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in this issue issue... ...

Volume XXII Number 4 Winter 2011

www.edmontonians.com PUBLISHED BY: Cedar Publishing Corporation

About Town VoxPop

PRESIDENT Moe Najmeddine moe@edmontonians.com

Marty Forbes gets the latest on the United Way .................................................................. 4 Bob Layton recalls going from first to worst to first ............................................................ 6

EDITOR Barb Deters bdeters@edmontonians.com

Erin visits with an ex-pat .................................................................................................. 16

SALES MANAGER Carla Sebastian info@edmontonians.com COLUMNISTS Jey Arul • John Berry • Ben Block • Linda Bodo Cheryl Croucher • Marty Forbes • Lynn Fraser Cheryll Gillespie • Kelley Keehn • Doug Lacombe Bob Layton • Norman Leach • Shawn Moore Barbara Ashley Phillips • Erin Rayner • Sam Shakura Elissa Scott • Charles Strachey Ian Wachowicz • Mark Wardell FEATURE WRITERS Barb Deters • Quincey Deters Faalza Ramji • Yuri Wuensch PHOTOGRAPHERS John Berry • Bruce Clarke • Cheryl Croucher Quincey Deters • Tracy Kolenchuk

Sizzling in the City 2012 Social Calendar Edmontonians’ 10th Annual Guide to Galas and Charity Events compiled by Quincey Deters .......................................................................................30-37

Social Scene Sizzling Twenty Under 30 Reception Photos from the 10th Anniversary, celebrating 200 Sizzlers............................................. 20

Business Business Briefs Norman Leach highlights appointments to various boards ............................................... 18 Sidebar: Norman Leach receives a major award ............................................................... 19

Legally Speaking Ian Wachowicz explains Supreme Court ruling on hyperlinks .......................................... 29

Mergers & Acquisitions Jey Arul discusses buying versus starting a business ...................................................... 28

Professional Development Mark Wardell on client relationships ................................................................................ 25

Prosperity Plus Kelley Keehn says people invest similar to their careers ................................................... 12

WorkingWise Charles Strachey suggests ways to go from part to full time employment ....................... 13

GRAPHIC PRODUCTION Rage Studios Inc. All rights reserved by Cedar Publishing Corporation. Reproduction or transmission of all or any part of this publication by any means whatsoever is strictly forbidden without prior written permission from the publisher. Although great care is taken to avoid errors in the preparation of advertising material and editorial content, any errors or omissions on the part of Cedar Publishing Corporation are limited and dealt with solely by printing a retraction statement and or correction in the following issue.

Edmontonians Newsmagazine is a product of Cedar Publishing Corporation.

You & The Law Ben Block answers timely questions ................................................................................ 11

Features The Habitat for Humanity Habit

By Yuri Wuensch ...................................................................................................... 14&15

Hot 107 Hot Factor

By Faaiza Ramji ................................................................................................................... 7

Lively Lifestyles Absolute Bodo Linda Bodo knows how to pamper our pets ........................................................................ 9

MenuMagic Chef John Berry on the loose in Lotus Land .............................................................................. 8

Walking the Talk Barbara Ashley Phillips explains “real” forgiveness .......................................................... 23

Creative Interiors Cheryl Gillespie & Sam Shakura tips for chic entertaining ................................................ 24

Home Envision Elissa Scott embraces walkable communities .................................................................. 26

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

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

www.cedarpublishing.com EDMONTONIANS WINTER 2011

Opinions Civil Wars Nejolla Korris says there is no excuse for bad behavior ................................................... 10

Street Commerce Effects of Untreated Hearing Loss .................................................................................... 22

Visionaries Cheryl Croucher looks at the latest innovations, including the Avenir development ......... 38

3

Marty Forbes

C

“

...With Marty Forbes & Bob Layton

h i � iis my middle name. harity�

I say that because this is the Edmontonians issue that chronicles a plethora of charity events for the

How many agencies does United Way now assist?

Mike: We have over 50 agency partners working with us on programs in our three focus areas: education, income and wellness. This upcoming year. gives us a great opportunity to maximize the I’ve been extremely fortunate ortunate in my life to efforts to address the social issues be involved in media, experienced in our community. It’s exper d te ni U h it w which opens up many why donations and support also w PlanIt Sound Kick Off at doors in the Edmonton farther and wider than any go fa Way workers community. As such, other h charitable investment a I’ve been involved in community member can make. com literally hundreds of causes that simply make 2011 Campaign 201 life better for somebody Hi Highlights? else.

Mike: We had a great Kick Off Mi The biggest and event eve in September. As part most rewarding was my of ushering in our revitalized involvement in the United d brand, and a new generation of br Way. I spent nine years supporters, we developed an su either on the Cabinet or upbeat rap and R&B song and up the Board of Directors, video, tailored to our collective v meeting many dynamic efforts in community building e people and learning aboutt and our new brand bran tagline: Change Starts Here. how this city ticks.

Along with delivering new approaches del I thought it was time for an update‌ and to reaching the community, we are seeing had a great discussion with Mike Kluttig, a significant amount of activity through vice-president of Community Engagement workplace campaigns‌ The commitment of for the United Way of the Alberta Capital local companies, organizations and individuals Region. is extremely inspiring‌ In seeing the level of interest and passion in working together to address social issues in the region, we very much believe that the support will show through reaching our collective target of $21.5 million.

Edmonton is changing. How do you now see the United Way involved?

Mike: While the economy has presented challenges in the recent past, we still see a lot of opportunities and potential. But at the same time, like many communities, it has challenges—some of which are extremely significant and need a considerable amount of support to address.

The fact that Edmonton has a 10-year plan to end homelessness is a testament to that fact.

But what it’s also a testament to is the type of commitment community members and organizations have in this region‌We know that government can’t do it all, in terms of support, and we need to work together‌ and help support delivering programs and services that can make a difference.

If we look at the three focus areas of United Way, and consider the issues and challenges at hand, it becomes even clearer.

One in four of Edmonton’s youth are not graduating from high school. We have people experiencing homelessness and many others who live in poverty; and that’s not always about not having a job. There are many people who work but, each and every day, are making choices between putting food on the table and paying the rent. It doesn’t help that the numbers show you need a wage of $12 per hour to ensure you have the minimum essentials for living, and yet the minimum wage in Alberta is $9.40.

We see issues related to domestic violence and cultural challenges for people who have recently come to Canada‌ but they are struggling with adapting to essentials such as the language.

Perhaps it’s someone who was fighting addiction; a youth who needed mentoring or

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assistance becoming a parent early in life; or maybe it was someone who needed help due a disability. The scope of considerations is really quite something.

In terms of how United Way is involved‌ we are bringing together the right organizations for support; working with local leaders, community members and organizations to gather the resources to get the most effective programs and services delivered; and we’re tracking the results to see the significant difference we’re able to make by working together with common goals.

The differences are seen in so many ways.

Last year it was seen through the 11,000 coats that were collected, cleaned and distributed to local people in need‌ the 1,300 people that homes were found for in the first two years of the Plan to End Homelessness‌ the nearly 9,500 backpacks full of school supplies for students who needed the necessities to start the school year‌ the more than 1,000 seniors who received assistance with home maintenance and repair so they could live safely in their homes for a longer period of time.

environment when it comes to corporate giving, but we’re seeing it as more of a shift than a downturn. More and more, organizations are looking at corporate social responsibility aspects and what makes the most sense for their organizations to support. This has actually turned into important discussions that we have with organizations‌ on what aligns with their philosophies, their values‌ and how that can all come together in making a difference for the community. It’s also an exercise in finding what really matters—not only to the organization, but also to the staff that work within it. It’s a good representation of the corporate and individual pulses of an organization.

For the not-for-profit sector, it really does help in clarifying where an organization is coming from in terms of addressing needs in the community and the type and scope of impact that they want to make.

It seems that corporate giving is on a downturn. Is this reflective of the state of the economy or the reality of big business?

Mike: We have put a great deal of effort into our social media program. We know it isn’t a fad or a trend—it’s now an everyday form of media, with individual or mass information being transmitted in virtual social settings.

Mike: There is a definite change in the

The United Way is showing great leadership in web/social media. How important is it now to reach end users in this area?

Information is instantaneous and news is reaching us and the community at a faster pace than ever before.

So it has been critical that we keep up with the flow of information and that, when it reaches the community, people feel like they have a really good reason to stay connected to us. The information, stories and highlights that we deliver through our social media channels is current, relevant, at times personal and always interesting. Through it, we often recognize the people and great work in the community, as it all contributes to the success we achieve together. With social media as a steady, twoway form of communication, it also helps us learn what community members care about and the type of information they want to receive from us and our partners. This just strengthens the relationships and makes the process of supporting our community together that much more meaningful.

My thanks to Mike for his time‌ and to my readers. Donating time is as good—and sometimes even better—than money! √ Marty Forbes is president of Radiowise Inc. Contact: marty@edmontonians.com – and on Twitter: mjforbes

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VOX POP Continued...

I

came to 630 CHED in 1971.

The years that followed were exhilarating, to say the least, working with the likes of Wes Montgomery and Chuck Chandler and Bob McCord.

News Director J. Michael Warmington took a chance on me when I had just 15 months of experience and I found myself learning from seasoned editorialist Eddie Keen and newsmen like Frank Robertson, CR Nicholss and Hal Gardner. I once asked Mike what the “J� stood for, and he said, “Jesus�.

These were heady days of sold out advertising and solid ratings.

That all started to crumble when FM stations burst on the scene and the music sounded so much better.

Even a short experiment with AM stereo could not save us. By 1991, 630 CHED’s audience had been converted to Power 92, right across the dial from 630 CHED. Rob and Audie went to the FM side, along with newsman CR Nichols. It was a giddy day for them. One said to me,, “We love you but we’ll beat you if we can.� Another said, “Bob, we are now the is and you are the was.� My heart sank as they celebrated their revived careers. That left Gord Robison, Seanna Collins and me to do the morning show. We promoted our “50-minute rock blocks without commercial interruption�.

When the audience deserted us for Power 92, the advertisers went with them. At one point, I went to our program director, the late Wayne Bryant, and pointed out we had no prizing for Father’s Day. Could he do anything? He replied, “No. You have no audience. It doesn’t matter to me if you fill the air with flatulence. I advise you to seek work elsewhere. CHED is dead. It will likely be sold for scrap.�

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ord Doug Rutherf saying i ‘‘murr-derrr’. d ’ This audience is grown up, now. Take all that creativity and start doing editorials.�

There followed the arrival of Gord Whitehead and Kris Burkholder and Bryan Hall, and later, Lesley Primeau. Doug Rutherford guided us back to the top of the ratings, and the rest, as they say, is history.

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It was eventually sold and a man named Doug Rutherford was sent by the new owners to oversee the “scrap yard�. Only, he saw it not as a pile of junk, but a mountain of opportunity.

In 1993, he told us we would soon be going from worst to first. “An AM station?� I asked, “How do you plan to do that?� He replied, deadly serious, “We’re going to give them a reason to listen!�

The exclamation point in that aanswer was that he had hhired Ron Collister away from CJCA‌ and were going from we w rock to news-talk. “By the way,â€? Doug “B said, “You’ll start said doing news every doin 15 minutes in drive time.â€? As if that tim wasn’t a big enough wa shock, he added, sh “And you, Bob, “A will have to stop w

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Bob Layton Next time: As many of you know, I do a lot of after-dinner speaking engagements and corporate seminars. I also provide dance music and comedy for weddings and charitable events. See www.boblayton.ca I have been asked on several occasions (at the last minute) to do a live auction to accompany the silent auction. I can’t say no to such nice people so I bumble my way through and apologize for my lack of auctioneering ability—but, no more. Now I’ll be prepared.

In January, I’m off to auction school. I’ll be able to legitimately ask, “What am I bid for ‘em?� √ Bob’s award-winning editorials are heard daily on 630 CHED in the 8:00 a.m., noon, and 5:00 p.m. news and seen on Global TV at 6:40. You can reply to Bob’s comments at www.630CHED.com. You can book Bob for your wedding music or after-dinner speaking event at www.boblayton.ca

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Showcasing B Money Grenier

Local Talent

Dirty Radio

Jinting

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By Faaiza Ramji OT 107 has made a tremendous us financial commitment to support ort and nurture local musical talent.

Shortly after its launch in October 2009, the locallyowned FM radio station officially launched its HOT Factor Program, designed to support and encourage local artists through education, mentorship and promotion.

The 2nd Annual HOT Factor kicked off in early 2011 with an open call to artists, looking for anyone in Edmonton who demonstrated the hot factor—whether in the form of singing, songwriting, performing or production—in any music genre.

Then, in mid-May, HOT 1077 hosted an Emerging Artist Workshop for over 100 members of its program, partnering with Alberta Music (AMIA) and the Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings (FACTOR) to educate artists about developing marketing plans and obtaining funding. The day also included a demo critique session with Brian Hetherman, former vice-president of FACTOR, and Kennedy Jensen, executive director of AMIA. HOT 107’s program culminated with HOT Factor Showcase 2011, a free concert in West Edmonton Mall, featuring six local acts and headlined by Dirty Radio and Dragonette, two

nationally nationa recognized, emerging Canadian pop acts. ac Owner/GM John Yerxa says he is thrilled with the success of the HOT Factor program, pointing out “HOT 107 is dedicated to its listeners, and they have demanded greater exposure to the depth of musical talent this city has to offer. Therefore, we will continue to assist and showcase as many local artists as we can.� √ Check out more about the HOT Factor Program, including profiles of six amazing, local acts at www.hot107.ca/hotfactor.php.

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MENUMAGIC

with chef John Berry

From Ocean to Table

run. Bruce recounted years when the Fraser ATCHING THE CATCH River was literally churning with the rich, Steveston docks, in the southwest succulent fish. Last year, some 35 million fish corner of Richmond, BC, is a were counted. But this year, they are down place to go for a fresh seafood drastically to only three million fish. meal or a pint on the wharf, while Why the fluctuation? watching fishing boats “Good question.” Bruce “G bob by. explained, “That’s something expl It’s the largest working Fisheries and conservationists alike Fish fishing harbour in Canada are looking into.” Possible factors with some 300 commercial include over-fishing, climate incl fishing boats—most change, predators and fish diseases cha of them gill-netters or or parasites. p trollers—and a large crab I gained a new perspective and prawn fishery. The rich not no only on the fishing industry, silt from the delta, where but bu the historical significance of the Fraser River meets the harvesting one of most valuable ha salt water, provides the ideal sustainable resources on the su habitat for Dungeness crab. on st ng vi Li Bruce planet. p In its hay day, Steveston boasted some 25 canneries on n SERVING THE CATCH SERV the lower Fraser. Sadly, the The sun was just starting to set as the seagulls last one has sold: Jim Pattison snatched up the swirled overhead, and my glass of chilled 45-acre B.C. Packers site, prime real estate for Gewürztraminer was going down far too easily. waterfront condos.

After wandering through Granville Island But eco-tourism entrepreneur Bruce Livingston pointed out that the fish industry still Market all day, we retreated to my “happiest place on earth.” Vancouver has myriad thrives in other locales, the fishermen are selling incredible sights and attractions: the backdrop their catch dockside or to fish companies, and of the mountains and coastline frame the towers Parks Canada is preserving and restoring the of Yaletown across the harbour from Granville Britannia Shipyard as an historic site.

Island.

“What I’m trying to do is educate people on One of the best patios is located on the wharf what’s happening on the river,” said the former at bridges—with a small “b”—restaurant, now divorce lawyer turned eco-activist. He takes in its 30th year of operation. “It’s an incredible clients on tours of the Fraser, letting them see location and there are so many things under one the fishery from a behind the scenes: watching roof: a formal dining room, pub, bistro on the the fishing boats bring their catch on deck, wharf; and now we’ve added a sugar bar where seeing the crab traps hauled up. you can get in house gelatos, cappuccinos, We took the tour during the sockeye salmon

C

Now

O f fe ring

Road Tests

by

Chef Shane M cNeil

homemade pies,” boasted sted evening manager Heather Blasco.

The menu is tailor-made to whatever seafood is in season—about 98 percent of what the ocean has to offer. For those not big on seafood, it includes mouth-watering lamb chops, rib eye steak, quail, beef tenderloin Carpaccio.

Executive Chef Shane McNeil studied for his red seal at George Brown College in Toronto.

In 2004, he became bridge’s Sous Chef, and rose to Executive Chef four years later. He’s got quite a work load juggling 35 cooks, one kitchen upstairs in the formal dining room and the other downstairs for the pub and bistro. bridges goes through boat loads of fresh seafood—nothing has been frozen. Chef Shane figures they cook one ton of halibut and threequarters of a ton of salmon in July alone. Crab consumption runs about 50 pounds of meat a week.

Top sellers are the paella, halibut and wild salmon, followed by fresh calamari—about 50 pounds a day. His infusion cooking involves Italian and Japanese flavours.

Chef Shane noted that the bigger fish are getting smaller, and we should be turning our sights on smaller, plentiful fish like sardines, or whole sea bass served on the bone. This would allow other fish stocks to replenish themselves, and introduce customers to other highly favourable fish, cooked European style.

