Issuu

Contents Deb Geissler

Publisher Kimberly Brucks Advertising Manager Jose De La Cruz Art Director

NEWS news@desertentertainer.com Photo by Ian Houghton.

ADVERTISING kbrucks@desertentertainer.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Winter Calendar Putting your datebook in order: Time to transition into a new year.

Calling All Powder Hounds The best Canadian ski slopes and après-ski villages for the ultimate adventure.

Getting Warmed Up for Canadian Winter Keeping track of what’s going on at home.

Adrian Martinus Design Adrian and Martinus Pool repurpose the skateboard.

Paul Anka An enduring legend who continues to do it his way.

Breaking the Ice at Quebec’s Hôtel de Glace Push the limits of your imagination this winter.

Canadian Born Architect Frank Gehry Reimagining the Art Gallery of Toronto and much of the rest of the world.

What’s New in Desert Valley Dining and Drinking Wet your whistle and whet your appetite.

Visit Temecula Wine Country Check out some tasty wines.

Tax Talk How Does DIRECTS Obtain Old Refunds/ How Long May the Foreign Individual Still Obtain a Refund?

Northern Lights Everything you always wanted to know (but were afraid to ask).

Alison Elsner: Contributing Editor Michael W. Brooks, ESQ. L

DISTRIBUTION

All delivery inquiries should be directed to Desert Fox Distribution at 760-989-0882 or email DesertFoxDist007@aol.com.

The Magic of Modernism Week Ageless designs prove that everything old is new again.

What’s Good for the Goose... The Canada goose, its habitat and its natural beauty.

Palm Springs International Film Festival Fetes its 30th Anniversary Canada’s contributions in bringing the world together through film.

Office is Located in Palm Springs, CA Monday - Friday Closed Major Holidays Phone: 760.318.2882

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Front Cover Photo: Paul Anka photo courtesy of Paul Anka Productions.

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December 2018

Canada South

Welcome Canadians

welcome

Musée des beaux-arts de l’Ontario in Toronto. Photo by John Star.

he wrap up of the holiday season and the dawn of the New Year signifies a time to re-energize and start fresh with projects, goals and maybe even a few dreams. Whether or not you’re a “resolution-maker”, we can certainly all benefit from the spirit of hope and possibility. And, it’s always on trend to throw in a little generosity towards others and gratitude for what we have. 2019 is likely to hit fast and furious, making it a challenge to balance our schedules. So, we’ve included a datebook of Coachella Valley events to help prioritize upcoming activities and performances. One of those is Paul Anka in concert at the McCallum Theatre in January, the subject of our cover story. Anka’s performance is sure to once again take audience members’ breaths away, and our feature looks at his legacy as well as what’s ahead for the legend. It’s an exciting time in the Coachella Valley, with the 30th anniversary of the Palm Springs

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International Film Festival taking place in January. In these pages, we look at what to expect from the annual event that has truly put Palm Springs on the arts and entertainment map as well as the significant cultural contribution to the Festival through the exceptional artistry of Canadian films, among others. We can all look forward to Modernism Week in February, whose organizers have somehow managed to yet again raise the bar and incorporate dozens of fascinating new design offerings, talks and architectural unveilings along with the favorite parties and walking, home and bus tours. Our Canadian calendar takes note of several upcoming winter happenings throughout various parts of the country. Other stories delve into the Canadian experience on the slopes with a round-up of top ski destinations, the mind- and imagination-boggling phenomenon of the Northern Lights, the majesty of

December 2018

Canada geese and the architectural marvel that is Frank Gehry, who renovated an entire wing of the Art Gallery of Ontario (the AGO). Our “Landmarks in Architecture” feature this issue explores the iconic Hôtel de Glace, rebuilt each year anew, entirely of ice. And for all the foodies out there, we’ve included a recap of some of the Coachella Valley’s newest dining venues as well as a miniguide to a Temecula wine-country getaway. As always, feel free to reach out to us at any time at news@desertentertain.com. From all of us at Canada South, we wish you and your loved ones and friends a happy and healthy holiday season and new year!

From the desk of

Alison Elsner Canada South Magazine

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Winter Calendar

Putting your

Datebook in order

Time to transition into a new year

The Stadium Course at PGA West.

Photo courtesy of PGA West.

BY ALISON ELSNER

ecember into January and beyond can be a time of year that brings pause, in that it forces us to quickly shift from reflecting on the past year to making a concerted attempt to focus on the year ahead. But that’s alright because life itself is about appreciating what’s come our way and resolving to shape our future. Memories are made of enjoyable and meaningful moments and events which carry us from one year into the next. Each day brings opportunities to seize goals, whether through new experiences or favorite pastimes. The list of events, below, is geared to help you create new memories and appreciate the chance to revisit those you’ve loved the most. Through December 23 2 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Christmas with the Crawfords: This show is a fanciful takeoff on Hollywood gossip maven Hedda Hopper’s live radio broadcast from Joan Crawford’s Brentwood mansion on Christmas Eve in 1944. “Guests” Judy Garland, Katherine Hepburn, Gloria Swanson and Ethel Mer-

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man arrive on the scene and sing and dance their way into your hearts. The production was created by Richard Winchester and written by Mark Sargent. It’s a pleasingly nostalgic way to get into the Christmas spirit. Tickets $34-$37. Desert Rose Playhouse, 69620 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, 760-202-3000, desertroseplayhouse.org/christmas-with-the-crawfords. December 30-March 31 12 p.m. matches, 10 a.m. gates open Polo Season at Empire Polo Club: The 2019 Polo Season schedule starts with a soft opening on December 30, but the official “Opening Day & Hat Day” starts January 6, with two featured matches every Sunday at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Friday evening games are also open during select dates in February and March. Brunch is offered once a month and food is available for purchase every Sunday. Tailgaters are welcome, and space along the sidelines is available on a first come, first served basis. Free plus $20 parking or $30 VIP admission which includes parking. Empire Polo Club, 81800 Avenue 51, Indio, 760-393-7298, empirepolo.com.

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December 31 4:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. New Year’s Eve Party at Vicky’s of Santa Fe: Ring in 2019 with the sounds of The John Stanley King Show while champagne flows and party favors abound. Dance or listen along to rock classics, blues, R&B and favorites from Clapton, Floyd, The Beatles and plenty of Sinatra-era songs. No reservations and open lounge seating begin at 6:30 p.m. with an appetizer and cocktail menu. Dining rooms are also open for dinner reservations from 5 to 10 p.m. featuring regular menus and pricing along with chef’s specials. $25 cover in lounge plus one drink minimum. Vicky’s of Santa Fe, 45100 Club Drive, Indian Wells, 760-345-9770, vickysofsantafe.com. December 31 6 to 10 p.m. Mildly Wild New Year’s Eve Party: Say goodbye to 2018 surrounded by feathered and furry friends with a 1950’s sock-hop themed party. Celebrate on east coast time with live entertainment, a gourmet dinner, libations, champagne

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Winter Calendar

Polo at Empire Polo Club in Indio.

toast, dancing and animal encounters. Past celebrations have been known to include visits with an armadillo, a porcupine and a screech owl during pre-dinner cocktails. This indoor/outdoor event will take place at the Chase Building and Lurie Patio. Must be 18 or over. Tickets $125 per person. The Living Desert, 47900 Portola Avenue, Palm Desert, 760-346-5694, livingdesert.org. January 3-14 Showtimes Vary Palm Springs International Film Festival: Celebrating its 30th season, this event is often a predictor of Oscar nominations. The two-week extravaganza kicks off with the annual blacktie Film Awards Gala, to be hosted again by Mary Hart. Last year’s honorees included Mary J. Blige, Timothée Chalamet, Jessica Chastain, Willem Dafoe, Gal Gadot, Holly Hunter, Allison Janney, Gary Oldman, Sam Rockwell and other luminaries. Carefully selected films from international filmmakers will be showcased across Palm Springs during ongoing screenings, providing worldwide recognition and thoughtprovoking entertainment. Tickets and packages $13-$3,000. Various theaters and locations, 760778-8979 or 800-898-7256, psfilmfest.org. January 11-27 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Neil Simon’s Brighton Beach Memoirs: Puberty. It’s confusing enough without having a Great

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Photo courtesy of Empire Polo Club.

Depression and a cramped Brooklyn apartment full of family members. But those are the turbulent waters Eugene finds himself navigating in Neil Simon’s semi-autobiographical comedy. The first play of his Tony Award-winning Eugene Trilogy, this classic redefined the master of comedy’s career as he mined his own past growing up as a Jewish-American during the Depression. You simply cannot miss this excellent heart-warming comedy. Tickets $16-$28. Indio Performing Arts Center, 45175 Fargo St, Indio, 760775-5200, indioperformingartscenter.com. January 16-20 See Schedule for Tee Times Desert Classic Golf Tournament: The Desert Classic Golf Tournament is one of the only PGA Tour events that features Pro-Am play along with tournament play for the first 54 holes. This year marks the 60th anniversary. Each of the 156 PGA Tour pros plays with a different amateur each day on different courses for three days at three courses. All daily tickets include two nights of music, access to the Von’s Fan Pavilion and three on-course hospitality venues (like the Casamigos Club 17 and Michelob Ultra Beers Fore Birdies) with food and drink for purchase from valley restaurateurs. Tickets $25, $30 and $75. Kids free. PGA West (host course), 78-080 Calle Amigo, La Quinta, 760-346-8184, pgatour.com/tournaments/desert-classic.html.

January 24-27 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day 33rd Annual Southwest Arts Festival: The annual Festival is a major, internationally recognized cultural event that will feature traditional, contemporary and abstract fine works of art by more than 200 acclaimed artists. Interactive exhibits, live music, pottery, glass, sculpture, painting and more will be on display for browsing or purchase. Visitors can also enjoy food and beverage while strolling the grounds. This event is recognized as one of the Top 100 Events in North America by Travel Magazine, and proceeds support local charities. Admission $13-$15. Empire Polo Club, 81800 Avenue 51, Indio, 760-347-0676, southwestartsfest.com. February 3-April 28 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Portraits & Stories of Holocaust Survivors – Traveling Exhibit: This powerful traveling exhibition includes 37 dramatic black-andwhite gelatin silver portraits by noted photographer Evvy Eisen, accompanied by stories of experiences before, during and after the Holocaust, with a stunning 24-minute DVD and additional survivor portraits. The exhibition describes the horrors in Europe during the Holocaust and how survivors then came to the

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Winter Calendar

comedy shows and live music galore, which last year included WAR, Chase Rice, Flash Back Boyz Band, The Cook Islands Polynesian Dance Show, Andy DiMino’s Toast to Dean Martin and many others. Just a tip: weekdays are a little less crowded for a visit. Admission $9-$11, children 5 and under free. Carnival rides separate. Riverside County Fairgrounds, 82503 Highway 111, Indio, datefest.org.

