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U of A engineering students look to the future with their
BY SARAH PRATT
alternative
The team from the University of Alberta poses with their EcoCar.
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ecently, a quartet of pioneering University of Alberta engineering students came together to showcase their hydrogen fuel cell car for the Drive the Future Expo in the capital city. The young engineering students were happy to share their enthusiasm and knowledge with onlookers, and their varied skills and interests all come together to make a strong team. For these young men, it is about their passion for inventing and experimenting. Although their future careers might take them in vastly different directions, for this expo, it’s all about the University of Alberta EcoCar. The Alberta Motor Association, ENMAX, NAIT and the City of Edmonton teamed up with SESA (Solar Energy Society of Alberta) to offer this one-day expo on
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energy car
alternative transportation options, including electric, hybrid, biodiesel, human-powered, hydrogen and solar technologies. The day included informational workshops, solar-powered music, solar-baked cookies, smoothies made by bicycle generators and more. The workshops discussed topics such as: how to convert a gas vehicle to electric; coldweather battery performance; and a carbon footprint analysis of various alternative technologies. The car show displayed more than 40 alternative vehicles from homemade vehicle conversions to the latest all electric cars commercially available, including a solar race car and a canola oil powered race car. Vehicles from NAIT and the University of Calgary were also included. It was a day to showcase the future
he dry southern Alberta badlands were once covered in water and brimming with prehistoric marine life. It can be difficult to imagine the eroded slopes and dusty fields as waterways, but the fossils tell the story. The area is home to some of the most rare ammonite fossils in the world, and these extinct cephalopods date back 65 million years to the late Cretaceous and the time of the dinosaurs. Ammonites were squid-like carnivores that lived in coiled shells, and their living relatives include the octopus, squid, cuttlefish and nautilus. They are named after the Egyptian god Ammon, who had curved horns on either side of his head. Ammonites lived in schools and travelled via a sort of jet propulsion by squirting water through a tube. Ammonites are certainly interesting to study, but perhaps not the most visually stunning in the colour department; the range of colours included ivory, brown and other tones of brown. But once the ammonites are fossilized, they turn into the most mesmerizing BY SARAH PRATT colours imaginable. The outer shell is made of aragonite, and the final colours depend on the elements present during the fossilization process and how many layers of gem material can reflect the light. It’s amazing to hold a piece of ammolite (the creature is ammonite, the gem is ammolite) and watch the colours change as you turn the gem from side to side. As mentioned, the province’s vivid ammonite fossils are rare, and ammolite is the official gemstone of Alberta. The Government of Canada considers ammolites a national treasure, and you’ll also see a beautiful example at the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller. To add to the rarity of ammonite fossils is the challenge of unearthing them. This hunting is not for the faint of heart. It’s hard, dirty work that takes physical stamina, patience, experience and sharp eyesight. Some hunters venture to the sights by foot with a backpack, while others use boats. And a backpack. Ammonite hunters are territorial beings, and one person’s claim site is another’s forbidden treasure. Emphasis on the forbidden. You don’t want to step foot on someone else’s territory, it’s illegal. There’s actually a lot of paperwork involved in ammonite hunting. Chris Robak, an avid ammonite hunter and owner of Silver Cove rock and gem stores in Lacombe and Red Deer, sends a photo of every piece he collects to the Royal Tyrrell. If they deem there is no scientific value to the pieces, he gets disposition, meaning he can keep them. Chris’ father Ron owns Ammonite World and has been working with ammonites and making ammolite jewelry for more than 20 years. Chris learned about ammonites from a young age, thanks to Ron, and now the two head out to their respective sites as often as possible together.