Nice—a culinary master, plying his craft from an environmentally sustainable point of view. √ My heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported my celebration of 40 years in the media. I was thrilled to present the Youth Emergency Shelter Society with more than $11,000!

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By upcycling cast-offs and waste stream materials, you can create ecochic pet digs that are bone-ified to make tails wag. Sharing your bed with them will be a thing of the past—these comfortable safe havens will have them engulfed in sweet, green dreams.

RUFF DAY Repurpose a tired ottoman into a multipurpose chill-out with your feet up while Fido relaxes below.

The hinged lid makes it easy to clean up inside, including routine excavations of buried treasures. Visit www. absolutebodo.com for instructions.

CATEAU This canopied daybed may seem a bit over the top, but our pets deserve the best, after all. Using recycled spindles and a wooden wine crate for this four poster bed adds a touch of class for your fourlegged friend. Perfect for pets up to 10 lbs.Visit www.absolutebodo.com for instructions.

IN THE ECO-DOG HOUSE Keep your dog sheltered from the elements with a house fabricated from recycled wood capped with a garden rooftop. The horizontal plantings will provide extra insulation against temperature fluctuations while providing a cozy niche for your pet to hide and hoard. Visit www. sustainableplanet.com for instructions.

DEN OF ANTI-KITTY Use post-consumer packaging to create a corrugated cardboard cottage. Adhere several layers of cardboard together with non-toxic

glue to create the scratch-pad floor. A cat-shaped entry allows easy access to a heavenly retreat.

Visit www.kittypod.com for instructions.

TENNIS ANYONE? Pure heaven. Roll around in a bed of tennis balls, chew and slobber over them, and then roll around some more. If you want to impress your pooch, make this cozy nest from recycled tennis balls. Glue balls together with non-toxic glue and thin balls out in the middle of the bed to allow room for a soft cushion—the perfect spot to crash and get a descent nap. Visit www.hughhayden.com for instructions.

CAT’S ME-WOW Repurpose any articles of felted wool into a sleek sanctuary. If you can sew a straight seam, you can create this clever hideaway. Simply sew squares of fabric together to form a pillow or cube and slash one side in an X pattern for the entryway.

Search “Mary Gommans” for details.

POOCH POUCH Small suitcases are the ideal base for pets that like to sack out in style.

Leave the luggage as is for a built-in wall for storing toys and chews, or remove the lid and stack for a bunk-bed combination. Attach legs, add a cushy cushion and wait for the barking reviews. Search “AtomicAttic” for more details.

When your pets wake up from a well-deserved nap, surprise them with these homemade treats—pawsibly the best tidbits on the planet.

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• Knead dough on floured surface until smooth.

Roll or pat dough to 1/2” thickness and cut with cookie cutter. Place 1” apart on cookie sheets.

• Bake for 35-45 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool completely. Store loosely covered.

• Makes 3 1/2 dozen large biscuits.

TOP OF FORM FAT CAT APPS 7 ounces mashed sardines 1/4 cup dry non-fat milk 1/2 cup wheat germ Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease cookie sheet.

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CIVILWARS

Ramifications of bad behaviour

REACH THE TOP

I

know I wrote about elections last column. But, I find myself compelled to stick to the same topic for an entirely different reason. We concluded the Alberta PC Leadership Race on October 1st after going to the polls for the second ballots. The result: a new face at the helm of our provincial legislature and, with that, a new direction for Alberta.

The problem with the new direction is, what did it take to get there? I’ve never encountered a more hostile group of volunteers than the new premier’s. Some people might say that we should excuse bad behaviour as ignorance‌ but I do think it’s important to be accountable for bad behaviour. The story begins at the polling station on October 1st: The first Redford scrutineer showed up, introduced himself as “Jasonâ€? and hung around until a young gal showed up. When our volunteers introduced themselves to her she said “I’m not here to chat or make friendsâ€?.

She then hovered over one of the volunteers taking credentials, and questioned several identifications shown by some of the voters. If scrutineers want to challenge a process, they are to direct their concerns to the Returning Officer—they don’t harass or bully other volunteers. At one point, it looked like she might have been photographing ID on her iPhone. When I questioned her behaviour, she was rude and nasty to me, and said she would do whatever she saw fit. At that point,

I stood directly next to her and she asked how long I was going to stand there – I told her “as long as you are here.â€? After 10 minutes, she made a phone call and left. Eventually, “Jasonâ€? returned. I noticed that he started taking pictures of me, so I reported it to the campaign office‌ the campaign office called PC headquarters‌ PC headquarters called the Returning Officer and instructed him to tell “Jasonâ€? to cease and desist. When the Returning Officer asked him if he was taking pictures, he replied, “Do you have any evidence?â€? A truthful person would either say, “Yes, I was taking picturesâ€? or “No, I was notâ€?.

The deceptive person always answers with a challenge.

The reason I call him “Jason� (in quotation marks) is that I decided to lodge a formal complaint and asked for his name.

Unfortunately, none of the scrutineer forms that have to be presented to the Returning Officer had the name “Jason� on them. So, does that mean some of the Redford campaign’s volunteers showed up and provided false names on their scrutineering credentials?

At the Edmonton EXPO Centre at Northlands, volunteers for the three candidates and their supporters were anxiously awaiting the results of the second vote. As I walked past the Redford hospitality suite with some fellow campaign workers, a group I will call “the three amigos� was there in full force.

One of them boasted, “We have you on video

with Nejolla Korris

and several pictures of you.� Then he turned to the lawyer in the group and said “Lawyers who take statutory declarations at 3:30 in the afternoon should be disbarred.� He apparently thought those voters should be sent home to get supplementary identification instead. He clearly didn’t understand that that process was merely an administrative one. (I know it may seem shocking to some, but the democratic process is the ability to vote for whomever you choose as a candidate.)

But the comment that took the cake was this: “Castle Downs is nothing but white trash and monkey culturals.� How appropriate was this, coming from a volunteer—a banking executive? I really hate to chock this up to getting caught up in the election frenzy.

There has to be accountability for such bad behaviour. It reflects on the candidate‌ on the party as a whole‌ and, now, on the Office of the Premier. √ Nejolla Korris is an international expert in area of interviewing skills and linguistic lie detection.

She is a keen observer and fan of the human condition. Dubbed the “Human Lie Detector� by some clients, she is a popular speaker on lie detection, fraud prevention and investigation, workplace fraud, and organizational justice.

Nejolla recently launched a new speaker’s series on the differing communication styles between men and women.

Contact: nkorris@working-it-out.com

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EDMONTONIANS WINTER 2011

YOU& YOU &THE THELAW LAW

with Ben Block

Bids and Booze

Am I obligated to purchase an item I bid on at a silent auction?

With so many charity and not-for-profit organizations planning fundraising events this coming holiday season and throughout the year, this is a very timely question. Often these events feature a silent auction where items are displayed or described in writing, and interested bidders fill in their name, contact information and bid amount. This can be a great fundraising tool and a source of excitement for those bidding.

However, it can be easy to get carried away in the competition of an auction and suffer from “bidder’s remorse.�

When you sign your name to bid on an item in a silent auction you are essentially making an offer to purchase it at that price. When the auction closes and your bid is accepted as the “winningâ€? bid, in fact, a binding contract is formed. Both you and the organization running the auction are now obligated to perform on the contract. In other words, you have to pay what you bid, and it must supply the item. So be careful what you bid on‌you just might get it.

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I’m planning to have a holiday party. Is there any risk to me if someone drinks too much and has an accident on their way home?

We’ve all seen this situation.

That wacky uncle has a little too much spiced rum and eggnog and is wobbling like a poorly balanced Christmas tree. Luckily, all our uncles are smart enough not to get behind the wheel if the party was a little too good‌but what if they weren’t? This sort of issue is generally referred to as “social host liabilityâ€?. It boils down to what responsibility you have as the host of a party to monitor your guests’ alcohol consumption, and to prevent them from driving if intoxicated.

As you may know, in a commercial context, sellers of alcohol are expected to avoid overserving patrons and can be held liable if an intoxicated patron injures someone or causes damage while driving. The Supreme Court of Canada has considered that responsibility in the context of social gatherings and found there to be a distinction for three reasons. First, commercial servers are in a much better position to monitor consumption. Second, legislation governs the operation of such commercial hosts.

Third, there is a profit motive in a commercial context.

Having distinguished a social gathering from a bar or restaurant, for example, the only basis for liability would be common law negligence.

For such negligence to be found, the risk of a party guest causing damage or injury would have to have been reasonably foreseeable to the host. This can be a fact specific question but, generally speaking, unless the host took an active role in increasing the risk, liability should not be found. The Court gave the example of continuing to serve an obviously intoxicated guest, all while knowing that he or she would be driving home, but also noted that to broadly place such responsibility on social hosts would essentially ignore personal responsibility for one’s own conduct.

The lesson in all this is that the host of a private party will likely not be held responsible for the conduct of an intoxicated guest, provided he or she has not knowingly contributed to the risks. Having said that, we all have a part to play in keeping the roads safe this holiday season.

If you think one of your guests has had too much to drink, offer to call a cab. What may seem to be an awkward conversation may save a life. √ Ben Block is an associate with Hillenbrand Kozicki LLP, and focuses his practice on civil litigation, real estate and business law. Ben was an Edmontonians Sizzler in 2007. Call 780.809.2389 or email bblock@hklaw.ca.

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PROSPERITYPLUS

Employment Risk— with Kelley Keehn

I

The Missing Asset Class from Your Investment Portfolio

get an e-mail almost daily from a listener, viewer or reader that goes something like this: “so, I have some money to invest – what should I do with it?” A simple question with a plethora of possible answers.

There are two caveats to my answer. First, I’m no longer practicing or licensed, so I can’t and don’t give specific investment advice (I sold my wealth management firm a few years ago). Second, I don’t know much about the question askers—such as are they married, do they have children, other financial obligations, time horizons, risk tolerance, and so on. Thus, the difficulty in providing a one-answer-fits-all solution.

But here’s what I’d strongly advise one to consider first. Think of your employment as part of your overall investment portfolio and as an asset class all of its own (in addition to cash, income and equities). Over your lifetime, nothing will make you more money or provide a better return than your income earning ability—it’s well into the million plus dollars for just the “average” income earner’s lifetime.

Then, negatively correlate your career with your investments. Most individuals “correlate” their investments with their career without even realizing it. Think of this as a simple explanation of negative correlation.

For example, if you were investing in a resort

town and could buy into a sun tan supplier company or one that offered umbrellas—which would you buy betting on how many sunny vs. rainy days? The answer should be both, thus covering your down and upsides. You might win or make more with just one, but it’s more of a gamble and that’s how too many people invest. It’s a good ego boost when one guesses right, but isn’t sustainable. After all, even the pros can’t effectively time the market longterm.

I was let in on this strategy by a very successful mutual fund manager some decades ago, and as far as I’m aware, few financial advisors consider one’s income and career field as a quasi-investment asset class.

In my past professional experience, many people invest similar to their careers.

The entrepreneur is equally risky with her investments. The professor with tenure, benefits and a great pension is overly cautious with his portfolio. It should be the opposite.

The entrepreneur has to be much safer with her investments as she has no pension to fall back on if she doesn’t sell her company for a mint at retirement as she hopes. The professor, on the other hand, can stand to take on a little more risk. He doesn’t have to go overboard, but likely could stand more equities than our business owner.

Lastly, regarding employment risk, I see

so many employees totally invested in the company at which they work. It might be the Enron employees who not only lost their jobs, but their stocks (obviously invested in Enron and likely due to enticing employee matching programs) along with their pensions as well. If you work in the tech industry, it might behove you to invest as far away (negatively correlate) from that industry as possible.

Risk exists with every investment on the market. Even the ultra-safe GIC—guaranteed investment certificate—at your bank carries risk—such as inflation—that you might not be aware of. That’s where you’d be vulnerable to lost income if you locked into a five-year GIC at say four percent, and then rates do nothing but climb for the years to come.

If you haven’t considered “employment” risk and the effect it has on your investments and retirement, start the conversation with your advisor today. √ Reprinted from, She Inc. – A Woman’s Guide to Maximizing Her Career Potential, Insomniac Press Kelley Keehn is a financial expert, speaker and author of seven books. Her most recent book, The Money Book for Everyone Else, is in bookstores now. For more information, visit www.kelleykeehn.com

BEAT THE RRSP RUSH George McConechy, CFP, FMA, CSWP, PFP, FCSI Investment Advisor T: 780.408.5007 george.mecconechy@canaccord.com www.gmcwealth.ca

A DIVISION OF CANACCORD GENUITY CORP., MEMBER – CANADIAN INVESTOR PROTECTION FUND

12

EDMONTONIANS WINTER 2011

WORKINGWISE WORKING WISE

with Charles Strachey

Attributes to help you

D

ear Working Wise: I just started a new job as a temporary employee. I like the job and my supervisor said that some of the temp staff may be hired on full time if business picks up. Do you have any tips to help me get on full time?

Signed Tenacious Temp Dear Tenacious: Congratulations on the new job! Temporary positions do sometimes lead to full-time jobs— especially when the employee demonstrates the following attributes.

BE RELIABLE • Be on time and maintain good attendance.

• Call if you’re going to be late or can’t make it to work.

• Keep your promises and complete your tasks on time.

• Be honest and trustworthy.

• Stay healthy—physically and mentally.

BE PROFESSIONAL • • • • •

Dress appropriately for your workplace.

Keep your skills and training current.

Double-check the quality of your own work.

Stay organized and keep your work area tidy.

Take responsibility for your mistakes.

• Asking shows that you want to do things right and that you’re willing to learn. an • Avoid excessive gossiping, personal e-mails, phone calls and web browsing.

• Don’t share colourful stories from your personal life at work.

• Don’t complain about your job, boss or coworkers on your Facebook page or blog.

• Ask for help if you need it—recognizing your limits is a sign of maturity.

BE A TEAM PLAYER

BE PROACTIVE

• Maintain a positive attitude.

• Be flexible and open to taking on new tasks and learning new skills.

• Keep learning—new skills and tasks make you a more marketable employee.

• Learn all you can about the organization.

• Offer your boss ideas on how you can contribute more.

• Look for things that need to be done, but check with your boss first to ensure he/she notices your initiative and agrees that it’s a priority.

• Try to make your boss’s job easier by anticipating what they will want or need.

• Learn more about the jobs of the people around you.

• Learn a skill that will help you stand out, e.g., become the department proofreader or the department expert on a specific computer program.

• Earn a new credential/license/ticket/ certification that makes you more valuable.

• Ask if you don’t know how to do something.

• Help your co-workers with their projects if asked by your boss. You will learn something new and gain a reputation as a helpful coworker and employee.

• Be willing to share information.

• Support and encourage your co-workers.

BE POSITIVE

Employers want loyal, hardworking, conscientious employees. The most effective way to catch your supervisor’s attention is to bring a positive attitude to work with you. √ Do you have a work-related question?

Send your questions to Working Wise, at charles.strachey@gov.ab.ca. Charles Strachey is a regional manager with Alberta Human Services. This column is provided for general information.

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The Habitat for Humanity

T I B A H

A learning experience‌ from classroom to construction site

Amer Al-Azzawi

By Yuri Wuensch hat do a former Iraqi civil engineer, NorQuest College and Habitat for Humanity have in common? Strong foundations and deep roots in the community.

Helping people is a dream come true for Amer Al-Azzawi. A student at NorQuest College during the week, Amer spends every Saturday volunteering on Habitat for Humanity Edmonton building projects. He is currently helping put the finishing touches on some homes in the Anderson Gardens community in northeast Edmonton.

Habitat for Humanity’s charitable work is an international success story. Since its founding in 1976, the organization built more than 500,000 homes in over 100 countries.

Edmonton is home to the most active Habitat for Humanity affiliate in Canada. It’s a testament to Edmonton’s legacy of giving and the city’s commitment to volunteerism.

But Amer is no ordinary volunteer.

Since leaving his native Iraq about five years ago, Edmonton has been Amer’s home for the last two. Getting here hasn’t been easy, he says, but it’s a journey he made for the sake of his family. “I came for many reasons,� he says. “The war in Iraq made things very tough in my country. I wanted to change my life and make a better life for my family. Coming to Canada

was the best choice for us because of safety.

Deciding to live in Canada was easy, but getting a visa takes a long time.�

Amer worked as a surveyor in Egypt for three years while waiting for a visa. Being a civil engineer by trade, he says surveying wasn’t ideal work, but he made do.

Once he finally arrived in Canada, he faced a new challenge: English as a Second Language. While he studies part-time at NorQuest to improve his English language skills, he says his current fluency level prevents him from finding full-time work in his field. “Because I love my job as a civil engineer, I spoke to a student advisor at NorQuest and told her I would be willing to volunteer to get good experience,� he says.

The advisor suggested that Amer apply to volunteer with Habitat, which has been grateful for his expertise and commitment. “He’s been great at every task he’s undertaken, whether it is framing, installing drywall, etc.,â€? says Alfred Nikolai, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Edmonton. “When we were offering first-aid training for volunteers, he was one of the first to sign up. In speaking with our construction staff, I understand that Amer is a really fun person to work with‌ always happy and ready to work. We are so grateful that he is part of our volunteer team.â€?

