Edmontonians Dec06 by Edmontonians Newsmagazine

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ALBERTA’S LARGEST INDEPENDENT PAGING COMPANY

pompous & unfair FUNNY

See and be seen

By Muggsy Forbes

...wish I could, wish I might

here is an old joke about two

Congratulations to Associated Engineering.

Chinese fellows who were talking about cars. One fellow says, “I was hoping for a Rinken and I got a Cataract.” Well… I got two cataracts plus some good old fashioned glaucoma. I’m now legally blind—temporarily, anyway. I’ve spent the past two months grounded: not able to work or drive. I’ve relied on Dr. Ollie, friends Al Bryant, Stan Smordin, George Reid of Dial Travel and others to chauffeur me around town. I have to say thanks to the doctors who did all the technical stuff. Firstly, my optometrist, Dr. Ben Doz, discovered the problem and sent me to Dr. Morley Kutzner who worked me in after hours because there was concern it might be cancer. It wasn’t… so off I went to Dr. R Casey—aka Mr. Glaucoma—at the Royal Alex Eye Clinic. He’s been great, ridding both eyes of cataracts. Being visually challenged has opened my eyes to the difficulties other people face. Thankfully, I am not blind… but being unable to do all the things I usually do has been frustrating. Having to rely on other people is emotionally draining. The last two months have been trying—I’ve been trying to walk, trying to use my computer, trying to watch TV, trying to stay optimistic. I may not know the outcome of the last operation by deadline so I’ll let you know next month. Let’s hope I have a seeing–all Christmas.

The Edmonton-based consulting engineering firm received the Institution of Structural Engineers—IStructE— commendation award for the design of the City’s Whitemud Creek Arch Bridge Pedestrian Walkway. I haven’t had a chance to walk over it, but I will as soon as I can see my way down there. Symposium put on by the Edmonton chapter of the Canadian Association of Journalists—CAJ. There were about 100 wanna-be writers mingling with a bunch of seasoned broadcasters and ink-stained scribes from the print business. The main speaker was Arthur Kent, now living in London, England but still one of Canada’s more famous wandering news reporters. He’s covered the Middle East many times and, during the opening night social, I had a chance to ask him how they could solve the war in Afghanistan. Quick as a journalist going for free food, he said, “Legalize heroin… that’s what it’s all about, money. Do that and it’ll be over, overnight.” Arthur was an interesting guy to be around with tales to tell. Ditto for all the speakers. It was gratifying to see student reporters scribbling and asking questions. Darn good ones too. Sun columnist Kerry Diotte, who heads up the CAJ here, was the chair of the event.

Here’s a bit of an up-date on some of the events

A delectable way to enjoy dinner hosted by the

Dr. Ollie and I have attended in the last few weeks. We love the Concordia University College Grande Masque Ball. The sold-out event raised $45,000. I also had a chance to chat with Harry Hole, there with wife Muriel, about his more than generous donation to the school. I think if you have that kind of money there’s no better place to put it than into education. Harry agrees, “It goes on working for long after we’re all gone.” Amen to that. One of my other favourites is the Employabilities annual Beans & Jeans fundraiser in mid-November. It sold out once again—all 55 tables with 10 places each. This is one of the very best silent auctions… Danny Hooper embarassed thousands of dollars out of a lot of people. Thanks to Chuck and Linda Corvec of Can West IT Solutions Ltd for the invitation. Chuck’s company looks after all the computers and training aids for the Employabilities office. He was kind enough to come over and fix my own computers when no one else could. Bud and son David Salloum know how to host an interesting evening. The Salloum Wealth Management Group invited clients for a movie, finger food and a top notch speaker. This year the speaker was a client: Pat Laforge, president of the Oilers. Instead of the expected rah-rah hockey speech, Pat talked about how involved the team members, their significant others and employees are in the community. In fact, they’ve raised $3.5 million for the many charities they support—everything from breast cancer to pee wee hockey schools. It’s nice to hear about the humanitarian side of the club.

Italian Chamber of Commerce is to have Italian food aficionados at your table… someone like Joe and his mother Maria of Saccomanno’s Pizza, Pasta & Deli. We started the four-course spread, created by Antonella Cascione and Petroleum Club Chef Patrick Chaudet, with petite onion pizza, an appetizer “unique to Puglia” said our table guide, Joe. Puglia is found in the south end of the Italian peninsula known as the “heel of the boot”. Next on the menu was the orecchiette pasta in white sauce with rapini, a green vegetable. “It’s also good with liver sausage,” suggested Joe. Maria found this dish too spicy as did the Club’s general manager Ilario Re who came to Canada from Northern Italy where dishes are not so hot. “You can travel 100 km in Italy and find totally different recipes,” noted Ilario. Even the bottled water differs among regions. For example, Amore, brought in from Grimaldi by Joe Bernardo, is legendary for its low mineral content and kidney cleansing properties. And desert? “Hand prepared and labour intensive,” chuckled Ilario. “They started preparing on Saturday before the Monday dinner. Patrick was quite nervous.” Brava, Jonathan Butterworth and team from the ICC. The evening’s proceeds went to Edmonton’s school lunch program where 2300 children from 12 schools can fill thier tummies, thanks to Flavours of Italy.

A few weeks ago, I attended the National Writers

recounts how Frank moved from Ortona, Italy, to Canada after the war; he promised to return for Maria after he made some dough and got himself established. You’ll the love story about Frank—a GQ man back in the day—dressed in “fine black Italian wool…white cotton shirt and black satin bow tie”—and his visits to the Trocadero Ballroom for a waltz and a tango. His mother had been an aristocrat and an elegant dancer in the old country. Do yourself a favour this season: Find Molly’s historical novels at the local independent book shop. A good read.

Rob Christie of Magic 99 and Graham Hicks of the Sun put together what’s turning out to be a fun evening. The Art of Conversation is a great way to meet new people, talk to strangers without fear, and try a different restaurant every month. Dr. Ollie and I attended the yak fest at The Sutton Place Hotel where I had a chance to converse with Melody Wilson of Concordia University College. GM Richard Wong laid on a spread of chocolate: fondues, a chocolate fountain, and delicious crepes made-to-order. That night I became a non-practicing diabetic. There was even a three piece group playing soft music in a corner. When you get involved in something like the Art of Conversation, you notice there’s been another shift among the city’s finer eateries. Remember when The Vintage Room and The Carvery closed “for renovations” only to emerge as casual dining spots? “In the past, you had to wear a jacket; if you came without, they provided you with one,” recalls hotelier Richard. “Today we call it cuisine nouveau where experience is important once again.” The new style requires customer service, quality products, comfortable environment, and attention to detail. You can find all that at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. It’s on the street side of the World Trade Centre. The place is sumptuous: wood paneled rooms, high ceilings, 1800° flash-sizzled steaks that check out for $180 a pop. Edmonton is number 99 in the U.S. chain founded by Ruth Fertel, the woman who mortgaged her house in 1965 for $22,000 to buy a restaurant—against the advice of her lawyer and accountant. “You run a very fine hotel,” Ruth told Richard in the late 1990s when she stayed at his hotel at Newport Beach. The crowd and the ambience at Ruth’s Chris reminded me of those posh New York restaurants you see in the movies. A comfortable setting for GM Brian Welsh, formally of the Hotel Macdonald, and Front of House Manager Adrian Francis. Before Abe Silverman drove me home, I conversed artfully with Ted Powers, Bob Hebert of Hillview Homes, and his very attractive wife Linda, a former Klondike dancer. Also spotted artfully conversing were Olympic-NHL-business performance coach Steffany Hanlen, serial entrepreneur Eva Mah Borsato, and new arrival on Edmonton’s downtown chiropractor scene, handsome doctor Brad Basaraba. ✔

Speaking of the Saccomanno’s, Maria and her husband Frank make an appearance in Molly Anne Warring’s latest book. Lost Paradise, published this year, is the second in her trilogy after Paradise Acres. Molly

Additional reporting by Edmontonians staff. Call Muggsy Forbes at 780.482.4545 or e-mail mforbes@edmontonians.com

EDMONTONIANS DECEMBER 2006

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CELEBRATING

Poll

STATION

YEARS

With Linda Banister

FOUNDER DICK MacLEAN

Vol. XVII

dmontonians have always had a fondness for hockey. The entry of the Oilers into the National Hockey League for the 1979-1980 season was a dream come true. The 2004-2005 year saw a hiatus in NHL hockey, coming back as a “new” NHL. In this month’s Poll Station, we asked people about the new NHL and their predictions for this year’s Edmonton Oilers.

DECEMBER 2006 No. 12

SHARON MacLEAN Publisher and Advertising Director Telephone: 780.482.7000 Fax: 780.488.9317 e-mail: info@edmontonians.com edmontonians.com

INSIDE FUNNY, POMPOUS AND UNFAIR See and be seen/Forbes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 POLL STATION NHL Changes/Banister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

almost one-third (31 percent) of this group. Other mentions included a faster game (23 percent) and stricter refereeing (13 percent).

ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH NHL RULE CHANGES?

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS Export markets/Lockhart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

COVER Biggest ever/ Deters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Media Darlings/Deters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 2007 Social Calendar/Blomert . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-11

DO YOU PLAN TO ATTEND ANY OILERS’ GAMES? 45%

Percentage

EDMONTONIAN IN EXILE Plus 15/Edmondson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

37% 16%

MAKING MONEY The magic number/Hiebert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 BIZINTEL Science & Tech/Croucher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 BizIT/Michetti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Media Minute/Hogle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Civic Buzz/Norwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 LIVELY LIFESTYLES Absolute Bodo/Bodo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 MenuMagic/Berry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 BARB DETERS Editor

editor@edmontonians.com COLUMNISTS Linda Banister John Berry Linda Bodo Cheryl Croucher Janet Edmondson Muggsy Forbes Ron Hiebert Bruce Hogle Cheryl Lockhart Greg Michetti David Norwood Nizar J. Somji FEATURE WRITERS Barb Deters Peter Drake McHugh Michael O’Toole Marg. Pullishy PHOTOGRAPHERS Terry Bourque Fred Katz

Said they were very familiar with the changes

Said they were somewhat familiar with the changes

Said they were not at all familiar with the changes

First we asked respondents how familiar they were with changes implemented to the NHL as a result of the league lock-out in 2004/2005. Sixteen percent said they were very familiar with the changes implemented. A further 37 percent indicated they were somewhat familiar, while 45 percent said they were not at all familiar. Respondents were then presented with two of the more prominent changes. First, they were asked about the shoot out. Almost half (48 percent) said the shoot out has had a positive impact on the game. Only eight percent suggested the shoot out has had a negative impact. More than one-third of respondents (35 percent) were unsure. Next, respondents were asked to comment on the impact the salary cap has had on the game. Over two-thirds (68 percent) felt this had a positive impact on the game, while 22 percent were unsure. Respondents were then asked whether they thought there were other changes that made the game better. Over one-third (39 percent) said yes. These respondents were then asked what those changes were. The elimination of the two-line pass and a reduction in fighting were identified by

Respondents were asked whether they had purchased tickets to the Oilers’ games this season. Four percent had purchased season tickets, two percent had purchased mini-packs, and two percent had purchased individual game tickets already. However, despite these smaller numbers, over one-third (37 percent) were planning on attending at least one game this season. The 63 percent of respondents that had no plans to attend a game this season were asked for their reasons. Forty-three percent said the expense of attending the games was a main reason, another 37 percent simply had no interest in hockey, and 10 percent said they prefer to watch the games on television in the comfort of their homes.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS YEAR’S TEAM? Finally, respondents were asked to comment on this year’s version of the Oilers. On a scale of 1 to 5 (with 1 being the lowest rating and 5 the highest), almost half (45 percent) rated the team as a 4 of 5. In fact, 17 percent predicted the team will win the Stanley Cup, with another 18 percent saying the team will make it to the finals but not win.

Linda Banister is a certified management consultant and the owner of Banister Research and Consulting Inc., a full service provider of market research and program evaluation services. Want a question included in the Edmontonians Poll? Contact Linda at 780.451.4444 or e-mail at lbanister@edmontonians.com. Visit www.banister.ab.ca.

GRAPHIC PRODUCTION Rage Studios Inc. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Michetti Information Solutions Inc.

