Volume 5 Issue 9 May 2023

“It TAKES a COMMUNITY to INNOVATE and CREATE solutions for a stronger more diverse, & inclusive ecosystem.”

Contributors:

Blaise Hunter

Jade Alberts

Samir (Sam) Musayev

Amie U

Al Del Degan

Krista Malden

Kimberly Dawn

Featuring:

CBC Technology Summit

Alberta Women in Innovation & Business

Calgary Expo

Alberta Innovates Learn How

Fryerwall Accounting

Community Legacy: Diane Swiatek

Telling it like it is: Zachary Novak

Quotes by: Marco Donadeo, Shannon Phillips

ENGAGE. INSPIRE. EDUCATE. TOGETHER.

Community Now! Magazine (communitynowmagazine.com)

In the spirit of respect and truth, we acknowledge the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprising the Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai First Nations), as well as the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations). The City of Calgary is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III.

Copyright 2023 ZX Media Corporation,

Calgary Alberta Canada Community Now! Magazine.

Volume 5 Issue 9| May 2023. All rights reserved. This magazine or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher and writer.

FUN FACT by Samir

The microwave oven was invented by accident when a scientist named Percy Spencer noticed that the chocolate bar in his pocket had melted while he was working on a radar system.

“

Innovation is making a difference in people's lives and, more importantly, your life.

“

Jade Alberts

“ Innovation is the passion, mentality, and willingness to improve something in the present world.

“

Marco Donadeo

Calgary’s Innovation Ecosystem

-Al Del Degan

Calgary, located in the province of Alberta, Canada, is quickly becoming a hub for innovation and technological advancements. With a thriving startup scene, an abundance of resources, and a supportive ecosystem, Calgary has positioned itself to be a leader in the adoption and development of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain.

Innovation Ecosystem in Calgary

The innovation ecosystem in Calgary is comprised of various stakeholders, including government organizations, academic institutions, venture capitalists, and startups. Together, they work towards creating an environment that fosters innovation, encourages experimentation, and supports entrepreneurship.

The Government of Alberta has been actively involved in promoting innovation in the province through various initiatives and programs. The Alberta Innovates program provides funding and support to innovative companies, while the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii) is a research institute that specializes in artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Academic institutions, such as the University of Calgary, play a crucial role in the innovation ecosystem by providing access to research facilities, fostering partnerships with industry, and training the next generation of innovators.

Startups are the driving force behind innovation, and Calgary has a thriving startup scene. The city has over 200 tech startups, with a focus on industries such as energy, agriculture, and healthcare. These startups benefit from access to funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities through incubators such as Platform Calgary and Innovate Calgary.

Artificial Intelligence in Calgary

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a game-changer for industries worldwide, and Calgary is no exception. AI has the potential to transform industries such as energy, healthcare, and agriculture, all of which are vital to the economy of Calgary.

Calgary is home to the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii), a world-renowned research institute that specializes in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Amii's research is focused on advancing AI applications and solving real-world problems through collaborations with industry partners.

AI is being used in the energy industry to optimize operations, reduce costs, and improve safety. For example, companies such as Suncor Energy and Canadian Natural Resources are using AI to optimize their drilling operations, leading to increased efficiency and reduced environmental impact.

In healthcare, AI is being used to develop predictive models for diseases, improve patient outcomes, and reduce costs. Calgarybased healthtech startups, such as Circle Cardiovascular Imaging, are using AI to analyze medical images and provide physicians with faster and more accurate diagnoses.

Photo: Chris Edwards

Blockchain in Calgary

Blockchain is another technology that is transforming industries, and Calgary is at the forefront of its adoption. Blockchain is a decentralized ledger technology that allows for secure, transparent, and tamper-proof transactions.

The Alberta government is exploring the use of blockchain in industries such as agriculture and energy. For example, the Alberta Wheat Commission is using blockchain to trace the origin of wheat from farm to table, ensuring food safety and quality.