McCormick’s Classic Collector Car Auction showcases nearly 600 cars at the Palm Springs Convention Center. Photo courtesy of McCormick’s Classic Collector Car Auction

Continued from page 7

United States to create meaningful lives and contribute to society in their adopted county. Admission $10.50-$17.50. Palm Springs Air Museum, 745 N. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, 760-778-6262, palmspringsairmuseum.org or exhibitenvoy.org. February 9 9 a.m. to 3 p.m, Awards at 2 p.m. Dr. George Charity Car Show: Each year the Palm Springs Cruisin’ Association raises significant funds for the Desert Cancer Foundation, bringing in over $80,000 in 2017. Spectators can spend the day on the open lawn of the Tennis Garden viewing classic cars, muscle cars, hot rods, street rods, Corvettes, customs, antiques, restored and original collectible cars and motorcycles. Food and beverage trucks have refreshments available for purchase, and guests can enjoy raffle prizes and live entertainment. Admission $5, children under 12 and military free. Indian Wells Tennis Garden, 78200 Miles Avenue, Indian Wells, 760-773-6554, desertcancerfoundation.org/ride. February 9 6 to 10 p.m. Brew at the Zoo: Come join the 10th Annual event and celebrate #NationalBeerDay at the zoo! Craft beer fans will love the selection of tastings from some of the finest specialty brews

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around in addition to wines and a full culinary adventure of tasty dishes and desserts from some of the Coachella Valley’s top restaurants. Live music stages will be found throughout the grounds. The African section of the park will be open for guests to explore and see animals such as zebras, cheetahs and oryx. Tickets $70$150. The Living Desert, 47900 Portola Avenue, Palm Desert, 760-346-5694, livingdesert.org. February 15-25 See Schedule for Event Times Modernism Week: This cool, iconic, modern February festival is an exciting 11-day celebration of midcentury modern design, architecture, art, fashion and culture. Events include the Modernism Show & Sale, home and walking tours, biking and double-decker bus tours, a world-class lecture and film series, tours of the historic Annenberg Estate at Sunnylands, classic cars, garden tours, a vintage travel trailer exhibition and much more. Various locations in Coachella Valley, modernismweek.com. February 15-24 Times Vary Each Day Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival: This 10 day celebration of food, culture and music has something for all ages, including a President’s Day Parade, Arabian Nights Musical Pageant, Animal Adoptions, daily petting zoo, arts and crafts, delicious food and drink, carnival rides, camel and ostrich races, hypnosis and

December 2018

February 19-20 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Legends in Concert: Legends in Concert is the longest-running show in Las Vegas history and after 35 years is still voted the No. 1 tribute show in the city. These incredible artists have pitch-perfect live vocals, signature choreography and stunningly similar appearances to the legends they portray. Plan on elaborate theatrical sets, magnificent costumes and a full array of special effects on this Coachella Valley leg of their tour. One of the joys of catching a show at the McCallum is the bar during intermission. Tickets $38-$88. McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, 760-340-2787, mccallumtheatre.org. February 22-24 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. McCormick’s 66th Classic Collector Car Auction: Heading into its 33rd year, this bi-annual event showcases nearly 600 hot cars, including classics, antiques, muscle cars, European sports cars, trucks and motorcycles, such as a 1953 Chevy Bel Air Convertible, 1931 Chrysler CD DC Phaeton, 1950 Jaguar Mark V, 1964 Porsche 356 SC, 1976 Cadillac Eldorado, 1963 Austin Healey 3000 and dozens and dozens of other rare finds. Car enthusiasts can bid or browse. Free on Friday, $15 per day Saturday and Sunday, $25 for both days. Palm Springs Convention Center, 277 N. Avenida Caballeros, Palm Springs, 760-320-3290, classic-carauction.com. February 24 3 p.m. The Lettermen in Concert: The letter sweaters may only make a brief appearance at each Lettermen performance, but The Lettermen harmony is non-stop. From their first hit in 1961, “The Way You Look Tonight,” through the popular “When I Fall in Love,” the sound is undeniably trademark Lettermen. Eighteen Gold Albums worldwide and scores of top singles attest to a fan base that has endured through several generations with the magical music and nostalgia of this all-time classic group. Tickets $28-$48. McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, 760-3402787, mccallumtheatre.org or thelettermen.com.

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What’s Going on at Home

Ottawa Winterlude is held over three weekends in February.

Getting warmed up for

Photo courtesy of Ottawa Tourism.

CANADIAN WINTER Keeping track of what’s going on at home BY ALISON ELSNER

ou may be spending the holidays and the start of the new year in southern California, but it’s always reassuring to know what friends and family are doing up north, especially if you’re headed up for an interim trip or two before returning home in the spring. There are plenty of inspiring events taking place across the Canadian land throughout winter and into early spring, with activities revolving around motorcycles, home improvement, pets, food, drink and music, any and all of which will feed your soul. Your options are open!

Calgary Motorcycle Show January 4-6 Whether you’re a rider or an admirer, this all-inclusive show will feature motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and side-by-side vehicles. Guests will meet experts, discover the latest accessories and clothes, take part in Yama-

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ha’s “how to” training clinic and enjoy a vintage motorcycle display. There’s a Yamaha Riding Academy for kids ages 6 to 12 and the ladies have a special “She Rides” night. Tickets $11-$40. BMO Centre, Stampede Park, 1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary, AB, 855-794-7487, calgarymotorcycleshow.ca. Calgary Renovation Show January 11-13 This is the ultimate forum for everything home-improvement related, showcasing DIY design on a dime, candid insight and advice for family home upgrades, pro tips on renovation permitting, dozens of exhibit booths and much more. Multiple stages will feature guests like Bryan Baeumler, HGTV host and Gary Sharp, Canadian Home Builders Association. You might even pick up some prizes from the home show sampler sweepstakes. Tickets $5-$9. BMO Centre, Stampede Park, 20 Roundup Way SE, Calgary, AB, 403-253-1177, calgaryrenovationshow.com.

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Edmonton Edmonton Pet Expo January 26-27 This gathering is the purr-fect place to learn about the importance of health and well-being practices to keep your fur babies in tip-top shape. Here, the focus is on fun. Guests can visit with animal experts and enjoy presentations, animal demonstrations, agility courses and sporty dog teams. There will be plenty of fluffy, furry, feathery, and scaly friends to interact with as well as vendors for pet toys and treats. (Your own pets must remain at home). Tickets $10-$40. Edmonton Expo Centre, Northlands Hall A, 7515 – 118 Avenue, Edmonton, AB, 780-490-0215, petexpo.ca.

Vancouver Vancouver International Wine Festival February 23-March 3 This premier event educates, entertains and

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What’s Going on at Home

Montréal en Lumière shines a spotlight on arts, culture, performance, gastronomy, free outdoor family activities and exquisitely original discoveries.

raises funds for the Bard on the Beach Theatre Society. In its 40th year, this popular extravaganza of the grape features a Tasting Room where guests can select from 750 wines at four International Tastings. Multiple events swirl about such as seminars, vintage tastings, winery dinners, lunches and more. The 2018 festival featured wines from 16 countries, and in 2019 the spotlight will be on California. Ticket prices vary by event / tasting. Vancouver Convention Centre West, 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC, 604-873-3311, vanwinefest.ca.

Victoria Victoria Whisky Festival January 17-20 You might want to have some food in your tummy, as this magnificent event presents selections from a myriad of distilleries and whiskeys including Canadian, Scottish single malts and blends, Irish whiskey, Japanese, Indian, French, Swedish, Australian and a wide variety from the United States. Special sessions include The Whisky Explorer Grand Tasting with Mike Brisebois, The Glenfiddich Distillery Grand Tasting with Beth Havers and many more. Life doesn’t get much better than sipping over 150 whiskeys while overlooking Victoria’s scenic

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Inner Harbour. Tickets start at $30. Hotel Grand Pacific, 463 Belleville Street, Victoria, BC, 250370-9463, victoriawhiskyfestival.com. Victoria Film Festival February 1-10 This celebration of art and culture on the silver screen presents more than 100 features, documentaries and shorts every year. Eclectic and inspiring, the Festival hosts an array of guests that includes film directors, producers, distributors, festival and TV creators. A vibrant program provides Canadian independent media artists an opportunity to exhibit their work while also highlighting global selections. Going strong since 1995, the Fest brings people together through storytelling. Tickets $39$299. The Vic Theatre, 1215 Blanshard Street, Victoria, BC, and various venues, 250-389-0444, victoriafilmfestival.com.

Winnipeg Canadian International Comedy Film Festival February 9 This fab festival is back for its seventh year of mirthful movies. Returning will be Big Daddy Tazz, along with Shärt Trivia, Plinko and the

Photo courtesy of Montréal en Lumière.

always lucrative Wheel of Shärt. This year’s theme is rebirth, so films will focus on stories of renewal and change. The evening includes a cocktail reception, gala and awards in categories like Select, Shorty, Rom Com and People’s Choice. Tickets $10-$25. The Park Theatre, 698 Osborne Street, Winnipeg, MB, 204-478-7275, facebook.com/ShärtFilmFestival.

Burlington Winter Beer Festival January 25-26 This annual event is a tasty tribute to beer and food pairings in partnership with local restaurants, community-based organizations and progressive craft brewers from across the province. Guests can taste three six-ounce beer, cider or wine samples. Past vendors have included Waterloo Brewing, The Exchange Brewery and Landshark Lager. Non-alcoholic beverages also available. Tickets $25 in advance, $30 at door. Holiday Inn Burlington, 3063 South Service Road, Burlington, ON, 289-885-2337, burlingtonbeerfest.com.

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What’s Going on at Home

The Saskatoon Blues Festival features some of Canada’s best musical talent and international artists.

Continued from page 11

Niagara Falls Niagara Icewine Festival January 11-27 For three weekends, the Niagara region is transformed into a celebration of sweet-tasting icewine. The Niagara Icewine Gala at Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls showcases a glamorous culinary experience at a lavish evening. The rest of the Festival provides delicious access to over 30 wineries with indulgent and innovative wine and food pairings, roasting chestnuts and icewine marshmallows and a vibrant street scene. A perfect way to sip and savor one of Canada’s most treasured products. Ticket pricing varies depending on passes selected. Multiple locations, Niagara Falls, ON, niagarawinefestival.com/event/niagara-icewine-festival.

Ottawa Ottawa Winterlude February 2-19 Held over three weekends in February, most activities are free, featuring outdoor skat-

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ing on the world’s largest skating rink, snow sculpture contests, concerts, yummy food, Canadian beer, street performers like Tim Burr! Circus Lumberjack and the Olympic Rendezvous with curling and hockey. Host sites include the Rideau Canal Skateway, the Snowflake Kingdom at Jacques Cartier Park and the Crystal Garden in Confederation Park with free shuttles between each. Don’t miss the ice hogs or the Beerfest! Most events free, special presentations priced separately. 100 Albert Street, Ottawa, ON, radseason.com/event/ ottawa-winterlude-ottawa-ontario-canada.

Montréal Montréal en Lumière (Montreal High Lights Festival) February 21-March 3 This largest culinary celebration in Canada attracts close to one million visitors while shining a spotlight on arts, culture, performance, gastronomy, free outdoor family activities and exquisitely original discoveries. There are countless culinary presentations for every taste and budget as well as workshops, tastings and conferences led by the finest Mon-

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treal chefs and their counterparts from five continents. Music and entertainment stir the senses with classical, new artists, premiers, theatre, circus arts and dance. Tickets prices vary, many events free. 400 De Maisonneuve Boulevard West, Montreal, QC, 514 288-9955, montrealenlumiere.com.

Saskatoon Saskatoon Blues Festival February 25-March 3 Always a party, this festival showcases the diversity and scope of the multi-faceted music genre known as “the blues.” This particular event features some of Canada’s best musical talent and International artists, with performances and gatherings at various clubs, bars and cafés around the city. There are even presentations prior to the Festival in various schools to educate students about the history and styles of blues. Past performers have included David “Honeyboy” Edwards, Big Bill Morganfield, Janiva Magness, Guy Davis, Colin Linden, Amos Garrett, Morgan Davis and Matt Anderson. Tickets $30-$35. Various locations, Saskatoon, SK, saskatoonbluessociety.ca.