THIS MONTH’S COVER

Local, high profile media personalities support charities. Fred Katz Photography Published by 399620 Alberta Ltd. on the first day of each month at 333, 10240 - 124 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5N 3W6. ©All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reprinted or reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. Manuscripts: must be accompanied by a stamped, selfaddressed envelope. Edmontonians is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts. All stories Copyright ©Edmontonians Publications Mail Agreement No. 40023292 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Circulation Department 333, 10240 - 124 Street Edmonton, AB T5N 3W6 Email: info@edmontonians.com

EDMONTONIANS DECEMBER 2006

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INE

GRE

EDMO NTO N ER

AT I O N A L

By Cheryl Lockhart

xpatriate government officials posted

to Canadian embassies or trade offices abroad are required to travel home to explain why companies should consider doing business in their appointed region. This fall brought two such visitors to our city, Canada’s Ambassador to Germany, the Honourable Paul Dubois, and Wes Sawatzy, the managing director of Alberta’s Japan Trade Office. Interestingly, each man had a similar story to tell, of a nation that is slowly emerging from a dark economic situation, often decades long, to become a more open, welcoming and prosperous place to do business. Ambassador Dubois was the guest of Walter Ahlisch and the German Canadian Business Association of Alberta. He spoke to approximately 60 guests after dinner at the German Canadian Cultural Centre. Many of those in attendance were recent immigrants to Canada or had strong family and business ties to Germany. It was that group the Ambassador was addressing when he tried to “paint a picture of how full the glass is, not how empty it is,” referring to the pessimism many have felt about Germany’s prospects in recent years. Germany remains the world’s third largest economy and its strength within the European Union cannot be understated. Of the EUs other 24-member states, only four count the U.K. or France as their largest trading partner; Germany is the number one destination for exports among the other 20. This economic clout provides it with a significant voice in the EU and, as the Ambassador pointed out, Canada would be “street smart to recognize their weight at the EU table” when lobbying on topics ranging from the environment to market access. Dubois expounded on Canada’s multi-faceted relationship with Germany. In the past—particularly prior to the fall of the Iron Curtain—the bond between our two nations focused on security and defence, with a strong NATO overtone. Over the years, it has broadened to include trade and investment and, more recently, educational exchanges. As it becomes more difficult for German students to obtain visas to the U.S., many are choosing Canadian post-secondary institutions. Our multicultural and immigration policies have even become models for Germany; particularly the 2005 Immigration Act. Lawmakers in that country examined many immigration models around the world, including Australia and the U.S., but ultimately decided to model their policies on Canadian regulations surrounding immigration, refugee seekers and integration. What really struck me that evening was the extent of Canada’s cultural ties to Germany. In the ambassador’s

Edmontonian IN EXILE

By Janet Edmondson Janet and Owen Edmondson moved to Calgary in July. Janet can be contacted at jedmondson@edmontonians.com

words, “the glue to the relationship today is culture.” Canadiana is well received in Germany; there are over 1,000 Canadian-authored books that have been translated and published into German, 24 Canadian theatre groups will tour the country this year, and almost every night of the week one can attend a Canadian cultural event somewhere. These events include visual arts, film, new media, dance and theatre and are almost always of a contemporary nature. In fact, 3.. 2.. 1, co-written by Edmonton’s Chris Craddock and Nathan Cuckow, is one such play that was recently translated into German with plans to stage the show in Berlin in 2007. You wouldn’t think that a story about life, religion and homophobia in small town Alberta would put bums in seats in a foreign country but it is precisely the type of story that is well received among German theatre-goers… thankfully, it doesn’t perpetuate the Canadian stereotypes of mountains, Mounties and hockey. In the Q & A session following the Ambassador’s talk, one recent arrival from Germany complained that Canada was basically the same as America and not at all what he expected! I’d like to think that he just hasn’t had a chance to fully experience what Canada has to offer yet and will soon change his mind.

ALBERTA OIL TOOL RECOGNIZED It is probably safe to say that government officials in Canadian trade offices abroad wish more companies approached international markets the way Alberta Oil Tool has done: aggressively. AOT’s export sales have jumped 129 percent in the past three years with sales expected to reach $16.9 million in 2006, earning high praise and recognition from the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters. Recently, at the Canadian Innovation Awards in Calgary, AOT President Darryl Harrington accepted the Development of Export Sales award on behalf of the Edmonton-based company. According to Jim Kosh, responsible for international sales and marketing, the key to AOT’s export success

The Sleeping Giant Awakens—No, Not China Think Japan. Major exports from Alberta are commodities: canola seed and oil, pork, woodpulp, forages, wheat and cobalt. However, it is the prospect of opportunities in information and communications technology, advanced sciences and agri-food that attract attention. Sawatsky acknowledged that the title of his presentation, The Sleeping Giant Re-awakens could be seen as controversial. After all, such grandiose exclamations are usually reserved for stories about China. But I completely agree with Sawatsky—the Japanese economy is still twice the size of China’s and Japanese citizens are among the

Wes Sawatsky wealthiest people in the world. The economy is finally growing after 12 years of stagnation and this is not due to government intervention (public works spending has been sustaining GDP growth for years). It is being driven by private enterprise—businesses that are interested in partnering with Canadian companies. For regular readers of The Economist or other international publications, the content of these presentations may not have been new but the context for Canadian businesses is what makes them valuable… and why Canadian/Albertan representative offices are established overseas. However, I sensed an element of frustration with Dubois and Sawatsky (and have experienced it myself on occasion), at the lack of real interest on behalf of Canadian companies in truly exploring these new markets and taking advantage of the opportunities made available to them. Finding opportunities is the easy part, investing time and money in making them pay off is more difficult.

hen I was a young girl in Calgary, every Saturday my best friend Nora and I would take our 50-cent allowances—enough for a plastic ring and a snack at Woolworths— and go shopping downtown. We’d walk along 8th Avenue from The Bay to Eaton’s in any weather Calgary would throw at us. Moving back to Calgary almost 40 years later, I have discovered the “Plus 15”, an intricate system of pedways and bridges connecting most of the buildings in the downtown core. Now, I know Edmonton has a similar system, but the City of Calgary has added a real show stopper. Its Devonian Gardens* are right in the middle of downtown: 2.5 acres of climate-controlled garden—pathways, benches, fountains, sculptures, koi and turtle ponds, and a playground. This place is paradise. It’s warm, it’s bright, and it smells like damp earth—aromatherapy for a wistful gardener. There are more than 20,000 plants in displays that change every three weeks. Right now, the place is awash in Christmas cactus, kalanchoe, orchids and greenery. I love the Muttart Conservatory in Edmonton. But, let’s

Perrin Beatty, president and CEO of CME, with AOT president Darryl Harrington and Scott Shepherd of Northstar Trade Finance. has been “export strategies tailored to each individual country and company that our products are exported to.” For example, in Venezuela, “AOT received favourable status in the eyes of the PDVSA, the stateowned oil company, for the use of a Venezuelan employee. This has resulted in the company being able to claim over 50 percent of the eastern Venezuelan heavy oil market, and $26.7 million in sales since 1997.” In other markets, it has used existing distribution networks, thus minimizing its expenses. These distribution networks may be in place via domestic customers who are doing business overseas, or they can be foreign partners. Regardless, AOT does not grant exclusive rights in a territory in order to maintain flexibility and maximize market penetration. Partnering with other Canadian companies has also proven to be a winning strategy. By putting together a comprehensive “package” with suppliers of other components in artificial lift systems, all of a sudden AOT is selling a solution, rather than simply rods, valves and fittings—which is much more attractive to the buyer. These packages are often created in response to foreign tenders, which request several components of the pumping system. Without these partnerships, AOT and the other suppliers would not be able to meet tender requirements. Although AOT’s products can be found in 35 countries—Kazakhstan, Albania, Venezuela and Chad are currently their largest markets—the company isn’t taking it easy. Kosh emphasizes that exporting “remains one of our top focuses. There are only so many opportunities if we only sell domestically.” Exactly the point Dubois and Sawatsky emphasized as well. ✔ Cheryl Lockhart owns International Strategies Ltd., specializing in exportrelated planning and marketing. E-mail: clockhart@edmontonians.com face it: If you don’t live in Cloverdale, how often do you drive to the “pyramids”? Generally, when you have out-of town guests, right? And when you do take visitors to see this lush conservatory, it costs $7.75 each to get in. There are over 3,500 businesses in downtown Calgary, with more than 120,000 employees. These people can eat their lunches in this oasis every day, for free. Throw in Calgarians who like to shop downtown, and the vacationers and business travelers who stay in city centre hotels, and you’ve got a lot of people enjoying a little hint of the tropics, right in the middle of Calgary’s relentless winter. In freezing temperatures, I have found heaven: a warm and peaceful retreat… with Holt Renfrew and the Gap just outside the door. Merry Christmas! ✔ *Alberta has two Devonian Gardens: the one donated to the city of Calgary by ther Devonian Group of Charitable Foundations and Calford Properties, and the botanical garden west of Edmonton, which was name for the same Foundation after a significant donation. Its full name is The University of Alberta Devonian Botanic Garden.

EDMONTONIANS DECEMBER 2006

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5th Annual Social Calendar

Biggest Ever

By Barb Deters

least 100 listings.” That was three calendars ago. Now, a lot of the contacts recognize her name, and she’s met some face-to-face. “So often, there is tremendous enthusiasm when the groups are contacted… they bend over backward to provide the information. Many of them phone back and thank me for including them in the calendar. “It’s encouraging when Sun columnist Graham Hicks and others mention how valuable the calendar is for planning.” Indeed, it is intended as a resource for leaders of commerce and the community to identify their philanthropic favourites, and to plan personal and corporate donations and attendance. Moreover, organizations like to check dates to see if their event will be in conflict with other fundraisers. Elizabeth—no stranger to the fundraising circuit herself—admits that getting people to call back is the most frustrating aspect of what is otherwise a fun project. “After initial enthusiasm, people don’t always follow through. It’s a shame, because this is a real community service and free to the organizations. “But my faith was restored when I got a callback from a doctor—who took the time between surgeries—to confirm that I had the correct information for his fundraising project.”

Elizabeth Blomert

Photo by Terry Bourque

The Media Darlings

he bottom line? “I always get more than I members of the media “have an obligation to give back. We’re in a position to raise the profile of charities. My give out… it comes back 10-fold. I come away a better person every time.” So says preference is to work with smaller non-profit organizations. I’m most committed to social causes: Carrrie Doll, CTV Edmonton news literacy and domestic violence. I’ve served as the honorary anchor, regarding her involvement with charity chair of the Bent Arrow Healing Society for the past two fundraisers. It is a sentiment shared by her contemporaries years—it’s doing positive, hopeful things for aboriginal in the media. Edmonton is blessed with a strong contingent of popular children and their families.” ‘emcees’ who generously take on causes and share their talents to make charity galas memorable and entertaining for patrons and sponsors. They are motivated by personal circumstances and corporate commitment. Most of what they do is pro bono publico—for the public good. Edmontonians invited members of the broadcast media to participate in the 2007 Social Calendar feature. They are representative of the local media who step-up to raise funds and awareness for sick children… for cancer research… for excellence in sports… for inner city projects… for literacy. Whether they are involved in galas, golf tournaments, runs for a cure or cook-offs, they are motivated to make a difference. Not surprisingly, CBC at Six sports host Mark Connolly often participates in sporting events and then hosts the wrap-up banquet. “It comes with the territory. I also work closely with the Kinsmen Club—I’m a member—on the 65 Roses Dinner in support of cystic fibrosis. But I’m really committed to… absolutely passionate about cancer related Mark Sholz, Mark Connolly, events. Our family has been touched by cancer so Rob Christie, Lynda Steele it’s a personal commitment.” and Carrie Doll. Lynda Steele, co-anchor of Global News, believes

Former Big Breakfast host Mark Sholz now runs his own company, MES Inc. which specializes in hosting, radio/TV productions and event management. He’s the new Oilers in-house host for Aquila Productions and can be heard oft-times on CKUA. “I’m doing a lot of corporate events, but my personal commitment is to mental health (functions) and the Salvation Army.” In fact, Mark and his fellow “Doughboys”—who have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars running marathons for the Salvation Army—recently received the outstanding volunteer ward from the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Magic 99 morning man Rob Christie returned to Edmonton from Toronto a year ago. He anticipates “2007 will be a lot busier now that I’m settled back in.” He serves on the Caritas Hospitals Foundation, exemplifying his interest in assisting health facilities throughout the Capital Region, including the Stollery. “We draw on our own experiences and interests. Because my wife and I have two dogs, I also want to become involved with the Edmonton Humane Society.” Doll is motivated to make a difference… particularly in her efforts on behalf of the Stollery Children’s Hospital, the Alberta chapter of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and the Lois Hole Hospital for Women. Each has a special meaning to her, but of Lois Hole she says, “She touched my soul… inspired me to do what I could.” Together with these other “media darlings” that is a lot. Collectively, they have hosted close to 250 events in the past year—and that does make a huge difference. ✔

Fred Katz Photography

he Edmonton social scene comes alive in December: out come the tiaras and tuxes as Edmontonians dine and dance their way around the charity circuit. In the next year—as in years past—millions of dollars will be raised in support of charitable organizations and not-forprofit societies. The annual Social Calendar provides readers of Edmontonians with a comprehensive guide to galas and balls with receptions, silent auctions, dinners, music and dancing… charitable events for health and research, education, the arts and social programs… black tie and other high-end events. In the beginning, it was mostly about the dance. Over the past five years, Edmontonians Social Calendar has evolved to encompass the largest, most comprehensive list of fundraising events in the Capital Region. The 2002 calendar carried a relatively scant 49 galas. By comparison, the 2007 calendar contains 123 events on the following pages, and more than 165 in the on-line version. This growth can be attributed, in large part, to the diligence of Elizabeth Blomert who is relentless in her pursuit of up-to-date information from the organizers. When she first accepted the challenge of compiling the 2005 calendar, she recalls, “I almost choked when I was told to get at

2007 Social Calendar Complete listing of more than 165 galas and events sponsored by registered charities, social and cultural societies/business/professional organizations and other not-for-profit groups. • update & add 2007 events • register your 2008 gala

edmontonians.com

EDMONTONIANS DECEMBER 2006

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december 2006 EREB Christmas Luncheon/ 8 ERCF Santa’s Silent Auction The Edmonton Real Estate Board invites its realtors and guests to join together to raise funds for the Edmonton Realtor’s Chari-table Foundation. Northlands AgriCom. Tickets: $45. Enjoy a special luncheon and great top-10 band entertainment.

