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Hamilton Spectator
a day ago
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Four generations, one legacy: McKims recognized as BMO Farm Family
The McKim family of DU Ranch have been named the 2025 BMO Farm Family for their multigenerational dedication to sustainable ranching and land stewardship in southern Alberta. With a heritage of raising Hereford cattle along the Livingstone Range since 1953, the McKims were nominated by the Municipal District of Pincher Creek for the annual award — an honour given to families in the districts south of Red Deer. The program is a partnership between the Calgary Stampede and the Bank of Montreal, recognizing southern Alberta farm families who exemplify the value of family-operated agriculture and contribute to rural life. This year, 19 families were honoured during a Stampede reception, with the McKims proudly representing the Pincher Creek area. Each winning family is featured in a commemorative booklet, and a copy will be on display at the MD administration office through the year. For the McKims, the award is more than just a plaque — it's a celebration of legacy, resilience and a shared commitment to the land across generations. 'We were very surprised. It was an extraordinary experience,' Puff McKim told Shootin' the Breeze. 'I do believe that every family deserves recognition. We've been living here since 1953. People recognized us as being worthy of being promoted. We appreciate that very much from the MD of Pincher Creek.' DU Ranch is now operated by Puff, husband Dan and daughter Kate McKim. Kate's sons, 13-year-old Liam Keil and eight-year-old Jase Keil, represent the fourth generation growing up on the ranch, continuing the family's deep-rooted connection to the land. The story begins with Puff's parents, Louis and Carey Dupret, who purchased the 2,500-acre mountain property in 1953 after moving from New Jersey to Blairmore. Louis, a French-born mining engineer, often travelled for work so Carey gradually took over the ranch operations, eventually building a reputable purebred Hereford herd. 'My mother was truly a pioneer,' said Puff. 'She worked hard at building a terrific cow herd in a business that was run mainly by men. I think my journey was easier because she'd already paved the way.' She also credited her father and husband for making the ranch the way it is now. 'The men in our lives are very important,' she said. 'My father designed all the buildings, and he helped my mother create this amazing herd of cattle. My husband, Dan, also works hand-and-foot with the rest of us.' Puff, who always had a fondness for cattle and horses, joined her mother back on the ranch in 1978 with Dan. For the last 47 years, they've raised sustainable and mountain-grown cattle. At one point in the 1980s, the McKims ran up to 200 pairs of purebred Herefords, but the herd was scaled back in the early 2000s following the BSE crisis. Today, the ranch supports 50 cow-calf pairs. But cows aren't the only thing you can find at DU. Puff and Dan's daughter, Kate, started her own business on the land in 2011. Centre Peak High Country Adventures offers riding lessons, trail rides and immersive ranch getaways. 'I was looking for ways to diversify the ranch, but at the same time being able to share with people what we do,' Kate said. 'I wanted to show the world that we are stewards of the land, and to allow people to kind of get back to their roots. I really wanted to set myself apart from other operators by offering that one-on-one experience. So I don't put different groups together.' On top of horseback riding, the ranch also offers getaways to guests. People can book stays at the Ranch Hand, a DU ranch stucco house, or Pioneer, a circa-1900 log cabin designated a municipal historic site in 2007. Kate feels deeply connected to the legacy of her grandparents, who started DU Ranch more than seven decades ago. 'My grandmother didn't know anything about cattle, and neither did my grandfather,' she said. 'But she was a tough lady, living in a man's world and trying to run a ranch. And she did quite well with it.' Kate said her mother, Puff, followed in those same footsteps alongside her father, and now she's proud to be carving her own path while remaining part of the family's ranching tradition. 'To me, it's inspiring,' she said. 'I'm forever grateful to my grandparents for starting what they started, because if it hadn't been for them, it wouldn't be possible for me to do what I'm doing.' Beyond welcoming visitors, the McKims have also worked with conservation programs like MultiSAR to protect wildlife habitat on their land. Fifteen species at risk have been identified on the ranch, and the family is committed to sustainable grazing and water stewardship. 'We maintain and take care of all the land under our stewardship. We're lucky that the valley remains fairly undisturbed,' Puff said. 'The wildlife lives without interference from people, and these critters have always been on the landscape — all these species that are supposedly at risk today. They've always thrived here, up and down the valley.' 'That's why it's so important to hang on to,' she continued, 'to maintain and keep safe everything we're fortunate enough to live next to.' Despite the changes that have come over seven decades, the family's focus on sustainability and co-operation hasn't wavered. 'We've always worked as a family unit,' Puff said. 'We all have the same idea in mind, which is to keep the ranch going and keep everything as healthy and as beautiful as it is in the valley.' Kate agrees with her mother. 'Working with family can be challenging, so having that open communication is very important,' she said. 