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Cover Story

Paul

Anka

An enduring legend who continues to do it his way

By Alison Elsner

Photo by Annie Leibovitz.

here’s talent. There’s hard work. There’s stage presence. Then there’s magic, which, in Paul Anka’s case, combines all of the above and then some. Born in Ottawa, Canada, singer, songwriter/composer and actor Paul Anka has been a household name in entertainment and culture since his debut onto the music scene in 1957. Audiences will have a chance to see his high-energy show at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert on January 31 and February 1 at 8 p.m. In Anka’s own words, the show, Anka Sings Sinatra: His Songs, My Songs, My Way, “will honor a great artist who has influenced me more than anyone else throughout my career, Frank Sinatra. It will also feature the hits that have spanned my career on this 60th anniversary year. It will be a night filled with his songs, my songs, my way!” Anka’s first number one hit, “Diana,” achieved rapid success and made Anka a star. He became famous during the late 1950s,

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1960s and 1970s with other hit songs like “Lonely Boy”, “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” and “(You’re) Having My Baby”. He wrote such well-known music as the theme for “The Tonight Show” Starring Johnny Carson and one of Tom Jones’ biggest hits, “She’s a Lady.” He also wrote the lyrics to Claude François and Jacques Revaux’s music for Frank Sinatra’s signature song, “My Way”, which has even been covered by Elvis Presley. Of Syrian-American and Canadian-Lebanese descent, Anka became a naturalized US citizen in 1990. Of his early fame, Anka has said that his hits were very autobiographical. “Lonely Boy” reflected his experience of feeling isolated after performing on stage as a teen, serenading swooning young girls, before he was secreted away to yet another city or hotel room. “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” reflected his take on seeing teenagers in love watching him sing while he was relegated to dinner alone night af-

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ter night as a result of his instant mega-stardom. After being thrust into heartthrob status, Anka found himself traveling by bus with the ‘Cavalcade of Stars’ with the top names of the day in the era of segregation, performing at the Copa Cabana, the youngest entertainer ever to do so, and honing his craft surrounded by the likes of Jerry Lee Lewis, Buddy Holly, Frankie Lyman and Chuck Berry. By the time the Beatles arrived in the sixties, Anka had another tool in his survival kit. “After a few hits,” he says, “I knew I was a writer, and with writers, the power was always in the pen. When I started writing for Buddy Holly and Connie Francis, I felt that it made me different for people. They’d say, ‘Hey, you can write, you can fall back on something.’” Among his proudest accomplishments was writing the Academy Award-nominated theme for “The Longest Day,” the 1962 film in which he also starred and was also the official march of the Canadian Airborne Regiment.

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Cover Story

Photo courtesy of Paul Anka Productions.

...you WILL be on your feet by the end of the evening, celebrating the inspiration that only this Canadian-American icon can deliver. Also in the 1960s, Anka wrote and recorded “My Home Town,” which was a No. 8 pop hit. He then went on to become one of the first pop singers to perform at the Las Vegas casinos. Anka also played an Elvis-hating casino pit manager in “3000 Miles to Graceland” (2001) and a yacht broker in “Captain Ron” (1992). He made guest appearances as himself on “That ‘70s Show” and “Gilmore Girls,” and he made several appearances on the NBC TV series “Las Vegas.” By the late ’60s, his career focused on adult contemporary and big-band standards. He also established his success internationally in the ’60s and ’70s, topping charts in Italy and France. His career has had ebbs and flows over the decades, marked by periodic “comebacks,” but his ability to reinvent himself has prevailed, through collaborations and sensitivity to his audiences. In other words, his presence is pervasive. Songwriting and performing “are what gave me the confidence to keep going,” Anka says. Becoming a junior associate of Sinatra and the Rat Pack also had its privileges. By the ‘70s, the

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success of “My Way” and a string of hits confirmed his status as an icon of popular music. His later achievements as a recording artist included “Hold Me ‘Til the Morning Comes,” a hit duet with Peter Cetera in 1983, the Spanish-language album “Amigos” in 1996 and “Body of Work,” a 1998 duets album that featured Frank Sinatra, Celine Dion, Patti LaBelle, Tom Jones and daughter Anthea Anka. If this wasn’t enough, it was revealed upon its release in 2009 that Anka co-wrote Michael Jackson’s posthumous No. 1 worldwide hit, “This Is It,” which has further cemented his place upon the most prolific and versatile songwriters of any generation. When asked by Canada South what his favorite part of performing is, Anka said, “ I always say, I don’t work or have a job. It’s my passion at this point in my life. It’s the only time to really get the feedback of how I have emotionally touched people with my music. Otherwise, I have no idea until I am on stage. That’s when I get the connection and some confirmation that I have touched people. With the band and us traveling as a unit, it’s

like a family up there every night.” He’s known to be a perfectionist, having been secretly recorded in a “spirited” interaction with his band in the mid-1980s, but his intensity is what distinguishes his stage shows as electrifying and captivating. If you’ve seen Anka live…you know this is the case. He is currently married to his third wife, Lisa Pemberton and has a 13-year-old son, Ethan. Anka was the subject of the highly acclaimed 1962 National Film Board of Canada documentary “Lonely Boy.” He wrote and performed songs in a 1985 Canadian children’s Christmas cartoon, “George and the Christmas Star.” In 1972, a street in Ottawa was named Paul Anka Drive. In 1981, the Ottawa City Council named August 26 as “Paul Anka Day” to celebrate his quarter-century in show business. Anka won the Juno Award for Composer of the Year (for songwriting) in 1975. He was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1980 and into Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2005.

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Cover Story

Photo courtesy of Paul Anka Productions. Continued from page 15

Not one to rest on his laurels, “Rock Swings” and now “Classic Songs, My Way,” ingeniously featured songs originally created by some of the biggest rock performers of the day as well as other established artists across several genres. The twist: Paul Anka did the songs ‘his way.’ His goal was “taking great songs and reworking them so they’re natural for me.” With the help of his five daughters, Anka spent months researching music from the ‘80s and ‘90s, trying to find the songs that would work in the radical new context he proposed. The songs that made the cut included Bon Jovi’s “It’s My Life,” Lionel Richie’s “Hello” and Eric Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven.” Even more dramatic were his transformations of “Wonderwall” by Oasis, “Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden and Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” “Rock Swings” went Top 10 in the UK and was certified gold in the UK, France and Canada, hit No. 2 on Billboard’s Top Jazz Albums chart and went on to sell half a million albums worldwide. On November 15, 2011, Anka released his

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first Christmas album in decades. Songs of December featured lush romantic versions of popular Christmas songs such as “Let It Snow”, “Baby It’s Cold Outside” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”. All were recorded with a full orchestra in the renowned Capitol studios and sung by a music legend. It is a true holiday classic. In April 2013, Anka released his New York Times Bestselling autobiography, published by St. Martin’s Press, entitled My Way. This autobiography is a remarkable story of a decades-long career as an entertainer, actor, and songwriter. During the same time, his new 14-song album entitled Duets was released by Sony Music Entertainment and featured artists such as Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, Tom Jones, Celine Dion, and Michael Bublé (who Anka was with from the start of his career as well as co-producer on his self-titled album in 2003). Duets provide a musical journey through the life and times of Paul Anka and includes heartfelt liner notes written by Anka himself as an introduction to the classic songs he and his collaborators have chosen.

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Duets set a milestone in Billboard Chart history because with the CD, Anka became the only artist to have a CD on the Billboard Top 100 Chart for seven consecutive decades. In 2014, Anka saw the release of another song he co-wrote with Michael Jackson entitled “Love Never Felt So Good” off of Jackson’s album Xscape. The song was also recorded as a duet with Justin Timberlake. As lead song off of Jackson’s CD and it’s first single, it has received massive radio, sales, and critical success and reached No.1 in over 50 countries. There’s even a collaboration with Toronto rapper and singer Drake, whose new 2018 album, “Scorpion,” features the track “Don’t Matter to Me” with the late Michael Jackson’s unmistakable voice. Anka is listed as a co-writer, having teamed up with Jackson in 1983 for about a month to work on a planned duets album, the results of which were then locked away in the vault until recently. Clearly, these reinterpretations of popular songs and his strategic willingness to take risks have kept Anka relevant across multiple generations and point to his brilliance in his ability to relate to audiences and perpetuate his legacy, at a youthful 77 years old. He maintains a jam-packed tour schedule, defying age and generational categorization. What’s next for this mega-star? Anka says, “I’ve got my book that was on The New York Times Best Sellers list. People might want to do a movie or Broadway, so we’re talking about that. I’ve got a 13-year-old boy that I’m madly in love with. I put all my time there. I’ve changed my whole life to get him to be a good citizen. So I don’t work like I used to. Then I just stay healthy with my family. I go out now and do this tour until March on and off. Then I’ll go into the studio and write some more songs and just do that. I don’t really want to do more than that. I’ve done it all. I’ve been very fortunate at beating the odds, you know?” We’ll say. Take it from someone who’s seen the show – you WILL be on your feet by the end of the evening, celebrating the inspiration that only this Canadian-American icon can deliver. Anka Sings Sinatra: His Songs, My Songs, My Way. January 31 and February 1 at 8 p.m. McCallum Theatre located at 73000 Fred Waring Drive in Palm Desert. Tickets: $70 to $141. For more information, call 760-340-2787 or visit mccallumtheatre.com, paulanka.com.

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Architecture

CANADIAN BORN ARCHITECT

FRANK GEHRY

REIMAGINING THE ART GALLERY OF TORONTO AND MUCH OF THE REST OF THE WORLD The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in Spain. Photo by Miguel Aurore.

By Alison Elsner

here are people that make a difference in this world, then there are people who transform it. Architect Frank Gehry has managed to do both, proudly representing his Canadian heritage and his American citizenship. A vast number of this creative visionary’s buildings, including his private residence, have become world-renowned attractions. His works are cited as being among the most important creations of contemporary architecture in the 2010 World Architecture Survey. His style, although rooted in modernism, is often unpredictable and experimental and resists categorization. Gehry has made his mark upon the Canadian architectural scene with his renovation of The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), otherwise known as the Musée des beaux-arts de l’Ontario, located in Toronto. The AGO embarked on a $254 million (later increased to $276 million) redevelopment plan by Gehry in 2004, called Transformation AGO. The new addition required demolition of the 1992 Post-

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Modernist wing by Barton Myers and The AGO collection includes close to 95,000 works spanning the Kuwabara Payne McKenna Blumfirst century to the present day. berg Architects (KPMB). The gallery has 45,000 square Although Gehry was born meters (480,000 square feet) in Toronto and as a child had of physical space, making it lived in the same neighborone of the largest galleries in hood as the AGO, the expanNorth America. Significant sion of the gallery represented collections include the larghis first work in Canada. Gehest collection of Canadian art, ry was commissioned to expand Frank Gehry an expansive body of works from Photo by Tom Dickson and revitalize the AGO, not to dethe Renaissance and the Baroque sign a new building; as such, one of eras, European art, African and Oceanic the challenges he faced was to unite the art and a modern and contemporary collecdisparate areas of the building that had become tion. The photography collection is a large a bit of a hodgepodge after six previous expanpart of the collection, and there is an extensions dating back to the 1920s. sive drawing and prints collection. Kenneth Thomson was a major benefactor The museum contains many sculptures, of Transformation AGO, donating much of his such as in the Henry Moore Sculpture Centre, art collection to the gallery (providing large and represents other forms of art like historic contributions to the European and Canadian objects, miniatures, frames, books and medicollections), in addition to providing $50 mileval illuminations, film and video art, graphic lion towards the renovation, as well as a $20 art, installations and architecture. There is million endowment. Thomson died in 2006, two years before the project was complete.

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Architecture

Musée des beaux-arts de l’Ontario in Toronto. Photo by John Star

Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.