Visit www.ereb.com and follow the links. Contact Lixmila Serrano 453.9350 The Holly Ball 8 Come home for an old fashioned Christmas at the Art Gallery of Alberta. Enjoy a champagne reception and dinner, catered by the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, at this festive evening to benefit the AGA New Vision Capital Campaign. Live music by Bobby Cairns & the Eclectics. Tickets: $300. Contact 422.6223 to reserve.

Snowflake Gala 11 The annual Snowflake Gala, presented by Don and Marina Ghermezian, is a fundraiser for equipment for the Stollery Children’s Hospital. Children and parents alike will don their finest attire to dine, dance and donate in a winter wonderland. Shaw Conference Centre. This event regularly sells out so be sure to get your tickets early. Visit www.stollerykids.com Contact Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation 433.5437

25th Annual 19 Christmas Bureau Breakfast Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP, Sobeys and The Westin sponsor the 25th Annual Christmas Bureau Breakfast to raise funds for festive meals for less fortunate Edmontonians at Christmas. The Westin. Tickets: $60 ($50 tax receipt is issued). Visit www.christmasbureau.edmonton.ab. ca/e.htm Contact P. Daryl Wilson, Q.C 970.5261 or Jenn Muir 423.7385

2007 SOCIAL CALENDAR

Compiled by Elizabeth Blomert with photos by Fred Katz Photography

january 2007 2ND Annual Luncheon 16 for Public Health Alooooha! Join the U of A Faculty of Nursing in support of this fundraiser for the Nursing Chair in Public Health. Delta Centre Suite Hotel. Tickets: $50. Put on your best Hawaiian shirt or muumuu and hula your way to learn more about new approaches to primary health care. Contact Fiona Wilson 492.9171

Chocolate Affair 3 The 7th Annual Chocolate Affair Gala will support enhanced patient care and exciting new research at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital. Guests will enjoy an elegant evening filled with delicious Bernard Callebaut chocolate. Black tie with a military-ball theme. Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. Tickets: $300. Visit www.glenrosefoundation.com Contact the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation Office 735.6024

Fork it Over 26 The Rotary Club of Edmonton Mayfield and the Compassion House Foundation team up for this dinner, featuring Lynda Steele and Danny Hooper who will auction off exotic dinner packages in support of Sorrentino’s Compassion House. Delta Edmonton South Hotel. Visit www.compassionhouse.org and www.mayfieldrotarty.shawbiz.ca. Contact Wendi Danbrook 425.7224 and Lorne Wight at 468.8850.

Johann Strauss Ball 3 This formal event celebrates the Johann Strauss Foundation scholarships for advanced music studies in Austria. It is an elegant evening of flowing ball gowns, black tie and immaculate uniforms in the Viennese style. The Westin Hotel. Tickets: $200. Visit www.johannstrauss.ca Contact Dale or Brenda Dahl 467-8984 Improv on the Ave 9 The first annual fundraiser for DECSA Flavour Budzzz training program features an evening of fine food and improvisation by Rapid Fire Theatre. DECSA is an employment counseling service for people with chronic and persistent mental illness wanting to gain employment in the food services industry. Alberta Avenue Community Hall. Tickets : $60.00. Visit www.decsa.com Contact Doug Thompson 378.0586

february 2007 Chamber Ball 2 It’s being billed as the House of Copper and Blues at the Shaw Conference Centre. The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce Ball features The Blues Brothers (Dan Ackroyd and Jim Belushi), and honours the Edmonton Investors Group, owners of the Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club. Tribute to outgoing Chair Jackson von der Ohe and inauguration of Greg Christenson as 2007 Chair. Visit www.edmontonchamber.com for a ticket order form, or call 426.4620 Bids for Kids Dinner, 2 Auction and Dance Raising funds for the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of Edmonton summer camps is the focus of this event, sponsored by the Public School Administrators Association. Northlands Agricom. Visit www.psaa.ca Contact Nancy Petersen 479.0155

11th Annual Western Mardi Gras 3 Support the Chrysalis Charitable Foundation to raise funds for program and service enhancements for persons with disabilities. The evening features a buffet dinner and dance and silent and live auctions hosted by Danny Hooper. Northlands Agricom. Western dress. Tickets:$60 or a table of 10 for $600. Visit www.chrysalis.ab.ca Contact Laurie Balfour 482.0337

2nd Annual Chocolate Festival 10 The evening features a silent auction and a wine tasting with expert William Bincoletto. Sponsored by the Learning Disabilities Association of Alberta – Edmonton Chapter to raise awareness of persons with learning disabilities and their support systems. The Sutton Place Hotel. Tickets: $50.00. Visit www.ldaa-ec.net Contact 466.1011

Mark Sholz ...brings humour and zaniness to the podium

Chinese New Year Banquet 10 A fundraiser for the 25th anniversary of the Chinese Bilingual Program, this evening will feature a traditional 10-course meal; non-stop entertainment and lucky red pockets from the Chinese god of wealth. Join dignitaries to celebrate the Year of the Pig. Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Visit www.ecbea.org Contact Stephen Tsang Sturgeon Hospital Foundation 10 Friend Raiser Gala 15th annual fundraiser gala to benefit patient care programs and equipment at the Sturgeon Community Hospital. Fourcourse gourmet meal with complimentary dinner wine, live and silent auctions, followed by a dance band. Black tie optional. Crowne Plaza-Chateau Lacombe. Tickets: $150. Contact kblack@cha.ab.ca Have a Heart Dinner 10 Edmonton Glenora Rotary Club holds this annual fundraiser gala for community projects in education, andfor children and women in need. Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. Tickets: $150. Contact Gail Forre 970.5256 Beaded Journeys 15 Join host Mayor Stephen Mandel and the Kids with Cancer Society for the 2nd annual Beaded Journeys gala. Held in conjunction with International Childhood Cancer Awareness Day to raise funds and create awareness of the strength and courage of children who battle cancer and their inspirational spirit. Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. Black tie. Tickets: $250. Visit www.kidswithcancer.ca Contact Val Figliuzzi 496.2459 United Way 2006 Awards 15 of Distinction This special gala recognizes the achievements of our community’s 2006 United Way campaign. Individuals, organizations and corporations are acknowledged for their contributions to the success of the annual campaign. Shaw Conference Centre. Tickets: $80 Visit www.unitedthisistheway.com Contact Lynn Funk 990.1000 6th Annual Laughing for Cancer 18 Who’s laughing now? You will be at this 6th annual event to raise funds for the Cross Cancer Institute. Join Andrew Grose and his gang of Edmonton comedians as they giggle and guffaw at Yuk Yuks.

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Features a three-hour live auction, silent auction and the show. Visit www.laughingforcancer.com Contact 780.481.YUKS Edmonton MotorShow 28 Precious Metal Gala Sponsored by the Edmonton Motor Dealer’s Association, this lively evening features a themed reception—food, beverages and an open bar—with entertainment. Funds raised go toward scholarships at NAIT for apprenticeship programs. Northlands Agricom. Tickets: $125 or $105 per ticket for a group purchase. Visit www.emda.cars.com Contact Bob Vilas 423.2401

march 2007 Turning the Tables 1 Alzheimer Benefit Dinner Join the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories for this semi-formal evening to benefit research, education and support services. Guests will be pampered and entertained by “honourary waiters” vying for the title of “Waiter of the Night” as they earn donations in the form of tips. Dinner, entertainment, auctions and raffles. Crowne Plaza-Chateau Lacombe. Tickets: $150, or $1350 per table. Visit www.alzheimer.ab.ca Contact Chad Kultgen 488.2266 ext 225 Dessert Gala 2007 2 The Canadian Red Cross presents a dessert lover’s extravaganza at the Highlands Golf Club. Sample sweet treats to delight any palate. Enjoy an evening of entertainment, prize draws, a silent auction and more. Hear how Red Cross is helping to prevent violence and abuse in our community. Tickets: $50. Visit www.redcross.ca Contact The Red Cross 423.2680 SS Benefit NAIT Cruise 3 to United Arab Emirates The 19th annual gala dinner and auction supports NAIT and is by invitation only. Contact June Brooker at 471.8408 An Evening with Artists… 3 This auction is a fundraiser for Profiles Public Art Gallery, Arts and Heritage Foundation of St. Albert. St. Albert Place. Tickets: $20, include a glass of wine and refreshments. Visit www.artsheritage.ca Contact Heidi at 460-4310

2007 California Wine Fair 7 300 wines to sample. Incredible edibles. All included with the cost of your ticket. Adding to your wine cellar? Choosing wine with dinner? Come and talk to the experts. Presented by the California Wine Institute and benefiting the Citadel Theatre. Shaw Conference Centre. Tickets available at the Citadel Theatre Box Office. Visit www.citadeltheatre.com Contact 425.1820 The Next Big Thing 8 Enjoy this gala auction and fundraiser in support of the hundreds of young and emerging professional artists nurtured by Theatre Network and the Syncrude Next Generation Arts Festival. The Next Big Thing is full of one-of-a-kind entertainment and gift packages! Sponsored by the Theatre Network/Live at the Roxy. The Sutton Place Hotel. Tickets: $150. Visit www.theatrenetwork.ca Contact Paul Manuel 453.2440 The Red Carpet Affair 8 This gala fundraiser in support of the Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta) features Rick Hansen, winner of the 2007 Christopher Reeve Award, on the 20th anniversary of his ride through Edmonton as he neared the completion of the Man in Motion World Tour. The event also includes other community recognitions, a full course dinner, live and silent auctions. Tickets: $175. Visit www.canparaplegic.org/ab Contact 424.6312 Epicurean Experience— 8 it’s not hospital food Help support the Lois Hole Hospital for Women and celebrate International Women’s Day. Make a contribution to the new hospital by ordering the lunch or dinner special at participating restaurants. The Lois Hole Hospital for Women will provide leading edge research, education and clinical care. For a list of participating restaurants visit www.loisholehospital.com Contact Joan Paton 735.5804 STARS Gala – A Night in London 10 Be dazzled as the Shaw Conference Centre is transformed into the streets of London. This unique evening abroad includes a champagne reception with “Elton John”, a four-course themed dinner and an exceptional live and silent auction in Trafalgar Square. Dance the night away to a live British beat! Tickets: $200.

Contact Kim Hill at 447.5492 or khill@stars.ca Yellow Ribbon Gala TBA Silent Auction and Dinner This prestigious event features a dinner and silent auction to support the programs and events offered by the Edmonton Garrison Military Family Resource Centre. Visit www.mfrcedmonton.com Contact Moira Smith 973-4011 ext 6330 Small and Mighty Celebration 17 Join the Kids with Cancer Society and the Make-A-Wish Foundation at this semi-formal event organized by parents of children with cancer. Funds raised support the many programs and services offered to children with cancer and their families. St. Basil’s Cultural Centre. Tickets: $50 for adults; $15 for kids 3 - 12 and free for children under three. Visit www.kidswithcancer.ca Contact Carol 475.0364 or Amy 433.7341 Green & White Gala 15 for Prostate Cancer Research In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, money raised will go to Prostate Cancer Research Foundation of Canada. Shaw Conference Centre. Formal-attire. Tickets: $250; tables of eight available for $2,000. Visit www.prostatecancer.ca Contact Katherine Hampton 1.888.255.0333 ext. 234 St. Albert Rotary Club 16 Annual Dinner and Auction This fundraiser for local and international programs will be held at the Italian Cultural Club. Tickets: $90. Visit www.stalbertrotary.com Contact Doug Campbell 418.0678 Global Woman of Vision 16 12th Annual Luncheon Global Television brings this sell-out event to The Westin to honour inspirational women in the Edmonton community. Bursaries are presented to young women in post-secondary education so that they may further their own visions. Keynote speakers are the Woman of Vision recipients who share their special challenges, triumphs and rewards. Tickets: $40 plus GST. Contact Lisa Pasin 701.5451.

