Date Range

2003

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 2003 Issue: Article: Speaking the Past by Gary Harker -The Nikkei Tapestry exhibt at the Galt Musuem discovers a rich history of three groups of Japanse Canadians in Southern Alberta. Article: Counting Blessings by Bonnie Kennedy. -Pat Herzog and Lethbridge Artist, Lynn Gregson, team with the cancer society to bring beauty and joy to the lives of many. Article: Citizens Police Academy by Jennifer Schmidt-Rempel. Article: Kids with Dreams, Passions and Instruments by Kathrine Wasiak. -Bands are everywhere- follow the sound all around Lethbridge. Article: Helping Tell Ancestors Stories by James Frey. -A cultrual consultant, story teller and dancer, Louis Soop opens Blackfoot History. Article: Beyond the Sea of Death by Lori Lavallee. -Lethbridge's 18th Air Defence Regiment Travel to Europe to train with their Belgium NATO partner . Summer Issuse 2003: Article: In Fair Weather or Foul by Gary Harker. -Paddling Association embarks as host of boating events. Article: A maestro for all seasons by Lori Lavalle - Lethbridge Symphony Association selects its conductor- Glenn Klassen. Article: The Old Man River Festival by Bonnie Kennedy. - A summer weekend celbrates fresh water for Sothern Alberta. Article: Legacy to Lethbridge by Pat Derksen -With the disappearence of the horse and buggy, what's a blacksmith to do? Article: Local History Available to the World by Debbie Berg. - Treasures from bygone days available soon on the Internet. Fall Issue 2003: Article: Fall Fundrasier Puts Students on Buses by Trish Hagen -The friends of the Galt Museum use a Japanese Canadian theme for their evening of celebration at the conclusion of Nikkei Tapestry Exhibit. Article: Twenty-five and still alive by Audrey Hannan -The Lethbridge Singles Club celebrates twenty-five years as a social club with members past and present. Article: A Good Setting by E. Paul Gerhart -Southern Alberta Self-Help Association (SASHA) celebrates twenty-five years of helping. Article: Cowgirls Love Denim by Mary Oordt. -The Lethbridge Handicapped Riding Association Centre is the perfect location to show western wear. Article: Living in the Hub by Trish Hagen. -Lethbridge is acquiring its own cosmopolitan personality downtown. Article: The year of the Coal Miner by Bonnie Kennedy. -Museums collectively tell the story of coal miners in western canada. Article: The Circle of Uncertainty by Dr. Jack Reynar -A young man leaves Foremost for training as a navigator in the Canadian Air Force. The First of a Series. Winter Issue 2003: Article: Grants to support Worthy Cause by Katherine Wasiak. -The Lethbridge Community Foundation supports causes that matter in Southern Alberta. Article: Glencoulee by Bonnie Kennedy. - A trio of Lethbridge men share a love of celtic music. Article: The Circle of Uncertainty by Dr. Jack Reynar. -Dr. Jack Reynar expirences the first of war. Article: The Lethbridge Exhibition Story by Gary L. Harker -The exhibition always finds a co-operative role in supporting the Lethbridge community. Article: Another Downtown Turnaround by Larry Elford -Mocha Cabana and ScotiaMcleod brighten up a fromerly "colourful" Lethbridge street. Article: More Than Maple Syrup by Linnet Segboer. -Both tourists and Southwestern Albertans can find high-quality Canadian gift items at the Galt Museum Gift Shop.

Accession No.

20241055010

Collection

Archive

Less detail