Reconnecting With Nature

Building Community: Prairie Pride Guild

🌈 What happens when a community comes together to create a space where everyone belongs? In this episode, Jamey and Sterling from Prairie Pride Guild share the organization's 30-year journey of LGBTQ+ advocacy, support, and inclusion in Medicine Hat. 💬 "It was still legal to be fired for being gay." 💬 "Things are starting to swing back in the other direction." 💬 "Our events are not just for LGBTQ+ people, but also allies." Whether you're part of the LGBTQ+ community, an ally, or simply interested in making your community stronger, this conversation is an important reminder that visibility, acceptance, and connection make a difference. From overcoming discrimination to building community through Pride events and outreach, this conversation highlights why visibility and acceptance still matter today. 🎧 Listen now and join the conversation. Thank you for listening and sharing you are one in a million! We are excited to announce our community is growing and we couldn't do it with out you!  Hey we need your support. Like and subscribe to Bring Back The Porch Podcast Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1831615/support]

Memories of Medalta

Today on Bring Back The Porch we are on location in one of the historic kilns in Medalta. At Medalta, a unique archaeological field school is not just preserving history, but also bringing it to life. Join us as we explore the exciting discoveries being made at Medalta, the significance of these findings, and how they connect us to our heritage. Chapters 00:00 Preserving History: The Importance of Medalta 02:49 Celebrating Community: Events and Activities at Medalta 06:01 Engaging the Next Generation: Educational Programs 08:49 Exploring the Museum: Tours and Exhibits 12:06 Connecting with the Past: Stories and Collectibles 15:09 The Heart of Medalta: Personal Connections and Experiences Explore the rich history and current activities at Medalta, a historic ceramics site in Medicine Hat, including its archaeological projects, community events, educational programs, and preservation efforts. The Significance of Medalta's History Medalta is not just a site; it’s a living testament to Canada’s industrial past. Established during a time when clay was king, Medalta has evolved over the years, but its roots remain firmly planted in history. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Friends of Medalta Society, an organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating this remarkable site. The story of Medalta is intertwined with the dreams of its founders, who envisioned a future where this historic site would thrive rather than decay into obscurity. Rediscovering the Old Horse Barn One of the most thrilling projects this season is the archaeological search for the old horse barn, a structure that played a vital role in Medalta's early operations. As Brian recounts, the barn was where horses helped transport clay before modern machinery took over. This search not only pays homage to the site's history but also fulfills a long-standing dream of one of Medalta’s founders,  Engaging the Community with District Days To celebrate its historical significance, Medalta is hosting "District Days," a two-day event featuring local artisans, food trucks, live music, and activities geared toward families. This event aims to rekindle interest in the community’s history while providing a fun and engaging atmosphere for all ages. By combining entertainment with education, Medalta is fostering a connection between the past and present, inviting everyone to be part of its ongoing story. Educational Opportunities for All Ages Medalta is not just about preserving history; it’s about experiencing it. The site offers various educational programs for both children and adults. From summer camps that allow kids to explore and create with clay to adult classes that provide hands-on experiences, Medalta caters to a wide audience. This inclusive approach ensures that everyone can find something that piques their interest, from the history buff to the aspiring potter. Conclusion: Why Medalta Matters In an age where many historic sites are at risk of being forgotten, Medalta stands out as a beacon of preservation and education. The ongoing archaeological efforts not only unearth physical remnants of the past but also revive stories and memories that shape our understanding of history. By engaging the community through events and educational opportunities, Medalta ensures that its rich heritage continues to inspire future generations. Whether you're interested in archaeology, local history, or simply looking for a fun day out, Medalta offers a unique glimpse into the past. As we celebrate this historic site, we invite you to be part of the journey—come explore, learn, and discover the treasures hidden beneath our feet. Key  topics History of Medalta and its significance in Canadian ceramics Archaeological excavations and discoveries at Medalta Community events and markets celebrating local culture Educational programs for kids and adults in pottery and history Preservation of historic industrial sites in Canada Guest  name Sarah Schatz Events Coordinator, Medalta Sound bites "Canada's very young and we have not done a good job at preserving our historic sites." "The dream is alive, and lots of things are happening for the 40th anniversary." "Seventy-five percent of pottery made nationwide came from this neighbourhood." Resources Medalta - The Canadian Museum of Ceramic Art - https://medalta.org/ Medalta's Social Media - https://facebook.com/medalta Hycroft Pottery - https://www.medalta-giftshop.ca/shop/hycroft-china-originals/ Hey we need your support. Like and subscribe to Bring Back The Porch Podcast Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1831615/support]

