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hen we think of Edmontonians

I know there is no such thing as a snipe. The entire team gathered in a bush area near St. Albert. Two who give us our voice, one name should players, Jarri Kurri and Andy Moog, dressed in be high on the list. orange-coloured overalls, with big brooms. They were It’s Rod Phillips, Hockey Hall of Fame voice of the Edmonton Oilers on 630 CHED. For sent to one end of the bush and told to scare them (the snipes) to the other group on the other side. When they more than 30 years, “He scooores!” has been music to got to the other side, the RCMP were our ears. waiting. They arrested both of Rod recently got benched them and took them to the St. due to health issues that s ip ill Ph Rod Albert jail. It was all a set up, but precluded flying. As a Jarri and Andy didn’t know that. result, he missed a big They were two very scared guys. Oiler road swing. I caught We went and got them after up with The Legend and about an hour behind bars. recorded his thoughts on his remarkable career. In the BEST RULE CHANGE: spirit of the season, I share Elimination of clutch and grab his reflections with his fans. hockey after the ’04 lockout.

BIGGEST HIGHLIGHT:

WORST RULE CHANGE: Winning the first Stanley Cup The instigator. I still hope against the New York they will drop that rule ps! am Islanders in 1984. Ch p Cu y le 1984 Stan some day. It allows too Going into that series, many guys to play tougher than they the Oilers had lost 10 really are. straight games to the Islanders. SMALLER NETS: The nets are big enough. The next best was The goaltenders equipment has to get smaller. the Oilers three-game sweep of the Montreal GLEN SATHER: He is probably Canadiens in the one of the wealthiest GMs in playoffs of 80-81—the r e th a S the NHL. He was running Glen Oilers second year in the three corporations while league. It was after that running the Oilers during his series that we all knew many years in Edmonton. He they were going to be a also owns most of downtown great team. Banff. PETER POCKLINGTON: Peter’s reputation as a businessman obviously wasn’t very good at the end. I had a different perspective. I met him when he first bought the Oilers in 1976 and found him to be a very nice guy, and very generous. Peter was a lot of fun at a party and we had some great ones over the years. I haven’t seen him since he left Edmonton, and I do miss him. People should remember Peter is the guy that got us an NHL franchise.

BEST OILER TEAM: No doubt, 1987. Perhaps the most skilled team in the history of the NHL.

BEST PRANK: The Oilers’ second year in the league, the team had what they called a “snipe hunt”. As far as

FAVOURITE NHL CITY: Boston is my favourite, but Chicago is right behind. Now that I have property in Phoenix, it’s my new number one.

BEST ROAD RESTAURANT: Trulucks in Dallas. The stone crab is the best meal I have ever had.

THAT “OTHER FREAKED FLYER”: My claim to fame. I made Wayne Gretzky a bad flyer. He claims he got nervous watching me on airplanes. I told him, if that is the case, don’t watch. We’re both better today than we were 20 years ago, but it is my only bond with the Great One.

THE SPECIAL GUY IN THE LOCKER ROOM: Joey Moss is one of the symbols of the Oilers’ organization. The Oilers have been good for Joey. He has been good for the Oilers

NHL EXPANSION: Winnipeg, Quebec City and Hamilton should all be considered. Dave Semenko

TOUGHEST OILER: Dave Semenko is at the top of the list. Dave Brown isn’t far behind. NICEST GUY IN THE NHL: Wayne Gretzky was as good a person as he was player. There have been a lot of great guys over the years, but Gretz is my all time best.

BIGGEST GOOF: Sean Avery is what old guys like myself call a punk. ROAD FUN: Bob Stauffer doesn’t share his dessert— and, he has never met one he didn’t like. HOW DO YOU BECOME THE NEXT ROD PHILLIPS: Practice… practice… practice… and then practice some more. I was blessed with six years in the WHA and that got me ready for the NHL.

HOW MUCH LONGER: I am year-to-year now. My contract expires at the end of the season. I will talk with the Oilers in the summer. Rod started broadcasting the Oilers games in 1973 and is now approaching an amazing 3400 games. This year is his 36th season. Until he was grounded this fall, Rod had missed only one game—truly a remarkable record. Rod is married to Debby, who is the part-owner of the Delton vet clinic. Daughter Quinn works in the communications department at U of A, and son Devin is completing his last semester at UNLV. A tremendous ambassador for our city, Rod is recognized as one of the top play-by-play broadcasters in the NHL. If this is indeed his last year, all Edmontonians wish Rod and his family nothing but the best in his golden years. √ Marty Forbes is VP and general manager of The Bear, EZRock and The TEAM 1260 Sports Radio. Contact marty@edmontonians.com

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made a musical error, his teacher would play the line correctly on Ed’s tuba. Then Ed would have get it right on his freshly “Copenhagened” tuba. Eeew. The city was represented strongly at the ing dong… 4 am. Hockey Spirit breakfast. pratice? No. Fire? No. The Edmonton Up and away to YEG for the 96th Grey Festival City Road Cup in Montreal, via Winnipeg and Show sponsored by Ottawa. Temp in Edmonton this morning not bad, near TransAlta brought zero. Winnipeg is -18 C… airport packed and three top notch r te h g u a d confusing. Edmontonian Marg Blaszkiewicz who is acts to the room: wicz and ie zk s la going to Ottawa with her daughter Krista, who is Firefly Theatre Marg B skiewicz getting the female athlete of the year award from did its aerial Krista Bla the Canadian Forces. Early in the New Year, she’ll acro-batics... Atomic be heading to Afghanistan for a 10 month tour of Improv’s Donovan duty. Number one in the nation from Edmonton— Workun and Mark nice. Congrats on her award and God Speed on Meer were very her tour overseas. By the way, Mom Marg—an good… and Souljah Eskies’ fan—is having a difficult time Fyah—the band that is desciding who to cheer for in playing in Churchill Sista J with Souljah Fyah the Grey Cup. Square this New Years rman and a g u S rt (Spirit of Edmonton Breakfast) Finally arrive in Bu eve—packed the dance in la A e Montreal. Join lawyer floor. It wasn’t even 10 Roug to the stars Burt in the morning! Sugarman and the Every CFL/LCF team’s cheer squad one-and-only Rouge performed. The Rider pep band and Samantha Alain aboard his new King and the Sociables took it home—as the Cadillac to meet up with noon hour struck. Lots of mugs—brimming the crew. Looking with our infamous Sluice Juice—were forward to a good game hoisted toward the ballroom and the Spirit of ceiling at Le Centre Sheraton. I Edmonton breakfast have yet to get the recipe. As Saturday morning. Now, always, the committee who to cheer for? Calgary? Mercy me. did a great job. Montreal? God forbid. They did beat If you have never been us at home in ’02 so a little payback to a Grey Cup, may I via the Stamps might suffice. But, suggest your first move is to George H root for Calgary? Settle for “may the get tickets to the Spirt of itzroth an best team win.” d friend Edmonton Breakfast and enjoy some hospitality.

Dancing before

noon

Saturday Nov. 22/08 –Late. The city of Montreal thus far has put on a rock solid

Coupe Grey event. But nobody does it better than the Spirit of Edmonton crew—what a breakfast! Always a sell-out and quite a mix of fans: I met a two-week old named Jackson at his first Grey Cup and, four tables over, 88year young George Hitzroth attending his Spirit of Edmonton members 63rd Cup. The Winnipeg Police Pipes and Drums were Bruce Keltie & Glenn Duncan a highlight. The dude decked out in his Toba colours who won a signed Siddeeq Shabazz Esks 60th anniversary jersey had is sold before he got but it was rocking to the bathroom. The Premier of Alberta gave an anyway. Halftime impromptu speech I’m remembering through osmosis. show? Lenny In his youth, Ed Stelmach was a tuba player and his Kravitz in Toronto teacher chewed a little Copahagen tobacco. When Ed was very good; not so

Sunday, Nov 23/08 – afternoon in the Big O. Sold out? Didn’t look like it…

much in Montreal. Getting a beer? It took one quarter of football to get a beer in Vancouver ’05… one complete half to get one in Toronto. Montreal? The best service I have seen at a Grey Cup in my memory—and that can get fuzzy—but for sure since Regina in ’03. Bittersweet congratulations to Calgary. Sorry Muntree-all. Ha. A good year for the EE. I hope the Esks march right into McMahon Stadium in ’09. take the Cup out of the Stamps’ greeeeesy hands and bring it north. See you in Calgary… where the Spirit will prevail. Can’t wait to get back to Montreal — a world class city

Generosity… hats off to Graham Hicks from the Edmonton Sun. He uses his Hicks on Six column to raise awareness and dollars for many important causes. His annual Christmas Auction is amazing. It raised over $335,000 this year for the United Way, Catholic Social Services’ Sign of Hope, the Stollery Children’s Hospital and the Edmonton Christmas Bureau. Huge. Of all the items that are on the block, there is a section of dinners with various personalities/media types etc. I would like to thank Teri Farkas for being the highest bidder on the package I helped put together. She and her guests are heading to dinner at Culina. They’ve already been to two shows—Buddy Guy and Earl Scruggs—at Enmax Hall at the Winspear. As well, the good people at Freehouse Wine & Spirits threw in a very special bottle of 18-year old Bruichladdich scotch, signed by the proprietor of the distillery. My personal thanks to everyone who answered my call: Culina for the upcoming dining experience, Bryan Taylor of Keystone Music for tickets… Freehouse for the scotch… and Peter Gerrie from the Winspear.

Finally, I joined Laura and Brian Finley, who bought a package during last year’s Chrisrmas Auction at Ric’s Grill for a dinner. A most enjoyable evening d in a very nice restaurant. Brian an y le Brian and I have some Laura Fin history. The Big Breakfast television crew, Brian and my generous supporters helped renovate a 1913+ home near Commonwealth Stadium. We stripped the house to the studs, and completely renovated it for the Edmonton Community Land Trust. Brian did most of the work along with some generous friends and local companies. The Findleys are very community-minded. You can check out what Brian worked on at this link: www.rewedmonton.ca/content_view2?content_id=130 Happy December and Seasons Greetings everyone.

n Edmonto eating Spirit of Me with e member Keith K Committe

Mark Scholz, owner of MES Communications Inc. offers a variety of services including production, creative and entertainment. For more information or to suggest a story idea, email mscholz@edmontonians.com

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Poll

CELEBRATING

STATION O

YEARS

With Linda Banister

ver the counter natural health products are supplements from natural sources used to prevent sickness or promote health that can be purchased without a prescription. Being in the midst of cold and flu season, it’s not uncommon for the use of these supplements to increase, however, many are also used on a regular basis. This month’s Poll Station asked Edmontonians about their use of over the counter natural health products.

FOUNDER DICK MacLEAN

Vol. XIX

DECEMBER 2008 No. 12 SHARON MacLEAN Publisher and Advertising Director

Telephone: 780.482.7000 Fax: 780.488.9317 e-mail: info@edmontonians.com edmontonians.com

DO YOU USE OVER-THE-COUNTER NATURAL HEALTH PRODUCTS?

ARE YOU AWARE OF REGULATIONS AND DO YOU AGREE THEY ARE NEEDED?

