current until March 3, 2006

The Official
Newsletter
of the
Whitehorn
Community
Association

Inside:
Seniors' Column

Baby-sitter
Listings

Yard of the
Month

Whitehorn Girl
Guides

Whitehorn
School News
 Whitehorn Community
Inside

Inside
Inside
Association
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 55110,
Seniors' Column
Temple RPO T1Y 6R6 Be a part of Heart Smart Day.

Yard of the Month

Hard work and determination definitely pays off.
Whitehorn residents show off the care and love put into
their yards.

Membership Benefits the

Executive Community
President . . . . . . . . . . . . . Raleigh DeHaney, 285-7859
The Whitehorn Community Association works hard for
you, the residents. Join today and help!
Vice-president . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ed Howell
Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Linda Fava Baby-sitter Listings
Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Neal Purdie In need of a baby-sitter? Check out the listings for people
Past President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Debra Sawatzky in your community who are qualified to baby-sit.

Directors Whitehorn School News

Planning and Bylaws . . . . . . . . . . . . Raleigh DeHaney See what the Whitehorn schools have been up too since
Membership Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant the winter break.
Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant
Whitewind Girl Guides
Youth Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant
The next Bubblegum Dance is on February 24.
Fundraising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ed Howell
Recreation . . . . . . . . . . . Suzanne Davidson, 285-1457
Real Estate Matters
Public Outreach . . . . . . . .Gail Hapanowicz, 571-0920
Echo Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant
Whether you’re a home buyer or seller, the main question
that’s on everyone’s mind as we enter the new year is
School News . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pat Sokolosky, 280-5586 ‘What does the real estate market hold in store for 2006?
Yard of the Month . . . . . . . Dave Nicholson, 818-4742
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pat Sokolosky, 280-5586
Directors at Large . . . . . . . . . Anita Gill, Tom Skinner
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jim Guenard 285-8503
Community Liaison
Playschool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vision Statement:
“We are committed to recognizing and celebrating the
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ora, 272-8372 or Carla, 590-7052
diverse nature of our community through involvement,
Scouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Norm, 280-3674
awareness, resources and unity.”
Guides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maire, 293-1182
Community Liaison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tracy Ophof
Community Recreation Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . "Please support the local merchants who make this magazine
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pam Taylor, 221-3627 possible."
Properties Sports Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293-6767 Proof that Whitehorn had snow this winter, just long enough to
Hall Rentals/Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . Susie, 280-2880 take a picture before the sun melted it all away.
Photo by Linda Fava.

Whitehorn Echo 9.2

 Seniors' Column…

Heart Smart Day

Take part in our free blood pressure clinic, enjoy heart
smart snacks and refreshments and kick up your heels at our
dance with live entertainment .

Visit our special guests –

The .Heart .and .Stroke .Foundation, .at .their .onsite .booth .

Date: Saturday, February 25, 2006

Time: 1 to 4 p .m .
Location: Whitehorn Village –
5200 44 Ave N .E .
Admission: Complimentary

Hall Rentals
Do .you .have .a .special .event, .meeting .or .
gathering .coming .up .soon? .

Why .not .rent .the .Whitehorn .

Community .Centre? .
Saturday rentals for just $350
(damage deposit $200)
Friday and Sunday rentals only $200
(damage deposit $200)
For community membership holders, there is a
20 per cent discount .

Call Suzie for bookings at 280-2880.

Whitehorn Echo 9.2
Background:
• Originating from the success of the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics and supported, in part, for more than a decade
by an Olympic Legacy Fund, the Calgary Winter Festival has gradually evolved into the community-based,
self-sufficient festival it is today.
• The evolution of Calgary Winterfest has had its ups and downs. Some years, favourable weather conditions
enticed Calgarians to step out and enjoy the festivities. Other years, harsher weather kept people away and
decreased overall festival attendance. Weather conditions also affected the viability and success of some festival
activities. In an effort to overcome these challenges and to present events that pique the interest of Calgarians,
organizers have made changes to programming and venues from time-to-time.
• In 2002, the contract for Legacy funding from the City of Calgary came to an end and the festival became self-
supporting. The Board of Directors considered the future of Calgary Winterfest – to cease or find a new way of
operating. Through on-site public surveys, festival-goers enthusiastically expressed their appreciation of the free
family programs and the board voted to base the new operating plan on these popular family programs.
• Calgary Winterfest 2006 takes place February 11 to 21 and offers Calgarians and their visitors accessible and
entertaining activities to enjoy winter Calgary style!
For more festival information visit: www.calgarywinterfest.com.

