Edmontonians Winter2014

Page 1


CIVILWARS

with Nejolla Korris

Oscar Pistorius What his words reveal

O

n Friday September

12, Oscar Pistorius—former Olympic track star, known as the Bladerunner—was convicted of culpable homicide in the death of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, and sentenced to five years in prison. Judge Thokozile Masipa said prosecutors did not show beyond a reasonable doubt that Pistorius was guilty of the more serious charge of premeditated murder, but she stated that culpable homicide was a reasonable conclusion to the events of February 14, 2013. Under South African law, culpable homicide is the illegal killing of someone through irresponsible behaviour. The charge is comparable to reckless homicide or manslaughter. I received a transcript of the statement given by Pistorius at his bail hearing on February 19, 2013. We will explore the language in his statement using the SCAN* methodology to further explore how words define truthful, deceptive and sensitive responses. When we ask the subject for a statement, the only thing we ask is. “What happened?” Any deviation or embellishment from what happened is what is assessed by the interviewer. Generally, when recalling events, people respond using the most efficient language possible. Any embellishments give us indicators of what types of questions to ask in order to establish what really happened. Pistorius: “On the 13th of February 2013 Reeva would have gone out with her friends and I with my friends. Reeva then called me and asked that we rather spend the evening at home.” The use of “would have” vs. “Reeva went out with her friends” calls into question if this

2

is what actually happened that night. “Would have” is often used when the event didn’t happen as the subject reports it. At this point, the interviewer should ask, “What did Reeva actually do that night?” Here is one scenario. Reeva was supposed to go out with her friends but didn’t, which would explain the “would have” Pistorius went out with his friends and “then” Reeva called him and asked him to come back home for a quiet dinner. The interviewer must ask the question to gain clarification of what the subject stated. Pistorius: “I agreed and we were content to have a quiet dinner together at home.” When someone states that they agreed, it means that they initially disagreed or weighed the two options. In this case, words like “agreed” and “decided” indicate to us that the subject contemplated two options. Agreed also means that the subject could have initially disagreed. The interviewer should follow up with, “I understand that you and Reeva discussed whether or not to have dinner at home that night, please tell me more about what was discussed. Pistorius: “By about 22h00 on 13 February 2013 we were in our bedroom. She was doing her yoga exercises and I was in bed watching television. My prosthetic legs were off. We were deeply in love and I could not be happier. I know she felt the same way. She had given me a present for Valentine’s Day but asked me only to open it the next day.” This segment is loaded with linguistic triggers. He goes from telling us they are going to have a quiet dinner at home, and now tells us it is about 22h00—10 o’clock in the evening. This indicates that there is information missing from his statement between the time of dinner and being in the bedroom.

He then tells us his prosthetic legs are off. Why? It interrupts the flow of the question “What happened?” We see traits like this happening when someone is setting up to bolster the story later on and, in this case, that the prosthetic legs are going to have something to do with it. Then Pistorius goes on to state that “we were deeply in love”. Again, we consider that to be an interruption to the question “What happened?” It is out of context to add that detail at this point in the statement. We are not asking the subject to prove how he felt about her—only what happened that night. √ *The SCAN technique (Scientific Content Analysis) is a methodology used to examine truthful and deceptive points in language. The technique uses a consistent formula in the analysis of linguistic patterns in individuals. Therefore, regardless of the subject’s education, profession or cultural background, the same consistent measures are used to measure the subject’s words. SCAN is used in the analysis of statements written by the subject, interview transcripts, and oral interviews Nejolla Korris is an international expert in area of interviewing skills and linguistic lie detection. She is a keen observer and fan of the human condition. Dubbed the “Human Lie Detector” by some clients, she is a popular speaker on lie detection, fraud prevention and investigation, workplace fraud, and organizational justice. Nejolla recently launched a new speaker’s series on the differing communication styles between men and women. Contact: nkorris@working-it-out.com EDMONTONIANS WINTER 2014

EDMO


al

R 2014

12851 - 56 Street, Edmonton, AB T5A 0C9

Tel: 780.454.3444 Fax: 780.454.3222

www.edmontonians.com Published by: Cedar Publishing Corporation

in this issue...

Volume XXV Number 3 Winter 2014

ABOUT TOWN VoxPop

President Moe Najmeddine moe@edmontonians.com

Marty Forbes is thrilled with Weird Edmonton........................................................................................ 4

Editor Barb Deters bdeters@edmontonians.com

Erin Rayner meets Edmonton’s Group of Six artists............................................................................... 6

Sales Manager info@edmontonians.com Columnists Jey Arul • Ben Block • Linda Bodo Cheryl Croucher • Marty Forbes • Dana Giesbrecht Diana J. Herrington • Nejolla Korris Barbara Ashley Phillips • Erin Rayner Charles Strachey • Mark Wardell FEATURE WRITERS Barb Deters PHOTOGRAPHERS Bruce Clarke • Cheryl Croucher Quincey Deters • Tracy Kolenchuk GRAPHIC PRODUCTION Rage Studios Inc. All rights reserved by Cedar Publishing Corporation. Reproduction or transmission of all or any part of this publication by any means whatsoever is strictly forbidden without prior written permission from the publisher. Although great care is taken to avoid errors in the preparation of advertising material and editorial content, any errors or omissions on the part of Cedar Publishing Corporation are limited and dealt with solely by printing a retraction statement and or correction in the following issue. Edmontonians Newsmagazine is a product of Cedar Publishing Corporation.

Sizzling in the City

BUSINESS

Mergers & Acquisitions Jey Arul cites variables in valuations..................................................................................................... 11

You & The Law Ben Block provides tips about on-line businesses.................................................................................. 8

FEATURES

13th Annual Social Calendar Comprehensive list of the 2015 charitable events in the Capital Region........................................ 12-21

LIVELY LIFESTYLES Absolute Bodo

Linda Bodo highlights the art of upcycling.............................................................................................. 9

Real Food For Life Diana J. Herrington knows how to stop sugar cravings ....................................................................... 10

OPINIONS Civil Wars

Nejolla Korris analyzes Oscar Pistorius’ statements................................................................................ 2

VISIONARIES Canadian Publication Mail Agreement # 40041145 If undeliverable, please return to:

Cedar Publishing Corporation 12851 - 56 Street Edmonton, AB T5A 0C9

www.cedarpublishing.com EDMONTONIANS WINTER 2014

Cheryl Croucher focuses on innovators......................................................................................... 22-23

25 YEARS and counting! 3


Marty Forbes

F

With Marty Forbes

or the past 25 years,

Weird Edmonton chronicles odd, quirky characters, places, history and hauntings. Edmontonians magazine has It’s a wonderful easy read and, if you been publishing tidbits and grew up here, it’s a must to check out features about what makes those buildings where you likely dined, Greater Edmonton great. danced and drank… or even where you Since the summer of 2007, part of my were taught. It is filled with some12851 amazing- 56 Street, mandate has been to salute our most Edmonton, AB T5A 0C9 facts and some wild accounts—especially talented folks for their achievements. It’s in the early chapters on the paranormal an extreme pleasure to do that. Tel: (780) 701-3715 activities—from people who have seen, In this issue, I’m pleased to highlight Fax:in (780) 454-3222 sensed heard either their S O N A L I T Y O aF gentleman B U S I NI Eworked S S I with N Tfrom H E 1992 C A P I TA L R or EG I O ghosts, N homes or where they worked. until 1994 as we launched Best Rock There are neat, random facts 100.3 The Bear. His name is Mark interspersed throughout the book, too. Kozub. His role at the radio station was Although I’ve lived here most of my to write 30- and 60-second commercials. life, I honestly learned a lot from reading After working with him for a very short Weird Edmonton. And, I wanted to learn period of time, I knew he had much moreDate: more… so I went to the source. in him: His creative juices just never To Appear in: seemed to stop. When Mark left the First off, Mark, how does one sit down station, he turned into a virtual one-man ed: and write such an interesting book? band (pun intended), and he moved into “Well, it takes a lot of work—a lot of freelancing, agency work… yes, music hours—the power of the Internet, and production, and other media related gigs. an amazing editor and book company. Recently, Mark released a book extremely helpful and I literally hit the But, once I started digging around, a great called Weird Edmonton. The jacket pavement, and began talking to as many deal of these stories came to me from describes him as “an Edmonton-based people as I could which made it far more friends, co-workers or other people via communications writer, workshop interesting.” email. Start to finish, it takes about six facilitator, author and musician who months—the very active part—to get the believes in creativity, inspiration, good What was the biggest shocker or book published. But it took at least six clear communication, and the power of surprize that you found, Mark? “It years to put it all together. I also did a few the people working together to bring was all the paranormal stuff—crazy YEG TWEETUPs, a website, and got a exciting things to the world.” things just seem to happen. Everything number of interesting from the old CKUA building apparently stories in that being haunted by a man named Sam, manner. Edmonton Suite 104, 7633 - 50 St., Meridian Pl. who had been a caretaker in the building Tourism was Edmonton, AB

DVERTISING PROOF

780.465.5150 www.atlasimmunization.com

NOw OFFERiNG HOME & AuTO iNSuRANCE! Get a Quote and be entered into our “$10,000 Money Bag” contest!

wHAT wOuLd yOu dO wiTH $10,000? N o w O f f e r i n g R o a d Te s t s b y A p p o i n t m e n t

780-475-6166

11546 - 80 Street Edmonton, Alberta Toll Free: 1-877-475-6166 email: shelly@skylinesigns.ca

www.skylinesigns.ca 4

SIGN SERVICE MaINtENaNCE INStallatIoNS CoNCREtE BaSES lED CoNVERSIoNS

Location: Main floor of Scotia Place 10072 Jasper Avenue Edmonton AB T5J 1V8 Phone: (780) 944-1204

Hours of Operation: Mon - Wed, Fri ( 8 am - 5:00pm ) Thur: (8 am - 6:00pm) Sat: ( 10 am - 3:00pm)

w w w. a s b re g i s t r y. co m EDMONTONIANS WINTER 2014

EDMO


R 2014

back in the 1950s and died there, to the Princess Theatre being haunted by a woman floating around… to several stories from old buildings being haunted by a variety of strange individuals—some nice, some not so nice.”

You may have seen or heard Mark talking about Weird Edmonton on the various media since its release. A few local media pals proudly offer their comments and review, including CITY TV “Breakfast Television” host Ryan Jespersen who stated, “Weird is wonderful... and nobody nails it better than that weirdo Mark Kozub. Weird Edmonton is the perfect toilet tank topper.” 630 CHED afternoon co-host Mark Scholz stayed on theme

For long-time Edmontonians, I’m sure there are countless stories about some former local landmarks. The Cecil Hotel, for one, was legendary. And, we had a town crier named Pete Jamieson that many would remember. There was the Beachcomber restaurant; the Steak Loft Our city has a great and storied history and Lucifers… Tommy Banks’ famous and we still have some tremendous Embers Club… and a ton of dance clubs buildings throughout the core that we’ve like Goose Loonies and Zorba’s would been able to either preserve or update to likely garner a few great stories. today’s standards. We should consider it a So, read the book… if you have a tale privilege that we have been able to walk that hasn’t been told, let Mark know. The their hallowed halls for a century or more. more we provide to him, the more likely Old Strathcona—with Whyte Avenue he is to tackle another book. I, for one, at its heart—is a great example of the say “Do it again!” Nice job, my friend! past intersecting with the present. The Weird Edmonton would make a great Honourable Heather Klimchuk, Minister Christmas present. of Alberta Culture, states in the book, Speaking of which… don’t miss this “Only in Edmonton could you hop a year’s Singing Christmas Tree from historic streetcar and ride the rail across Thursday, December 18th through to Sunday, December 22nd at the Jubilee the century old High Level Bridge to North America’s oldest and largest Fringe Auditorium—proceeds go to Santas THE PERSONALITY OF BUSINESS IN T H E C A P I TA L R E G I O N Festival. Bar none my absolute favourite Anonymous, near and dear to my heart. summer activity.” Tickets at www.ticketmaster.ca Let’s not forget the stunningly beautiful, world class Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, Footnote: Mark Kozub has been providing which has housed royalty—ok, Mick communications for the public and private Jagger isn’t exactly a king...but he should Attention: sector for over two Date: decades. His key focus is be...right? The Mac history is extremely on human services and health, but in: his clients interesting, and we’re very fortunate Fax: To Appear have ranged from University of Alberta to that it didn’t get knocked down by a Author Mark Kozub Edmonton Tourism. Through his network Date wrecking ball several years ago. MarkPurchased: has of talented people, he creates effective and chronicled its illustrious past… and every integrated communications strategies and and suggested, “Move over Uncle John’s Edmontonian should be able to share it campaigns for all media: web, social media, Bathroom Reader… Mark Kozub’s Weird print, radio, TV, video and more. You can find with visitors to our city. out more about Mark, and Weird Edmonton, by Edmonton is moving in.” checking his website www.MarkKozub.com Quirky stuff? “I don’t know why but, Will there be a Weird Edmonton II, in Edmonton’s history—things like in Mark? “The reaction has been quite the early days—one of the ways to show positive and many people, once they you were wealthy here was to own a Marty Forbes is president of Radiowise Inc. meet me, offer up their Weird stories pineapple because they were super rare, Contact: marty@edmontonians.com – and on too… so there’s no lack of content if I believe it or not. Or, did you know that Twitter: mjforbes decided to pursue 96th Street downtown, over six blocks— it. It’s a ton of work it’s the most amount of churches in the Carefree Plumbing & but thoroughly world… which was also exposed in Ripley’s Believe It or Not.” enjoyable.”