Lynda Steele ...believes smaller organizations need her help more than highly publicized events

april 2007 All Eyes on the Boreal 13 Dinner & Auction Support Ducks Unlimited, Canada’s leading wetland conservation group at this gala dinner with live and silent auction. Funds support the preservation and conservation of wetlands. Fantasyland Hotel. Visit www.ducks.ca for up-dates. Contact Marty van Sloun at 780.444.2363

La Soirée Gastronomique 13 Let Culinary Team Alberta transport you to the cafés of Paris with this gala of exquisite cuisine. Your senses will be beguiled with five-star menus and fine wines from around the world. Enjoy the music, art and drama of the bohemian left bank. Shaw Conference Centre, Hall D. Tickets: $200 (TBC). Visit www.culinaryteamalberta.ca Contact Bonnie Malouin 428.1045

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Kids Kottage Breakfast TBA Kids Kottage provides 24-hour care for children at risk of abuse, in a safe, warm environment for up to 72 hours free of charge. Help support Edmonton’s only crisis care nursery. Shaw Conference Centre. Visit www.kidskottage.org for up-dates. Contact Pam Miller at 448.2545

Mad Hatter’s Gala 27 The 22nd annual Mad Hatter’s Gala in support scholarships and bursaries for Grant MacEwan College students. Wear your finest evening attire and top it off with a mad hat! Shaw Conference Centre – Hall D. Tickets: $300. Visit www.macewan.ca/madhatters Contact Donna 497.4285

6th Annual Champions 21 for Children Dinner & Auction Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Edmonton Northeast, this evening features a tribute to local “Champions” who have made significant contributions to the betterment of children’s lives. The event will have live entertainment and be emceed by Danny Hooper. Sawmill Banquet Centre Tickets: $125 or table of eight for $800. Contact 460.8798.

Spring Fantasy Fashion Show 28 & Luncheon Raising funds to support the HOPE KIDS™ youth program and the hope-focused counseling program are the goals of this event. Fantasyland Hotel. Tickets: $50. Visit www.ualberta.ca/hope Contact 492.1222

5th Annual Food 19 for All Seasons Gala This special evening features a delicious four-course meal, wine, live musical entertainment, a keynote speech and both silent and live auctions. It is a major fundraiser for the Edmonton Food Bank. The Sutton Place Hotel. Tickets: $75, or a table of eight for $600. Visit www.edmontonfoodbank.com Contact 425.2133

Avenue of Hope Gala 27 Bring hope to families of the inner city and to women and children fleeing domestic violence by supporting this annual, semiformal evening of good will, good food, and good fun. Enjoy the silent and live auctions, entertainment, and moving presentations. Italian Cultural Centre Tickets: $75. Proceeds support C.A.P. Head Start and Lurana Shelter. Visit www.atonementhome.com for more details and information about the Playhouse Parade. Contact 422.7263.

The RISE Awards 5 The RISE Awards—Recognizing Immigrant Success and Excellence— dinner and silent auction are sponsored by the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers. The event celebrates successful immigrants and those who support their efforts. It also raises funds to support work with immigrants to Edmonton and area. Palace Banquet and Conference Facility. Tickets: $80. For information or to nominate an award recipient, visit www.emcn.ab.ca. Contact Jim Gurnett 423.9675 Sports Wall 10 of Fame Dinner Held annually, the dinner recognizes the contributions and talents of athletes, coaches and builders of sport. It is one of the most important ways in which the Green and Gold Athletics Society raises funds for scholarships to support high potential athletes. Shaw Conference Centre. Visit www.uofasportswalloffame.com Contact Jocelyne Lambert 492.3893

Growing Dreams 27 Enjoy two events in one day! The Youth Emergency Shelter Society’s Ladies Growing Dreams Luncheon will be held at the Shaw Conference Center during Administrative Professionals Week. Celebrate spring with a fashion show by Edmonton City Centre, the always crazy money tunnel and a silent auction. In the evening, join YESS for a jeansthemed wacky evening at “Steppin’ Out” presented by Trailblazer RV. Features include performances by up-an-comers and a silent/live auction. Contact Crystaline at 468.7070. Walk in My Shoes 20 The 12th annual auction and dinner will be emceed by Danny Hooper in support of the Pilgrims Hospice’s end-of-life care, programs for caregivers and bereavement services. The Sutton Place Hotel. Tickets: $125. Visit www.pilgrimhospice.ca. Contact the Pilgrims Hospice Society at 413.9801

Sorrentino’s Garlic Stomp 4 The Cross Cancer Institute Prostate Cancer Research Campaign, Lois Hole Hospital for Women and Sorrentino’s Compassion House are the beneficiaries of this annual dinner and dance. Shaw Conference Centre. Tickets: $250. Visit www.sorrentinos.com Contact Stella Rago 474.6466

Rob Christie ...takes emceeing to the next level by playing auctioneer at fundraisers

may 2007 Esquao Awards 2007 – 3 Angels Among Us The Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women brings the 12th Annual Esquao Awards to the Northlands Agricom. The awards honour and recognize Aboriginal women for their accomplishments in many different categories. Tickets: $150. Visit www.iaaw.ca Contact 479.8195 or 471.2167

Rt. Hon. Sir Winston S. Churchill 10 Society Annual Memorial Banquet The 43rd annual memorial banquet will feature Professor Leslie C. Green, University Professor Emeritus who will focus on the Indian National Army. Awards will be presented for high school debate and speech competitions; cash awards to U of A students for history research and the naming of this year’s Churchill College Scholarship recipient. Crown PlazaChateau Lacombe. Tickets: $125 ($50 tax receipt); and $75 students (no tax receipt). Contact Chuck Marshall 467 7682 or e-mail Lestock1@telusplanet.net CNIB Visions Luncheon 11 Enjoy this mid-day business gala will feature comedian Jim McNally. Sponsored by CNIB to support programs and services to help people with vision loss live, work, study and enjoy the things that matter most. The Westin. Tickets: $100, or table of 10 for $900, including applicable tax receipt. Visit www.cnib.ca/divisions/alberta Contact Harold Grace at 488.4871. Mothers’ Day Luncheon 12 This spring themed luncheon celebrates family and raises awareness of breast cancer. Sponsored by BMO Financial Group in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. Tickets: prices TBA, but the luncheon sells out early. Visit www.cbcf.org/prairiesnwt Contact 780.452.1166 Monopoly Mania 12 Edmonton’s first Monopoly Tournament will be held at the Faculty Club to raise funds in support of Boys’ & Girls’ Clubs of Edmonton and Spinal Cord Injury Treatment Centre Society. Tickets; $150. Black tie. Visit www.boysandgirls.ab.ca. Contact Jill Didow 917.6662

Junior Achievement 16 Alberta Business Hall of Fame 2007 celebrates the 27th anniversary of the Alberta Business Hall of Fame. This event honours business and community leaders and is hosted by Junior Achievement of Northern Alberta & NWT. Shaw Conference Centre. Tickets: $250, or a table of 10 for $2,500. Visit www.janorthalberta.org Contact Jay Ball at 428.1421 ext 221 Earth Angels Unite– 25 For the Love of Children Gala The Kids Kottage Foundation hosts this 7th annual gala ball to promote the health and well-being of children and to prevent child abuse. Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. Tickets: $300. Visit www.kidskottage.org Contact Pam Miller at 448.2545 3rd Annual Stop & Smell TBA the Flowers Dinner and Live Auction This spring gala includes a gourmet meal, silent auction and a live experience-type auction full of adventurous items that you can cross off your Life List! All proceeds support CMHA Edmonton Region programs and services. Sutton Place Hotel. Visit www.cmha-edmonton.ab.ca Contact 414.6312. Consular Ball 28 The 27th Annual Edmonton Consular Ball is an elegant evening of gourmet food, dancing, spirits and wine. This black tie event is sponsored by the Edmonton Consular Corps, with proceeds supporting scholarships for the University of Alberta’s International Studies. Crowne Plaza-Chateau Lacombe. Tickets: $195.00. Contact Linda Jackson at 415.5158 or John Szumlas, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland, 415.5163 Bringing Home the Dream TBA Raising funds for different cancer research and support groups is the focus of this event—this year the Alberta Cancer Foundation is the recipient. The goal for 2007 is to raise $100,000. Held in the in-field of the Edmonton Northlands Horse Show. Details are still being finalized but will be available when the website is completed. Contact Kate Watt (780) 231.9288

june 2007 21st Rotary Club 22 Auction and Gala Dinner The Rotary Club of Edmonton is sponsoring its 21st annual themed evening to raise funds in support of projects in the inner city. The Westin. Visit www.edrotary.com for up-dates Contact Sylvia Boyetchko 429.3256 Fort Edmonton Gala Dinner TBA The Fort Edmonton Foundation will take you on a trip back in time and history to raise funds to continue to build Fort Edmonton Park. Visit www.fortedmontonfoundation.org. Contact Naida Geisler at 496.6977 or info@fortedmontonfoundation.org CASA for Kids Gala Event TBA Help CASA and the CASA Foundation celebrate their 15th anniversary by attending this dinner and auction in support of infant, child and adolescent mental health. An extra special evening with live entertainment is being planned. Visit www.casaservices.org for updates. Contact Sasha Angus 415.0496 12th Annual Dreamspeakers 4-9 International Aboriginal Film Festival This six day event is presented by the Dreamspeakers Festival Society which

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promotes and markets Aboriginal culture, art and heritage. Tickets: $20 for the opening night reception with limited seats available. The Walk of Honour is scheduled for closing night, June 9. Visit www.dreamspeakers.org for updates and submissions of film information. Contact Doreen L. Cardinal or Helen Calahasen 378.9609 Theresea Comrie Luncheon TBA This annual luncheon in memory of Theresa Comrie and supported by Bill Comrie, celebrates community volunteerism and raises money for The Support Network, Edmonton ’s Crisis and 211 Centre. Visit www.thesupportnetwork.com YWCA Edmonton’s 25th 14 Tribute to Women of Distinction Awards Gala This YWCA Edmonton fundraiser supports and celebrates women who make a difference. The YW is a charitable humanitarian association celebrating 100 years of helping women create a world of equality, opportunity and choice. Northlands Agricom. Tickets: $80. Visit www.ywcaofedmonton.org Contact Amber Niemeier 423.9922 ext 281 Mayor’s Evening for the Arts TBA This celebration of Edmonton’s worldclass creative community is held in conjunction with the Professional Arts Coalition of Edmonton (PACE) which recognizes achievement in the arts at this annual event. Winspear Centre. Tickets: $15 - $200. Visit www.edmonton.ca or www.pacedmonton.com. Contact Brad Stromberg 496.8100. 3rd Annual Mayor’s Breakfast TBA The St. Albert Youth Community Centre is the focus for this 3rd annual fundraiser. St. Albert Inn. Visit www.saycc.ca for updates. Contact Ed Bailey 418.0678 Flamenco Fire 16 You will be transported to hot and sultry España as you experience the soul and passion of flamenco dance. Part of the proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to ArtStart, a program bringing the world of arts to Inner City children. Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Contact Flavia Robles at 916.1665 or flaviarobles3@yahoo.com The Council Gala – 22 Play with Your Mind This gala evening of buffet dinner, dancing and silent and live auctions supports the Art and Design in Public Places Program which commissions permanent works of art for Edmonton. The event also features the awarding of scholarships to art and design students. Sponsored by Syncrude, The Edmonton Business Council for the Visual Arts, The Works International Visual Arts Society and DDB Canada. Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. Tickets: $150. Contact Linda Wedman at 426.2122 ext 222. Fringe Theatre Adventures 26 Annual Cabaret The Westbury Theatre – TransAlta Arts Barns is the scene for this annual event to raise funds for the Fringe Festival and the family theatre season operational costs. Participate in live and silent auctions as you are entertained throughout the evening with theatrical and musical programs. Visit www.fringetheatreadventures.ca Contact Lori McConnell 448-9000.

july/august 2007 Edmonton blazes during the hot summer months with a different kind of event scene. There are myriad activities and festivals throughout the city: The Works International, a Taste of Edmonton, Capital Ex, DreamSpeakers; Street Performers; FolkFest; Canada Day, the Grand Prix, and the Fringe. So toss the tie or trade in the pumps for sneakers and sandals—it’s a casual kick back atmosphere with lots of outdoor sporting events and charity golf tournaments, too.

buffet and bid on high profile Edmontonians in live and silent auctions. This fun event is also supported by local restaurants who donate gift certificates for meals to the winning bidders and their celebrity guests. Tickets: $50.00 in advance. To find out who is up for auction or to place an advance bid, visit www.mealsonwheelsedmonton.org Contact 429.2020

october 2007 Minerva Dinner 1 The Minerva Foundation provides seed money to worthy local community organizations. Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. Tickets: $200, and $100 (student). Visit www.minervafoundation.ca. Contact Janet Howard at janet_home@hotmail.com

Friends Midsummer Garden Party 25 This sterling champagne event supports the Devonian Botanic Garden and is held to thank the membership for their continuous support. For information about this and other events visit www.discoveredmonton.com/devonian. Contact Antonella Bell at 987.0362.

