Privileged kids glean invaluable lessons through volunteer work: Opportunities for giving abound In Calgary

Privileged kids glean invaluable lessons through volunteer work: Opportunities for giving abound in Calgary

Calgary Herald Monday, October 30, 2006 Page: D3 Section:

Real Life Byline: Lisa Murphy-Lamb Source: For The Calgary Herald

My husband and I have often said we arguably live on the best street, in the best neighbourhood, in the best city, in the best province, in the best country of the world.
We feel so blessed to be raising our children in the location we do. Add to that peace of mind, my husband's dynamic and steady job, our boys' good health, my freedom to work from home and our situation to enjoy life without many worries, and we are one very fortunate family.

Certainly our children are growing up in different circumstances than my husband or I did. While neither of us were impoverished, we didn't have the sense that the world was ours for the asking. Neither set of parents could buy us the small trinket each time we went to the store. Downhill skiing? I went the first time in high school when I could afford the lift ticket and got hand-me-down skis from a friend. I travelled Europe after high school. Four years of part-time work paid my way as well as my university tuition when I returned.

Our two sons, just six and nine, have been to Europe twice. They had their first taste of downhill skiing last year. RESPs will pay their university tuition. Restaurant meals, hotel stays in establishments more posh than my few childhood memories of Motel 6, and enough sports equipment to outfit all their varying passions are part of their world.

But within our cozy neighbourhood travel the less fortunate who search the back lanes for recyclables. They offer a daily reminder how life can turn on a dime given the wrong set of circumstances or choices, illness or lost dreams. These people strengthen my resolve to avoid raising my children in a culture of consumerism -- that I don't ever want to hear a sentence begin with "I deserve . . ." come from their lips when they feel put out.

But how do I teach my boys to appreciate what they have when they know no other life? How do I raise them to be not only thankful for their opportunities, but to share with others? In short, how do I raise a conscientious child in a world that largely offers them comforts?

Telling my boys how good they have it is only so effective. They have to experience this for themselves. One way to give children the opportunity to experience life outside their own is through volunteering as a family. Not only does volunteering together strengthen family ties, communication, values and goals, it helps children (and adults) develop as more caring, socially responsible, respectful human beings.

As a family, we have tried different ways to volunteer. Twelve years ago, my husband and I opted to become legal guardians to a young man with a disability who had grown up without a family. But 'Uncle Darrell' is so much more than a volunteer experience. His presence in our lives is profound. He has taught us the worth of human beings who are routinely marginalized. The fear of disabilities is diminished within our boys as he has taught them that he is so much more than his label 'disabled,' and that being disabled is not a bad thing.

Our boys have also volunteered in the river cleanup, around their own neighbourhood by raking leaves and shovelling snow for those who might need a hand and even in their classrooms.
Working with a student who needs extra help, in our household, is viewed as a community responsibility, not as an opportunity for the teacher to share her workload.

But there are many more exciting, helpful and life-altering volunteer experiences out there waiting for us to explore. From building animal shelters to wrapping holiday gifts, there are hundreds of exciting, new and giving opportunities just waiting to be filled by people young and old.

Volunteer Calgary, which is made of over 430 organizations that need volunteers to complete their work, has been working in the community since 1955. It suggests some simple steps to identify how families can get involved.

First, as a family, brainstorm the issues that are important (eg., poverty, education). Then list the top three and identify how your family wants to make a difference within those areas. Consider the time you have to commit and the distance you want to travel (there are even opportunities that can be fulfilled from home).

Training managers at Volunteer Calgary offer one-on-one consultation for families who want help finding the right volunteer experience.

I wouldn't want hardship to befall my sons. And I am so thankful that each night I can tuck them into bed knowing they are not hungry or cold or hurt. But I don't want to forget -- or have them forget -- that our situation is only shared by a privileged minority in our world.

We have the energy and time to give. More importantly, we have the obligation to give. And what we receive in return is the opportunity to pass on the sense of morality, values and social responsibility which is so crucial for our society to endure, both in the good times and the bad.