12851 Edmonton, A

Tel: (780) Fax: (780)

ADVERTISING PROO

Heating Ltd. 3928-47 St. NW, Edmonton, AB FREE ESTIMATES

780.995.3487

Proudly Serving Edmonton & Area Since 1984 Residential & Commercial Plumbing & Heating

EDMONTONIANS WINTER 2014

5


with Erin Rayner

G

raphic designer and

abstract artist Marcus Coldeway knew the moment he stepped into Vacancy Hall in the basement of the Mercer Building that he’d found the perfect venue for his August 2013 art show. There was only one problem: The space was way too big; he needed more art. Enter the group of six artists who would become MINBID Art Auctions’ founding partners, each with a different specialty: Michel Côté, mixed medium, Jamie Law, stencils and tattoos, Darren Bolz, conceptual, Vicky Mittal, photographer, and Michael Rogers, graffiti. With the initial investment of elbow grease and $250 each, they launched MINBID, a progressive collection of Canadian artists, hosting electrifying art auctions. Since selling out their first show in the fall 2013, they’ve hosted nine auctions in venues such as art galleries, friends’ lofts, and Scott McKeen’s electoral office. Most recently, MINBID celebrated its first anniversary with an auction at L’Attitude 53. At that first show, the group hung 95 art pieces by wire and duct tape because of concrete walls and ‘MacGyvered’ their way through the event, as many early entrepreneurs do. There, they were 6

MINBID partners Michele Côté, Vicky Mittal, Jamie Law, Darren Bolz, Marcus Coldeway and Michael Rogers approached by two members of now Ward 4 City Councilor McKeen’s campaign team who immediately knew a MINBID event would be a perfect fit in Scott’s headquarters, a former art gallery. Three weeks later, MINBID II took place in what was once the Agnes Bugera Gallery. When the partners sold $11,000 of art in those two first shows, they

Art Auctions Promo

knew they were on to something. Since then, MINBID has partnered with Pixel Blue

A Marcus Coldeway original painting

College, Spark, Yellowhead Brewery and many other organizations in Edmonton’s active artist culture. “Our shows were just getting to another level completely. The look, the feel, the technology was getting better,” explains Marcus. But the success of the first shows was still surprising to the partners. The instigator of the concept admits, “We were all pretty flabbergasted by the success.” I wondered why. “We were not supposed to be doing this,” Michele responds. “We rented a space, put art up and now it’s selling. It’s not what’s supposed to happen. You’re supposed to do all this labour and pay your dues in an art world, and this and that. We just said ‘we’re going to put our art up and invite people’ and it sold.” Photographer and tech wizard Vicky, a 2012 Sizzler, adds, “We slapped the idea in the face of failing miserably the first time. People always say ‘you’re going to fail and it’s going to be terrible’... it’s not like everything went smoothly the first time, but it was really successful.” In the partners’ minds, the turning point on building a foundation for even more growth and success was ‘In EDMONTONIANS WINTER 2014

EDMO


R 2014

L’Atitude 53 gallery before the crowd arrived for MINBID’s first anniversary sale Stitches’, the first auction in 2014. The electronic art submission and auction administration systems were really beginning to show value. That was the first time the entire auction system flowed together: Guests registered on-line and received their bidder number by e-mail; bid sheets were merged with on-line artist submission forms, and payment was processed completely on-line. Prior to this, the only information collected were hand written names and phone numbers. After hosting five events in five months, the team evaluated their accomplishments. “That first year was right from the hip,’’ recalls Darren. “At the end of December, after shooting from the hip for all that time, we sat back and took a second to collect ourselves. We thought ‘if this is what we’ve done with our own momentum, what would happen if we actually set some goals?’ And then, it started getting really interesting when we started achieving them.” As with any new venture, artistic or entrepreneurial, the group all had their share of surprises, most of them not related to the artwork itself. Having five shows in the span of five months really inspired their creative production processes, but there was more to it than that. Tattoo artist Jamie says, “I was more surprised by the different people we got engaged. They

EDMONTONIANS WINTER 2014

MINBID patrons gather at the VIP Loft

Columnist Erin Rayner with Eryn Buckle of Heritage Collaborative, and Tracy Nadiger of All Weather Windows attended the first anniversary auction at L’Atitude 53 weren’t just attending an art auction but becoming art collectors.” Marcus agrees, “I was surprised by the response from Edmontonians. People were so on-board right away and wanted to help us.” Over the past couple of years, MINBID has also affected each artist’s art and creative processes. From experimenting with different mediums and ideas to overcoming blocks to the artistic process, each one has experienced individual growth by having access to a trusted sounding board. The group is also finding the frequency of shows creates a need to increase production levels and proactively set aside time to produce.

This was especially true for conceptual artist Darren. “A lot of my art comes from a very personal place so I have to be feeling something in order to be making something. With these guys, there’s a constant poker; there’s a constant look at things and making things happen. For me, it was having to produce more consistently. Before, it was whenever you have a feeling or an inspiration, you do something but, when you have a show— whether you’re inspired or not—you have to produce. So you have to keep the act sharp in that sense.” As the partners continue to host successful auctions, they are still working with a blank canvas. Their eyes are firmly focused on growth, including the recent launch of their twice annual magazine MINzine, and the acquisition of corporate art rental clients. But, of course, their passion remains MINBID, with auction events scheduled for mid-December in Edmonton, and in Calgary and Vancouver in 2015. Michele best sums up our interview when he suggests, “Dream big if you’re going to dream at all.” √ Erin Rayner is president of ED Marketing and Communications Inc. Contact erayner@edmontonians.com

7


YOU&THELAW

3

The top

I

LEGAL ISSUES when starting an on-line business

n recent months, I have noticed

an increasing number of calls from would-be Internet entrepreneurs. From on-line retail to new social networks, Alberta’s community of innovators seem to be eyeing the Internet, perhaps fuelled by news of billion-dollar buyouts and venture capitalists taking multi-million dollar risks on the “next big thing”. Like any new business, questions like incorporation, share structure, and shareholders agreements arise, but the on-line world raises some unique needs. I have summarized the top three issues I am asked about here:

TERMS & CONDITIONS

It is important to consider the nature of your online business idea, exactly what product and/or service you will be providing, what information you will require, and what expectations you have for your users and they may have of you. For example, I recently launched an Internetbased venture of my own, GozAround (www. gozaround.com). This is a social network designed to connect people and organizations in need of volunteer assistance with those willing to help, and to recognize people who give back. However, with a community-driven site like this (meaning the content—the volunteer opportunities—come from the users), there are certain unique considerations. Are the postings legitimate? Have the users’ identities been verified by the website? What guarantees are offered, if any? What steps should users take to protect themselves? Of course, a site like GozAround is based on the idea of good will and “what goes around, comes around” but it is always important to set reasonable expectations for what a web-based community can control and what it cannot. For your business, ask yourself what risks exist when someone uses your site, both for you and the user. Who is responsible for mitigating

those risks and, in a worst case, if something goes wrong? Your terms and conditions form a contract between you and your users. Think carefully about the desired rights and responsibilities as though it were a document to be signed each time a user logs on. In the event an issue were to occur, these terms will lay the groundwork for a resolution.

PRIVACY POLICY

A second common element in relation to your users will be your site’s privacy policy. Where your terms and conditions form the contractual relationship between your site and its users, the privacy policy sets out what information your website will collect and what will be done with that information once it has been collected. This is an increasingly sensitive issue as data breaches and the use of personal data regularly make headlines. Such collection of data can indeed enrich our on-line experience, allowing content to be tailored to our location, interests, history and even social relationships. However, when information is collected, assembled and applied in an unexpected or unwanted manner, you may find your users more than a little displeased. Not to mention that you may be liable for even inadvertent disclosures of personal information if you fail to take adequate protection measures. Again, you should carefully review your information needs (asking what do you really need to collect), how that information will be collected, what will be done with that information, and what protections will be put in place. Experts on data security and your lawyer should be included in that analysis, and your efforts carefully documented. The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (www.priv.gc.ca) and Service Alberta (www.servicealberta.ca/pipa) both offer great information on developing a privacy policy for your business, on-line or off.

with Ben Block

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

In some cases, with a traditional bricks-andmortar, locally-focused business, the protection of your intellectual property may be fairly straightforward. When you know your trade area, you can search appropriate geographic areas for conflicts, and the maintenance of your business identity and innovations is a more defined task. However, in the Internet world, geography is much harder to define, and the costs of protecting your name and innovations globally can climb quickly. A detailed discussion of intellectual property would take many pages, but generally “IP” consists of trade-mark (e.g. names, logos etc. as applied to your product or service), copyright (e.g. written, visual or audio works themselves) and patent (e.g. inventions, innovations and processes etc.). There can be overlap in these areas and the process of protecting your business’ identity, products, services, innovations and/or unique materials can be complex. I would highly recommend speaking with an IP professional, such as Michael Sharp of Parlee McLaws LLP, early in your business planning process to ensure the necessary protections are in place or in process. Again, I have compiled these common issues based on my experience but, remember, every business is unique. I recommend you speak with your lawyer, along with your software developer and other service providers, to ensure your new venture is properly structured and protected. √ Ben Block is an associate with Hillenbrand Kozicki LLP, and focuses his practice on civil litigation, real estate and business law. Ben was an Edmontonians Sizzler in 2007. Call 780.809.2389 or email bblock@hklaw.ca.

NORTHERN AIR FLYING FOR OVER 30 YEARS • SCHEDULED FLIGHTS • PEACE RIVER TO EDMONTON • PEACE RIVER TO CALGARY • EXECUTIVE CHARTERS • CREW CHARTERS • DEDICATED AIR AMBULANCE • RECREATIONAL CHARTERS

WWW.FLYNORTHERNAIR.COM 8

EDMONTONIANS WINTER 2014

EDMO


R 2014

The

UP OF SIDE

ABSOLUTE

BODO with Linda Bodo

UPCYCLING

Can you hear them? Sobs from cast-offs in trash bins discarded before their time…

S

culpted abs, or a sculpture

created from reclaimed materials— which is more likely to give us a sense of wellbeing? While exercising is a significant stressreliever, the creative process has its own unique properties for enhancing our welfare. Creativity can improve your health in ways that exercise can’t, by instilling a sense of achievement and satisfaction from producing a tangible object. Being involved in a positive creative process calms the nerves and, when we’re calm, our bodies react in a positive

manner. The sense of satisfaction puts smiles on our faces and, as we all know, that makes us feel better emotionally. With a new generation of eco-conscious enthusiasts emerging, stewardship of our planet is becoming as pertinent as stress management. Combining environmental concerns with the creative process is referred to as upcycling—an alternative to mainstream, mass-produced, offshore designer brands realized with repurposed items diverted from our landfills. Upcycling saves our planet and builds muscle for the heart and soul.

In an era of social consciousness, sustainable living has become the latest designer trend. The concept has caught on with eco-logical artisans, or upcyclers, who create iconic pieces from waste stream materials. These objects articulate a poignant message of today’s consumerism while inspiring creative methods to reduce our carbon footprint. Blur the line between art and craft with recycle-based designs through The Art of Upcycling with Linda Bodo. www.absolutebodo.com

FISH AND SIPS

Glowing fish sculptures, fabricated from clear recycled plastic bottles, are lit with LEDs to illuminate the importance of recycling to protect marine wildlife. Designed for the UN Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, these barracudas do not have to fish for compliments.

CHAINED DOG

Isreali artist, Nirit Levav, uses discarded bicycle chains to create mind blowing sculptures of man’s best friend. Bow-Wow!

APPLEWOOD

Wood sculptor and passionate skater ‘Haroshi’ employs discarded skateboard decks for dimensional statuettes that vary from mosaics to pixels. Narly man.

MOOVING PARTS

Finnish artist Miina Äkkijyrkkä aka ‘Liina Lång’ fashions bovine beauties with used auto parts. She also raises cattle in her spare time. Talk about passion. EDMONTONIANS WINTER 2014

POP CULTURE

Japanese artist Makaon coaxes statuesque works of art from the humble pop can. Origami with a twist. √ 9


REALFOODFORLIFE

7toTips stop sugar cravings

T

he first taste we prefer as

a baby is sweet. We get it from our mother’s breast milk, but that sweet taste is also found in grains, fruits, and even vegetables. Sugar releases the feel-good chemical serotonin. It gives us a high as it releases endorphins that calm and relax us. It is easy to see why our craving for sugar can be so intense.