On the worksites, Amer tests what he learned in the classroom. He says volunteering is a great way to learn English, make new friends and learn about the Canadian experience. Back at NorQuest, he regularly lets his classmates know about the Habitat experience and its benefits. He even used his get-involved pitch as a class assignment. “It makes me happy to help people grow a building or something new,� he says. “I am very happy to be a volunteer with my friends and work with that group. My work with Habitat for Humanity will also look good on a reference letter.�

At home, Amer and his family are adjusting to life in Edmonton. His wife, a pharmacist in Iraq, recently completed her first equivalency exam to become accredited pharmacist in Canada. His children, aged 12 and eight, are picking up the English language quickly and helping one another learn about Canadian culture.

Iraq is never far from Amer’s thoughts, however. He thinks of his parents often.

When homesick, he’ll muse with his family about going back, but the idea is often fleeting. His kids see to that. “When I talk about going back to Iraq, my children say, ‘No, dad! You can’t.’ My wife and children are happy here, happy to stay in Canada.� √

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Do you have “Habititis?”

The Edmonton epidemic

By Yuri Wuensch ymptoms include working weekends, travelling to Habitat for Humanity builds locally and abroad, deriving happiness from providing lowincome families with new homes, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Ann Nikolai, Student Life Associate Chair at NorQuest College, got the bug from her husband Alfred—and she couldn’t be happier about it!

“He’s the president of Habitat for Humanity Edmonton. I had no choice,” Ann says with a laugh.

While her life totally changed since getting involved with Habitat, she believes the experience is complementary to her work life at NorQuest.

“The people who Habitat helps are lowincome families and many of them could also be students at NorQuest facing similar circumstances. I think there’s a real synergy between the two organizations.” NorQuest College proudly participated in a Habitat for Humanity build this summer.

According to Ann, another symptom of Habititis is unfinished baseboards. While she and Alfred are proud to help build some truly impressive homes, it’s meant that simple household projects in their own modest bungalow often get postponed—like those pesky baseboards in their family room.

Given their hectic schedule, it’s easy to understand why. Since Alfred took over as president six years ago, Habitat for Humanity Edmonton has gone from a handful of volunteers building three houses a year to a network of community partners building an increasing number of homes every year. Indeed,

the Edmonton organization buildss more houses than any other Habitat affiliate in Canada. a.

Ann credits the prolific output locally in part to her husband’s background in government, extensive connections in the community, Ann Nikolai and the ability to mobilize people. She also cites Edmonton’s storied ed legacy of volunteerism and support of charitable causes. At local builds, dinners and fundraisers, it isn’t uncommon to see the likes of former premier Ed Stelmach and his wife Marie, Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel and his wife Lynn, Edmonton Oilers, Edmonton Eskimos and others.

There’s also tremendous support from the corporate community, with the likes of Stantec and Clark Builders helping to design and build homes.

Between holding down two jobs, Ann naturally looks forward jo to vacation time. Not surprisingly, however, even holidays are often ho spent on Habitat for Humanity’s spe Global Village builds. Last year, for Glo example, she and Alfred worked on exa project in the north of Portugal. a pr Looking ahead, she anticipates a South Loo American destination next.

Ame “Habitat for Humanity’s Global “H Village builds are great. We spent 10 Villa days on the project and another 10 days travelling and sightseeing. You meet the travel most incredible people and get to see the world.” √ world more information on Habitat for Humanity For mo Edmonton, visit www.hfh.org

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15

Fabarnak?... means nothing & everything

I

know‌ I know. The column

is called Sizzling in the City and the magazine is Edmontonians.

But this month I get to feature a passionate and sizzling Edmontonian who is making waves in Toronto. I promise not to make a habit of looking outside the city for Sizzlers, but the holiday season is a time of homecoming for people who have left the city for school or career opportunities. unities. They come back in droves to this city—the —the city of family, friends and experiences that often are the foundation for success in other her markets.

These ‘Edmonton Expats’ carry rry the ambassadorial flag for the city wherever they go and, while they find success ccess in their new communities, they also quickly ckly find they miss local gems such as thee river valley, cinnamon buns at the Sugar Bowl or just the low-key, vibe and culture in the City of Champions.

That is certainly the case for Eric Wood who is using his experiences here to change the culinary landscape in Toronto. He grew up in Westmount and, after delving into his artistic side at Victoria School for the Performing Arts, went to culinary school at NAIT. At first glance, going from Eric Wood performing arts to culinary

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school seems like a stretch. However, the two industries are a lot alike. “Food is so central to my life. I have this connection to it. I started out in performing and visual arts. With music, you appeal to one or two senses at a time. With the visual arts, you appeal to one or two senses. But with food, you appeal to all of them at once and the comfort sense too,� says Eric.

The pperforming may g arts experience p y have helped Eric start his career with what many would consider the ultimate in the hospitality business experience. In 1999, after graduating from NAIT, Walt Disney World Resorts was in Edmonton recruiting and Eric was one of four out of 200 applicants to join the company. He spent two years at Disney World in Florida. “To be working for Disney World for the millennium was tops.

It was the best place to learn about

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creating New American cuisine at the peak of the movement.�

Returning from Disney, Eric joined hospitality groups around the country and traveled the world. His resume is geographically diverse with stints at the Union Bank Inn and as the Executive Chef for Edmonton’s L’Azia Group, to Eagle Ranch in Invermere, BC, to running g the Yellowbelly y Brewery in St John’s, Newfoundland. brought his culinary, But the job that broug community service performance and comm was his position as sous backgrounds together w with Kids in the Hall chef/culinary trainer wit Hall. “I loved that job. at Edmonton’s City Hal It was the beginning of my introduction to social enterprise,� Eric aadmits. “When I was very much into social and in high school I was ver was a very big part of philanthropic stuff—it w cooking school and I started me. Then I went to cook thought I had to leave that building a career. I thou behind to be successful in the food business. To bring that full circle and bring that all together is a dream. “Kids in the Hall is a neat program. It’s taking people who have profound barriers to employment— people who have never been told they can do anything right.

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immediate gratification: They make a sandwich, sell the sandwich and customers like the sandwich… then they immediately know they have done something right.”

While at Kids in the Hall, Eric took his team of youth out for dinner. It was an eye-opening experience. What started with a trip to Chili’s with kids blowing food around on the table turned into Operation Dinner Bell. “These youth hadn’t been out for dinner or taught how to behave. With funding from the Muttart Foundation, we were able to take them out regularly and teach them how to behave in a restaurant. A year later, we went to the Rimrock in Banff and stayed there. They sat down at Eden, a five star restaurant, and could articulately comment on the food and the experience. They weren’t blowing food around on the table with straws. These kids said, ‘I haven’t been treated like an equal before.’”

Eric was able to draw on this experience when he was recruited to create a food program and social enterprise including a cafeteriastyle restaurant concept at the innovative 519 Community Centre on Church Street in downtown Toronto. He created an entire program around sharing food industry skills with members in the community who are faced with barriers to employment.

The 519 Community Centre serves one of the most diverse populations in a city of four million people. Established in 1975, the independent entity caters to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans communities as well as the local residential areas. The city provides funding for the building, maintenance, management, and administration... and joins with the United Way of Toronto and private donors to the fund

HK

programs. As the director of food services and partnership development, Eric brought the concept of Fabarnak to the table. And boy, did he bring it to the table!

I’ve eaten at the restaurant twice. For dinner, my tablemates and I enjoyed sophisticated dishes of melt-in-your-mouth smoked pork shoulder, obscenely cheesy mac-and-cheese, and an order of Nova Scotia halibut cheeks with gnocchi, tapenade and lemon aioli. Brunch was just as much fun with yeast-leavened pancakes, maple bourbon pears, pea meal bacon and rosemary whipped cream. This type of crea quality would sell qua Fabarnak for $40 in a fivestar restaurant, but Fabarnak’s menu Fab doesn’t go over do $20 an entrée. $2 Fabarnak – (Fa BAR BA nak) noun/ adjective/verb –a ad meaningless word m synonymous with sy a social enterprise offering amazing o five-star food at tiny thatt provides ti cafeteria f t i prices i th id a confidencebuilding experience for people facing barriers to employment in Toronto.

From the outside, it looks like one of many quaint Toronto restaurants. But, like the best recipes, it’s the ingredients that set this ‘dish’ apart from all the rest. From the minimalist chic décor, the unique commissioned artwork, chairs made from recycled pop bottles, tables fashioned from reclaimed wood from Toronto’s distillery district to the friendly, spirited staff and the flavour-full food, every piece of this experience has been thought out. “Fabarnak is a three-fold social enterprise: We employ people with barriers to employment and help to ensure good-paying, meaningful employment for members of our community, we re-invest any profits we eventually realize into community programs and, thirdly, we are committed to

providing food in an ethical and sustainable way,” Eric explains.

Social enterprises that look at not only making a healthy profit but also building the community that surrounds them are relatively new. Businesses like Tom’s Shoes with their ‘buy one give one’ concept where with every pair of shoes bought, a second pair is donated to a child in a developing country, is one of the most well-known examples of the new face of social enterprises or business that practice philanthro-capitalism. In 2010, Fabarnak served 65,000 meals through community programs serving youth, seniors, the homeless and underhoused members of the community.

But really? What’s with the name? A contest to name the restaurant received over 100 entries… not a single one they could use. What they learned was the deep rooted, pre-conceived notions people had about the centre itself. “We serve a community that is all-too-often given labels to describe them—labels which define but also restrict them. We wanted a name that meant nothing, a name that you could define yourself, based on your experience at the restaurant.”

Fabarnak had just enough attitude with no real, pre-defined meaning.

After two years in Toronto, this Edmontonexpat is obviously adding some prairie ‘spice’ to the Big Smoke and making a difference in the lives of patrons and those he mentors through Fabarnak. While you can take the individual out of Edmonton, you can’t always take Edmonton out of the individual.

“Edmonton is such a neat city. People in Toronto make a lot of jokes and I make a lot of farm jokes. But Edmonton is such a neat cultural city and such a good food city. Having a fairly active immigrant community gives it some neat flavours. I grew up there and spent every minute of my life there until I was 25. I still miss things about Edmonton like the river valley and the Sugar bowl.” √ Erin Rayner is president of ED Marketing and Communications Inc. Contact erayner@edmontonians.com Broken Springs Rollers & Cables

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DMONTON OPERA NAMES NEW CEO & BOARD CHAIR

At its recent Annual General Meeting, the Edmonton Opera Association continued with its year of change at both the board and senior staff levels.

In late 2010, long-time General Manager Mary Phillips-Rickey departed ed the Edmonton Opera and a new CEO, Sandra Gajic, was appointed in April 2011.

She was previously GM of EPCOR Centre in Calgary.

Further, Artistic Director Brian Deedrick resigned in June for health reasons.

At the board level, a numberr of long time volunteers retired from their positions including Kyle Murray Chair Joanne Beaton, a VP att TELUS, Mary Le Messurier,, Brian Hetherington, Hillary Rosee and Dr Dr. Diane Kipnes, who will continue as chair of the Valentine’s Gala .

Kyle Murray of the University of Alberta was elected the incoming board chair. Joining him are new members Robert Bessette, president of Bessette Wealth Management and vice-president of RBC Dominion Securities, and Bill Campbell, director of human resources for Canada Safeway Limited in Alberta.

At the AGM, it was reported that during the 2010-2011 performance year more than 11,000 people attended three main stage operas.

The success at the box office led to the opera reporting a balanced budget with more than $500,000 generated by signature special events, such as the Valentine’s Gala, Opera al Fresco and the Edmonton Opera CGI golf tournament as well as generous corporate, government and individual donations.

In her closing remarks, CEO Gajic noted, “Our focus going forward is to raise the artistic excellence of the company, while building a fiscally responsible and financially sustainable organization.” √

CAPITAL POWER’S DWAIN MAY ELECTED TO NATIONAL BOARD OF THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

business and government leaders in attendance.

U.S. Ambassador With Norman Leach David Jacobson spoke on Canada-US border issues.

May concluded, “We are always looking for new members to join AMCHAM. Any businesses in the Edmonton area interested can contact either myself or AMCHAM Canada West.” √

At the annual general meeting of the American Chamber of Commerce in Canada (AMCHAM) in Toronto, Dwain May, senior manager of government relations at Edmonton’s Capital Power, was elected to the National Board of Directors.

Direc AMCHAM Canada is part of the U.S. AM Chamber Cham Federation, including more than 113 chapters in 100 countries all around arou the globe.

May M is the Edmonton sub-chapter chair chai for AMCHAM Canada West, a role he will maintain while serving on A LEAP FORWARD IN DIABETES CARE the national board of directors.

London, Ontario-based Sernova Corp has AMCHAM Canada West is a A announced a ground breaking partnership with voluntary organization of business vol the Clinical Islet Transplant Program at the people with activities in Western pe University of Alberta Hospital.

Canada.

Its central mission is to Ca The company has announced that its promote prom U.S.-Canada trade and Cell Pouch™ is a scalable medical device investment relations and to serve its members re providing a natural “organ-like” environment as a key resource for information and business therapeutic cells. Once implanted for thera networking. According to May, its under the skin, the Cell Pouch™ un priorities are to: develops pancreas-like function de 1. Level the playing field for when infused with islets, wh businesses and workers by controlling blood sugar levels con lowering barriers to trade and that may reduce the number of tha investment. islets required for therapy. isle 2. Fight economic isolationism According to a joint media A including undue restrictions release “The current procedure rele on investment, procurement, for iislet transplantation to treat exports, sourcing, and human diabetes, commonly known as the diab capital.

Dr. James Shap “Edmonton Protocol” involves 3. Champion innovation and iro “Edm transplanting islets directly into trans intellectual property as vital blood vessel (portal vein) of the a bloo for creating jobs, saving lives, and nd liver. Th The C Cell Pouch™ is expected to solve li ll P advancing economic growth. a number of issues arising from portal vein 4. Align trade, regulatory, and competition delivery...” policy to ensure open and competitive The U of A program is headed by Dr. James markets.

Shapiro, MD, Ph.D. FRCS (Eng) FRCSC, the 5. Shape the global agenda for energy security policy to promote competitiveness. leader of the team that developed the Edmonton Protocol. In September 2010, following review of Sernova’s preclinical data, Dr. Shapiro joined In late September the Edmonton sub-chapter the corporation’s scientific advisory board. hosted a successful luncheon with over 100

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“Dr. Shapiro’s EEDMONTONIAN ED M GORDON WUSYK contributions to date REC RE RECOGNIZED FOR OUTSTANDING position us to enter ACH AC ACHIEVEMENT into this important Gordon Wusyk of Predictable Gor collaboration which is Futures Futu Inc. was awarded Fellow targeted to expand access Status Stat in Family Business Advisory to islet transplantation for by the t Family Firm Institute at its the treatment of diabetes annual ann meeting in Boston. Only nine to a much wider base of Canadians have ever received Fellow Can patients using Sernova’s Cell ll Status, and Wusyk is the first recipient Sta Pouch™,” said Dr. Philip from fro Western Canada. n Wusyk Toleikis, Ph.D., president and nd Gordo The Fellow status is presented CEO of Sernova. by the international Family Firm Institute to intern “The safety and efficacy of the Cell individuals i di id l who have achieved comprehensive Pouch™ in preclinical studies is impressive. professional knowledge and gained significant We are excited to be working with Sernova expertise that can be used as value to family in both preparing for its upcoming clinical business owners. This distinction further trial and in this collaboration. We are hopeful ensures that the highest standard in professional that Sernova’s Cell PouchTM will significantly practices will be implemented. increase the number of diabetic patients that Wusyk is president and CEO of Predictable can be treated with islet transplantation,” said Futures and has been advising business families Dr. Shapiro. √ for more than 30 years. He recently published

his first book, Drift, Drown or Decide; Navigational Tools for Business Families in Transition. This book is the compilation of personal insights and processes that will guide business families through a proven process to establish a successful succession. Wusyk is a former contributor to Edmontonians.

The Family Firm Institute (www.ffi.org) is an international professional membership organization of over 1500 individuals and organizations across 50 countries dedicated to providing interdisciplinary education and networking opportunities for family business advisors, consultants, educators and researchers. √ Norman Leach, president of Norman Leach & Associates, is an Alberta-based business consultant, university lecturer and writer who works with companies and non-profit organizations to expand both their domestic and international markets.

Columnist Wins CME Leadership Award

E

dmontonians columnist Norman Leach won the prestigious Leadership Award at the Alberta Export Awards ceremony, held at The Westin in

Edmonton.

He is president of Norman Leach & Associates, Inc., which specializes in integrated marketing communications and international trade development and management. With representative offices in Calgary, Kansas City, and Mexico City, Norman’s experience has taken Norman him across North America and around the world.

When announcing the finalistss for the Export Awards Brian McCready, vice-president of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME-Alberta) said, “These exporting companies have been guiding our established, emerging and developing

sectors at every level; they have demonstrated exceptional leadership capabilities and have played a significant role in exporting from our province.”

