Date Range

1994

Description Level

Series

Creator

Lethbridge Living Magazine

Physical Description

Four issues

History Biographical

Lethbridge Living magazine was founded in 1994 by Robins Southern Printing, then owned by Lethbridge mayor, David Carpenter. From the onset, it was decided that the magazine would publish quarterly, Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring. The founding principle behind the magazine was that Lethbridge is a far more interesting and diverse city than most people could imagine. That proved to be correct as the subsequent human-interest stories that it featured were to prove. At the core of this new, glossy magazine were Rick Gillis, publisher; Len Phillips, general manager, Darcy Novakowski, editor/art director; and Martin Oordt, associate editor. The magazine had an incredibly strong group of feature writers who were responsible for its outstanding content. It also worked closely with several local photographers to ensure the quality of the finished product. Lethbridge Living enjoyed the support of dozens of local businesses who recognized the importance of a quality format to advertise their products and services. Initially, the magazine was printed on Robins’ new four-colour press and distributed through Canada Post throughout the city. Cost of printing and distribution were the major expenses that this new magazine encountered. Robins Southern continued to publish up until the Winter edition of 1996, when it was purchased by Martin Oordt and his wife, Mary who continued it successfully for several more years. Tim and Jenn Rempel purchased Lethbridge living in late 2006, taking over its operation in January 2007. Jenn had been a writer and photographer for the magazine for a number of years prior. During their tenure as the magazine’s publishers, Jenn took on the editorial tasks while Tim took on the sales tasks. The magazine went from publishing four issues/year to six, and the team grew from three to five full-time employees and approximately 15 freelance staff, as well as offering a number of home delivery positions. Practicum placements for College and University students were also offered. The publishing umbrella of Lethbridge living grew to include approximately 20 publications/year as different organizations sought to partner and distribute with the Lethbridge living brand. In 2017 the magazine was sold to Dana Inkster. While working as the Communications Officer at The Galt Dana Inkster decided to start a new chapter as Owner and Publisher of Lethbridge Living Magazine to complement her passion for storytelling as a documentary filmmaker. She was able to make the purchase with the inheritance from her biological mother Majorie McKenzie Lethbridge Living was able to reach it 25-year milestone. Mercedes Fawns and Melissa Villeneuve served as editors in these years. The COVID pandemic devasted local businesses that were lifeblood of Lethbridge Living as local advertisers since its inception. The 21st Century impact of social media stories, digital advertising and the exponential increase in the cost of printing and distribution, 2020 marked the end of the glossy magazine era for Lethbridge Living. Dana Inkster decided to make the community archive accessible by donating all hard copies to the Galt Museum & Archives in 2024.

Scope and Content

Spring Issue 1994: Article: High Profile Style- Local celebrities are suited to spring perfection by Kelly Thoma. Fashion spotlight on Jodi Monaghan, Rene Newhouse, Gord Smiley, Dory Rossiter, Mike Leblanc, Darilyn McCafferey and Jason Widmer. Article: Gastro Fiasco- Lawyer Dan Shapiro talks about his culinary squad and tempts our palate with one of his specialties by Suzanne Zintel. Dan Shapiro tells the story of his local Gourmet Club and their many culinary activities. Article: Stevin's Song- At one point Cancer treatments were just as much a part of the Tuchiwsky's lives as eating breakfast or brushing teeth by Suzanne Zintel. Stevin's experience as the poster child for the Lethbridge District Cancer Society gave him something to look forward to. Photograph: Cityscapes by Lorne Kemmet. Summer Issue 1994: Article: Those Amazing People- This group of Sothern Albertans has one thing in common- they are ordinary people who live extraordinary lives by Tom Collins. Spotlight on Billy Gibson, Gary Allison, David Naylor and Darcie James. Article: Winging It- For the Lethbridge International Airshow the dream of flight becomes reality through hard work and discipline by Jody Smith. Article: Boat Races... Anyone? It was a time of Dance Halls, Big Bands, Emerging Rock and Roll and Boat Races at Henderson Lake by Rick Gillis. Venues: LCI Jazz and Chamber Choir by Kelly M. Thoma and Photography by Doug Freeman. Fall Issue 1994: Article: The Magemakers- Anne Raslask, Len Vanderwal, Ann Armstrong, Shirley Brusied Head are all living proof that nice people don't finish last by Kelly M. Thoma. Article: Fathers and Sons- Michael and Adrian Kaufmann, Jim and Tyler Dalton, Roy and Gary McMurren, and the four generation Mantello family by Carolyn Pittman. Article: Saigonese Reprise- at the age of 35, Dat Tran will finally get to embrace his father whom he hasn't seen in 19 years by Darcy Novakowski. Article: A Big Voice: Juran Greene an acto, director and singer, he is not afraid to stretch the boundaries of performance by James Frey. Photograph: Cityscapes by Ted Langenberg. Winter Issue 1994: Article: Women of Distinction- This year's YWCA honorees for the outstanding contributions to society by Tina Garstad. Spotlight on Korine Many Bears, Carol Steen and Kathy Verhagen. Article: Christmas on the Hill- The history of the Brewery Garden's annual Christmas Display and a little more by James Frey. Venues: The Family Festival by Tom Collins and Photography by Ted Lagenberg. Article: Alive with Music- A look at the variety of musical groups in Lethbirdge and the people behind their success by Tom Collins.

Accession No.

20241055001

Collection

Archive

Less detail