HOW TO GET OFF SUGAR

It takes about seven days—just one week!—to reduce sugar cravings. They will not totally disappear, but the intense cravings will be less and not so much in control. Wean yourself off sugar or go cold-turkey. The choice is yours.

TOO MUCH SUGAR IS NOT GOOD FOR OUR HEALTH.

HOW TO GET OFF SUGAR QUICKLY

I am so passionate about helping people get off sugar that I offer Healthy Web Trainings at Real Food for Life.com where you get focused support in eating perfectly balanced healthy meals, which includes shopping lists, menus and video training.

Consider the following: • Low-fat fruit yogurt (125ml) contains 4 1/2 tsp of sugar; • 2 slices white bread contain 6 tsp of sugar; • 1 glazed donut contains 6 tsp of sugar; and • A 12-ounce Pepsi contains 10 tsp of sugar. See how easy it is to get lots of sugar into your diet!

READ LABELS FOR HIDDEN SUGARS & SUGAR ALIASES

I will give you strategies to help with sugar cravings but, first, a few reasons why you would want to give up sugar.

7 REASONS TO GIVE UP SUGAR:

10

5. Instead of pop, drink lemonade and iced tea. Make lemonade or herb tea with stevia. If you need that carbonated zing, add sparkling mineral water. 6. Don’t keep sweets in your cupboards or fridge. Keep temptation at bay. 7. When craving strikes, go for a walk. Athletes’ cravings for sweet foods decline after exercise. TIP: Do not use artificial sweeteners; they have been found to cause diabetes and obesity.

The average Canadian consumes 26 teaspoons of sugar each day—two to three pounds of sugar per week! You may be thinking that it sounds like a lot of sugar to get through in one day, but…

1. Sugar is not food. It is empty calories with little nutritional value and causes your body to steal vitamins from other vital organs in attempt to process the sugar, leaving you undernourished. 2. Sugar makes you fat. It is filled with calories that end up stored in your fat cells. 3. Sugar makes you nervous. There is a clear link between excess sugar and disorders like anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. 4. Sugar causes diabetes, kidney and heart problems. Excess sugar can damage the pancreas’ ability to function properly. 5. High sugar diet can damage your brain in a week, according to a University of New South Wales study. 6. Sugar suppresses the immune system by overtaxing its defenses. 7. Sugar causes wrinkles. A high-sugar diet damages collagen.

Diana Herrington

7 TIPS ON HOW TO WEAN YOURSELF SLOWLY

1. Eat fresh and dried fruit instead of sugary sweets. They are filled with natural sugar, but are a healthier choice filled with vitamins, minerals and fibre. 2. Set dessert rules for yourself: Week 1: maximum once a day. Week 2: twice a week. Week 3: once a week. Make it your rule to have raw fruit at least half the time. 3. Try Stevia. a natural herbal extract that is sweet like sugar with no calories. It nourishes the pancreas and has been shown to regulate blood sugar and blood pressure. 4. Don’t skip meals. Missing a meal creates a starving situation in your body. You will eat anything and you know what that means.

Hidden sugars: tomato sauce, baked beans, packaged foods, chewing gum, mints, and lunch meats. Sugar aliases: corn syrup, dextrin, dextrose, fructose, fruit juice concentrate, highfructose corn syrup, galactose, glucose, honey, hydrogenated starch, invert sugar maltose, lactose, mannitol, maple syrup, molasses, polyols, sorghum, sucrose, sorbitol, and xylitol.

SUGAR-FREE RECIPES

I have many healthy sweet recipes at my Real Food for Life website. Examples are Pear Hazelnut Crumble, Banana Pudding, and Apple Cake. They are 100-percent refined sugar-free and gluten-free. Only small amounts of healthy sugars are added. √ Diana J Herrington is the founder of RealFoodforLife.com and author of the GREEN means LEAN e-book. She turned a debilitating health crisis (Fibromyalgia) into a passion for helping others with healthy eating and cooking, and developed simple powerful principles which she shares in her e-books. EDMONTONIANS WINTER 2014

EDMO


R 2014

MERGERS&ACQUISITIONS

with Jey Arul

Value a Business? How Do You

E

veryone who owns or is

looking to buy a business will need to understand the answer to this question. Eventually, owners will need to sell their business and must be satisfied that they received the price at which the business is worth. Buyers must be satisfied that the amount paid is fair market price and that they will be able to get their investment back when they sell and make a profit. A very successful and clever accountant friend of mine once told me that there must be a simple formula for valuing a business. He was adamant and insisted on arguing the point with me. I listened to him as he put forward a strong argument that businesses should be valued at increasing multiples of net profit. For example, if a business makes a net profit of $100k a year, then it should be valued at 2.5 times net profit; if a business, nets $200k a year, then it should be valued at three times net profit. Interesting concept, and it would almost definitely simplify the whole valuation process. In his accounting business, he would value quite a few businesses each year; however, he would never be involved in selling them. I was valuing and selling businesses, and working in an office with many successful business brokers who only valued and sold businesses. I knew all too well that there could never be a simple formula due to the amount of variables. I had listened to his point… now it was my turn. I asked my friend a simple question: “How much is a motor vehicle?” He thought about it for few seconds then asked, “What

EDMONTONIANS WINTER 2014

sort of motor vehicle?” I said, “A sedan that seats five people.” He asked, “What size engine?” I said, “Six cylinders.” He said “What make?” I answered, “Mercedes.” He gave this some very serious thought, and then decided it was time to phone a friend. After speaking to his car savvy friend, he looked at me and said “Did you know that there are over 100 different prices for the vehicle that you described if you take into account type, size, model, interior and available extras?” Whether you are buying a business or buying a car, there are literally hundreds of variables that need to be taken into account. My accountant friend conceded the argument and proceeded to seek my opinion when valuing businesses from that day forth. It still did not stop him from grossly undervaluing a business whenever he acted for the buyer, or overvaluing a business if he worked for the seller. Needless to say, we had some great friendly arguments. I have told this story to help buyers and sellers understand that there is no magic formula or simple equation when valuing a business. Buyers need to spend time and educate themselves by speaking to business brokers, getting information on businesses they see advertised and get to

know what the real values are. Sellers need to get valuations from business brokers who are actively and successfully selling businesses in the market place. Also, ensure that the brokers explain how they arrived at their valuations and that you fully understand why your businesses are worth those amounts. Ultimately, the price of a business is measured by return on investment and return on investment is measured by profit, risk, lifestyle and other variables. √ Jey Arul is president of VR Business Sales in Edmonton, AB. He started the mergers and acquisitions company in 2007 after leaving his position as a senior commercial banker for a Canadian Bank. Jey holds a BA in Psychology and an Executive MBA. Visit www.vralta.com

11


Compiled by Barb Deters

13th Annual Social Calendar THE PERSONALITY OF BUSINESS IN THE CAPITAL REGION

E

dmontonians love to dine, dance and donate while making a difference to others in the Capital Region. Every year, millions of dollars are raised in support of charity and non-profit societies. Since 2001, Edmontonians has proudly provided its readers with the most comprehensive guide to charitable events that support health and research, education, the arts and social programs.

DECEMBER 2014 Candy Cane Lane Until JAN 04, 2015 This December tradition sees approximately 200 private homes along 148th Street, from 100th Avenue to 92nd Avenue, adorned with impressive Christmas light displays. Edmonton’s Candy Cane Lane is visited by hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. For more than 40 years, the sights and sounds of Candy Cane Lane instill the spirit of the holidays in all of us. The colourful light displays and unique decorations bring out the magic of the season for young and old alike. Christmas in Edmonton is not complete without a stroll down Candy Cane Lane. Donations to the Edmonton Food Bank are much appreciated at numerous on-site collection points. Walking the route is strongly recommended. For sleigh ride reservation and more details, visit www.candycanelane.trav-graphics.com. The 15th Annual Copper Jackets 12 Luncheon “Face Off against Hunger” Come and take part in the 15th Annual Face Off against Hunger Luncheon at the Shaw Conference Centre, Hall D. Presented by the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation and the Copper Jackets. Entertainment and live and silent auctions go with a delicious lunch. Tickets: $100.00 (tax receipt for a portion of the price). Purchase by phone 780.409.5820. If you are looking for a miracle at Christmas, you don’t have to look far. Follow the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation on Twitter at @Oil_Foundation for event updates. Anyone wishing to donate auction items can do so to Lauren at lgilley@edmontonoilers.com. Note: The Christmas Bureau has been in existence in Edmonton since 1940. Fundraisers—large and small… corporate- and community-sponsored—begin

12

We salute the efforts of thousands of volunteers who contribute to vibrancy of our communities, earning us the reputation as the Volunteer Capital of Canada. The Social Calendar has become a staple reference for individual and corporate patrons who plan their participation and support of causes, as well as organizers who want to avoid conflicting dates for their fundraising events. Keep the print version on hand… or check the

on-line calendar. Due to the number of events, particularly in the fourth quarter of 2015, that are listed as “TBA”, we encourage readers to check the organizations’ website for updates and ticket information. Enjoy yourselves and keep on giving!

in October. Stay informed or launch your own event by visiting www.christmasbureau.ca. Annually, this remarkable organization provides festive meals to Edmontonians—more than 14,000 families and close to 10,000 seniors, singles and couples—in need.

volunteers will be accepting donations on site. This event is sponsored by the Francis Winspear Centre for Music. Visit www.christmasbureau.ca for updates.

Christmas Bureau Breakfast 16 The 33rd Annual Dentons Christmas Bureau Breakfast sponsored by Dentons Canada LLP, Sobeys and The Westin Edmonton takes place from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at The Westin Edmonton. The tradition of sharing continues with this annual favourite. Enjoy great entertainers while you bid on silent auction items. Visit www.christmasbureau.ca. Contact Jackie Danchuk at 780-423-7197 or e-mail jacqueline.danchuk@dentons.com Edmonton’s Singing 18-21 Christmas Tree In its 47th year, The Singing Christmas Tree is the best way to rediscover the joy of the season! Through the beauty of music, dance and drama, travel back through centuries and generations of children to find how a man named Nicholas discovered the secret of joy for others and for himself. For five shows over three days, this Christmas spectacular guarantees to get you in the holiday spirit. Be a part of the magic and come see The Singing Christmas Tree at The Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. All net proceeds go to Santas Anonymous. Tickets at ticketmaster.ca or 1-855.985.5000. Visit www.edmontonsingingchristmastree.com 14th Annual Christmas Bureau 19 Caroling Sing-along What better way to celebrate 74 years of Christmas Bureau cheer than over a lunch hour of exquisite Christmas caroling provided by Edmonton’s talented choir community! Arrive at the Winspear early—this holiday favourite fills seats fast. Admission is free and

Deadline for free listings in the 2015 Social Calendar: November 14th, 2015

New Year`s Eve Downtown 31 The City of Edmonton invites you to ring in 2015 at the 15th annual New Year’s Eve Downtown festival. This free, fun-filled, non-alcoholic family event will start inside City Hall at 7pm with kids’ crafts and activities, magicians, balloon artists, face painters and live music. The outdoor fun kicks off at 10pm in Sir Winston Churchill Square with music, ice skating and food concessions. The celebration will be capped off with a spectacular fireworks show at midnight. Edmonton International 31 New Year’s Eve Gala Ring in the New Year at The Fantasyland Hotel, Beverly Hills Ballroom—a spectacular evening rated as one of Canada’s top 10 NYE galas—in support of The Stollery Children’s Hospital. Cocktails at 7 pm, followed by the Gourmet Dinner of Distinction with Cirque du Soleil-style variety show. Dance until 3 am to music provided by DJ Tomski. Silent auction. Formal attire. Tickets: $150 per person. Call 780-4869506 or e-mail info@edgala.com for tickets and more information, or book with Ticket Scene. Visit www.edgala.com. AKSIS Annual New Year’s Eve Gala 31 It’s party time, AKSIS style! This is what you have to look forward to: Aksis’ own specially created New Year’s Eve Buffet by the head chef at The Homefire Grill, live entertainment, live band, late night munchies, midnight champagne. Wyngate by Wyndham Edmonton West. Tickets: Student $30, Member $50, Non-member $75. Aksis is a not-forprofit organization created to inspire Edmonton’s Aboriginal Business and Professional Community to connect, collaborate and flourish. www.aksis.ca

EDMONTONIANS WINTER 2014

EDMO


R 2014

JANUARY 2015 Lieutenant Governor’s 1 New Year’s Day Levee Members of the public are invited to join Lieutenant Governor David Ethel from 1:30 - 3:30 pm to enjoy light refreshments, view historic Government House and mark the beginning of the new year . Sponsored by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta at Government House, 12845 - 102 Avenue, Edmonton. The event is free. Contact 780.427.7243 for information 2nd Annual Rockin’ Charity Yule Ball 3 Support iHuman at a Harry Potter event you won’t forget! The Ball features fan favourites: Wizard Wrocker and Leaky Stars winner Amy Voyer, Edmonton’s own Sean Sonego, The Whomping Willows and Laren Fairweather. Sponsored by the Edmonton Potterwatch Insitute for Charity at the German Canadian Cultural Association. Dinner and dance tickets—$65—give you access to exclusive entertainment and silent auction items. Dance tickets, $35. Visit www.eventbrite.ca or contact edmontonpotterwatch@gmail.com