Norman, a former Edmonton No resident, reside was humbled by the award.

“To w win a leadership award in exporting in a province as dynamic expo as Alberta is an honour I was not A expecting.

I especially want to expe thank than the selection committee for their thei confidence in me.”

According to the CME website A the Leadership Award is presented to aan organization or individual Leach in Alberta with demonstrated leadership capabilities that has lea played a signi significant role in exporting.

As a consultant, Norman has facilitated the l entry into new and/or international markets for a large number of client companies and non-profit agencies. Fluent in Japanese, French and Spanish, his diverse business background

includes experience in agriculture, government, non-profit, health care, security, and training and education.

Norman’s successes include establishing the Alberta Trade Office in Mexico City in 1995, being president of Grey Cup 2000, acting as an advisor to two different provincial cabinet ministers, and heading up two of Canada’s largest Chambers of Commerce.

Norman also teaches at SAIT, Mount Royal University and the University of Calgary on the topics of entrepreneurship, marketing and international trade. He has also taught at the University of Manitoba, the University of Alberta and Grant MacEwan Community College. He has delivered the Forum for International Trade Training and the NexPro Program for the Business Development Bank of Canada across Western Canada.

A well-known historian, Norman has written six books on Canadian military history and was the historical consultant on Paul Gross’ feature film Passchendaele. √

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The 2011 Sizzlers

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ore than 400 people converged on Lexus of Edmonton to recognize the 2011 Sizzlers and to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Edmontonians signature event. The evening as also dedicated to all 200 Sizzlers who have been feted over the years. New this year was the etc. sizzling lounge which featured emerging singers. √

Keir Peterson, Sanja Kostov, Alexander Forsyth, Michael Clark, and Sizzler Keltie Brown Edmontonians columnist E Erin Rayner, 2002 Sizzler E cconcert pianist Martin Mayer, aand Chad Androwski

Wayne Viegas accompanied his Sizzling sister Erica in the etc. lounge Amb ss dors Ambassadors

2010 Sizzlers Lisa Belanger and Landon Croome Monika Kapur, Sonia and Harmeet Kapur Har Ha Ojy Issa, Barb Barge Oj

Women of Vision producer Lesley Macdonald with Walter Schwabe 20 20

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izzling Twenty Under 30

Photos by Bruce Clarke, Quincey Deters & Tracy Kolenchuk

Sizzler Kimberly Poong with nominator Jordan Jahrig and sister Beverley Dave MacFarlane of Integra Air and Allyson Blake of Mountain Spirit Resort & Spa congratulate Tammy Downes who won a four-day stay for two in Kimberley.

Lexus GM Bruce Kirkland, the tallest 2011 Sizzler Keenan Pascal, and Publisher Moe Najmeddine

K McKinnon and Kerri President Dr. Gerald P Krispin, both of K Concordia University C College of Alberta C

Sizzler Kyle Ferbey with wife Megan and parents Mary Anne and Carson

Singer Cheryl Allen in the etc.

Sizzling lounge

Sizzler Jacqueline Greenly with nominator Jennifer Spring Manchi Lo of OMNI/City TV, winner of the $2000 advertising package with Edmontonians publisher Moe Najmeddine.

2010 Sizzler Ziyah Karmali with Ashleigh Scarpelli

Singer Jinting Zhao, a Hot Factor finalist

Janice and Scott Ritchie with Sizzling daughter Lauren

2007 Sizzler Melissa Dominelli of CTV Morningg Live EEDM EDMONTONIANS DM MO ON ONT NTO ONI NI ANS N S WINTER W NTE WI NT TE T E R 2011 2 011 01 11 11

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STREETCOMMERCE

The Effects of

Untreated Hearing Loss

M

any people with hearing loss do not want to acknowledge that they have a problem, are embarrassed by what they see as a weakness, or believe they can “get by” without help. As a result, many wait years before seeking help and treatment.

Hearing loss can also occur so gradually that many people do not realize what they are missing. However, research has demonstrated considerable negative social, psychological, cognitive, and health effects of untreated hearing loss.

Untreated hearing loss has been linked to: • Reduced job performance and earning power; • Irritability, negativism, and anger; • Fatigue, tension, stress, and depression; • Avoidance or withdrawal from social situations; • Social rejection and loneliness; • Reduced alertness and increased risk to personal safety; • Impaired memory and ability to learn new tasks; and/or • Diminished psychological and overall health.

Hearing loss does not just occur in seniors.

It can strike at any age, even in childhood. In a recent survey in the United States by the Better Hearing Institute, 31 million Americans admitted to having hearing loss—only 37 percent were of retirement age. The majority of those who reported hearing loss were either school age or in the workforce and yet only 23 percent are being helped with hearing instruments (which are the necessary treatment for 90 to 95 percent of people with hearing loss).

Many working adults with hearing loss delay seeking treatment due to fear of negative stigmatization on the job. However, most jobs require verbal communication and thus good hearing in order to effectively engage in

commerce, deal with the public, and maintain one’s safety. Those with untreated hearing loss can expect to suffer loses in compensation due to underemployment, lost wages, lost promotions, and lost opportunities. They may make mistakes on the job, experience higher rates of unemployment, and in general may experience an overall reduction in quality of life (i.e. anxiety, depression, social isolation, social paranoia, medical health, emotional stability, cognitive functioning, etc.) which may negatively affect job performance.

A Better Hearing Institute study found that the estimated lost earnings due to untreated hearing loss in the United States is $122 billion.

The more severe one’s hearing loss, the more negative its impact upon household income.

For every 10 percent increase in hearing loss, there was a decrease of approximately $1000 in income. On the other hand, those who sought treatment and wore hearing devices did not show as dramatic of a loss in income (as compared to those with untreated hearing loss). This is a frightening statistic when one considers that 77 percent of those with hearing loss do not seek treatment!

So what can you do? It is important to be proactive in identifying the signs of hearing loss and, if you suspect you or someone you know has hearing loss, have your hearing checked right away by an audiologist. An audiologist is a health care professional with a Master’s level or Doctorate level education and clinical training in balance and hearing systems and their disorders.

They assess hearing and balance, and provide treatment and consultation to individuals of all ages.

You should suspect a hearing loss if you: • Have been exposed to high levels of noise such as tractors, machinery, firearms, power tools, loud music, etc.; • Feel growing nervous tension, irritability, or fatigue from the effort to hear; • Find yourself withdrawing from social

• • • • • • • • • • • •

situations you once enjoyed because of difficulty hearing; Feel as though “everybody mumbles” or “people don’t speak clearly”; Find yourself straining to understand conversations; Have difficulty following conversations involving more than two people; Have difficulty hearing in noisy situations, like conferences, restaurants, malls, or meetings; Have trouble hearing women and children (high-pitched voices); Frequently misunderstand or need to have things repeated; Find yourself watching people’s faces when listening; Increase the television, radio, or stereo volume to a point where others complain of the loudness; Have a family history of hearing loss; Have diabetes, heart, thyroid, or circulation problems; Have been exposed to ototoxic drugs or medications; and/or Have reoccurring ear infections, constant ringing in the ears, or dizziness.

You do not want to miss out on living your life to your full potential! At Professional Audiology Clinic our goal is to provide comprehensive hearing assessment, rehabilitation, education and counseling for children and adults in a welcoming environment.

Our core values are constant—integrity, honesty in decision-making, and accountability. These values are central in our commitment to you.

We are a clinic committed to exceptional hearing health care and enhancing your quality of life. Our staff is highly qualified, combining decades of university education, practical expertise, and even first-hand experiences. Do not hesitate to contact us at 780.424.7659 to arrange an appointment today! √

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WALKINGTHE WALKING THETALK TALK

FORGIVENESS

IS AN INSIDE JOB

orgiveness that connects is hidden and quiet. It is not spoken, but practiced. It signals a change in your relationship to something that was done to you in the past. It is the shift from “and I was right” to “so I was right.”

You are no less right, but it no longer has an emotional hold on you that makes you a victim.

The new year—2012—presents a special opportunity to do some internal housecleaning… letting go of what no longer serves you. There is huge leverage from releasing the anchors of past victim stories that create drag in your body, mind and spirit. The trick is that you have to do this consciously.

Okay… it is common to hold grudges— another word for ‘unforgiveness’—against family members. “You/my mother, you/ my father didn’t live up to my expectations. I carry the wounds from your failures to this very day.” Wow! In one fell swoop, we off-load responsibility for our lives as we have made them. Being right—and making someone else wrong—feels soooo good!

But that good feeling comes at a very high price. It saps your energy and keeps you small, both in your own eyes and the eyes of others.

How so?

Our state of being, inside, is detectable on the outside by everyone. Yet we rarely have conscious access to this information. Our bodies know it but, for the most part, we don’t.

• This is why criminals can pick likely victims out of a crowd.

• This is why, when danger is near, the hair on the back of our necks stands up: We sense another’s ill intention.

F

Barbara Ashley Phillips

• This is why sharpshooters never look at their intended targets when planning their shot: Their look signals their ill intention and the target turns around.

Here’s more.

For many years, I taught and demonstrated a forgiveness process to groups of all sizes.

Invariably, when the demonstrating person really took into themselves a fresh, new relationship with a past act or disappointment—when they moved from being right to being human— everyone in the room would notice how much more beautiful they looked. The audience, like most of us, noticed a shift into a lighter aspect, and seeing that recognized that previously the person’s aspect was dull or clouded.

Really taking something into yourself means getting it beyond the mental level. Getting something only at the mental level can be a barrier to your taking it into yourself, because you think you know it. All you really do is to know about it.

Real forgiveness—forgiveness that frees you—is very different from forgiving someone to their face. Look at it this way: When someone says to another “ I forgive you” he is in that moment pronouncing the other guilty. He raises himself above the other and degrades the other. This spoken forgiveness suspends the human relationship of equal to equal. It endangers the relationship instead of rescuing it.

Bert Hellinger, German psychotherapist and founder of the family constellation work, Praxis der Systemaufstellungen* 1/2002 page 22-23

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For more on how to change your relationship to past wrongs, see http://www.crtraining.org/ library/forgiveness. Or order an audio download of the process you find there by e-mailing barbara@crtraining.org.

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Real forgiveness has nothing to do with making the action, course of action or the perpetrator right. What’s done is done. It cannot be undone. It has its affect in the world no matter what you do. It is only within your power to choose how you deal with it.

Holding on emotionally to the righteousness of your position only hurts you. It does not help the cause of justice. It does not hurt the perpetrator but it does, utterly, wound your relationship to that person.

It is even in your best interests to forgive in this way the wrongs that are too terrible to forgive. You can release the emotional charge you hold within yourself and you will actually be more effective on behalf of justice and of never-forgetting. Why? Because your own personal effectiveness will have increased by your forgiveness.

So start now, freshen up your relationship to important others in your life.

“Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.” ~ Rumi √

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CREATIVEINTERIORS INTERIORS with w wi ith th C Cheryll hheeryll hery ryyllll G Gillespie ililllle lesp lesp spie spi ie & S Sam am mS Shakura haakku hak ha kuraa kura

Entertain with

M

Ireland, celebrity designer, author and star of Bravo Bravo’s ’s hit TV show Million Dollar Decorators told me how much she loves entertaining at home, and shared with me some of her secrets.

Every chance she gets, she invites friends and colleagues into her home to be wined, dined and entertained. This gives her the opportunity to not only connect and have fun with her peers, but also to advertise her home décor and lifestyle, and possibly gain a new client.

Use this holiday season as an unparalleled opportunity to showcase your home, social skills and taste. When people feel connected to you… inspired by you—even something as simple as admiration for your the pecan-crusted brie hors d’oeuvres—believe me, only positive outcomes follow. Be proud of your home and reap the benefits of gathering folks into your humble abode for an intimate and chic evening of holiday entertaining!

ROCK HOUSE TIPS FOR CHIC HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING

• It’s all in the details. From the canapés to the centerpiece to the Christmas-scented soap in the powder room—no detail can be sparred for an unforgettable evening.

• When choosing a colour palette, pick two main colours that go with your own home’s décor.

Aim for sophisticated glamour by decking your home in white and metallic gold… or bone and emerald green… or sparkling navy

• •

•

•

cutting edge, try a rich black and chartreuse scheme. Sexy!

Candles, candles, candles! Nothing adds more warmth, romance and mystery than the alluring glow of a flickering flame.

Fresh flowers are a must. But don’t feel limited to the typical poinsettia… although grouping three plants in a tall vase amongst tall stems of Ilex holly can look pretty fantastic. Or fill a bowl with snowy white carnations and adorn the centre with three stems of amaryllis—a gorgeous festive red and white bouquet. Tall stems of white Delianne chrysanthemums in a glass vase with sparkly twigs look splendid on a foyer table. Get creative!

Opt for linen napkins instead of paper ones. It’s an inexpensive choice with high elegance-boosting impact, not to mention it’s environmentally friendly. Don’t forget to iron them before putting them through your napkin rings! Details, duh!

Everyone loves a signature cocktail. One of our favourites is an exotic version of classic Mulled Wine. Not all wines pair with sugar and spice so think higher quality dry red wine, such as a Zinfandel, Merlot or Syrah. In a pot, combine wine with 500ml of water and heat.

In a tea bag, combine these spices: cardamom, clove, allspice, anise seed, cinnamon, and coriander seed and place in the heated wine.

Add 1” thick slices of orange once the wine begins to cook, along with 3 dried hibiscus flowers. Simmer on low heat until the wine soaks up the flavour of the orange, the flowers

and d th the spices. Add sugar to taste and enjoy.

Remember, nothing looks better than a full set of serving glasses. If you’re going to mix and match glasses, ensure they have a common theme like all white stems, or all the same shape.

• A stressed out hostess is never chic! Consider hiring a bartender or a kitchen helper/server so you can be free to mingle with your company and gracefully float between duties and conversations. Besides, not having to do the dishes is always a fabulous idea.

• Your home should have a signature scent. Our sense of smell is one of our most powerful senses, particularly when it comes to memory and emotional responses to our environments.

Some seductive smells to envelope your rooms are cinnamon sugar, orange amber spice, vanilla peppermint candy, balsam and cedar, and cranberry champagne. We love to make our own holiday scents using pure essential oil and natural ingredients.

• Above all else, be prepared. A room full of cozy, well-fed guests with everything they need is a room full of happy people, and happy people equals a happy host. Your guests will appreciate your authenticity. Remember, this is your chance to display your unique taste and style on the table, on the plate and throughout the evening in your home.

May your season be festive and fabulous! xo Sam & Cher Rock House of Design Inc.

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PROFESSIONALDEVELOPMENT

The Importance of

CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS with Mark Wardell

R

emember that old saying,

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression”? Well, it’s true. Building a relationship begins the moment you say, “Nice to meet you.” Even sooner, if your new potential client has learned something about you or your business before you first meet--online impressions count, too.

As a business owner, however, your goal is not just to make a good impression and generate a sale. Your goal is to attract ideal customers that will stay with you for life. I’d go as far as to say that it’s critical to the growth of your business to both make a good first impression and keep that impression throughout the business relationship. That’s why it’s worth your time to put some thought into what exactly you want that impression to be.

I want to share a brief story.

A client of ours started losing business rather suddenly. He soon realized that the business loss was related to a particular salesperson. He decided to call the customers who had left to find out why, but no specific complaints were forthcoming. The service was fine… the price point was fine… the products were fine.

Finally, it all came out. The salesperson, in an effort to establish and nurture her business relationships, had taken to hugging all of her customers. It probably seemed innocent enough to her at the time but, after a while, many of her customers became uncomfortable with this level of affection and started taking their business elsewhere.

There is an important lesson here. It’s not all about the quality of your products and services.

The success of your business depends to a great extent upon your interpersonal skills with customers We can all learn something from this story because we’ve all been there: regretting a slightly less than professional encounter. Yet there are several things you can and should do to pointedly improve both your first business impression and your capacity to maintain great

customer relationships which, when it comes down to it, are the cornerstones of any business.

BUILD TRUST Trust is the foundation upon which all successful relationships are built. So ensure that your actions support this goal. Simple things… like showing up on time for appointments and asking insightful questions to show you are listening can go a long way in this regard.

Take a look at the way you communicate with your customers. To ensure they feel valued, it’s important to schedule regular meetings to keep in touch and learn of any new developments or changes you should know about. Use CRM software to track that you are connecting with each customer as often as you should be.

If you’re in retail, put a system in place to help your customer service staff check in with customers on a regular basis. This could look like anything from a simple thoughtful question at check-out, to a more elaborate survey or online polling.

REWARD LOYALTY Offering referral fees, gifts or discounts can be great strategies for thanking loyal customers and rewarding those who bring you business.

Some firms give corporate gifts at Christmas, which are especially welcome when they are something the customer actually wants. VIP events are another approach. But, if your budget is tight, sometimes a heart-felt “thank you” is all it takes.

sure every client is receiving the attention they deserve. Our fun code name for this system is “Operation Client Lockdown—OCL.” The idea is to find out exactly what your customer values most about your particular services, and then to increase your level of service by integrating directly into that customer’s value-stream.