INSIDE Percent

POLL STATION Health Foods/Banister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

78% Percent

VOX POP Marty Forbes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Mark Scholz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

VISIONARIES Bruce Johnson/Gazin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 novaNAIT/Croucher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Briefs/Croucher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Social Media/Schwabe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 COVER STORY Appetizing/Berry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 NAIT Dynasty/Berry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 7TH ANNUAL SOCIAL CALENDAR Compiled by Maria Jose Politti . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-18 BARB DETERS Editor

editor@edmontonians.com COLUMNISTS Linda Banister John Berry Linda Bodo Cheryl Croucher Marty Forbes Muggsy Forbes Bruce Hogle Ryan Jespersen David Norwood Erin Rayner Mark Scholz Walter Schwabe Nizar J. Somji FEATURE WRITERS Barb Deters Rick Lauber Greg Gazin Peter Drake McHugh Maria Jose Politti Marg. Pullishy PHOTOGRAPHERS Terry Bourque Barb Deters Jack Ness SPECIAL PROJECTS Edmontonians Transformers Tom Bradshaw Les Brost Steffany Hanlen Larry Ohlhauser

60% 40%

22% Said they or someone in their household use natural health products

Said they did not use over the counter health products

The survey began by asking respondents if they, or anyone in their household, used over-the-counter natural health products, such as vitamins and herbs. Over three quarters of the respondents (78 percent) indicated they, or someone in their households, used these products. The 22 percent who did not use over the counter natural health products were asked to indicate why not. Respondents most frequently mentioned that they did not believe it was necessary (59 percent), followed by natural health products being too expensive (14 percent). Respondents who do use natural health products were then asked how long they have been taking them. They indicated they have been using them for an average of 13 years, with 35 percent of them most frequently stating they have been using them for more than 10 years, followed by at least 10 years (20 percent).

WHICH NATURAL HEALTH PRODUCTS DO YOU USE AND HOW OFTEN? Respondents were then asked what types of natural health products they use. Most frequently, they used multi-vitamins (65 percent), followed by vitamin C (60 percent). Fewer respondents mentioned Echinacea and Cold FX (35 percent and 29 percent respectively), followed by ginseng (22 percent) and garlic tablets (16 percent). When asked how often they use the various health products, respondents most frequently indicated they take multi-vitamins and vitamin C, with 74 percent stating they take multi-vitamins daily and 30 percent reporting they take vitamin C daily. For products such as Cold FX, respondents indicated they were most likely to use this product when they are about to get sick (35 percent) or when they are sick (31 percent).

18% Said they were unaware of any regulations on natural health products

Said they were aware of regulations on natural health products

Were able to recall the bill was called Bill C-51

Respondents were then told the federal government is currently in the process of changing the way it regulates natural health products and were asked if they were aware of any Bills or regulations regarding this issue. Forty percent indicated they were aware, with 18 percent of them being able to recall it by name: Bill C-51. All respondents were then informed that these products are currently regulated under the Natural Health Product Regulations, and that the federal government has proposed Bill C-51 to further ensure that consumers have access to only safe, effective and high quality products. After being provided with this information, respondents were asked to rate their level of agreement. Fifty-one percent were in high agreement with Bill C-51, most frequently stating the need for consumer protection and quality control as their reason for agreement (73 percent). In contrast, 25 percent of respondents reported a low level agreement with Bill C-51. When asked why they disagreed, respondents most frequently stated the federal government does not need to be involved (64 percent). √

New to the Edmontonians website: Monthly Poll Station Online Question Visit www.edmontonians.com to register your opinion

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

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THIS MONTH’S COVER

Chef Jack Lee at Culinary Olympics in Germany Photo by Jack Ness Published by 399620 Alberta Ltd. on the first day of each month at C-100 Park Side Tower, 8920-100th Street Edmonton AB CA T6E 4Y8. ©All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reprinted or reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. Manuscripts: must be accompanied by a stamped, selfaddressed envelope. Edmontonians is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts. All stories Copyright ©Edmontonians Publications Mail Agreement No. 40023292 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Circulation Department C-100 Park Side Tower, 8920-100th Street Edmonton AB CA T6E 4Y8 Email: info@edmontonians.com

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By Greg Gazin

emanti Corp. chairman and CEO, Bruce Johnson believes that computers should conform to the user’s way of thinking and speaking rather than the other way around. It’s this type of thinking that took this 48-year old entrepreneur to heights that many would only dream of. It all began in 1992. Referring to Chad Frederick, his friend and now CFO and cofounder of Semanti, Johnson recalls, “I used to watch him doing a spreadsheet version of a tax program every year trying to get it to line up and print on the Revenue Canada (tax) forms. I figured there must be a better way.” The answer became the birth of WinTax Software Corporation, which Johnson and Frederick co-founded. And this was just the beginning. Within a year, WinTax was acquired by Chipsoft, the makers of TurboTax which, at the time, was merging with Intuit, best known for its Quicken and QuickTax software. Johnson became the president and CEO of the newly formed Intuit Canada. In 2000, he added the top role at Intuit, UK to his list of duties. His drive and vision catapulted the twoman team to 500 full-time and 200 seasonal employees. The combined revenues of the operations rose to $115M annually. With his team, he built Intuit Canada into the category leader in tax and personal finance software. The company was named the #2 Best Place to Work in Canada by Maclean’s and The Globe and Mail. “It’s been an exciting ride,” Johnson humbly confessed. But in December 2004, he decided to slow the pace by stepping down and resigning from his positions. He remembers thinking, “I’ve been doing this for 12 long hard years… time to get to know the kids. So let’s take a stab at retirement.” He has no regrets.

It helped strengthen his family relationship. However, his retirement was short-lived. “After about a year, I figured, I’m really not the lying-on-the-beach kind.” Johnson began to scope out new opportunities. He attended a Venture Alberta Forum (an angel investor group), where Reg Cheramy, an Edmonton entrepreneur, was presenting a Social Bookmarking application called “Zigtag”. It was designed to use some form of yet to be determined classification system to help bring order to the tags (descriptive labels) used for bookmarking. Johnson immediately imagined a whole realm of possibilities and approached Cheramy. “What intrigued me about this enough to discuss it further was that this might provide a framework under which a better search methodology might evolve.” Johnson knew that with over a trillion web pages and more added every minute, it was getting harder for people to find what they were looking for, often having to adjust their search terms three or four times. And, even then, they still have to sift through seemingly endless results because search engines search for words not for meaning. Inspired, Johnson put a new team together in 2006, and formed Zigtag Inc. They believed that “tagging” to mark web pages was the solution.

s n o s n Joh ’

BRUCE JOHNSON “not the-lying-on-the-beach type”

JOURNEY From taxes to tags to Ontology

“It was a bit of a long and winding road, having had a bit of a false start.” Zigtag would be a social bookmarking tool, like del.icio.us—the difference being that the tags would be semantic with definitions attached. This way, people could tag things by what they really mean rather than by just what they say. “In theory,” he added, “It would help disambiguate tags like NY, NYC, New York, Big Apple. People would know it was the same concept.” But eventually, Johnson realized that semantic tagging wasn’t really a problem for people and the market for those who wanted to tag pages was not significant. “Even del.icio.us, the 800-pound gorilla only has three million users—very small by Internet standards. Semantic search, not tagging, was really what Johnson’s team wanted to do in the first place. That is, zero in on the meaning at the time of the search, and search that way, rather than tag bookmarks after the fact. After retooling and rethinking in mid-2008, the company was renamed Semanti Corp. to reflect the change in direction. SemantiFind, a free browser utility that works along-side your search engine (Google, Yahoo and MSN Search), was launched in September. It allows you to select the definition of the term you want to use. Take “Big Apple”, for example. SemantiFind will search through its Continued on page 8

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novaNAIT...

a hedge against pitfalls & landmines By Cheryl Croucher

chieving Cockburn’s stellar heights could be what the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology hopes to achieve through the transformation of its Applied Research

department. The program is now called novaNAIT. Heading up the new novaNAIT Centre for Applied Research and Technology Transfer is Stuart Cullum. He is just a few weeks on the job, but brings a wealth of experience to the director’s position. A native of Three Hills, Alberta, his career as a high school teacher was short circuited when he completed an MBA and started working in the University of Alberta’s technology transfer office. Then, after a brief stint in management at Canadian Airlines, he spent seven years with WestLink Innovation Centre where he rose to vice-president of business development. The next move took him to AVAC, an early stage investment company for agriculture-related innovations. Says Cullum of his time at AVAC, “That gave me again a broad spectrum of experience relating to early stage opportunities. I got to see some

BRIEFS

There’s a line in an early Bruce Cockburn song: “When the sun goes nova, and the world turns over….” interesting companies. I got to understand the needs of companies and some of the pitfalls and landmines that those companies could hit along the innovation pathway. That gave me an interesting perspective into what I am doing now.” The novaNAIT Centre supports applied research, enterprise development and commercialization, offering a comprehensive package to nurture invention from concept to prototype to marketable product. This is facilitated through the Shell Manufacturing Centre and the Duncan McNeill Centre for Innovation—both already on campus. And, there’s a host of students in technical programs who can help out along the way.

Building strong business fundamentals is an important focus for Cullum. “We want to see these companies in two to three years graduate on a strong footing, so not only have they advanced their company from a technical perspective but also advanced their company in terms of the business fundamentals. So they have marketing plans, proper financial plans so they get funding, proper management teams so they attract again funding, because that is a key piece for that.” That’s where the Duncan McNeill Centre for Innovation comes in. This NAIT incubator for startup companies has just graduated its first client. “This is really rewarding,“ says Cullum. “The company is called EMS Entertainment. It’s essentially a game board concept that was designed for the training of emergency medical personnel. It’s really an example of a copyright-based invention. The company has just left DMCI and is on a strong footing. There’s more sales right now than it can fill. And that’s one of the challenges: making sure the company can actually meet the demand that has been created for its product.” Another client involved with the novaNAIT incubation program is InnovEquity. Cullum describes the young inventor/entrepreneurs behind the company: “They brought to us an idea around

he static or buzz you Dr. Wilsun Xu hear sometimes on the phone is caused by harmonics that transfer between power and telephone lines. Harmonics, like power surges and blackouts, create many costly problems for utility companies and their customers. But help is on the way, thanks to the research of Dr. Wilsun Xu, a University of Alberta professor in the electrical and computer engineering department. Alberta’s utility companies have joined forces with iCORE (the Informatics Circle of Research Excellence) and NSERC (the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada) to support Dr. Xu with an industrial research chair in power quality. One of his projects is the development of sophisticated sensors to predict and fix power problems. He explains, “We place sensors in the power system. The sensors pick up localized information, but collectively they tell us the source of the disturbances and the conditions of the power system. The key question is how you interpret the data.” Dr. Xu says this technology will also prevent expensive shutdowns in industries that depend on reliable power to run sensitive processes in their mills and factories. ~ Cheryl Croucher

hen the first human genome was sequenced, it took several years and hundreds of millions of dollars to complete the task. But faster computers and cheaper processes are changing that scenario. And it’s this change in technology that makes possible a new initiative to undertake a mass analysis of plant genomes. Dr. Gane Wong, the new iCORE Chair in Biosystems Informatics at the University of Alberta, will lead a joint international venture between the Government of Alberta, Musea Ventures and the Beijing Genomics Institute. Dr. Wong’s team will undertake the immense task of sequencing the genomes for 1,000 plant species, something that promises huge genetic spin-offs. “The intention is to transform some of the information there into various bio-products… ranging anywhere from medicine—because, for example, most of the medicines we take are plant derived—but also [to] the other extreme: We’re talking biofuels. In the intermediate, we can talk green chemistry, aquaculture and bioplastics. There are many products that we make from plants…that could be improved. Or, we can invent new products if we have better control of the biology.” Alberta Advanced Education and Technology is contributing $1.5 million and Musea Ventures from the United States $500,000 toward the Alberta Thousand Plant Initiative. A physicist turned biologist, Dr. Wong says the project will require the collaboration of scientists across many disciplines including biology, medicine, mathematics and computer science. Dr. Wong holds a joint appointment in biological sciences in the U of A faculties of medicine and dentistry. He is also associate director of the Beijing Genomics Institute and a guest professor in the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Other partners in the Alberta 1000 Plants Initiative include the Alberta Agricultural Research Institute, Genome Alberta and iCORE. ~ Cheryl Croucher