of driving and the commitment from a single charge, accelerates from everyone. 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds and “A $7,000 solar-panel rooftop reaches speeds of 200 km/h. system pays for SESA reports that itself from gas the future trend for savings in five the electric vehicle years,” said Rob market is exponential Harlan, executive growth. The U.S. will director of SESA. have 1.5m electric cars “So not only will pioneered by major manufacturers like GM, Albertans soon Mistubishi and Nissan be driving a zero on the road by 2015, emissions cars, rising to 20 million in they won’t pay The University of Calgary’s alternative energy car 2020. Thirty-nine per a cent for fuel made its way to the capital for the expo. cent of electric vehicle either.” owners in the U.S. use The expo also solar systems on their homes to fuel boats the largest collection of their cars. alternative vehicles ever gathered “We’ll soon be seeing more and in Alberta, many on display for the cheaper solar-powered cars on first time. Some are prototypes Alberta’s roads that don’t cost a and some, like the Tesla Model S, single drop of oil. Just a kiss from you will see on the roads. The Tesla the sun,” said Harlan. Model S covers 425 kilometres on
Once you find a suitable and legal site, your hunt begins with a visual search. You’re looking for round-edged rocks, also known as concretions. Often you have to climb slippery slopes to reach the potential fossils. Often you crack open a rock and the inside is pure grey. Nothing. It’s when you see that line of gemstone and reveal the iridescent ammonite fossil that it’s all worth it. You’re the first person to ever see and touch this 65-million-year-old ammonite. The long days start with hope and enthusiasm and end with tired eyes, complete with dirt on every eyelash and in every crevice, looking with amazement at these incredible works of nature’s art. If the fossils are left exposed to the elements, they crack, flake and turn white. The ammolite is a thin layer and quite fragile, and it’s unfortunate that there are probably too many ammonites left unharvested. The ultimate find, the big kahuna, is a complete ammonite. This day, Chris found an exceptional specimen thanks to a small concretion protruding from the hillside. He took his well-used shovel and dug out around the formation. Using a crack hammer and the shovel, he carefully split the concretion to reveal the fossil inside. It’s a beautiful amalgamation of history and marine geology and palaeontology. Once Chris gets the fossil from the remote site to his home, it takes approximately 30 hours to prep the ammolite so it becomes the shiny gems you see in his stores. The prepping is a multi-layered process that includes glue, sanding, stabilizing, and clear coats for protection. The pieces are truly Alberta-made, from start to finish. It’s easy to be attracted to ammolite’s brilliant colours, and the blending of red, orange, green, blue and purple is hypnotic. Every ammolite tells a story and is a part of not only Alberta’s history, but also its current status as a celebrated ammolite hotspot.
ammonite Hunting for rare
fossils in southern Alberta
above: A beautifully prepared ammolite gemstone in ring form. left: Chris Robak works to remove a 65-million-year-old ammonite fossil from its long-time resting place in southern Alberta.
EDMON TON JOU R NA L edmontonjournal .com
F R I D A Y, A U G U S T 8 , 2 0 1 4
EDMON TON JOU R NA L edmontonjournal .com
F R I D A Y, A U G U S T 8 , 2 0 1 4
EDGE — BE INSPIRED
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Talent
IN DANCE HAS NO RESTRICTIONS!
Who can open an RESP? Anyone can open an RESP for a child. RESPs can be opened by one person, or opened jointly by spouses or common-law partners. They can also be opened by child-care agencies. Individuals can also open an RESP for their own use.
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he desire and ability to dance does not know financial bounds. Many talented dancers did not come from wealthy homes, but their talent, drive and desire was enough to succeed. Edmonton School of Ballet recognizes this and is offering full scholarships to boys! These scholarships are for beginner to advanced males who wish to pursue their training, but find that their families cannot afford it. Male dancers with experience and the desire to work toward a career in dance may wish to audition for the Vimy Dance Program. Here they will have the opportunity to complete their education while training in dance. Scholarships are also available to boys upon acceptance. Edmonton School of Ballet employs highly qualified, accredited teachers with years of experience and a true understanding of how to train the youngest child through to the most advanced levels. Students are highly successful in both the Royal Academy of Dance and Cecchetti Ballet exams at all levels. ESB is one of a handful of few schools in the country to successfully offer
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RESP FACTS TO HELP YOU SAVE FOR EDUCATION Selecting the right RESP It is very important to choose the right type of RESP. Your financial institution can help you. You can open an RESP at a bank, a credit union, a mutual fund company, an investment dealer, or a group plan dealer. Group plans are offered and administered by organizations that offer group scholarship plans.
There are three types of plans: 1. FAMILY PLAN
both syllabi. Completion of these exams helps prepare the dancer for a professional career and the rigours of such a vocation. Fall classes begin Saturday, Sept. 6. Many of the classes are already full so be sure to contact the school as soon as possible to guarantee a spot. The staff here can help you make the informed decision that is best for you and your child. Contact Edmonton School of Ballet by phone at 780-440-2100 or 780-450-2100, email at admin@esbdance.com and by stopping by the office located on the 3rd Floor of Vimy Ridge Academy, 8205 90 Ave. in Edmonton.