For example, one of our clients owns a distribution business in the automotive industry.

In an OCL meeting, they discovered that their customer was re-labeling their packages in accordance with their own inventory tracking system. So our client offered to eliminate this problem by customizing their labeling system to fit with the customer’s inventory system, saving their customer time and money. Of course, the customer was thrilled. But, the point is, this might never have happened without the OCL meeting. It’s a simple idea but, the further you can go down this road of integration, the more challenging it will be for a competitor to lure your customer away with a discounted offer.

Remember, it is far easier and more effective to get more business from an existing client than to go and find a new one. So, once you’ve developed a client relationship, make sure you do everything in your power to keep it. √ Mark Wardell is president of Wardell Professional Development Inc. (www.wardell.biz) an advisory group specializing in increasing the market-value of owner-managed companies.

ADD VALUE The most important way to build trust, however, is to find ways to add additional value to the services your clients already receive.

At Wardell, we recommend putting in place a system to make

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25

HOMEENVISION HOME ENVISION

Walkable Communities

with Elissa Sc Scott

M

y dream is to walk or bike

everywhere needed in life, whether it’s for work, children’s schooling, dining out or buying groceries. With condensed, vertical development downtown it seems easier for this dream to be realized.

Visiting heavily populated areas like Boston and New York, cars aren’t always necessary when grocers occupy every street corner and work is within range. In European countries like Denmark, folks buy fresh groceries every day or two, commonly transported by bike or on foot.

Living local is about finding what you need within walking or cycling distance… saving time, bringing with it health benefits and reduced stress.

Many suburbanites here at home drive to entertainment, work, worship and amenities. What happened to the corner hardware store? Most city dwellers travel to malls or box stores to simply buy a hammer, with bulk crates of material items coming from foreign countries. Nonetheless, our various communities do have their own farmers’ markets to buy indigenous items, transported mere miles, rather than across oceans and borders to reach our tables. There

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EDMONTONIANS WINTER 2011

are also localized facilities within reach, whether it’s the swimming pool, the gym, the schools, or restaurants and clubs.

At Mayor Stephen Mandel’s Living Local Summit recently, we brainstormed ideas of how to live and play closer to our resident communities. Some suggestions at this round table included product vendors at LRT stations and focusing on vertical development, avoiding urban sprawl. Community and rooftop gardens were also addressed, as were tool sharing and time-banking as methods of bartering services.

CSA (crop supported agriculture) provided another option of buying local with weekly deliveries coming from nearby producers. Who knows, maybe pet chickens producing fresh eggs every morning could be approved for backyards, depending on the demand. Frequenting local businesses and restaurateurs who support area farmers were other actions toward living closer to home.

For local home design options, seek out viable and sustainable eco-friendly communities built in districts with small travel distances to places where one needs to frequent; a microcosm of day-to-day life. One of these areas is Serenity Gardens, formerly a retirement home. Regency Development’s infill project rests in Edmonton’s established and existing community of Pleasantview (www.serenitygardens.ca). Here amongst old-growth trees, a mature character neighbourhood is maintained in tandem with a new construction feel. The project appeals

A Regency Homes Living Room to many—from new home buyers to empty nesters and seniors. An inner courtyard and community atmosphere is formed around the amenities building at the heart of its development, while surrounded by 174 units, Southgate mall, schools, buses and the new LRT system. Regency Developments also donates inventory to our city at non-profit prices for less-advantageous families to live in sought-after areas at entry level prices.

Uptown Edmonton boasts many residential and commercial buildings to promote its revitalization. A local vibe akin to Megalopolis’ worldwide struts down the prestigious 104th Street promenade. Shop the funky home hautecouture at 29 Armstrong and be guaranteed

to cross paths with many friends and celebs at Credo coffeehouse. The 104 Street annual summer block party is not to be missed… nor is the Saturday farmers’ market which has moved indoors to City Hall for the winter.

To find your local community league activities and take part in safe streets and local living in Edmonton, visit www.efcl.org and enter your postal code. √ Elissa Scott offers home design consultations, custom decorative artwork and murals.

Contact: elissa@gruuvyroomz.com elissa@gruuvyroomz.com,, or call 780-970-8860 for a complimentary phone consultation.

Unfauxgettable Interiors prides itself in customer service and creating spaces that reflect the personal taste and lifestyle of its residential and commercial clients.

To transform your next decorating project, contact us for inspiring ideas ~ creative solutions.

Unfauxgettable Interiors Beaumont, AB p: 780-999-5609 e: ifaux@shaw.ca

www.unfauxgettable.ca EDMONTONIANS WINTER 2011

27

MERGERS& MERGERS &ACQUISITIONS

The benefits of buying a business versus starting a new business

S

o you want to be your own

boss. Let’s consider the options: You can work as an independent contractor, start your own business or buy an existing company.

Certainly there are pros and cons to each option. If you do a careful analysis, you’ll learn what many seasoned entrepreneurs have discovered—the risk-to-reward ratio is tipped in your favour when you purchase an existing business.

Admittedly, as an independent contractor, your risk is minimal. The up-front investment and overhead costs are limited. However, without the ability to leverage the work of an employee base, the returns are limited by your own personal capacity.

Starting a business of your own can pay great dividends, but it’s important to understand that the risks are significant. Most start-up businesses will falter and eventually die. According to Michael Gerber, author of The E-Myth Revisited, 40 percent of new businesses fail in the first year and 80 percent fail within five years.

On the other hand, purchasing an existing business reduces an entrepreneur’s risk while creating opportunities for tremendous profit.

There are a number of reasons to consider the purchase of an existing business rather that starting one: • Proven Concept. Buying an established business is less risky‌ as a buyer you already know how the business works.

Financing an existing business is often easier than financing for a start-up since the business has a track record. A bank will be

able to look at the historical results for the business, not just rely on projections. • Brand. You’re buying a brand name.

The on-going benefits of any marketing or networking the prior owner has done will transfer to you. When you have an established name in the business community, it’s easier to place cold calls and attract new business than with an unproven start up.

That’s an intangible benefit that’s difficult to put a price on. • Relationships. With the purchase of an existing business, you will also be buying existing customer and vendor bases that took years to build. It’s very common for the seller to stay on and transition with the business for a short time to transfer those relationships to the buyer. • Focus. When you buy a business, you can start working immediately and focus on improving and growing the business. The seller has already laid the foundation and taken care of the time-consuming, tedious start up work. Launching a new business means spending a lot of time and money on basic items like computers, telephones, furniture and policies that don’t directly generate cash flow. • People. In an acquisition, one of the most valuable and important asset you’re buying is the people. It took the seller time to find those employees, develop them and assimilate them into the company culture.

With the right team in place, just about anything is possible and you will have an easier time implementing growth strategies.

Plus, with trained people in place, you will

with Jey Arul

have more liberty to take a vacation, spend time with family, or work on other business ventures. • Cash flow. Typically, a sale is structured so you can cover the debt service, take a reasonable salary, and have some left over to take the business to the next level. Start-up owners, on the other hand, often “starveâ€? at first. Some experts say start-ups aren’t expected to make money for the first three years. • Risk. Even with all these advantages, some entrepreneurs believe it is cheaper and, therefore, less risky to start a business than to buy one. But risk is relative. A buyer may pay $1 million, for example, for an established business with strong cash flows of approximately $300,000 to $400,000.

A lending institution funds the transaction because historical revenues show the cash flow can support the purchase price. For many people, however, that is far less risky than taking out a $300,000 loan with an unproven concept and projections that may or may not be realized.

Becoming your own boss always involves a risk.

When you buy a business, you take a calculated risk that eliminates a lot of the pitfalls and potential for failure that come with a start up. √ Jey Arul is president of VR Business Sales in Edmonton, AB. He started the mergers and acquisitions company in 2007 after leaving his position as a senior commercial banker for a Canadian Bank. Jey holds a BA in Psychology and an Executive MBA. Visit www.vralta.com

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EDMONTONIANS WINTER 2011

LEGALLYSPEAKING

with Ian L. Wachowicz

Supreme Court rules hyperlinks are not defamatory

n the recent case of Crookes v. Newton, which originated from British Columbia, the Supreme Court of Canada has ruled that you are not liable for defamation if you have, on your website, a hyperlink to another website, run by someone other than you, that does contain defamatory comments.

In the case, Newton operated a website in BC containing commentary about various issues. One of the articles he posted contained shallow and deep hyperlinks to other websites which, in turn, contained information about Crookes. Crookes sued Newton on the basis that two of the hyperlinks connected to defamatory material, and that by using those hyperlinks, Newton was publishing the defamatory information.

The case went all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada. There, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of Newton. The Supreme Court first pointed to several American decisions where the courts in United States have agreed that hyperlinking from your website to a website that contains defamatory language does not make you liable for the defamation present on the other site.

The Court stated that if you were liable for all the content on a site that you hyperlinked, it would be impossible for the Internet to continue to provide the access to information that it so easily provides.

This makes a break from the previous law of defamation that stated that if you republish the defamatory comments of another, you too

were liable for those comments. However, the argument is that hyperlinks are not akin to republication. To quote from the decision, the Supreme Court held that: “A reference to other content is fundamentally different from other acts involved in publication. Referencing on its own does not involve exerting contro over the content. Communicating something is very different from merely communicating that something exists or where it exists.

The former involves dissemination of the content, and suggests control over both the content and whether the content will reach an audience at all, while the latter does not. Even where the goal of the person referring to a defamatory publication is to expand that publication’s audience, his or her participation is merely ancillary to that of the initial publisher: with or without the reference, the allegedly defamatory information has already been made available to the public by the initial publisher or publishers’ acts. These features of references distinguish them from acts in the publication process like creating or posting the defamatory publication, and from repetition.”

The Court pointed out that hyperlinks are, in essence, references. By clicking on the link, readers are directed to other sources.

Hyperlinks may be inserted with or without the knowledge of the operator of the site containing the secondary article. Because the content of the secondary article is often produced by someone other than the person

who inserted the hyperlink in the primary article, the content on the other end of the link can be changed at any time by whoever controls the secondary page. Although the primary author controls whether there is a hyperlink and what article that word or phrase is linked to, inserting a hyperlink gives the primary author no control over the content in the secondary article to which he or she has linked.

The Court found that although the person selecting the content to which he or she wants to link might facilitate the transfer of information (a traditional hallmark of publication), it is equally clear that when a person follows a link, they are leaving one source and moving to another. In the Court’s view, it was the actual creator or poster of the defamatory words in the secondary material who was publishing the libel when a person followed a hyperlink to that content. The ease with which the referenced content could be accessed did not change the fact that, by hyperlinking, an individual is referring the reader to other content.

In summary, the Court ruled that hyperlinks are references, and are not publications… and, therefore, you cannot be sued for defamation for the content that is contained on a site you do not operate, even if you hyperlink that site. √ Ian L. Wachowicz is with Parlee McLaws LLP. E-mail iwachowicz@parlee.com; phone 780.423.8655. www.parlee.com

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29

Compiled by Quincey Deters

10TH ANNUAL SOCIAL CALENDAR

E

dmontonians love to dine, dance and donate while making a difference to others in the Capital Region. Every year, millions of dollars are raised in support of charity and not-for-profit societies. In the current economic climate, the continued support and generosity of patrons is more important than ever.

DECEMBER 2011 Holiday High Tea Weekends Celebrate the season in the Arbour Restaurant & Tea Room. Join us for our famous traditional High Tea served with a Christmas flair! Reservations required; two seatings (11 am and 3 pm); $25 per person, $45 for two. All proceeds go to the Friends of Rutherford House Society. Held at historic Rutherford House on the U of A campus.

Visit www.rutherfordhouse.ca.

Contact 780.422.2697

Edmontonians proudly provides its readers with the most comprehensive guide to charitable events that support health and research, education, the arts and social programs. We salute 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 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. √

Community Foundation. Entertainment and live and silent auctions go with a delicious lunch. Tickets: $100.00 (tax receipt for a portion of the price). Purchase by phone 780.409.5864 or at TELUS Field. Anyone wishing to donate auction items can do so to Andrea at agoss@edmontonoilers.com.

of Distinction. Open Mike Comedy Show features Gemini Award winner Mike Bullard.

Dance music provided by DJ Tomski.

Tickets: $135 per person, available at Camelot Travel, 10120-118 Avenue. Call 780.430.8747 or e-mail edgala@shaw.ca.

For more information, visit www.edgala.ca

This December tradition sees approximately 200 private homes along 148th Street, from 100th Avenue to 92nd Avenue, adorned with impressive Christmas light displays.

Over three weeks, thousands of visitors stroll Candy Cane Lane, admiring the imaginative and often quirky decorations. Sleigh rides along the street are also available. Donations to the Edmonton Food Bank are much appreciated at the on-site collection points.

16-18 Edmonton’s Singing Christmas Tree In its 42nd year, The Singing Christmas Tree with special guest Ruben Studdard is taking us on a journey to rediscover the joy of the season! Through the beauty of music, dance and drama, travel back through centuries and generations of children to find how a man named Nicholas discovered the secret of joy for others and for himself. For five shows over three days, this Christmas spectacular guarantees to get you in the holiday spirit. Be a part of the magic and come see The Singing Christmas Tree at The Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium.

All net proceeds go to Santas Anonymous.

Tickets at ticketmaster.ca or 1-855.985.5000. Visit them online at www.edmontonsingingchristmastree.com

Christmas Bureau Carol Sing-along 16 What better way to celebrate 71 years of Christmas Bureau cheer than over a lunch hour of exquisite Christmas carolling provided by Edmonton’s talented choir community! Arrive at the Winspear early; this holiday favourite fills seats fast. Admission is free and volunteers will be accepting donations on site. This event is sponsored by the Winspear.

Visit www.christmasbureau.ca

Christmas Bureau Breakfast 20 The 30th Annual FMC Christmas Bureau Breakfast sponsored by Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP, Sobeys and The Westin Edmonton takes place from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. The tradition of sharing continues with this annual favourite. Listen to some great entertainers while you bid on silent auction items. Visit www.christmasbureau.ca or contact Gail Pharand at 780.423.7223 or e-mail gail.pharand@fmc-law.com.

The 12th Annual 16 Copper Jackets Luncheon Come and take part in the 12th Annual Face Off Against Hunger Luncheon at the Shaw Conference Centre, Hall D. Presented by the Copper Jackets and the Edmonton Oilers

2012 Edmonton International 31 New Year’s Eve Gala Ring in the New Year at The Fantasyland Hotel, Beverly Hills Ballroom, in support of The Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Cocktails at 7 pm, followed by the Dinner

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JANUARY 2012 Lieutenant Governor’s 1 New Year’s Day Levee Members of the public are invited to join the Lieutenant Governor from 1:30 - 3:30 pm to enjoy light refreshments, view historic Government House and mark the beginning of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year. Sponsored by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta at Government House, 12845 - 102 Avenue, Edmonton. The event is free.

Contact 780.427.7243 for individual or group tickets.

St. Albert Chamber TBA of Commerce Gala A dress-up affair with fabulous food and great entertainment, highlighted by the official “Swearing In” of the new Chamber Chair and 1st Vice Chair. Celebrate the occasion, and party the night away with colleagues from the St. Albert and Capital Region business communities, along with his worship Nolan Crouse, Mayor of St. Albert.

Visit www.stalbertchamber.com or call 780.458.2833 Ice on Whyte Festival 12-22 Visit the festival to enjoy the amazing ice carvings created by artists in the international ice carving competition. Play in a park filled with ice slides, stunning snow carvings, an interactive children’s play area, a serene park and so much

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more. The YESS cafe will be serving up hot beverages in the heated tent where you can enjoy live music and storytelling. The festival’s new and improved home will be at End of Steel Park and the Strathcona Centre Community League located at Tommy Banks Way and 103 Street. Ice on Whyte is partnering with the Province of Alberta to present a celebration of the 30th anniversary of the twinning of the provinces of Alberta and Heilongjiang, China. Ten ice and snow carvers are coming from China to work alongside the festival’s artists to create masterpieces at both locations. Cultural programming and outdoor activities will be featured in a heated tent on the West Legislature Grounds too.

Admission: adults $5, $2.50 for ages 2- 12.

Visit www.iceonwhyte.ca.

Contact infor@iceonwhyte.ca.

Children’s Autism Services 19-21 of Edmonton 5th Annual Conference Children’s Autism Services of Edmonton is a non-profit organization providing services to children with autism and other developmental disorders. Keynote Speaker is Temple Grandin’s mother, Eustacia Culter, author and acvocate. Held at the Marriott River Cree Casino and Hotel.

Contact info@childrensautism.ca or visit www.childrensautism.ca 11th Annual Edmonton 21-22 Pet Expo Edmonton Pet Expo promises a weekend of fun for animal lovers. This is a huge event, full of critters of all shapes and sizes. Held at Northlands EXPO Centre. A portion of the proceeds goes toward animal focused programs and organizations. Tickets at the door—adult: $10; children aged 5-11: $8; family pass: $25. Advance purchases will save $2 per ticket, and $5 on the pass.

Call 780.490.0215 and visit www.petexpo.ca for more details.