Blockchain is also being used in the energy industry to track the production and distribution of renewable energy. Calgary-based blockchain startup, GridWatch, is using blockchain to create a platform that tracks the production and consumption of renewable energy in real-time, providing a transparent and secure system for

A Strong Future

Calgary's innovation ecosystem is thriving, and the adoption of new technologies such as AI and blockchain is setting the city up for a bright future. With a supportive ecosystem, access to funding, and a focus on industries such as energy, agriculture, and healthcare, Calgary is well-positioned to be a leader in innovation and technological advancement. The potential for these technologies to transform industries and create new opportunities is immense, and Calgary is at the forefront of this exciting new era of innovation.

References:

• Alberta Innovates: https://albertainnovates.ca/

• Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute: https://www.amii.ca/

• University of Calgary: https://www.ucalgary.ca/

• Platform Calgary: https://platformcalgary.com/

• Innovate Calgary: https://innovatecalgary.com/

• Suncor Energy: https://www.suncor.com/

• Canadian Natural Resources: https://www.cnrl.com/

• Circle Cardiovascular Imaging: https://www.circlecvi.com/

• Alberta Wheat Commission: https://www.albertawheatbarley.com/

“Innovation is planning to explore the road less travelled.

“Innovation is biology! We're designed to solve problems and make life easier to conserve brain energy.

– Shannon Phillips

COLLABORATION IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS #ItTakesaCommunity

Women

in

Innovation & Leadership: Learning, collaborating, and providing opportunities for the current & next generations.

Alberta Women

Entrepeaurneaurs partnered with Chic Geek, Alberta iOt, and TOAST to host an event for women in innovation and leadership. The topic of this event was the Basics of Blockchain with featured keynote Koleya Karringten CEO of Absolute Combustion International, Bitcoin Rodeo, and Bitquest and Executive Director of Canadian Blockchain Consortium.

The room was filled with leaders and innovators who are looking to make a difference in our innovation and business ecosystems, not only for the current generation to learn but also so that people will come together to create opportunities to mentor the next generation of women entering innovation and business.

This event was sponsored by Ignite technology.

Alberta Women in Innovation and Leadership (WIL) is a group of women collaborating to educate, empower, and inspire leaders of today and the future. Make sure you check out these organizations who are educating, empowering, and supporting all generations of female innovators and business owners and founders.

“Chic Geek exists to build gender diversity in technology”.

Alberta IoT is a non-profit member-based association that supports the growth of Alberta’s Internet of Things and emerging technology sectors.

Toast helps women do the work that they want, for the pay they deserve, and with a community that supports them.

Alberta Women Entrepreneurs has established their organization as leaders in the entrepreneurial space. AWE is here to provide Capital, Connections, and Capacity.

“

Networking and Learning are essential aspects of a business that should never be forgotten. It is my favourite event of the year.

You get to connect and collide with over 300 of the leaders and innovators in the Alberta Tech Ecosystem.” Jade Alberts

The Canadian Blockchains Consortiums Technology Symposium was a huge success. Leaders & innovators from across Alberta gathered to discuss various types of innovation and whats next for our thriving ecosystem and how we can all collaborate to work together to build an even stronger innovative ecosystem that will drive the economy and provide opportunities for everyone.

The Symposium, opened with the Master of Ceremony. Tyler Chisholm who stated after the event. "The Canadian Blockchain Consortium did it again! Koleya and her team were able to assemble two days of deepthought leadership on the technology that is shifting the landscape under our feet. As Albertans, we are living the opportunity to be leading the way globally on many technologies and it is events like this that drive that home!" Tyler is the co-founder and CEO of clearmotive Marketing, he also

hosts two podcasts “They Just Get It” and “Collisions YYC” along with being a huge community advocate.