- Contact Volunteer Calgary through their website, volunteercalgary.ab.ca, or by calling 265-5633.

Lisa Murphy-Lamb is a Calgary-based writer and educator. She has two sons.

Illustration:• Graphic: Pierre Lamielle, Calgary Herald / (See hard copy for graphic).
Idnumber: 200610300003 Edition: Final Story Type: News Length: 886 words Illustration Type: Graphic, Diagram

Great Big Lunch Exchange

The Great Big Lunch Exchange; Get-together puts a whole new spin on neighbourhood swap party

The second of a three-part series on feeding kids

Calgary Herald Wednesday, April 18, 2007 Page: D9 / FRONT Section: Real Life

Byline: Lisa Murphy-Lamb Source: For The Calgary Herald

I wake up with a coy smile on my face and think back to the activities of the night before. Who would have thought my neighbours would have come through as they did? Such hidden talents that had never before been appreciated.

Sure, there might have been some guilt felt by a few of the participants. Some people are more competitive than others. But were my buns really the best?

Perhaps my buns aren't the best, but they are healthy and readily thrown into a lunch bag. And creating healthy, kid-pleasing lunches every day can be a challenge, even when the fridge is fully stocked. Time constraints, fussy eating habits and lack of inspiration can get in the way of packing delicious, nutritious lunches for school kids. What many parents want is the ease of pre-packaged Lunchables, without the preservatives and fat.

"And sometimes," says Monica Hess, a Calgary mother of two, "you just need to get inspired by seeing what other mothers are packing in their kids' lunch boxes."

Hosting a lunch box swap party is one answer to the daily question of "What's for lunch?"

Recently, nine neighbours and friends arrived at my house, each carrying a big box of freshly prepared lunch items. Some of these women are full-time moms, some work full time, others juggle a routine of part-time work and staying at home. All have one challenge in common: children who require a daily lunch that is healthy, portable and fun in a world where simple peanut butter sandwiches have been forbidden and few kids come home from school over the lunch break.

Based on the idea of a cookie exchange, participants cook up a batch of wholesome, kid-friendly lunch items, package them into servings of six (this is what we decided) and bring them in exchange for items cooked by their friends. After a few drinks, some snacks and good conversation, each party-goer heads home with a variety of lunch box items ready to be frozen, pulled out and embellished with fresh fruit, veggies and other items.

Pam Best, mother of two girls, recently went from full-time mom to full-time teacher and appreciated the opportunity to fill her freezer.

"The selections everyone brought are not only nutritious, but easily added to any lunch bag," Best says. And what neither daughter wanted, she was able to throw into her own lunch box, ensuring she had a healthy nosh to see her through an afternoon of teaching.

For Cyne Johnston, a working mother of two, having lunches ready in the freezer freed up time in the evening to read, something she often runs out of time or energy to do.

But it's not just the parents who benefit from this kind of arrangement. The recipients of the lunches -- those hungry, growing children -- also appreciate the effort.

Kathryn Anderson, a Grade 4 student, reports that so far everything has been "delicious."
For the party, I made cheese and pizza buns and gingersnaps. What I got in return were several batches of pasta with vegetables and meat, chicken noodle soup, chili, an assortment of scones, cornbread and muffins, wiener wraps made with homemade bread, trail mix, chocolate oatmeal cookies and brownies.

It's made lunch fun for my boys, adding variety to their midday meals.

Jennifer Osmar, a certified nutritionist and personal trainer in Calgary with The Nourish Group Inc., says this variety will help prepare children for a full day of learning.

"Load the lunch box with energy," she suggests. "When the lunch bell rings, this is your child's one shot at refuelling. So serve a high-test rather than mid-grade lunch.

"Think long-lasting energy from wholegrain sources such as breads, bagels and crackers," she says. "Add a source of lean protein such as hard-boiled eggs, tuna, turkey or chicken breast.
"And last but not least, add a healthy fat to ensure hunger doesn't strike in the middle of math class. Think cheese, flaxseeds, avocado or coconut oil," says Osmar.