Volume 9, Issue 2
Published by:
Winter Karate Classes
for all Levels
Be part of our
278 19 St. N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 8P7
Phone: (403) 248-9993 Fax: (403) 248-8838 Dojo.
Office hours: Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Publisher • Dave Wrigley 24 classes for $95
Community Liaison/Editor Community members:
Nancy Nelson • Alison Taylor $85
Sales Consultants
Ziad Chucri • Mike Dobbin • Wil Gadsby 12 classes for $55
Krista Malden • Debbie Woodley
Community members:
Classified Ad Sales • Candace Materi
Production Supervisor • Leo Smith $45
Production Coordinator • Kathy Richardson
Creative/Graphic/Production Mondays, January 9 to March 27
Shannon Thomson • Kenzie Browne Time: 7:45 to 8:45 p.m.
None of the material, written or artistic may be reprinted or used in any way without the specific permission of the editor. The
opinions & statements expressed in the articles and advertisements found in North Hill Publications are not necessarily those of the
staff or owners. Therefore, North Hill Publications will not be responsible for those opinions or statements included in the articles
or advertisements. However, the staff & owners of North Hill Publications would appreciate written notice of false advertising. The Tuesdays, January 12 to march 30
publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertising. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material published, no
responsibility will be assumed for advertising received by telephone & in no case will liability be assumed for greater than the cost of Time: 6:45 to 7:45 p.m.
the advertising when errors or omissions have occurred. North Hill Publications may not be held responsible for the loss or damage
of any photographs, drawings, logos, manuscripts, etc., that are sent or brought to the office.
North Hill Publications takes pride in
publishing on recycled paper and
Ages six to adult.
using environmentally safe and sensitive
methods wherever possible. Register by phoning Suzanne at 285-1457.

Whitehorn Echo 9.2


Whitehorn Echo 9.2
 Mark Saturday,
February 11
on your calendar.
This is the date set for the annual

NEW!!!
King of Glory Valentine’s Day Tea .

Come join us for a

Valentine’s Tea
from 1 to 4 p.m. on
Saturday, February 11.
King of Glory Church: 2640 Rundlelawn Rd . N .E .

Whitehorn
Phone: 285-1048 .

Pastor Phil Estabrooks and

Tapestry Vocal Band will
be providing Pet of the Month
entertainment . We are trying something new!
Come visit us and We would like to present the Pet of the Month every
enjoy a Valentine’s issue .
Day Tea . So kids and adults alike, please send in your pictures
of your beloved pet with a few words about him or her
and your name (age if you are a child) and telephone
number and we will put your “cute little animal” in the
Echo newsletter .
Please be advised that we won’t be able to return the
pictures .

Please send your pictures to our mailing address:

Editor
February 22, 2006 P.O. Box 55110
7 to 8 p.m. Temple RPO
Annie Gale Junior High School Calgary, AB
577 Whiteridge Way N.E. T1Y 6R6
Please .join .us .to .recognize .
and .celebrate .the .work .and .
achievement .of .all .our .students .
at .Annie .Gale .

Come to the school to see

displays of student work and to
experience “live” demonstrations of
students engaged in learning .

Whitehorn Echo 9.2

6
 Membership Benefits the Community
Thank you to the merchants who have decided to become
part of our Preferred Merchant Program .
Please show your membership card at the following
locations to benefit from special offers:
• Magikz Automotive Solutions Inc ., corner of
Barlow and 23 Ave . N .E .
• Jessie’s Bicycle Repairs, in the back of the Filipino
Grocery – #6 5008 Whitehorn Drive
• New Bombay Liquor, 135 Whitefield Drive .
• Village Square Leisure Centre – 30 per cent off
admission on Mondays
More merchants will be added as responses come in .