Continued from page 17

also an extensive historic ship model collection in the new spaces designed by Gehry. During the AGO’s history, it has hosted and organized some of the world’s most renowned exhibitions and continues to do so to this day. The Art Gallery was first opened in 1900 as the Art Museum of Toronto. It was renamed the Art Gallery of Toronto in 1916 and finally the Art Gallery of Ontario in 1966. Since 1974, the Gallery has seen four major expansions and renovations, including Gehry’s which was completed in 2008. The Art Gallery of Ontario is funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. Additional operating support is received from the City of Toronto, the Canada Council for the Arts and contributions from AGO members, donors and private-sector partners. In addition to display galleries, the structure houses an extensive library, student spaces, gallery workshop space, artists-in-residence, a restaurant, café, espresso bar, research center, theatre and lecture hall, Gehry-designed gift shop and an event space called Baillie Court, which occupies the entirety of the third floor of the contemporary tower. The gallery is located in the Downtown Grange Park district. The Art Gallery of Ontario is the second most visited museum in Toronto after the Royal Ontario Museum in 2014. Back to Frank Gehry. As many readers know, his best-known works include the Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris, France; MIT Ray and Maria Stata Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts; The Vontz Center for Molecular Stud-

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Photo bt John O’Neil.

ies on the University of Cincinnati campus; Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle; New World Center in Miami Beach; Weisman Art Museum at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis; Dancing House in Prague; the Vitra Design Museum and the MARTa Herford Museum in Germany; the Cinémathèque Française in Paris; and 8 Spruce Street in New York City. It was his private residence in Santa Monica, California that jump-started his career. Gehry is also the designer of the future National Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial. Gehry was born Frank Owen Goldberg in 1929, in Toronto, Ontario. His father was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Russian Jewish parents, and his mother was a Polish Jewish immigrant. He was encouraged by his grandmother with whom he would build little cities out of scraps of wood from his grandfather’s hardware store, inspiring him to use corrugated steel, chain-link fencing, unpainted plywood and other utilitarian or everyday materials. In 1989, Gehry was awarded the Pritzker Architecture Prize. The jury said Gehry was “Always open to experimentation, he has as well a sureness and maturity that resists, in the same way that Picasso did, being bound either by critical acceptance or his successes. His buildings are juxtaposed collages of spaces and materials that make users appreciative of both the theatre and the back-stage, simultaneously revealed.” Following Gehry’s renovation, the AGO reopened in November 2008, with the project having increased the art viewing space by 47 percent. Notable elements of the expanded building include a new entrance aligned with the gallery’s historic Walker Court and the

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Dancing House in Prague.

Photo bt Andrés Porras.

Grange and a new four-story south wing, clad in glass and blue titanium, overlooking both the Grange and Grange Park. The most characteristic element of the design is a new glass and wood façade, the Galleria Italia, spanning 180 meters (590 feet) along Dundas Street. It was named in recognition of a $13 million contribution by 26 Italian-Canadian families of Toronto. The completed expansion received wide acclaim, notably for the restraint of its design. The museum’s administrators and neighbors were adamant that the architect, who is used to being handed whole city blocks for overthe-top titanium creations, produce a lowerkey design, sensitive to the gallery’s long history. Gehry did not fail to deliver, with critics praising his “effortless and relaxed architectural masterpiece.” Whether looking at the high energy Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles, the iconic and contemporary Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in Bilbao, Spain or the understated and functional form of the AGO in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the 89-year old Gehry is arguably one of Canada’s and the world’s greatest national treasures. His brilliant legacy in seamlessly blending modern with traditional will prevail long after this transient life, enlightening and enchanting generations to come. The Art Gallery of Ontario is located at 317 Dundas Street West, Toronto in Ontario, Canada. The gallery is open daily 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., open until 9 p.m. Wednesdays with free admission. Admission is $11-$25, free for children 5 and under and Indigenous Peoples. For more information visit, ago.ca.

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Mid-century Modern

Frank Sinatra House. Photo by Jake Holt.

The Magic of

Modernism Week Ageless designs prove that everything old is new again By Alison Elsner

ach year, the modernist muse that is Palm Springs beckons residents and visitors to converge upon the Coachella Valley to consecrate all things mid-century modern. This magical two-week period from February 14-24, 2019 will pay homage to the

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creative period after World War II when America’s appetite for Modern design was the rage. In the decades since the continued interest in modernism has only flourished. Modernism Week’s signature event is an annual celebration of midcentury modern design, architecture, art, fashion and culture. The festival draws fans from around the state

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and the world, featuring more than 350 events including the Modernism Show & Sale, Signature Home Tours, films, lectures, Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tours, nightly parties and live music, walking and bike tours, tours of Sunnylands, fashion, classic cars, modern garden tours, a vintage travel trailer exhibition and more. One of the new events for 2019 includes a keynote presentation by architect Moshe Safdie, CC, FAIA, on February 16. Safdie, an internationally-acclaimed architect and urban planner, is known for a range of distinctive and compelling architectural projects, including the Habitat ’67 at the World Exhibition Expo 1967 in Montréal, Canada, the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, the Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort in Singapore (recently showcased in the film “Crazy Rich Asians”), the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas and the under-construction Changi airport in Singapore. His presentation will include a fascinating overview of his work over his 50-plus year career. This year there will also be a tour of the “Green Gables” home in Palm Springs. Designed by Palmer & Krisel and built in 1958, Continued on page 22

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Mid-century Modern

Abernathy House. Photo by Jake Holt.

Continued from page 20

this three bedroom, two bathroom home is undergoing a full renovation by H3K Design with the High Gable roofline representing a quintessential example of midcentury modern design. Attendees can also expect to see “La Vie en Rose” by interior designer Christopher Kennedy in the chic Vista Las Palmas neighborhood of Palm Springs, originally built in 1958. “Axiom Desert House” by Turkel Design is a 2,110-square-foot modern prefab construction that will become home to the Turkel family, the founders of Turkel Design, enabling them to dive more deeply into the design, building and delivery process for prefab homes. And, “Desert Eichler” by KUD Properties is a newlybuilt residence which serves as a replica of the original homes designed by Joseph Eichler, modernized for today’s standard of living. Numerous lectures, seminars and book signings will be held. One highly anticipated session will be a photography exhibition entitled, “The Landscape Architecture Legacy of Dan Kiley.” In partnership with University of California Riverside Palm Desert, the premiere of this exhibition will highlight the career of Kiley (1912-2004), one of the nation’s most important post-war landscape architects. During his prolific career which

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spanned more than half a century, he worked with equally significant architects including Eero Saarinen, Louis Kahn and I.M. Pei to create internationally acknowledged modernist design icons. The exhibition will be accompanied by a talk and special reception. An example of the perennial favorite walking tour is the “Frank Sinatra’s Neighborhood: the Movie Colony,” which affords a visual feast blending classic Spanish Colonial Revival with the sleek Midcentury modern designs by the renowned E. Stewart Williams, Donald Wexler and William Cody. Another favorite is the “Golden Era of Hollywood Homes in Old Las Palmas,” where Spanish Colonial architecture thrives alongside classic examples of dramatic Midcentury architecture. Docents share tales of the stars who lived and martini-ed here. Also loved is the “Rat Pack Playground Modernist Homes” in Vista Las Palmas, showcasing the neighborhood known as the Beverly Hills of Palm Springs, where walkers will discover the trendy midcentury neighborhood, Vista Las Palmas, developed by George and Robert Alexander. Events at Sunnylands Center and Gardens in Rancho Mirage include tours and cocktail parties which give visitors access to the famed estate, designed by renowned architect A.

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Quincy Jones in 1966 and restored in 2012. Originally the 200-acre winter home of Ambassadors Walter and Leonore Annenberg for 40 years, the couple welcomed political, business, educational and entertainment leaders over the decades. In 2001, the couple established The Annenberg Foundation Trust at Sunnylands to preserve the estate as a place where world leaders could meet to discuss issues of national and international importance – and enjoy events during Modernism Week, had they known. Frank Sinatra’s famed “Twin Palms” estate in Palm Springs (you know, the one with the pool shaped like a piano?), always figures into the event with tours and parties. In past years, the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation has hosted a tour of the home and there is usually an author’s book signing or two at the showplace, designed for Sinatra by modernist architect E. Stewart Williams in 1947. “Twin Palms” evokes the period when O’ Blue Eyes brought allure and sex appeal to the formerly sleepy town of Palm Springs, which subsequently became the ultimate destination for jet-setters and Hollywood royalty once Sinatra moved in. Stories abound of his years living here, especially during his fiery and turbulent marriage to Ava Gardner.

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Mid-century Modern

Photo by David A. Lee.

By far one of the most coveted reservations is a seat on one of the double-decker bus tours. These open-air excursions allow riders to experience Midcentury architectural treasures of Palm Springs with varying themes and narrator-hosts. Last year, pop culture humorist and author, Charles Phoenix, led one of the spirited adventures atop while the signature tour provided guests with a 2.5-hour overview of the most influential Midcentury architectural structures of Palm Springs. There are some not-to-be-missed tours of homes and historic hotels in the area, too, such as a look inside the beautifully renovated Sands Hotel & Spa in Indian Wells, an architectural gem which recognizes Moroccan Midcentury modern from the 1950s, reimagined in 2018 by famed interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard. The Walker Guest House Tour is a full-scale replica of architect Paul Rudolph’s 1952 Walker Guest House which has been relocated and reconstructed by Palm Springs Modern Committee, on loan from the Sarasota Architectural Foundation. Frey House II Tours, hosted by Palm Springs Art Museum’s Architecture and Design Council, are 40-minute docent-led tours which provide a rare opportunity to see the residence of modernist architect Albert Frey. The Palm Springs Preservation Foundation will host the Steel X Three

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Photo by David A. Lee.

Tour, exploring the interior of three of the iconic Steel Development Houses (Steel No. 1, No. 2 and No. 4), designed by the architectural firm of Wexler & Harrison in 1962. The Culde-Sac Experience is the Midcentury time capsule experience that allows guests to step back to 1963 and tour several William Krisel homes while immersed in the lifestyle of an iconic Midcentury enclave. We could go on and on…. The hub and gathering point for many of the tours and presentations is C.A.M.P. (Community and Meeting Place), where most of the lectures and many book signings take place. A large tented structure located across from the Palm Springs Art Museum half a block from the Kimpton Hotel, C.A.M.P. is also the home base for catching the double-decker bus tours,

shopping for gifts from SHAG and relaxing over a snack or a cocktail in between tours. Modernism Week is a charitable organization, providing scholarships to local students pursuing college educations in the fields of architecture and design. Many events are free, and others such as tours and cocktail parties require online ticket purchase in advance. Whether you’re already part of the official “Mod Squad” or you’re exploring for the first time, this event is now embedded in the Palm Springs panorama, adding dimension, education, understanding of modern living and a whole lot of fun. For more information and to purchase tickets (soon!), visit modernismweek.com.

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Explore and Enjoy

the Coachella Valley

Shopping

Shop Around

hether you love shopping unique local boutiques, designer shops or all things vintage, there are plenty of options here. Dive in.

Cabazon Outlets This quaint 65,000 square foot retail shopping center features 19 specialty retailers in a relaxed open-air environment. The Cabazon Outlets are just a 30-minute drive away from Palm Desert. Receive your free VIP Savings Card at customer service by Starbucks. 48750 Seminole Drive, Cabazon. cabazonoutlets.com

Desert Hills Premium Outlets Find impressive savings at 180 outlet stores. Desert Hills Premium Outlets is more than just a great collection of the finest brands. Situated near popular Palm Springs resorts and surrounded by majestic mountains, it’s not a mirage; it is a true bargain hunter’s haven. 48400 Seminole Drive, Cabazon. premiumoutlets.com.

Downtown and Uptown Palm Springs Palm Canyon Drive is the heart of the City of Palm Springs. Here is where you’ll find retail shops and galleries that make Palm Canyon Drive a wonderful and memorable experience. palmcanyondrive.org

The Gardens and El Paseo Village are premier

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shopping destinations. The shopping centers feature trendy, upscale, unique-to-market tenants in an outdoor garden setting. 73545 El Paseo, Palm Desert. thegardensonelpaseo.com

to spend an entire day or an evening under the beautiful desert sky. 71800 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage. theriveratranchomirage.com

Old Town La Quinta

Featuring over 300 shops, boutiques, art galleries, jewelers and more. Boasting a wide spectrum of stores from Sak’s 5th Avenue to individually owned boutiques. 73061 El Paseo, Palm Desert. elpaseo.com

The spirit and architecture of Old California is brought to life in a chic outdoor shopping. With sophisticated boutiques and curated fashion. 78100 Main Street, La Quinta. oldtownlaquinta.com

The River in Rancho Mirage

Gardens on El Paseo 26

West Elm located in the uptown district in Palm Springs. Photo courtesy of Williams Sonoma.

A destination for fashion and fun. There are trendy boutiques and a spa. It’s a place

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Shops on El Paseo

Westfield Palm Desert Retail shopping at the only indoor shopping mall in the desert. 72840 Highway 111, Palm Desert. westfield.com.

