THE OFFICIAL WALDEN COMMUNITY NEWSLETTERWALDEN LIFE

DELIVERED MONTHLY TO 5,150 HOUSEHOLDSJANUARY 2021

WA L D E N I A P R I L 2020 3

CONTENTS

5 DOLLARS AND SENSE: THINK TWICE BEFORE BUYING FROM THESE SOCIAL MEDIA APPS

6 COLOURING PAGE

7 SAFE AND SOUND: STAY SAFE ON ICE THIS WINTER

8 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

9 CRIME STATISTICS

10 RESIDENT PERSPECTIVES: ADDING A PUPPY TO YOUR FAMILY

11 TAKE ON WELLNESS: WHAT IS SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER (SAD)?

13 BUSINESS CLASSIFIEDS

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11Disclaimer: 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 and the Walden Community and/or Residents’ Association. The information contained in this newsletter is believed to be accurate but is not warranted to be so. Great News Media and the Walden Community and/or Residents’ Association 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.

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:

To Advertise Call 403 720 0762Email sales@greatnewsmedia.ca

GREAT NEWS MEDIA

GREAT NEWS MEDIA

Magazine EditorKrystle McGrathnews@greatnewsmedia.ca

Design | GraphicsCecilia ChoMarina LitvakErica Morton

Advertising SalesSamantha BrownJocelyn Taylor

sales@greatnewsmedia.ca403-720-0762

Print & DigitalTARGETEDMARKETINGBY COMMUNITY

Walden Life - Designed monthly by:

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DOLLARS & SENSE

Think Twice Before Buying from These Social Media AdsSocial media advertising is an effective way for small businesses to get the word out about their products. Unfortunately, the same goes for scams. BBB Scam Tracker has received thousands of complaints about misleading Facebook and Instagram ads. In fact, the 2018 BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report found that online purchase scams were the most common cons reported to Scam Tracker, and the category with the most victims.

Look out for these common scams reported to BBB Scam Tracker:Products That Claim to Support Charity: As you scroll through your Facebook or Instagram feed, you see an ad from a small business selling adorable jewelry, t-shirts, or other merchandise. The best part? Some of the proceeds from the sale will go to a charity that helps rescue animals, foster children, or support another worthy cause. You make your purchase. But when your merchandise never gets delivered, the doubts start to build. When you contact the company about your purchase, they are suddenly unreachable or reply with an autoresponder. In reality, the product never existed. It was all a ploy to get your money.

Free Trial Offers: Many of these misleading advertisements tout celebrity endorsements and promise a trial of the hottest new skin care or nutritional supplement for the minimal investment of shipping fees. What consumers report is that once they agree to the terms and conditions of these offers, they realize they have agreed to multiple monthly shipments for products in excess of $70 to $100 each. Before you sign up for these “limited time offers”, research the company online, see if there are any other consumer complaints, read the terms and conditions you are agreeing to carefully, and if you can’t find any terms and conditions, that is a red flag. Watch out for pre- checked boxes and make sure that you know who and where the company is that you are purchasing from.

Counterfeit Merchandise: Name brand goods are prime targets for unauthorized duplication, from sporting goods to designer apparel and handbags. If you purchase any of these products, you may run the risk of not only receiving a poor-quality product, but it may not meet environmental and safety regulations either. Look out for red flags. This includes items that are priced significantly lower than what other retailers are charging, spelling and grammatical errors in the advertisements, and poor-quality images. These are all signs that the advertisement may be for a counterfeit product.

How to Protect Yourself from Social Media ScamsDo your research. Before making a purchase, do a quick search for the business in question. Do they have valid contact information? Don’t be fooled by professional photography or consumer reviews on their website. These can be lifted from other sites. Check BBB Scam Tracker to see if others have been duped.

Search for previous complaints. Do a Google search of the business name followed by “complaints,” “reviews,” or “scam” and see what pops up. If you find other people have been cheated by this business, steer clear.

Use good judgment. Many con artists play on consumers’ desire to help those in need. Keep this in mind and use your head, not just your heart, when supporting charitable causes. Go to Give.org to research organizations before giving.

WA L D E N I J A N U A RY 2021 5

Image by Nicole Rocher

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FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK: facebook.com/groups/waldenyyc

TWITTER: twitter.com/walden_yyc

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/walden_yyc

WEBSITE: http://waldenyyc.ca

EMAIL US: info@waldenyyc.ca

WALDEN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Board Listing

To contact the board, please email board@waldenca.ca.

President VACANT

Secretary Bim Adeniji

Treasurer Chris Wiencki

Director at Large Julia Wiencki

Director at Large Nonye Opara

Director at Large Ashis Ghosh

We are a volunteer organization for youth aged 5-26 years. If you are interested in volunteering or registering your child, please visit our

website at myscouts.ca for information and group locations. We are an inclusive organization and financial assistance is available.

