DELIVERED MONTHLY TO 7,900 HOUSEHOLDS your ... - My …...are alternative practitioners offering...

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your BRINGING SOMERSET & BRIDLEWOOD RESIDENTS TOGETHER SOMERSET BRIDLEWOOD DELIVERED MONTHLY TO 7,900 HOUSEHOLDS DECEMBER 2020

Transcript of DELIVERED MONTHLY TO 7,900 HOUSEHOLDS your ... - My …...are alternative practitioners offering...

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your

BRINGING SOMERSET & BRIDLEWOOD RESIDENTS TOGETHER

SOMERSETBRIDLEWOODDELIVERED MONTHLY TO 7,900 HOUSEHOLDS DECEMBER 2020

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NEPTUNE PLUMBING & HEATING LTD: Qualified journeymen plumbers/gasfitters, very experienced in Somerset and Bridlewood. Upfront pricing. Reliable, conscientious, fully guaranteed. Mon - Fri 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. 24-hour emergency service, call 403-255-7938. “Showering you with great service.”

SOMERSET | BRIDLEWOOD MORTGAGE BROKER: Your mortgage may be costing you thousands more than you need to pay! As a local mortgage professional, I have helped your neighbours navigate their purchase, refinance, and renewal options. Call Anita at 403-771-8771 | [email protected] | Licensed by Verico Avenue Financial Real Estate Solutions.

NEIGHBOURHOOD CONFLICT? Community Media-tion Calgary Society (CMCS) is a no-cost mediation and conflict coaching service that can help you resolve problems and restore peace! We help neighbours be neighbours again! www.communitymediation.ca, 403-269-2707.

HUNTER’S HEATING AND COOLING: Woodbine-based Red Seal journeyman committed to honest, quality work and fair pricing. Top quality Lennox air condition-ers and furnaces. We also install tank-less water heaters, garage heaters and more. Payment plans available. For a free quote and trustworthy advice, call Breck at 403-969-2735 or visit www.huntersheating.com.

THE GUTTER AND SNOW DOCTOR! Eavestrough cleaning, repairs, and replacements. Fascia, soffit, cladding, roofs, siding, and snow removal. For over 17 years and 40,000 projects, we have done the job right – and it’s always guaranteed! Full liability insurance and WCB. A+ rated BBB member. Top award winner. www.gutterdoctor.ca, 403-714-0711.

SOMERSET CHILD CARE: Somerset Child Care is now accepting infants to school-aged children. Qualified staff, Reggio-inspired emergent program, hot lunches, and field trips! Call Jennifer at 403-201-1819 to book a tour. Limited spaces available!

For business classified ad rates call Great News Media at 403-720-0762 or [email protected] CLASSIFIEDS

THE FINISHER: Wives, I’m here to finish what your hus-band started, and husbands, I’m here to start and fin-ish those projects that need to be done. From complete bathroom renos, basements developed and upgraded, to fences, decks, and sidewalks. References available. Contact our team of professionals. Wendell at 403-613-6807.

PLUMber

Call Bob: 403-461-3490

Plumbob Father and Son Small Company Low Overhead, Great Rates Sewer and Drain Cleaning Free Estimates & Advice Hot Water Tank Specials Gas Fitter

GREAT NEWS MEDIA

RE-OPENING?

let us help you GET THE

WORD OUT.

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CONTENTS

5 CRIME STATISTICS

7 YOUR CITY OF CALGARY: WINTER HOLIDAY FIRE SAFETY

7 REAL ESTATE STATISTICS

8 A MESSAGE FROM THE CONSUMER INVESTIGATIONS UNIT

9 DOLLAR & SENSE: DON’T BE LEFT IN THE COLD WHEN HIRING A SNOW REMOVAL CONTRACTOR

10 MLA JASON KENNEY’S REPORT

10 COUNCILLOR DIANE COLLEY-URQUHART’S REPORT

12 TAKE ON WELLNESS: SEEK HELP FOR THE BABY BLUES

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within any published article, report or submission reflect those of the author and should not be considered to reflect those of Great News Media. The information contained in this newsletter is believed to be accurate but is not warranted to be so. Great News Media does not endorse any person or persons advertising in this newsletter. Publication of any advertisements should not be considered an endorsement of any goods or services.