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Snowbirds

Photo by Matthew Murieta.

What’s Good for the Goose... The Canada Goose, its habitat and its natural beauty

By Alison Elsner

anada geese, sometimes called Canadian geese, are surprisingly fascinating creatures. They are monogamous throughout their lives unless their mate dies, can make at least ten distinctive calls and are equipped with a range of vision more than 180 degrees horizontally and vertically, which is very useful during their migratory flight. They also wield more power than they probably realize, as several Canada geese were the culprits who flew into both engines of US Airways Flight 1549 of “Sully” Sullenberger pilot fame and brought the plane down into the Hudson River in New York in 2009 (everyone survived). The bird is native to arctic and temperate regions of North America, found on or close to fresh water. Officially named Branta (genus) Canadensis (species), the nomenclature translates into “burnt black goose” from Old Norse, and canadensis is a New Latin word meaning “from Canada.” The black head and neck

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with a white “chinstrap” distinguish the Canada goose from all other goose species with the exception of the cackling goose and barnacle goose, this latter bird possessing a black breast and gray body plumage instead of brown. It breeds in Canada and the northern United States in a variety of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population of Canada geese. We find them year-round in the southern part of their breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the southern United States and northern Mexico, Canada geese are primarily present as migrants from further north during the winter. Canada Geese occur at all elevations, from coastal through alpine. They are usually found near lakes, rivers, ponds, bays, estuaries, reservoirs, coastal and freshwater marshes, swamps or other bodies of water. They have also adapt-

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ed well to living in backyards, city parks and agricultural areas situated near water. When breeding, they prefer river areas but will also nest in a variety of wetland habitats, such as marshes, swamps, sloughs, ponds and lakes. During winter and migration, Canada Geese are commonly seen in agricultural areas foraging on crops, such as grain, winter wheat and pasture grasses. By the early 20th century, overhunting and loss of habitat resulted in a serious decline in the numbers of this bird in its native range. The giant Canada goose subspecies was believed to be extinct in the 1950s until, in 1962, a small flock was discovered wintering in Rochester, Minnesota. By 1981, through wildlife preservation efforts, more than 6,000 giant Canada geese had been released at 83 sites in 26 counties in North Dakota. With improved game laws and habitat recreation and preservation programs, their populations Continued on page 30

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Snowbirds

Photo by Matthew Murieta.

Continued from page 28

have recovered in most of their range, although some local populations may still be declining. In recent years, Canada goose populations in some areas have grown substantially, so much so that many consider them pests for their droppings, noise and confrontational behavior. This problem is partially due to the removal of natural predators and an abundance of safe, man-made bodies of water near food sources, such as those found on golf courses, in public parks and beaches and in planned communities. Due in part to the interbreeding of various migratory subspecies with the introduced nonmigratory giant subspecies, Canada geese are frequently a year-around feature in these urban environments. Contrary to their normal migration routine, large flocks of Canada geese have established permanent residence in parts of British Columbia and on theChesapeake Bay all the way down to North Carolina. Some Canada geese have taken up permanent residence as far south as Florida, in places such as retention ponds in apartment complexes. Large resident populations of Canada geese are also present in much of the San Francisco Bay area in northern California.

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Canada geese are known for their seasonal migrations and have been introduced to the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile and the Falkland Islands. Occasionally, their migration even reaches northern Europe. Most Canada geese have staging or resting areas where they join up with others. Their autumn migration can be seen from September to the beginning of November. Canada geese fly in a distinctive V-shaped flight formation, with an altitude of 1 kilometer (3,000 feet) for migration flight. The maximum flight ceiling of Canada geese is unknown, but they have been reported at 29,000 feet. They are primarily herbivorous although they sometimes eat small insects and fish as well as beans and grains when available. And, sadly, they are among the most commonly hunted waterfowl in North America and northwest Europe. Canada geese are protected from hunting and capture outside of designated hunting seasons in the United States by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and in Canada under the Migratory Birds Convention Act. Despite the “legal protection” of the species, lethal culling and mass slaughter of these birds are taking place by way of extended hunting

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seasons and fatal poisoning to control the exploding populations in densely populated areas. Animal-lovers have been known to keep them as pets and feed them regularly, which can be dangerous to populations if the birds become dependent on human feeding. These magnificent creatures live between 10 to 24 years on average. Predatory threats to eggs and goslings come from coyotes, Arctic foxes, northern raccoons, red foxes, large gulls, common ravens, crows and both brown and black bears. Once they reach adulthood, due to their large size and often aggressive behavior, Canada geese are rarely preyed on, although adults can be taken by coyotes, gray wolves, snowy owls, golden and bald eagles. Canada geese are quite wary of humans where they are regularly hunted and killed, but they can otherwise become fearless towards humans, especially where they are fed by them. In 2000, the North American population for the geese was estimated to be between 4 million and 5 million birds. Whether goose or gander (female or male), Canada Geese are highly social creatures. They can be easily identified by their deep “honking” sounds often made in flight. The next time you hear their distinctive calls or see the beautiful “V” formation, take a moment to appreciate this Canadian legacy of nature.

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Film Festival

Jean-Simon Leduc and Théodore Pellerin in “Family First.” Photo courtesy of Bravo Charlie Production Company.

PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL FETES ITS 30TH ANNIVERSARY CANADA’S CONTRIBUTIONS IN BRINGING THE WORLD TOGETHER THROUGH FILM BY ALISON ELSNER By Alison Elsner

he Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) is aptly titled, encompassing literally a world of filmmaking talent and culture. Part of the Palm Springs International Film Society, this year’s event is set to take place January 3-14, 2019. Many filmgoers, tourists and residents recall its modest beginnings when then-Palm Springs Mayor Sonny Bono launched the Festival in 1989. The Festival will now be realizing its 30th year as one of the largest, most highly regarded film festivals in North America. Chaired by the visionary and generous Palm Springs philanthropist and businessman Harold Matzner, the Festival features over 200 films from 60 countries, and its audience now tops 137,000 people. Attendees include thou-

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sands of locals, however 70 percent of participants are from outside the Coachella Valley, many from Canada and Europe. This season, the festivities will begin with the Film Awards Gala on January 3, a lavish affair held at the Palm Springs Convention Center with a red-carpet walk, plenty of formal attire and dozens of Hollywood stars making a grand entrance. The Gala honors the year’s best performances both in front of and behind the camera. Honorees in 2018 included Gary Oldman, Sam Rockwell, Timothée Chalomet, Gal Godot, Willem Dafoe, Mary J. Blige and many others. Tickets sell out quickly for this event. (Call 760-318-8371 or email awardsgala@psfilmfest.org). As for the film screenings, opening night on January 4 kicks off with one of the season’s biggest film hits, to be announced, fol-

lowed by a reception. Closing night will also feature a top screening on January 13, also followed by an after-party. Multiple films will be screened each day throughout the Festival to eager audiences at several theaters around Palm Springs. Attendees can plan to attend single screenings or 11 days of films with special packages, such as “Reel Deal Six Pack” tickets, starting at $13 per screening with numerous packages and passes available. What many people may not realize is that the PSIFF has been influenced largely by Canadian cinema. Canada has helped shape and defines the trajectory of the Festival, establishing it as a predictor of the winners that will emerge at the Academy Awards each spring. According to Canadian-born Darryl Mac-

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Continued on page 32

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Film Festival

Left, Josh Wiggins as Franky; Right, Kyle MacLachlan as Ray in “Giant Little Ones.” Photo courtesy of Mongrel Media.

Continued from page 31

Donald, the Festival’s former executive director, “Canadian films have been at the forefront of this event’s reputation for cutting-edge, world-class cinema since year one of the Festival in 1989.” MacDonald was Programming Director at that time, and he recalls how the Canadian film, “Jesus of Montreal,” directed by Denys Arcand, “took the audience by storm, winning the Audience Award and creating a huge stir that first year at Palm Springs.” It was subsequently nominated for the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. MacDonald continues, “Cinema Paradiso of Italy, which we also played that year, actually went on to win the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. But it is fair to say that the success of Jesus of Montreal here that first year set the stage for a new perception of the boldness and originality of Canadian cinema among press, film industry and audience members attending the Festival that continues to this day. Since then, Canadian films have always been a mainstay of the Festival’s lineup, and a major draw for audiences attending the event, which is among the three most highly attended film festivals in the United States.” As a matter of fact, the event is noted for screening the most foreign Oscar nominees. In 2013, the festival screened 42 of the 71

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movies that were submitted by countries around the world to the Oscars for that year’s foreign language film prize. The impact and artistry of Canadian filmmaking has continued far beyond year one, of course. Subsequent years have brought viewers a wealth of Canadian narrative and documentary films, from directors with distinctive voices and visions. Canadian directors like Atom Egoyan, Deepah Mehta, Thom Fitzgerald, Jean-Claude Lauzon, Robert Lepage, Don McKellar, Deepa Mehta, Jason Reitman, Ken Scott, Jean-Marc Vallée, Anne Wheeler and Denis Villenueve, among others, have enhanced the Festival’s lineup year after year. This year, PSIFF is set to again screen a selection of films from Canada, with many yet to be announced. So far there are two films we can share:

‘GIANT LITTLE ONE’ Directed by Keith Behrman, this story revolves around two popular teen boys, best friends since childhood, who discover that their lives, families, and relationships with their girlfriends are dramatically upended after an unexpected incident occurs on the night of a 17th birthday party. The cast includes Maria Bello, Kyle MacLachlan and Taylor Hickson.

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‘FAMILY FIRST’ This crime film by Sophie Dupuis, entitled Chien de Garde in French, is about a family in Verdun, Montreal, Quebec, including the protagonist JP, whose uncle Dany leads a drug cartel. It was selected as the Canadian entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 91st Academy Awards. Stars of the film include Jean-Simon Leduc and Paul Ahmarani. Clearly, Canadian filmmakers are integral to the identity of the Festival, just as Canadian audiences are vital to the programming and film showings. No matter what one’s level of participation or appreciation, those who benefit from the cultural gifts of the Palm Springs International Film Festival also inextricably reap the rewards from Canada’s unique artistry and multicultural influence upon the rest of North America and the world. The best way to purchase tickets for film screenings is to call the box office at 800-898-7256 or 760-778-8979 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by visiting the website at psfilmfest.org.

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Ski Slopes

Revelstoke Mountain. Photo by Ian Houghton.

Calling all

powder hounds

The best Canadian ski slopes and après-ski villages for the ultimate adventure

By Alison Elsner

here are many places to ski around the world. But there’s no place quite like Canada, drawing national and international visitors. There’s something for every type and level of skier, with options ranging from world-class resorts to quaint villages, alpine to cross-country, snowboarding to lounging and sharp cliff-drops to leisurely runs. Here is our top ten list of Canadian ski destinations:

British Columbia Whistler Blackcomb: This largest ski resort in North America consists of two adjacent mountain resorts which feature 200 marked runs, 16 alpine bowls and three glaciers over

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8,100 acres of awe-inspiring terrain. Visitors can also take part in dog-sledding, zip trek, snowcat tours and browsing the trendy shops and eateries in Whistler Village. Be sure not to miss the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. Bringing the kids? No problem. In addition to ski lessons catering to all levels and ages, there are special kids’ and teen programs and the Whistler Kids Snow School. There’s also outdoor skating at Olympic Plaza (which was in the spotlight in 2010) and the exciting CocaCola Tube Park. Visit whistlerblackcomb.com or whistler.com/skiing for more information. Sun Peaks, near Kamloops: At 1,500 hectares, Sun Peaks is the second largest ski area in British Columbia and is the third-largest in the country. This destination is popular with

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families and seasoned skiers with plenty of alpine and Nordic skiing. Visitors can sign up for guided mountain tours of any of the 124 trails with a local Sun Guide in addition to explore snowboarding, snowmobiling, tubing and snowshoeing. Kids can take advantage of skating, dog-sledding, aqua center programs, ski lessons and the special bungee trampoline. Teens enjoy the Mascon Hangout at Sun Peaks Sports Centre where they can entertain themselves with Xbox, Wii and movies. Visit sunpeaksresort.com for more information. Revelstoke Mountain: Although the town of Revelstoke has more than a century of skiing history (the area has historically been a destination for backcountry and heli-skiing operations), Revelstoke Mountain Resort is fairly new on the scene. Located between the Selkirk and Monashee Mountain ranges, this massive resort offers ski-in, ski-out accommodations. It is known for a lot of snowfall and has the longest vertical in North America at 1,713 meters. The runs are evenly split between intermediate and expert, and groomed runs, moguls, tree skiing and alpine bowl skiing are all available. There’s plenty to do without venturing outside the resort, but there are also ample options for après-ski shopping and din-

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Ski Slopes

ing in town, like nightly live music in Grizzly Plaza. And don’t forget to download the “Paparazzi” app, connecting to cameras all over the mountain so you can watch your fancy ski moves online later. Visit revelstokemountainresort.com for more information.