MS Edmonton Whiskey Festival 14 The MS Society of Canada, Alberta & Northwest Territories Division invites you to the annual MS Whisky Festival, brought to you by Vines Wines. Please join us for an unforgettable evening of Whisky tasting, art, and music in support of those affected by multiple sclerosis. This is a unique chance to taste whiskies from around the world, and talk directly to distillery representatives. Funds raised help provide much needed services in the community for those affected by MS, as well as help fund ground-breaking research dedicated to finding a cure. Delta Edmonton South. Admission $85. Master classes $25 (four different classes run concurrently, limited enrolment). If you are interested in volunteering at the MS Whisky Festival, call 780.463.1190 or email luwam. kiflemariam@mssociety.ca. The Magic Flute Brunch 18 Before each of the mainstage productions this season, Edmonton Opera invites you to start your opera experience with brunch at the Royal Glenora Club, featuring fantastic food and intimate recitals by the artists starring in the 2014/15 productions. Enjoy a great menu created by the Club’s executive chef, free parking and the gorgeous venue. Tickets: $85 adults, $35 children; available on-line at www.edmontonopera.com

Deep Freeze: 10-11 A Byzantine Winter Festival The eighth-annual Deep Freeze Winter Festival 12th Annual 23 -FEB 1 features The Return of the Vikings! Embrace the Ice on Whyte Festival cold northern climate by enjoying artistic panache The Ice on Whyte Festival starts with the and authentic cultural and heritage winter games and International Ice Carving Competition. The End of family fun. Don’t miss out on this amazing weekend Steel Park will be filled with ice and snow exhibits, and, as the Viking saying goes, “Let your memory be an interactive children’s play area, the famous giant your travel bag!” T H E P E ice R Sslide, ON A Lice I Tcarving Y Olessons F BU INESS games, andSmuch Snow and ice sculptures, old time curling, ethnic more. All 10 festival days are filled with outdoor foods, dance, street hockey and more along 118th fun. Every day new ice and snow carvings will Avenue from 90th to 94th Streets. This free family be created by the Artists in Residence and special event brings together the Ukrainian, Franco-Albertan, guest artists. Come outside to play and stay to enjoy Franco-African, First Nations, and Acadian/East Coast the live music, fashion, food, hot beverages and communities. culturally themed days. On Saturday, the party really revs up at The Vikings Visit www.iceonwhyte.ca for details. Are Coming Dance—great food, awesomeAttention: music and lots of fun! Get your tickets in advance as this Fax: 15th Annual 24 -25 event has been known to sell out. Arts on the Ave: call Edmonton Pet Expo 780.471.1580 or e-mail: info@artsontheave.org. On Date Purchased: The Edmonton Pet Expo promises a weekend of Sunday, the Festival will bring back the Julian calendar fun for animal lovers! Held at the Edmonton EXPO and celebrate the Olde New Year with traditional Centre, this family-fun event is full of retailers, Ukrainian food, melodies, beading, and Cheremosh shelters, breeders, and animals of all shapes and sizes. Ukrainian dance. Sponsored by the City of Edmonton. Give back to Festival-goers can also enjoy the Artisan Market your community by supporting local animal-focused and Gallery Sale featuring over 50 visual and fine craft charitable organizations, and learn more about the artists. Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts, The Carrot, work that they do for animals and the community. Avenue Theatre and The Studio (11739–94 Street). Tickets at the door—adult: $10; children aged 5-11: The Artisan Craft market in the Anglican Parishes of $8; family pass: $25… or on-line. Call 780.490.0215 St. Faith’s and St. Stephen the Martyr. or visit www.petexpo.ca for more details. Visit www.deepfreeze.ca for Festival details.

The Edmonton Chamber Ball 30 The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce’s annual Ball is a not-to-be-missed gala event for elite business and political dignitaries. Be entertained by Blue Rodeo. This year, Gord Wiebe, CEO of All Weather Windows will be recognised with the chair’s Northern Lights Award of Distinction. Guests are also present for the swearing-in ceremony for the new chair of the Edmonton Chamber’s board of directors. This gala is an opportunity for your business to mingle with over 1,800 community, corporate and political decision makers while taking part in one of the year’s most enjoyable evenings. Dress: Black Tie or Business Formal. Shaw Conference Centre. Members: $245 Non-members: $320. Tables of 10 available. Call 780.426.4620 or e-mail events@edmontonchamber.com, or reserve tickets online at www.edmontonchamber.com One! International 30 14th Annual Gala Fundraiser This year’s theme is Success—Reach for the Stars. One! helps more than 350 impoverished children and their families in Mumbai, India. We want the children to achieve success by reaching beyond their grasp and believing in themselves. Life for children and their families in India is a continuous struggle. One! provides education, helps with the basics of life, and gives hope for a brighter future. Mirage Banquet Hall. Dinner, silent auction and entertainment. Early Bird tickets: before December 31: Adults $65, Youth/Student $45, Child $25; after deadline: Adults $75, Youth/Student $55, Child $25. Contact: 780.457.0389 ortickets@oneinternational.com or oneinternationalgala.eventbrite.ca. I N www.one-international.com T H E C A P I T A Lfor further REGION Visit information.

1285 Edmonton,

Tel: (780 Fax: (780

FEBRUARY ADVERTISING PROO

EDMONTONIANS WINTER 2014

2015 Alhambresque Evening 5 The truth about suicide could shock you; more people die from suicidesDate: per year than automobile accidents. In 2009, the Crisis Support Centre and Appear MNP partnered togetherTo to raise funds andin: awareness for crisis support and suicide prevention needs in Edmonton and surrounding area. An Evening to Support: a night of fun and entertainment, an occasion to socialize, an opportunity to support the Crisis Support Centre’s life-saving programs: 24 Hour Distress Line, Seniors’ Abuse Helpline, Online Crisis Support, Suicide Bereavement, Caregiver Support. Francis Winspear Centre. Tickets: $100. Contact Kate Gallagher at kmgconsulting@shaw.ca or call 780.757.3077. Visit www.crisissupportcentre.com for more information, to make donations and purchase tickets.

13


Gateway Association 6 40th Anniversary Celebration The organization, incorporated in 1975, works with individuals who have developmental disabilities as well as their families. Gateway envisions a community where all children grow within a family and learn together in neighborhood schools; all adults work at real jobs in the community, have a real home and real friends; and all people are valued, contributing members of their communities. Fantasyland Hotel, West Edmonton Mall. Tickets, $40, available at www.eventbrite.ca/edmonton. Visit www.gatewayassociation.ca or call 780.454.0701 for information and opportunities to volunteer. St. Albert & District Chamber 7 of Commerce Gala Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, step right up and prepare yourself for an evening of the most shocking, dazzling and awe-inspiring Chamber Gala ever presented. Gery Schubert, Ring Master, man of many talents and comedic genius, will guide you through the experience that is Black Tie under the Big Top. Enjoy cotton candy, salty peanuts and buttery popcorn, and listen to the eccentric sounds of the organ grinder.Witness the dangerous and thrilling acrobatic act performed by Firefly Entertainment. Allow Madame Fortuna to tell you what the future holds. Crowd-pleaser Lewis Lavoie will demonstrate his artistic talents as he creates a masterpiece right before your eyes. Main act features the official swearing-in, by Mayor Nolan Crouse, of 2015 Chamber Chair Barry Bailey, and 1st Vice-chair Ken Macrae. Don’t miss this extravagant black-tie escapade! The Enjoy Centre. Tickets: $125; table of 8: $950. THE P Visit www.stalbertchamber.com or call 780.458.2833.

Sturgeon Hospital Foundation 8 23rd Annual Friend Raiser Gala Support the Annual Friend Raiser Gala at the Enjoy Centre in St. Albert. An elegant evening to dine, dance and support an extremely important cause. Champagne reception, three-course dinner, wine offerings, live and silent auctions, live dance band. For tickets or sponsorship opportunities, contact the Events Coordinator at 780.418.7361. Visit www.sturgeonhospitalfoundation.org for updates and details. AWE Alberta’s Best— 11 Nominee Reception Now in its second year, this evening reception recognizes and honours the 2015 Celebration of Achievement Award nominees as business leaders and Alberta’s Best. At the 2014 Nominee Reception, AWE hosted close to 300 attendees demonstrating the vast support there is in the province for inspiring women entrepreneurs. Shaw Conference Centre. Tickets: $75 each or 10 for $600 Visit the new dedicated websitefor details and tickets: www.aweinspiringentrepreneurs.com Valentine’s Gala – 14 Edmonton Opera & CapitalCare Foundation In a marriage between healthcare and arts, the CapitalCare Foundation joins Edmonton Opera in presenting Edmonton’s premiere Valentine’s Gala. Luxuriate in sights and sounds of opera, fantastic decor, and culinary delights; this fundraiser benefits two organizations working to make Edmonton E and R Sarea ON A Lplace I T Yto live. O FPerformances BUSIN a great by E S S the Edmonton Opera Chorus and Royal Canadian Artillery Band. Shaw Conference Centre. Tickets: $500/person; $5,000/tables of 10. Visit www.capitalcare.net or www.edmontonopera.com

Chinese New Year of the Sheep 21 Celebration Arrive early and join the God of Fortune parade. Stage performances by Chinese bilingual schools, drumming and dance groups, traditional dragon dance, lion dances, demonstrations, martial arts and colorful cultural dances. Enjoy hands-on activities, arts and crafts, carnival games, prizes and calligraphy. City Centre Mall. Public event, free admission, fun for the whole family. Contact Stephen Tsang at 780.428.4035 or email info@ecbea.org. Visit the Edmonton Chinese Bilingual Education Association (ECBEA) Facebook page for more information www.facebook.com/ecbeanews. 24th Annual Alberta Business 27 Awards of Distinction The Alberta Business Awards of Distinction recognize businesses/organizations that have demonstrated outstanding achievement and contribution to their community while having developed business acumen and management practices to ensure long term sustainability. To date, over 200 companies have been named Alberta Business Award of Distinction recipients. The gala is hosted by the Alberta Chambers of Commerce. Renaissance Edmonton Airport Hotel, Edmonton International Airport. Tickets: $157.50. Visit www.abbusinessawards.com for updates and tickets. Regency Ball (Midwinter Holdover) 28 Organized by Regency Period enthusiast Melanie Kerr, a self-described “occasional lawyer”, the event is sold out, but add yourself to the waiting list. If there is enough interest, the Ball will be held in a larger room. There is still room in the dance classes, a great deal of fun I Nin their T Hown E right. C ADinner—white P I T A L soup R E and G Iquail— ON option for ball guests. Guests can enjoy live music, English country dancing and other period diversion, and all in Regency costume. The Fairrnont Hotel Macdonald. Dance lessons, February 8, 15 and 22, $60. Ball tickets; $80; Supper tickets: $40. Contact www.eventbrite.ca/edmonton

12851 Edmonton,

Tel: (780 Fax: (780

ADVERTISING PROO

Edmonton Firefighters TBA 10th Annual Rooftop Campout Edmonton Fire Fighters will battle Alberta’s unpredictable winter environment to raise funds for Muscular Dystrophy Canada. They will spend Attention: the entire three days on the roof of Fire Station Vinok Worldance 13 Fax: #2, located at 10217 -107th Street. Edmonton “Unmask Your Wild Side” Firefighters started the annual Rooftop Campout in Guests are invited to enjoy the true spirit of New Dateacross Purchased: 2005, spawning similar events at fire stations Orleans at Edmonton’s favourite Mardi Gras the country. The partnership between between celebration--stroll, eat, drink and, above all, enjoy! Edmonton Fire Fighters Union Local 209 and Feel free to dress the part; masks are available for Edmonton Fire Rescue Services has raised close to purchase. Patrons can also bid on unique items $1 million for Muscular Dystrophy Canada. Donate at the silent auction table. All proceeds from the on-line at www.muscle.akaraisin.com or visit the event will help foster further development of the Fire Fighters on the Rooftop at Station #2 to make highly acclaimed Vinok Worldance! Chateau Louis your donation or drop it off at any local Fire Hall. Conference Centre. Tickets: $75 (TBC), available at For more information, contact Jo-ann Burton at the front desk, Chateau Louis Hotel, through Vinok 780.489.6322 ext 25 or e-mail Worldance at 780.454.3739 and online at jo-ann.burton@muscle.ca www.mardigras.vinok.ca

Date:

40th Annual Johann Strauss Ball 28 To Appear After four decades, the tradition continues! in: This formal European Ball celebrates the Johann Strauss Foundation scholarships for advanced music studies in Austria. It is an elegant evening of pageantry featuring Viennese music, fine dining, dancing and performances by talented scholarship winners. A highlight is the presentation of the debutantes. Hotel Chateau Lacombe. Tickets: $235 regular and $145 student (valid ID required); $25 discount for individual tickets purchased before December 31st. Tables of 8, $1680; tables of 10, $2100. Call 780.489.0768 or e-mail info@ johannstrauss.ca. For details and to order on-line, visit www.johannstrauss.ca

780.940.1288 www.momentsindigital.com 14

EDMONTONIANS WINTER 2014

EDMO


R 2014

11th Annual Northern Lights Classic 28 Ballroom and Latin Dance Competition Immerse yourself in the glamour, the movement and the passion of Edmonton’s Premier Ballroom and Latin Dance Competition. The 2015 Northern Lights Classic hosts competitors from across the western Canada, both young and old, from newcomers to homegrown Canadian Champions! An unparalleled display of athleticism and elegance, featuring the best dancers in Canada! The event will be held at Central Lions Recreation Centre. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and stay up to date with the latest news on this fantastic event! Tickets available on-line at www.northernlightsclassic.ca or at the door. Defying Limitations Gala TBA The Brain Care Centre hosts the Defying Limitations gala to support its courageous clients and those who care for them. Champagne reception followed by dinner, awards presentations, auction and dance. Live entertainment and inspiring stories of hope. Proceeds go the Brain Care Centre for specialized equipment and innovative training programs. Visit www.braincarecentre.com for updates; call 780.477.7575 for ticket information and donations.