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To Advertise Call 403 720 0762Email [email protected]

GREAT NEWS MEDIA

5 Excellent Reasons to Advertise in Community Newsletter Magazines1. Top of Mind Brand Awareness: Consistent advertising leads to increased sales. Companies maintain and gain

market share when community residents are consistently reminded of their brands.2. Payback: Community residents trust, and call businesses that advertise in their community magazines.3. High Readership: 68% female | Even distribution of Millennial, Gen X, and Baby Boomer readers4. Cost Effective: With advertising rates as low as $0.01 cent per household, advertising in our community maga-

zines is incredibly affordable.5. Geofence Your Audience: Manage your budget, optimize your returns and target your audience by specific

community magazines. Nearby Community Newsletter Magazines:

[email protected] 403-531-9130 stmu.ca

DON’T PUT YOUR FUTURE ON HOLD!

Your mortgage may be costing you thousands more than you need to pay! As a local mortgage professional, I have helped your neighbours navigate their purchase, refinancing, and renewal options.

Licensed by Verico Avenue Financial Real Estate Solutions.

LOCAL MORTGAGE BROKER

Contact anita for a Quote403-771-8771 • [email protected]

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CRIME STATISTICS

Somerset Crime Activity was Down in October 2020The Somerset community experienced 9 crimes in October 2020, in comparison to 18 crimes the previous month, and 9 crimes in Octo-ber one year ago. Somerset experiences an average of 8.4 crimes per month. On an annual basis, Somerset experienced a total of 101 crimes as of October 2020, which is down 17% in comparison to 121 crimes as of October 2019. To review the full Somerset Crime report visit some.mycalgary.com

Bridlewood Crime Activity was Up in October 2020The Bridlewood community experienced 8 crimes in October 2020, in comparison to 7 crimes the previous month, and 13 crimes in October one year ago. Bridle-wood experiences an average of 7.0 crimes per month. On an annual basis, Bridlewood experienced a total of 84 crimes as of October 2020, which is down 34% in comparison to 128 crimes as of October 2019. To review the full Bridlewood Crime report visit brdl.mycalgary.com

How To Report Crime In Somerset | Bridlewood: Dial 911 for emergencies or crimes in progress. For non-emergencies dial (403) 266-1234. To report a crime anonymously, con-tact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (Talk, Type or Text), submit tips online at crimestoppers.ab.ca, or text tttTIPS to 274637.

Calling All PARENTSVisit mybabysitter.ca and find available babysitters in and around your community.

Calling All BABYSITTERSEnroll for free at mybabysitter.ca and choose the Calgary communities you would like to babysit in.

C U S T O M E R S A T I S F A C T I O N G U A R A N T E E D

Free Estimates 403.256.9282www.jacksonandjacksonlandscaping.ca

Free Estimates 403.256.9282www.jacksonandjacksonlandscaping.ca

WE SPECIALIZE IN ALL FORMS OF CONSTRUCTION & LANDSCAPE

INCLUDING SMALLER IN-HOME PROJECTS

BEFORE AFTER

BEFORE AFTER

BEFORE AFTER

BEFORE & AFTER RENOVATION PROJECTS

Bathroom & Basement Remodeling

Custom Decks & Fences

Affordable Custom Landscape Plans

Stamped & Exposed Concrete

Retaining Walls

S O M E R S E T • B R I D L E W O O D I D E C E M B E R 2020 5

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INFORMATION for

SOMERSET RESIDENTS

We hope you enjoy receiving the Newsletter of Somer-set residents association. This newsletter is one of the many community-focused activities of the SRA along with our newly revamped website. Make sure you stop by the website www. Somersetwaterpark.org.