Alberta Banff/Lake Louise: Skiers have long been coming to this region in the heart of the Rockies where the skiing is offered in three main resorts: Mt. Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise Mountain Resort. Banff National Parks is a UNESCO World Heritage site popular with tourists year-round, though in winter it becomes a 6,641-square kilometer playground. Lake Louise alone offers 139 runs. For a break from skiing, there are activities like winter trekking, dog-sledding and tubing. Lake Louise in winter morphs into a 2.5 kilometer-long skating rink. Plus, there are plenty of culinary and spa opportunities in and around Banff. Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is a popular way to warm up, and kids will look forward to snowshoe tours, tobogganing, bonfires, winter hiking and trivia nights. Visit banfflakelouise.com for more information. Castle Mountain Resort: This ski and snowboard resort is located just east of the Continental Divide in southwest Alberta, 2.5 hours from Calgary. Castle Mountain averages over 910 centimeters of annual snowfall that falls on 2,833 vertical feet of steeps, chutes, bowls, glades, cruisers and strollers. Skiers and riders have access to 78 trails spread over two mountains, thanks to six chairlifts that also provide access to eight alpine bowls and three terrain parks. Visitors can book a stay at the Castle Mountain Ski Lodge and Hotel and find a variety of dining options in Castle’s mountain villages. Visit skicastle.ca for more information.

Quebec Mont Tremblant, Tremblant: This picturesque village is located on the shores of Lake Mercer and is a charming winter getaway. Quebec may not have the towering mountain ranges that define British Columbia and Alberta, however, skiing in Quebec has its own delights. This busy ski destination is nestled in the Laurentian Mountains and is about 130 kilometers from Montréal. Most of the skiing revolves around the wellappointed Mount Tremblant Ski Resort. Nonski options include tours of nearby Quebecois villages, tubing, dog sledding, spa treatments, Scandinavian baths and snowboarding. There are special kids’ activities located in the Sommet des Neiges Hotel in the pedestrian village. Visit tremblant.ca for more information.

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Photo courtesy of The Banff and Jasper resorts of Lake Louise-Sunshine.

Le Massif, Baie-Saint-Paul: Le Massif in Charlevoix is the highest point east of the Canadian Rockies with a 770-meter vertical drop. There are more than 40 runs, the longest of which is about five kilometers long. The best way to get there is a leisurely one-hour train ride from Quebec City, during which passengers can enjoy incredible views of the St. Lawrence River. In addition to alpine, there are cross-country, snowboarding, ice-climbing and lots more. Non-skiers should plan to try rodelling, which is a form of sledding, on the specially designed 7.5-kilometer trail on Mont à Liguori. There are also gourmet tours of the Charlevoix area plus excursions to the art scene in Baie-SaintPaul. The culinary delights at La Ferme are well-known in the region. Visit lemassif.com for more information.

Ontario Blue Mountain Resort, Collingwood: This resort is smaller than many in British Columbia and Alberta, but it’s still Canada’s third most popular ski resort, after Whistler Blackcomb and Mount Tremblant. You can ski during the day and night, slide down the escarpment on Ontario’s first alpine coaster or go on a toboggan tour. After renovations, the resort now has faster lifts and a ski village at the base. Blue Mountain features 36 runs and three freestyle terrains. Non-skiers can plan to slide down the escarpment in the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster at more than 40 kilometers per hour or opt for skating at the Mill Pond Rink or toboggan tours. Visit bluemountain.ca for more information.

destination is spread out over 680 acres of land and sits in a north-facing U-shaped bowl, boasting one of the province’s longest ski seasons thanks to the bowl’s harboring snow away from the sun’s melting rays. The resort also uses night lights to runs its lifts 14 hours per day, creating one of the province’s longest ski days. The resort offers two golf courses, a Shizen Spa, 101 rooms at the on-site Inn and 40 condo-style suites, two year-round restaurants, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a full gym and over 40 kilometers of trails connected to the Copeland Forest, perfect for hiking, biking and snowshoeing. Non-skiers can go for Nordic ski or snowshoe activities. Visit horseshoeresort.com for more information.

New Brunswick Crabbe Mountain: The Crabbe Mountain ski hill in Central Hainesville, 50 kilometers from Fredericton, is the highest spot in New Brunswick, at 260 meters. Crabbe Mountain offers more than 30 kilometers of Nordic ski trails, and nighttime skiing is also popular. This eastern resort is smaller than the big guns in B.C. and Quebec, yet it offers a quiet ski vacation for people of all abilities. It’s a great option for beginners and young skiers, with an open area and a pony lift. Trails are a mix of groomed and ungroomed, cruising and steep. In addition, there are several terrain parks and 30 kilometers of cross-country ski trails as well as a successful race club. Non-skiers will thoroughly enjoy snowshoeing and snowboarding. Visit crabbemountain.com for more information.

Horseshoe Resort, near Barrie: Formerly Horseshoe Valley Ski Club, Horseshoe Resort is just over an hour drive from Toronto. The

December 2018

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Furniture and Décor

Adrian and Martinus Pool shown repurposing skateboards. Photo by Dylan Leeder.

ADRIAN MARTINUS DESIGN By Alison Elsner

efore you dismiss the idea of skateboarding, per se, consider a new perspective: the skateboard takes on a kaleidoscope of stripes and swirls when repurposed into a functional work of art. Two innovative brothers, Adrian and Martinus Pool, based in Calgary, Alberta, decided to do just that in 2014, beginning their research and development in 2011 when they established the Adrian Martinus Design workshop and studio. Working primarily with rescued and reclaimed wood, the duo creates unique furniture designs, interior installations and creative objects that will likely make you look twice and embrace an entirely new affinity for skateboarding – or, at least, skateboards themselves. Their Pool brothers’ work can be found in private homes, retail spaces, creative studios and corporate environments, and they are becoming known far beyond the Canadian border. Growing up on the Canadian prairie, on an acreage outside Red Deer, Alberta, woodworking was always a Pool family affair, as their grandfather was a seasoned wood turner. While spending time by his side as children (while

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grandpa worked on projects), they gained early exposure to the creative potential of wood and the intoxicating aroma of wood being cut. After a neighbor’s son built a skateboarding ramp, their skateboard and carpentry obsessions merged and grew. They couldn’t bear to see the beautiful laminated wood of damaged skateboards simply discarded. As carpenters, they were troubled by witnessing so much quality wood being tossed aside as construction waste. By 2014, they had formed their own company to focus on designing with rescued and reclaimed wood. Martinus attended film school before pursuing carpentry, bringing his keen eye for aesthetics and a creative perspective to each piece. Coupled with brother Adrian’s insatiable appetite for precision and endless gumption, their furniture designs reflect both a refined sense of artistry and a commitment to quality craftsmanship. Their design philosophy is self-described as “modern sustainability.” Adrian and Martinus

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believe that rescued and reclaimed wood furniture can be sustainable, modern, expertlydesigned and of exceptional quality. Whether they are working with aged barn boards, recycled gymnasium flooring or broken skateboards, they embrace the limitations of the material and develop innovative techniques to find the potential in their materials. The brothers were aware that skateboards are made of seven dyed maple veneers and that every skateboard manufacturer has slightly different shapes, contours and colors for their finished boards. The inconsistencies, variations in condition and very limited supply of this material encouraged the brothers to develop a unique design and build process in which every part of the skateboard is used, from the surface grip tape to the sawdust remains. Every furniture piece has a depth and personal connection. They’ve collected the wood materials from a variety of sources, built up the smaller cuts and pieces into workable forms and considered every contrasting grain and pronounced element. Manipulating line, color, structure and form results in their unique and multilayered design style. The emerging graphical forms in their furniture designs suggest influences from modernism and cubism. Community-building is also an important influence on their approach to design, with the brothers regularly connecting with other designers and craftspeople through local design collectives, as well as ongoing networking with skateboard retailers, builders, farmers and renovators to maintain their supply of distinctive material. While Adrian Martinus Custom Woodworking is a relatively young firm in the furniture design industry, the evolution of their work has demonstrated a constant progression. Demand for their designs is steadily growing. Popular Adrian Martinus designs include bowls, coffee tables, dining room tables, storage cabinets, floating shelves, decorative accessories, jewelry and art. Prices are surprisingly reasonable, and the company will happily provide a quote on custom credenzas or artwork. Shoppers can purchase directly online by visiting adrianmartinus.com or etsy.com, and inperson pick up is available at the manufacturing location in Calgary. The Pool brothers have not only brought beauty into our lives but also may have solved every future gift-giving dilemma for many of us. For more information, visit adrianmartinus.com

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Landmarks in Architecture

Breaking the Ice at Quebec’s

Hôtel de Glace

Push the limits of your imagination this winter

Photo courtesy of Hôtel de Glace. Photo by Luc Rousseau.

By Alison Elsner

Photo courtesy of Hôtel de Glace.

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nce upon a time, there was a spellbinding hotel made entirely of ice. It may sound like a fairy tale, but it’s the real thing, with real-life guests making reservations to visit there this winter. The enchanting Hôtel de Glace, a stunning yet ephemeral work of art and architecture constructed of snow and ice, is completely redesigned and rebuilt each winter season. The only hotel of its kind in North America, guests are able to enjoy cocktails served in glasses made of ice and spend the night in one of 45 theme rooms and suites. The hotel has been the site of movie sets and architectural contests, not to mention awe-inspired appreciation by guests and visitors. The theme is kept secret each year until just

before the hotel opens for the season, which this year will be January 3rd through March 23rd. Located only 4 kilometers from the north end of Québec City, the Hôtel de Glace is a must-see attraction that has seduced over a million people around the world since its opening in 2001 on New Year’s Day. For its first year, this ice hotel was located in Montmorency Falls Park, on the outskirts of Quebec City, with plans right from the beginning to move to the nearby Duchesnay resort for its next year. It had been built there from 2002 to 2010. In 2011, the Hôtel de Glace moved to a new site, in Charlesbourg. It has been built there ever since. Located on the first slopes of the Laurentian mountains, the hotel has a three-month lifes-

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Continued on page 38

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Landmarks in Architecture

Photo courtesy of Hôtel de Glace.