Flavours of BC’s Naramata Bench 24 Wine Tasting & Auction Support the Edmonton Opera at this annual fundraiser. Winemakers from this Okanagan Valley region will delight your senses with an array of multi-award winning wines. Purchase VIP tickets for a unique chance to taste exclusive wines and receive education from the winemakers themselves. Entertainment, live and silent auctions. Crowne Plaza Chateau Lacombe.

Tickets: $99 per person, $940/group of 10, $155 VIP Tasting per person. Call the Box Office 780.429.1000 for tickets, or order online at www.edmontonopera.com.

25 Caritas Concert Series presents David Garrett Rock Symphonies Prodigy violinist David Garrett and his band will perform their international chart topping hit concert, accompanied by the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra conducted

by Franck van der Heijden at the Francis Winspear Centre for Music. Funds raised will support the Caritas Foundation’s ongoing commitment to the provision of new hospital related services and equipment. Tickets for hosted pre-concert champagne reception and post-concert “Meet the Artist” reception: $400. Concert only tickets: $85 and $105.

Call the Winspear at 780.428.1414, or order online at www.winspearcentre.com or www.caritasconcerts.com.

Fork it Over 27 The Rotary Club of Edmonton Mayfield and the Compassion House Foundation team up for this dinner in support of Sorrentino’s Compassion House and special Rotary projects. Held at the Marriott Edmonton at River Cree Resort. Tickets are $90 or $900/ table. Visit www.compassionhouse.org and www.forkitover.weebly.com.

Contact Compassion House Foundation at 780.425.7224.

One! International Gala Fundraiser 28 This year’s theme is One! Love. One! helps impoverished children and their families as well as volunteers and teachers. One! spreads the feeling of humanity by helping.

When you help others, you help yourself by the power of positive actions. Held at Mirage, #306 - 8170-50 Street. Tickets: Early bird price before Dec 31st: $60.

Contact: tickets@one-international.com or 780.449.0468.

Visit www.one-international.com Burns’ Supper 28 This tribute to Scotland’s most loved and celebrated poet, Robbie Burns, features a dinner with all the traditional fare—including haggis served with ceremonial splendour— and the Clan MacNaughton Pipe Band.

Highland dress is encouraged.

Edmonton Scottish Society, 3105 - 1012 St. S.W. Tickets: $40 each, available from Bonnie at 780.461.9574 or visit www.clanmacnaughton.ca

FEBRUARY 2012 Chocolate Gala and Wine Tasting 3 Enjoy a variety of wines and chocolate appetizers and desserts while bidding on silent and live auction items. All proceeds from this event go toward supporting LDEdmonton’s programs and services.

Held at Ernest’s at NAIT, 11762-106 Street.

Tickets: $40.00/person for members

(limit of two per membership) & $65.00/ person for non-members… available at 780.466.1011 or info@LDEdmonton.ca.

Visit www.LDEdmonton.ca

3 The Edmonton Chamber Ball 2012 Featuring Tom Cochrane with Red Rider, plus special guest George Blondheim with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra.

The event honours 2011 Northern Lights Award of Distinction recipients John and Bunny Ferguson, outgoing President Bernie Kollman, and incoming President Ken Berry.

Black tie/business formal. Shaw Conference Centre Hall D. Tickets: $199 each; $1990/ table of 10. Call 780.426.4620 or e-mail events@edmontonchamber.com, or reserve tickets online at www.edmontonchamber.com Capital Power Corporation presents 4 Under the Night Sky—Wellspring Shines!

This is the second annual gala evening in support of Wellspring Edmonton, a cancer wellness and support centre. An evening of savoir-faire and upmarket elegance. Hole’s Enjoy Centre—a summer garden—will once again become a winter wonderland by night. Throughout the evening, specially selected pieces of high-end art and other unique packages of food and travel will be offered by live and silent auctions. Tickets: $250 per person/$2500 per table/$3500 per VIP table. Contact: 780.419.6070 or wellspringshines@tl2.ca.

Visit www.wellspringedmonton.ca for details.

Sturgeon Hospital Foundation 4 Annual Friend Raiser Gala Support the 20th Annual Gala. For tickets or sponsorship opportunities, contact the Events Coordinator at 780.418.7361.

Visit www.sturgeonhospitalfoundation.org for updates and details.

Karneval Gala 4 Join the Blauen Funken Mardi Gras Association at the German Canadian Cultural Centre for this gala costume ball. Performances by the Blauen Funken and special guests. Western theme. Best costumes win prizes. Tickets: $15.

Visit www.BlauenFunken–edmonton.com or contact 780.466.4000.

Northern Lights Classic 4-5 DanceSport Alberta raises scholarship funds at Edmonton’s Northern Lights Classic ballroom competition. Full slate of Pro/ Am and Syllabus competitions featuring the Alberta Open Amateur DanceSport Championships. Central Lions Senior Recreation Centre, 11113 – 113 Street.

Contact shaylen@dancesportalberta.org or visit www.northernlightsclassic.ca for updates and tickets.

Continued on page 32

Christina Mawhinney Owner

(780) 278-6217 c-m2010@live.com mmoule@shaw.ca EDMONTONIANS WINTER 2011

www.prettymamaltd.vpweb.com 31

YWCA Women of Distinction Awards TBA Join some of the most accomplished women in Edmonton to celebrate their achievements in style! This year marks the 30th Annual Women of Distinction Awards, with a new structure and program to commemorate this significant milestone.

Contact Lisa Evangelos, Special Events Coordinator at 780.423.9922 or go on-line at www.ywcaofedmonton.org for details or to nominate someone you know. Nominations open: January 16th, deadline: March 30th.

Valentine’s Event for Kids Kottage 10 “For the Love of Wine” supports Kids Kottage which provides 24-hour care in a safe, warm, loving environment to children at risk of abuse. Help support Edmonton’s only crisis care nursery. Silent auction.

Music by jazz specialist Sandro Dominelli, plus a performance by Vinok Worldance.

Delta Edmonton South. Tickets: $100. Call 780.448.1752 or visit www.kidskottage.org Johann Strauss Ball 11 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. Held at the Crowne Plaza Chateau Lacombe. Tickets: $225 regular and $100 student (valid ID required). Call 780.489.0768 or e-mail info@johannstrauss.ca.

Visit www.johannstrauss.ca 17th Annual Law Show— 11-12 Wizard of Laws This annual variety show is created, written, performed and produced by law students.

Law Show 2012 will be donating proceeds from gala ticket sales and the silent auction to Edmonton’s Zebra Child Protection Centre. 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.

Visit www.law.ualberta.ca or contact lawshow@ualberta.ca Hearts for Hospice 12 Support Pilgrim’s Hospice programs for end-of-life care. Enjoy a fabulous fivecourse Italian dinner with wine at Il Forno Restaurant at Jasper Gates. Visit www. pilgrimshospice.ca or call 780.413.9801 for tickets and details.

14th Annual Winemakers’ 14 Valentine’s Gala In a marriage between healthcare and the arts, the CapitalCare Foundation joins Edmonton Opera Association in presenting Edmonton’s premiere Valentine’s Gala.

Luxuriate in sights and sounds of opera, fantastic decor, and culinary delights. This fundraiser benefits Edmonton Opera and CapitalCare, two diverse organizations working to make Edmonton and area a great place to live. Held at the Shaw Conference Centre Hall D. Tickets: $500/person; $5,000/tables of 10. Contact 780.497.3261 or mary.cousineau@delcongroup.com.

Visit www.capitalcare.net or www.edmontonopera.com Winefest Edmonton– 17-18 Shaw Conference Centre Swirl, sip and savour at this all-inclusive

32

wine event featuring an array of Canadian and international wines, port, sparkling, and dessert wines alongside complimentary hors d’oeuvres. Experts will share their knowledge and guide you through wine tastings, offering ways to educate your palate and senses.

Shaw Conference Centre. Winefest is an all inclusive event. Tickets: $65-$75, depending on session.

Visit www.celebratewinefest.com or contact 1.866.228.3555 for details.

18 Mardi Gras Attend the Vinok Worldance annual fundraiser. For updates and additional information, contact Vinok Worldance at 780.454.3739, e-mail info@vinok.ca or visit the company online at www.vinok.ca.

United Way Awards of Distinction 23 Red Tie Gala This special gala recognizes the achievements of our community’s United Way campaign. The efforts of individuals, organizations and corporations are acknowledged for their contributions to the success of the annual campaign. Features a cocktail reception, discovery gallery, award presentations and guest presenters.

Northlands EXPO Centre. Tickets: $125 each; $1150/table of 10. Visit www.myunitedway.ca, call 780.990.1000 or email events@myunitedway.ca 19th Annual National Aboriginal 24 Achievement Awards The National Aboriginal Achievement Awards (NAAA) were established to encourage and celebrate excellence in the Aboriginal community. Fourteen recipients are honoured at this annual black-tie event.

Visit www.naaf.ca for more details and updates. E-mail ticketsales@naaf.ca.

28th Annual Art Auction & Brunch 28 The Brian Webb Dance Company has developed an amazing relationship with Edmonton’s visual arts community. This year’s fundraiser feature fine art by many of Edmonton’s most exciting artists.

The Sutton Place Hotel. Tickets $75, available at www.tixonthesquare.ca or visit www.bwdc.ca.

MARCH 2012 The Alberta Business Awards 2 of Distinction The Alberta Business Awards of Distinction Gala is hosted by the Alberta Chambers of Commerce. The 21st year of the awards program will take place at the Marriot River Cree Resort. The event features a champagne reception, dinner and awards presentations. For updates and tickets visit www.abbusinessawards.ab.ca Bigger & Better Poker Party 3 Are you in? Come put your luck and skill to the test at an afternoon poker tournament in support of the Youth Emergency Shelter Society, followed by an evening of fabulous food, drink and entertainment. Held at the beautiful River Cree Resort and Casino, this is always a night to remember. Ticket prices for the Poker Party are: tournament only: $200; gala only: $100 or $1000/table of 10; tournament and gala: $275. For iinformation or to register, please visit www.yess.org or contact Tracy Cumming at 780.468.7070.

3 BOMA Edmonton Awards Gala The Building Owners and Managers Association of Edmonton Awards Gala celebrates the best in the commercial real estate industry annually. Awards are presented in nine categories.

Visit www.bomaedmonton.org for updates and nomination forms.

Daddy’s Little Sweetheart Ball 9 The 1st Annual Daddy’s Little Sweetheart Ball will be a magical evening at City Hall celebrating the special bond between a father and a daughter. It will be an unforgettable experience, creating wonderful and lasting memories. The evening will include a buffet dinner, dance, beauty boutique, glitter tattoos, commemorative photo and much more! Proceeds raised will benefit The Rainbow Society of Alberta and E4C’s Kids in the Hall Bistro Program.

For ticket and sponsorship information, contact Holly Pshyk at 780-469-3306.

Innovative Canadians for Change 9 (ICChange) First Annual Winter Gala ICChange is a local NGO of experts and students who are using their diverse skills to improve the quality of life and security of vulnerable populations. Funds will go toward developing new technologies, relationships, and collaborations with other non-profits, universities, the UN and governments. Black-tie. The Sutton Place Hotel. Tickets: $100 by February 28th.

Call Jessica Hogan at 780.267.8110 or visit www.icchange.ca for details and tickets.

31st Annual Canadian Business 14 Leader Award Dinner Presented by the University of Alberta School of Business, this dinner celebrates Allan Markin, chairman of Canadian Natural Resources Limited, for his business acumen, vision and commitment. Shaw Conference Centre. Tickets: $195 each; $1950/table of 10. Visit www.business.ualberta.ca and follow the CBLA link.

Contact 780.492.2348.

Beaded Journey Gala 16 Kids with Cancer Society invites you to join this black tie gala to raise funds for programs and services to support children with cancer and their families. Held at Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. Call 780.496.2459 or visit www.kidswithcancer.ca for updates Edmonton Festival Ballet Gala 18 Enjoy dance performances, reception, wine raffle and auction. Guest performances by Edmonton Contemporary Dancers and the Edmonton School of Ballet Junior Company.

Arden Theatre. Tickets: price TBA. Contact 780.413.0985 or edmfest@telus.net.

Visit www.efbdance.com for updates.

Western Canada 29-April 5 Fashion Week Kicking off the week is a semi-formal event at the TransAlta Arts Barns. Canada’s third largest fashion week supports and celebrates local designers, models and performers in a unique and entertaining art production. Be creative in your dress… you’re part of the show too!

Visit www.westerncanadafashionweek.com for details.

EDMONTONIANS WINTER 2011

APRIL 2012 25th Mayor’s Celebration for the Arts 2 This tribute to Edmonton’s world-class creative community is produced by the Professional Arts Coalition of Edmonton (PACE). The event recognizes achievement in the arts and the partnership between business and the arts. Winspear Centre.

Nominations for the eight awards close on January 16, 2012. Call 780.428.1414.

Visit www.pacedmonton.com for details.

Walk in My Shoes 13 This annual gala dinner and auction supports end-of-life programs and bereavements services at Pilgrim’s Hospice, Edmonton’s only free-standing hospice. Location: TBA. Visit www.pilgrimshospice.ca or call 780.413.9801 for tickets and details.

Mad Hatter’s Gala— 14 Putting on the Ritz Hats off to the 27th annual Mad Hatter’s Gala and auction in support scholarships and bursaries for Grant MacEwan University students. Vintage, aristocratic or formal attire. Mad Hats encouraged! Shaw Conference Centre Hall D. Tickets: $500 each; $5000/table of 10.

Visit www.macewan.ca/madhatters.

Contact 780.497.4285 or FundDevelopment@MacEwan.ca Avenue of Hope Gala 20 A first-class evening of dining and dancing with live and silent auctions at the Italian Cultural Centre. Proceeds help support Lurana Shelter Society’s mission to provide a shelter for women, with or without children, escaping domestic violence. Programs include emergency, drop-in child care; youth and adult outreach. Tickets: $100 or $1000/ table for 10. Contact 780.422.7263 or funddevcoordinator@luranashelter.com.

Visit www.luranashelter.com.

Men of Honour Awards 27 and Fundraising Gala This award celebrates men who are role models or leaders in their communities.

Proceeds will be used for bursaries and counselling to help heal the harm caused by sexual exploitation and human trafficking.

Held at Sawmill Banquet & Catering Centre.

Tickets: $100 per person. Contact Cease: Centre to End All Sexual Exploitation at 780.471.6137 or ceasenow@paafe.org Visit www.ceasenow.org for more details 16th Annual Spring Fling 30 The Kinette Club of Edmonton invites you to enjoy a Ladies Night Out in celebration of its annual Spring Fling—a fabulous dinner, silent auction, fashion show and live butler auction. Proceeds support WINGS—Women

In Need Growing Stronger—which provides a safe and healthy environment for women and their children who are victims of family violence. Four Points by Sheraton Edmonton South, 7230 Argyll Road. Tickets: $55 or $500/table of 10. Contact Sashya at 780.633.0616 or e-mail sashay@shaw.ca.

Visit www.edmontonkinettes.ca

MAY 2012 SAGE Awards 1 The SAGE Awards, presented by Servus Credit Union, focus attention on the extraordinary accomplishments of older adults. This attention supports a positive perception of seniors and helps reduce negative outcomes such as elder abuse and ageism. Held at The Sutton Place Hotel. Contact Karen McDonald 780-701-9008 or e-mail kmcdonald@mysage.ca.

Visit www.mysage.ca. Sponsors welcome.

Junior Achievement 2 Alberta Business Hall of Fame Leadership. Excellence. Integrity. These words exemplify the Business Laureates of the Junior Achievement Alberta Business Hall of Fame. Sponsored by Northlands, the gala celebrates the latest inductees who demonstrated a vision unique among their peers, provided leadership to move others to achieve their goals and have built a legacy that will enrich those who follow. Students participating in JA programs are featured.

Northlands EXPO Centre. Tickets: $275 per person, $2750 per table, available at 780.428.1421 or e-mail kwilliams@ janorthalberta.org. The deadline for nominations for the 2012 Junior Achievement Alberta Business Hall of Fame is noon, January 11th. For details visit www.albertabusinesshalloffame.com.

Bissellebration Dinner Gala & Auction 5 Bissellebration helps raise support and awareness for the services provided at Bissell Centre. More than 19 programs and services help Edmontonians who are homeless or living in poverty. Programs work together to address the many barriers our participants work through every day—mental illness, employment, housing, isolation, addictions and much more. Come support those who need your help the most! The Sutton Place Hotel. Tickets: $135. Call 780-423-2285 or e-mail jmarshall@bissellcentre.org.

Visit www.bissellcentre.org Have a Heart for Mental Health TBA Gala Dinner The Canadian Mental Health Association– Edmonton Region will host its annual fund raising gala dinner in support of mental health and Mental Health Week, March 7th to 13th.

This is a non-gala gala with limited speeches, no auction and great prizes.

Edmonton 12529 - 102nd Avenue 780-451-1562 Calgary 8244 Elbow Drive SW 403-252-9558 EDMONTONIANS WINTER 2011

Visit www.cmha-edmonton.ab.ca.