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?We welcome all resident ideas, compliments, questions and queries, and please notify the SRA of any safety con-cerns immediately.

VANDALISMContinues to happen, if you witness park vandalism call (CPS) police immediately (403-266-1234).

ANNUAL INVOICEAre you yet to pay your annual dues! Please let the SRA know if there are special circumstances preventing pay-ment (see below).

Have a question that is not park related? Visit the ‘Som-erset / Bridlewood Community Association’ website: www.somersetbridlewood.ca.

Contact information:SOMERSET RESIDENTS ASSOCIATIONPhone: 403-807-8736 Email: [email protected]; Website: www.somersetwaterpark.org.

Peace Lutheran14640 6 St SW, Calgary, AB T2Y 0E1. (403) 256-1439

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints30 Everstone Blvd, Calgary, AB T2Y 4S5(403) 571-5613

Red Deer Lake United Church96187 178 Avenue West, Foothills, AB T1S 2R9(403) 256-3181

St. Patrick Parish1414 Shawnessy Blvd SW, Calgary, AB T2Y 2L7(403) 254-6878

CHURCHES

ELECTED OFFICIALSCouncillor Diane Colley-UrquhartWard 13 OfficeP.O. Box 2100, Station MCalgary, AB, CanadaT2P 2M5Phone: 403-268-1624Fax: 403-268-8091Email: [email protected]: www.calgary.ca/ward13

MP Stephanie Kusie Calgary Midnapore#204-279 Midpark Way SECalgary, Alberta T2X 1M2Email: [email protected] Phone: 403-225-3480Fax: 403-225-3504

MLA, Calgary-ShawRebecca SchulzEmail: [email protected] Facebook: facebook.com/rebeccaschulzyycTwitter: @rebeccakschulz

MLA, Calgary-LougheedPremier of AlbertaHon. Jason Kenney2105, 230 Eversyde Blvd. SW T2Y 0J4403 [email protected]

SOMERSET & BRIDLEWOOD COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONBox 69056, RPO Bridlewood SWCalgary, AlbertaT2Y [email protected] | www.mysbca.ca

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Last 12 Months SomersetMLS Real Estate Sale Price Update

Last 12 Months Bridlewood MLS Real Estate Sale Price Update

Real Estate Stats

Somerset/Bridlewood

To view more detailed information that comprise the above MLS averages please visit som.mycalgary.com or

bri.mycalgary.com

Median Asking Price Median Sold Price

November 2020 $423,450 $417,500

October 2020 $439,900 $430,000

September 2020 $399,950 $391,000

August 2020 $429,900 $425,000

July 2020 $449,900 $437,000

June 2020 $389,000 $380,000

May 2020 $407,400 $393,000

April 2020 $377,400 $375,500

March 2020 $429,950 $416,000

February 2020 $420,000 $410,000

January 2020 $390,000 $378,000

December 2019 $374,888 $354,200

Average Asking Price Average Sold Price

November 2020 $399,900 $390,000

October 2020 $374,500 $358,000

September 2020 $419,000 $413,000

August 2020 $404,850 $399,900

July 2020 $405,000 $393,000

June 2020 $415,000 $407,500

May 2020 $383,000 $378,000

April 2020 $369,450 $366,750

March 2020 $419,900 $408,000

February 2020 $395,000 $386,500

January 2020 $369,900 $358,000

December 2019 $404,500 $387,500

Festive celebrations, flickering lights and winter greens are all hallmarks of winter holidays, but they also present fire risks that can quickly turn festivity into devastation.

Check out these tips for keeping you and your family safe during the holidays: 1. Keep pets and children at least three feet away from

lit candles, the stove and oven, especially when cook-ing.

2. If you’re putting up a real Christmas tree, make sure it’s fresh and water it daily to prevent it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard.

3. If hanging lights, make sure you are following the manufacturer’s instructions about how many lights can be connected to prevent electric shock and fire.

4. Keep anything that can burn away from heat sources. Also, consider using flameless candles as an alterna-tive to real ones when decorating.