TRY FENCING THIS FALL
encing is a fast-paced strategic sport excellent for developing speed, co-ordination and strategy. Having its origins in European duelling, fencing has evolved into an Olympic sport with global popularity. Fencing uses electronic scoring systems to simplify refereeing and modern materials to create protective equipment that is safe and light. The Edmonton Fencing Club is the largest fencing club in western Canada, and this allows us to provide a range of classes accommodating varying ages and levels of skill. Our goal is to make fencing accessible and fun for people in Edmonton. Recreational and competitive fencing classes are
available for ages eight and up. On-site interactive fencing demonstrations are also available for groups. Equipment for classes and demonstrations are provided. Classes are taught by head coach Jujie Luan, four-time Olympian and 1984 Olympic gold medallist. She is assisted by assistant coaches Jerrica Gu (Canadian Junior National Fencing team member) and Daniel Gu (Canadian Cadet National Fencing team member). Instruction is available in all three fencing weapons (foil, sabre and epee). The Edmonton Fencing Club is located at 9937 60 Ave. Look for our sign on the west side of 99 St. at its intersection with 60 Ave. For more information call 780-434-3000, email edmontonfencingclub@yahoo.ca or visit edmontonfencing.com.
This plan is ideal if you have more than one child. You can name one or more children to receive the savings when it’s time to pay for their studies after high school. The children must be related to you, either by blood or adoption. They may be your children, stepchildren, grandchildren (including adopted), brothers or sisters. Under the Income Tax Act, a “blood relationship” is that of a parent and child (or grandchild or great-grandchild), or that of a brother and sister. Nieces, nephews, aunts,
uncles and cousins are not considered blood relatives. Also, you cannot be considered a blood relative of yourself. The advantage of a family plan is that earnings can be shared among the children, and the Canada Education Savings Grant may be used by any beneficiary named in the RESP, to a maximum of $7,200. The Additional Canada Education Savings Grant and the Canada Learning Bond can be paid only if all beneficiaries are siblings.
2. INDIVIDUAL (NON-FAMILY) PLAN
This type of plan is ideal if you are not related to the child you are saving for. In this type of plan, only one beneficiary is named in the RESP, and the beneficiary doesn’t have to be related to you. You can open this type 3. GROUP PLAN
A group plan is for one child only, and the child does not have to be related to you. A group plan is ideal if you can make regular payments throughout the term of the RESP. In this type of plan, your savings are combined with those of other people. How much each child gets depends on how much money is in the group account, and on the number of students of the same age who are in school that year. These plans are provided by group plan dealers, who usually invest the money in low-risk investments. Each group plan is
of RESP for yourself or for another adult; however, the Canada Education Savings Grant and the Canada Learning Bond can be paid only to eligible beneficiaries.
different and has its own rules. As you would with any investment, be sure to read the plan rules carefully. Usually, you will be asked to commit to making regular payments into the plan over a certain period of time. Fees may apply if you stop these regular payments. Group plans are a good option, if you prefer to have someone decide how to invest the money for you, and you’re fairly certain the child you are saving for will continue his or her education after high school. Ask your group plan dealer for details.