Contact Canadian Mental Health Association at 780.414.6300 or info@cmha-edmonton.ab.ca.

CNIB Visions Luncheon 10 The Canadian National Institute for the Blind provides community-based support to help people who are blind or partially-sighted to achieve their goals and increase their independence. This fun-filled luncheon raises funds for programs. Celebrity MC, comedic performances, guest speaker, unique art auction. Held at The Westin. Tickets: $100.

Call Tracey at 780.453.8331 or e-mail tracey. harrison@cnib.ca. Visit www.cnib.ca for other ways to support programs.

Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation TBA Mother’s Day Luncheon This annual event raises awareness for breast cancer and the role that the 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 or 1.866.302.2223.

Visit www.cbcf.org/prairiesnwt Beauty and the Pleats 15 LUX Beauty Boutique presents Beauty and the Pleats, a silent auction beauty-nanza benefiting Edmonton’s Suit Yourself which provides clothing and support to women re-entering the workforce. The charity silent auction will be held at LUX Beauty Boutique-12531-102 Avenue. Tickets: $10.

Call 780.451.1423 or e-mail indulge@luxbeauty.com. Visit www.luxbeauty.com

30-31 Dreamspeakers Film Festival This four-day event is presented by the Dreamspeakers Festival Society which educates and markets Aboriginal culture, art and heritage. All ticket prices TBC: $20 for the Opening Night Reception on Wednesday; Walk of Honour luncheon at Beaver Hills House Park on Thursday; $7 for evening film screenings at various venues. Visit www.dreamspeakers.org for updates on venues and details. Nominations deadline: January 31, 2012. For tickets, contact 780.378.9609 or www.tixonthesquare.ca.

Swap Chairs For A Day TBA Lead by example: Spend a day in a wheelchair and see life from a different perspective. Awareness campaigns such as Chair-Leaders and support from prominent citizens will provide powerful insight into how we can properly plan for a barrier-free future.

Chair-Leaders volunteer to spend one day in May using a wheelchair to support the Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta); with the goal to assist persons with physical disabilities to achieve independence, selfreliance and full community participation.

For details and updates, visit www.cpa-ab.org.

Continued on page 34

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JUNE 2012 Dreamspeakers Film Festival 1-2 (continues) This four-day event is presented by the Dreamspeakers Festival Society which educates and markets Aboriginal culture, art and heritage. All ticket prices TBC: $75 for Youth Day workshops, career fair, etc. on Friday; $35 for Awards/Walk of Honour Gala (formal) dinner, presentations and entertainment on Saturday; $7 for evening and Saturday afternoon film screenings at various venues.

Visit www.dreamspeakers.org for updates on venues and details. Nominations deadline: January 31, 2012. For tickets, contact 780.378.9609 or www.tixonthesquare.ca.

Kids Kottage Gala— An Evening with Bond It’s no mystery—Kids Kottage provides 24-hour care in a safe, warm, loving environment to children at risk of abuse,.

Help support Edmonton’s only crisis care nursery. MC Danny Hooper will encourage your bids at the live auction. Music by the Urbanites. Fairmont Hotel Macdonald.

Tickets: $350. Call 780.448.1752 or visit www.kidskottage.org

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Busy Being Fabulous…

2 for the Stollery Matrix Hotel will host the third annual event in support of the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation. The evening will include a Fashionista Fashion Show presented by Southgate, raffle with very exciting prizes, free manicures, a silent auction, red carpet photos, live action food stations, cocktails and wine, shopping specials, entertainment, dancing and more. Call 780.433.5437 or visit www.stollerykids.com/fabulous for more information.

21st Annual Emerald Awards 6 The Academy Awards recognize good acting, but the Emerald Awards recognize great actions! Recognizing environmental achievements at all levels, from youth to community groups to business, the ceremonies alternate annually between Edmonton and Calgary. This year’s awards will be presented at the Martha Cohen Theatre in Calgary. Contact the Alberta Emerald Foundation at 780.413.9629 or e-mail info@emeralfoundation.ca.

Nominations for the 21st Annual Emerald Awards close at the end of February.

Visit www.emeraldfoundation.ca for details.

One Thousand Women: 7 A Million Possibilities 3rd Annual Summer Luncheon NorQuest College created The Million Possibilities Endowment Fund to empower students to reach their full potential.

The fundraising campaign is a powerful example of women working together for the betterment of our community. The goal is to raise $1 million in three years by inspiring women to connect to a network of philanthropy in support of NorQuest College students facing extraordinary emergency needs. Sponsored by Brookfield Residential and Global. Contact: Cindy at 780.644 5926, or e-mail 1000women@norquest.ca.

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Visit www.1000women.ca for location and ticket information, or find out how to host a supporting event.

8 Big Wheels Deliver Meals Show n’ Shine and Tailgate BBQ Check out classic cars provided by the Edmonton Street Rod Association at Meals on Wheels, 11111 – 103rd Avenue.

All proceeds from the BBQ will support meal programs at Edmonton Meals on Wheels.

Contact us for more information at 780-429-2020, emow@mealsonwheelsedmonton.org or www.mealsonwheelsedmonton.org.

Esquao Awards 2012 – 8 “Angels among Us” The Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women brings the 17th Annual Esquao Awards to the Northlands EXPO Centre. The awards honour and recognize Aboriginal women from various regions in Alberta for their accomplishments in many different categories. Tickets: $150 (TBC).

Call IAAW central office 780.479.8195.

Visit www.iaaw.ca updates and details.

Books2Eat Gala 9 Don’t miss the 7th Annual Books2Eat Gala.

This is one of Edmonton’s most interesting and unique fundraising events, uniting both the literary and culinary worlds, as local chefs showcase their talents through edible book creations. The event features exquisite food, wine and music. Bid on literary-inspired cakes, as well as luxurious, exclusive silent auction packages. Proceeds raised will help make the Edmonton Public Library even better. For more information and tickets visit www.epl.ca/b2e.

Lobster Fest 9 Sponsored by Concordia University College of Alberta in support of student scholarships and bursaries. Held on-campus at 7128 Ada Blvd. Tickets: $75.

Visit www.concordia.ab.ca for details.

3rd Annual Opera al Fresco 22 Edmonton Opera takes it outside!

Experience opera like you never have before at the Devonian Botanical Gardens. Details TBA. Call the Box Office 780.429.1000 or visit www.edmontonopera.com for updates and tickets.

Council for Visual Arts Gala 22 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. Date to be confirmed. Tickets: TBA. Contact EBEVCA at 780.426.2122 updates.

Alberta Ballet’s 18th Annual 23-24 House & Garden Tour Celebrate Alberta Ballet’s 45th year by touring spectacular homes and gardens in support of programs. This is Alberta Ballet’s biggest fundraiser. Tickets go on sale in the Spring. Socks are required, and good walking shoes are recommended. One-day

self-guided tour: $45… one-day bus tour: $75. Contact Diane Holmes, Customer Service Manager, at 780.428.6839, or e-mail dianeh@albertaballet.com.

Visit www.albertaballet.com

TBA The 61st Annual Salute to Excellence Hall of Fame During a formal evening presentation at the Francis Winspear Centre for Music, the Salute to Excellence Committee inducts outstanding Edmontonians into the City of Edmonton Arts and Culture, Community Service, and Sports Halls of Fame.

Nomination deadline: February 22, 2012.

Call 780.496.7380. Visit www.edmonton.ca for nomination forms and updates.

Homeless for a Night TBA The Youth Emergency Shelter Society invites you to register online as a team or individually, collect pledges and then be “Homeless for a Night”. For one night in early June, you can experience an evening of enlightenment about youth homelessness, take in some great entertainment or just sit by the fire. Find out what life is like when you don’t have a warm, comfortable home to go to. For more information, to register, or make a pledge to YESS, visit www.yess.org.

Contact Tracy Cumming at 780.468.7186 ext 288.

Summer is festival time in the city—it’s time for outdoor concerts and celebrations.

Charity focus shifts to golfing, walking, running and biking for worthy causes.

JULY 2012 A Taste of Edmonton Festival 20-29 Eager foodies anticipate the arrival of “Taste” every summer to indulge their palates with a huge assortment of food and beverages offered up by more than 30 Edmonton restaurants. Sir Winston Churchill Square.

Contact Events Edmonton at 780.423.2822 or visit www.eventsedmonton.ca Edmonton Indy 20-22 Vroom Vroom... The thrill and excitement of Formula 1 Grand Prix returns to the new track at City Centre Airport. Octane Motorsports Events is in full throttle to provide on-track action. There’s lots going on inside the fence—beer gardens, and entertainment all weekend. Visit www. edmontonindy.com for updates and tickets.

Off-tract activities enhance your Indy experience… before, during and after the race. It’s a celebration of art, music and motion—all events are volunteer driven, involving numerous groups that operate under the banner of Race Week Edmonton.

Many are fundraisers for local charities.

Check out www.raceweekedmonton.com to get in on the fun, to volunteer, register an event, or become a sponsor.

AUGUST 2012 Servus Heritage Festival 4-6 Servus Heritage Festival 2012 marks the 37th annual of this premier three-day showcase of Canada’s vibrant multicultural heritage, featuring 63 pavilions representing EDMONTONIANS WINTER 2011

more than 85 cultures from all over the world. Come taste food, enjoy entertainment and arts and crafts. The event promotes public awareness, understanding and appreciation for cultural diversity. Hawrelak Park. Contact Edmonton Heritage Festival Association at 780.488.3378 or e-mail info@heritage-festival.com.

Visit www.heritage-festival.com 31st Edmonton International 16-26 Fringe Theatre Festival This phenomenal alternative theatre fest is the largest and oldest in North America with more than 1,200 shows and performances from over 200 theatrical companies in 27 venues in historic Old Strathcona. For updates visit www.fringetheatreadventures.ca.

SEPTEMBER 2012 Grandparents Award of Distinction 8 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 dinner and silent auction support programs for seniors. Tickets: $80 per adult (tax receipt of $30); $40 per youth. Contact Bernadette Swan Social Care Foundation at 780.761.0881or bnsscf5@yahoo.ca.

Western Canada Fashion Week 13-20 Kicking off the week is a semi-formal event at the TransAlta Arts Barns. Canada’s third largest fashion week supports and celebrates local designers, models and performers in a unique and entertaining art production. Be creative in your dress… you’re part of the show too! For details visit www.westerncanadafashionweek.com.

2nd Annual Bling n’ Boots Gala 15 This fundraising event features a gala dinner with live and silent auctions, and entertainment in support of STARS and the Cowboy Benevolent Fund. Marriott River Cree Resort & Casino. Tickets: $225 per person, or $2250/table of 10. Contact Erin at Erin.Ruta@marriott.com for details.

Website www.blingnboots.com under construction.

2nd Annual Filipino Canadian Gala 15 A joyous event that celebrates Filipino successes and accomplishments. This event will showcase choreographed dances, professional and amateur live bands, country and ballroom dancing, live and silent auction and more. Proceeds will be designated to a local charity. Northlands EXPO Centre.

Tickets: $65. Contact 780.440.4282 or e-mail filipinogala@gmail.com, or visit www.filipinogala.ca for tickets and sponsorship opportunities.

Edmontonians Sizzling Twenty under 30 Edmontonians will celebrate the 11th year of Sizzling Twenty under 30.

We’ll honour and toast another 20 outstanding individuals who have been selected annually since 2002 for their entrepreneurial and community spirit.

EDMONTONIANS WINTER 2011

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Profiles of new inductees are featured annually in the September issue of the magazine. Nomination forms for the 2012 Sizzlers are available at www.edmontonians.com and close on May 15st. This is one of Edmonton’s “IT” parties!

Contact info@edmontonians.com.

21 Edmonton International Film Festival – Opening Night Gala Opening Night Gala consists of a movie premiere and after-party with visiting filmmakers and actors. This is the kickoff event to the 24th Annual EIFF, a nineday feast of feature films, shorts and documentaries from around the world which runs daily through to September 29th. Visit www.edmontonfilmfest.com.

Annual Dr. Helen Hays 21 Sunflower Luncheon Each year a prominent speaker delivers a keynote address at this luncheon for the Pilgrim’s Hospice Society which offers end-of-life programs and bereavements services. Proceeds support Edmonton’s only freestanding hospice.

Visit www.pilgrimshospice.ca.

Contact 780.413.9801.

Harvest Celebration A Gala Evening in Support of the Lois Hole Hospital for Women

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Celebrate Hope. Celebrate Healing.

Celebrate the Harvest. The Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation invites you to celebrate the beauty of the season, the bounty of our tables, and the abundance of community support which continues to drive excellence in women’s health care at the Lois Hole Hospital for Women.

Your attendance is your donation! Contact Natasha Robb at the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation for more information or to purchase a table: Call 780.735.4035, e-mail nrobb@royalalex.org or visit www. loisholehospital.com Edmonton Eskimos TBA Women’s Dinner Huddle up with your girlfriends and get ready for an all access pass to professional football. This unique dinner tackles women’s health with a night of food and fun at Commonwealth Stadium.

Organized and hosted by the Women of the Edmonton Eskimos in support of ovarian cancer research at the Lois Hole Hospital for Women. Contact the Edmonton Eskimos administration office at 780.448.3757 or www.esks.com for more information and to purchase tickets.

Duncan & Craig Laurel Awards 24 The 18th annual Laurel Awards recognize and reward creativity and innovation in notfor-profit organizations. Held at The Westin Hotel. For information and nomination forms, follow the link at www.dcllp.com.

Contact Sol Rolingher at 780.441.4310 or srolinger@dcllp.com.

Working Man’s Blues Bash 24 Sponsored by the Building Trades of Alberta Charitable Foundation to raise funds to support full-day Kindergarten for the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation.

Tickets: $80. Price includes dinner, and

entertainment featuring the Walter Trout, Trampled Under Foot and Rusty Reed Blues Bands. Live and silent auctions. Held at Mirage, #360, 8170 - 50 Street.

Contact 780-417-9916.

Visit www.triumphmusic.ca/working_mans.php.

Edmonton Meals on Wheels TBA Wine Tasting Fundraiser Join us for a fabulous wine tasting and auction event that is sure to be one of those buzzed about evenings you won’t want to miss! Let your senses guide you while you indulge in the bold flavours of reds and whites and find just the perfect auction item to bid on. Proceeds from this fundraiser will support programs at Meals on Wheels. Edmonton BMW, 7450 Roper Road. Tickets available at 780-429-2020, emow@mealsonwheelsedmonton.org or www.mealsonwheelsedmonton.org.

“Opening Doors for Autism” 28 Masque Gala Dinner and Auction Fundraiser in support of family programs for children, teens, adults with autism and their families. This event is sponsored by Cameron Development Corporation. This year’s jazzy New Orleans-inspired event, hosted again by Danny Hooper, will be celebrate the 41st year of serving people with autism in the Edmonton Area. Held at Edmonton EXPO Center, Northlands.

Tickets: $175 per person. Contact Autism Society of Edmonton Area office 780.453.3971 or visit www.autismedmonton.org

OCTOBER 2012 Denim Ducks Dinner 4 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 or check out our Ducks Unlimited Canada Boreal Facebook page to see what else is going on in the Edmonton area.

Contact Tracy O’Neill 780.444.2354.

Oktoberfest 4-6 & 12-13 Oktoberfest kicks off in the Beer Tent on Thursday, then gets into full swing on Friday and Saturday, and the next weekend with a live band. Entertainment provided

by Bavarian Schuhplattlers. Tradtitional Oktoberfest food and lots of door prizes.

German Canadian Cultural Centre, 8310 Roper Road. Contact the GCCA office at 780-466-4000 or mail@gcca.ca for tickets and details. Visit www.gcca.ca 14th Annual Rainbow Gala 11 As one of the signature events for the Edmonton area, the Rainbow Gala is a consistent and important fundraiser.

Proceeds raised at the event will benefit The Rainbow Society of Alberta, granting wishes to Alberta children with a chronic or life-threatening illness. Fantasyland Hotel.

For ticket and sponsorship information, please visit www.rainbowsociety.ab.ca.

Continued on page 36 35

Fashion with Compassion 11 Edmonton’s premier fashion show in support of Sorrentino’s Compassion House holds two fabulous fundraising events at the Shaw Conference Centre-Hall D on this day— luncheon and evening dinner shows.

Visit www.fashioncompassion.ca for updates. Contact 780.425.7224.

20th Annual Scarecrow Festival 12-14 Exciting changes are in the works for the 2012 Scarecrow Festival—meaning more Hallowe’en fun for the whole family!

Scarecrow Festival’s focus remains on 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. Edmonton EXPO Centre, Northlands. For more information visit www.scarecrowfestival.org Laugh for Life Gala 20 They say laughter is the best medicine and you will get a huge dose of it at the wacky evening with comedian Ken Davis. The 9th annual Laugh for Life Gala, held at the Edmonton’s finest concert hall, the Winspear Centre, includes performance painter Lewis Lavoie plus a silent and a live auction to support The Mustard Seed and Candeo Housing Association.

Visit www.LaughforLife.ca for updates.

Tickets go on sale July 13th from the Winspear Box Office at 780.428.1414.