Whitehorn Community Association Membership Application

Name: _______________________________________________________________________
Surname Given Names Spouse’s Name

Children: ____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________
Surname Given Name(s) Age Male or Female

Address: _____________________________________________________________________

Postal Code: _________________ Phone: __________________ E-mail Address: ____________

I would like to volunteer for: (check as many as you like): Bingo Casino Youth Programs
Membership Drive Block Watch Social Events Administration/Clerical
Echo (Translation/Writing Articles/Photos) Other Short Term Projects

Membership fees are $25 • Valid for one year from date of issue
Make cheques payable to: Whitehorn Community Association, Attn: Membership
Mail to P .O . Box 55110, Temple R .P .O . Calgary, AB, T1Y 6R6

Are you curious about your community?

Constantly asking questions?
Are you nuts for news?
Then we need your help. Silly for stories?
We need writers in your community to tell us about the people and places they love.
If you’re interested in being your community reporter, we’d love to hear from you.

Contact Nancy (ext. 286) or Alison (ext. 288) at 248-9993 or e-mail editor@nor thhill.net.

There are great people in every community – who stands out in yours?

Whitehorn Echo 9.2

 Whitehorn
Baby-sitters
Listing
•  Rita, 17.................................................247-0678 •  Amanda, 12.................
293-3024
Red Cross Emergency First Aid and St. John’s Red Cross First Aid and Baby-sitters Courses 
Baby-sitting Certificates •  Carol Milo.............................................285-1547
•  Nicole, 16..............................................568-3575 Toddlers to age five, available daytime
Available evenings and weekends •  Margaret.................................................293-7617
•  Jeremy, 13..............................................285-1245 All ages, days evenings and weekends
•  Amanda..................................................263-6056
Available evenings and weekends
•  Adriana,14.............................................590-1396 Days, evenings or weekends (working on Early
Childhood Diploma)
Red Cross Certificate, available evenings and •  Julie........................................................590-5223
weekends Available full time days; evenings as required
•  Miranda,14............................................568-9407 •  Genevieve...............................................245-4625
•  Ashley....................................................285-5446 Days, until 6 p.m. Preschoolers welcome.
•  Debbie....................................................293-0871
Baby-sitters and first aid, available weekends All ages, anytime, health care aid, nanny experience
• Jessica, 13...............................................590-0035 •  Rozmin...................................................293-0426
Baby-sitters and Red Cross certificates Monday to Friday, baby to age five, Level 2 First Aid
•  Desiree..................................................285-8074 Certificate, Police Check, Before and After school care
Red Cross Baby-sitting and First Aid Courses available

The Echo and the Whitehorn Community Association do not take responsibility for names appearing on this list. It is up to you to
check out the sitters you decide to hire.

Whitehorn Echo 9.2

 Whitehorn School News
February 2006
Lester B. Pearson High School CJM – Chief Justice Milvain

Under Construction (India): CJM has been invited to participate in an effort to sponsor
In the International Baccalaureate program, the notion of the construction of a water well in India. Since 1999, over
globalism is the foundation of learning goals. Understanding 300 Canadian schools have been involved in building 445
social justice and inequality moved many students into wells to bring safe drinking water to villages in the state of
action. In September of 2004 a group of Lester B. Pearson Andhra Pradesh in India. People in this part of the world
IB students formed a club called Under Construction face many challenges, including access to clean water.
(India) in order to respond to global disparity. Elementary schools across Canada have helped many
A committee of 25 Lester B. Pearson students have communities in India enjoy access to safe drinking water.
dedicated three years to raise We can share out virtues of generosity
money for a school in India and caring by getting together to sponsor
through various fund-raising a water well to help out those who are
and donation projects. less fortunate.
Our goal is to raise $50,000. The water well construction program
We believe this attainable with is sponsores by SOPAR (Society for
the support of the school and partnership) and supported by CIDA
the community. This project (Canadian International Development
has been in effect for over a Agency).
year and we expect it to come The cost is $750 to build one water
to an end in 2008. Our main well. As a school we have decided this
mission is to inform people would be a valuable “good will project”
about the education system in for our children and families to support.
developing countries. So far we have raised about $225.
The school we have cho- Dr. David Lodhar,
sen to help is situated in a Principal
remote area in a village called
Chadernagar, near Calcutta. Colonel J. Fred Scott School
In 1932 a local educational-
ist built a small school in Renovation Update:
his community. It was extend- Renovations in the portable continue to
ed, however it still lacks move along. We had hoped to be back
many educational facilities. to our classrooms early in the new year;
Currently, the school has four however, it looks like it may be closer
rooms and educates Grades to the end of January. We will need to
1 to 4. It’s evident that the take another organizational day to move
involvement of community classroom furniture and student materi-
has played a huge role in the school’s current development als back to the portables and from Annie Gale School. We
and we ask the Calgary community for their support in know that parents require as much time as possible to plan
reaching out an helping this school grow. If you’re inter- childcare for non school days. We will be sending a note
ested in joining, donating or finding out more about us, home as soon as we know when we can move students and
you can get in contact with Mr. Benard or Mrs. Saini. Our classes back to our original configuration.
general meetings are held in room 1213 every Wednesday Sincerely,
at lunch. Joy Chadwick