To open an RESP: Get a Social Insurance Number (SIN) for your child, and get one for yourself if you don’t already have one. There’s no fee; however, certain documents, such as birth certificates, are required. Choose an RESP provider that best suits your needs. Most financial institutions (such as banks and credit unions), as well as certified financial planners and group plan dealers, provide RESPs. For more details about RESPs in Canada, visit the Canada Revenue Agency website. -courtesy canlearn.ca
SPECIALIZED DANCE TRAINING FOR ALL AGES AND SKILL LEVELS
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arr-Mac is now in its 46th year of teaching the love of dance and music and encouraging dancers of all abilities. This philosophy still holds strong as girls and boys ages three and up to pre-professional fill the hallways and studios, eager to learn and explore movement through the variety of disciplines offered. Marr-Mac carefully seeks out instructors who can provide current technical training and who specialize in a specific style of dance and age group. Many of the instructors have grown up training at the studio, others come from a rich background of training and experience excited to share their skills. Competitions and festivals are offered but are not mandatory. Recreational classes are available for the once a week dancer. Stretch and Acro classes are offered for the more serious dancers who are taking numerous classes and disciplines each week. Ballet is encouraged at all levels of dance and is especially important for the competitive contemporary, jazz and lyrical dancers. Ballet technique provides the basis for which the other forms are built on, the knowledge and proper placement learnt in ballet to protect from injury. The Russian Vaganova technique of Classical Ballet is taught in all ballet classes from the age of six. Junior and senior boys ballet classes are available as well as Pointe and Pas de Deux (classical partnering). Creative movement is offered for pre-schoolers to develop co-ordination, rhythm and the
love of dance without getting too technical at this tender age. A daytime pre-school program called Marr-Mac Minis, for ages three to five, explores ballet, jazz, hip-hop and song and dance on a weekly rotation. As the dancer matures, tap, jazz, Irish, Highland, hip-hop, contemporary, lyrical, modern, song and dance and Bollywood Fusion are offered. Adult classes are available for experienced adult dancers who no longer wish to compete but want a good challenging class and workout. Beginner teen and adult classes are also available in several disciplines. Marr-Mac stays current with the latest in dance trends by inviting guest choreographers to work with dancers in a workshop setting to learn choreography later presented at competitions and festivals. Sarah Dolan, Joey Matt, Louise Hradsky, Lauren Ritchie, and Jeff Mortenson are some of the invited guests who have shared their expertise with dancers and teachers. New parents and dancers are welcome to book an appointment to meet with the directors Deane Marr and Cathy McFarlane to discuss your child’s direction in dance. Assessment and placement classes will be held Wednesday, Aug. 27 for new students ages eight and up. Registration begins Sept. 2. Classes begin Sept. 8. The studio is located in Old Strathcona in south central Edmonton. Class schedule and fees can be found at www.marrmac.com, email 1968@marrmac.com or phone us at 780-434-9281.
ABOUT THIS CONTENT: EDGE was produced the Edmonton Journal’s advertising department for commercial purposes. The Edmonton Journal’s editorial departments had no involvement in the creation of this content.
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usic
FOR ALL AGES AND SKILL LEVELS
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elping music lovers become music makers since 1963, Cosmopolitan Music Society (CMS) is home to over 250 musicians. CMS offers a program of excellence in community music education and performance. With four recreational concert bands and a mixed chorus, CMS has something for adults of all ages and ability levels. Whether you’ve never played an instrument before or haven’t played in years, CMS Beginner Band is a great place to start. The program includes small group lessons with professional instruction, some theory, and full rehearsals with the Cosmo Beginner instructor. The novice, intermediate and advanced bands play selections from broadway and pops to military marches, classical, and commissioned works.
Editor: Sarah Pratt • sarahpratt@edmontonjournal.com Design: Kelle Cloutier, CGD • kcloutier@edmontonjournal.com
The popular Cosmopolitan Chorus performs a wide variety of music, from classical to sacred to Broadway, and has a lot fun doing it. Under the direction of professional musicians, CMS provides musical instruction, a variety of musical styles, and a great social atmosphere. CMS ensembles enjoy performance opportunities throughout the year at the Old Strathcona Performing Arts Centre and the Winspear. What other community music program can put you on the best stages in Edmonton with such exciting and original programming? Registration is now open. Contact CMS for more information at 780.432.9333 or check out our website www. cosmopolitanmusic.org.
The next EDGE: GUIDE TO POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION publishes on OCTOBER 10, 2014 Contact Arlene Lauer-Krueger to advertise • alauerkrueger@edmontonjournal.com • 780.429.5105
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Cantilon family of choirs has earned a tremendous reputation for guiding young singers in developing their musical and social skills. Right from the start, the program itself was intended to foster – and has indeed consistently brought about – co-operation, respect, confidence, and a significant degree of musical understanding at all levels.
