contributors
Management consultant Colette Acheson is a writer, facilitator and award winning sales professional. She is a member of the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce, Alberta’s Promise and Executive Women International, and serves as a business mentor on the Chinook Entrepreneurial Challenge. As founder and head of program development for the Center for Board Development, she is responsible for co-ordinating a team of facilitators in providing consulting and project management services to board-governed organizationsin Alberta.
James Baron has been an avid photographer for 17 years. The professional side of his passion, Baron PhotoGraphics, bears the motto “Capturing Your Moment.” And capture he does, from sporting event,commercial, glamour and wedding to the many faces of portraiture. For relaxation you will find him photographing nature and the outdoors. James prides himself on spending at minimum two weeks every year on professional development at various seminars in Canada & the U.S. When the viewfinder is not being held to his eye, he spends time with his spice and children. James enjoys outdoor recreation, motorcycling and a nice, cold beer.
Jeanie Baczuk was born and raised in Southern Alberta, living on her parent’s farm in 
Melissa always had a lot to say, you can ask her mom. As a child she was always telling stories and her mom got so sick of it that she thought it would be better for Melissa to write instead of chattering in her ear. Melissa has recently graduated from the print journalism program at Lethbridge College, and has worked as a freelance writer in and around Lethbridge. Most recently she and her husband, Cody, have purchased Shutterbug Photography, and Melissa works there part-time as Cody’s assistant photographer and life organizer. When they aren’t in the studio they’re on the slopes cascading through the trees with fellow skiers or relaxing with their furry children Tank and Lola.
Amanda Berg has lived in Lethbridge since 1994. She achieved her Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Management degrees from the University of Lethbridge, and is currently the Front of House Manager for the University of Lethbridge Theatres. Her articles have appeared in Legacy Magazine, Lethbridge Home Trends and Lethbridge living. Amanda is a fine arts enthusiast, and loves spending time on her family ranch.
Maya Ichikawa is an illustrator and graphic designer. Born and raised in 
Diane grew up in Edmonton, spent three years in Calgary, and moved to Lethbridge in the winter of 1976. She kept hoping her slow migration south would eventually find her on the Gulf of Mexico! Many times she longed to be immersed back into the excitement and commotion of the “big” city but Lethbridge is now her home and it has been extraordinarily good to her. It allowed her to raise two wonderful children, build amazing friendships and pursue her lifelong dream of writing. Diane has learned so much more about the world through her work at the university, and through meeting and writing about so many of her fellow citizens.
Brendan is a passionate student of history, philosophy
Jim has spent his working life, to date, behind a camera-a career that has almost spanned three decades. He started in the photo department at CFAC Television (now Global) in 1980. In 1999, he left the television station to start his own production company: The Commercial Factory. Through the years, he has worked on a countless number of commercials, videos and documentaries. Memorable jobs include producing a documentary on the Chernobyl disaster and its impact on the children of Belarus, and covering the early days of Nelson Mandela's new South African government. His first love has always been still photography and Jim enjoys shooting a wide variety of subjects. Some of his recent work can be seen on websites for the Lethbridge Hurricanes, the Lethbridge Lacrosse Association, the LCI Rams football team, NHL.com, WHL.ca and in Hockey Now magazine.
Jennifer’s family always knew she would spend some time as a journalist, especially after spending an entire Christmas Day, at the age of 13, poring over a gift: Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul: Journal. Jennifer grew up in Lethbridge, and after high school obtained a communication arts diploma at Lethbridge College. She moved to Pincher Creek, where she worked as a reporter, and from there she moved to Taber and worked as a journalist at the Taber Times for five years. But Lethbridge started calling her name, so she packed her bags and now calls Lethbridge home again. Jennifer works as a job coach at 5th on 5th Youth Services.
A regular contributor to Lethbridge living Stuart Mueller, MFA and former University of Lethbridge professor, has partnered with Jo-Anne Finch, Master Stylist at Catwalk Salon ^ Spa, to recently open Mueller Art Photography and Gallery. Having worked as a photographic artist for over 20 years, Stuart now brings his talent as a photographer and knowledge of art to every project undertaken, while Jo-Anne brings her sense of design and fun to sittings–not to mention the skills required for any last minute touch-ups! Located downtown, Stuart and Jo-Anne invite you to drop by and say hi, and take a few moments to visit their studio, and gallery with its beautiful art and craft objects available for sale in changing solo exhibitions. 
Andrew came to Alberta from Manitoba 13 years ago and loves it. Through the new media program at the University of Lethbridge, he has tried his hand at many forms of art, but photography, especially people and event photography, has an energy and excitement that no other hobby of his has. Andrew plans to make a name for himself in this field and cannot wait to see where he ends up next.