Whitehorn Echo 9.2

 Whitewind District
Girl Guides
The Girl Guide units are back in action following the Christmas break. In February we are involved in Thinking Day
activities as we celebrate the founders of Guiding and Scouting. Mint cookies are still available for purchase, so if you
missed them or would like more, please call Maire (293-1182). The Pathfinders going to the Mosaic National Camp in
July 2006 have been busy fund-raising and we thank you for any support you have been able to provide (such as cookie
sales, Christmas craft and home party sales, bottle drives, donations for silent auction item, etc.).

Next Whitehorn Bubblegum Dance

Valentine’s dance
February 24, 2006.

Dinner and Silent Auction Fund-raiser

to Support the Pathfinders for the Guiding Mosaic National Camp
Whitehorn Community Centre
Saturday, March 4, 2006
$5 per person

(Tickets available from Mosaic girls or call Maire at 293-1182 or Margaret at 293-3276.)

Another year of Guiding fun and adventure has begun. Several units have already been out to camp this year – Guides
(Mexican Camp), Pathfinders (CSI Camp) and Trexs (Canoeing and Leave-No-Trace Camping).

Sparks Guides
Girls five to seven-years-old Girls nine to 12-years-old
Grades K to 1 Grades 4 to 6

Pathfinders
Girls 12 to 15-years-old
Brownies Grades 7 to 9
Girls seven to nine-years-old
Grades 2 to 3 Senior Branches and Trexs
Young women 14+ years-old
Come join us!
Call Maire for more info at 293-1182.
Female Adult Leaders Needed
Training Provided