5. Don’t overload electrical outlets. Plug strings of lights directly into wall outlets and keep the number to a minimum.

6. Replace any strings of lights that have worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections – these can easily start a fire. Also make sure you’re using indoor lights indoors and outdoor lights outdoors.

7. Once the holidays are over, safely and responsibly dis-pose of your tree, away from your home, garage or anything that could catch on fire.

8. Make sure you have working smoke alarms in your home and create a home escape plan that you have practiced with your family.

Be safe - don’t let a fire ruin your holidays!

For more tips, visit calgary.ca/csps/fire/safety-tips/ safety-tips-for-home/holiday-and-winter-fire-safety.html.

YOUR CITY OF CALGARY

Winter Holiday Fire Safety

Winter Holiday Fire Safety

S O M E R S E T • B R I D L E W O O D I D E C E M B E R 2020 7

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Volunteer Links South CalgaryAlberta Cancer Foundations Events OfficeSuite 120, 707 7th Ave SW Calgary, AB T2P3 H6403.775.4676

Alberta Health ServicesCalgary, AB403.943.4702

Calgary Immigrant Educational Society (C.I.E.S.)Calgary, AB403.291.0002

Calgary Opera1315 7 Street SW Calgary, AB T2R 1A5403.262.7286

Calgary Public Library616 Macleod Trail SE Calgary, AB T2G 2M2403.260.2600

Calgary Reads105, 105 12 Ave SE Calgary, AB T2G 1A1403.777.8254

Canadian Mental Health Association Calgary400, 105 12 Ave SE Calgary, AB T2G 1A1403.297.1700

Canadian Progress ClubCalgary, [email protected]://www.progressclub.ca/ calgary-city-centre

Cerebral Palsy Association In Alberta12001 44 Str. SE CalgaryAB T2Z 4G9; 403.543.1161

CNIB Alberta and Northwest Territories15 Colonel Baker Place NE Calgary, AB T2E 4Z3403.261.7225

CNS volunteer opportunities. City of Calgary800 Macleod Trail SE Calgary, AB T2P 2M5403.476.7224

CUPS Health Education Housing1001 10 Ave SW Calgary, AB T2R 1M4403.221.8780

Habitat For Humanity210, 805 Manning Road NECalgary, AB T2E 7M8403.253.9331

Immigrant Services Calgary1200, 910 7th Avenue SW Calgary, AB T2P 3N8403.261.1120

Mary’s MealsPO Box 76144, Millrise RPO Calgary, AB T2Y 2Z01.855.702.0330

Meals on Wheels5759 80 Ave SE CalgaryAB T2C 4S6; 403.243.2834

A Message from the Consumer Investigations UnitHiring a Contractor? Having issues with a Landlord? The Consumer Inves-tigations Unit (CIU) work to ensure a fair marketplace for both the consum-ers and businesses. Our department provides an appropriate regulatory framework, and informs consumers and businesses of their rights and re-sponsibilities.

CIU investigates complaints from Al-bertans about consumer transactions where a business has breached Alber-ta’s consumer protection or tenancy laws. If you want to submit a com-plaint, go to https://www.alberta.ca/file-consumer-complaint.aspx#toc-2

The CIU can investigate complaints and transactions related to:• auctions• cemeteries• charitable fundraising• collection agencies• condominium developments• credit reports• door-to-door sales• employment agencies• energy marketing• gift cards• home inspections• landlords and tenants • payday loans• prepaid contracting• time shares and travel clubs• unfair trade practices

Contact Us:https://www.alberta.ca/consumer-business-tips.aspxD1-780-427-4088Toll-Free 1-877-427-4088.

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DOLLARS & SENSE

As the snow piles up many people may be considering hiring companies and contractors to take care of their home and business snow removal. Your Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning you to beware of bad busi-ness practices taking advantage of the need for snow removal.