Annual Gandhi Banquet 2 The Mahatma Gandhi Canadian Foundation for World Peace celebrates the birth of Mahatma Gandhi with a traditional vegetarian meal and a thought-provoking address by a special guest speaker. Delta Edmonton South Hotel. Visit www.gandhi.ca Contact Krishan Joshee 434.5489

Grand Prix Edmonton Gala TBA Vroom Vroom… Meet some of the Grand Prix drivers and see high performance vehicles on display. This black tie event and opening gala for the Grand Prix of Edmonton will raise funds in support of a local charity. For updates visit www.grandprixedmonton.com

Edmonton Eskimo TBA Football Club’s 44th Annual Dinner A celebration of the Edmonton Eskimos and their contributions to the community. Individual tickets are available, or a full table of 10 includes one ticket for the player of your choice. Visit www.esks.com for updates. Contact Cathy Fiss 448.1525

Evening at the Mac 23 Catholic Social Services hosts this annual corporate friend raiser and donor relations opportunity. Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. Tickets: $20, by invitation only. Contact Marc Barylo 432.1137

Carrie Doll

september 2007 8

Grandparents Award of Distinction Gala Banquet and Silent Auction The Bernadette N. Swan Social Care Foundation celebrates the contributions of grandparents to family and society. It recognizes individuals nominated for the Award of Distinction by their grandchildren. Funds from the dinner and silent auction support programs for seniors. Contact Bernadette Swan at 994.0669

TBA

Denim Ducks Dinner Sponsored by Ducks Unlimited Canada, this gala dinner with live and silent auction supports the preservation and conservation of wetlands. Visit www.ducks.ca for updates Contact Marty van Sloun at 780.444.2363

5th Annual Dr. Helen Hays Sunflower Luncheon Each year a prominent speaker delivers a keynote address at this luncheon for the Pilgrims Hospice Society. Proceeds support Edmonton’s only freestanding hospice. Visit www.pilgrimshospice.ca Contact Cathrine Yuill at 413.9801

10th Anniversary Harvest Gala TBA Growing Alberta brings this celebration of Alberta’s agriculture and food industry to Northlands. Funds are raised for student awards and youth activities program and the Growing Alberta Leadership Awards (GALAs) presentations. Tickets: $150. Visit www.growingalberta.com

...has met kids at the Stollery who have “faced unspeakable challenges. But thanks to this amazing facility, I know how it feels to get a hug from a child who says ‘I’m getting better.’ There’s nothing more gratifying.” 3rd Annual GE Empty Bowls 24 for WIN House The Edmonton Women’s Shelter exists to further non-violent relationships and environments for women with or without children. Luncheon and silent auction. The Sutton Place Hotel Tickets: $25, or $240 for a Full House table of 10. Visit www.winhouse.org for updates

A Celebration of Hope TBA Operation Esperanza Medical Mission to Ecuador performs orthopaedic surgery on poor people—hip and knee replacement surgery on adults and corrective surgery on children with club feet or dislocated hips and other severe orthopaedic problems. A silent auction raises funds for the mission. Contact Thomas Greidanus 484.8051 or Bruce Kemp 437.8130 Scarecrow Festival Hoe-Down 12 The focus is on raising funds for the ABC Head Start Program which works with low-income families and preschool children to achieve success in learning and life. Northlands Agricom. Tickets: $65.00. Visit www.scarecrowfestival.org Contact Bernice Gordeyko 455.4983. Lobster Lovers Feast 11 Canadian Western Bank and Boys’ & Girls’ Clubs of Edmonton present the 9th annual feast at the Italian Cultural Centre. Join many business and community members for a succulent lobster dinner to raise funds to provide

FEASTival of Fine Chefs 19 The 19th annual ultimate experience in multi-course gourmet dining: teams from 25 establishments prepare Alberta products supplied by members of the Alberta Food Processors Association. This event showcases the talents of apprentice chefs and Alberta foods and beverages to help raise funds for the Stan Ballard Apprenticeship Fund. Silent and random auctions. Shaw Conference Centre. Tickets go on sale in the spring of 2007: $680.00 for a table of eight purchased prior to June 1, 2007. Visit www.afpa.com Contact the AFPA at 780.444.2272 or 403.201.3657 ext. 21 or email info@afpa.com 6th Annual Edmonton 21 Meals on Wheels Celebrity Box Social Enjoy a decadent chocolate dessert

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Dreamfest 2007 TBA How would you like to join the EPS for a ride along? Be a soldier for a day or stage manage a performance at the Citadel Theatre? Fulfill your dreams at this fundraising auction. Support the Charles Gale Centre in St. Albert in providing community programs and services. Tickets: approximately $35, or $250 for a table. Visit www.st-albert.info for updates. Contact Vivian Leland 459.6666

Edmonton hosts its 6th annual evening of fundraising for local and international projects with an excellent dinner, dance, and silent auction. Italian Cultural Centre. E-mail president@northernlightsrotary.org Contact Robert Morris

Laugh for Life Gala TBA They say laughter is the best medicine and you will get a huge dose of it at this wacky evening in support of The Mustard Seed. Visit www.LaughforLife.ca for updates. Contact Craig Hutscal at 463.1189.

TD Meloche Monnex presents 20 Concordia’s 7th Annual Grande Masque Ball & Auction Experience an evening of elegance and fine dining in support of Concordia University College of Alberta. This is one of the must attend black tie events in Edmonton! Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. Tickets: $275. Visit www.concordia.ab.ca/alumni Contact Melody Wilson at 479.9232

Rotary Club of Edmonton TBA South and St. Joseph’s Auxiliary Hospital Dinner and Auction Raising funds for the humanitarian work of Rotary and St. Joseph’s Auxiliary Hospital is the reason to support this gala. Crowne PlazaChateau Lacombe. Visit www.stjosephs.ab.ca in mid-2007 for updates Contact Debra Frederick at 430.3443

Rainbow Gala TBA The 9th annual Rainbow Gala, fashion show and auction raises funds to grant wishes to Alberta children with lifethreatening or chronic illnesses. Presented by the Rainbow Society and the United Nurses of Alberta. Fantasyland Hotel. Tickets: $50, or $450 for a table of 10. Visit www.rainbowsociety.ab.ca Contact Carole Alves at 469.3306

Dancing for the Kids October TBA Vote for local celebrities, with no prior dance experience, as they are teamed with professional dance instructors. The Sunrise Rotary Club sponsors this outstanding night of fun and excitement to raise funds for the Kids with Cancer Society and Rotary Club activities Tickets: $115 or $150. Visit www.kidswithcancer.ca for up-dates. Contact Val Figliuzzi 496.2459

Fashion with Compassion 16 Edmonton’s premier fashion show in support of Sorrentino’s Compassion House holds two fundraising events at the Shaw Conference Centre on this day: Tickets: luncheon, $75: gala dinner, $175. Visit www.compassionhouse.org Contact 425.7224

Rodeo Round-Up Dinner TBA This annual gala dinner with live and silent auction is sponsored by Ducks Unlimited Canada to support the preservation and conservation of wetlands. Edmonton Northlands. Tickets prices TBA. Visit www.ducks.ca for up-dates. Contact Marty van Sloun at 780.444.2363

Mental Health Break Gala Dinner 17 Join the Mental Health Foundation in its effort to raise funds for programs and research. Fantasyland Hotel. Tickets: $100, or $700 for a table of eight. Contact Barry Runnalls 448.2414

Nina’s Cake Walk 24 Watch 13 teams—a baker’s dozen—of artists, chefs, local celebs and corporate sponsors battle to win the title at the 2nd annual Cake Walk. The Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts supports a collective of artists with developmental disabilities, a public gallery, and free or low cost community art programs. The Sutton Place Hotel. Tickets: $50. Visit www.ninahaggertyart.ca Contact Wendy Hollo 474.7611

healthy living programs to Inner City kids. The evening will feature live entertainment, live and silent auctions, raffles and draws. Visit www.boysandgirls.ab.ca. Contact Jill Didow at 917.6662

4th Annual Music in Motion TBA This country music event raises money for equipment and research programs for Muscular Dystrophy Canada. Details are still be being finalized for 2007. Visit www.muscle.ca for event updates and more information about this illness. Contact Elizabeth Soucy 455.8204 Borealis Bash 19 The Northern Lights Rotary Club of

10th Annual ADF 27 Black Tie Gala & Auction This gala and auction supports diabetes research in Alberta. It is sponsored by the Alberta Diabetes Foundation. Visit www.afdr.ab.ca Contact JoAnne Langner at 447.1497

Wine Tasting Gala 3 Kidney Foundation of Canada-Northern Alberta & the Territories Branch presents an evening at Lexus of Edmonton. Money raised will be used to fund research; provide education and support, and promote access to high quality healthcare. Tickets: $45. Visit www.kidney.ab.ca Contact Kathleen Badry 451.6900

november 2007 Edmonton Ladies Dinner TBA This is the 23rd annual fund raising dinner and auction, sponsored by Ducks Unlimited Canada in support of wetlands preservation and conservation. Event location and ticket costs are TBA. Visit www.ducks.ca for updates, and similar events in Stony Plain, Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Beaumont, St. Albert, Spruce Grove, Leduc, Devon and Ardrossan. Contact Marty van Sloun at 780.444.2363 Black Tie Bingo 2 Under the “B” it’s black tie time! Formal rodeo wear is the standard for this dinner, bingo and silent auction to support injured cowboys and their families. The event is sponsored by the Cowboys Benevolent Foundation and will be emceed by ever-popular host, Danny Hooper. The Westin. Ticket prices TBA. Contact Joanita Fernandes at 471.7111 17th Annual Chili Cook Off 2 Call the Fire Department! We’ve got a five-alarmer here as contestants pair up with media partners to compete for the title of “Best Chili” in Edmonton. Proceeds go to the Downtown Business Association’s charity of the year. Visit www.edmontondowntown.com Contact Adrienne Stewart 426.8579

Mark Connolly

Edmonton Opera Gala 2007 TBA Be part of the hottest event of the Edmonton Arts scene! Proceeds for this gala go towards bringing world class opera to Edmontonians. Visit www.edmontonopera.com for updates.

...knows too well that personal loss is a strong motivator to making a difference—even in a small way.

St. Joseph’s College Gala TBA Join the supporters of St. Joseph’s College, the Catholic College at the University of Alberta, for a gala evening to raise funds for an Endowed Chair in Business Ethics. Visit www.stjosephscollege.ca Contact Maureen Sutherland 492.7681 ext 231

CFR Wine and Whiskey Dinner 8 Slip into your favourite western wear and join the folks at Century Grill for this fundraiser benefiting the Edmonton Rodeo Cowboys Benevolent Foundation. Held during the CFR, this will be a yeeehaw time for all! Visit www.centurygrill.com Call 431.0303.

EDMONTONIANS DECEMBER 2006

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Csardas Ball 10 The 40th annual Csardas Ball is a black tie/evening gown event to support scholarships for the study of advanced music at the Kodály Pedagogical Institute of Music in Kecskemet, Hungary. Sponsored by the Hungarian Society. Crowne Plaza-Chateau Lacombe. Tickets: $150. Contact Alex and Anna Szenthe at 464.4252. Red Boots, Ballet and Bubbly 10 Divine entertainment, fabulous people, mouth-watering food and an enticing silent auction are all a part of this major fund-raiser in support of Shumka! Proceeds enable the dance company to continue developing dancers, music, costumes and stage presentations to share with audiences locally and around the world. Tickets: $100. Visit www.shumka.com Contact Suzanna Brytan 455.9559 EmployAbilities Jeans & Beans 12 Dinner, Dance, Live and Silent Auction Come dressed in your favourite jeans for this 10th annual howdy-pardner, moneyraising, foot-stomping event in support of increased diversity in the workforce for individuals with disabilities. Delta Edmonton South. Visit www.employabilities.ab.ca/fundraising for pictures and updates. Contact Irene Beaton at 423.4106 16th Denim & Diamonds TBA The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation hosts this special evening to raise funds to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. A dazzling event with big name entertainment. Visit www.jdrf.ca for updates. Contact edmonton@jdrf.ca 7th Annual Comedy Show, TBA Silent Auction & Dinner Enjoy a giggle, laugh or outright guffaw during this evening of fun and fundraising for the St. Albert Youth Community Centre. The St. Albert Kinsmen Club is the major sponsor. Visit www.saycc.ca for updates. Contact Ed Bailey 418.0678

The Black and White 17 This black tie fundraiser is in support of Sherwood Park’s Festival Place. It provides continued backing for children and adult programming, as well as the stage productions. Dinner, silent and live auctions and a top band for dancing. Tickets: $125. Visit www.festivalplace.ab.ca for updates. Contact Gavin Farmer 464.2852 5th Annual SnowBall TBA Margo Schulte McKinnon is throwing a SnowBall, but you don’t have to duck! This glamorous cocktail party raises funds for the Cross Cancer Institute. Details are still being finalized so be sure to visit www.thesnowball.ca for updates. Contact Alberta Cancer Foundation 432.8256 Garden Gala for TBA Schizophrenia Research This gala dinner, sponsored by the Schizophrenia Society Edmonton & Area and the Bebensee Schizophrenia Research Unit, raises funds for research at the BSRU at the University of Alberta into the mysteries of schizophrenia and mental illnesses. Visit www.ssa-edmonton.com for updates. Contact Tara Koehler 452.4661 tara@ssa-edmonton.com Bent Arrow Traditional TBA Healing Society Fundraiser This evening of fun and entertainment raises funds for Coyote Kids, Orenda House, and Rites of Passage Junior High. Tickets: $75.00. Location TBA. Visit www.bentarrow.ca for updates. Contact Lovette Ferguson at 232.2807 or 481.3451

TBA An Evening of Edwardian Elegance Guests will step back in time to enjoy a seven-course Edwardian meal served in the style of the day. The evening features a program of etiquette and music from the era. Edwardian dress is encouraged. This is a fundraising initiative to increase awareness of the Society by showcasing Rutherford House and its history. Contact Friend’s Society in Elizabethan II Style at 422.2697.