Visit www.icore.ca for more information,

Learn more about the project at www.icore.ca

Ex-static

Dr. Gane Wong

Sequencing genomes… the 1000-plant initiative

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automated construction. The concept is that stick Stuart Cullum building homes is an inefficient way of building structures. So they’ve actually designed a machine to produce panels—wall panels, roof panels, floor panels—that are completely finished with wiring and duct work.“ Cullum explains that novaNAIT helped InnovEquity in developing drawings and the first scale prototype of the machine at the Shell Manufacturing Centre. “The prototype gave them a visual and it enabled this company to attract over half a million dollars of funding. They are now in the process of shoring up another $1.5 million in investment and grant funding as a result of that.” Cullum refers to the prototype development program as one of novaNAIT’s flagship programs. “What it does is provide companies the opportunity to come in and work, build up their projects to the point where they are able to take something to the next stage… whether it be a physical prototype or markup drawings. What that does is enable them to either take it to a strategic partner for funding, or generate additional support or partnerships.” Thanks to the work started by Peggy MacTavish, a previous director of NAIT’s Office of Applied Research, novaNAIT is now NSERC grant eligible. According to Cullum, this NSERC, the Natural Sciences and “…gives us the Engineering Research Council, is the ability to generate premier funding agency for scientific NSERC funding research in Canada. ntre e C g n ri for different nufactu One of Cullum’s pet projects is the Shell Ma n o li il projects. NAIT was m establishment of industry sponsored chairs in $14.6 one of the early applied research. He describes NAIT’s approach to colleges or technical applied research as industry driven. “We’re looking at institutions to create eligibility for those grants. So the needs of industry and trying to find solutions for we’re viewed as a leader in that.” those needs and issues.

“The idea is that we have industry sponsors out there with specific areas of research they would like addressed. So we will be facilitating that research by bringing on world class researchers.” They will have labs, currently under renovation, at NAIT’s St. Albert campus. One partnership that excites Cullum is the development of a Boreal Reclamation Centre in Peace River Country. In the past, when energy and logging companies would finish with a landing site, they would simply plant crested wheat grass or other fast growing but non-native species. But new provincial regulations require better practices. “This Boreal Reclamation Centre will help research in this area so they can develop not only new optimal species to revegetate, but also practices for revegetation so we’re not disturbing the land more than we have to. So that’s really exciting. That’s an example of the kind of applied research novaNAIT is supporting.” Faculty are also encouraged to participate in the applied research program, perhaps by taking sabbaticals to focus on developing their own ideas and inventions. As if all this isn’t enough. Cullum is also helping to organize the 2009 conference for CABI, the Canadian Association of Business Incubation. This will bring 200 people from across Canada to Edmonton and novaNAIT will be the host. “It will be a really good opportunity for Edmonton to showcase what it has to offer in terms of innovation and commercialization. But it will also give novaNAIT an opportunity to showcase what we’re trying to do within this.community.” √ www.nait.ca To hear Cheryl’s conversation with Stuart Cullum, visit www.innovationanthology.com Cheryl Croucher hosts Innovation Anthology which is broadcast on CKUA Radio at 7:58 am and 4:58 pm Tuesdays and Thursday. Or download the podcasts at www.innovationanthologyy.com

Dr. Ted Allison

Zebra Fish

& prion research

he new hero in the fight against mad cow and chronic wasting disease could very well be the tiny zebra fish. Popular as pets, zebra fish are proving useful in the lab, just like fruit flies and transgenic mice. They reproduce quickly and their genes are easy to manipulate. Dr. Ted Allison, who is developing a zebra fish model for use in his work with the Alberta Prion Research Institute, explains, “The main purposes are to try to define the normal role of the prion protein in a healthy brain and compare that to what the protein is doing in a diseased brain. Because zebra fish have a lot of advantages as a model, we’re able to modify the genes easily. We’re able to knock down gene expression or make transgenic fish genes to increase expression. This means we can alter proteins that we expect to be related to prion protein and interact with prion protein.” According to Dr. Allison, a new genetic phenotype has emerged. When prion protein levels are knocked down in zebra fish, their brains fail to develop properly. This phenotype does not persist in mice. The discovery is an important step toward better understanding of prion function. Dr. Allison is an assistant professor in biological sciences at the University of Alberta. He is also a researcher with the Alberta Prion Research Institute and the U of A’s Centre for Prions and Prion Folding Diseases. ~ Cheryl Croucher

Join the

CONVERSATION have your say online at

edmontoniansvisionaries.wordpress.com

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On the

HORIZON

DECEMBER December to February Imagining Science Art Exhibit, Book Launch and Panel Discussions GE3LS Alberta team Art Gallery of Alberta www.festivalofideas.ca/imaginingscience.cfm

BUSY EDMONTON TECH COMMUNITY Edmonton has many cool things going for it, including a strong and rapidly growing tech community. I recently took in my second DemoCamp4 Edmonton. It’s a local get-together, spearheaded by Cam Linke, designed to allow folks to show off their latest software creations. I came across some innovative Web 2.0 applications. For example, Orange Door Idealab showed off a mobile survey software that works on the iPhone— perfect for street team events. This was the first time DemoCamp has had a formal sponsor with the honour going to Peter Urban of Smibs.com, a brand new Web 2.0 business development application and social network. I don’t think the strength of our tech culture gets nearly enough exposure. DemoCamp4 was the largest thus far with approximately 150 attendees. The word is spreading as I found out when I happened to sit beside Aaron Jones who flew in from Regina to present The History Books that night. If you want to see bleeding-edge technology in action, DemoCamp is just one place locally where you’ll find the action. This past month has been exceptionally busy and having said that, I accepted an invitation from Sarah Edwards, director of ICE 2008, the 26th annual CIPS Edmonton Tech Conference to a Bell Canada sponsored dinner. Before the great food at Madison’s Grill in the Unionbank Inn hit the tables, I asked Danielle Kondruk, marketing coordinator for Bell Canada, if Bell was into social media. Kondruk said the company hasn’t ventured much into the social web externally as the organization is taking a “wait and see approach.” Internally, she said, they have a blog in place for communicating to staff out here

Continued from page 5 Ontology—a geeky term for a dictionary and thesaurus combined—and return many definitions, including a comic book publisher, a dance form and a reference to New York. Selecting the definition you need results in less guesswork and more relevant information being returned to you. While the Ontology is fairly exhaustive—it contains more than eight million terms—Johnson realizes there are so many more possibilities, like brand names and new terms that pop up every day. He wants to open the Ontology to the public, using a vetting process like Wikipedia, allowing people to use their own vernacular. A French version and one based on pictogram languages also are possibilities. Semanti’s business model is simple: Create the simplest, quickest and most intuitive way for people to find the exact information they need. With the relevancy of the results, advertising can be better targeted.

Social media

101

media with Walter Schwabe

in the west about what’s going on with top line execs within the organization, but that’s about it for now. Overall, the event was well attended by local CIOs and tech execs from across various industries and government. I had an interesting chat with Glen Sustrik, a director with Alberta Finance, who said that he sees the younger generation of employees using Facebook as “an effective communications tool.” Sustrik also said that Alberta Finance is looking at “tools such as Facebook in terms of recruitment and retention, with security most definitely at the top of the priority list.” No formal social media plan is in place for the department, but the discussion is most certainly ongoing.

By the way, you can follow me on Twitter by searching @fusedlogic. Finally, I hosted the second ever Social Web Meetup at Inside and Out Naturally in St. Albert. There were about 20 attendees who got to participate in a live webcast news show by Paul Ney and Evan Adnams of somethingtv.net fame. Check out their weekly podcast as they give you the news like no one else can.

TWEETUP & MEETUP

Does the Greater Edmonton Region have a strong tech community? You bet, we’ve got some of the best there is and now you know how to find them: • www.twitter.com/fusedlogic • www.meetup.com/The-Social-WebMeetup/ • www.edmontontweetup.wik.is/ • www.smibs.com

Fun times at the Edmonton Tweetup for local Twitterati at Devlin’s on Whyte. This is for those locals on Twitter.com, a very popular micro-blogging site. The event is put on by blogger Mack Male for folks who like to stay in touch on a regular basis.

Walter Schwabe is the Chief Evolution Officer of fusedlogic inc., a social media strategy firm and Alberta company since 2000. You can learn more at www.fusedlogic.com

Semanti has eight active employees and is headquartered at the Advanced Technology Centre within the Edmonton Research Park. And, while the company has been self-funded to

e Johnson Shirley & Bruc

date, the principles are casting their nets about, looking for Series “A” financing (i.e.: a first round of financing after seed capital has already been injected).

SemantiFind was showcased to potential partners at the Banff Venture Forum in October, as well as to a number of local and international venture capitalists. Johnson is also active within the Edmonton community. He is chair of the board of HeadCount Corporation, a retail traffic/conversion analysis company, and a director of TEC Edmonton, the technology commercialization joint venture between the University of Alberta and Edmonton Economic Development Corporation. Born in Ontario, Johnson grew up in the UK. Searching for a “good” school at 18, he selected the University of Alberta where he enrolled in engineering, but changed disciplines. He graduated in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science in computing science. He and his wife Shirley have two children. For 30 years, Johnson has been happy to call Edmonton his own. “It has a great computing school.. it’s a great place to raise a family and has a good quality of life.” √

December 2 Science Café: - Polar Science: Thinning Ice and Climate Change Presented by Alberta Ingenuity and Telus World of Science 6:30 to 8:30 pm Good Earth Café 8623 – 112 Street http://www.odyssium.com/new.html#Spe cial December 2 Nutraceuticals Networking Event Presented by BioAlberta and ECAT 4:30 to 8:30 pm Royal Glenora Club www.bioalberta.com December 4 BusinessLink Brown Bag Session Internet Security with David Papp, Microtek Corporation 12 noon to 1:00 pm #100, 10237 – 104 Street www.canadabusiness.ca/alberta December 6 SET: Science,Engineering and Technology Conference for High School Girls Sponsored by WISEST 780-492-7774 9:00 am to 4:00 pm U of A Campus: Gunning/Lemieux Chemistry Centre CE4-43 www.wisest.ualberta.ca December 11 BusinessLink Brown Bag Session Communications Plan: Connecting You to Clients Presenter: Toni Guffei, Ratio Marketing 12 noon to 1:00 pm #100, 10237 – 104 Street www.canadabusiness.ca/alberta December 16 THECIS Christmas Social Guest Speaker Doug Horner, Minister of Advanced Education and Technology The New Architecture of the Alberta Innovation System 6:00 to 9:00 pm Royal Glenora Club http://www.thecis.ca/ December 20 opens Art of the Brick with Lego Sculptor Nathan Sawaya Presented by ARC, APEGGA and UMA Telus World of Science www.telusworldofscience.com

FEBRUARY February 8-10 Bio Partnering: North America Supported by Canadian Trade Commissioner In Vancouver at the Westin Bayshore Resort www.biopartnering.com/home/home/sec tion.htm

EDMONTONIANS DECEMBER 2008

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Photos by Jack Ness

Chef Jack Lee ..the devil is in the details By John Berry

The festive season means entertaining. For those of us who need inspiration, Edmontonians turned to the culinary delights created by Chef Jack Lee. The creations earned the 24-year old a gold medal at the World Culinary Olympics in Erfert, Germany. Lee spent a year planning, prepping and testing… then devoted every day of the last three weeks prior to departure fine-tuning his plates. And it paid off in spades. “I couldn’t believe I had won. I was hoping for silver, but I bested that. After my dish was announced as the top dish, I thought okay. It took a few moments to realize that I had won.” Lee’s pan-seared quail breast with a spinach farce and berry sauce captured the gold, along with his buffet platter for eight, and five other appetizers. Our young chef has just been hired at Holt’s Café in Holt Renfrew in Manulife place. He says he’d like to get all of his papers, continue to compete and, maybe one day, gain more experience by working abroad.