Help desk toll free number: 1-888-855-3336

SAFE & SOUND

Winter is here! If you’re planning to get outside, make plans to be safe. There are things you and your family can do to lower the risk of getting hurt while skating outdoors.

Look First• Check with local authorities for information on ice thickness. Thick ice is not always safe. Don’t go on the ice unless you are sure it is safe. Obey signs on or near the ice.• Before walking or skating outdoors on ice, check that the ice is smooth and at least 15 cm (6 in.) thick. If you’re taking the entire family, make sure the ice is at least 20 cm (8 inches) thick.• Check for hazards like pebbles, rocks, and branches.• Check that the ice is in good shape, without any bumps or melting/slushy ice.• Only skate on ice that is monitored and maintained.• Teach your child to call for help loudly and clearly if in trouble.

To stay safe, don’t:• Skate on community wet ponds.• Skate where there is ice over running water.• Walk on ice on or near moving water.• Walk on ice when you are alone (Use the buddy system).• Let your child play on or near ice unless a responsible adult is watching.If the ice cracks: • Call 911 for help.• Lay down on the ice.• Crawl or roll back to land.

If a person is in trouble, push or throw something they can use to get out of the water, or float on, until expert help arrives. If you try to rescue someone from the ice, you can put yourself at risk.

Stay Safe on Ice This Winter

WA L D E N I J A N U A RY 2021 7

If you would like to volunteer on committees or other community related activities, please contact us at info@waldenyyc.ca, we would love to have you!

VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.waldenyyc.ca

Join Us: FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/groups/waldenyyc

Walden Block Watch Page: www.facebook.com/groups/waldenblockwatch

** Proof of residency required to join the block watch page**

New members asking to join must either live in or run a local business in the Calgary community of Walden. Along with your request to join, please PM proof of residency to Julia Wiencki. Proof of residency will be permanently deleted upon verification. Please allow up to a week for processing.

Acceptable forms of proof of residency:• low-res photograph of a utility bill confirming

address

• photograph of valid Walden Community Association membership

• low-res photograph of photo ID (please black out any identification numbers)

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Walden has established its very first partnership!

Present your Walden Community membership card at Green Chili* and receive 10% off your order!

*Walden location only. Dine in or take out. Food items only.

WALDEN REWARDS

The white outside silences the world

Drifts glisten and crunch in the cold

The sound of shovels scraping carry across the street

Moving the snow beside the driveway

quickens the heartbeat.

The sun is warm

The sky - God’s blue

Winds are calm

Out back is a beautiful view

Shorter days are here for now

The snow turns from white to blue

The solitary walker quickens her pace and smiles

Because she is thinking of you

Cheryl Dunkley

Some say that eating round food during New Year’s is a positive tradition. It symbolizes that the year has come full circle. So, it sounds like a good time to eat all of the donuts, bagels, cookies, and pizza you want! Can’t let go of a good tradition or have an empty stomach!

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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.

Content Deadline: Content for the newsletter is due by the 1st of the month, this includes pictures

and content. See guidelines below. Email: newsletter@waldenyyc.ca

Articles: you try to keep the word count to 300 words maximum. (The longer the article the less

chance it will be picked up and published.)

Pictures: Cover photos need to be 1MB and 300 dpi.

CRIME STATISTICS

Walden Crime Activity was Unchanged in November 2020

The Walden community experienced 2 crimes in November 2020, in comparison to 0 crimes the previous month, and 10 crimes in November one year ago. Walden experiences an average of 3.8 crimes per month. On an annual basis, Walden experienced a total of 45 crimes as of November 2020, which is down 33% in comparison to 67 crimes as of November 2019. To review the full Walden Crime report visit wald.mycalgary.com

Legacy Crime Activity was Down in November 2020

The Legacy community experienced 1 crime in November 2020, in comparison to 2 crimes the previous month, and 6 crimes in November one year ago. Legacy experiences an average of 3.9 crimes per month. On an annual basis, Legacy experienced a total of 47 crimes as of November 2020, which is down 58% in comparison to 111 crimes as of November 2019. To review the full Legacy Crime report visit lega.mycalgary.com

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

NEWSLETTER INFORMATION

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With our new normal, COVID-19 has even changed getting a puppy. In our isolation, and stuck at home, people want a puppy yesterday. Finding puppies has become more difficult, and this has led to many not making careful decisions. Some individuals are playing on our desperation. I watched a news release from Ontario where more than one person selling a puppy set up meetings in parking lots with prospective owners, only to be accosted by thieves there to steal the puppies. COVID-19 won’t last forever, but with luck, this puppy will be with you for the next fifteen years, so… slow down and wait to get what you want.