Chris Hibbard is a graduate from both the Lethbridge College and the University of Lethbridge. Currently working as a Communications Coordinator, he keeps himself busy enjoying the small-town feeling of a relatively large city. Originally from Calgary, Chris has no real desire to return. Why should he when he is surrounded by beautiful prairies, witness to chinook sunsets, and enjoys reasonably priced food and beverages? He has a bachelor of arts degree in general humanities, a diploma in journalism, and a uniquely rounded viewpoint on life. Chris is a journalist, writer, poet, CKXU radio volunteer and passionate music lover who enjoys being around people with a sense of humour and humility. 
In addition to “playing” with words, Kathy’s interests are learning about, and helping to build, “natural” homes; delicious experimenting in her kitchen; creating with “found” objects; walking; keeping a more “wild” yard; having child-like fun; listening to instrumental music; and living a slower, simpler life.
Completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts–New Media degree, at the University of Lethbridge, with a focus in photography laid the foundation for Jaime’s career as a photographer. He has been awarded the Roloff Beny Photographic Award in Fine Arts and the Daniel Lanier Award for Fine Art based work. Jaime interned alongside renowned Canadian photographer Dustin Rabin, and has also worked for Dine Alone Records where he was responsible for covering concerts, recording sessions, festivals and taking publicity shots for bands including City in Color, Bedouin Soundclash, Alexisonfire and Attack in Black. He returned to Lethbridge in 2008, and started his own business, Jaime Vedres Photography. His more recent work has taken him to Las Vegas, LA, Hawaii, Toronto, Kelowna, Vancouver and the Maritimes. Jaime also maintains a daily Lethbridge blog highlighting Southern Alberta with a photo a day–
Eric has been intrigued by the possibilities of language since his older brothers introduced him to the nonsense rhymes of Walt Kelly. He is active in community theatre and likes to play a little old time rock and roll with his friends. He is an occasional writing instructor and coach. His stories have appeared in the Lethbridge Herald, The London Free Press, Lethbridge living, and some have been airedon radio and television in Lethbridge and London,
Jenn Schmidt-Rempel took the most indirect route possible to become the Managing Editor of Lethbridge living. She’s worked as a waitress, office manager, theatre technician, career counsellor, communications officer, and writer; taking up the Managing Editor position at Lethbridge living in January 2007. Being the lazy sort, Jenn figured it would be easier to organize, delegate, sort out, plan, copy edit, and manage a magazine publication than it was to actually write and photograph for one. Jenn can text with lightning-fast speed on her Blackberry, drinks far too much coffee in a day, hates writing these things, but does enjoy talking about herself in the third person. In her spare time you can find her walking around Henderson Lake, hiking in any number of our mountain parks, reading, cuddling with her fur-kids, arguing the opposite opinion, and just generally tilting at windmills.
Katherine Wasiak is a freelance writer, photographer, and editor as well as a public relations professional with more than 25 years of experience, predominantly in the arts. She has written for several newspapers, publications, websites and magazines including Management Matters, Lethbridge living, Legacy, and Galleries West.
Roger has been writing for Lethbridge living magazine for about a year now. He was about a month into his new position as Co-ordinator for Meals on Wheels Lethbridge, when he answered a call from Jennifer Schmidt-Rempel, who said: "We want to do an article on Meals on Wheels." Roger responded, "And I'd like to write it for you!" It was soon arranged and the rest can be said to be history! Roger has also been an editor/writer/composer for the Westwind Weekly News. He loves the opportunity to write for the magazine and has learned a great deal about our wonderful city of Lethbridge. He also enjoys meeting and getting to know all the people he's written about, and looks forward to getting to know even more.
At 16, Jane submitted her first article for publication. It was called “Growing Up Canadian.” Jane proudly showed everyone she knew her “real” rejection letter. Jane remains passionate about writing and fascinated with Canada’s place in the word. Her articles on contemporary Canada have been published in more than a dozen national and regional magazines including the National Post, Alberta Views, Alberta Venture, Award and Lethbridge living. She also writes faith-based columns on Canadian history. Her 2006 book, Stars Appearing: The Galts’ Vision of Canada, links this city to the Fathers of Confederation. A few months ago, her non-fiction chapter “Jessie’s Generation: Canada’s Firebrands of Mercy and Justice,” was included in an anthology by Canadian writers, Hot Apple Cider: Stories to Warm the Heart and Stir the Soul. She is currently working on a book about the Aberhart Manning Legacy in Alberta. Jane loves writing for Lethbridge living because the assignments give her a chance to meet Southern Alberta’s most innovative and creative people.