The first panel discussion was: Collaboration, Ecosystems and “sharing a future” vision. This panel featured Brenda Berkedorf, Executive Director oof Alberta IoT, Doug Holt, Associate VP, Investments of Alberta Innovates, Terry Rock President & CEO of Platform Calgary, Crystal Phillips, Vice President of Thin Air labs and Moderator Melissa Smith, Partner at Border Ladner Gervais LLP.

This was a remarkable discussion about innovation within Alberta, and how Alberta is known for their collaboration within the innovation ecosystem. And how we need to change our perspectives, instead of thriving to be the next Silicon Valley, we should focus on being the Innovation Hub, which means we keep collaborating instead of fighting for the work and innovation space. And includes

all industries, and providing space, resources, and opportunities for current and up and coming generations of innovators and startups. Crystal Phillips pushed the topic of focusing on keeping what we have right here in Alberta and stated, “Rather than being the next Silicon Valley, I want us to be the next version of our great city, rooted in a collaborative western heritage.”

included two days of educational, thought-provoking panels discussions with experts in their industries. Including panel discussions around: Fintech and the Global market, bridging borders for Alberta’s Technology Expansion, the growing convergence of TradFi & DeFi, meeting the challenges of edge device security, new technologies, Economics and the environment and a panel about post- quantum Encryption.

The Technology Symposium

Every panel and discussion had an important topic, but one topic that gets dismissed a lot and should be a focus of all companies is:

Meeting the Challenges of Edge Device Security; this panel featured Moderator: Phil Hoetger, Inspector, Calgary Police Service and Speakers: Tyler Argue, CCFI-C Argue, Vice President, Risk Control Canada and Julian Klymochko, CFA, CEO, and Chief Investment Officer of Accelerate Financial Technologies Inc

“Cybercrime is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, with personal data and trillions of dollars are stolen each year through increasingly sophisticated operations – 20% of which are estimated to be operated by nation states with the full R&D power of global governments behind them. As tens of billions of new web connected IoT devices come online and computing becomes distributed away from the cloud, the protection of our edge systems like sensors and data processors is a critical potential weakness for industries and governments. Discover the advances being made towards edge device security and why business at all levels should be paying attention to this growing challenge.” Canadian Blockchain Consortium.

"Innovation is when you look at what exists today and decide it isn't good enough, so you create something

or improve on something that wasn't as great as it could be."

- Al del Degan

HOPES Corner

Kimberly Dawn.

Inspiration Awards & Gala

The Inspirational Gala was a night filled with over 150 of our innovators and leaders celebrating #abtech. Music, celebration, and remarkable networking all while raising money for The Glenrose Hospital Foundations

Brain-computer Interface (BCI) home kits, which will impact the lives of children with severe neurological disorders through the advancements of technology.

CONGRATULATIONS to ALL the AWARD

WINNERS of the 1st Annual Inspiration Awards

The Inspire Award: This award recognizes the trailblazing paths of the the inventors, entrepreneurs and executives behind technology innovation. Derek Payne serves on the board of directors for ZayZoonm ZS2 Technologies and the Epilepsy Association of Calgary, He is also a mentor for the Haskayne School of Business Scale u p program, an entrepreur in Residence Program and an independent Business Advisor for InterGen.

The Inclusion Award. This award was handed out to the person and company who is building an inclusive digital future. Jefferson Roc, the founder of eimhe was the winner. eimhe: Emotional Intelligence Mental Health is designed to help people become greater advocates of their mental health while tailoring a wellness journey that matches their profile, needs and belief systems, coping mechanism and situations.

The Impact Award. This award celebrates those who are making a major impact on industry, government, or the lives of individuals. The winner was. Zack Storms, Founder and ChiefOrganizer of Startup TNT.

Zack has a PhD from McGill University and spent 10 years in academia conducting research once he finished his MBA at U of A, he launched a happy hour to bring entrepreneurs, scientists, and investors together every week to have fun, make friends and build companies.