PAN SEARED QUAIL WITH SPINACH FARCE

BACON AND CRAB DIP

1 Whole quail 100g Spinach leaves To taste Salt & pepper (Single serving)

8 oz. cream cheese (room temperature) 1/2 Cup light sour cream 1 tsp. prepared horseradish 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper 2 Tbs. thinly sliced green onion 1 tin crabmeat, drained, rinsed and flaked 1/4 Cup crumbled cooked bacon

• Debone quail, reserve quail breast and leg meat. Remove skin of leg meat and fat. • Lightly wilt spinach leaves then place in a food processer with leg meat. Grind meat until it is a smooth paste. Season with salt and pepper. • Separate skin on quail breast and reserve the skin. Spread a thin layer of spinach-meat mixture on top of the breast meat then cover with the reserved skin. • Pre-heat oven to 350˚F. Heat a small amount of oil in fry pan. Sear skin side first until golden, then turn and lightly sear the other side. • Remove quail breast and bake in oven for 8 minutes or until it is cooked. • Serve sith Saskatoon berry sauce.

SASKATOON BERRY SAUCE

Pan Seared Quail with Spinach Farce

1 cup chicken stock 1 small sprig fresh thyme 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar 1/4 cup Saskatoon berries (or blueberries) 1/2 Tbs sugar To taste salt and pepper • Simmer chicken stock with thyme until 1/4 of its volume. Add vinegar and Saskatoon berries and simmer for about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning, if is too sour more sugar may be added at this point. • Remove thyme and add salt and pepper to taste.

To give readers ideas for awesome appetizers and inspired plating, photos taken of Lee’s award winning dishes appear throughout the entire Social Calendar. Chef Lee was kind enough to share one of his recipes.

Recognizing that most of us don’t have the talent to match the incredible edibles that took Chef Lee months of preparation, I strongly recommend dazzling your guests with any number of holiday appetizers from the ATCO Blue Flame Kitchen: Order your copy of the Holiday Collection of recipes by calling 780.420.1010 or toll free 1.800.840.3393. Here are a couple of my favourites—easy to prepare but ever so tasty.

• Beat together with an electric mixer on medium speed the cream cheese, sour cream, horseradish and cayenne pepper until blended. • Stir in crabmeat and bacon. Transfer to a serving dish and refrigerate for at least one hour or up to 24 hours. • Sprinkle with green onion. Serve with toasted baguettes, crackers or celery sticks. • Makes about 1 and 1/2 cups.

APRICOT AND ALMOND RUMAKI 48 dried apricots 48 whole toasted almonds 16 bacon slices cut crosswise into thirds. • Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. • Using the tip of a narrow, thin-bladed knife, cut a pocket in the side of each apricot. Place an almond in each pocket and wrap each stuffed apricot with a slice of bacon. Secure with a toothpick. • Place on a rack in the prepared pan. Bake at 400˚F for 20 to 25 minutes or until bacon is crisp. • Serve with Apricot Sauce. • Note: Cooked Rumaki will keep one month in the freezer.

APRICOT SAUCE 1/4 Cup sieved apricot jam 2 Tbs. soy sauce 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper 1/8 tsp. ground ginger • Combine all ingredients until blended. Transfer to a serving dish. • Refrigerate a least one hour or up to two days. • Yield: 3/4 cup Merry Christmas from my kitchen to yours. √

Chef Lee in the NAIT kitchen Photo by Terry Bourque

EDMONTONIANS DECEMBER 2008

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EDMONTONIANS DECEMBER 2008

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7TH ANNUAL SOCIAL CALENDAR

ine… dance… donate! Edmontonians love to have a great time while generously making a difference to others in the Capital Region. The social scene gets better every year as millions of dollars are raised to support charites and not-for-profit societies. Edmontonians proudly provides its readers with the most comprehensive guide to galas and balls with receptions, silent and live auctions, dinners, entertainment and dancing… charitable events that support health and research, education, the arts and social programs. Whether they are black tie and ball gown or high-end

december 2008 BrightNights Winter Until Family Festival Jan 4 Ooh and aah at the fantasy festival of lights at BrightNights at Hawrelak Park, Churchill Square and Alberta Legislature grounds. Proceeds from BrightNights help the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce Endowment Fund for Children in Need, benefiting E4C’s Edmonton’s School Lunch Program. Food Bank donations are welcomed at all venues. Contact 780.426.4620 or visit www.edmontonchamber.com Realtors® Association 5 of Edmonton and Realtors® Community Foundation Christmas Luncheon Realtors and guests are invited to join together to raise funds for the Edmonton Realtor’s Charitable Foundation at Northlands Agricom. Tickets $50 (plus GST). Enjoy a special luncheon and live entertainment. Visit www.ereb.com and follow the links. Contact Lixmila Serrano 780.453.9350 Winter Wonderland 5 Christmas Gala Sponsored by Edmonton Chamber of Commerce and Edmonton Event Centre. Smaller businesses come together to form

one big Christmas shindig. The Powder Blues Band will undoubtedly keep the dance floor hopping with their unique blend of swing. Guests will enjoy a classic yuletide dinner buffet. Location, Edmonton Event Centre. Tickets $89 members; $99 non-members Contact Melissa Kelly 780-426-4620 or mkelly@edmontonchamber.com. Visit www.edmontonchamber.com High Tea Saturday 6 & 20 Enjoy Christmas High Tea at The Arbour Restaurant in the Rutherford House. You will be delighted with a three course menu completed with positively yummy scones and raspberry butter. What a perfect way to spend a winter day with your friends and family. Reservations required. Contact 780.422.2697 The Holly Ball 7 Proceeds raised at the 2008 Holly Ball will go toward building and preserving the permanent collection at the Art Gallery of Alberta. Featuring a champagne reception, dinner and live music, this is a black tie event. Tickets and more event information will be available at www.artgalleryalberta.com or contact 780.422.6223 Share the Spirit Open House 7 Celebrate the holiday season with friends and supporters of Pilgrims Hospice. This

casual chic, we are happy to support the efforts of thousands of volunteers who contribute to the vibrancy of our community. The Edmontonians Annual Social Calendar has become a staple reference for individual and corporate patrons who plan their participation and support of causes, as well as organizers who want to avoid conflicting dates for their fundraising events. Keep the print version on hand… and make a habit of checking Edmontonians new and improved on-line calendar for additions and revisions, or to submit updates or new events using our on-line form. Enjoy yourselves and keep on giving. √ afternoon gathering features lunch, and wreath and craft sales. Contact 780.413.9801 for details Snowflake Gala 2008 8 The annual Snowflake Gala, presented by Don and Marina Ghermezian, is a fundraiser for priority needs at the Stollery Children’s Hospital. Children and parents alike will don their finest attire to dine, dance and donate in a winter wonderland. Shaw Conference Centre. This event regularly sells out so be sure to get your tickets early. Visit www.stollerykids.com Christmas Tea & Tales 11 This Christmas season, storyteller Marjorie Russell returns to present a charming collection of yuletide tales. Join the Friends of Rutherford House Society for this family-friendly event/fundraiser. Held at historic Rutherford House. Ttickets: $15 ($13 members). Visit www.rutherfordhouse.ca or contact 780.422.2697. Christmas Bureau Breakfast 16 Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP, Sobeys and The Westin sponsor the 27th Annual Christmas Bureau Breakfast to raise funds for festive meals for less fortunate Edmontonians at Christmas. Held at The Westin. Tickets: $65. Visit www.christmasbureau.ca or contact Jenn Muir 780.423.7385.

Latin New Year’s Eve 31 The 9th annual extravaganza features live entertainment, DJs and salsa show. This family event is held at the Delta Edmonton South Hotel. Tickets at tixonthesquare.ca: $80 for dinner, dance and party favours and must be purchased by December 26th. Dance only: $35. Visit www.morenoproductions.com or contact Bayron at 780.691.0835. Festival Place 31 New Year’s Eve Party Ring in 2009 at the huge Festival Place New Year’s Eve Party. Live dance music and great dinner are included in the $75 ticket price. You’ll also enjoy watching the fireworks display over Broadmoor Lake. Visit www.festivalplace.ab.ca or contact Gavin Farmer 780.464.2852. New Year’s Eve Dinner & Dance 31 Revellers will ring in the New Year with gourmet German food and dance into the wee hours with live music. Sponsored by the German Canadian Cultural Association, the gala will be held at the German Canadian Cultural Centre. Visit www.gcca.ca for updates. Contact Sherry at 780.466.4000

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

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EDMONTONIANS DECEMBER 2008

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2009 SOCIAL CALENDAR Compiled by Maria Jose Politti

january 2009 New Year’s Day Levee 1 Join the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, the Honourable Norman Kwong, at Government House in this traditional celebration of the New Year. The annual New Year’s Day Levee is open to the public from 2-4 pm for light refreshments and tours of Government House. Contact 780.427.7243.

Photos by Jack Ness

Society of Edmonton. Sorrentino’s Downtown. Tickets: $100 (plus GST). Contact 780.474.6466.

february 2009

Jack Lee’s Buffet Platter for Eight—A Sampling Terrine of Pheasant with Wild Rice & Cranberry Terrine of Elk, Wild Boar & Venison Lamb Loine with Miso Farce

Ice on Whyte Festival 15-25 Grab your toques and celebrate winter by bringing the family to Old Strathcona. The Ice on Whyte Festival will feature an ice castle, ice and snow slides, an ice maze, evening and weekend entertainment. Visit www.iceonwhyte.ca for event locations. Contact Shirley Lowe 780.437.4182. 14th Annual Law Show 16-17 Law Show is an annual variety show which is created, written, performed and produced by law students. All proceeds from ticket sales and the silent auction go to the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters. The Law Show is a recipient of the U of A Governor’s Awards of Distinction which recognizes individuals and groups who make outstanding contributions to the community. Myer Horowitz Theatre. Tickets: $13/person Friday; $16/person Saturday. Visit www.ualberta.ca/-lawshow/ or contact lawshow@ualberta.ca 4th Annual Luncheon 20 for Public Health Join the U of A Faculty of Nursing in support of this fundraiser for the Nursing Chair in Public Health. Learn more about new approaches to health care as you enjoy this Greek gourmet luncheon and silent auction at the Fantasyland Hotel (Chianti Room) W.E.M. Tickets: $50 each or $400 table of eight. Contact Lynn McCaw 780.492.5617. Visit www.nursing.ualberta.ca Back to Basics Charity Dinner TBA Enjoy a traditional Italian meal at this fundraising dinner in support of the Autism

Crowne Plaza-Chateau Lacombe. Black tie optional. Tickets: $150. Contact Katrina Black 780.418.7361. Visit www.sturgeonhospitalfoundation.org Chocolate Affair 7 All proceeds from the 9th Annual Chocolate Affair Gala will support the creation of The Courage Centre—a hub for new rehabilitation equipment and technology at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital. This black tie event will be held at the Shaw Conference Centre, Hall D. Tickets: $300. Visit www.glenrosefoundation.com. Contact 780.735.6024. 12th Annual Valentine’s Gala – 11 Celebrating Love through the Ages This black tie event at the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald is a fundraiser in support of Alzheimer’s care at Capital Care facilities. Tickets: $350. Visit www.capitalcare.net/foundation for more information. Contact Tim Haak 780.448.2414.