Purebred versus mixed breed. With a purebred dog, you will know what to expect regards to size and behavior. Genetic screening of the parents for flaws improves your chance of a healthy pet, but is not a guarantee. A puppy cannot legally be sold as purebred without registration papers, and it is also against Canadian Kennel Club rules to charge a premium for those papers. Some breeders will replace puppies with genetic problems, but few families will give up the pet that’s become a family member. Current market demand has led to a lot of less reputable breeders producing lots of puppies with serious health issues. Mixed breeds tend to be less expensive, except for some of the crosses that have become popular such as, Labradoodles or Yorkipoos. Many of these designer breeds, rather than having hybrid vigor, have the genetic issues of both breeds.

Buying a puppy from a private home or breeder, you should be able to see at least the mom, if not both parents, and get some idea of the temperament and appearance of the adult animal your pup will grow into. Leave the kids at home (Mom too, if necessary)! The first time you see the puppies, try to make a well thought out decision with your head, not your heart. Having said this, some of the brightest most business-like people I have met in my life are fundamentally incapable of thinking with anything but their heart when faced with a puppy.

Avoid single puppy litters if possible. A single puppy might not be adequately socialized, but this is usually not an issue if other dogs are in the household. For this same reason, avoid taking your puppy before seven or eight weeks of age or later. Most puppies are weaned earlier, but this socialization within the litter and with mom will affect your puppy’s behavior for the rest of his life.

Adding a Puppy to Your Family

Look around. How clean is the whelping box and area? The dirtier a puppy’s surroundings, the harder it will be to housetrain. Puppies raised in clean surroundings and taken out several times a day to urinate and defecate are well started on their training. They have already learned not to foul the area they eat, drink, and sleep. They have often been introduced to a crate. I start taking my four-week-old puppies outside in Calgary winters to poop and pee, but only for a brief supervised minute.

Has the puppy received its first vaccinations and been dewormed? This should be done between six to eight weeks by a veterinarian who will do a full physical examination. All reputable breeders will have done this. Make sure you can return the puppy if it fails a health check at a veterinarian of your choosing. This is heartbreaking to do, but it can be emotionally and financially devastating to have a puppy with a congenital problem.

Consider an adult dog…. There are several great rescue organizations in Calgary, including the Calgary Humane Society, who’d love to hook you up with an adult dog needing a home. Read, ask questions of knowledgeable people, and be tough at this stage, and with a little luck, the perfect furry family member will be in the house soon, and for a long time to come.

by Dr. Jennifer L. Scott B.Sc., D.V.M.

RESIDENT PERSPECTIVES

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TAKE ON WELLNESS

What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a type of depres-sion that occurs during the same season each year. You may have SAD if you felt depressed during the last two winters but felt much better in spring and sum-mer. Some people may have SAD during the summer months.

Anyone can get SAD, but it’s more common in:• Women.• People who live far from the equator, where winter

daylight hours are very short.• People aged 15 to 55. The risk of getting SAD for the

first time goes down as you age.• People who have a close relative with SAD. SAD is some-

times called winter depression or seasonal depression.

What causes SAD?Experts aren’t sure what causes SAD, but they think it may be caused by a lack of sunlight. Lack of light may:• Upset your “biological clock,” which controls your

sleep-wake pattern. • Cause problems with serotonin, a brain chemical that

affects mood.

What are the symptoms?

If you have SAD, you may:• Feel sad, grumpy, moody, or anxious.• Lose interest in your usual activities.• Eat more, and crave carbohydrates, such as bread and pasta.• Gain weight.• Sleep more but still feel tired.• Have trouble concentrating.• Symptoms come and go at about the same time each

year. Most people with SAD start to have symptoms in September or October and feel better by April or May.

How is SAD diagnosed?Seek medical advice from your doctor. It can sometimes be hard to tell the difference between SAD and other types of depression because many of the symptoms are the same. To diagnose SAD, your doctor will ask if:• You have been depressed during the same season and

have gotten better when the seasons changed for at least 2 years in a row.

• You have symptoms that often occur with SAD, such as being very hungry (especially craving carbohydrates), gaining weight, and sleeping more than usual.

• A close relative—a parent, brother, or sister—has SAD.• You may need to have blood tests to rule out other

conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as low thyroid (hypothyroidism).

• Your doctor may also do a mental health assessment to get a better idea of how you feel and how well you are able to think, reason, and remember.

What can you do on your own to feel better?Regular exercise is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Getting more sunlight may help too, so try to get outside to exercise when the sun is shining. Being active during the daytime, especially early in the day, may help you have more energy and feel less depressed.• Moderate exercise such as walking, riding a station-

ary bike, or swimming is a great way to get started. But any activities that raise your heart rate—including daily chores—can help, especially if you can do them outdoors or near a sunny window.