The Innovation award. This award was handed out to the company that contributes to Alberta's Future through Disruptive Technology. The winner was NDAX. They are a Calgary company that is innovating investments in the #digitalassets world. #star tups #entrepreneurs

Check out all the Canadian Blockchain Consortiums events here: Events - Canada Blockchain Consortium

The Calgary Comics and Entertainment Expo was a huge hit this year! The weather was nice, and 1000’s of people gathered in costumes to explore the Calgary Expo. This event attracts ALL generations and there is something at the expo for everyone!

As we stood in line to meet voice actors, actors, and artists we watched and listened as everyone in the lines talked as if they were best friends, and yet they had never met! THIS IS COMMUNITY! The lines were filled with laughter, excitement and conversations about life, work, and why people were at the Calgary Expo and their favourite parts of the expo. The event was filled with various vendors, and exhibits from local companies in Calgary, and from across Canada.

If you haven’t been to a Calgary Expo, we highly recommend you go and check it out next year.

Get your tickets for the 2024 Calgary Expo Here

FUN FACTS WITH SAMIR!

FUN FACTS WITH SAMIR! FUN FACTS WITH SAMIR!

The Post-it note was invented by accident when a 3M scientist named Spencer Silver was trying to create a strong adhesive, but instead created a weak one.

FUN FACTS WITH SAMIR!

SAMIR!

FUN FACTS WITH SAMIR!

Money, Emotions, & Innovation – Rethinking Your Financial Health

- Recognize Emotional Triggers: Fear/Greed/Etc.

- Mental Accounting: Money Buckets

- Behaviour Biases: Confirmation Bias and Recency Bias

- Money Scripts: Subconscious Beliefs

Through viewing there’s more to money than numbers and leveraging innovation, we can think outside the box. This improves our financial health and wellness by finding new solutions to financial challenges and discover new creative ways to make sound financial decisions, build wealth and financial security.

Brought to you by Amie U. Sharing the Manual & Rethink Your Financial Health

This Issue of Telling It Like It Is

features Zachary Novak, Founder of Careers in Technology, and Innovation (CITI)

1. What is CITI, and why do you think we need it?

Careers in Technology and Innovation is an online community that supports experienced professionals find and grow fulfilling careers. Careers are no longer linear, having a place to connect with others, grow professionally and find fulfillment.

By being part of a community professionals can find the support they need to navigate their careers and find true believers in them. We call these career friends, not colleagues but not social friends, someone who you can have a friendship with but focused on career.

Jade

Founder Peer Guidance

CITI supports our members through events, resources, discussion forums, networking, advisors, and courses. All centered around connection.

Alberts,

Zachary Novak, Founder CITI

2. Why is Community so important to Innovation?

As innovators, we are trying to build new and improved solutions to problems. Community allows us to find the support and connections we need. May it be someone to bounce an idea off of, a connection to a client or funding or simply getting to know our clients better. Through community ideas are shared at an accelerated rate allowing for quick iteration loops, leading to new insight and innovation.

3. What is advice for Developers or Programmers looking for work?

4. What is next for CITI?

We are expanding in three ways.

1. Intro leadership and entrepreneurship conversations and topics.

2. Deep partnerships with hiring companies

3. Expanding across Canada

5. If you had one piece of advice for a startup or entrepreneur, what would that be?

Most members come to us applying to jobs and taking courses. Instead focus on your personal brand, building meaningful relationships, and actively building projects.

Focus on one thing. But make sure that thing is something that is aligned with your purpose, and you're willing to do it for 10 years. If you’re building something you know the world needs and you were made to build it, you won't stop.

Workplace Peer Support is peer driven, and strength based. It focuses on the strong not the wrong.

To learn more about how workplace peer support can impact your employees, contact Christina Henderson at Peerspectives Consulting and Facilitation. Together we can make a bigger impact.

The Superpower Project

Redefining Innovation

Blaise Hunter | Communications Expert

“Diversity is Innovation

– Duncan Wardle

Innovation is a popular term these days. It has become a cultural buzzword that its true meaning is misplaced in the noise of being a hustler. Most times being innovative relates to the tech industry or changing for change’s sake; but the definition of “innovation” is more about evolving into something or repositioning the core business of an organization that leads to growth. It’s like we have become stuck in a linear definition of innovation itself which is a contradiction of the very word.