She adds the coconut oil is tasty, healthy and spreads just like peanut butter, a good alternative to the legume to which so many kids have become allergic.

Elementary teacher Jane Mowbray sees how important good food is to her students' learning.
"Good nutrition is the difference between children who can think and attend for a full day and those who cannot," she says.

The favourite part of the party, it was agreed, was that we thought beyond our own needs. Each of us prepared one extra package of food to share with an elderly neighbour who has not felt well lately, a family in crisis due to an unexpected life turn or a teacher we know who is buying groceries with her own money to feed those students arriving at school hungry. It was an opportunity to help ourselves, have an evening out and, more importantly, help those in our neighbourhood who could use a hand.

If a swap party somehow feels like cheating to you, nobody but those involved need know. Let others speculate on how you find the time to cook such fabulous lunches. It's time to come together with fellow neighbours, strive for the best buns and relax.

Tips for Organizing a Lunch Box Swap Party
- Determine how many are participating at least a week before the actual exchange, giving participants enough time to choose a recipe that will work.
- Determine allergies. Peanuts, of course, simply cannot be included.
- Determine what constitutes a serving size. For example, two cookies equal one serving.
- If you're invited and your child has a long list of dislikes, do not present the list to the hostess. Instead, think of a neighbour or a friend who would appreciate some of the pre-made lunch items and share.
- Label all packages. If you're ambitious, include your recipe as well.
- If you don't already have a Thermos for your child, buy one. You'll need it after a swap.

Illustration:• Illustration: Illustration by Pierre A. Lamielle, Calgary Herald / (See hard copy for illustration).
Idnumber: 200704180051 Edition: Final Story Type: News Note: This story features a factbox "Tips for Organizing a Lunch Box Swap Party". Length: 1475 words Illustration Type: ILLUSTRATION

Party Pad: Bring Back that Loving '60s Feeling for a Night

Party pad; Bring back that loving '60s feeling for a night

Calgary Herald Saturday, June 16, 2007

Page: G1 / FRONT Section: Life At Home

Byline: Lisa Murphy-Lamb Source: For the Calgary Herald

No host worth her weight in canapes needs a legitimate reason to throw a blowout bash. "Because it's Monday" she might reason or "peonies make a great centrepiece."

But consider this: It's been 40 years since people, young and old, flocked to San Francisco for a new social experience, free food and some free loving. Yes, this summer marks the 40th anniversary of The Summer of Love.

There's your legitimate reason. It's time to throw a party.

Planning to celebrate the loving feeling of 1967 is easier than you think. From blow-up chairs to lava lamps, this city is full of treasures, authentic and not, to transform your home into a party pad for a night.

Enthralled with the idea of throwing a '60s-inspired cocktail party myself, I began my research. I wanted to create a scene where guests felt they were stepping into a swinging 1960s party pad. The sort of place where there might not be any food (but of course there would be), but there would be three types of vodka in the freezer and a case of Champagne in the fridge.
For inspiration, I turned to design experts, books and the movies.

"You don't have to go pure '60s to create a fun, '60s feel," says Sandra Young, owner of Willow Studio on Kensington Road.

THINK OF CONTEMPORARY elements and add a retro splash. Lava lamps, beaded curtains and shag rugs easily come to mind.

Not everything, or even anything, has to be bought new. Scour garage sales, Young suggests, and look for beanbag chairs, items with butterflies and flowers, and coloured, textured, and cylindrical glassware reminiscent of the decade.

Marcy Monford, design consultant, recommends playing with shape, like the circle or the globe, to give the party an authentic feel. Create something with Hula Hoops or vinyl records. Use records as serving trays or to create a feature wall by hanging either the records themselves or their covers.

Chrome, glass and wild colours like pink, orange and turquoise are perfect for a summer party. Use colour with reckless abandon in your candles, linens and plates.

Armed with a list of ideas, I headed to second-hand stores. Shopping in a large venue like Value Village can be overwhelming if you're not sure what you want. But if you've done your homework, then a trip to the housewares section can take just a few minutes.