MARCH Edmonton Festival Ballet Gala 1 Enjoy dance performances, reception, wine raffle and silent auction. Guest performances by the Edmonton Contemporary Dancers and the Edmonton School of Ballet Junior Company. Arden Theatre in St. Albert. Tickets (TBC): $25 adult, $15 student (under 18). Contact 780.413.0985 or edmfest@telus.net Visit www.efbdance.com or www.esbdance.com for updates. 5th Annual International 4 Women’s Day Celebration NorQuest College’s International Women’s Day event celebrates women’s achievements and social contributions. This event inspires women and men to connect to a network of philanthropy in support of student success. Norquest’s 1000 Women: A Million Possibilities movement is a powerful example of women working together for the betterment of our community. Main Campus, NorQuest College. Contact: Amanda at 780.644.5922 or 1000women@norquest.ca Visit www.norquest.ca for details. United Way Awards of Distinction 5 Red Tie Gala An evening of recognition and entertainment. Don’t forget your red tie or snazzy red accessory! Be inspired by the Campaign Chair and the Spirit Award

nominees and winners in 10 specific categories. Collectively, their efforts contribute to the success of United Way programs and fund-raising activities. Edmonton EXPO Centre. For tickets and updates, visit www.myunitedway.ca

6 Daddy’s Little Sweetheart Ball Give your little girl the gift of a magical evening with the most important man in her life, while at the same time raising funds to help grant wishes for children in Alberta who are severely ill. The beautiful and truly one of a kind location of Edmonton’s City Hall will be transformed into a magnificent fairy tale ballroom. Dads, uncles or grandfathers can spend an enchanted evening with their little girls, dressed in their finest, and be treated to an awe-inspiring event featuring facepainting, visits with princesses, crafts, candy buffet, photo booth, dinner, dancing, and much more! Imagine the feeling you’ll have as you hold your little one in your arms for the first Dad/daughter dance, or watch her face light up as she meets her favourite princess. Tickets: Dad & Sweetheart (aged 3 and up): $75, Extra Sweetheart: $25, Table of 8: $575. Contact Eventbrite or visit www.rainbowsociety.ab.ca BOMA Edmonton Awards Gala 7 The Building Owners and Managers Association of Edmonton Awards Gala celebrates the best in the commercial real estate industry annually. Awards are presented in nine categories. The Westin Hotel. Visit www.bomaedmonton.org for updates, nomination forms and tickets. Dreams Take Flight 7 A Night in Paris Gala Don’t miss out on this fantasy journey to the City of Light. Dreams Take Flight is a national non-profit organization consisting of Air Canada volunteers dedicated to providing the trip-of-a-lifetime to physically, mentally or socially challenged children. By the end of this year, Dreams Take Flight will have taken more than 20,000 children to the happiest place on earth: Disneyland. There, they experience the wonder of friendship and magic. Dinner, live and silent auctions, dance. The Chateau Lacombe Hotel, “Dreamliner Boeing 787” Ballroom will be configured for three different Tables of 8 settings, each with increasingly better goodies and service: Tourist Class/$1200; Business Class/$2500; First Class/$5000. For tickets, contact “Concierge” Madame Carol Olivieri at colivieri@dreamstakefligh.ca, or call 780.721.0506. Visit www.dreamstakeflight.ca 10th Annual Beaded Journeys Gala 14 Presented by B&B Demolition Ltd, the Beaded Journey Gala is an exclusive event at the Empire Ballroom, Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. This unique

evening raises awareness and funds for children with cancer and their families. The focus is on the children’s experiences, through their beaded journey. By using their art and their future dreams, guests will receive a rare opportunity to make these dreams come true. Every year, a special guest—a child who is living with cancer—shares their story, their dreams, and— without fail—touches our hearts. Contact valf@kidswithcancer.ca or 780.496.2459 to inquire about tickets or sponsorship. Red Carpet Affair 20 A split second can change your whole life. Imagine being told you will not walk again following a motor vehicle collision. Where do you find support? Spinal Cord Injury Alberta (formerly the Canadian Paraplegic Association-Alberta) is the answer. It provides services that help those injured and their loved ones regain their independence and confidence. Hit the Red Carpet to enjoy a delicious dinner, hear some wonderful stories, bid on numerous auction items and meet guest speaker, singer/songwriter Justin Hines, and other award winners. Join us for our 12th anniversary gala fundraiser. Shaw Conference Centre, Hall D. Visit www.sci-ab.ca for tickets and sponsorship packages.

APRIL Lucia di Lammermoor Brunch 12 Edmonton Opera invites you to start your opera experience with brunch at the Royal Glenora Club, featuring fantastic food and intimate recitals by the artists starring in the 2015 mainstage productions. Enjoy a great menu created by the Club’s executive chef, free parking and the gorgeous venue. Tickets: $85 adults, $35 children; available on-line at www.edmontonopera.com AWE Celebration of Achievement 16 Award Dinner & Gala Alberta Women Entrepreneurs pays tribute to an exceptional entrepreneur who has achieved recognizable success. This visionary woman is an inspirational leader, who has built an entrepreneurial venture in Alberta with significant impact on the economy and the community, and who acts as a role model for women in business. This is the only event of its kind in Alberta that brings together female entrepreneurs with representatives from government, industry, media and educational institutions to celebrate the outstanding contribution of an inspiring female entrepreneur. Held in Calgary at the Hotel Arts. Early bird: $150 by December 31, 2014. Tickets: $200. Check the new dedicated website www.aweinspiringentrepreneurs.com for tickets and updates.

Superior Trenching Ltd.

Your Underground Utilities Solution

Proudly Serving The Community Backed With Experience Edmonton, Alberta EDMONTONIANS WINTER 2014

780-488-7750 15


Glenrose Foundation Courage Gala 17 Inspiring moments honouring the rehabilitation journeys of Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital patients. Presented by Imperial Equities at the Shaw Conference Centre-Hall D: champagne reception… four-course culinary experience with fine wine… one fantastic live auction item… world renowned pop singer, violinist and songwriter Sophie Serafino & The RETROFITZ, featuring 11 all-star performers. Chocolate Raffle: Win an upcoming adventure or experience of a lifetime. Tickets: $300, table of 10 $3000. Select sponsorships—$5,000 to $20,000— available. Call 780.735.6024 or e-mail info@ glenrosefoundation.com for more information and tickets, or visit www.couragegala.com . Avenue of Hope Gala 18 Help make hope happen! An exciting event in support of Lurana Shelter Society. This memorable evening, dedicated to providing emergency shelter and support for women and children fleeing family violence, brings together old friends and new for a night of fun, laughter and inspiration. Enjoy a fabulous seated dinner, live & silent auctions, Heads or Tails game and live entertainment. Italian Cultural Centre. Tickets: $100 or $800/table of 8. For tickets or to enquire about sponsorship opportunities, contact 780.422.7263 or funddevcoordinator@luranashelter.com or visit www.luranashelter.com 10th Annual Planes Trains 24 & Auctionables Presented by the Edmonton Sunrise Rotary Club and the Tourrett Syndrome Foundation-Edmonton Chapter to support both organizations… and especially the children who are helped to attend summer camp. The theme relates to fun, adventure and travel. Double Tree by Hilton. For updates, ticket information, and to make donations, contact Erin Rayner at erin@edmarketing.ca YESS Gala for Youth 24 Join Peter Pan and the Lost Boys in the world of Neverland as YESS hosts its annual Gala for Youth at the Renaissance Edmonton Airport Hotel. Join us for a magical evening of fun and wonderment, featuring live and silent auctions, fantastic dinner fare and spectacular entertainment. This extraordinary evening will be the ideal event for entertaining clients, business networking or even just as a fantastic outing with great friends. For more information, visit www.yess.org/events. 13th Annual TEC Edmonton 29 VenturePrize Dinner & Awards Event Celebrate the innovative and entrepreneurial participants of the 2015 TEC VenturePrize Business

16

Plan Competition. It’s a great night, and a fantastic opportunity to connect with the Innovation Community. Winners of the VenturePrize Fast Growth, Alberta Student Business Plan, and the TELUS Information & Communication Technology competitions will be announced and receive $180,000 in funding. Guests will vote for the Edmonton Journal People’s Choice Award in the Fast Growth category. Shaw Conference Centre-Hall D. Tickets and updates on-line at www.tecedmonton.com

30 “I Wish for a New Waiter” Gala The 3rd Annual Gala to benefit the Children’s Wish Foundation is a highly anticipated social and fundraising event. Local celebrities and distinguished members of the business community will be waiters for the evening—assisting with service and entertaining guests, encouraging patrons to donate toward a child’s most heartfelt wish in the form of tips for their service. A spectacular evening featuring auctions, entertainment, a lively atmosphere, and the opportunity to give the precious gift of a wish to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. Chateau Lacombe Hotel. Exclusive sponsorship packages offer a variety of perks, including tables of 10, and range in price from $3,000 to $25,000. For detailed information, visit www.childrenswiah.ca or call 780.349.9039 or e-mail Elizabeth.LoPrest@childrenswish.ca 36th Annual Brian Webb Dance TBA CompanyArt Auction & Brunch Join us for one of Edmonton’s choicest showcases of contemporary art. Over the years, the Brian Webb Dance Company has developed an amazing relationship with our city’s visual arts community. The annual BWDC Art Auction is an opportunity for art lovers to add to their collections. This year’s fundraiser will feature more than 60 works by some of North America’s hottest visual artists. Timms Centre for The Arts. Tickets (TBC): $85. Visit www.tixonthesquare.ca or www.bwdc.ca.

MAY Walk in My Shoes 1 A fun evening centred on a fabulous dinner and dazzling auctions…the flagship fundraiser for Pilgrims Hospice! This annual gala dinner and auction supports end-of-life programs and bereavement services at Edmonton’s only freestanding hospice. The Lifestyle silent and live auctions will give you the chance to score something absolutely unique and memorable. The Sutton Place Hotel Grand Ballroom. Visit www.pilgrimshospice.ca or call 780.413.9801 for tickets and details.