30 Fork It Over The Rotary Club of Edmonton Mayfield and Compassion House Foundation team up for this dinner in support of Sorrentino’s Compassion House. Delta Edmonton South Hotel. Tickets: $75. Visit www.compassionhouse.org and www.mayfieldrotary.shawbiz.ca. Contact 780.425.7224. Burns Supper & Ceilidh 31 Scots wha ha’e… The Clan MacNaughton Pipe Band presents its annual tribute to the memory of Robbie Burns, Scotland’s most loved and famous poet. The evening features a traditional haggis. Dinner attire or black tie preferred. Tickets: $38. Contact Stewart Russell 780.987.5261 or Bonnie Ewasyshyn 780.461.9574. Visit www.geocities.com/macnaughtonpipeband

Karneval “Viva Las Vegas” 7 Join the Blauen Funken Mardi Gras Association at the German Canadian Cultural Centre for this spectacular Las Vegas evening—go back to the days when the Rat Pack ruled and Vegas was a playground for adults. Prizes for best costume, a floor show and dance. Visit www.blauenfunkenen-edmonton.com for details. Contact Will Moellering 780.485.2526 for tickets. Sturgeon Hospital Foundation 7 Friend Raiser Gala 17th annual fundraiser gala to benefit patient care programs and equipment at the Sturgeon Community Hospital. Enjoy a four-course gourmet meal with complimentary dinner wine, live and silent auctions followed by a dance band.

Johann Strauss Ball 14 This formal evening celebrates the Johann Strauss Foundation scholarships for Albertans seeking advanced music studies in Austria. It is an elegant evening of pageantry featuring Viennese music, dining and dancing. The Westin Hotel. Dress is formal: floor length ball gown, black tie or uniform and decorations. Visit www.johannstrauss.ca. Contact Dale or Brenda Dahl 780.467.8984. Laughing for Cancer 15 Who’s Laughing now? You will be at this 9th annual event to raise fund for the Cross Cancer Institute. Join Andrew Grose and his gang of Edmonton comedians as you giggle and guffaw. Live auction and 10 headline comedy acts. Location TBA. Tickets: $75 each; $500 for a table. Visit www.laughingforcancer.com for tickets Contact 780.908.2047 for information. 53 Ways to Leave Your Lover 21 An anti-Valentine’s fundraiser in support of Latitude 53 featuring music, silent auction

The beauty of Oahu glows in its eclectic array of historical sites, attractions, cultures rich in heritage, exotic cuisines and out door activities galore. The youngest island ‘Hawaii’s Big Island’ remains a vital touchstone for Hawaiian culture; visit Kilauea, the world’s most active volcano where you can explore lava tubes, and hiking trails. Kailua Kona offers quaint shops, great cuisine, kayaking, snorkeling and more. RESORTS: Royal Kuhio or Fairway Villa Honolulu Oahu Sea Village or Sea Mountain Big Island

For more information or to confirm your reservation,

Pricing per night USD: Studio $85 * 1BR $110 * 2BR $125 Travel from April 1/09 to September 30/09 Book by January 19/09. Ask for discount code E25

All taxes and fees are included. Four night minimum stay required. Available for new reservations only. Once confirmed, reservations cannot be changed or refunded. Offer based on availability and subject to change. Additional nights are available at current price.

EDMONTONIANS DECEMBER 2008

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and refreshments. Latitude 53 Contemporary Visual Culture, 10248 – 106 Street, 8pm – 2am. Visit www.latitude53.org. call 780.423.5353 or e-mail admin@latitude53.org for more information. Advertising Club of Edmonton 22 ACE Awards Edmonton’s advertising and design community comes together to celebrate the year’s top creative work. Shaw Conference Center. Tickets: $95. Contact Joyce Byrne at awards@adclubedm.com.

Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta) features an internationally acclaimed speaker who is also presented with the annual Christopher Reeve Award. 2009 will be an exceptionally exciting year! Why? Chantal Petitclerc won five gold medals at the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing, bringing her career gold medal count to 16. Shaw Conference Centre. Contact Marc Quinn at 424-6312 and visit www.cpa-ab.org Art & Entertainment Affair 2009 7 Support the Black Gold Health Foundation

Jack Lee’s Sake Cured Wild Pacific Salman with Crayfish Herb Crust mixed lentils, hazelnut & grain compote The Edmonton Chamber 23 Ball 2009 The Modern West Kevin Costner and his band, Modern West, are confirmed as the feature entertainers. The 2009 Chamber Ball gives thanks to outgoing Chair Patrick Laforge and inaugurates the new Chair, Joanne Beaton. This year’s Northern Lights Awards will honour Sandy Mactaggart and posthumously honour Jean de La Bruyere. Shaw Conference Centre. Tickets: $209 plus GST. Visit www.edmontonchamber.com for a ticket order form. Contact Keith Persaud 780.426.4620. A Night to Treasure 27 Edmonton Opera Gala An evening of sumptuous food, breathtaking entertainment and plenty of fun awaits when you attend one of Edmonton’s premier events. Proceeds help to bring world class opera to Edmontonians. Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. Tickets: $500. For more information, visit www.edmontonopera.com or contact Laura Young at 780.424.4040 Ext. 233. Sorrentino’s Annual TBA Lingerie Lunches Previous attendees of this event have raved about how much fun it isto raise funds for selected charities. Sorrentino’s Downtown and Sorrentino’s South. Visit www.sorrentinos.com for details. Contact Sorrentino’s DT 780.424.7500 or Sorrentino’s South 780.434.7607

march 2009 28th Annual Canadian 4 Business Leader Award Dinner Presented by the University of Alberta School of Business, this dinner celebrates Hal Kvisle, president & CEO of TransCanada Corporation, for his business leadership, vision and community spirit. Shaw Conference Centre. Tickets: $175 each. Visit www.business.ualberta.ca and follow the link. Contact Susan Robertson at 780.492.2348. Bell Walk for Kids Help Phone 5 The Bell Walk for Kids Help Phone is a great way for Edmontonians of all ages to collect pledges and then come together for some exercise and awareness about counselling services offered to children. Registration is at 9:30 am, the walk starts at 11 am at Rundle Park. Contact Sharon Edwards 403.645.4086 sharon.edwards@kidshelpphone.ca. Visit www.kidshelpphone.ca/bellwalk Red Carpet Affair This gala fundraiser in support of the

with this evening of fine art, fine entertainment and fine food. McLab Centre for the Performing Arts in Leduc. Funds raised enhance health services in the Leduc Community Hospital and area public health centres. Contact Lorraine Popik 780.980.4536. SS Benefit NAIT Cruise 2009 7 Discover the “Great Red Island” as the 21st annual gala dinner and auction charts a course for Madagascar. The SS Benefit NAIT Cruise raises funds to enhance the quality of technical education for more than 85,000 students enrolled in NAIT’s 250 certificate, diploma and four-year degree programs. By invitation only. For information, please contact Maggie MacDonald at 780.471.7827. An Evening with Artists 7 Profiles Public Art Gallery, and the Arts and Heritage Foundation of St. Albert present their annual fundraiser to support education programs for all ages. Platinum Centre, St. Albert. Visit www.artsheritage.ca. Contact 780.460.4310. The Alzheimer Benefit Dinner TBA of Nations-Tropical Port of Calls Escape the winter blues and join the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories to support Alzheimer research, education and support services. Enjoy a five-course meal of tropical delight. Celebrity waiters on “staff” to earn tips for research. Live and silent auctions, plus comedy entertainment. The Crowne PlazaChateau Lacombe.Tickets: $150 or $1200 for a table of eight. Visit www.alzheimer.ab.ca or contact Sylvie Keane at 780.4882266 ext 231 Spring Fling 19 Get a head start on Spring! Theatre Network’s fresh and frolicking annual fundraiser is back—packed with engaging live entertainment, strand-out selection of lavish auction items and a fabulous fourcourse meal. Bask in a special spring-like atmosphere created at The Sutton Place Hotel, while supporting Theatre Network live at the Roxy. Sponsored by EPCOR. Tickets: $150. Visit www.theatrenetwork.ca. Contact 780.453.2440. DanceSport Alberta TBA Edmonton Fundraiser Watch some of this area’s best amateur dance competitors as DanceSport Alberta raises scholarships funds at Edmonton’s Northern Lights classic ballroom competition. St. Johns Cultural Centre. Tickets: $20 (advance), $25 (door) Contact Theresa Jenkins 780.909.4332.

EDMONTONIANS DECEMBER 2008

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april 2009 Mayor’s Celebration for the Arts TBA This tribute to Edmonton’s world-class creative community is produced by the Professional Arts Coalition of Edmonton (PACE) and recognizes achievement in the arts at this annual event. Winspear Centre. Tickets: $15 to $200. Visit www.edmonton.ca or www.pacedmonton.com for details A Food for All Seasons Gala 16 This gala features a delicious four-course meal, wine, live musical entertainment, a keynote speech, and both silent and live auctions. This is an important fundraiser for the Edmonton Food Bank and an opportunity to renew our dedication to its mission. Dress is business formal. The Sutton Place Hotel. Tickets:$100 each; $750 for table of eight . Visit www.edmontonsfoodbank.com. Contact 780.425.2133.

Edmonton Coast Plaza Hotel 21 presents the 2009 Power of Humanity Canadian Red Cross Dessert Fundraiser Experience first-hand the inspirational power of the Red Cross as stories of those impacted by Red Cross services and programs are told. This year’s event will also celebrate the Canadian Red Cross centennial anniversary. Enjoy live music, a variety of hors d’oeurves and desserts— and make a financial contribution to support your local Red Cross. Visit www.redcross.ca/cnar. Contact Kim Falconer 780.702.4161. Edmonton Fashion Week 24-30 Kicking off the week is The Gala at City Hall—a semi-formal event to raise funds

Grant MacEwan College students. Wear your finest evening attire and top it off with a mad hat! Shaw conference Centre—Hall D. Tickets: $300. Visit www.macewan.ca/madhatters. Contact Bonnie at 780.497.4285

may 2009 Sorrentino’s Garlic Stomp 1 Each year a different charity is selected as the beneficiary of this annual dinner. Danny Hooper will emcee the evening’s festivities. Shaw Conference Centre. Ticket price includes dinner, dance and live entertainment. Visit www.sorrentinos.com. Contact Stella Rago at 780.474.6466.

Gala Rose Ball 17 Celebrate the 87th anniversary of Les Amis Dance Club at this formal evening at the Italian Culture Centre. Music by The Romantics. Tickets: $110 per couple. Throughout the year, the club hosts several other dance events. Visit www.clubweb.interbaun.com/~donk/lesam ies.htm for more information. Contact Ralph Westwood 780.963.6333 or Patricia Lobo 780.474.1337. Walk in My Shoes 17 The 14th annual auction and dinner in support of the Pilgrim’s Hospice’s end-oflife care programs for caregivers and bereavement services will be emceed by Danny Hooper. The Sutton Place Hotel. Tickets:$150. Visit www.pilgrimshospice.ca. Contact 780.413.9801. Edmonton Federation of 17-18 Community Leagues 58th Annual City Wide Talent Show This event provides music and dance performance and competition opportunities to talented young Edmontonians from our city’s community leagues. Held at the Stanley A. Milner Library Downtown, the event is open to the public at no cost. Registration deadline is February 6th. Visit www.efcl.org for details. Contact Judith Richardson at talent@efcl.org or 780.473.2718. Spring 2009 18-19 Edmonton Woman’s Show Whether you want to spend some quality mother-daughter time or just enjoy a girl’s day out, this event is one you don’t want to miss! Two full days of fun, fashion, giveaways and exciting guest speakers. Northlands AgriCom. Donations in support of Lurana Shelter are welcomed. Visit www.edmontonshows.com for more information. Contact Louise Reinich at 780.490.0215.