Complaints from consumers include:• Contractor not coming when the snowfall was over the

snow amount in the contract• People having to shovel their own driveways several

times to make it to work or other appointments• Contractor came, but did a poor job and/or damaged

property without restitution• Calls for service never returned

To avoid these and other inconveniences, BBB urges consumers to keep these important tips in mind when hiring snow removal services:

Get more than one estimate. BBB recommends you get at least three estimates before making a decision. Ask for all the costs up front to avoid any surprises. Keep in mind the lowest price doesn’t always mean the best service. Check with BBB.org for free Business Profiles which can provide company information, complaint history and detail, and customer reviews.

Review the contract. Never settle for a verbal agree-ment. Contractors should always provide a written contract. A representative should visit the property and make notes about services requested and potential ob-stacles. Get all of the details in writing and always read

anything before you sign. Understand cancellation fees and any extra charges that may apply.

Ask about scheduling. Some contractors do snowplow services as a part-time job, and this may affect their availability to clear a driveway when needed. Always check to see if there is a schedule for snow removal.

Ask about insurance. Is the company fully insured in case of damage to property? Be sure to get it in writing on your con-tract and request a statement from their insurer confirming current liability and workers compensation coverage.

Split the payments. Find out how the company ex-pects payment. Most contracts take two forms: pay-per-plowing or pay-per-season. If you’re expected to pay all fees upfront, consider it a red flag. Most contractors will split fees into two or three payments – one at the begin-ning, middle, and at the end of the season.

Ask for references. Remember even if a business ap-pears to be reliable, it does not mean that it is. When a company is reluctant to answer questions, won’t supply proper information or is unwilling to offer references – there could be cause for concern.

File a complaint. If you run into a problem that you cannot resolve on your own, file a complaint with BBB so we can help resolve the issue.

Report a scam. If you spot a business or offer that sounds like an illegal scheme or fraud, tell us about it through BBB’s Scam Tracker. BBB’s Scam Tracker pro-vides information on trending scams in our area.

Don’t Be Leftin the ColdWhen Hiring aSnow RemovalContractor

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Premier of Alberta, MLA for Calgary-LougheedHon. Jason Kenney

2105, 230 Eversyde Blvd. SW T2Y 0J4 403 238-1212

[email protected] the communities of Bridlewood, Evergreen, Millrise and Shawnee Evergreen

Friends,

The long dark nights of December seem like a fitting end for 2020.

This has been a year marked by deep economic uncer-tainty, a historic collapse in energy prices, a global re-cession and, of course, the COVID-19 pandemic.

Folks across our province were faced with public health restrictions, job losses, pay cuts. I know how hard things have been for families all over Alberta.

But even in December, when our nights are the dark-est, our communities are brightened by colorful lights to bring joy and cheer into our lives.

Those colourful lights are a visible reminder of the Christmas season. Each one reminds us of the love we share with our families, the warmth of our friendships, and the meaning of the greatest gift we all received on the first Christmas so many years ago.

And, much like those lights brightening the night sky, our province has begun to see reasons for hope and optimism as we move on from the darkness of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alberta’s recovery plan is working. Alberta’s taxpayers have spent more than $10 billion to repair roads, build new bridges and schools, and help get 55,000 Albertans back to work.

We’re also seeing new investments in tech, artificial in-telligence, petrochemicals, and so much more. Job cre-ators are reacting to our push to make Alberta the most attractive place in North America to invest in.

We have a long way to go, but there is reason for opti-mism.

So, as we safely gather for the holidays this year, let’s re-member that like the lights dotting the rooftops, trees and yards of our neighbors, there is always a little bit of brightness to cut through the dark.

Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, and Happy New Year to all celebrating!

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supported on wires, forming a protective crown above. Producing concentrated fruit, vines trained in this manner better withstand the extremes of alpine conditions. A field-berry blend (varied grapes picked and fermented togeth-er), Maggiorina Rosso is a mix of 12 indigenous grapes, with Nebbiolo, Croatina and Vespolina forming 90 percent of the blend.