Nina’s Cake Walk TBA Cake Walk goes country in 2012 in support of the Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts (date and venue to be confirmed) with Cakes and Cash—Johnny Cash! This event combines amazing cake creations with top notch musical entertainment. Each sponsored cake will be themed for a different Johnny Cash classic hit and judged on taste and appearance by a team of judges, with the final marks awarded for stage show presentation by known and up-and-coming local singers. The Nina Haggerty Centre supports a collective of over 130 adult artists with developmental disabilities, operates the public Stollery Gallery, and offers free and low cost community art programs in its new home at 9225-118 Avenue.

Visit www.ninahaggertyart.ca for updates.

Faculty of Arts Winter Solstice TBA & Silent Auction Experience the joy of giving with the U of A Faculty of Arts as they are proud to host the 8th Annual Winter Solstice and Silent Auction held at the elegant University Faculty Club.

Visit www.christmasbureau.ca for updates.

Concordia’s 12th Annual TBA Grande Masque Gala Experience an evening of elegance and fine dining in support of students and a distinctive education at Concordia University College of Alberta. This is one of Edmonton’s must attend black tie events! Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. Visit www.concordia.ab.ca.

Contact Katherine Hutton at 780.479.9247 for tickets and details.

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NOVEMBER 2012 Gold Medal Plates Edmonton 1 Gold Medal Plates is the ultimate celebration of Canadian excellence in food, wine, entertainment and athletic achievement.

Celebrating in nine cities across Canada in 2012, Gold Medal Plates features superb wines and the premier chefs in each city, paired with Canadian Olympic and Paralympic athletes, in a competition to crown gold, silver and bronze medal culinary teams in each city, and subsequently nationwide. Held at the Shaw Conference Centre.

Tickets: $350 per person, $3500 per table, $5000 for an Olympian table. Contact ComLinks Events at 780-448-5957 or goldmedalplates@comlinks.ca.

Visit www.goldmedalplates.com Edmonton’s Food Bank 1 Harvest Luncheon Edmonton’s Food Bank dedicates the entire year to eliminating hunger in the city. Fall is a time for harvest, and the luncheon takes us back to our historical role as gleaners.

Join supporters, volunteers and friends for lunch, a live auction and a “lottery” at the Food Bank Warehouse, 11508 – 120th Street. Tickets: $40 each; tables of 10, $350. Call 780.425.2133 for tickets.

ASTech Awards Gala 2 ASTech recognizes Alberta’s most important and influential leaders, innovators and contributors in the science and technology community. The evening features a black tie gala. For more information, visit www.astech.ca or email info@astech.ca Edmonton Rocky Mountain 2-3 Wine & Food Festival Educate and temp your palate with wonderful food and wine at this two-day event. A portion of ticket sales will go toward creating scholarships for culinary students at NAIT. Shaw Conference Centre. Visit www.rockymountainwine.com or contact 1.866.228.3555 for details.

Denim & Diamonds 3 Join the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation as it hosts the 21st annual Denim & Diamonds evening to raise funds to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. A dazzling event with big name entertainment.

Date TBC. Visit www.jdrf.ca or contact edmonton@jdrf.ca for updates.

Champions for Children 3 This evening honours individuals in our community who have had a significant impact on the lives of children. Master of Ceremonies Danny Hooper leads a wonderful evening of enjoyment and activities with the opportunity to purchase great silent auction items and bid on unique experiences in the live auction. Support for the event will assist the Rotary Club of Edmonton Northeast Foundation provide programs, projects and facilities which make a difference in the lives of children, youth and families. Location TBA. Tickets: $100.

Contact Nadine at 780.999.7425 or visit http://www.championsforchildren.ca for details.

16 National Philanthropy Day Awards and Luncheon Join the Association of Fundraising Professionals Edmonton and Area Chapter to celebrate and acknowledge the philanthropic achievements of our community. Nominations can be submitted at www.afpedmonton.ca before June 29, 2012. Location and price to be announced. For updates, contact: 780.960.4188 or info@afpedmonton.ca TBA NorQuest College Annual Fundraising Breakfast NorQuest’s Fundraising Breakfast supports the ongoing development of the Tutorial Centre. More than 2,000 students use the Centre every month. With additional donor support, NorQuest aims to: increase full-time employees at the Tutorial Centre dedicated to direct student support; increase operation hours; improve tutorial materials and service offerings to meet student needs; and grow the Peer Tutoring Program.

Visit www.norquest.ca for additional information and updates.

TBA 8th Annual Breakfast with the Guys – Hosted by Mayor Stephen Mandel, Breakfast with the Guys is an annual event for Edmonton’s business and community leaders to learn what they can do to make a significant difference towards ending domestic violence. In support of the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters.

Special guest speakers. For updates and information, visit www.acws.ca or call 780.456.7000.

17 Prinzenproklamation 2012 Join the Blauen Funken Mardi Gras Association at the German Canadian Cultural Centre for this spectacular evening of traditional German Karneval. The crowning of the new Prince and Princess will start the Karneval season. A floor show and dance are included in the $15 ticket price. Visit www.blauenfunken-edmonton.com for details. Contact GCCA 780 466-4000 or president@blauenfunken-edmonton.com 45th Hungarian Csardas Ball 24 This black tie event is sponsored by the Hungarian Cultural Society to fund the Kodaly Music Scholarship for a gifted young Albertan to study at the Kodaly Pedagogical Institute of Music in Kecskemet, Hungary.

The evening features a reception with live classical music, a multi-course dinner with entertainment, followed by a dance. Crowne Plaza Chateau Lacombe. Tickets: $175.

Contact Eva Toldy at 780.423.3757 or e-mail travel_1999@yahoo.com Festival of Trees 28 Gala Evening The Festival of Trees celebrates its 28th anniversary year with a gala dinner and live and silent auctions to support the purchase of state of the art equipment for the University of Alberta Hospital. This black tie event is hosted by the University Hospital Foundation. Shaw Conference Centre. Ticket price TBD. Visit www.festivaloftrees.ab.ca for updates or call 780.407.2786.

EDMONTONIANS WINTER 2011

WELCA’s Hoofbeats and TBA Heartbeats Gala This event helps raise funds for redevelopment of the Whitemud Equine Learning Centre facilities into a worldclass centre for equine learning, therapy, recreation and research. WELCA is a nonprofit organization providing benefits to many Edmontonians including college and university students, aboriginal youth, war veterans, the physically and mentally disabled, and the elderly. The gala includes a sit-down dinner, live entertainment, and both silent and live auctions. Location and ticket prices TBA. For details and updates, visit www.WELCA.ca

DECEMBER 2012 Share the Spirit Open House 2 Celebrate the holiday season with friends and supporters of Pilgrims Hospice at the Christmas Open House and Annual Cookie Trot. Visit www.pilgrimshospice.ca or phone 780.413.9801 The Fine Art of Schmoozy TBA Latitude 53 Fundraiser & Silent Auction The Fine Art of Schmoozy is a fun and elegant evening featuring a silent art auction, live music, and fabulous food and drink. Bid on (and take home!) some amazing original art from local and regional artists, and have a nibble on some great gourmet food. Get into the Schmoozy spirit, dress in your cocktail finery at Latitude 53 Contemporary Visual Culture. Tickets: $25 in October, $30 in November–also available at the door. Visit www.latitude53.org, call Tyler Sherard at 780.423.5353, or e-mail development@latitude53.org.

show-stopping spectacular filled with angelic voices, dancing Santas, a live orchestra and bounds of holiday cheer! The Singing Christmas Tree is one of Edmonton’s legendary holiday events that guarantees to get you and your whole family in the holiday spirit. Be a part of the magic and come see The Singing Christmas Tree at The Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. Dates: TBC. Visit www.edmontonsingingchristmastree.com for updates.

9 Annual BOMA Edmonton Christmas Luncheon & Charity Event BOMA Edmonton hosts this fundraising luncheon at The Westin Hotel in support of WIN House. Reserve auction, silent auctions and raffle. Visit www.bomaedmonton.org for updates.

Candy Cane Lane 10-Jan 2 This December tradition sees approximately 200 private homes along 148th Street, between 100th and 92nd Avenues, adorned with impressive Christmas light displays.

Over three weeks, thousands of visitors stroll Candy Cane Lane, admiring the imaginative and often quirky decorations. Sleigh rides along the street are also available. Donations to the Edmonton Food Bank are much appreciated at the on-site collection points.

Cornflake Breakfast TBA The Youth Emergency Shelter Society invites you to the kickoff of its annual campaign.

Come get to know YESS—over just the sort of breakfast its clients receive every morning—and find out what you can do to support homeless youth in your community.

For more information, please visit www.yess.org or contact Tracy Cumming at 780-468-7070.

Holiday High Tea WEEKENDS Celebrate the season in the Arbour Restaurant & Tea Room. Join us for our famous traditional High Tea served with a Christmas flair! Reservations required; two seatings (11 am and 3 pm); $25 per person, $45 for two. All proceeds go to the Friends of Rutherford House Society. Held at historic Rutherford House on the U of A campus.

Visit www.rutherfordhouse.ca.

Contact 780.422.2697

Christmas Bureau TBA Carol Sing-along What better way to celebrate 72 years of Christmas Bureau cheer than over a lunch hour of exquisite Christmas carolling provided by Edmonton’s talented choir community! Arrive at the Winspear early—this holiday favourite fills seats fast.

Admission is free and volunteers will be accepting donations on site. This event is sponsored by the Winspear.

Visit www.christmasbureau.ca for updates.

Edmonton’s Singing 7-9 Christmas Tree Gather your family and friends and join in a

The 13th Annual TBA Copper Jackets Luncheon Come and take part in the 13th Annual Face

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Off Against Hunger Luncheon at the Shaw Conference Centre, Hall D. Presented by the Copper Jackets and the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation. Entertainment and live and silent auctions go with a delicious lunch. Tickets: $100.00 (tax receipt for a portion of the price). Purchase by phone 780.409.5864 or at TELUS Field. Anyone wishing to donate auction items can do so to Andrea at agoss@edmontonoilers.com.

TBA Christmas Bureau Breakfast The 31st Annual FMC Christmas Bureau Breakfast sponsored by Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP, Sobeys and The Westin Edmonton takes place from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. The tradition of sharing continues with this annual favourite. Listen to some great entertainers while you bid on silent auction items. Visit www.christmasbureau.ca or contact Gail Pharand at 780.423.7223 or e-mail gail.pharand@fmc-law.com.

Snowflake Gala 2012 TBA The Shaw Conference Centre will be transformed as 1100 patrons come together to support the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation and celebrate the 16th Anniversary. Call 780.433.5437 or visit www.stollerykids.com/snowflake for more information.

2012 Edmonton International 31 New Year’s Eve Gala Ring in the New Year in support of The Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Cocktails at 7 pm, followed by the Dinner of Distinction and dance. Tickets: Call 780.430.8747 or e-mail edgala@shaw.ca.

For more information, visit www.edgala.ca

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Cisco partners with Rampart’s Avenir

to build smart & connected COMMUNITY

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etting connected is taking on a whole new meaning as the Rampart’s Avenir Community takes shape in St. Albert.

In November, the developer announced its partnership with networking giant Cisco to design and construct the smart utility infrastructure for the new clean technology community

Branded a “smart+connected community”, once finished the 400-acre Avenir will operate completely on a digital platform with a one gigabit per second data utility infrastructure.

Security, building automation, home automation, voice, video and data and IT services will all converge on a single platform According to Gerry De Klerk, CEO of the Rampart Group, “Residents can work from within their community and travel to work on the digital highway. This Smart+Connected Community will be a leader in significantly reducing costs for employers and taxpayers while simultaneously reducing the carbon footprint. Avenir will provide the best of digital connectivity and a state of the art transportation hub making physical travel as simple as a digital connection. “ Well into the planning stages, the $1.8 billion community will house 10,000 residents along with commercial and high tech, clean tech enterprises.

Last summer, Cisco participated in a workshop to discuss business opportunities associated with the data utility corridor for Avenir. Cisco representative Gilles St. Hillaire says the networking firm has helped cities like San Francisco, Amsterdam and Sung-do, Korea become smart and connected through “intelligent urbanization”.

“We’ve been helping them with a variety of different solutions,“ he explains. “In the case of Sung-do and Amsterdam, we’ve helped

with smart work centres. That concept is about having the technology to enable people to work in these community centres as if they were working in their office. So you eliminate a lot of traffic congestion by keeping people in their homes and allow them to work in a community environment so they can mingle with people they are familiar with.”

St. Hillaire points out that what’s great about Avenir is that its ‘green field’. “By that I mean is that it’s a community that’s built from the ground up. So there’s kinds of opportunities around starting a building from new, from laying fibre in the ground to connecting homes so it s becomes the most connected community to o allowing for a number of applications to run over this connected community.”

Rampart Avenir’s project director David David Bro Bromley says the mley telepresence afforded by this smart community y concept is not only the way of the future future, it can have an immediate impact on shaping the way Alberta develops around the oil sands, for example.

“If you think of the amount of money going into northern Alberta right now for infrastructure development, this allows

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communities such as St. Albert to utilize their existing infrastructure and have people working from their homes or from what we call ‘smart centres’ located within the St. Albert community itself.”

According to Bromley, installing the data utility should not cost more when constructed in new communities like Avenir.

One of the agencies watching the development of the new Rampart’s Avenir community Alberta Innovates Technology Futures where Dr. Axel Meisen is the Chair of Foresight. He explains, the new community “builds on the work we have been doing at AITF for the last year and a half, almost two years, where we are looking at communities of the future. We’ve mainly we’ve been preoccupied in trying to answer that question in the context of the next 20… 30 years.

Now Rampart Avenir is trying to build a community within the next few years.”

He believes these data utility corridors and connected communities will revolutionize everyday activities, including healthcare. “If, for example, you are a patient or an elderly person, you have some health problems, you can now link up your body to some sensors, to some transmitters so your physician or health provider or your grandson can see what you are doing or what you’re not doing. So data is going to be available in an almost ubiquitous way and at a very reasonable cost.”

You can follow developments with Rampart’s Avenir community at www. rampartavenircommunities.wordpress.com √

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itamin D deficiency is rampant across North America, thanks to the current western lifestyle and the use of sunblocks. It’s an emerging health concern, because a deficiency in Vitamin D has been linked to several medical problems, including cancer, osteoporosis, heart disease, depression, even Alzheimer’s.

Tests are available but patients can wait weeks to get the lab results from their doctors.

That situation is about to change, thanks to a new test developed by NanoSpeed Diagnostics Inc of Edmonton. Called Test4D, this point-ofuse test can produce results in 10 minutes.

As company president Dr. Seema Gupta explains, the test comes in a small package and can be self-administered something like a pregnancy test.

“You just require a drop of blood from your finger. It’s a very small kit. It’s like just a test strip and then there is a dropper which you use to take a drop of the blood from your finger. And then there is another small dropper bottle and you just put six drops of the solution that’s in the dropper bottle, wait for 10 minutes, and it shows you whether you are deficient in Vitamin D or you’re not.

Clinical trials are well underway. Dr. Gupta says. once approved for sale, the test will sell for about $35. This will significantly reduced the Independent Associate cost of testing for Vitamin D deficiency. And it will DONNA 780-469-5715 help consumers be more 1-800-665-5756 precise when it comes to taking Vitamin D #029268 quote ID +RPH +HDOWK supplements. :HOOQHVV 3URGXFWV NanoSpeed Diagnostics is also 6XSHUÀHD 0DUNHW %RRWK developing a point-of-use thyroid test using lab-on 6WUHHW $YHQXH a-chip technology and is 6DW 6XQ SP taking advantage of the specialized equipment at ACAMP to move the www.watkinsonline.com/dvouellette process along. √

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ACAMP: SmileSonica moves toward commercialization

W

ouldn’t it be nice to fix your teeth without going through the ordeal of a root canal?

That’s exactly what Cristian Scurtescu is working on at his company Smilesonica. He helped develop the ultrasonic technology while studying for his Master’s degree at the University of Alberta. He recognized the commercial potential of the research and in 2009 entered it in the TEC VenturePrize Business Plan Competition.

Smilesonica made it into the finals and now the company is scaling up its prototype at the facilities run by ACAMP, MP, the Alberta Centre forr Advanced Micro Nano no Technology Products.

Scurtescu explains that Smilesonica is developing for the commercial market is a dental device that’s molded to fit right over your teeth. “The device Cristian S curtescu has two modules.

It has an external electronics module more re like a cell phone that the patient interacts with.

And the module ith A d th d l is connected to an internal attachment that emits this ultrasonic therapy towards the afflicted roots of the teeth and stimulates the repair of problem on site. The treatment is non-invasive, painless, and it’s easy to use by the patients.”

In terms of use, Scurtescu says the patient would wear the device for 20 minutes a day over a period of four weeks to about four months, depending on the severity of the dental problem.

With all the good progress to date, Smilesonica should be ready for market in about 18 to 24 months. √ Cheryl Croucher hosts Innovation Anthology which is broadcast on CKUA Radio at 7:58 am and 4:58 pm Tuesdays and Thursday.

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