'But being able to come together at the end of the day and be humble about who we are as humans is pretty important.' That groundedness is perhaps the ranch's greatest asset. From Louis's early vision to Carey's strength, from Puff and Dan's decades of dedication to Kate's passion for sharing ranch life — the DU Ranch remains a living story, still unfolding. 'My grandparents' story is quite inspiring, and to be able to live that legacy is pretty incredible,' Kate said. 'I'm just grateful for the opportunity to be doing what I'm doing.' Looking forward, the McKims hope their ranch 'can survive and stay in the family,' said Puff. Kate echoed that sentiment. 'I want to carry on with the cow herd we currently have, perhaps build it up to be a little bit bigger, if we can sustain it,' she said. 'Hopefully the boys [her sons] will one day want to be here and take it over.' Error! 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Time Out
2 days ago
- Time Out
I found European summer vibes at a beach resort in the Dominican Republic
Junior year of college, I was invited by my then-best friend to spend a few weeks on the beach in Italy with her family. It was a brief but transformative experience, introducing me to the carefree feeling everyone on Instagram is trying to capture and sell. Long days spent mostly on the water, simple meals shared in big groups, casual conversations with strangers that somehow spark lifelong friendships—and so much wine. The way Europeans squeeze every last drop out of summer, doing everything from water aerobics to throwing impromptu beach parties and sitting down for those gloriously long, boozy lunches. The kind of stuff you just can't slap a filter over. Europe wasn't in the cards this summer, but I found that fleeting, anything-is-possible summer feeling at Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda in the Dominican Republic. Yes, that Club Med —the one that peaked in the '80s and '90s and seemed to disappear like tanning beds and dial-up internet. Turns out, the 75-year-old, French-born brand is alive, well and still opening resorts. This one opened in 2019 on a secluded stretch of Playa Esmeralda in the Dominican Republic. Billing itself as a luxury eco-resort, Michès is part of Club Med's five-star Exclusive Collection. Remote, yes—but with every modern amenity and convenience, the 93-acre beachfront oasis packs it in. For those unfamiliar, Club Med is an all-inclusive resort: one price covers your stay, meals and activities. But that barely scratches the surface of what turned out to be an expansive, rejuvenating and seriously fun vacation for me and my family. Like those weeks in Italy and the summers that followed, I made friends, sat down for proper lunches of freshly prepared meals, tried new things—and had champagne at every meal. Every morning began with a group jog around the property, followed by breakfast at Cayuco, the resort's main restaurant. Less buffet, more gourmet food court, the spread ranged from made-to-order eggs to a cornucopia of tropical fruit to a rotating daily station (my favorite) serving Mexican chilaquiles, French crepes, and other hangover-curing essentials. Pressed juices and enough caffeine options to rival a Starbucks rounded it out. Then it was off to the beach. I've been on trips where getting a lounger meant waking up at dawn or bribing someone to hold one. Not here. At Michès, loungers are plentiful because that's literally the point of a beach vacation. I didn't line up for anything, didn't have to make a single reservation. I just walked up to the sports shack, grabbed a paddle and life vest, and hit the water. Fresh coconut water? Available straight from the source, just add your paper straw. It wasn't about entitlement—I'm not above waiting for a piña colada—but about a certain level of ease. And I found that here. Club Med calls its staff G.O.s—Gracious Organizers—many of whom are young, seasonal workers from French-speaking countries. They wear a lot of hats, and they elevate the whole experience. One moment I'm dropping my toddler off at kids' club with an adorable young French girl; the next, her counselor is dressed as the Statue of Liberty at Cayuco for the Fourth of July. My jogging buddy? He also teaches water aerobics and performs in acrobatic shows. The G.O. who checked me in? She's front and center during Crazy Signs, the daily choreographed dance party that's a Club Med signature. Club Med felt more like summer camp led by adults who are professionally fun. The pop-up dance parties reminded me of melon time at One Fire Beach Club on the Amalfi Coast. One moment you're sipping an Aperol Spritz, the next a staffer is smashing open a watermelon and turning the beach into a rave. Two parties, same vibe. I spent hours lounging with a book, but when that got old, there was plenty to do. I tried archery for the first time, paddleboarded after lunch and convinced my husband to do yoga in the jungle. His first-ever class was led by an instructor trained under Jonah Kest, a globally known yoga ambassador. I learned that after the fact, but it tracked. Plus, the palapa had a Zen, treehouse feel that instantly set the tone. I never thought 'activities' would be my thing on a beach vacation since I usually pack as many books as I do clothes. But here we are. There's something to be said about relinquishing control and knowing you'll be taken care of. Club Med's slogan is 'L'Esprit Libre,' or 'the free spirit,' which, to me, meant trying something new and embracing simple moments. It may not have been my dream European beach club, but geography aside, it satisfied that same craving for connection, relaxation and joie de vivre—and I didn't even need to cross the Atlantic.