Hike for Hospice 3 Support the Pilgrims Hospice Society at the Winspear Centre for Music. Details for this benefit concert and art auction are available at www.pilgrimshospice.ca. Contact 780.413.9801. ABFI Annual Signature Event TBA The Alberta Business Family Institute in the School of Business at the University of Alberta will feature a prominent business family to share their experiences. An entertaining and informative evening that allows the continued successes of family businesses everywhere. Visit www.abfi.ca Contact ABFI at 780.492.0234 CNIB Visions Luncheon 7 Enjoy this mid-day business gala which will feature comedian James Cunningham. This event raises funds to support programs and services that help people with vision loss live, work, study and enjoy the things that matter most. The Westin. Tickets: $100 each, or table of 10 for $900, including applicable tax receipt. Visit www.cnib.ca/divisions/alberta. Contact Sharon McIntyre at 780.453.8333 Arts on the Block TBA Reserve your tickets for the 11th annual Art Gallery of Alberta’s highly anticipated silent art auction. Proceeds benefit the Gallery’s exhibitions and educational programs. Visit www.artgalleryalberta.com. Call 780.422.6223

Jack Lee’s Shrimp Broth with Stuffed Shrimp shrimp tofu dumpling for the Bissell Centre. Edmonton Fashion week supports local designers, models and performers in a unique and entertaining art production. Shows held in Churchill Square. Don’t forget to be creative in your dress—you’re part of the show, too. Tix on the Square. For details, visit www.edmontonfashionweek.com Yellow Ribbon Gala Dinner 25 and Silent Auction The Officers Mess is the venue for this prestigious event in support of the Edmonton Garrison Military Family Resource Centre. It features a sevencourse dinner and special guest speaker. Funds raised support the programs and services of the military community. Visit www.mfrcedmonton.com. Contact Moira Smith at 780.973.4011 ext 6330 Mad Hatter’s Gala 25 The 24th annual Mad Hatter’s Gala in support of scholarships and bursaries for

Volunteer Citizen of the Year/ 2 Leaders of Tomorrow The St. Albert Community Information and Volunteer Centre hosts this gala to recognize an individual, couple or group whose exceptional volunteerism has enhanced the community. Location TBA. Tickets: approximately $20/person. Visit www.stalbertcivc.com for up-dates. Contact Vivian Leland 780.459.6666. Avenue of Hope Gala 2 Join us at this annual, semi-formal evening of good will, good food and good fun to raise funds and friends in support of the programs being provided by Lurana Shelter Society: shelter for women with or without children fleeing domestic violence, drop-in Child Care Program, and Youth Outreach Program. Italian Cultural Centre.Volunteers are needed. Contact 780.422-7263. Visit www.atonementhome.com.

CASA for Kids Spring Celebration 8 The CASA Foundation is holding its 8th Annual Kids Spring Celebration at the Oasis Conference Centre. This fresh, fun event in support of children’s mental health will include cocktails, dinner, unique door prizes, raffles, and live and silent auctions. Special youth-focused entertainment. Contact Giselle Gaboury, director of fund development at 780.415.0496. Visit www.casaservices.org Books2Eat Gala 8 An evening of culinary and literary delights in support of the Edmonton Public Library. Enjoy an exciting array of edible literary creations, spectacular silent auction pieces, delectable food, great music and warm friendship. Money raised will ensure the Edmonton Public Library continues to provide vital programs and services. Tickets: $100. Contact Sheineen Nathoo at 780.496.1856 Rt. Hon. Sir Winston S. Churchill TBA Society Annual Memorial Banquet The 44th annual banquet features a guest speaker. Awards will be presented for high school debate and speech competitors; cash awards to U of A students for history research, and the naming of this year’s Churchill College Scholarship recipient. Contact Chuck Marshall at 780.467.7682 or e-mail lestock1@telusplanet.net Canadian Breast Cancer 9 Foundation Mother’s Day Luncheon This 11th annual event raises awareness for breast cancer and the role that the

2009 Social Calendar Annual listing of more than 200 galas and events sponsored by registered charities, social and cultural societies, business and professional organizations and other not-for-profit groups • update & add 2009 events • register your 2010 gala

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Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Praires/NWT Region plays in creating a future without breast cancer. Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. Get your tickets early – this event sells out! Call 780.452.1166. Consular Ball 9 The 29rd Annual Edmonton Consular Ball is an elegant evening of gourmet food, dancing, spirits and wine. This black tie event is sponsored by the Edmonton Consular Corps, with proceeds supporting scholarships for the University of Alberta’s international studies. Crowne Plaza – Chateau Lacombe. Tickets: $195. Contact Bernd Reuscher, Honorary Consul of Germany, at 780.438.6138.

all the underground glamour of the roaring ‘20s! Savour the food, music and décor of the era, plus live and silent auctions, fabulous entertainment, and dancing under the stars! Funds raised will be used to continue to build Fort Edmonton Park. Tickets: $150. Visit www.fortedmontonfoundation.org. Contact Naida Geisler at 780.496.6977.

15th Annual House 13-14 & Garden Tour Celebrate Alberta Ballet’s 42nd year by touring spectacular homes and gardens in support of Alberta Ballet programs. Tickets go on sale spring 2009. Visit www.albertaballet.com. Contact Diane Holmes at 780.428.6839 ext. 1.

Rotary Club of Edmonton 9 Dinner & Auction The Rotary Club of Edmonton sponsors its 23rd Downtown with a Purpose Gala. Funds raised will help newly-arrived families from Africa integrate fully into the fabric of Canadian life, and contribute as citizens in our community. The Westin. Tickets: $150 (tax receipt issued). Visit www.edrotary.com. Contact Lovina Zwarich at 780.429.3256. Junior Achievement Alberta 13 Business Hall of Fame 2009 celebrates the 29th anniversary of the Alberta Business Hall of Fame. This event honours business and community leaders, and is hosted by Junior Achievement of Northern Alberta & NWT. Shaw Conference Centre. Visit www.janorthalberta.org for details or contact 780.428.1421 ext 221. Esquao Awards 2009 – 16 Angels Among Us The Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women brings the 14th Annual Esquao Awards to the Northlands AgriCom. The awards honour and recognize Aboriginal women for their accomplishments in many different categories. Tickets: $150. Visit www.iaaw.ca. 18th Annual Brain Injury 29 Awareness Week Kick-Off Breakfast Join NABIS—the Northern Alberta Brain Injury Society—for a wake-up breakfast and learning experience with a keynote speaker. This event will bring attention to brain injury and its effects and raise funds to support the services provided to people affected by brain injury. The Westin Ballroom. Contact at Mary 780.479.1757. Visit www.nabis.ab.ca. Earth Angels unite – 29 For the Love of Children Gala The Kids Kottage Foundation hosts this 9th annual black tie gala ball to promote the health and well-being of children and to prevent child abuse. Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. Tickets: $300. Visit www.kidskottage.org. Contact Pam Miller at 780.448.2545. Taste of History 2009 – 29 Bootlegger’s Ball At the Bootlegger’s Ball, you’ll experience

information. Contact 780.413.9629 or info@emeraldfoundation.ca. Council for Visual Arts Gala 19 This gala evening of buffet dinner, dancing, silent and live auctions supports The Places, Art & Design in Public Places Program which facilitates the acquisition and display of art and design in Edmonton. Scholarships are awarded to art and design students. Presented by The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald; The Edmonton Business Council for Visual Arts and The Works International Visual Arts Society. Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. Tickets: $150 or $2900 for 20. Contact Linda Wedman at 780.426.2122 ext 222.

july & august 2009 It’s festival time in the city. Charity focus shifts to golfing, walking, running and biking for worthy causes. Check the on-line calendar at www.edmontonians.com for summer events.

september 2009

Jack Lee’s Red Beet & Herb Tortellini chickpea filling, mixed bean & mushroom ragout

june 2009 Homeless for a Night TBA For one night in early June you will have the opportunity to enjoy an evening of enlightenment about youth homelessness, take in some great entertainment or just sit by the fire at Telus Field. In a small way, everyone will experience what life is like when you don’t have a warm, comfortable home to go to. Register online as a team or individually, and collect pledges for the Youth Emergency Shelter Society. For more information, to register or to make a pledge, visit www.yess.org. Contact Louise Hovelson at 780.468.7070. Dreamspeakers International 1-6 This four-day event is presented by the Dreamspeakers Festival Society which educates and markets Aboriginal culture, art and heritage. Tickets $20 for the opening night reception with limited seats available. Tickets for the wrap party and awards are invitation only. Visit www.dreamspeakers.org for updates and submissions of film information. Contact Stella Martin, Doreen Cardinal or Helen Calahasen at 780.378.9609.

Flamenco! 14 You will be transported to sultry España as you experience the soul and passion of flamenco dance. Part of the proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Crime Stoppers, a charity that works to ensure safer communities. Tickets: $25 in advance; $35 at the door. Contact Flavia Robles at flaviarobles3@yahoo.com or call 780.916.1665. YWCA Women of Distinction 14 Awards Gala and Silent Auction Join some of the most accomplished women in Edmonton as we celebrate their achievements in style. Unique entertainment. Delicious food and a luxury silent auction top off this evening of excitement and inspiration. Call 780.423.9922 or go on-line at www.ywcaofedmonton.org for details or to nominate someone you know. 2009 Emerald Awards 16 The 18th annual Emerald Awards recognize and celebrate people and initiatives that demonstrate environmental excellence. The 2009 event will be held at the Citadel Shoctor Theatre. Tickets include a reception which follows the awards ceremony. Visit www.emeraldfoundation.ca for more

Denim Ducks Dinner TBA Sponsored by Ducks Unlimited Canada, this gala dinner at the Crowne PlazaChateau Lacombe will feature live and silent auctions in support of the preservation and conservation of wetlands. Visit www.ducks.ca for updates. Contact Tracy O’Neil 780.444.2354. Grandparents Award of Distinction 12 Gala Banquet and Silent Auction The Bernadette N. Swan Social Care Foundation celebrates the contributions of grandparents to family and society. It recognizes individuals nominated for the award of distinction by their grandchildren. Funds from the event support programs for seniors. Contact Bernadette at 780.994.0669. Award of Courage 17 Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital and Foundation presents this event to recognize and award the courage of Glenrose patients who have overcome great challenges in their determination to rebuild their lives. The evening also recognizes those remarkable donors who support the Foundation. Visit www.glenrosefoundation.com. Contact 780.735.6024. Sizzling Twenty under 30! 17 Edmontonians and Lexus of Edmonton host the 5th annual hot soiree at the dealership. Invited guests celebrate and toast 20 individuals under the age of 30 who have demonstrated true entrepreneurial and community spirit. Profiles are featured annually in the September issue of the magazine. Nomination forms are available at www.edmontonians.com and close on May 31st. This is one of Edmonton’s “IT” parties. Contact info@edmontonians.com.

EDMONTONIANS DECEMBER 2008

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Edmonton Meals on Wheels 18 8th Annual Celebrity Box Social Canadian Western Bank and Edmonton Meals on Wheels present the 8th Annual Celebrity Box Social. Enjoy a decadent chocolate dessert buffet while bidding for the company of high profile Edmontonians in live and silent auctions. This fun event is also supported by local restaurants who donate gift certificates for meals to the winning bidders and their celebrity guests. Tickets: $75 in advance. For more information visit www.mealsonwheelsedmonton.org or call 780.429.2020

random auctions. Shaw Conference Centre. Tickets go on sale in the spring of 2009. Visit www.afpa.com. Contact 780.444.2272 or 403.201.3657 ext. 21 or email info@afpa.com. Edmonton international 25 Film Festival – Opening Night Gala Opening Night Gala consists of a movie premiere and after-party with visiting filmmakers and actors. This is the kick-off event to the EIFF—a nine-day feast of feature films, shorts and documentaries from around the world. Tickets: $25. Contact Kerrie Long at 780.423.0844. Visit www.edmontonfilmfest.com.