Whitehorn Echo 9.2

 Village Square Library
—— 2623 56 St. N.E. • Phone 221-2060 to register ——
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday noon to 5 p.m.
Village Square Library news for January 2006:
A new year, a new look!
Renovations are coming to the Village Square
Library! Starting in January 2006 we will be creat-
ing a new and exciting library space. To be included
are a new teen zone, new children’s area, two new
community meeting rooms, a computer lab and self
checkout stations! We will remain open throughout
the renovations and as always we look forward to
seeing you at the library!
Children and Teen Programs
Join us for stories, songs and fingerplays espe-
cially for toddlers.
Ages two to three with a parent/caregiver,
10:15 to 10:45 a.m.
Or for your preschooler aged three to five indepen-
dent of a parent/caregiver,
11 to 11:30 a.m.
Wednesdays, January 25 to March 1.
Registration begins January 10.
Working parents! Join us on the weekends with
your children for a Drop-in Family Storytime.
Ages two to five with a parent/caregiver.
Sundays, January 15 to May 7, 1:30 to 2 p.m.
No registration required.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with our Tickle Your
Heart storytime!
Tuesday, February 14 – 7 to 7:30 p.m.
Ages two to five with a parent/caregiver.
Registration begins January 31.
If your youngster has the homework blues, get help
at the library with Homework Help! Students
meet in small groups with trained volunteers for
activities that promote life-long learning skills.
Grades 3 to 6. Tuesdays, February 21 to April 11
– 4 to 5 p.m.
Registration begins February 6.
Programs are free with a valid library card, although pre-registration may be required. Register in person or by calling 221-2060.
www.calgarypubliclibrary.com
Whitehorn Echo 9.2
Adult Programs
Join facilitator Karly Berry, businesswoman and
financial advisor with Clarica, for Small Biz
Networking Club! These four sessions at three
locations will provide opportunities to meet other
small business owners, gather important business
tips from speakers and might even assist you with
setting up a networking group of your own.
Session 1: Crowfoot Library,
January 17 – 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Session 2: Village Square Library,
February 15 – 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Session 3: WR Castell Central Library
(meeting room #2) March 23 – 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Session 4: Crowfoot Library, April 20 –
7 to 8:30 p.m.
“New Friends” is a program for immigrant women
who wish to meet new people, share experiences,
improve English skills and learn about their com-
munity. Free child care!
Thursdays, January 5 to April 27 – 10 a.m. to
noon.
Call Angela or Shokoofeh at Calgary Immigrant
Women’s Association to register at 263-4414.
Every Child Ready to Read: Pre-Readers (four to
five years)
In this workshop you will learn what children need
to know about reading and writing and other steps
to early literacy skills.
Wednesday, February 8 – 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Program takes place at Clarence Sansom Junior
High School. Registration required.
Programs may be offered off-site due to our renova-
tions. When registering for a program please ensure
you have noted the correct location.
Programs are free with a valid library card, although
pre-registration may be required.
Register in person or by calling 221-2060.
 Real Estate Matters
Whether you’re a home buyer or
seller, the main question that’s on
everyone’s mind as we enter the
new year is, “What does the real
estate market hold in store for
2006?” Generally, both industry
sources and economic forecasters
agree that 2006 will be another
good year for real estate, with home
values continuing to appreciate at
the scorching double-digit pace
that we’ve seen in recent years.
There are some crucial economic
and demographic factors in play
right now that are expected to
contribute to a strong real estate
market in the coming year. A
primary factor in determining value
is consumer demand and this is
expected to stay strong. There are
solid economic indicators for a
good year for the Canadian econ-
omy. Unemployment is at one of
it’s lowest-ever levels and consumer
confidence – a driving force that
fuels the buyer demand in the real
estate market – is high.
However, while such economic
factors can vary dramatically in a
relatively short space of time, there
are several demographic factors that
drive the market that will continue
to have a sustained impact over the
long term. An aging ‘baby boomer’
population is now inheriting sub-
stantial wealth from the generation
that is passing away. The transfer of
what amounts to trillions of dollars
in their parents’ wealth over the
next few years will create the most
affluent generation ever seen in this
country.
Real estate will also continue to
be an appealing investment choice
in 2006, as relatively low interest
rates result in conventional savings
vehicles, such as GICs, not earn-
ing very good returns. Canadians
will continue to find that build-
ing their equity in real estate is
an appealing alternative to other
investments. Real estate also has
the added appeal of being one of
the few ways that you can invest
your money and build equity, while
enjoying it at the same time.
Of course, these general demo-
graphic and economic trends don’t
take into consideration some of
the variables that may impact your
local market. Your real estate pro-
fessional can give you many more
insights about what factors will
impact your local market in gen-
eral, your neighborhood and even
your own property. Why not start
the new year off right and benefit
from their expert advice.
Dave Nicholson and Mark Ross

Point.
Shoot.
Publish.
We need photos relating to Calgary. If you have good quality colour digital
(minimum resolution of 200 dpi) or hard copy photos please send them to us.
We will provide a photo credit and published copy.

We n e e d y o u r h e l p .
For more information, call Nancy (248-9993, ext 286) or
Alison (248-9993, ext 288) or e-mail editor@northhill.net.
North Hill Publications may not be held responsible for the loss or damage of any photographs or written material that is submitted .

Whitehorn Echo 9.2

 Annie Gale Junior High School Grade 6 Tour and Open House

g a l e O p e n H
n ie o u se
n
(Celebration of learning)

A
For students: February 22 at 1:45 p.m.
For parents: February 22 at 6:30 p.m.

Annie Gale Junior High School

library
577 Whiteridge Way N.E.
To students and parents of Chief Justice Milvain,
Colonel J . Fred Scott, Guy Weadick
and Stanley Jone Elementary (Coral Springs),
Please join us to learn more about “Grizzly Country .”

You’re
invited ...
to the Whitehorn
Community Association
meeting on
February 6, 2006
at 7 p.m. at the
Whitehorn Community
Centre.

Whitehorn Echo 9.2

 Boys and Girl
community Services
Winner’s Circle Mentorship Program
The Winner’s Circle Program is now accepting applications for the 2006 program year .
This youth mentorship program:

• Is available to youth entering Grade 10 or 11 as of September, 2006 .