Kokopelli Dessert Concert TBA and Silent Auction Join the Kokopelli Choir Association in the Winspear Centre lobby for delicious desserts served with a generous helping of great music. The evening includes a silent auction to raise funds for the choirs with some of the proceeds going to the African Projects Fund. Visit www.kokopellichoir.com for updates. Contact Scott Leithead 482.7649

Poor Boy’s Lunch TBA In 1994, CTV Edmonton established its own registered charity, the Good Neighbour Fund. The Fund has helped a cross-section of Edmontonians who have fallen on hard times. Details for the 2007 event are still being finalized. Contact 483.3311

Off Yer Head 2007 17 Harcourt House presents its 6th annual live and silent auctions to help fund its cultural programs. The event is an interactive fundraiser in which local artists, celebrities, athletes and politicians have been asked to embellish and paint their own ceramic pieces for sale at auction. Visit www.harcourthouse.ab.ca. Contact 780.426.4180.

Snowflake Gala TBA The annual Snowflake Gala, presented by Don and Marina Ghermezian, is a fundraiser for equipment for the Stollery Children’s Hospital. Children and parents alike will don their finest attire to dine, dance and donate in a winter wonderland. Shaw Conference Centre. This event regularly sells out so be sure to get your tickets early. Visit www.stollerykids.com Contact Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation 433.5437

december 2007

3rd Annual Crime Stoppers 23 Multi-Cultural Gala Join Crime Stoppers Association of Edmonton & Northern Alberta for its gala fundraiser in support of safer communities. This celebration includes entertainment from around the world plus dinner and desserts with a multi-cultural flavour. When we work together, we do make a difference. Tickets: $50 each or $450 for table of 10. Visit www.crimestoppers.ab.ca Contact Flavia Robles 421.1122

EREB Christmas Luncheon/ 2 ERCF Santa’s Silent Auction The Edmonton Real Estate Board invites its realtors and guests to join together to raise funds for the Edmonton Realtor’s Charitable Foundation. Northlands AgriCom. Tickets: $45. Visit www.ereb.com and follow the links for updates. Contact Lixmila Serrano 453.9350 26th Annual TBA Christmas Bureau Breakfast Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP, Sobeys and The Westin sponsor the 26th Annual Christmas Bureau Breakfast to raise funds for festive meals for less fortunate Edmontonians at Christmas. The Westin. Tickets: $60 (a $50 tax receipt is issued). Visit www.christmasbureau.edmonton.ab. ca/e.htm Contact P. Daryl Wilson, Q.C 970.5261 or Jenn Muir 423.7385

‘Twas the Night 20 This 10th annual fundraiser promotes fine craft in Alberta. Proceeds go to the Alberta Craft Council’s exhibition program. Alberta Craft Council store, 10186 106 Street, Edmonton, Tickets: $20. Visit www.albertacraft.ab.ca Contact Nancy St. Hilaire at 488.6611 ext 234 Festival of Trees Gala Evening 28 The Festival of Trees celebrates its 23rd anniversary with a gala dinner and auction to support the University of Alberta Hospital. This black tie event is hosted by the University Hospital Foundation. Shaw Conference Centre. By invitation only. Visit www.festivaloftrees.ab.ca E-mail festivaloftrees@cha.ab.ca or phone 407.2786

Visit edmontonians.com for monthly udates and to register your 2008 gala!

Season’s greetings A wonderful time of the year and a time to reflect on our charitable giving.

Imperial Equities is proud to have supported the following charities in 2006 -Kid’s Help Phone -Camp Warwa -Glenrose Hospital Foundation -Edmonton Housing Trust Fund -STARS Foundation -Polish Heritage Society -Churchill Cup -La Salle -Edmonton Community Foundation

-Mahatma Gandhi Canadian Foundation -Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories -The Support Network Foundation -Network Activities Centre -Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada -Aga Khan Foundation of Canada -WIN House -Stollery Childrens Hospital

For more information, contact us at: Tel: 780.424.7227 Email: askus@imperialequities.com or visit us on the Web at: www.imperialequities.com Sine Chadi President & CEO

stock symbol: IEI

EDMONTONIANS DECEMBER 2006

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money MAKING

What’s the magic number? How much do I need to retire? By Ron Hiebert

ave you ever been to a party where the gifts were stuffed inside a piñata? To get at them, you have to break the piñata open with a stick. What makes it difficult is being blindfolded and then spun around until you are totally disoriented. Retirement planning is much like this. The big prize is being able to spend those golden years having the financial resources to do whatever you want. The problem is that there are so many variables that have no certainty of outcome that you go through the process feeling as helpless as a person trying to break the piñata. There are many unanswerable questions. How long will you live? Will you be healthy or require expensive medical care? What rate of return will your investments provide? What will the rate of inflation be? Will taxes be higher or lower in the future? Are government programs like the Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security really sustainable with the large number of baby boomers moving toward retirement?

DUSTING OFF THE PLAN Because life’s circumstances change, you have to make sure that your financial plan does as well. If your plan is more than five years old, it is time to dust it off and make sure that all the assumptions that were used to determine how much income you would have and how long the principal would last are still valid. Two variables that have really changed since 2000 are longevity projections and rate of return expectations on the portfolio itself. These both deserve special attention.

WE ARE LIVING LONGER Tremendous advances in medical technology have dramatically increased our life expectancies. According to the Canadian Institute of Actuaries, a Canadian male who is 65 years of age today has a 50 percent chance of living to 83, and a 25 percent chance of living to 89. A woman aged 65 has a 50percent chance of reaching 86, and 25 percent odds of making it to 92. For a couple who are both 65 years of age, there is a 50-percent chance that one person will live to see 90, and 25 percent odds that at least one of the two will live to be 94. Because we as a nation are living longer, our retirement plans need to be adjusted accordingly.

RATES OF RETURN HAVE CHANGED Between 1995 and 2000, according to the Andex Chart I have on my wall, a balanced portfolio of 10 percent cash, 30 percent Canadian bonds, 30 percent Canadian stocks, 20 percent U.S. stocks, and 10 percent small cap U.S. stocks averaged an annual compound growth rate during that period of 17.9 percent. Between 2000 and 2005 that same portfolio has averaged only 4.9 percent per year. Over the past six years, the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the TSX Composite are just a little above the highs they reached in the first quarter of 2000. The NASDAQ is still down 70 percent from its old high, and the S&P 500 is off 30 percent. The historical trend of the stock market is long periods of outperformance are always followed by long periods of underperformance. Regression to the mean is a very real thing, so if you based your assumptions on the monster returns that the market gave you during the 1990s, it is time to revise your plan. Over 50 years, the TSX Composite has averaged 10.5 percent per year. The ScotiaMcLeod Long Bond Index has averaged 7.7 percent per year over the same period. A portfolio of 50 percent stock and 50 percent fixed income would have averaged 9.1 percent per year for the last 50 years. That is the average. If we are in for another few years of underperformance, you might want to throttle those assumptions back even further to, say, seven or eight percent.

THE FOUR PERCENT SOLUTION If you live longer and your portfolio doesn’t earn as much, your retirement options are either to cut spending, go back to work, or reduce the amount that you take out of your portfolio each year. Let’s focus on option three. Dick Young did a simulation for U.S. retirees based on quitting work at 65 years of age and living to 100. Assumptions included an asset mix of 50 percent equity and 50 percent bonds and that the rates of return equaled the long term averages for each asset class of 8.8 percent and 5.9 percent respectively. He also factored inflation to be three percent for the first 15 years of retirement, two percent for the next 10 years and one percent thereafter. Based on these figures, if you were to leave all the capital in the portfolio to your

beneficiaries, a six-percent annual withdrawal rate would only give you a 21-percent chance of maintaining the full principal to age 100. A fivepercent annual withdrawal rate increased the probability to 43 percent, and a four-percent draw increased the odds of maintaining the entire principal to 70 percent. At three-percent, the odds of holding onto all the principal increased to 91 percent. By consuming 80 percent of the principal during retirement and maintaining 20 percent for the beneficiaries, the odds of having enough money to make it to the finish line increase dramatically. They are 29 percent with a draw of six percent, 56 percent with an annual draw of five percent, 83 percent with a four-percent draw, and 98 percent when the annual principal withdrawal is only three percent. Fidelity Investments did a Canadian study and came up with essentially the same answer. It used an example of a 65-year-old couple retiring in 1972 with $500,000. The hypothetical portfolio had an asset split of 50 percent stocks, 35 percent bonds and 15 percent short-term investments. A sixpercent withdrawal rate would have meant that the portfolio would be worth zero in 18 years. At a five-percent withdrawal rate, the portfolio would have lasted 27 years before its principal was exhausted, and at a four-percent draw, the portfolio would have actually increased in value and thus provided financial security for the couple for the rest of their lives. The point is that if you live longer and your portfolio has a lower rate of return, the magic number seems to be around four percent. Nothing is certain with retirement planning, but this number is probably a good place to start. ✔

Ron Hiebert, a director at ScotiaMcLeod, teaches investment classes at Grant MacEwan College. The author of Wealth Building can be heard weekdays at 7:34 am, on CFCW radio (790 AM). Contact him at 780.497.3215 or rhiebert@edmontonians.com

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BizINTEL

S cience &Tech with Cheryl Croucher

I learned a new term this month— thanks to Peggy MacTavish. She’s the director of the new Office of Industrial Research at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. The term is “the innovation chain”. Peggy’s mission is to establish NAIT as an important link in the innovation chain and that will be in the area of applied research. “Our research will differ from the universities in that we won’t be performing basic research,” she explains. “Instead, we will work hand in hand with industry to produce the prototypes, the next level of industrial machinery, manufacturing processes… whatever industry needs that is a pressing problem for them.” Delving into the realm of applied research is something new for this technical school where for decades the emphasis has been on training tradespeople and office workers. So what accounts for the change? “Technical institutes across Canada have been lobbying the federal and provincial governments for a number of years, as has industry, to have our

B izIT 101 with Greg Michetti

According to the late Erma Bombeck, “When you look like your passport photo, it’s time to go home.” Actually, that’s the title of her very popular 1991 book, but anybody who has covered a lot of miles in a short period of time knows exactly what she means—including me. I left Edmonton at 7 AM on Monday, October 9th and returned Saturday, October 14th at 6 PM. In those six days, I covered a major Symantec press event in New York City, followed by an intensive twoday session at Hewlett-Packard’s Dublin Inkjet Manufacturing Operation in Ireland. The Symantec event was directly across East 42nd Street from the main entrance to Grand Central Station in Manhattan, in a terrific looking historical building now operated by the Cipriani restaurant chain. Complete with ornate columns and marble floor mosaic architecture, this former Bowery Savings Bank was built so well, it was never broken into in its 85-year history. Perhaps this example of super-security was the subtle message Symantec Chairman and CEO John Thompson was trying to send to his audience at Security 2.0, the name of this media “vision” event. In addition to bringing out a line of new consumer products and showing the corporate direction for 2007, Thompson and his crew addressed the growing issue of security outside the local personal computer. “At its heart is the realization that the battleground for security is no longer just the device—as it used to be in Security 1.0—but rather it’s shifted to the information and interactions,” said Thompson in his keynote. In other words, the web is the big security risk—not the desktop. Symantec is trying extremely hard to change its image from being known as an “antivirus” company to a full blown, Internet security firm. After all, viruses are

