Westworld Alberta
Issue link: http://westworldmagazine.ama.ab.ca/i/68789
up front TEST YOUR A Roll in the Grass LAWN BOWLING: it's not just for blue hairs and bluebloods anymore. You don't even have to wear white linens. Just fl at shoes and a smile. The Lawn Bowling Association of Alberta has 10 member clubs across the province, including the founded-in-1923 Royal Lawn Bowling Club, on the Alberta Legislature grounds in Edmonton. Play involves rolling a weighted ball, called a bowl (which curves as it rolls), along a grassy surface, or pitch, toward a stationary ball called a jack. The goal is to get your, or your team's, bowls closest to the jack — occasionally by knock- ing away your opponent's bowl or the jack. A game usually lasts around two hours. Though play is relatively relaxed, the Royal's website offers a few points of etiquette: "protect the green," "do not carry on a running commentary as each bowl makes its way to the head," and "enjoy the game and attempt your best shot every time," among others. Easy. Membership fees range from $50 to $200 per season, which generally starts in mid-May and runs well into September. Most clubs rent bowls and allow non-members to play for a small fee. –C.M. bowls.ab.ca deep digging Road Smarts Q: When passing an emergency vehicle that has pulled over, lights fl ashing, on the side of a four-lane road, do you stop, slow down or pass at full speed? 4 (lawn bowling) Paul Springett/All Canada Photos, (police car) Tim Mantoani/Masterfi le A: Vehicles in the adjacent lane must slow down to 60 km/h or the posted speed limit, whichever is slower. However, vehicles in the next lane over can continue driving at the posted speed limit. Remember: Failing to slow down for emergency vehicles, such as police cars, tow trucks and ambulances, when you're required to do so will net you a hefty fi ne, and probably demerit points, too. High-Return Renos Before you break out paint rollers or unleash drywallers in your attic this summer, consider: how much value will the project add to your home? According to the Appraisal Institute of Canada, these four renos have the most payback potential: 1. Bathroom: 75–100%* 2. Kitchen: 75–100% 3. Interior painting: 50–100% 4. Exterior painting: 50-100% *Percentage return on renovation investment And don't forget: if you're planning a reno, notify your insurance company. Your policy may need to be adjusted to account for the increase in your home's value. WESTWORLD >> JUNE 2012 13