Community programs. Visit www.esks.com for updates. Contact Cathy Fiss 780.448.1525. 17th Annual 12-14 Scarecrow Festival Exciting changes are in the works for the 2009 Scarecrow Festival… but we’re not telling you here. The focus still remains raising funds for the ABC Head Start Program which works with low-income families and pre-school children to achieve success in learning and life. Northlands AgriCom. Visit www.scarecrowfestival.org. Contact Bernice Gordeyko at 780.484.3242.

Canadian Liver Foundation’s TBA Masque Slip on a mask and become a person of mystery at this semi-formal event as we un-masque the truth about liver diseases. Funds raised go toward the Canadian Liver Foundation–Northern Alberta chapter’s programs and services, and to support liver research projects. Visit www.liver.ca. Contact Carmen Boyko at 780.444.1547.

Edmonton Fashion Week 22-28 See and be seen at Edmonton’s own Fashion Week. Enjoy imaginative designs by local artists and The Gala at City Hall in support of the Bissell Centre. Let your own creativity show in your dress – anything goes! Tix on the Square. Visit www.edmontonfashionweek.com. Edmonton Eskimo TBA Women’s Dinner A fun fund-raiser, the 3rd annual EE Women’s Dinner aims to increase women’s interest in football and raise funds for a charitable cause. Green and Gold Club at Commonwealth Stadium. Visit www.esks.com for details. Contact forgej@telus.net. FEASTival of Fine Chefs 23 This is the 21st annual ultimate experience in multi-course gourmet dining where teams from 25 establishments prepare Alberta products supplied by members of the Alberta Food Processors Association. The event showcases the talents of apprentice chefs and Alberta foods and beverages to help raise funds for the Stan Ballard Apprenticeship Fund. Silent and

Edmonton Fire Fighters TBA Gala Dinner Funds raised at this event for Muscular Dystrophy Canada go toward providing equipment and support services for people with neuromuscular disorders. Tickets include a dinner, dance and bachelor auction. Each lady receives gifts and merchandise. Visit www.muscle.ca. Contact Jo-ann Burton 780.489.6322 ext 25. CAFE Gala TBA This gala dinner brings families in business together to connect with peers and resources. Sponsored by the Canadian Association of Family Enterprise, this is an opportunity to introduce families to CAFE and to share their successes and challenges.Visit www.cafecanada.ca/ edmonton for updates. Contact Anita Lehmann at 780.484.4484.

7th Annual Dr. Helen Hays TBA Sunflower Luncheon Each year a prominent speaker delivers a keynote address at this luncheon for the Pilgrim’s Hospice Society. Proceeds support Edmonton’s only freestanding hospice. Tickets: $90. Visit www.pilgrimshospice.ca. Contact 780.413.9801. Duncan & Craig Laurel Awards 21 The 15th annual Laurel Awards recognize and reward creativity and innovation in not-for-profit organizations. The Westin. By invitation only. For information and nomination forms, follow the link at www.dcllp.com. Contact Sol Rolingher 780.441.4310.

Fall 2009 Edmonton 17-18 Woman’s Show Whether you want to spend some quality mother-daughter time or just enjoy a girl’s day out, this event is one you don’t want to miss. Two full days of fun, fashion, giveaways and exciting guest speakers. Northlands AgriCom. Donations in support of Lurana Shelter are welcomed.Visit www.edmontonshows.com for more information. Contact Louise Reinich at 780.490.0215.

Rodeo Round-Up Dinner TBA This annual gala dinner with live and silent auctions is sponsored by Ducks Unlimited Canada to support the preservation and conservation of wetlands. Visit www.ducks.ca for updates. Contact Tracy O’Neil at 780.444.2354.

Jack Lee’s Pan Seared Quail with Spinach Farce Shanghai bok choy, devilled quail egg, Saskatoon berry sauce

october 2009 Minerva Dinner TBA The Minerva Foundation’s mission is to assist the personal growth of individuals and families by providing financial assistance to Edmonton-based charitable organizations. The evening features an entertaining and inspiring keynote speaker. Guests also hear success stories from past Foundation recipients who describe how support from Minerva has changed their lives and enriched the community. Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. Visit www.minervafoundation.ca. Edmonton Eskimo TBA Football Club’s 46th Annual Dinner A celebration of the Edmonton Eskimos and their contributions to the community. Individual tickets or tables of 10 are available. With the purchase of a table of 10, you may request a player as your 10th guest. Proceeds from the dinner go towards the Eskimo’s Champions in the

Voices for Hospice 17 Support the Pilgrims Hospice Society at the Winspear Centre for Music. Details for this benefit concert and art auction are available at www.pilgrimshospice.ca Contact 780.413.9801 Fashion with Compassion TBA Edmonton’s premier fashion show in support of Sorrentino’s Compassion House holds two fundraising events at the Shaw Conference Centre on this day: Tickets: luncheon, $85, gala dinner, $200. Visit www.compassionhouse.org. Contact 780.425.7224 ext 234. A Night to Remember 17 ADF Gala and Auction Sponsored by the Alberta Diabetes Foundation, proceeds from the evening’s events are directed toward world class research at the Alberta Diabetes Institute at the University of Alberta. The Westin. Tickets: $275 or $2,500 for a table of 10. Visit www.afdr.ab.ca. Contact Irene Casavant at 780-492-9541.

Concordia’s 9th Annual 24 Grand Masque Gala Experience an evening of elegance and fine dining in support of Concordia University College of Alberta. This is one of Edmonton’s must-attend black tie events. Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. Visit www.concordia.ab.ca/alumni. Contact Katherine Hutton at 780.479.9247. Laugh for Life Gala 24 They say laughter is the best medicine and you will get a huge dose of it at this wacky evening with Comedian Anita Renfroe (more than 10 million YouTube hits) in support of The Mustard Seed and Candeo Housing Association. Winspear Centre. Tickets: $35 advance, $40 door if available. Visit www.laughforlife.ca for updates. Contact Craig Hutscal at 780.463.1189. BMO Boolathon 228 for Kids Help Phone This is a fun and safe family Hallowe’en event where everyone dresses up in costumes and bowls two games after having raised pledges in support of Kids Help Phone. There are prizes for best costumes, and best team and individual fundraisers. Proceeds support professional

Slimming Secret! Lose 4 to 20 inches in an hour! A hot new detoxifying body wrap!

Why it works? The wrap detoxifies the body. The body can get overloaded with toxins because it cannot keep up with the filtration process. The more toxins in the body, the more lymphatic fluid increases to protect cells. You force out toxins. Once the toxins are gone, the lymphatic fluid decreases and you lose inches. It is not water loss—rather, an exchange of minerals for toxins.

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780.459.3444 pedicures. manicures. facials. aroma therapy message

www.suddenlyslimmerdayspa.com EDMONTONIANS DECEMBER 2008

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counselling service for kids in Edmonton and area and across Canada. Contact Sharon Edwards at 403.645.4086 or email sharon.edwards@kidshelpphone.ca. Visit www.kidshelpphone.ca/boolathon. Nights of Artists 13th Annual 29-31 Art and Music Festival A three-day celebration of the arts showcasing original art, music, dancing, poetry and more. Guests can enjoy cocktail galas, concerts and fashion shows while browsing and purchasing artworks from all over the province of Alberta. Tickets Available July 1st at Tix On The Square: 780-420-1757. More info at www.NightofArtists.com or by calling 780.718.7635.

Anniversary will be held in Calgary. ASTech recognizes Alberta’s most important and influential leaders, innovators and contributors in the science and technology community. The evening features a gourmet dinner and awards ceremony. It is sponsored by the ASTech Foundation. For more information, visit www.astech.ab.ca. Contact Bev Jones at 1.403.220.9130; or e-mail info@astech.ab.ca. 19th Annual Chili Cook Off 6 Call the Fire Department. We’ve got a fivealarmer here as contestants pair up with

an improved quality of life for those with disabilities and chronic conditions. Shaw Conference Centre. Visit www.glenrosefoundation.com for details. Contact 780.735.7912.

to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. A dazzling event with big name entertainment. Visit www.jdrf/ca for updates. Contact edmonton@jdrf.ca.

St. Joseph’s College Gala 7 Join the supporters of St. Joseph’s College, the Catholic College at the University of Alberta, for this black-tie fundraiser. The Sutton Place Hotel. Visit www.stjosephcollege.ca for up-dates. Contact Kim Harder at 780.492.7681 ext 230.

Poor Boy’s Lunch TBA In 1994, CTV Edmonton established its own registered charity, the Good Neighbour Fund. The Fund assists people in Edmonton and Northern Alberta who have fallen on hard times. The Poor Boys Lunch is the group’s major fundraising event. Visit www.goodneighbourfund.ca for details as they become available. Contact 780.486.9215. National Philanthropy Day 12 Awards and Luncheon Join the Association of Fund Raising Professionals Edmonton and Area Chapter to celebrate and acknowledge the philanthropic achievements of our community. Tickets: $65. Nominations for the awards may be made at www.afpedmonton.ca. Contact Christy Holtby at 780.960.4188 or philanthropyday@afpedmonton.ca.

Oktoberfest to Rocktoberfest 31 Admission includes a traditional Bavarian feast, music and entertainment… and then the Shaw Conference Centre erupts with rock music at midnight. George Kash will emcee the evening’s festivities. Featuring The Blackforest Band and the Rocktoberfest headliner will be a Canadian Band. Visit www.ggca.ca for more info.

8th Annual Champions 14 for Children Dinner & Auction Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Edmonton Northeast, this evening features a tribute to local “champions” who have made significant contributions to the betterment of children’s lives. The event will be emceed by Danny Hooper and feature entertainment. Sawmill Banquet Centre. Tickets $125 or table of 8 for $800. Contact 780.460.8798

november 2009 World STONE Nina’s Cake Walk 2 Best described as a “fashion show for baked goods”, local celebrities, chefs, sponsors and artists team up to create 12 fabulous cakes, and then battle it out on the runway for first place honours. The Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts supports a collective of artists with developmental disabilities and the on-site Stollery public gallery, as well as free and low cost community art programming. The Sutton Place Hotel. Tickets: $75. Call Tix-on-theSquare at 780.420.1757 or on-line at www.tixonthesquare.ca. Visit www.ninahaggertyart.ca. Rocky Mountain 5-7 Wine & Food Festival Educate and tempt your palate with wonderful food and wine at this three-day event. A portion of tickets sales will go towards creating scholarships for culinary students at NAIT. Shaw Conference Centre. Visit www.rockymountainwine.com for details. Contact 1.866.228.3555. ASTech Awards Gala 6 The ASTech Awards Gala is held in Edmonton every second year. The 20th

Jack Lee’s Cranberry, Walnut & Cheese Sausage mixed fruit salad, mango and raspberry sauce media partners to compete for the title of “Ultimate Chili” in Edmonton. Proceeds go to the Downtown Business Association’s charity of the year. Visit www.edmontondowntown.com. Contact the Downtown Business Association at 780.424.4085. Spotlight on Research 6 Start the day off at this educational breakfast event. The Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation/Capital Health offers an opportunity to learn how research at the Glenrose offers hope for

Northern Lights Classic 7-8 Ballroom Dance Competition Attracting top Western Canadian dancers to Edmonton, the 6th annual Northern Lights Classic Ballroom Dance competition will be held at the Polish Hall. Tickets: $35 to $55. This event will undoubtedly raise the profile of Edmonton’s ballroom dance! Contact Theresa Jenkins at 780.909.4332. Denim & Diamonds TBA Join the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation as it hosts the 17th annual Denim & Diamonds evening to raise funds