NAIT is particularly interested in becoming a leader in fuel cell technology and sustainable energy. To that end, the school has brought on board a postdoctoral researcher from the University of Alberta who has a background in chemical engineering. As well, come January 2007, there will be new laboratories set up for NAIT students to focus on fuel cell development. Peggy has adopted an open door policy for her office. She wants to hear from anyone who is an entrepreneur or inventor, and from companies large or small. “We’ve had entrepreneurs come in off the street, one or two person companies. They present to us an idea or a piece of equipment or a new gizmo. They don’t have the expertise themselves, but we do. We can help them develop the business plan, figure out the next steps, where to find funding. We Peggy MacTavish can even walk them right down the hall and produce the prototype. We have that expertise in-house here at conducted at Canada’s universities. It is NAIT.” currently going through a review process New as it is, the Office of Industrial with NSERC—the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. Research is already chalking up some success stories. Passing the review pretty well opens the “A company in the trucking industry doors to the other granting agencies. institutes participate in research. We want to take new advances to the state of the art, into commercialization, and out onto the street.” Now that the lobbying has paid off, NAIT is free to apply for funding from sources normally reserved for research

old news and we haven’t seen a good one for a few years now. “Phishing, identity theft, malicious users—these are the new threats,” adds Thompson. “Criminal elements are going after what’s truly valuable in this day-andage information.” He is, of course, correct. More than ever, consumers are doing on-line banking and on-line purchasing with credit card transactions. Symantec’s Internet Security

year, TD Canada Trust launched an earlier version of Norton Confidential Online Edition called Norton Confidence Online, which has resulted in more than 100,000 downloads of the tool. Another announcement, this time for the corporate sector is Symantec Mail Security 8300 Series. Like earlier versions, it scans incoming and outgoing

New York City - Symantec Dublin - Hewlett-Packard

Norton Confidential Online Edition On the consumer product line, there’s Norton Confidential Online Edition, which will be available next year. It will provide web browsing protection, and confidential information management and protection. Aimed at financial institutions, it also provides crime ware protection and anti-phishing protection via website authentication to help customers safely conduct online transactions. For example, in July of this

iCORE, the Informatics Circle of Research Excellence, has launched another research chair at the University of Alberta, this one in the field of multimedia. What makes this one extra special is the humanity and social conscience embodied in its establishment. When computer scientist Dr. Anup Basu met businessman Gautam Rao of Castle Rock Research, an educational tools development company, the two men discovered they had a common interest: Both were helping underprivileged children around the globe get an education. Anup is particularly concerned about the thousands of children who cannot attend school because of the disruption and dislocation caused by wars and other disasters in the Middle East. Continued on page 14 Manufacturing Operation. The facility, located about 30 minutes out of the city, is where HP manufactures inkjet cartridges for its deskjet printers.

Inkjet Cartridges—The Skinny Symantec Mail Security 8300 Series

Six days on the road Threat Report, points out how home users were the most targeted group online, representing 86 percent of all attacks in the first half of 2006. However, other recent studies show that fear of identity theft has stopped 53 percent of Internet users from giving personal information to websites and 14 percent from paying their bills online.

came to us needing a housing for an electrical system. Within the hour, we understood what the project was, the industry partner understood they had come to the right place, we produced this housing for them within a week,” Peggy says with pride, adding that the new technology was recently showcased on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. Another example involves a NAIT technician who came forward with an idea for a new kind of torque tester. “He had been working on this on his own for a number of years and we were able to facilitate this new technology within our own organization.” From the sounds of things, Peggy’s already well on her way to forging NAIT’s link on the innovation chain. For more information on the services offered by NAIT’s Office of Industrial Research, contact Peggy MacTavish at 780-378-6190 or e-mail peggym@nait.ca

e-mail for viruses and deals with spam… but now, it takes it a step further by scanning and filtering predefined key words and expressions; including attachments. For example, if somebody in the accounting department is regularly e-mailing confidential financial company documents to an unauthorized third party, the system flags it and notifies the system administrator or company president of any irregularities.

DIMO—THE DUBLIN INKJET MANUFACTURING OPERATION On Tuesday night, October 10, it was off to JFK airport where I took an overnight Delta flight to Dublin, arriving at 11 AM the next day. The following day we were off to DIMO, the Hewlett-Packard Dublin Inkjet

We all feel printer cartridges cost more than they should. However, remember that research and development, 7,000 printing patents, top level scientists and a first-rate manufacturing facility like DIMO all cost money. Not surprisingly, the obvious takeaway from the DIMO event was to demonstrate the superior quality of the inkjet process over the cartridge remanufacturers or re-fillers. Known affectionately at HP as the “remans,” these cartridge cloners simply sell regular ink in a variety of schemes but mostly as do-it-yourself packages, where a syringe-like tube is used to inject inexpensive ink into an empty HP printer cartridge. Problem is, HP wants you to believe that you get what you pay for: they say remans ink doesn’t print nearly as well in terms of quality, speed and durability as the real thing. Business is probably better than usual for HP these days. The stock price is nudging $40 and the company is extending its lead from the competition pack in several sectors. Last month, both Gartner Inc. and IDC had HP passing Dell as the world’s leader in personal computer shipments during Q3; with a 16.3 percent share of the global market versus 16.1 percent for Dell. At the time of this writing, HP had not yet announced the results of its October year-end but all signs point to a very solid corporate year end. ✔ Gregory B. Michetti of the Alberta-based systems integration firm Michetti Information Solutions, Inc. can be reached via www.michetti.com

EDMONTONIANS DECEMBER 2006

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Continued from page 13 The goal of his research is to develop better and cheaper delivery systems for online distance learning programs. Cell-phones could play a very big role in getting these children into the “virtual classroom”. So impressed was Gautam Rao, his company will give $100,000 a year to iCORE to support this research. And that is how Dr. Anup Basu’s new position came to be known as the iCORE/Gautum Rao Industry Research Chair in Multimedia – Advanced Digital Media for Education.

Recently, I had the honour of participating in the Faculty of Arts Visiting Committee at the University of Alberta. It has hosted the daylong event since 1992, inviting leaders of the community to comment on issues of concern to the university. Dean Daniel Wolf, with the help of chair Sol Rolingher of Duncan & Craig LLP, led us through a day focused on this year’s theme: citizenship. You might wonder where a liberal arts education fits with today’s push for training in the hard sciences and high tech. As the Dean pointed out, most of the people going into other faculties started out in arts or sciences. And the need for people who can think critically and across disciplines will never go away. There is a tremendous amount of useful research generated by the Faculty of Arts that informs today’s public concerns, as demonstrated by the work presented by some of the recipients of the 2006 Roger S. Smith Undergraduate Researcher Awards. The research of Danielle Taschereau-Mamers and Meena Gupta invoked news imagery, and what they called the lost art of contemplation to explore compassion and obligation in global citizenship. Kaila Simoneau, a student in anthropology, combed through transcripts of the Berger Inquiry as part of her investigation into how today’s aboriginal people view industrial development in their region. As I told Daniel at the end of the day, here I am, a journalist focused on science and innovation, and what’s my educational background? University of Alberta, Bachelor of Arts, with specializations in political science and sociology. ✔

edia Minute with Bruce Hogle

The year-end retirement of Edmonton Journal Publisher Linda Hughes once again brings into focus the increasing amount of visionary leadership being provided by Alberta women in journalism as well as in other professions. Ms Hughes proved that as Southam’s first female editor-in-chief and publisher. Also proving her mettle is Sharon MacLean, who succeeded her late husband Dick as publisher of Edmontonians, which, assisted by Editor Barb Deters, continues to make its mark here. The same holds true for Inez Scheideman, publisher of both the Stony Plain Reporter and Spruce Grove Examiner. On the electronic side, Daphne Kuehn of CFRN broke down huge barriers as the first female anchor in Alberta and one of the few in Canada in 1980. Ditto for Marg. Pullishy, host for 25 years of that station’s Wednesday’s Child feature which successfully found homes for unadoptable disabled children. In politics, Helen Hunley of Rocky Mountain House was our first female Lieutenant Governor… and who will ever forget the second one, our beloved Lois Hole. The federal Liberal misfortunes in the last election can’t be blamed on Edmonton’s Anne McLellan, then Deputy Prime Minister. She was as effective as Alberta Deputy Premier Shirley McClellan has been. In medicine, Stollery Children’s Hospital President Dianne Young has earned many accolades for her accomplishments. The same for University Hospital Foundation President Myrna Fyfe, and renowned University Hospital physician Dr. Ruth CollinsNakai, Canadian Medical Association past president.

with David Norwood

There is nothing like being away for a month to give you a fresh perspective on the affairs of our city. I spent October in England, visiting the Cotswolds, the Yorkshire Dales, the Lake District, and ended with a week in London. I remain amazed that a country so small geographically, and yet so populous compared with Canada, can have so much green space, so many pastoral landscapes, and areas just as empty as parts of Canada. Among other things, my wife and I did a walking tour of the Cotswolds, officially (and in our view) an “area of outstanding beauty” northwest of London. We hiked along country roads, across fields, through forests and through tiny villages. The distances between villages and towns seemed to be vast when we walked admittedly indirect pathways between each (our pedometers routinely registered between 12 and 14 miles each day), but turned out to be only a few miles apart when we took a bus trip through the region a few days later. It just goes to show that looks can be deceiving – lush countryside and small villages co-existing peacefully. Some solid parallels to Edmonton’s core revitalization exist in England, too. The City of Manchester, the thirdlargest urban region in the UK, became the first “industrial” city in the world in the 19th Century. While generally thriving, it retained much of its gritty image through the end of the 20th Century. Its rejuvenation began, ironically, as the result of a massive IRA bomb blast in the city centre in June 1996, the largest bomb to be detonated on British soil in that conflict. While the blast caused no deaths, it did injure more than 200 people and severely damaged the central core of the city. The subsequent reconstruction spurred a massive investment in infrastructure, the magnitude of which was showcased with the successful 2002 Commonwealth Games, and a number of millennium projects. The population of Manchester’s inner city was less than Edmonton’s—only 900 people—in 1991. It is now 16,000 and is expected to rise to 30,000 by 2016. The 47-storey Beetham Tower, the tallest residential structure in the UK, 14

Bruce Hogle is the former news director at CFRN TV and recently retired head of the Alberta Press Council.

Mancheter Exchanges Square

Cheryl Croucher is an Edmonton broadcast journalist and host of Innovation Alberta. You can hear the program on CKUA Radio Tuesdays at 8pm or download it when you visit www. innovationalberta.com

C ivic Buzz

In education, the U of A’s first female president, Dr. Indira Samarasekera, is making her mark in that field. The same is true in the care of our needy, as exemplified by Elle Gibson of the Bissell Centre, Marjorie Bencz of the Edmonton Food Bank, Pat Garrett of WINGS—Women in Need Growing Stronger, Anne Smith of the United Way, Wendy Batty of the Christmas Bureau, and Barrie Brown of the Good Neighbour Fund. In law, the Chief Justice of Alberta, our province’s No. 1 judiciary position, is the Hon. Catherine Fraser. Recently appointed Chief Judge for the provincial court is Gail Vickery. In the world of music, Anne Burrows, totally blind from birth, is one of the finest music teachers in the world. In the Aboriginal culture, we’re fortunate to have women like Muriel Stanley Venne, president and founder of the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women. And let’s not forget the people who, quite simply, care enough to make a difference— exemplified by Erin James who—with hubby Dave—raised seven wonderful children, opened their hearts and home to four more adopted children, and are now waiting for two more via international adoptions. This is an opportune time to thank Ms Hughes, these other exceptional women, and the countless more throughout Alberta and Canada, who work so diligently to make this a better province and land. In these troubling times, with increasing violence at home and abroad, with punks of all ages taking lives for no justifiable reason, these ladies show us how to make the world a better place, day by day. ✔

Brimstead Ziola Kennedy rendering of Humanity Projects has just been completed, and plans are underway for 40and 60-storey residential towers. In all, more than 10,000 residential units—including townhomes and low-rise buildings—are currently under construction in central Manchester; a further 12,300 have been granted planning permission. City officials estimate that more than 25,000 jobs are being created and businesses, mainly in the financial and legal sectors, are growing. This is not to say that Manchester doesn’t have its problems. It has one of the highest crime rates in the UK, and its gang-related problems show little sign of waning. But the city core stands as one of the best examples of rejuvenation in the UK, if not Europe, and it is also a good example of what Edmonton could well become as its growth continues, especially with concepts such as Jasper Avenue East.

EEDC’s Connect2Edmonton—C2E—continues to grow. With more than 600 members in nine countries, it has become one of the best means of learning and informing about what’s happening in Edmonton, sharing ideas about the city, commenting on current topics, introducing new ones, and promoting the city’s many attributes. You can vent there too. C2E’s latest contest, “Great Ideas for a Greater Edmonton,” ran in October and November, and the results should be available about the same time this column appears. As EEDC Director of Communications Kenn Bur put it to me, “This concept is really without precedent as it’s an attempt to gather up ideas from everyone who cares about Edmonton, big and small, that could improve our community. Perhaps most importantly, there will be a process with C2E volunteers to prioritize the top-10 ideas to transform our region from good to great.” The list should be interesting and likely constructive; and one of the people who contributed to the list will be rewarded with a trip for two from Edmonton to London Heathrow, with Air Canada’s non-stop service between the two cities. If you haven’t checked out C2E, it’s definitely worth a visit: www.connect2edmonton.ca/

I suppose it’s understandable that large-scale urban redevelopment is almost always controversial.