Initially, I hadn't planned to buy furniture for my party. But while scouring a Salvation Army store, I spotted a low, sleek black sofa and chair with large red poppies. It was dusty but in perfect condition. The best part about this fabulous find was that the set was half price -- $50 f0r both pieces.

Several shopping trips later, I completed my party-pad vision. I was able to find martini glasses, Champagne bowls, wine glasses, vases etched with naked go-go dancers, daisy serving trays and dishes, inspired glassware and retro linens. I mixed my second-hand finds with dishes and glassware of my own. (Houseware items ranged in price from 25 cents to $15.)

Lava lamps were borrowed from neighbours' children, a circular chair was rescued from a trash pile and a movie poster from Russ Meyer's Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill! replaced our usual art. I had fallen in love with an ornately framed painting of a seductively clad '60s woman. But at $50, it was too dear for my art budget. I struck a deal with the store owner to rent it for the night at a fraction of the cost.

I had a dance stage built (Wood Work 4U, $50) and hired two go-go dancers for the night ($125 a dancer). I moved all the furniture out of the front room to make way for dancing and changed the lights to red and blue bulbs.

The family room became the 'chill-out lounge.' My poppy loveseat set was the focal point and leather chairs and benches from other rooms were brought in. A shag rug and blow-up and beanbag chairs completed the look. A DVD played psychedelic images on the TV.

The kitchen housed the martini bar and bartender. Wine was set up outside the kitchen so guests could help themselves. Beer on ice was available on the back deck. The 1960s-inspired food was laid out, buffet style, in the dining room.

Still looking for those last details? Replace the bathroom lights with black lights and leave out body paints for guests to bring back the body-painting craze of the late '60s. Try scattering paperbacks on coffee tables. How about a game of Twister tucked to the side to break out after midnight?

Empty a shelf and line it with Campbell's tomato soup cans as homage to Andy Warhol and pop culture. String daisy heads along pieces of thread and hang them, cascading, over a door or on a wall.

And don't forget the outdoors. To honour the venue of the original love-ins, the back garden and deck need to be included in the overall party scheme. Large throw pillows, low tables and candles galore invite guests to come out, sit and enjoy the summer night.

My own social experience was a roaring success. Like Summer of Love activities, my party attracted friends of various ages, from 'go-go dancers' to 'hippies' to 'socialites' and even a couple in togas. There was free food, free drink and love was felt by all.

For just one night, my place was a swinging party pad filled with how professor and playwright Eric Bentley once described hippies: "the middle class in fancy dress."

Creating the party pad
Like the idea of transforming your home into a '60s party pad that's big on style and the perfect backdrop for a good time?
Creativity, clean lines and attention to details are needed to create a groovin' party atmosphere. Check out these resources:
Reference Books
- Collecting the 1960s by Madeleine Marsh (Octopus Publishing Group Ltd., 2004)
- 60s! A Catalog of Memories and Artifacts by John and Gordon Javna (St. Martin's Griffin, 1988)
- Ceramics of the '50s & '60s by Steven Jenkins (Miller's, 1991)
- Sixties Design by Phillippe Garner (Taschen, 1996)
- '60s Decorative Art: A Source Book, edited by Charlotte &
Peter Fiell (Taschen, 2000)

Creating the party pad
Charity and thrift stores
Northwest:
- Goodwill Industries of Alberta,
4625 Varsity Drive N.W.
- Women In Need Thrift Store,
6432 Bowness Road, N.W.
Northeast:
- Goodwill Industries of Alberta,
154 1440 52 St. N.E.
- Salvation Army Thrift Stores,
999 36 St. N.E.
- Calgary Inter-faith Furniture Store, (this is still open) 635 35 Ave. N.E.
- Value Village, 3405 34 St. N.E.
Southwest:
- Women In Need Thrift Store,
1403 14 St. S.W., 2907 Richmond Rd S.W.
Southeast:
- Goodwill Industries of Alberta,
10426 Macleod Tr.
- Salvation Army Thrift Stores,
916 42 Ave. S.E., 3A-3200 17 Ave. S.E.; 9919 Fairmont Dr. S.E.; 2840 Glenmore Tr. S.E.
- Women In Need Thrift Store,
1 3525 26 Ave. S.E. and 134 71 Ave. S.E.
- Value Village, 104 58 Ave. S.E.