13th Annual CASA Carnival for Kids 1 “Light up the Night for CASA Kids” is presented by Beaverbrook Communities for Living. CASA is a major community-based provider of mental health services for infants, children, adolescents and their families within the Capital Region and from Central and Northern Alberta. It provides assessment and treatment services for approximately 3000 infants, children and adolescents from birth to age 18 each year. Funds raised support improvements in facilities and program delivery. Midway cocktails, roving performers, Big Top dinner and auction, after party. Shaw Conference Centre-Hall D. Contact Nadine at the CASA Foundation nsamycia@casaservices.org for tickets, and sponsorship, donation and volunteer opportunities. 2015 Junior Achievement 6 Alberta Business Hall of Fame Leadership. Excellence. Integrity. These words exemplify the Business Laureates of the Junior Achievement Alberta Business Hall of Fame. Their careers are legendary. They have demonstrated a vision unique among their peers, provided leadership to move others to achieve their goals and built a legacy that will enrich those who follow. Sponsored by ATB Financial and CCI Thermal Technologies Inc., the gala celebrates the newest inductees of the Alberta Business Hall of Fame. Be a part of this prestigious event and meet the 2015 Inductees, past Business Laureates, Junior Achievement students and many more influential guests from the community. Northlands EXPO Centre. Date TBC. Call 780.428.1421 or visit www.janorthalberta.org or www.albertabusinesshalloffame.com for details, nomination forma and tickets. 35th Annual Consular Ball 23 The Edmonton Consular Corps annual gala will feature Estonia as the host country, and bring together the business, civic, education and diplomatic communities for a dynamic evening of networking and celebration. This black tie event raises funds for the Edmonton Consular Corp’s Scholarship in International Studies at the University of Alberta, and is presented to undergraduate or graduate students in any discipline, who are undertaking a summer research project abroad. Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. To enquire about sponsorship opportunities, e-mail sahyecummings@gmail.com or call Sahyo at 780.236.3022. For information, visit www.edmontonconsularball.com or contact Chair Christina Robertson, crovertson@shellaero.com 9th Annaul SAGE Awards TBA The SAGE Awards, presented by Servus Credit Union, focus attention on the extraordinary

EDMONTONIANS WINTER 2014

EDMO


R 2014

accomplishments of older adults. This attention supports a positive perception of seniors and helps reduce negative outcomes such as elder abuse and ageism. Tickets go on sale in February. Contact 780.423.5510 or info@MySage.ca. Visit www.mysage.ca for updates and tickets. Have a Heart for Mental Health TBA Gala Dinner During Mental Health Week—May 3th to 9th—the Canadian Mental Health Association–Edmonton Region will host its annual fund raising gala dinner in support of mental health at a local fine dining restaurant (TBC). This is a non-gala gala with limited speeches, no auction and great prizes. Visit www.edmonton.cmha.ca or contact 780.414.6300 or main@cmha-edmonton.ab.ca. Mayor’s Awards TBA Persons with disabilities make up a substantial segment of the City’s population. With this in mind, the Advisory Board on Services for Persons with Disabilities established the Mayor’s Awards. They are designed to promote awareness of the need for accessibility, services and employment, and are presented annually in recognition of individuals, organizations and business that demonstrate their commitment to persons with disabilities. Presentations at City Hall. There are four award categories. Nominations close March 6th. Forms are available on-line at www.edmonton.ca/disability. Contact: 780.496.1472 or disability@edmonton.ca for updates. Dreamspeakers Film Festival 27-30 This four-day event is presented by Dreamspeakers Festival Society which educates and markets Aboriginal culture art and heritage. Various prices for all events. Venues are located throughout the City of Edmonton. Dates TBC. For further information and updates, visit www.dreamspeakers.org. For tickets, call 780.378.9609.

JUNE 04 24th Annual Emerald Awards With 10 categories, the Emerald Awards recognize our province’s environmental achievements at all levels, including youth, community groups and business. This year’s awards will be presented at the Citadel Theatre. Nominate yourself or someone you know by February 28th. Contact the Alberta Emerald Foundation at 780.616.1556 or e-mail info@emeraldfoundation.ca. Visit www.emeraldfoundation.ca for information and the online nomination form.

1000 Women: A Million Possibilities 4 6th Annual Fundraising Luncheon With fun and fellowship in their hearts, the 1000 Women are addressing the needs of student parents and caregivers pursuing their education and career goals. NorQuest College’s 1000 Women have committed to raising $1 million in support of the 1000 Women Child Care Centre in the new North Learning Centre. Join the excitement at this fundraising luncheon, sponsored by Brookside Residential, and support student success through safe and accessible childcare with a financial donation. Contact: Amanda at 780.644.5922 or 1000women@norquest.ca. Visit www.norquest.ca for ticket information. 64th Annual Salute to Excellence 15 Hall of Fame During a formal evening presentation at the Francis Winspear Centre for Music, the Salute to Excellence Committee inducts outstanding citizens with careerlong accomplishments into the City of Edmonton Arts and Culture, Community Service, and Sports Halls of Fame. Teams or groups with more than four members can qualify to receive Awards of Distinction. Nomination deadline: April 30th. Call 780.496.7380 or visit www.edmonton.ca for nomination forms and updates. Contact donna.bradley-bodey@edmonton.ca for information or to volunteer on the Salute to Excellence Committee. Concordia’s 5th Annual TBA Lobster Fest Presented by Northgate Industries, this event raises funds for student scholarships and bursaries. Enjoy a fabulous steak and lobster dinner and live entertainment at the Concordia University College Campus. Tickets: $75 (TBC). For updates and tickets, visit www.concordia,ca/lobsterfest The Edmonton Business Council 26 for Visual Arts Presents: The Works Summer Solstice Gala Celebrate Summer Solstice at the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald’s Terrace and Empire Ballroom. Experience Food is Art and live art performances, dancing, and silent art auction at The Works Summer Solstice Gala, attended by business leaders and the City’s creative and cultural community. Proceeds support Education Initiatives. Presented by the Edmonton Business Council for the Visual Arts, the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald and The Works Society. The Gala launches the summer social scene and The Works Festival! Tickets: $150 (TBC) and group rates. Contact 780.426.2122 ext. 227 or ebcva@telusplanet.net.

Homeless for a Night TBA Homelessness is a scary reality for many teens in and around our city. Individuals and groups are invited to step out of their comfort zone for just one night to experience what so many young people face every night. Details coming soon. Visit www.yess.org for more information. 5th Annual Opera al Fresco TBA Experience the magic of opera against the backdrop of the Devonian Botanic Gardens, during Opera al Fresco. Opera lovers and gardening enthusiasts are treated to a variety of operatic performances by Edmonton Opera Chorus and soloists throughout the grounds, celebrating the summer solstice. Call the box office at 780.429.1000 for tickets or visit edmontonopera.com for more details. Zoofest TBA This evening geared for grownups is a major fundraiser hosted by the Valley Zoo Development Society. Proceeds toward “Nature’s Wild Backyard”—a new children’s area. Food & Wine sampling booths… Animal encounters… live & silent auctions. Children are welcome too… and can join the fun in the Kid Zone. Visit www.buildingourzoo.com or call 780.496.6924 for tickets. Summer is festival time in the city—it’s time for outdoor concerts and celebrations! Charity focus shifts to golfing, walking, running and biking for worthy causes. Do your part to make a difference.

JULY A Taste of Edmonton Festival 16-25 Eager foodies anticipate the arrival of “Taste”, every summer to indulge their palates with a huge assortment of food and beverages offered up by more than 50 Edmonton restaurants and beverage companies. Entering its 31st year, “Taste” reflects the vitality and dynamism of the city. With all of the city’s best food and drinks gathered together in Sir Winston Churchill Square, this festival will be sure to hit your sweet spot. Beer or wine, sweet or savoury, gluten or gluten-free, folk music or jazz—whatever you fancy, you will be able to find it at Taste of Edmonton. Proceeds support a number of local charities. Contact Events Edmonton at 780.423.2822 or visit www.tasteofedm.ca for information or to volunteer.

David Xiao MLA

Proud to serve Edmonton - McClung

Constituency Office

#301, 6650 177 Street Edmonton, AB Canada T5T 4J5 Phone: (780) 408-1860 Fax: (780) 408-1864 edmonton.mcclung@assembly.ab.ca

EDMONTONIANS WINTER 2014

17


AUGUST Servus Heritage Festival 1-3 Servus Heritage Festival 2015 marks the 40th annual of this premier three-day showcase of Canada’s vibrant multicultural heritage, featuring more than 60 pavilions representing more than 85 cultures from all over the world. Fabulous food, entertainment, arts and crafts. The event promotes public awareness, understanding and appreciation for cultural diversity. Hawrelak Park. Bring donations to the Edmonton Food Bank. Contact Edmonton Heritage Festival Association at 780.488.3378 or info@heritage-festival.com. Visit www.heritage-festival.com 34th Edmonton International 14-24 Fringe Theatre Festival “SupercaliFRINGEilistic” This phenomenal alternative theatre fest is the largest and oldest in North America with more than 1,200 shows and performances from over 200 theatrical companies at venues in historic Old Strathcona. Visit www.fringetheatreadventures.ca for updates and special events.

SEPTEMBER

Lois Hole Hospital for Women TBA 5th Annual Harvest Celebrations Presented by Syncrude in support of programs and specialty clinics at the Lois Hole Hospital for Women. In 2014, more than 500 guests filled the Enjoy Centre for this sold out soiree of decadent food and incredible performances—and raised record funds. Proceeds from the night supported the Allard Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Clinic at the Lois Hole Hospital for Women. Tickets: $500, tables available. Visit the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation at www.royalalex.org for details and updates.

Edmontonians’ Sizzling 24 Twenty under 30 Edmontonians is celebrating the 14th year of Sizzling Twenty under 30. We’ll honour and toast the 280 outstanding individuals who have been selected since 2002 for their entrepreneurial and community spirit. Profiles of 20 new inductees are featured annually in the Fall (September) issue of the magazine. This is one of Edmonton’s “IT” parties! By invitation only. Details to be announced. Nomination forms for the 2015 Sizzlers are available at www.edmontonians.com. Deadline June 30th. Contact info@edmontonians.com for details and sponsorship opportunities.

29th Annual Edmonton 25-OCT 4 10th Annual Grandparents 12 International Film Festival The Edmonton International Film Festival... Awards of Distinction international, independent and eye-opening. Line-up In acknowledgement of its 10th anniversary of the showcases 60+ dramatic/documentary features, 110+ Grandparents Award of Distinction, the Bernadette short films, a 24-hour filmmaking challenge, invited N. Swan Social Care Foundation celebrates all T H E P E guests, R S Oparties, N Amusic L I Tand Y laughter. O F Tickets B U S$13.00/ INESS grandparents who received the Grandparents Award person; All-Access Pass $129. Opening and Closing of Distinction. It recognizes individuals nominated Night Galas, plus after parties, include a block-buster for the Grandparents Award of Distinction by their feature film and reception: $25 each. All prices TBC. grandchildren. Cocktail reception, gala banquet, Tickets available at EIFF Box Office. Contact award recognition, silent auction with dozens of info@edmontonfilmfest.come, or call 780.423.0844. unique items to fit all style and budgets. Funds raised Visit www.edmontonfilmfest.com for details. support programs for seniors. Semi formal to formal Attention: attire. Shaw Conference Centre. Tickets $85 each, on sale in May. Visit www.bnsscf.org and click on Fax: Grandparents Award.

3rd Annual Edmonton TBA Short Film Festival This one-night event showcases the talents of Alberta’s rising stars in the film community. ESFF is a non-profit organization dedicated to the elevation of Alberta independent film. The festival features a variety of music videos, documentaries, comedy, drama, suspense, animated and experimental films. Moviegoers select the winner of the People’s Choice Award. A red-carpet Hollywood-inspired experience, offering live music, free hors d’oeuvres, popcorn and a fun, festive atmosphere. Tickets are available on-line or at the door. For details and updates, visit www.edmontonshortfilmfestival.com “Opening Doors for Autism” 23 Gala Dinner and Auction Fundraiser in support of family programs for children, teens, adults with autism and their families. The 2015 event, hosted again by Danny Hooper, will celebrate 44 years of serving people with autism in the Edmonton area. Edmonton EXPO Centre, Northlands. Contact Autism Society of Edmonton Area office 780.453.3971 or visit www.autismedmonton.org for tickets. Laugh for Life Gala - 24 12th Anniversary Laughter truly is the best medicine and you’ll get a huge injection of joy at the 12th annual gala at Edmonton’s finest concert hall, The Winspear Centre. Featuring comedians Chondra Pierce and Jonnie W. Funds raised support The Mustard Seed I N T H E C A P I TA L R E G I O N and Kids Kottage. Tickets at the Winspear Box Office as of July 17th, call 780.428.1414 or visit www.winspearcentre.com. Details at www.LaughforLife.ca.

1285 Edmonton,

Tel: (780 Fax: (780

ADVERTISING PROO OCTOBER

Date Purchased: TBA

Dr. Helen Hays Sunflower Luncheon Since 2003, the vision of Dr. Helen Hays is honoured by a prominent speaker who delivers an inspiring keynote address at this champagne reception and luncheon. The Pilgrims Hospice Society offers endof-life programs and bereavements services. Proceeds support Edmonton’s only freestanding hospice. Empire Ballroom, Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. Visit www.pilgrimshospice.ca for ticket and details. Contact 780.413.9801.

22nd Annual Salvation Army TBA Harvest Brunch & Auction This event supports programs and projects, including Grace Manor, in Edmonton and central and northern Alberta. During the brunch, bid on hundreds of silent auction items, and spectacular live auction items. Tickets: $70; table of 8 $500 (TBC). Call 780-412-2743 or visit www.salvationarmy.ca/alberta/harvest-brunch/ to learn more.

Fashion with Compassion 29 Luncheon and GalaDate: What makes a brilliant and memorable fashion To Appear in: and show? That’s easy: exceptional retail partners professional men, women and children from Mode Models that bring the latest trends to the runway… great music and a whole lot of atmosphere. Edmonton’s premier fashion show supports Sorrentino’s Compassion House for women fighting breast cancer and their families. Two fabulous fundraising events are held at the Shaw Conference Centre-Hall D on this day. Luncheon tickets $125, tables of 10 $1250. Gala tickets $275, tables of 10 $2750. (Prices TBC) Visit www.fashioncompassion.ca for updates and tickets. Contact 780.418.6996.