The Superpower Project is about highlighting various challenges or “kryptonites” facing people and helping us neutralize their effect on us. A deadly kyrptonite facing us these days is we all buy into the idea of innovation but aren’t embodying the diversification of it. Being innovative seems to be the thing that we all love to hate. We know we need to do it, but we either resist it, struggle to define it, aren’t open to expand it, become safe in it, or don’t grasp how to fully measure its impact. We have head knowledge of why creative and revolutionary ideas are essential to sustainability and progress, but we are also creatures of habit. To be in the cutting-edge zone, one must take risks and that isn’t familiar or comfortable to us. Our hearts get the rush from the risk, and it knows where we need to go, but our heads get in the way. The logic side doesn’t want to take the

risk. It involves doing something new, making something new, or being something new. It takes us into uncharted territory and stretches us in a variety of ways. We love the concept but hate the process. Entrepreneurs live off telling stories of how they went all in to pursue an innovative idea. And bold policy makers are applauded for social change brought about by new ways of governing. But the standard in society is not that bold. We generally do what we’ve always done because it’s easy.

How do we marry the entrepreneurial spirit with the common mentality? Is there a way to manage the risks related with innovation in a way that is systematic and suitable to all of us? I’m addicted to change. I thrive on pushing myself in all facets of my life and yet I’ll admit, I still experience fear within it. The fear doesn’t make me less brave or revolutionary;

it just makes me honest. I have learned to co-exist with the anxiety of the unknown and the risks amongst my desire to go to new heights. There was a time though that the “what ifs” and risk factors kept me in the comfort zone. But we don’t grow there. I was the person that was innovative bet yet kept security close by. But now I’ve abandoned the safety net. I’ve realized even if the worst thing happens with the calculated risk, I’m still ok and I also learn valuable information. The risk is always worth it. I take on Nelson Mandela’s potent words, “Either you win, or you learn”. My blunders and missteps are more advantageous than anything. The intelligence I absorb from those lessons makes risk safe for me. Let’s multiply the meaning of innovation and challenge ourselves to diversify our creative portfolio in our businesses. This allows for the confidence to be able to survive, pivot, and progress. Innovation offers organizations four main gains:

1.

Foresight

and getting ahead of potential disruption

Be a visionary. Proactive not reactive. It doesn’t matter if you are a small business, a corporation, grassroots initiative, nonprofit, or a big conglomerate, being ahead of the curve is the linchpin to innovation. When done correctly, business modernization predicts where the market is going due to possible disruptors or changing trends and demands. Businesses use that information to make strategic moves and inspires personnel to be entrepreneurial. Those modifications can include building a concept comparable to what other companies are launching, buying it from others in the same space, or partnering with various groups and startups (known as the “buy, build, partner” model). Or piloting a new concept, partnering with an established entity that can help you launch it, and promoting it in a revolutionary way. This makes you the disruptor and a trailblazer of diversity.

2. Increased efficiency

Most business improvements and reform occur by reducing costs, streamlining processes, and creating pathways of sustainability and longevity. These alterations are timesavers and make it easier for a company to acclimatize to industry transitions with flexibility, which cushions against volatility and risk. Diversity expands the direction in which we can be innovative and then also creates room to pivot and succeed. The quicker we learn from the losses and market tendencies, the more resourceful and effective we become. Innovation Diversity generates efficiency.