Century Park, for example, faced open hostility from some people because of its size. Yet once approved, its first residential phase, One Century Park, sold out in six hours, and I expect that the second phase, Regent at Century Park, will more-or-less follow suit. What I find puzzling, however, is the opposition to a proposed development that will be esthetically harmonious and significantly superior to what currently exists on the site. I’m referring to the Humanity Projects’ proposal for western edge of Glenora—the area bounded by Stony Plain Road on the south, 103 Avenue on the north, 140 Street on the east, and 142 Street on the west. The project, sitting on 4.1 acres of land, the majority of which is currently commercial or vacant (and yes, a couple of single-family homes are on the site as well), will combine residences with commercial services as well as park space with a formal garden and water feature. More specifically it would feature five slim, rounded towers of descending heights (18 to 10 storeys)—up to 255 condo units, 75 brownstone townhomes, main floor retail and second floor professional offices, a park with formal garden and central water feature, pedestrian mews, widened sidewalks and an entrance plaza, rooftop gardens, full landscaping, and public art. The renderings I have seen indicate that the project encompasses conspicuously upscale architecture by Brinsmead Ziola Kennedy, which also is responsible for the distinctive and visually pleasing Omega and Icon condos downtown, among other projects. The tallest tower, at 18 floors, is no higher than the existing Crescent Place just east of the site; it was constructed in 1968. I do understand that change can sometimes be difficult to embrace. But when that change is a demonstrable improvement on something that currently exists, it should be welcomed. Edmonton is in fact a growing city, not just in terms of its population but also in sophistication. This project, in my view, reflects that. I truly hope it goes ahead. ✔ David Norwood is a freelance writer/editor. Contact dnorwood@edmontonians.com EDMONTONIANS DECEMBER 2006

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lifestyles LIVELY

NUTCRACKER–sweet! with Linda Bodo

y mother started my collection of nutcrackers in the early 1980s. For several years, she amassed a wooden army of soldiers, hunters and monarchs from among the gingerbread, mulled wine and roasted almond vendors at the markets of Germany. Since, my assembly has grown to a population of more than 30—each is a study of superb detailing. From multiple layers of lacquer over bold brushstrokes, to a rustic oil rub over pastel water colours, these figurines are as individual as people. I routinely rouse them from a year long slumber to perform the duty of welcoming the festive season and charming guests with big toothy grins.

CRACKdown The original nutcracker was a rock. But as civilization advanced, so did the implements used for extracting meat from nuts. By the Renaissance, nutcrackers had become works of art. According to German folklore, nutcrackers were given as keepsakes to bring luck and protect homes. Legend says that a nutcracker represented power and strength, serving like a trusty dog. A fierce protector, the nutcracker bared its teeth to evil spirits while acting as a messenger of good luck and goodwill. The first nutcracker wood carvings—used as souvenirs, gifts or religious figures—date to the 11th Century. The earliest were simple and utilitarian, but eventually evolved into beautifully crafted brass and carved wood art forms in the 15th and 16th Centuries. In the German regions of Sonneberg and Erzgebirge, the Ore Mountains were rich with mineral deposits. Many villagers worked in mines, but carved during winter when the mines were closed. When mineral deposits expired, miners turned their pastime into a full-time craft. Eventually, the one-of-a-kind figures in the form of soldiers and kings became a symbol of the region and sold all over Europe. The lathe revolutionized commercial production—automation meant mass output of turned pine,

beech and alder wood figurines. In 1872 ,Wilhelm Füchtner created multiple nutcrackers of the same design and began the age of largescale cracker development and marketing. Soon, other makers followed suit. Two of the most famous companies, Steinbach and Christian Ulbricht, continue to this day with distinctive style variations, creating collectors’ items that demand premium prices. During the18th Century the term Nussknacker appeared in the first dictionary of High German by the Brothers Grimm. The definition: Often in form of a misshaped little man, in whose mouth the nut, by means of a lever or screw, is cracked open. Monks, police, political leaders and even Napoleon were recreated as nutcrackers to amuse people, but king and soldier figures were the most popular. They also served as inspiration for the famous 1816 E.T. Ammadeus Hoffmann’s fairy tale, Nussknacker und Mausekönig—The Nutcracker and Mouse King. This novel became the basis for Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, which debuted as a ballet in St. Petersburg in 1892. The millennial year 2000 marked 108 years of the performance of the ballet. Locally, you can enjoy A Jazzy Nutcracker Suite at the Arden Theatre on December 14th, or the tradional ballet at the Jube from December 15th to 17th.

NUTricious Nuts have formed a major part of man’s diet for nearly 780,000 years. A nut was placed in the depression of a stone, then hit it with another called the “hammer stone”. Over the centuries, uses for nuts evolved. The shelled nuts were eaten whole or ground with mortar and pestle to make flour, or a nut butter. Shells were used to fuel fires that would cook the nutmeats and render congealed fat for subsequent cooking. The oldest walnut fragments—dated from 50,000 BC— were discovered in Iraq. Greeks and Romans were fond of walnuts and used them for oil or powdered them to thicken foods. Thanks to the Spanish Franciscan Fathers who brought walnuts to California in the 18th Century, the state now produces much of the world’s supply. Remains of pecans found in archeological excavations in Texas date back to 6100 BC. Native only to North America, the pecan has been discovered in or near river beds, where it was a staple in the diets of both natives and early settlers.

We all link the macadamia nut to Hawaii, but it actually originated in the rain forests of Australia. Brought to Hawaii in the late 19th Century, the islands are one of the world’s primary suppliers today. Historians say that almonds, mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible, were among the earliest cultivated foods. They were brought back by the Crusaders returning from the Holy Lands in the 11th and 13th Centuries. Arabian marzipan is a sweet paste candy made from ground almonds. The hazelnut or filbert is also known as the Cobb or Spanish nut. The name filbert comes from St. Philibert, a 7th century Frankish abbot, and the nut usually ripens on St. Philiberts day, August 29th. The word hazel comes from an old English word for hood, or bonnet. Introduced to America by a shipment of seeds in 1629, the nut grows primarily in Oregon and Washington, which produces about three percent of the world’s supply. The cashew is native to Brazil, but has been widely cultivated in Indian and Africa since the 16th Century. Cashews always come to us shelled because between the outer and inner shells, there is caustic oil. The outer shell and oil are burned or roasted off after which the nut is boiled or roasted again to remove the inner shell. The brazil nut is native to South America. The nuts are actually large seeds with 15 to 30 arranged in a pod weighing four to six pounds. When ripe, it can hit the ground with such force that it could kill a mere mortal. Natives split the pods with machetes to remove the seeds. The first reference to the brazil nut dates to 1569 when a Spanish colonial officer collected thousands to feed his troops. The peanut is not really a nut but a goober… a member of the pea family. Peanuts originated in South America where Indians had used them over 2000 years. Spanish and Portuguese slave traders introduced them to Africa and Europe, and the slaves in turn brought them to the U.S. Once regarded as a food for the poor, the peanut gained popularity in the 20th Century when the demand for peanut oil, roasted and salted peanuts, and peanut butter escalated. Now call in the wooden army and get cracking. ✔ Contact Linda Bodo at lbodo@edmontonians.com or visit absolutebodo.com.

EDMONTONIANS DECEMBER 2006

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Morelifestyles LIVELY

rining a piece of meat today is most definitely a far cry from its original use as a way to preserve meat in ancient times. Long before refrigeration, curing, brining and smoking were ways to preserve food. That’s why I was a bit taken aback when my editor, Barb Deters—who loves to try crazy new things in the kitchen—asked me if I was going to brine my turkey this Christmas. “It’s so tender and juicy, it will just blow your socks off! It’s pure magic!” The more I thought about it, the more appealing it sounded. A brine is actually a very salty marinade. Most commercial brines have roughly 20 percent salinity. This is equivalent to approximately one pound of salt per gallon of water. A lot of the modern home recipes cut back on the salt and add sugar. And this is where the fun begins. It’s what you add to your brine that makes it distinctly yours. Many dry salt cures contain sugar, herbs and spices. Nothing in my rule book that says you can’t embellish your liquid brine: Consider adding rosemary, garlic, onion, peppercorns, hot chili flakes, bay leaves, juniper berries, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, brown sugar, honey or molasses. The key here is to experiment and follow your own taste buds. While it’s in the brine, the meat cells absorb the liquid deep into the meat, along with all of the wonderful flavours you’ve added. So the meat has an incredible flavour throughout… moisture is locked in so it’s unlikely to dry out. Meat usually can loose up to 30 percent of its weight during cooking. Brining the meat can reduce that to 15 percent. The amount of time required to properly brine your meat or fish depends on the weight of the item. Shrimp or fillets, for example, should only be brined for half an hour. A large turkey should be left for several hours, or even overnight. Because the bird will be left in the brine for a longer period, a little less salt may be used. Place the turkey in a non-reactive container. Barb uses a large plastic pail, double-lined with garbage bags. After the bird is submerged in the brine, she ties the bags tightly. Please note: Brining must be done in the refrigerator or cold storage area, one that won’t freeze or rise above 4° C. Discard the brine after use, and thoroughly rinse your turkey before cooking. “The results, John, are out of this world,” Barb gushes. “Oh my God… the taste, you won’t believe it! You’ll never have to worry about dry turkey meat again.” Barb is such a huge fan of brining, many of her meats are now prepared this way. I can’t wait to try it out this Christmas.

Magic

Have a Brine time this Christmas!

ACQUISITIONS, DIVESTITURES & CORPORATE FINANCE

with with Chef Chef John John Berry Berry

BARB’S BRINE 1 cup sea or Kosher salt 1 cup dark brown sugar 1 gallon cold water—enough to cover

Mix all ingredients together in a pail or large non-reactive container. Submerge your turkey completely. Store in a cold place overnight 4°C or cooler. Rinse thoroughly, discard brine, and cook your turkey as you normally would.

Chef’s Note: Add 2-3 sprigs of fresh rosemary, thyme and a leaf or two of sage to give your bird a real festive kick. GRANDMA BERRY’S UPPER CANADA STUFFING 1 large loaf of Italian or sour dough bread 1/2 cup butter melted, plus 3 Tbs. 1 medium-sized purple onion, diced 1 apple, cored, peeled and diced 6 large white button mushrooms, diced 3 celery sticks, diced 1/4 cup slivered almonds or walnuts 1/4 cup raisins 2 cloves fresh garlic, diced fine 3-4 Tbs. poultry seasoning Canned turkey broth

Rip or cube bread into large mixing bowl. Sauté onion, celery, mushrooms and garlic in 3 Tbs. of butter until onion is translucent.

Pour over top of bread, with all of the other ingredients except poultry seasoning and broth. Mix well.

Add poultry seasoning to taste. Mix well. Pour 1/2 to 3/4 cup turkey broth over mixture. Stuff the cavity of your turkey. Scoop out when bird is done and enjoy!

Visit edmontonians.com for Chef John’s Turkey Tips and receipes for Smokey Mountain Potatoes and broccoli Casserole. Contact Chef John Berry at jberry@edmontonians.com

with Stephen W. Kent, CA (780) 448-9099

A CHRISTMAS CAROL Fred tossed in bed; he couldn’t sleep. Something was bothering him but he couldn’t put his finger on what it was. Aware of a presence in his room, he asked, “Who’s there?” It was the ghost of Christmas past who was showing him a scene from not so long ago. “What am I looking at? Why’s that man so sad? When was this?” Fred asked. “It is 1982, the NEP is upon us and fortunes have been lost. That man owned a highly successful company just like yours. Overnight it all disappeared, taken away by circumstances beyond his control. He had borrowed to finance his rapid expansion…the banks moved in right away.” “Oh look there’s me,” exclaimed Fred. I’m with my accountant. Look at all that profit! I’ll get a big bonus this year and something extra special for my wife this Christmas.” “Your partner wants you to sell,” said the ghost of Christmas present. “He believes the time is right, coming off a career year. The future looks bright and there is still money around looking for quality companies.” “What does he know?” replied Fred. Next year will be even better for us. The patch is booming and there’s no end in sight. If he wants to sell so badly I’ll buy him out.” “Who are you?” “I am the ghost of Christmas yet to come.” “Is that me sitting on a bus?” asked Fred. “Where is my Benz? I look so old and sad. Why am I getting off there? Where is my beautiful home? That dilapidated place can’t be mine! What happened? I used to be so happy and surrounded by beautiful things, where has it all gone?” “It is not very far in the future,” replied the ghost. “You won a bid on the biggest job in your company’s history. Of course you didn’t realize that no one else submitted a bid. You couldn’t get enough workers to complete the contract; you missed a bank payment and it seized some of your equipment. Things just got worse; buying out your partner left you with too much debt to survive. Personal guarantees were the last straw; you lost your house and car. I see you got a Christmas card from your old partner. He’s in Paris with his wife; they both look very happy and content.” Nothing lasts forever. It may be time for you to re-evaluate your future. Please email stephen.w.kent@ca.pwc.com or call 780.441.6793 to explore your options. To each and every one of you a Happy Holiday Season and a prosperous 2007!

Season’s Greetings from 16

EDMONTONIANS DECEMBER 2006

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