Photo courtesy of Hôtel de Glace. Continued from page 37

pan each year before being brought down in April. When it first opened in 2001, the property had 11 double beds. It has now 51 double beds, all made of ice and followed by a solid wood base and comfortable mattress. When the time comes, a cozy sleeping bag, an isolating bed sheet and a pillow are delivered to the rooms. Only the bathrooms are heated and located in a separate insulated structure. The structure takes about a month and a half to build with 50 workers, crafted with metal frames layered with 30,000 tons of snow and 500 tons of ice. Its walls are up to four feet

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thick. The property makes its own snow using a special mixture to adjust the humidity. The architecture and size vary from season to season, adding to the element of surprise and novelty. Most years, construction involves the formation of arches measuring 16 feet (5 meters) over each room, with higher and larger spaces for a great hall, a chapel, a bar (thank goodness!) and a grand ice slide. Highly popular for weddings, the Hôtel de Glace has been described as one of the “10 dream wedding locations,” having hosted over 275 to date. In case you’re wondering about the furniture, it’s made of ice as well. Just like in the

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Kiruna Ice Hotel in Sweden, the bar serves drinks and cocktails in ice glasses. Amenities include indoor heated washrooms and outdoor hot tubs – quite a feat of chemistry and technology to ensure guests’ comfort! Other attractions at the Hotel include a “Winter Playground” with more than 35 snow slides, an Indoor Waterpark with a Polynesian theme, the luxurious Valcartier Spa, an arcade for young and old, dogsledding excursions and five on-site restaurants and lounges. The hotel has been described as a “tourist hotspot” and is eagerly promoted by Quebec’s tourism department. For those not necessarily wishing to stay overnight, there are tours of the hotel available in French and English seven days a week. The hotel is also open to the public for general visits and private functions. Recent statistics report over a million visitors and 43,000 overnight guests since its opening. During one season, the hotel receives around 70,000 tourists. Rates for the 2019 season start at $495 CAD (approximately $378 in U.S. dollars) for a regular room, with upgrades to suites available as well. To make reservations, visit hoteldeglace-canada. com, email reservations@hoteldeglace-canada. com or call 418-844-2200. Hôtel de Glace Québec-Canada is located at 1860, boulevard Valcartier in Valcartier Québec, G0A 4S0 Canada.

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Dining

What’s New in Valley Dining & Drinking Wet your whistle and whet your appetite

hen it comes to the Coachella Valley, there’s no lack of innovation in new dining venues. Additions to the “cuisine scene” continue to trend toward farm-fresh and locally sourced, with ample options to please the palette and take in the inventive décor. Here are a few smart and satisfying suggestions:

Alebrije Bistro México Inspired by colorful Mexican folk art, everything about this jazzy little bistro exclaims energy and artistry. The Alebrije team brings diners modern Mexican dishes with a sophisticated yet relaxed ambiance. Guests will savor the taste of Mexico City through dishes like enfrijoladas toluqueñas ($13.50), mole poblano enchiladas ($14) and many others. Diners also enjoy stopping in at the bar during happy hour for $5 margaritas, wine, beer and well drinks along with tacos and bar bites. Alebrije Bistro México, 1107 North Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs. Open daily 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to close. Bar, 3 p.m. to close; happy hour 3 to 6:30 p.m., Sunday-Thursday. Saturday and Sunday brunch 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 760-537-1279, alebrijeps.com.

Beyond Balisage Chef Daniel Villanueva is known for his “Earth to Table” cuisine at Daniel’s Table catering. His new culinary project allows him to work with local farmers to procure only the freshest ingredients. Signature dishes include seasonal fruit on flatbread ($11), gulf white shrimp and Maine lobster tail ($45), baklava ($9) and so many more. Staying “true to the earth,” Villanueva says, “I feel compelled to bring the fruits of the trees and the bounty of the fields to my guests.” Beyond Balisage, 68327 East Palm Canyon Drive in Cathedral City. Open Tuesday-Saturday 5 to 10 p.m. with last seating at 9 p.m. 760-699-8536, danielstable.com.

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< Photo courtesy of Alebrije Bistro México.

The Pink Cabana

Photo courtesy of The Pink Cabana.

Grand Central Palm Springs

For years, it was known as the funky old hotel next to the Nest. Thanks to a fresh, modernist renovation, the hotel and restaurant are a new take on the ’50s and ’60s racquet clubs with an exotic Moroccan influence and a splash of art-deco Miami. Chef Jason Niederkorn is focused on Mediterranean cuisine with a North African vibe, like wild mushroom tagliatelle ($24) or tagine of Colorado lamb shank ($36). Aperitifs offer up concoctions like the Pool Thyme Mimosa with local citrus, thyme and prosecco and Pink Lemonade with vodka, herbs de Provence and pink sea salt ($11-$12 each). Many of the complex seasonal cocktails are influenced by the Great Spice Route. The Pink Cabana at Sands Hotel & Spa, 44985 Province Way in Indian Wells. Open daily, lunch 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Sunset Menu” 3 to 5 p.m. Dinner 5:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday. 5:30 to 10 p.m. on Friday-Saturday. Brunch 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. 760-3213771, sandshotelandspa.com.

Owners have masterfully maintained the integrity of this iconic building, formerly Desmond’s. The vibrant brick walls and original stamped concrete floors are an invitation to travel back in time to 1936 Palm Springs. Breakfast and “brunch for dinner” feature treats like palm sugar waffles ($14) and orange ricotta pancakes ($16) and avocado toast ($15). Lunch serves up items like the baked goat cheese salad ($14), the Desmond burger ($16) and grilled cheese ($12). Dinner offers selections like flat iron steak salad or grilled cauliflower steak ($16 each). Guests can dine on the patio, in the large dining room or in the full bar/lounge area. Grand Central Palm Springs, 160 La Plaza in Palm Springs. Open daily except for Wednesday at 8 a.m. Monday-Tuesday close at 2 p.m. and Thursday-Sunday close at 9 p.m. 760-699-7185, grandcentralpalmsprings.com.

December 2018

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Wine Country

Photo courtesy of Thornton Winery.

Go with the flow

with a visit to Temecula Wine Country

By Alison Elsner

here’s this notion floating about that the finest wines can only be found in Europe. We are here to put that notion to rest. The Temecula wine region has come into its own, located a mere hour away from the Coachella Valley and offering some of the most diverse and high-quality varietals around. Temecula Valley has been growing wine grapes since the late 1700s. But it was another 200 years before the industry truly took hold, gaining AVA (American Viticultural Area) status in 1984. The Temecula Valley benefits from its proximity to the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean, which allows a long, even and mild growing season. Fermenting at lower than usual temperatures causes longer and slower processing of the fruit, which preserves and enhances the crisp, fruity flavor of the grapes. Temecula is also a favorite destination for its many annual events and festivals, which

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pair perfectly with its many award-winning wines. One of the best ways to take in the Temecula wine experience is to make a plan to stay overnight since you’ll likely be “sampling the wares.” Hop in your car and head towards Temecula by way of the I-15 South. There are dozens of lodging options for all price points, with some of the more enjoyable including a visit to one of the area casinos. Popular venues include Pechanga Resort & Casino (pechanga.com), Pala Casino Spa and Resort (palacasino.com), South Coast Winery Resort & Spa (southcoastwinery.com), Ramada Temecula Old Town (ramadatemecula.com) and so many more. As for the itinerary, there are over 30 wineries in the region, most of which host tours and tastings. Here are some favorites:

Callaway Vineyard & Winery Located in the heart of the Temecula Valley, Callaway Vineyard and Winery is home to an extensive line of premium wines. An expert

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winemaking team produces wines that are well balanced, with fresh fruit flavor, round body and crisp character, making them a perfect complement to the area’s eclectic cuisine. Tasting Room open Daily from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tours at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Six tastes for $20. Tour of winemaking facility $10 per person, no charge for guests 17 and under. 32720 Rancho California Road, Temecula 951-676-4001, callawaywinery.com

Ponte Winery Located on a 300-acre vineyard, this estate features a large Tasting Room, a four-diamond luxury hotel, a full-service bar and two awardwinning restaurants. Beautifully manicured gardens and strolling paths provide guests a relaxing day in the country. Property details are distinguished by open-beam ceilings and mission-style architecture. There’s a specialty food and gift store on site as well as The Restaurant at Ponte (perfect for lunch) and Bou-

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Wine Country

quet Restaurant (ideal for dinner). Guests will love the luxury amenities during a stay at Ponte Vineyard Inn, where they can visit The Cellar Lounge, the wine country’s only fullservice cocktail lounge. Tasting Room open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wine Tasting Fee: Monday—Friday $20 (excludes holidays). Saturday-Sunday and holidays $25. 35053 Rancho California Road, Temecula 951-694-8855, pontewinery.com

South Coast Winery

Situated on the gorgeous eastern side of Mount Palomar, this four-time recipient of the “Best California State Winery of the Year” pours winning wines, breakfast, lunch and dinner at the on-site Vineyard Rose restaurant, a luxurious day spa, private villas, an all-suite hotel tower and picturesque views of the 39-acre resort. The grapes here are planted in a tiered landscape, allowing sunshine to penetrate the clusters of grapes. The tasting room is surrounded by magnificently cultivated gardens and the property also includes an upscale gift store. Tasting Room open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 34843 Rancho California Road, Temecula 877-743-8303, SouthCoastWinery.com

Thornton Winery This is in many ways a one-stop shop, with award-winning wine, gourmet cuisine, live music and beautifully appointed grounds and gardens against a French Mediterranean backdrop. Thornton’s wines emulate classic wine styles of the Mediterranean and Rhone regions, having received numerous awards like the Double Gold award for the 2000 Cote Red from the International Eastern Wine Competition. All of their wines are known for a certain freshness, achieved by using whole cluster pressing, extensive blending, barrel aging and different vinification techniques. As a result, each wine is unique in signature notes and aromas. Located on 20-acres, Thornton boasts old-world charm and grace in an elegant chateau overlooking the graceful vineyards of the Temecula Valley, highlights Cafe Champagne, their annual Champagne Jazz Series, a breathtaking fountain terrace, herb gardens, gift shop and the Champagne Lounge. Tasting Room open daily 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (free). Tours on weekends only from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 32575 Rancho California Road, Temecula 951-699-0099, thorntonwine.com

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Temecula Cable Car Wine Tour

Pour on a twist! As an alternative to driving from winery to winery, take the tour on a fully restored, authentic 1914 San Francisco motorized cable car. Guests will be driven in an open-air ride with stops at different wineries to observe wine-making, tour wine facilities and, of course, taste the different varietals. This trip includes a picnic style lunch at Oak Mountain Winery, with breathtaking views of the vineyards and local mountains. Tours run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., picking up at various Temecula area hotels. The day is allinclusive with tasting tickets at four premium wineries, which means no waiting in lines. Cable cars run on the weekends and the same tour is offered during the week on an airconditioned motor coach. The tour is $89 per person or $69 for the version of the tour that does not include wine-tasting for those who don’t drink wine. 951-302-5981, temeculacablecar.com

Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyard

It’s not just about the award-winning “Oh my Gosh” Almond Sparkling and elegant “Yes Dear” Chardonnay at this Tuscan themed getaway. Wilson Creek has become the “in” place for special events and wine connoisseurs at large. One of the more fun venues along Winery Row, the property features a bridge which spans a meandering stream, with a 25-foot gazebo overlooking the stream and a large lawn for seating. The Creekside Grille Restaurant is nestled near the Cabernet grapevines under a covered patio. The Upper Room is the highlight of food and wine pairing. Visitors can enjoy a guided tasting of their reserve wines paired with small bites exclusively designed by the executive chef on the second floor of the Tasting Room. Tasting Room open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 35960 Rancho California Road, Temecula 951-699-9463, wilsoncreekwinery.com Cheers!