Worker attraction and retention

In these times, people are seeking to work for values-driven, forwardthinking companies that they believe have a bright future. Top executives need to recognize that it’s not just on them to be innovative. It needs to be a topdown approach. Every worker no matter the role can play a major part in driving innovation, developing new skills, and bringing ideas to the table. Otherwise, leadership runs the risk of employees jumping ship. To become an innovation leader in today’s battle for talent, companies must be adaptable and consistently evolving to meet the changing needs of employees and future recruits. It’s one thing to hold team building exercises and inspirational conventions once a year, but it’s another to infuse a culture of creativity and out-ofthe-box thinking within the day-today operations. Everyone should feel encouraged to innovate. And programs and opportunities should pave the way for ground-

breaking ideas and collaborative problem solving. Management needs to foster a collaboration environment with safe spaces to try and test fresh ideas. The worker is craving empowerment. This is done with support, accommodation, and investing in upskilling. Flexibility options also can help maintain a healthy worklife balance and prevent burnout in all areas of the company. This is a successful formula that will magnetize people and preserve your business.

4. Brand perception

Consumers are more apt to buy from companies they perceive to be pioneering and socially aware. Being relevant means that your brand is modern, fluid, and in the know. The trick is to meld trustworthiness and stability with being current and possessing a growth mindset. A deeply rooted brand identity inspires staff and consumers as well as propels the success of the business. You can’t have innovation without a solid brand awareness. Refreshing your brand assets with an updated, contemporary edge can re-engage customers and help you stay relevant in our fast-paced world.

The working world is evolving, and our people need opportunities to grow in order to keep pace. Being a leader means providing the necessary means, resources, and pathways for innovation. This will help people lean into disruption and harness its superpower for a successful future. We must continually and consistently diversify how innovation is manifested.

I sometimes struggle with our world’s approach to innovation. How can we send people to outer space, develop technological advancements, push the limits in every realm, and yet we can’t invent a way to end hunger? We still don’t have equal pay. How can we develop new phone technology when there’s nothing that needs fixing? Don’t get me wrong, I applaud these inventions but what about the social issues that are so very broken? We need to diversify and put some major resources to these solvable matters. Let’s put our heads, hearts, and hands together to fuel the innovation of humanity. Be a multitasker innovator. Let’s expand the avenues in which we focus on and let’s revolutionize the world. Diverse ingenuity is our friend and not our foe. For more information about Blaise and her work visit www.blaisehunter.com.

Fyrewall Backoffice Solutions

Meet, Emiley Stewart Director and Co-Founder of Fyrewall Backoffice Solutions, a premier provider of bookkeeping and accounting services for small and medium-sized businesses. She is a highly skilled accountant and bookkeeper, with a passion for helping small businesses streamline their financial operations.

With over a decade of experience in the finance industry, Emiley has developed a keen eye for detail and an ability to analyze financial data with precision. Her expertise lies in creating and implementing financial strategies that optimize business performance, minimize risk, and maximize profits.

Q: What makes you different?

Fyrewall Backoffice Solutions is founded and managed by entrepreneurs who are involved in other business ventures. As entrepreneurs ourselves, we acutely understand the challenges that come with running a successful company.

That’s why we have developed tried, tested, and proven methodologies and processes that streamline your business operations, increase efficiency, and ultimately boost your bottom line.

Q: What has been the biggest challenge you have faced starting your own company?

The biggest challenge facing a business like ours is articulating the value of outsourcing these services and showing the return on investment to entrepreneurs saving them time and money, thus creating their freedom.

Q & A with Emiley Stewart; Director & Co-Founder of Fyrewall Backoffice SOlutions

Q: As an accountant, what is one piece of advice you can give to founders, and business owners that will help them with their accounting needs? As an accountant, my top piece of advice for founders and business owners is to stay organized and keep accurate records from the very beginning. This means establishing the proper and effective systems that are applicable to your business for tracking all financial transactions, including income, expenses, and receipts. We subscribe to this simple adage –“You cannot manage what is not measured.” By maintaining detailed and up-to-date records, you can ensure that your financial information is accurate and complete, which is essential for making informed business decisions and preparing accurate tax returns. Additionally, organized records can help you identify areas where you can cut costs, improve cash flow, and increase profitability. Finally,

keeping good records can help you avoid costly mistakes, such as missed payments, late fees, or tax penalties. In short, staying organized and keeping accurate records is the foundation of good financial management, and can help you stay on top of your accounting needs and achieve long-term business success.

