Date Range

2002

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 2002: Article: Global Friendships Foster Peace by Trish Hagen. -Spotlight on the Friendship Force of Lethbridge. Article: Rocketeers Have Fun... and Learn by Jennifer Schmidt. -Spotlight on Lethbridge Rocketry Association. Article: Decades Make a Life: The Story of Art Batty by Mary Oordt. -Winter Games, Chamber of Commerce and Minis: 1975-1985. Article: The Third Academy by Sheelagh Matthews -Spotlight on schooling for children with learning disabilities. Article: Where Past and Present Meet by Paul Gerhart. -Spotlight on Ron Ulrich, New Executive Director of the Galt Museum. Article: Lou Pizzingrilli: The King of Trade by James Frey. Summer Issue 2002: Article: No Mental Rust Here by Jennifer Schmidt-Rempel -Spotlight on the Mathesis Club; a club that finds enjoyment in literature, history, music and art. Article: Decades Make a Life; The story of Art Batty by m.Oordt. -Motel Magic, Death of a Son, and Russian Rubles: 1985-1995. Article: We Stand On Guard for Thee, Security at the G8 summit. Article: Coming Home to Southern Alberta by Wilma Wood. -Spotlight on the Ancestors Exhibt at the Galt Museum. Article: More than Toys by Trish Hagen Spotlight on Tami Cartwright's Teddy Bear Project. Article: The Accumulation of Quiet Wisdom by Darcy Novakowski. -Spotlight on the Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization. Article: The Little Theatre That Could- and Did! by Shari Narine. -Spotlight on the Fox Theatre in Pincher Creek. Fall Issue 2002: Article: A sport for all ages by Jennifer Schmidt-Rempel. -Spotlight on the sport of ringette. Article: Search and Rescue by E. Paul Gerhart. Article: Mercedes' Song by Darcy Novakowski. -Spolight on artist Mercedes Neyhart. Article: Paddling to make a Difference by Jennifer Schmidt-Rempel. -Spotlight on Dragon Boat Racing. Article: Decades Make a Life by M.Oordt. -Some final thoughts from Art Batty. Article: Starting Cold, but Getting Hotter by Gary Harker. -The story of actress Kari Matchett. Article: Spotlight on Women by Trish Hagen. - Story of the Centennial Committee for Recognition of Women Article: Storehouse of Memories- the Empress Theatre by Bonnie Kennedy Article: "McIntrye Ranch Country:" Howard Cable brings his brand of music to Southern Alberta by Debbie Berg. Winter Issue 2002: Article: Tell Me a Story by Gillian Watkinson. - The Art of Story Telling. Article: Ladies of the Legion by Colette Acheson. -Spotlight on the Ladies Auxiliary of the General Stewart Branch #4. Article: A stage in her life. -Spotlight on Joan Waterfield and her career. Article: Capturing History Before Memories Fade by Trish Hagen -Spotlight on Caroline MacFarlane-Hodges and Maria Penner.

Accession No.

20241055009

Collection

Archive

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