About the Wine: Medium garnet in-glass, aromas of blood orange mix with cloves and stewed plums. The luscious palate features flavours of cranberry, red currant, and pep-pered black cherry. The finish is smooth, long, and fine. De-canting an hour or two allows this red to open, softening appreciably.

About Pairing: Charcuterie, Bolognese spaghetti, osso bucco, chicken paprikash with spaetzle.

About Sustainability: Organic farming practices. Vegan wine made without chemical enhancements or modern technologies.

About Price: C$26

About Alcohol Level: 13% abv

About Availability: Check liquorconnect.com (call the listed store too) confirming availability.

CSPC #671537

bout Terroir: The Boca region of Piedmont sits in Italy’s northwest,

on the slopes of the Alp foothills near the Switzerland border. Northeast of Turin, high-altitude

vineyards (400 to 450 metres) are rooted in the steep slopes of volcanic granite.

South-facing, terraced slopes protect from cold alpine winds and provide an amphitheatre of heat retention. His-torically known as Alto (High) Piedmont, large daily tem-perature swings and an extended growing season aid the required grape development.

About Revitalization: In the 1950s, Boca boasted 10,000 hectares under vine. By the 90s - with urbanization leading to countryside abandonment - only one producer, Antonio Cerri of Le Piane (10 lonely hectares), remained in active production. Recognizing potential, Swiss importer Chris-topher Kuenzli purchased Le Piane and strategically began acquiring other vineyard sites - left abandoned and over-grown - following the rural collapse. Investing in the region and raising its profile, Kuenzli helped save Boca DOC from imminent demise. Today, eleven winemakers form the ful-crum of the area’s revitalization.

About Maggiorina: The historic vine-training system of Boca, Maggiorina (crown) training involves three vines

2018 LE PIANE, MAGGIORINA ROSSO (NEBBIOLO, CROATINA, VESPOLINA, AND NINE LOCAL OTHERS)

by Nik Rasula

About Wine features wines not typically on one’s shopping radar; unique wines with a story - of people, place or style. It tells of artisans making reasonably priced wines (under $50 retail) while demonstrating careful Earth consideration.

Gingerbread cookies are a holiday-favourite. Did you know that gingerbread people were invented by Queen Elizabeth I? Although she did not bake the cookies herself, she did ask her royal bakers to make cookies that were shaped like visiting dignitaries.

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TAKE ON WELLNESS

Seek Help for the Baby BluesBecoming a parent can be a difficult transition, for both partners.

Postpartum Mood Disorder is a term that is used to describe a range of mental health symptoms.

About 50 to 80 percent of women have postpartum blues or “baby blues” the first two weeks after a baby is born. Keep in mind that your body has just gone through a large amount of stress. Hormones are regulating, and you are transi-tioning into parenthood.

After the first couple of weeks, many women feel symptoms of depression and heightened levels of anxiety and worry. The most common scenarios include

worrying about something happening to the baby, her partner, or herself.

Her partner may also experience symptoms of postpartum mood disorder. In fact, studies suggest that if a woman is experiencing symptoms of de-pression or anxiety, her partner is 50 per cent more likely to have their own symptoms.

One in 10 men will experience symptoms of postpartum blues -- most commonly depression and/or anxiety.

Men, however, often don’t experience these symptoms until four to six months after the baby’s birth. Signs include:

• Being quick to anger• Working longer hours

• Experiencing more physical symptoms, such as headache or stomach pains

• Avoiding activities/hobbies that they were once interest-ed in

Having a new baby adds extra stress to the relationship. Many describe a decrease in marital or relationship sat-isfaction during the first year after a baby is born. With that in mind, it is important to:• Communicate needs to one another

• Engage in self-care • Find time to participate in activities of interest together,

and separately• Access professional support when necessary• Find ways to connect with other new parents, family, and friends

If you are struggling to manage your mental health after the birth of your new baby, call 811 or the Mental Health Helpline

at 1-877-303-2642 or your local Addiction & Mental Health of-fice for support. Help is available.