to us and the community as a whole. 

Peg Rupert 

Community Program Director 

programdirector@braggcreekca.com or 403-949-4277 ext 2 


TOP TEN HINTS FOR REDUCING HOUSEOLD WASTE 

Courtesy of The Clean Bin Project at www.cleanbinmovie.com 

1. Stop Using Plastic Bags. I know everyone knows this one – they sell fabric bags in every super market these days – 

but still, every time I’m in the checkout line, there’s someone without one. Make a rule for yourself. No bags. If you 

forget your bag, don’t buy it, or carry your goods without one. Use cotton or mesh bags for produce and bulk as 

well. This isn’t just for groceries either. Have a pocket-size bag on you when you’re clothes shopping or just going 

out – you never know when you might buy something. 

2. Set Up Your Recycling in a convenient place. This sounds like a little thing, but it has a big impact! We found that 

if we have bins for newspaper, mixed paper, and bottles and cans next to each other in the kitchen, we were more 

likely to use it than if we had to walk downstairs and outside every time we wanted to recycle a tin can. These are 

all “dry” recyclables, so they should be washed clean and won’t smell. Don’t be afraid to put them out in the open. 

If you have a nice set of baskets, people are more likely to ask what your system is all about, and you can share your 

recycling knowledge. 

3. Compost! This is the single most effective way to cut your garbage output. According the the David Suzuki Foundation, 

“roughly 40% of the waste in our landfills is compostable organic matter”. That’s crazy! If you compost 

properly, composts don’t smell, and you can cut your trips to take out the odorous trash by half! You can get a small 

worm composter for your deck or kitchen or a bigger one for outside. See the resources page for more info. 

4. Recycle everything you can. I mean everything. Look on your municipal website or give them a call to find out exactly 

what they take. Do a bit of research to seek out alternative recyclers – maybe ther don’t take milk containers in 

your curbside pick up, but they might at your local grocers. We find it helps to have a list posted on the inside of a 

kitchen cupboard as a quick reference. Remember that even little bits, like paper receipts, are recyclable, and small 

things add up. 

5. Give Up Take Out Containers. And I’m not just talking about coffee cups. When you’re leaving the house in the 

morning, and you don’t have a lunch with you, it’s pretty obvious you’re going to have to buy something, so grab a 

container and some cutlery. We keep a couple “to go kits” in the car with our fabric bags. If you’re buying something 

simple like a piece of pizza or a muffin that you’ll eat right away, just ask for it in your hand. 

6. Check the Package BEFORE you Buy It. This is another one that sounds easy to do but is also easy to forget. You 

can keep a reminder card in your wallet listing they types of containers your city picks up. If they’re not recyclable, 

we make a choice when we’re in the store not to buy them. We also try to go for “pure” packaging products like 

glass instead of composite products like tetrapaks that are hard to recycle. 

7. Buy Secondhand. Besides saving you money, previously loved goods don’t come with packaging. Who says you 

need a brand new bread machine or a brand new frying pan. There are millions of them already out there, and a lot 

of them need a new home. Try craigslist, freecycle, or your local thrift shop. 

8. DIY (Do It Yourself). You can make a surprising number of things yourself (and save some serious cash at the 

same time). From bread to clothing to laundry soap, check out what we’ve been making on our DIY page. 

9. Get Educated. Read about recycling and going waste-free to learn about what others are doing. Watch The Story of 

Stuff , an eye opening animated, short film about the cycle of waste and consumerism. Search the internet for information 

on waste. Check out our blog’s Resource page. There is tons of information out there that can help you 

reduce your garbage. 

10. Let businesses know how you feel. Leave your packaging at the till or mail it back to the manufacturer. Writing a 

letter or calling a company goes a long way; I almost always get a response of some kind.

March 2012 (PDF) - Townsite of Redwood Meadows

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