Badlands: Mile Zero Dance

Tracy O’Camera Photography www.tracyocamera.com 18

EDMONTONIANS WINTER 2014

EDMO


R 2014

Edmonton’s Food Bank TBA Harvest Luncheon Edmonton’s Food Bank dedicates the entire year to eliminating hunger in the city. Fall is a time for harvest, and the luncheon takes us back to our historical role as gleaners. Join supporters, volunteers and friends for lunch, a live auction and a “lottery” at the Food Bank Warehouse II, 11434 – 120th Street. Tickets: $40 each; tables of 10, $350. Call 780.425.2133 for tickets and to confirm date and details.

NOVEMBER Here’s Nina! 2 Sheri Somerville will again host a madcap musicalinfo-variety-style extravaganza. This sparkling tribute to all things Notable and Nina will include hilarious cameos with surprize guests. Beyond providing everyone with a great evening of entertainment, the event raises funds to support the studio and exhibition programs at the Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts, a collective of over 150 adult artists with developmental disabilities. It also operates the public Stollery Gallery, and offers free and low cost community art programs at 9225118 Avenue. Chateau Lacombe. For information on tickets and sponsorship, contact Nina’s Director of Fund Development, Rona Fraser 780.886.6640 or rona@thenina.ca or visit www.thenina.ca 7th Annual Edmonton Timeraiser 5 Timeraiser is a volunteer matching fair, a silent auction and a night out on the town. The twist? Rather than bid money on artwork, participants bid volunteer hours. They meet with nonprofit organizations to find available volunteer opportunities that meet their needs. Once matches are made, the bidding begins. Winning bidders have 12 months to complete their pledges and take their artworks home as a reminder of their goodwill. All participating artists are paid for their time and talent. Boyle Street Plaza. For tickets and details, visit www.timeraiser.ca/edmonton Edmonton’s 6th 7 Fabulous@50 Experience This is a must-attend event for baby boomer women and their friends and family. The Fabulous@50 Experience includes a trade show with over 65 exhibitors, entertainment, motivational speakers, a fashion show, tasty treats (including martinis) and more. Come early to receive a swag bag stuffed with goodies or later for our feature entertainment. Door prizes will be drawn throughout the day. The event supports local women’s charities. River Cree Resort. Tickets at www.fabulousat50.com.

WELCA’s Hoofbeats TBA and Heartbeats Gala Outstanding entertainment, incredible food, fun and gifts! Champagne, dancing, dinner, visual and musical arts and bidding on live and silent auction itmes—a night to remember for you, your colleagues and your friends. The gala helps raise funds for redevelopment of the Whitemud Equine Learning Centre facilities into a world-class centre for equine learning, therapy, recreation and research. WELCA is a non-profit organization providing benefits to many Edmontonians including college and university students, aboriginal youth, war veterans, the physically and mentally disabled, and the elderly. Tickets: $225 each, tables of 8 $1700, tables of 10 $2000 (TBC). For details and updates, visit www.WELCA.ca

various elements, including horsemanship, written exams, and public speaking. They participate in the LCPR Fashion Show. The farewell to the outgoing queen and crowning of the sports new royalty takes place during the Saturday afternoon performance. To learn more about the Miss Rodeo Canada program and pageant, visit www.missrodeocanada.ca

Farmfair International 10-15 Northlands is the centre of activities for Farmfair International, which is held concurrently with the Canadian Final Rodeo. Various events take place all over the city. Check www.northlands.com and www.farmfairinternationa.com for details about related events:

4th Annual Rotary Roast TBA Lip-smacking food. Awesome live music. Sidesplitting comedy. Share laughter with your family, friends and fellow Rotarians at this rollicking event. Who will the Rotary Club of Edmonton target this year? Whoever it is, that local celeb will face eight “friends” who take on the role of incredibly ruthless and funny Roasters. All money raised will be invested to support urgent needs in our city centre. Marriott River Cree Resort. Tickets: $125, tables of 10 $1000. Go to www.rotaryroast.ca/ for updates.

ATB Agriculture Farm Family Awards Gala For 45 years, farm families from northern and central Alberta communities have been recognized as the recipients of the ATB Agriculture Farm Family Award. The Northern and Central Agricultural Service Boards select outstanding families who best represent values of the family farm within their rural community. The award honours farming business practices and community involvement. Visit www.farmfairinternationa.com or call 780.471.7210 for details and ticket information. 42nd Canadian Finals Rodeo 11-15 Northlands is the centre of activities, but themed events take place all over the city—before, during and after the CFR. Check www.northlands.com and www.cfr.ca for details about these and other events: Black Tie Bingo Established in 1989, The Edmonton Rodeo Cowboy’s Benevolent Foundation assists athletes in times of financial hardship due to rodeo-related injuries. To date, over 250 athletes have received more than $1.5 million in support. To support the foundation, Northlands raises funds through CFR 50/50, Black Tie Bingo and the CPRA Ladies and Luncheon Fashion Show. Edmonton EXPO Centre. Details TBA. Miss Rodeo Canada Pageant Northlands is proud to host a variety of Miss Rodeo Canada events during CFR. Contestants compete

Ladies of Canadian Professional 13 Rodeo Fashion Show Enjoy the glamorous side of the rodeo world at the 41st Annual celebration of this special event benefiting the CPRA Cowboy Benefit Fund and the Canadian Pro Rodeo Sports Medicine Team. The Westin Hotel. Tickets: $55(TBC); purchase online at lcprfashionshow.com or e-mail lcprfashionshow@gmail.com

National Philanthropy Day 13 Awards and Luncheon Join the Association of Fundraising Professionals Edmonton and Area Chapter to celebrate and acknowledge the philanthropic individuals, corporations, foundations and fundraisers for their time, talent and dedication to the spirit of giving. The “Change the World with a Giving Heart” luncheon spotlights the great tradition of philanthropy that is so much a part of the Capital Region. Shaw Conference Centre-Hall D. Nomination forms for the awards and further details will be posted www.afpedmonton.ca. 4th Annual Salvation Army TBA Hope in the City Breakfast Start your day by helping kick off the Christmas Kettle Campaign which plays a vital role in supporting local programs and services. The Salvation Army’s Community and Family Services provide food hampers to almost 50,000 vulnerable Edmontonians each year, helping close to 200 families per day. The success of the campaign will provide year round food hampers, Christmas assistance, counseling, senior programs, and summer camps in 2016. For tickets and details, call 780.412.2743 or visit www.salvationarmy.ca/alberta/

FREE CONSULTATION (when you mention this ad)

KAREN BASNETT 6211 - 187B Street Edmonton, AB C: 780-913-3232 P: 780-443-6002 F: 1-866-676-3336

Excellence in Real Estate

www.karenbasnett.com EDMONTONIANS WINTER 2014

19


Vinok Worldance presents 14-19 Christmas around the World For many Edmontonians, this extravaganza has become a great way to start the festive season. Vinok presents six unforgettable shows featuring vibrant costumes, spirited music and dance that represent holiday traditions from several different cultures and countries. Opening night begins with a champagne reception and decadent plated dinner. Tickets: $200, tables available. All other shows include a preperformance buffet feast. Tickets: $80. Children: $40. Grand Ballroom, Chateau Louis Hotel and Conference Centre. For more information and to confirm all prices, visit www.vinok.ca, or contact Vinok Worldance at 780-454-3739 or info@vinok.ca Poor Boy’s Lunch TBA In 1994, CTV Edmonton established its own registered charity, the Good Neighbour Fund. The Fund assists people in Edmonton and Northern Alberta who have fallen on hard times. The Poor Boys Lunch is the group’s major fundraising event. Visit www.goodneighbourfund.ca or contact 780.486.9215 for details. 9th Annual Blue Angel Dinner TBA The Blue Angel Dinner is St. Michael’s Health Group’s major annual fundraiser and is vital to the sustainability of care, programs and services for elderly residents at its facilities. This event begins with a cocktail reception followed by an elegant dinner with impeccable service, magnificent wines, entertainment, live and silent auctions. It is wellattended by community leaders, corporate executives and political representatives. For updates, tickets, sponsorship opportunities and auction information, contact cteterenko@smhg.ca, call 780.472.4776 or visit www.smhg.ca. 9th Annual Creating Safe Place TBA Waffle Breakfast Did you know 50% of students experience bullying throughout the school year… 25% of Albertans view bullying as a normal part of growing up… 36% of students have admitted to participating in bullying? Support the Society for Safe and Caring Schools & Communities during National Bullying Awareness Week. Through generous grants and donations, SACSC provides research-based programming, resources and tools, and workshops to help prevent bullying and create safe spaces for children and youth. Visit www.sacsc.ca or call 780.822.1500 for further information and find out how to get involved.

Denim & Diamonds Gala TBA Be part of the 24th Annual Denim & Diamonds Gala, a premiere celebration in support of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. This high energy, brilliant event brings people together to bid on great items in the silent, super silent, and live auctions… while gaining insight on the impact of Type 1 diabetes through Fund A Cure. The guests finish off their evening enjoying live music and dancing. Tickets: $195; tables of 10 $1950 (TBC). Visit www.jdrf.ca or contact edmonton@jdrf.ca for updates and to donate auction items. Lobster Lovers Gala TBA Enjoy a traditional East Coast lobster feast and local entertainment! This annual event is the largest fundraiser for Boys & Girls Clubs Big Brothers Big Sisters which provides services and programs that support the healthy development of children and youth in our community. Cocktail reception, dinner and auction. Edmonton EXPO Centre Ballroom. Tickets: $200; tables of 10 $2,000. Opportunities for individuals and companies to become Agency Stars–a unique blend of sponsorship and donation. More information at www.bgcbigs.ca or call 780.235.7832. 11th Annual Breakfast TBA with the Guys Women leaving abusive relationships comprise a growing number of the “hidden homeless” in Alberta. As a result, some women choose to stay in unhealthy relationships just to survive. The event encourages men, many of whom are leaders in sport, business, industry, culture and government to use their influence to alter this startling reality. The Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters (ACWS) hosts Breakfast with the Guys during of Family Violence Prevention Month. Shaw Conference Centre-Hall D. Visit www.acws.ca for updates and tickets. Proceeds from the ticket sales support the work of ACWS to support shelters and end violence against women. 8th Ribbon Rouge TBA Step into a world of glamour, glitz and a grandiose cultural experience that will enrich your soul and captivate your senses! Indulge in a night of fashion, poetry, art, music, comedy, and cuisine. Sponsored by Arewa since 2006. 100% of the proceeds go towards HIV Relief through UNAIDS and HIV Edmonton. Show: 7pm. This event is 18+. $150 VIP tickets include dinner, tax receipt (Complimentary Wine & Swag Bags); $85 general. For more information and to confirm ticket prices, visit www.RibbonRouge.com

Black and White Fundraiser TBA The 21st annual Black and White is an all-inclusive evening including gourmet dining stations, courtesy beverages, live and silent auctions and first rate international entertainment. You will dance the night away. The event raises funds for the community based performing arts opportunities at Festival Place in Sherwood Park. Visit www.festivalplace.ab.ca for updates, details and tickets. 7th Annual HOMEstyle Breakfast TBA The St. Albert Housing Society hosts the breakfast to raise funds for the HOMEconnection Program. Through partnerships with local agencies, the program provides housing and supportive services for singleparent families with limited incomes, victims of domestic violence who need to re-establish a safe home environment, and seniors living at or below the poverty line with no savings to draw on. For more information and tickets, call 780.544.2202 or visit www.stalberthousing.com . Bridget Ryan’s Big Ol’ TBA Christmas Cabaret Don’t miss this one-night only performance as Bridget Ryan celebrates the spirit of the season with her outrageous comedy cabaret in support of the Christmas Bureau of Edmonton. Prepare for an incredible evening of song, stories, special super-star guests (including the ‘big guy in the bright red suit’), members of Kokepelli Choir, sing-a-longs and so much more! TransAlta Arts Barn, Westbury Theatre, Tickets: TIX on the Square www.tixonthesquare.ca or 780.420.1757. Visit www.christmasbureau.ca for updates. 31st Annual Festival of Trees 26-29 The annual Festival of Trees is a holiday tradition featuring more than 100 magnificently decorated trees and 150 other festive displays. There is also a gingerbread village with festive decorations and attractions. Sponsored by the University Hospital Foundation, proceeds from this event benefit the University of Alberta Hospital and the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute. Gala dinner and tree auction by invitation only. Shaw Conference Centre. For details, call 780.497.2786 or visit www.festivaloftrees.ca Movember Gala Parté TBA Join your crew of locally grown moustaches and wrap up the month in costume, celebrating all that is good and hairy at the Edmonton Gala Parté. Held across Canada and the world, these notorious costume partés

Dreamt New Home You’ve

about your

Let us show you how we make it a reality!