• Is a community based program where youth work independently with a mentor on the youth’s personal interest and
participate in group activities focusing on career and education, community services and volunteerism, sports and
leisure and the arts .
• Is an 18-month program with an opportunity to extend .
• Youth and mentors meet approximately three to four times per month, excluding July and August .
• Every youth completing the program and receiving the Alberta High School diploma is eligible for a financial award
to pursue post-high school endeavors .
• 2006 application deadline is February 28, 2006 .

For information and application forms, contact Betty Shaw at 520-1514 or e-mail bshaw@bgcc.ab.ca.

CINDERELLA GOWN PROJECT

– old ball gowns wanted
Now that the holiday party season has wound up, you may have one or two
old party dresses that could be recycled . The Fashion Studies teacher at Sir
Winston Churchill High School is once again putting on the Cinderella
Gown Project . This endeavour was launched last year and accepts donations of
gently used gowns that are revamped and given to Grade 12 girls who
otherwise couldn’t afford to buy a dress for their graduation . Last year, 110 girls
received a refashioned graduation gown, shoes and accessories .
They are very short of dresses this year, so the school is asking Calgarians to
donate any old Christmas party dresses, ball gowns, etc . that aren’t worn any-
more (and it’s a good excuse to say you need to buy a new one!) All the gowns
are dry-cleaned free of charge once received, so all you have to do is bring them
to the school office . They’ll take any dress from an ’80s puffy-sleeved monstros-
ity to 1950s vintage gowns and everything in-between .
If you would like to contact them directly about this project, you can call
Lynne Herman at 289-9241 (ext . 2118) .

Whitehorn Echo 9.2

 Strength
People must not delude themselves about the concept of
strength . You may perceive strength as physical . You may
think it is a psychological state in which a person has no
fear . Or you might think strength is quietly enduring pain
in times of weakness . It is, in reality, none of the above .
A person may exercise and spend months building
muscles, in an effort to remain strong, healthy and fit .
This is all fine . However, the body is still flesh and blood
and that individual may be physically strong, but he is not,
by any means, invincible or free of his/her weaknesses . He
is still human .
When personally attacked or threatened, people will
bite down on their lips and make an attempt to mantain
their composure, not to let others know they are affected
by certain actions or statements directed at them . The
truth is, the person is affected . The individual is thinking
and planning actions – be it psychological or physical – to
defend and protect him or herself .
When injured, a person may choose to keep a straight
face and try to ignore the need to cry . Crying, in many
cultures, is seen as a sign of weakness . Don’t cry and you’re
a strong person, according to some beliefs .
However, your true strength lies in your character . In
your words, actions, way of thinking and in the way you
deal with others . This does not mean individuals must
stalk around, puffing their chests and staring down any-
body who shows signs of challenging them . Having the last
say in a situation, dominating a situation or a conversation
and being able to argue that one is in the right may result
in what may feel like a victory to some . Yet it is a tempo-
rary victory and in many cases, a false one . True power and
“victory” comes through a person’s actions and responses
Whitehorn Echo 9.2
to dire, threatening encounters . By choosing your words
and acting in a disciplined manner, you have not only
conquered an adverse situation and proved to be above the
other person . You have also gained respect in everyone’s
eyes – and possibly even the eyes of the one who opposed
you . This is often called the ability to be diplomatic . It is
addressing conflict and both persons’ issues in a noncon-
frontational manner . And thus, this eliminates situations
in which one might continue to act defensively .
You have to stop and ask yourself: Isn’t it strange that
disrespecting a person’s opinion and “putting them in their
place,” would feel like you have, in some manner, won?
Is this really the dignified, proper way to address differ-
ence of opinion? It isn’t . Disregarding a person’s feelings,
putting a person down and lashing out at the person in
order to prove your point is not correct . Nor is it win-
ning a situation . Rather, it is low down and immature .
Let us remember that children and animals attack in self
defense when they realize there is no other way out . We are
above this . We’ve got functioning brains and the ability to
communicate and interact with one another .
So when there’s conflict, keep your head, refrain from
verbally attacking the other and deal with the person
respectfully . Address the other person’s concerns before
discussing your own . The person deserves as much respect
as you do . The individual may not think like you, but
when it really comes down to it, the two of you are
not that different from each other . You are both human
beings . You both have emotions . You both need to feel
secure, loved and respected .
Zeina,
Whitehorn resident