Q: A lot of founders and business owners don’t want an accountant except for at tax time, why is it important to have one all year?

Business owners should consider having an outsourced accountant and/or bookkeeper throughout the year, rather than just during tax season, for several reasons. First, having a dedicated accounting team can help you maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records throughout the year, ensuring that you always have a clear understanding of your company's financial position. This can be especially valuable when making strategic business decisions or seeking funding, investment, or lines of credit.

Second, outsourcing your accounting needs can help you save time and resources that would otherwise be spent managing your own financial records or hiring and training an inhouse accounting staff. This can allow you to focus on growing your business, rather than getting bogged down in administrative tasks.

Third, a professional accounting team can provide valuable insights and advice on financial management and tax planning, helping you minimize tax liabilities and maximize profitability. By working with an outsourced accountant and bookkeeper yearround, you can take advantage of this expertise to make informed financial decisions and stay ahead of the curve.

In short, outsourcing your accounting needs year-round can help you maintain accurate financial records, save time and resources, and gain access to valuable financial insights and advice, making it a wise investment for business owners looking to achieve long-term success.

The slinky toy was invented by accident in 1943 by Richard James, a naval engineer. He was trying to create a device to stabilize equipment on ships during rough seas when he accidentally knocked over a spring and saw it "walk" down a stack of books.

Velcro, the hook-andloop fastener, was invented by accident in 1941 by George de Mestral, a Swiss engineer. He was inspired by the way that burrs stuck to his dog's fur and began experimenting with different materials to create a similar effect.

FUN FACTS WITH Samir (Sam) Musayev

Helping you find the perfect home & community.

phone: 403.815.0429

email: dwalker1@remax.net

Deloris Walker, RE/MAX iRealty Innovations, Calgary real estate

- Kimberly Dawn

Spreading HOPE across the Community. You can too! Click here.

A Community Legacy: Diane Swiatek:

July

Diane Swiatek was a mother, wife, friend, educator, writer & founder of Banbury Crossroads School. She was an advocate to teach and give space to young people to think on their own. She IS and will always be a community inspiration and leader. On May 6, 2023, Diane passed away suddenly. This is a great loss to her family, Banbury Crossroads School, students, parents, teachers, CN! magazine and the community at large.

Diane inspired everyone she met.

Diane, listened, learned, taught, inspired…

One of the greatest things about Diane was her ability to dreamshe saw a need for a different type of learning and she set out to start a school 1 student at a time and never gave up because she knew she could create an environment where student voices were heard, where students would thrive and where a community would be built … and among her dreaming, building and creating she still made time to continue to learn.

“To me Diane was a friend, a mentor, a boss, an inspiration…what she did for me was incredible. She was one of the first contributors to CN! Magazine, one of my first advertisers, one of my first cheerleaders. She brought me in to teach music to her students, believed in my dreams enough to make me a part of her dreams by bringing me on to the board of directors for the school, and Diane taught me peoples voices matter, and I’m so lucky to have been a part of her life, and share in all her passion around education and learning. Her writing was remarkable just like her - she had a mind that was very special, and we need to carry that forward.”

To carry Diane Swiatek’s legacy forward you can help us build a legacy fund that will go towards student scholarships and enhancing the education of the current students at Banbury Crossroads School.

Diane always believed that everyone deserved to have equal opportunity and if people couldn’t afford to pay and didn’t qualify for a scholarship through a program, she would still accept them. This fund will help us carry her passion for education forward by making sure it is accessible to everyone and by making sure the current students have all the resources they need to be successful! Let’s carry her legacy forward!

To donate to the school please email:

dayn.williams@banburycross roads.com or call: (403) 270-7787

– Krista Malden.

This Episode of CN! News Bites features a look into some of our community members superpowers. Click here to watch the full episode.