Services
- Wood Work 4U: Thomas P. Murphy (owner), 547-0639

Summer lovin' music
In 1967, there was an insatiable hunger for the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, and the San Francisco Sound was made famous by the Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin and Jefferson Airplane. Jimi Hendrix was the king of hard rock.
Other hits of 1967 included:
- I'm a Believer, the Monkees
- Light my Fire, the Doors
- Somethin' Stupid, Nancy and Frank Sinatra
- I Heard it Through the Grapevine, Gladys Knight and the Pips
- Incense and Peppermints, the Strawberry Alarm Clock.
- Respect, Aretha Franklin
- Higher and Higher, Jackie Wilson

Posters and art
The ultimate pop art form in 1967 was the poster. Look for ones that reflect the '60s culture, such as photographs of fashion models and celebrities, political protests, the rock 'n' roll lifestyle, movie posters and psychedelia. Check out these stores:
- Movie Poster Shop, 112 16th Ave. N.W.
- Movie Goods, 9 3600 21 St. N.E.
- Prints Charming, 1409 11 St. S.W.
229-0220
- IKEA, 8000 11 St S.W.

Coffee table novels
The Cold War, the Vietnam War, the Sexual Revolution and the psychedelic hippy movement influenced the writers of the '60s. Paperback editions of these titles would add a subtle touch of authenticity to your party.
- The Prophet, Kahlil Gibran
- The Hobbit, J.R.R Tolkien
- James Bond thrillers by Ian Fleming
- Catch 22, Joseph Heller
- The Spy Who Came in From the Cold, John Le Carre
- Clockwork Orange, Anthony Burgess

Movies
Check out the exhilarating party scenes in these movies (at Casablanca Video, 2101 33rd Ave. S.W. or 2100 4th St. S.W.)
- Breakfast at Tiffany's
- The Apartment
- The Party
- The Bear and the Doll

- Last Details
Final touches
These inexpensive items are perfectly retro and available at Willow Studio, 1437 Kensington Rd. N.W.
- Ceramic garden sandal pot in orange, lime, or yellow ($15)
- Sari-inspired beaded organza table runner in red or purple ($28)
- Tea towels with daisies in pink, yellow or blue ($8.90/set of two)
- Glass pitcher with daisies ($41)
- Gypsy beaded shawl ($37.50).

Illustration:• Colour Photo: Photo courtesy stock.xchng / (Shag Rug and 45 Rpm Records)• Colour Photo: Calgary Herald archives / (60s Music poster) Colour Photo: (60s Shoes) Colour Photo: Lee Gunderson, for the Calgary Herald / Get a groovy vibe going with a '60s-inspired party.• Colour Photo: Leah Hennel, Calgary Herald / . . . and a glass pitcher, . . .• Colour Photo: Leah Hennel, Calgary Herald / Set a summer of love theme with daisy tea towels, . . .• Colour Photo: Leah Hennel, Calgary Herald / . . . and sari-inspired beaded organza table runners, right, all from Willow Studio in Kensington.• Colour Photo: Haight/Ashbury Street Sign• Colour Photo: Flowers
Idnumber: 200706160039 Edition: Final Story Type: News Length: 1539 words Illustration Type: Colour Photo

Mississippi Musings

A family of four in a car bound for Calgary, trucks north along a mighty tributary known as Mississippi. Mark Twain's story of a young boy, Tom, plays on a CD spinning yarns of shenanigans, outlaws, and infatuation and animating this family's surroundings. As Mark Twain's boyhood country rolls along this lazily moving car.

(paragraph written without the letter 'e'. Just for fun!)