• Try to do muscle-building exercises at least two times each week, such as weight training or stair climbing.

Moderate exercise is safe for most people. But it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before you start an exercise program.

Albertans can also access services by calling the Addic-tion Helpline at 1-866-332-2322, Mental Health Helpline at 1-877-303-2642, or visiting www.ahs.ca/helpintoughtimes.

WA L D E N I J A N U A RY 2021 11

by Joni Righthand

COMIC

To get in touch with Joni, please email punctassoc@hotmail.com

12 J A N U A RY 2021 I Ca l l 403-263-3044 fo r adver t i s ing oppor tun i t ies

OFFICIAL PLUMBING & HEATING: Small company, low overhead, excellent warranties, and great rates. Specializing in residential service and installs. Services include furnace service and replacement, hot water tank service and replacement, leaks, clogs, gas fitting, and more. Licensed and insured. Why wait? Call today and get it fixed today! Available 24/7, w e accept debit/VISA/MasterCard. Call 403-837-4023 or email officialplumbingandheating@outlook.com; www.official-plumbing-heating.ca.

WALDEN 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 | anita@anitamortgage.ca | Licensed by Verico Avenue Financial Real Estate Solutions.

WALDEN CONTRACTOR FOR HIRE: Over 20 years’ experience completing renovations in and around Walden. Lefroy Construction is happy to quote, organize and execute any renovation or new construction project. Call 403-616-0880 to discuss your project. www.lefroyconstruction.com.

AFFORDABLE DENTAL CARE MINUTES FROM WALDEN: Below ADA fee guide! Direct billing OAC. Only pay deductible/co-pay, get tax receipt. Save money, no charge PPE, uncomplicated dental care, live better. 30+ years of no fluff, no frills! Call today; 403-272-7272 or 403-287-6453. Visit calgarydentalcenters.com.

NEIGHBOURHOOD CONFLICT? Community Mediation 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.

LIFE INSURANCE: Protect your family in case you unexpectedly die. Contact Jeff Tovee, CFP., at 403-923-5333, eternalwealth@f55f.com, www.eternalwealth.ca (In-home meetings are available).

For business classified ad rates call Great News Media at 403-720-0762 or sales@greatnewsmedia.caBUSINESS CLASSIFIEDS

PROFESSIONAL TAX PREPARATION SERVICES: Affordable and accurate. Our services include employment income, students, seniors, foreign pension, self employed, business, rental, newcomers, and deceased/final return. Local senior tax specialist. Licensed E-filer. Open year round. Call or text Ella at 403-992-0419, or email ellasmobiletax@gmail.com.

COMING SEPT ‘21: Brand new beautiful Child Care Centre in Walden! Reggio-inspired, nature-based learning centre for infants to school aged. See the progress at 195 Walcrest Way, SE. Add your name to our email list for more information: waldenchildcare@gmail.com.

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14 J A N U A RY 2021 I Ca l l 403-263-3044 fo r adver t i s ing oppor tun i t ies

Happy New Year Ward 14!

It is a new trip around the sun, a new calendar on the wall, and a much-needed chance to reset and refocus. I hope I can help you in the new year with a few notes in this column. Make sure you visit calgary.ca/ward14newsletter for the full version of the column.

2021 Property AssessmentsThis is extremely important. Your 2021 property assessment value will be used to calculate your share of municipal and provincial education taxes. You will receive your assessment notice on or after January 14, and it is extremely important that you read it and review carefully. Visit calgary.ca/ward14newsletter for a more detailed summary of what you need to do.

Stay Safe and Warm This Winter! The Fire department has a message for you this year. Home-heating fires can be devastating, but fortunately, most are preventable. You can find their message by reading the full version of this article at calgary.ca/ward14newsletter.

Supporting Businesses Through Green Line DevelopmentIf you are involved in a business that could be impacted by Green Line construction, take note. The City is looking for your input. Visit www.engage.calgary.ca/greenline/business-support to learn more about the Business Support Program and to provide your input.

Calgary Awards Nominations Open January 6Do you know a Calgary individual, business, or organization that has improved the quality of life in our community? You should nominate them for a Calgary Award. Nominations open on January 6, and end on February 10. Visit calgary.ca/ward14newsletter for the list of categories, and information on how to nominate.

Feel free to contact me any time, and don’t forget to visit calgary.ca/ward14newsletter for the full version of this column. The best way to contact me is by visiting calgary.ca/contactward14.

Councillor Peter Demong

Councillor, Ward 14 Peter Demong

www.calgary.ca/ward14 eaward14@calgary.ca or 403-268-1653

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