December 2018

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Tax Talk

TAX TALK

I’m a Canadian Citizen who sold my La Quinta Real Estate three years ago and I never received a refund of my $300,000 withholding tax imposed by FIRPTA. Can I still get my $300,000 refund? YES! BY MICHAEL W. BROOKS, ESQ. (PRESIDENT OF DIRECTS)

t DIRECTS (Domestic and International Real Estate Closing Tax Services, Inc.), all day, every day, we work on tax matters relating to FIRPTA (the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act). We work for clients from throughout the world who invest in real estate throughout the United States, but most of our clients own (or owned) real estate in California, and some of our clients are owed tax refunds from the IRS from real estate sales years which took place several years ago. Let’s say we have a Canadian investor who purchased La Quinta real estate (a house) in 2010 for $2,500,000, and in November 2015, the Canadian investor sold the La Quinta house for $2,000,000 (not a great invest-

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ment…he lost $500,000). Recall that under FIRPTA 15 percent of the gross sales price must be sent into the IRS at closing (Nov 2015). It doesn’t matter that our Canadian investor is selling for a significant loss, the Canadian seller’s escrow company (escrow companies are used in California) overseeing his transaction must send in $300,000 to the IRS at closing (15 percent of the $2M sales price at close). Since the Canadian investor sold for a loss, he is entitled to a full refund of $300,000 sent into the IRS. But if it’s one thing we like to stress on the DIRECTS FIRPTA Tax Blog and on the DIRECTS website generally- obtaining a refund of the FIRPTA withholding tax sent into the IRS is not easy. There are sev-

December 2018

eral hurdles to overcome to obtain FIRPTA refunds, and that is why it so common that we at DIRECTS are contacted by people from countries throughout the world selling U.S./ California real estate. At DIRECTS, we can help non-U.S. sellers obtain their refunds of withholding taxes from sales years ago. How Does DIRECTS Obtain These Old Refunds/ How Long May the Foreign Individual Still Obtain a Refund? Obtaining an IRS refund from the FIRPTA tax withholding from a real estate sale years ago is a bit like putting together the pieces of a puzzle and showing the finished puzzle properly

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Tax Talk

to the IRS. The pieces include a seller’s valid ITIN or US social security number; proving to the IRS they actually possess the Canadian investor’s $300,000 (withheld in 2015)…this step is not easy; proving our client (the Canadian investor) is in fact, entitled to a refund of the full $300,000 the IRS possess in “the file” of the Canadian investor; and finally, getting the IRS to mail the darn check! This can require plenty of tax filings; tax applications; and many, many, many phone calls follow up letters to the IRS, but we can and do obtain refunds of the withholding tax from sales from years ago. At DIRECTS, we can rescue your FIRPTA withholding tax which was held by the IRS for years, which you probably thought was gone for good.

A Couple Last Thoughts: 1) Use the 8288-B- do not let the FIRPTA withholding tax ever go into the IRS in the first place! If you are a foreign seller, do not let the IRS ever possess your FIRPTA withholding tax if you can avoid it. Call DIRECTS, and utilize the Form 8288-B withholding certificate process (see our website at www.directsinternationaltax.com for an 8288-B discussion or

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look further on this FIRPTA Tax Blog). The 8288-B would have allowed the escrow company to hold the Canadian seller’s $300,000 in a trust account while DIRECTS applied to the IRS for a “withholding certificate”, which ultimately would have let the escrow company distribute the $300,000 back to the Canadian seller about four months after sale… he would have had his $300,000 back in Feb 2016, and it never would have gone into the IRS in the first place! Do the 8288-B- do not let the withholding tax ever go into the IRS! 2) Lastly, what if in our example above, the Canadian individual purchased the property in 2010 for $2.5M and then sold it in Nov 2015 for $3M (a $500,000 gain this time, not a $500,000 loss), and we assume (after realtor fees and escrow fees and our fees and the cost of a new air conditioner put into the house, etc.) his net profit on the sale was $200,000. Here our Canadian investor did actually owe the IRS a little tax on the sale (maybe $30,000 in capital gains tax owed…$200,000 gain x 15 percent capital gains rate =$30,000.) So in that case, DIRECTS would be working hard to obtain a refund of $270,000 of the $300,000 sent into the IRS, not the full $300,000. He made some profit on the sale, so he did owe the IRS a little tax, but was

he still entitled to a huge refund. And by working with DIRECTS, he can get it!

The information contained in this article is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter. Michael W. Brooks, Esq., is the President of DIRECTS, a tax company with the sole focus of assisting non-U.S. persons with the tax issues which arise when non-U.S. persons sell U.S. real estate. Michael and DIRECTS expressly disclaim all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all the contents of this article. Michael can be reached at DIRECTS at 760-346-6140 or at michael@directsllp.com. The firm website is directsinternationaltax.com.

December 2018

Canada South

Northern Lights

Northern Lights Everything you always wanted to know (but were afraid to ask) By Alison Elsner

e’ve heard about this spectacle of nature that offers every single viewer a VIP seat to one of the most amazing, natural light shows on the planet. Italian astronomer and philosopher Galileo Galilei was the first to describe the phenomenon as Aurora borealis in 1619. It has been a source of wonder for humans for thousands of years, and drawings of the lights have even been found in ancient cave paintings in France dating back 30,000 years. What are the northern lights exactly? The bright dancing lights are actually collisions between electrically charged particles from the sun that enter the earth’s atmosphere. The lights are seen above the magnetic poles of the northern and southern hemispheres. They are known as aurora borealis in the north and aurora australis in the south. In most instances, northern and southern auroras are mirror-like images that occur at the same time, with similar shapes and colors. Weird, huh? Auroral displays appear in many colors, although pale green and pink are the most common. Shades of red, yellow, green, blue, and violet have been reported. The lights appear in many

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forms from patches or scattered clouds of light to streamers, arcs, rippling curtains or shooting rays that light up the sky with an eerie glow. The northern lights are actually the result of collisions between gaseous particles in the Earth’s atmosphere with charged particles released from the sun’s atmosphere. Variations in color are due to the type of gas particles that are colliding. The most common auroral color, a pale yellowish-green, is produced by oxygen molecules located about 60 miles above the earth. Rare, all-red auroras are produced by high-altitude oxygen, at heights of up to 200 miles. Nitrogen produces blue or purplishred aurora. Lights extend from 50 miles to 400 miles above the Earth’s surface. The temperature above the surface of the sun is millions of degrees Celsius. At this temperature, collisions between gas molecules are frequent and explosive. Free electrons and protons are thrown from the sun’s atmosphere by the rotation of the sun and escape through holes in the magnetic field. Blown towards the earth by the solar wind, the charged particles are largely deflected by the earth’s magnetic field. However, the earth’s magnetic field is weaker at either pole and, therefore, some particles enter the earth’s atmosphere and collide with gas par-

December 2018

ticles. What we end up seeing are the emissions of light that result from these collisions. The term aurora borealis was derived from the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora, and the Greek name for the north wind, Boreas. There have been many legends about the Northern Lights. Some North American Inuit tribes call the aurora “Aqsarniit“ (meaning “football players”), thinking it is the spirits of the dead playing football with a head of a walrus. Historically, some Inuit tribes believed that the Northern Lights were the spirits of animals that they hunted, like seals, salmons, deer and beluga whales. In medieval times, the occurrences of auroral displays were seen as harbingers of war or famine. The Maori of New Zealand shared a belief with many northern people of Europe and North America that the lights were reflections from torches or campfires. The Menominee Indians of Wisconsin believed that the lights indicated the location of manabai’wok (giants) who were the spirits of great hunters and fishermen. Other aboriginal peoples believed that the lights were the spirits of their people. Today we know that the phenomenon is very real and based in science. There are optimal locations to view the excitement, with the best locations being in North America, especially in the northwest part of Canada, particularly in the Yukon, Nunavut and Northwest Territories. Auroral displays can also be seen over the southern tip of Greenland and Iceland, the northern coast of Norway and over the coastal waters north of Siberia. Southern auroras are not often seen, as they are concentrated in a ring around Antarctica and the southern Indian Ocean. In very Northern regions such as Alaska or Greenland, the northern lights may be visible most nights of the year. Actually, they can occur at any time of the day but can’t be seen unless it’s dark. Researchers have also discovered that auroral activity is cyclic, peaking roughly every 11 years when sunspot activity is in most frequent. The next peak period is 2024. Winter in the north is generally a good season to view lights due to the long periods of darkness and the many clear nights, and the very best time for viewing is when the auroral arcs reach farthest toward the equator and the magnetic pole is in between the observer and the Sun, known as magnetic midnight (midnight in each locality). Several agencies, such as NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, monitor solar activity and issue aurora alerts for the public so that people can plan when to view the lights. No two Northern Lights can ever be the same, and they are always of different patterns and colors. Continued on page 46

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Northern Lights

Continued from page 44

Best places in Canada to view the Northern Lights 1. Yellowknife, Northwest Territories It is said that this may be the best place in the world to view the Lights, with a 90 percent chance of seeing them in this less populated Canadian territory because of the clear nights, flat landscape and position directly under the auroral oval. The best viewing here occurs from mid-November to April. Great Slave Lake, just outside the city, is a popular viewing area, as is Aurora Village. 2. Muncho Lake Provincial Park, British Columbia (Northern Rockies) To see the Northern Lights in B.C., it’s necessary to head far away from Vancouver. Northern BC is the best place to view them, in places such as Muncho Lake Provincial Park. The isolated park, located close to the Yukon border and off the Alaska Highway, reportedly has aurora sightings year-round. One option is to stay overnight at Northern Rockies Lodge before hopefully seeing the Northern Lights reflected on Muncho Lake. The log cabin lodge has a restaurant, marina, a sauna, and a convenience store.

square miles. Inuits have lived, fished and hunted in the area for centuries. The park is known for its dramatic landscape and home to many polar bears. Its northerly and isolated location also means it’s a prime viewing spot. However, it’s only accessible via boat or charter plane and every visitor must register and undergo orientation before entering. 5. Churchill, Manitoba Churchill is not just known for being the world’s polar bear capital, but reports have it that the Northern Lights are visible there up to 300 nights a year, making it one of the world’s top three places for viewing. Thanks to its location under the auroral zone, the best time to view is January to March. Natural Habitat Adventures has a custom-built Aurora Pod which offers 360-degree views through its glass ceilings and walls while guests recline in heated comfort. 6. Battle Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador A National Historic Site surrounded by fjords and icebergs, this area is only open from June to September. There are nighttime tours for taking photos of the Northern Lights with the picturesque village in the foreground, with especially clear shots due to the lack of light pollution and its isolated location.

3. Whitehorse, Yukon Many aurora-chasing tours depart from Whitehorse daily during the winter months. Alternatively, guests can stay just outside the city at Northern Lights Resort and Spa. The open area surrounding the resort and its cabins means guests get unobstructed Northern Lights views. Also popular for viewing is Lake Laberge on Whitehorse’s outskirts.

7. Northern Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan North of Saskatoon is where most of the viewing action is. There are 11 provincial parks open year-round, however, the small town of Melfort is known as the “City of the Northern Lights” because of the frequency in which they appear. La Ronge is another origin for viewing tours, including the Paws’n’Paddles Wilderness Tours.

4. Torngat Mountains National Park, Torngat Mountains, Nain, Newfoundland and Labrador A large and remote national park on Canada’s northernmost tip, this park stretches 3,745

8. Dawson City, Yukon The city’s website says the Northern Lights make a “stirring debut during the early morning hours in late-August and can be seen until April.” The former gold

Canada South

December 2018

rush town in the Yukon is close to Alaska’s border and is known for its colorful frontier buildings and fascinating history. There are several aurora tours from Dawson City as well as extended trips from Whitehorse. The Aurora Inn does Northern Lights packages and is a popular accommodation option in town. 9. Jasper National Park, Jasper, Alberta At 4,247 square miles, Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies is actually one of the world’s largest accessible dark sky preserves (the other is Wood Buffalo National Park in northern Alberta). The lack of light pollution away from the township means that it’s possible to see the Northern Lights dancing over the mountains between October and May. 10. Nunavik Parks, Kuujjuaq, Quebec Located in Quebec’s Arctic region and not far from Torngat Mountains National Park, Nunavik Parks is another isolated and adventurous option for viewing. It’s sparsely populated and under the auroral oval. Favorite activities include visiting Kuujjuaq, the largest village, viewing the lights from a boat on Hudson Bay or even seeing them from outside your own igloo! 11. Iqaluit, Nunavut This capital of Nunavut offers sightings around the city between October and April, as there is very little light pollution, an average of four hours of daylight per day and minimal tourism infrastructure. However, winter in Arctic Iqaluit means average temperatures of between -10 to -32°C. 12. Fort McMurray, Alberta Located on the 56th parallel and the southern edge of the auroral oval, sightings have been made throughout the year. The best time though is at midnight in winter and a few minutes outside of the township. Between Fort McMurray and Edmonton is Athabasca County, which is another prime viewing area.

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