IOL News
2 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Bryan Mbeumo thrilled to follow in Ronaldo's footsteps at 'biggest club in the world' Manchester United
Big move French-born Cameroonian striker Bryan Mbeumo has completed his move from Brentford to Premier League giants Manchester United. Photo: Justin Tallis/AFP Image: Justin Tallis/AFP Bryan Mbeumo says he is excited to be following in Cristiano Ronaldo's footsteps at the "biggest club in the world" after signing for Manchester United. After weeks of drawn-out talks, the 25-year-old finally completed his move from Brentford on Monday for £65 million ($87 million) plus a potential £6 million in add-ons. The forward has signed a deal with the "club of my dreams" until 2030, with the option of a further season. "From the start I wanted to join this club, this massive club, and now I'm here and I'm just really happy," the Cameroon international told club media on Tuesday. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ "For me, it's the biggest club in the world, in England as well. I think the fans are crazy, the stadium is amazing, and I think every player wants to play here. "I think my first top was a Manchester United top with Ronaldo behind. It's just such a big club and I'm really happy to be here." Mbeumo is manager Ruben Amorim's third signing of the summer transfer window after the arrivals of forward Matheus Cunha and left-back Diego Leon. The right-winger, who scored 20 Premier League goals for Brentford last season, has been signed to boost United's firepower. The team managed a paltry 44 goals in 38 Premier League matches last season as they finished an embarrassing 15th in the table. Mbeumo played at Brentford under Thomas Frank, who has since moved on to Tottenham, and he believes Amorim has a similar approach. "I think they have similar values," he said. "He seems really close to his players and his mentality, his winning thinking every time. This is a thing that I need. "It seems to be a really good group. I think the spirit is really important for winning and with the gaffer I heard only good things about the team." United head to the United States for their pre-season tour on Tuesday. Their first Premier League game of the season is at home to Arsenal on August 17. AFP Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
AU Financial Review
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- AU Financial Review
Brisbane scores coup with trilogy from a contemporary master of dance
Benjamin Millepied has made a life out of movement. The French-born dancer turned choreographer spent his early childhood in Senegal, where his father was an Olympic track-and-field coach. It was here that Millepied first understood the unshakeable connection between dance and music – elements that have remained inseparable to him today. 'Movement was part of life … a very organic way of experiencing life,' he explains on a call from Nice ahead of bringing his contemporary ballet triptych Gems to Australia.
Daily Mirror
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Davina McCall shares heartbreaking admission about mum after yearning for unlikely star
Davina McCall says her mother was an eccentric, unpredictable figure, and when she was growing up, she yearned for a mum who was more like a famous Hollywood actress As she prepares to launch new BBC dating show, Stranded on Honeymoon Island, Davina McCall has revealed that when she was growing up, she had an unlikely TV heroine. Davina has previously said that she found her mother, Florence, a difficult person to grow up with, saying: 'She was an exotic, mad risk-taker, exciting to be around, chaotic, but I just wanted Angela Lansbury.' The Masked Singer judge was devoted to Angela Lansbury 's cosy mystery series Murder She Wrote, reports BritBrief: "She was the epitome of grace, intelligence, and strength," Davina said. "Watching her as Jessica Fletcher showed me that women could be both brilliant and relatable." Davina's own mum may have been brilliant in her own way, but she was hard for a teenage girl to relate to: 'The woman was a flasher. She used to wear coats and flash people in the street. She used to do citizens arrests. It was madness.' Speaking to the Daily Mail, Davina recalled one bizarre occasion when her mum drove across a cricket pitch in the middle of a match. By contrast to her mother's wild antics, Davina saw Angela Lansbury as a steady and reliable presence. She told Woman & Home Magazine: 'My birth mum was an alcoholic and we had a difficult relationship, I never lived with her. 'You'd think she was amazing because she's mad and really fun and kind of outrageous looking," Davina added. "But she wasn't brilliant at mothering. I always kind of wanted a cardigan-wearing Angela Lansbury to give me some food and just sit down and ask me out or to just be proud of me, I guess. But she just wasn't that person.' "I can now, in hindsight, appreciate that she was a pretty f*****g exciting person," she previously told The Observer magazine. "She just wasn't a brilliant mother.' Davina fell out with Florence more than once. They reconciled just before Davina married second husband Matthew Robertson in June 2000. But after her French-born mum went to newspapers with a story that her daughter had been attending Narcotics Anonymous meetings and was on the brink relapsing into addiction, Davina never spoke to her again. However, after Florence's death in 2008, Davina was describing her mum to new boyfriend, Michael Douglas: 'I said to Michael, 'You would have loved her,' and he said, 'I've met her.' "He went, 'She's in here,' and he put his hand on my heart. I thought 'F***. It was like I'd been denying my mum's existence in me for all those years'. "He said, 'All the bits that I like about you, your naughty bits, your party bits, I feel like that's your mum'."