Rivendell Tree Farm Shapes Local Landscapes

To quote the famous author Joyce Kilmer “I think that I shall never see A poem lovely as a tree.” Today on Bring Back the Porch, Dylan Lafferty, owner of Rivendell Tree Farm, shares insights on selecting, planting, and caring for trees in southeastern Alberta. You will learn the best species for your yard, how to maintain them, and the story behind the farm's name. 00:00 Introduction  04:28 Tree Species and Their Care 12:07 Establishing a Tree Farm 17:35 Tree Planting Guidance for Homeowners 24:13 Exploring Different Tree Varieties 30:01 Transitioning to Tree Farming 35:00 Environmental Benefits of Trees 39:25 Understanding Apple Trees 43:22 Challenges in Tree Selection 44:36 Rewards of Tree Farming 46:40 Purchasing Trees and Customer Experience 50:24 Future Vision for Rivendell Tree Farm A true hidden gem for Medicine Hat is Rivendell Tree Farm. They grow a vast variety of hardy trees and shrubs for the southern Prairies. Including Oak, Elm, Maple, Walnut, Honey Locust, Birch, Apple, Cherry, Plum, Pine, Spruce and Larch. They also supply potted, basketed and 54″ spaded trees. The farm specializes in substantial trees, as large as 100mm calliper. They also offer project design, planting and arborist services for their valued customers.    The mandate at Rivendell Tree Farm is to cultivate a deeply rooted business that will provide the people of southern Alberta and Saskatchewan with quality trees. Trees to provide shelter, beauty, food for our children, and help to make our communities more pleasant and verdant. They are committed to providing care and service for trees throughout their life cycle. The Lafferty’s have a passion to grow beautiful trees. Key  topics Tree species and their growth habits Best practices for planting and watering trees Environmental benefits of trees in urban areas Tree pruning and maintenance tips Story behindRivendellTree Farm's name Sound bites "Colorado Blues are exceptionally hardy" "We travel all over southeastern Alberta" "Trees provide shelter and psychological comfort" Resources Rivendell Tree Farm Website - https://rivendelltreefarm.ca/ Thank you for listening and sharing you are one in a million! We are excited to announce our community is growing and we couldn't do it with out you!  Hey we need your support. Like and subscribe to Bring Back The Porch Podcast C-Suite Perspectives [http://csuiteperspectives.libsyn.com/website] Elevate how you lead with insight from today’s most influential executives. Listen on: Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1565427142]   Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/2Y7c9gtdZJqocXdak7MOY5?si=42e6e7df949241b9] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1831615/support]

Building Homes, Building Hope in Medicine Hat

🏡 What does it take to build more than just a house? In this episode, we sit down with Annette Fahselt-Andreas from Habitat for Humanity Medicine Hat to explore how affordable housing is transforming lives across our community. Learn how families qualify for homeownership, the role volunteers play in creating lasting change, and how Habitat's innovative programs help build both homes and hope. We also discuss fundraising, community partnerships, and the impact of the ReStore on supporting local housing initiatives. Whether you're looking to volunteer, donate, or simply learn more about affordable housing in Medicine Hat, this conversation offers valuable insights into the power of community action. 🎙️ Listen now and discover how you can help make homeownership possible for local families.  Key Topics -Habitat for Humanity's history and local projects -How families qualify for homeownership -Role of volunteers and community support -Funding and fundraising strategies -Educational programs for building skills Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 01:00 Habitat for Humanity's History and Local Presence 02:03 How Families Are Selected and Qualify 02:57 The New Build in Medicine Hat 03:55 The Restore: A Community Resource 04:56 Volunteer Opportunities and Family Involvement 05:47 Community Reactions and Education Efforts 06:54 Homeownership Support and Home Repairs 07:53 How to Get Involved and Support Habitat 08:55 Qualifications and Application Process 09:57 Mortgage and Financial Support 11:02 Closing Remarks and Call to Action Hey we need your support. Like and subscribe to Bring Back The Porch Podcast Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1831615/support]

Manual Not Included: Hidden Seizures, Unexpected Answers

What do you do when something feels "off" with your child—but you can't explain why? In this episode of Manual Not Included, Curt shares how a scary moment with his son led to an unexpected diagnosis: epilepsy. He talks about recognizing the signs, navigating tests and specialists. What to expect and his experience. A powerful conversation about trust, advocacy, and finding answers when you need them most.  Key Topics -Childhood epilepsy and seizures -ADHD diagnosis and misdiagnosis -Medical testing and treatment for epilepsy -Parenting challenges with complex health conditions Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Call to Action 00:58 The Scariest Day as a Parent 03:11 Signs and Symptoms of Seizures 05:34 Diagnosis of Epilepsy 08:30 Navigating ADHD and Epilepsy 11:31 The Epilepsy Test Experience 14:41 Current Status and Future Outlook Hey we need your support. Like and subscribe to Bring Back The Porch Podcast Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1831615/support]