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arents, children and audiences in Canada and abroad are unanimous in their praise of Cantilon Choirs. Serving the greater Edmonton area and St. Albert, Cantilon offers its members a unique, exciting approach to singing and enjoying it! Founded by Heather Johnson in 1999, the
Sing ALONG WITH Cantilon In addition to weekly rehearsals, the participants perform in public, tour, record and socialize. All of the 200 singers make up an extended Cantilon family, focused on sharing the art of singing and having a lot of fun in the process! Cantilon Choirs welcomes singers of all ages, regardless of experience, ability or financial constraints. The program is built around five main choirs: Kindersingers, ages four to six, non-auditioned (Edmonton, St. Albert); Primary Choir, ages six to nine, non-auditioned (Edmonton, St. Albert); Children’s Choir, ages 10-14, auditioned (Edmonton, St. Albert); Chamber Choir,
ages 12-19, auditioned (Edmonton) Belle Canto, adult female voices, auditioned (Edmonton) These choirs have travelled across Canada and Europe, winning awards at every level from local festivals to the most prestigious of choral competitions. Artistic director Heather Johnson ensures that the Cantilon Choirs’ trademark method combines the highest standards of rehearsing and performing with a positive and encouraging attitude towards the choristers. In the end, the Cantilon Choirs foster community and integrity on every level. Major honours include: consecutive first places won at the Alberta and National Music Festivals
BACKPACK SAFETY
Dancers
for children
When choosing a backpack for your child, keep in mind the following checklist: • a lightweight pack • wide, padded shoulder straps, as straps that are too narrow can dig into shoulders • a padded back provides comfort and protects kids from being poked by sharp edges on objects inside the pack • a waist belt that helps distribute the weight more evenly across the body • multiple compartments can also help distribute the weight more evenly Although packs on wheels may be good options for students who have to lug around really heavy loads, they’re difficult to pull up stairs and to roll through snow. Check with the school before buying a rolling pack; many schools don’t allow them because they can pose a tripping hazard in the hallways.
To help prevent injury: • Don’t weigh them down. No matter how well-designed the backpack, doctors and physical therapists recommend that kids carry packs of no more than 10 to 15 per cent of their body weight, and less is always better.
(2000-2014); two first prizes at the Llangollen International Music Festival in Wales (2011); two first prizes at the Béla Bartók International Choral Competition in Debrecen, Hungary (2006); second prize at the prestigious Cork International Choral Competition in Cork, Ireland (2007); as well as first and second prizes at the CBC National Radio Choral Competition (2000, 2002, 2004, 2008, 2010, 2011), to mention just a few. Please check us out at cantilonchoirs.ca. For more information call 780-732-1262, email elaine@cantilonchoirs.ca or just drop by for a chat at #205, 10209 123 St.
PREPARE FOR PROFESSIONAL SHOW ON STAGE WITH
costumes
• Use and pick up the backpack properly. Make sure kids use both shoulder straps. Bags that are slung over the shoulder or across the chest — or that only have one strap — aren’t as effective at distributing the weight and therefore may strain muscles. Tighten the straps enough for the backpack to it closely to the body. It should rest evenly in the middle of the back, not sag down to the buttocks.
Students of Dancin train in a variety of classes and programs. . Photo supplied.
What can your child do? • Encourage kids to use their locker or desk frequently throughout the day instead of carrying the entire day’s worth of books in the backpack. • Make sure kids don’t tote unnecessary items — laptops, cell phones, and video games can add extra pounds to a pack. • Encourage kids to bring home only the books needed for homework or studying each night. • Use all of the backpack’s compartments, putting heavier items, such as textbooks, closest to the center of the back. • Ask about homework planning. A heavier pack on Fridays might mean that a child is procrastinating on homework until the
D weekend, making or an unnecessarily heavy backpack. • Picking up the backpack the right way can also help kids avoid back injuries. As with any heavy weight, they should bend at the knees and grab the pack with both hands when lifting to the shoulders.
ancin provides the essential training and environment for dancers to develop their passion for dance and desire to excel. We offer a variety of classes as part of our Creative Dance, Pre-School, Competitive, and Adult programs. Our programs provide exciting opportunities such as performing in a professional show, enhancing your abilities in dance, and having a ton of fun! Dancers compete in dance competitions and perform in our annual year-end recital at the Citadel Theatre. As a result, dancers get the thrill of wearing professional costumes and performing in a professional show with sound and lighting. Regular registration is Aug. 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, and 28 from 5:30-8 p.m. at 2429 104 St. Visit us at www.dancin-company.com or call 780-233-6756.