Tel: 780-451-4459

or visit us online at www.meridianbuilders.ca

11019 - 178 Ave., Edmonton, AB

20

EDMONTONIANS WINTER 2014

EDMO


R 2014

are held to thank Mo Bros and Mo Sistas for 30 days and 30 nights well grown. Simply raise $50 to claim your FREE pass to party. Raise $100 and you can claim a second pass for a friend. Dress to suit your Mo or Mo Bro and support your local Mo Growers as they battle it out for prestigious titles including Team Mo, Miss Movember and the ultimate title of Man of Movember 2015. Visit www.prostatecancer.ca and www.movember.ca for dates and details.

DECEMBER 17th Annual BOMA Edmonton 3 Christmas Luncheon & Charity Event The Business Owners & Managers Association hosts this fundraising luncheon at The Westin Hotel in support of WIN House. Reserve auction, silent auctions and raffle. Visit www.bomaedmonton.org for updates.

YESS Awareness Campaign TBA Kick-off YESS needs Champions—those who support this organization and the youth it serves. It is someone who will say “hi” to our youth when they see them in the street… someone who encourages and believes in our youth and sees the potential that each one of them has. It is also a person who will be an advocate for YESS and talk about the organization to their friends, family and coworkers. The Youth Empowerment & Support Services’ new awareness campaign begins in December 2015. Watch for details at www.yess.org.

15th Annual Christmas Bureau 18 Caroling Sing-along What better way to celebrate 75 years of Christmas Bureau cheer than over a lunch hour of exquisite Christmas caroling provided by Edmonton’s talented choir community! Arrive at the Winspear early—this holiday favourite fills seats fast. Admission is free and volunteers will be accepting donations on site. This event is sponsored by the Winspear. Visit www.christmasbureau.ca for updates. Edmonton’s Singing 17-20 Christmas Tree In its 48th year, The Singing Christmas Tree is the best way to rediscover the joy of the season! Through the beauty of music, dance and drama, travel back through centuries and generations of children to find how a man named Nicholas discovered the secret of joy for others and for himself. For five shows over three days, this Christmas spectacular guarantees to get you in the holiday spirit. Be a part of the magic and come see The Singing Christmas Tree at The Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. All net proceeds go to Santas Anonymous. Tickets at ticketmaster.ca I N T H E orC1-855.985.5000. A P I TA L R E G I O N Visit www.edmontonsingingchristmastree.com

The 16th Annual Copper Jackets 11 Luncheon “Face Off against Hunger” Come and take part in the 16th Annual Face Off Against Hunger Luncheon at the Shaw Conference Centre, Hall D. Presented by the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation and the Copper Jackets. Candy Cane Lane 4-Jan 3 Entertainment and live and silent auctions go with This December tradition sees approximately 200 a delicious lunch. Tickets: $100.00 (tax receipt private homes along 148th Street, from 100th Avenue for a portion of the price). Purchase by phone to 92nd Avenue, adorned with impressive Christmas 780.409.5820. If you are looking for a miracle light displays. Edmonton’s Candy Cane Lane is at Christmas, you don’t have to look far. Follow visited by hundreds of thousands of visitorsTevery H E P E the R SEdmonton O N AOilers L I T Community Y O F Foundation B U S I NonE S S year. For more than 40 years, the sights and sounds Twitter at @Oil_Foundation for event updates. of Candy Cane Lane instill the spirit of the holidays Anyone wishing to donate auction items can do so in all of us. The colourful light displays and unique to Lauren at lgilley@edmontonoilers.com. Edmonton International 31 decorations bring out the magic of the season for New Year’s Eve Gala young and old alike. Christmas in Edmonton is not Note: The Christmas Bureau has been in existence Ring in the New Year at The Fantasyland Hotel, complete without a stroll down Candy Cane Lane. in Edmonton since 1940. Fundraisers—large and Beverly Hills Ballroom—a spectacular evening Donations to the Edmonton Food Bank are much Attention: small… corporate- and community-sponsored—begin rated as one of Canada’sDate: top 10 NYE galas—in appreciated at numerous on-site collection points. in October. Stay informed or launch your own event support of The Stollery Children’s Hospital. Walking the route is strongly recommended. For by visiting the www.christmasbureau.ca. Last year, Fax: To by Appear in:Dinner Cocktails at 7 pm, followed the Gourmet sleigh ride reservation and more details, this remarkable organization provides festive meals of Distinction with world class entertainment. visit www.candycanelane.trav-graphics.com/ to 65,000 Edmontonians—more than 14,000 families Date Purchased: Dance until 3 am to music provided by DJ Tomski. for more details. and close to 10,000 seniors, singles and couples—in Silent auction. Formal attire. Tickets: $150 per need. person (TBC). Call 780-486-9506 or e-mail 20th Annual Snowflake Gala TBA info@edgala.com for tickets and more information. The Shaw Conference Centre will be transformed as Visit www.edgala.com. Christmas Bureau Breakfast 15 1100 patrons come together to support the Stollery The 34th Annual Dentons Christmas Bureau Children’s Hospital Foundation. Snowflake Gala is Breakfast sponsored by Dentons Canada LLP, the only black-tie family event in Edmonton where Sobeys and The Westin Edmonton takes place from adults and children come together to raise funds 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at The Westin Edmonton. for the Stollery Children’s Hospital. Experience The tradition of sharing continues with this annual a magical evening featuring a turkey dinner, live favourite. Enjoy great entertainers while you bid on entertainment, children’s activities, auctions, silent auction items. Visit www.christmasbureau.ca. dancing and much more. Call 780.433.5437 or Contact Jackie Danchuk at 780-423-7197 or e-mail visit www.stollerykids.com/snowflake for more jacqueline.danchuk@dentons.com information.

1285 Edmonton,

Tel: (780 Fax: (780

ADVERTISING PROO

Deadline for free listings in the 2016 Social Calendar: November 14, 2015 www.edmontonians.com EDMONTON SOUTH Toll Free Reservation:

Online Reservation:

Phone:

1-877-711-7070 www.hiexpress.com 780-440-5000

2440 Calgary Trail NW, Edmonton, Alberta

EDMONTON OFFICE 12603 - 123 Street NW Edmonton, AB Phone: 780.455.8929

EDMONTONIANS WINTER 2014

CALGARY OFFICE 1216 A - 36 Ave. NE Calgary, AB Phone: 403.250.5844

21


W. Brett Wilson offers life lessons

on Entrepreneurship,

INOVATION

& PHILANTHROPY

M

ost people would recognize W. Brett Wilson from his stint on the CBC television series Dragon’s Den. Turns out this entrepreneur, investor, philanthropist, author and sports team owner is also a country music fan. He stopped in Edmonton during the Canadian Country Music Association Awards to take in the festivities and also give a few talks while he was here. Crowds as diverse as country music agents and university researchers gathered to hear what this former Dragon Den’s star had to say about innovation and the entrepreneurial W. Brett Wilson spirit. After his presentation to the CCMA members, I asked Wilson for his thoughts on how to fix Canada’s so-called innovation deficit. “I don’t feel like there is a deficit in innovation,” Wilson answered.“I feel that we have lagged the world in celebrating entrepreneurship… I keep emphasizing it’s the entrepreneurs who are going to keep driving innovation because they are on the ground and they are solving problems. And one of the greatest solutions to a problem is to innovate a new answer, as opposed to creating an environment where, oh, we’re all going to sit around and innovate and see what we do with it. And again, I’m taking the metric and flipping it, and saying, why don’t we celebrate, encourage and build a spirit and environment where entrepreneurship is the norm?” To illustrate the point, Wilson turns to a story

22

from his early life. “I still remember, and I’ll be candid with you about this, I was up and running my own business for more than a year when my dad and friend of his were sitting having dinner, and they asked if I was still looking for a job. Well, you see, that’s not celebrating the entrepreneurial difference. They didn’t ask how the business was going. They didn’t ask where I was taking it. They asked if I was still looking for a job.” The critical point for Wilson is all about perspective and doing what we can as a nation to encourage the entrepreneurial spirit. “So if the goal is entrepreneurship, the result is innovation. If the goal is innovation, I don’t know where you go with it.” For Wilson, innovation and entrepreneurship go hand in hand. The problem is, the country needs more people, especially the next generation, to take up the entrepreneurial challenge. That is the driver behind one of his major philanthropic investments, the W. Brett Wilson Centre for Entrepreneurial Excellence at the University of Saskatchewan. A native of North Battleford, Saskatchewan, Wilson graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a degree in engineering, followed by an MBA. Today, he shares his passion and his business expertise with the next generation of students. “I wanted to excite the entrepreneurial spirit in the students, coming out of law or engineering or vet-med or business. It didn’t matter. I wanted a Centre of Excellence for the entrepreneurial spirit. Then guess what? Dragon’s Den came along a few years later and allowed me to explode the profile of this Centre. At the Centre, the first thing I describe is the opportunity for collisions, which is meeting like-minded people, because that’s inspirational in itself when you start to hang with people who are going, ‘How can I change the world with my own business?’ That’s entrepreneurship. And then, of course, they provide a forum for education and learning experiences. And, there’s competitions. I do an annual event where I talk, as I do often, about my vision of where the world could go with an entrepreneurial mindset.” That annual event is the Pitch Party, where investors, students and entrepreneurs mix and pitch over a fabulous dinner.

Wilson’s next move to foster the entrepreneurial spirit will be on a grand scale. He calls it prizing, where he intends to create an economic opportunity and reward something like the X-Prize. If you haven’t guessed by now, philanthropy is a major underpinning of W. Brett Wilson’s approach to life and his success in business. He describes its importance in his recent book titled Redefining Success: Still Making Mistakes. In its pages, he expands upon his life philosophy centred around the study of entrepreneurship, marketing and philanthropy. √

RESEARCH

CHAIR

R

educing the environmental footprint of oil sands mining is the focus of Dr. Mohamed Gamal El-Din. He is an international expert in wastewater treatment and currently holds the NSERC Senior Industrial Research Chair in Oil Sands Tailings Water Treatment at the University of Alberta. The Chair is supported by a number of oil sands companies including Syncrude. Dr. Gamal El-Din is taking a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to cleaning up tailings water in a safe, cost effective and environmentally sustainable manner. However, as the professor explains, it is not easy work. “In our research, the obstacles or challenges are how to take this water, which is quite a complex matrix of different constituents, and use different treatment technologies that are going to be cost effective. And not only cost effective from economic considerations, but also we’re trying to look into basically treatment technologies that don’t require a lot of electrical power, for example. So that’s why it’s also looking at things from a holistic point of view because some treatment technologies might require a lot of energy. So we’re trying to find ways of treating this water with minimal impact on the environment.” The tailings decontamination work draws from many disciplines, including engineering, artificial intelligence, solar energy and microbiology. To find the answers industry needs, Dr. Gamal ElDin’s team includes PhD and graduate students who are working on innovative ways to detoxify oil sands tailings water. EDMONTONIANS WINTER 2014

EDMO


R 2014

With Cheryl Croucher

He lists an impressive number of projects. “Some of them are focused on using physical approaches for treating the oil sands process water. Some are using chemical approaches, Dr. Moha such as applying things ed Gamal El-m like ozone treatment. Din Some other projects use the approach of absorbing the contaminants from that process water on some absorbents. We have projects at the biological treatment approaches, so relying on the biology and relying on the microbiology and systems involving microorganisms. We also have projects in the area of designing treatment reactors and modeling them. We have projects in the area of characterizing that very complex matrix, because if you know more about what’s in

it, then you can actually predict the performance and design a good treatment system.” According to Dr. Gamal ElDin, some of these projects are already showing successful results. For example, chemical oxidation and ozone treatment hold promise in treating oil sands tailings water. “Actually we did a lot of projects for basically degrading some of the constituents in the oil sands process water that are quite recalcitrant, that stay in the environment for a long time before they even get degraded to some extent. So we were able to actually use some of the chemical treatments, specifically using ozone treatment, for accelerating the degradation of these compounds. Once they are degraded into other by-products, these other by-products are now amenable for

biological degradation in different treatment systems. So this could accelerate the whole reclamation approach of the oil sands process water. This work done using ozone has been proven quite efficient and with a great potential to be used one day in the reclamation strategies by the oil sands companies.” The professor cautions that, despite its effectiveness, the biggest challenge with ozone treatment is designing more efficient systems that use less energy. √ Cheryl Croucher hosts Innovation Anthology which is broadcast on CKUA Radio at 7:58 am and 4:40 pm Tuesdays and Thursdays with rebroadcasts on the weekends. Download the podcasts at www.innovationanthology.com and follow Cheryl on Twitter @CherylCroucher. Listen as well to CKUA Radio for Aboriginal Pathways

Staged ImpoSSIbIlItIeS

For magical Entertainment at: School Functions, Corporate Events, Conventions, Banquets & Other Events

Call 780-465-7065 EDMONTONIANS WINTER 2014

23


24

EDMONTONIANS WINTER 2014

EDMO


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.