Prinzenproklamation 2009 14 Join the Blauen Funken Mardi Gras Association at the German Canadian Cultural Centre for this spectacular evening of traditional German Carnival—a season kicked off with the crowning of the Prince and Princess. Floor show and dance are included in the ticket price. Visit www.blauenfunken-edmonton.com for details. Contact Will Moering at 780.485.2526. Wine Tasting Gala TBA The Kidney Foundation of CanadaNorthern Alberta & the Territories Branch presents an evening at Lexus of Edmonton. It features musical entertainment, live and silent auctions, hors d’oeuvres and scotch table. Money raised will be used to fund research; provide education and support, and

EDMONTONIANS DECEMBER 2008

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Jack Lee’s Escargot Trio escargot encroute, wild mushroom duxelles, cream cheese & escargot mousse, escargot lollipop with tomato salsa, black olive tapenade garlic sauce and parsley foam promote access to high quality healthcare for people with kidney disease. Tickets: $75. Visit www.kidney.ab.ca. Contact Sabrina Sperber 780.451.6900. NorQuest College Foundation TBA 7th Annual Fundraising Breakfast Guests are invited to this breakfast event to hear NorQuest’s unique story. The fundraising event supports student programs and enhancements to learning. Visit www.norquest.ca for more information about this growing downtown Edmonton college. Contact Kristin Tustian 780.644.5922. Csardas Ball TBA The 42th Annual Csardas Ball is a black tie/evening gown event to support scholarships for the study of advanced music at the Kodaly Pedagogical Institute of Music in Kecskemet, Hungary. Sponsored by the Hungarian Society. Crowne Plaza-Chateau Lacombe. Tickets: $150. Contact Alex and Anna Szenthe at 780.464.4252. The Fine Art of Schmoozy: TBA Live the Beautiful Night A seasonal fundraiser in support of Latitude 53 featuring live music, silent auction and refreshments. Latitude 53 Contemporary Visual Culture 10248 – 106 St., 8pm – 2 am. Visit www.latitude53.org. Call 780.423.5353 or e-mail admin@latitude53.org for more information. Edmonton Ladies Dinner 20 This is the 25th annual fund raising dinner and auction, sponsored by Ducks Unlimited Canada in support of wetlands, preservation and conservation. Visit www.ducks.ca for updates, and similar events in Stony Plain, Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Beaumont, St. Albert, Spruce Grove, Leduc, Devon and Ardrossan. Contact Tracy O’Neil at 780.444.2354.

5th Annual Crime Stoppers 20 Multi-Cultural Gala Join Crime Stoppers Association of Edmonton & Northern Alberta for its gala fundraiser in support of safer communities. The evening includes a fabulous meal, lively entertainment and a dance. Crime Stoppers believes that every person deserves the right to live, work and play without being victimized. Tickets: $65 each or $600 for table of 10. Visit www.crimestoppers.ab.ca or contact 780.421.1122. BrightNights Winter Dec 20 Family Festival – Jan 3 Ooh and aah at the fantasy festival of lights at BrightNights at Hawrelak Park, Churchill Square and Alberta Legislature grounds. Profits from BrightNights help the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce Endowment Fund for Children in Need, benefiting E4C’s Edmonton’s School Lunch Program. Food Bank donations are welcomed at all venues. Visit www.edmontonchamber.com. Contact 780.426.4620. Going Once, Going Twice 21 Art Auction & Gala The Visual Arts Alberta and Harcourt House Arts Centre host this event to raise funds to benefit education and exhibition programs. Hellenic Centre 10450 – 116 Street, Edmonton. Tickets: $40 in advance or $45 at the door. Visit www.visualartsalberta.com and www.hartcourthouse.ab.ca. Contact the Executive Director VAAA at 780.421.1731 or HH 780.426.4180 Shumka’s Red Boots, 21 Ballet and Bubbly New Works Gala In celebration of 50 years of this cultural icon of Edmonton and Alberta, divine entertainment, fabulous people, mouthwatering food, jazzy music, and an enticing silent auction will converge for a spectacular gala. A major fundraising event for the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers,

enabling the dance company to continue to represent Edmonton, Alberta and Canada around the world. Tickets: $100. Visit www.shumka.com. Contact Suzanna Brytan at 780.455.9559. Festival of Trees Gala Evening 25 The Festival of Trees celebrates its 25th anniversary year with a gala dinner and auction to support the University of Alberta Hospital. This black tie event is hosted by the University Hospital Foundation. Shaw Conference Centre. By invitation only. Visit www.festivaloftrees.ab.ca. E-mail festivaloftrees@cha.ab.ca or contact 780.407.2786. Twas the Night 27 This 12th annual fundraiser promotes fine craft in Alberta. Proceeds go to the Alberta Craft Council’s 2010 exhibition program. Held at Alberta Craft Council. Tickets: $20. Visit www.albertacraft.ab.ca. Contact Nancy St. Hilaire at 780.488.6611 ext 234.

december 2009 The Holly Ball TBA Proceeds go toward building and preserving the permanent collection at the Art Gallery of Alberta. Featuring a champagne reception, dinner and live music, this is a black tie event. Tickets and more event information will be available at www.artgalleryalberta.com or contact 780.422.6223. Derks Annual Black Tie TBA & Silent Auction Party Now in its 29th year, Derks Formals & Menswear presents this gala event to raise money for the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce Endowment Fund for Children in Need which benefits the Edmonton’s School Lunch Program, and collect food for the Edmonton Food Bank. Celebrate the spirit of the Christmas at this silent auction and fund raiser. World Trade Center. Contact Sereena or Cyndi at 780.433.4600.

Christmas Bureau Breakfast TBA Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP, Sobeys and The Westin sponsor the 28th Annual Christmas Bureau Breakfast to raise funds for festive meals for less fortunate Edmontonians. Held at The Westin. Visit www.christmasbureau.ca. Contact P. Daryl Wilson, Q.C at 780.423-7224 or Jenn Muir 780.423.7385. Realtors® Association of Edmonton & Realtors® Community Foundation Christmas Luncheon Realtors and guests are invited to join together to raise funds for the Edmonton Realtor’s Charitable Foundation. Northlands Agricom. Tickets: $50 plus GST. Enjoy a special luncheon and live entertainment. Visit www.ereb.com and follow the links. Contact Lixmila Serrano 780.453.9350. Share the Spirit Open House 6 Celebrate the holiday season with friends and supporters of Pilgrims Hospice. This afternoon gathering will feature lunch, and wreath and craft sales. Contact 780.413.9801. Snowflake Gala 2009 7 The annual Snowflake Gala, presented by Don and Marina Ghermezian, is a fundraiser for priority needs at the Stollery Children’s Hospital. Children and parents alike will don their finest attire to dine, dance and donate in a winter wonderland. Shaw Conference Centre. This event regularly sells out so be sure to get your tickets early. Visit www.stollerykids.com. Latin New Year’s Eve 31 The 10th annual extravaganza features live entertainment, DJs, and salsa show. This family event is held at the Delta Edmonton South Hotel. Tickets at tixonthesquare.ca $80 for dinner, dance and party favours and must be purchased by December 26. Dance only $35. Visit www.morenoproductions.com. Contact Bayron at 780.691.0835.

EDMONTONIANS DECEMBER 2008

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Dynasty that is

The

TeamNAIT

By John Berry

magine for a moment that you have just graduated from the Culinary Arts Program at NAIT. You, along with a handful of others, have been selected to compete in the World Culinary Olympics, held every four years, in Erfurt, Germany. You will be going up against some of the brightest and most talented competitors from around the globe. That’s what happened to 2007 graduates Chris Tom-Kee, Jake Pelletier and Tang Pham; 2008 grad Jack Lee; current apprentice student Albert Kwok; and Norman Brownlee, a John Berry, Vinod Varshney and Jack Lee competitor/coach and NAIT staff member. Photo by Terry Bourque The chefs were ympics accompanied by Ol y ar lin Cu ld Wor Lee won gold for a big plus in their winning equation. “The three NAIT Erfert, Germany exhibition hall in freshness, the quality of food has been his buffet platter staffers team received exceptionally well.” and six appetizers. manager Vinod Tom-Kee won Varshney, and gold for his coaches Troy restaurant platter, Lynburner and Ian three course Campbell, as well luncheon menu as support worker and four entrees, Margaret Andris, a while Pham won current apprentice silver in the same student. category. Pelletier and What makes Brownlee both took bronze medals in TeamNAIT’s medal patisserie: four plated desserts, one platter haul particularly impressive is that of petit fours and a show piece. members did not compete in a student or According to Varshney, who is also chair junior chef category. They went head-tohead—plate-to-plate—against hundreds of of Culinary Arts and Apprentice Cooking, it took a year and a half to prepare the the best chefs in the world. The judges students. Hard work and team work are gave them no special considerations— their ages and years of experience were of paramount. He also credits Alberta’s products as an advantage. Varshney says it’s no consequence.

TeamNAIT medalists: Norman Brownlee, Jake Pelletier, Chris Tom-Kee, Jack Lee and Tang Pham. Photo by Jack Ness

He beams, “I’m so very proud of Jack and all of the students. They worked hard and diligently. Hard work pays off. Their success is a result of this.” Indeed. And, much of the credit has to go to Varshney and his team of instructorcoaches. Together, they have created a culinary dynasty in competition. They captured four gold in the regional competition in Calgary this year… five gold at the nationals in Toronto along with the best quality of art in Canada. At the World Culinary Olympics in 2004, TeamNAIT won two gold and two silver medals. Add these to the mountain of hardware collected over the past several years and it’s easy to see Team NAIT as an international tour de force. “Our challenge ahead,” admits Varshney, “is to maintain our winning streak.” √

EDMONTONIANS DECEMBER 2008

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ACQUISITIONS, DIVESTITURES & CORPORATE FINANCE

Managing in a downturn “The budget should be balanced, the Treasury should be refilled, public debt should be reduced, the arrogance of officialdom should be tempered and controlled…lest Rome become bankrupt. People must again learn to work, instead of living on public assistance”. Attributed to Cicero - 55 BC The more things change, the more they stay the same. We at PWC offer the following advice on managing in a downturn. • Take a closer look. The goal posts are moving; understand the true picture not what you would like to believe. Look at what is driving your business; what you do best and why. Understand how the business is being impacted by the downturn.

with Stephen W. Kent, CA (780) 441-6793

• Act decisively. With increased uncertainty and volatility it is important to make tough decisions early. Focus relentlessly on the key drivers of value and the key risks across the business. Don’t sit back

and wait; the winners will be those who position themselves to take advantage of the upturn. • Cash is king. Ensure your finances and working capital are in good order; protect your liquidity. Monitor your performance against financial and non-financial covenants. Adopt a hands-on approach to cash management. • Focus on what really matters. Evaluate which products, customers and channels create or destroy value. Revisit your existing investment programmes – consider what initiatives could you stop or defer. • Manage your cost base. Go for targeted rather than across the board cuts. Reduce unnecessary complexity. • Reliable management information is the key. Decision making needs to be based on facts; decisions need to be made decisively and without delay.

a range of financial, operational and workforce scenarios. • Recognise the value of your people. Retaining and motivating the best people is critical to your future. • Take your stakeholders with you. Evaluate the likely impact of the downturn on your stakeholders; make sure you understand their agendas. Perception is often reality so maintain regular and open dialogue. • Take advantage of opportunities. Don’t stop innovating or investing in those areas of growth you need for a secure future. Think beyond the next quarter. Buying, selling or refinancing your business in the current marketplace is also challenging. We are here to help. We continue to close many deals for buyers and sellers. If you need help please contact me.

• Plan for different scenarios. Winners demonstrate agility and flexibility; model

EDMONTONIANS DECEMBER 2008

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