St. Albert Leader - Dec. 12, 2013 by St. Albert Leader

Photo Illustration: glenn cook, St. Albert leader

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Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013

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Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013

Lead the

INDEX News . . . . . . . . . 3 Opinion . . . . . . . . 8 Interactive . . . . . . 9 Photo Booth . . . . . . 10 Entertainment . . . . . 19 Health Feature . . . . 23 Health . . . . . . . 25 Fun & Games . . . . . 28 Business . . . . . . 30

COVER

Devon Dobchuk, a Grade 6 student at École Father Jan, piles bags of pink popcorn on a table during recess Tuesday morning. Students combined business lessons they learned through Junior Achievement with their passion for social justice to raise some money to help those less fortunate both at home and abroad. See story, page 3.

BY THE NUMBERS

3,423

That’s the weight in pounds — equivalent to 1,552.64 kilograms — of the world’s largest popcorn ball, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. The popcorn ball was constructed on Sept. 29, 2006, by employees at The Popcorn Factory in Lake Charles, Ill.

Philanthropy pops at Father Jan empowering women; • reducing child mortality; • improving maternal health; Sweet treats met with social justice this • combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other week at a local elementary school. diseases; Grade 6 students at École Father Jan got to • ensuring environmental sustainability; work on Tuesday, combining business skills and they learned through a Junior Achievement • building global partnerships for course with the ideals of Free the Children development. and We Day to raise money for those less “Some of it can be buying nets against fortunate both at home and abroad. malaria, and (promoting) stuff like girls’ “The beauty of this project is that it’s so rights,” said Riley Waples, another students interconnected,” said their teacher, Juliette on the promotion committee. Inglis, adding that she was Inglis added that Plan hoping to make $400. “It’s Canada was a good got Junior Achievement investment because many and making a business, of the gifts available are it’s riding on the wave of matched to provide even We Day ... It’s a series of more value, and promote fortunate events.” multiple development The students were goals. Juliette Inglis selling bags of pink “The $75 AIDS Teacher popcorn at recess Tuesday treatment for a child is for $1 each, most of which matched 17-to-1,” she said, were snapped up in a presale. The profits making it a $1,200 value. from that venture would be used to shop for As well, Inglis’s Grade 6 class participated people in third world countries through Plan in the Treats for Toys program run by Canada’s Gifts of Hope program. Kellogg’s, where the company would donate “Popcorn was easy and light, and easy to $20 to the Salvation Army for every photo package,” said Evalina Javorsky, a student on of a toy-shaped Rice Krispies treat uploaded the promotion committee for the sale. “And to their website. As of Tuesday, the class pretty much everyone likes it.” had made 30 treats for a total of $600 in The kids wanted to put the money toward donations. Plan Canada to help achieve the millennium The Rice Krispies treat were also being development goals put forward by Free the raffled off in the school, with proceeds added Children, which they learned about when to the amount going to the Plan Canada some of them attended We Day celebrations program. earlier this year. Those goals include: All in all, though, Inglis wants her students • eradicating extreme poverty and hunger; to start seeing Christmas in a different way. • achieving universal primary education; “We’re trying to teach them that Christmas • promoting gender equality and should be a time of memories, not stuff.”

GLENN COOK St. Albert Leader

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Photo: GLENN COOK, St. Albert Leader

École Father Jan Grade 6 students (L-R) Paige Skogstad, Riley Waples and Evalina Javorsky pile up the popcorn at recess on Tuesday morning.

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Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013

Residents chime in on Erin Ridge traffic

GLENN COOK

“Something terrible is going to happen there.”

St. Albert Leader

Residents of Erin Ridge had more questions than answers after an open house on a traffic study in their neighbourhood this week. More than 40 people turned out to King of Kings Lutheran Church on Monday evening to give their feedback on the draft version of the study, which the City of St. Albert commissioned from Bunt and Associates Engineering to figure out the impact that a new francophone junior/senior high school in Eldorado Park would have on traffic and parking in the area. The report found that the added trips due to the school would be well within current standards for Erin Ridge Drive and that intersections in the area would still be able to function at acceptable levels, but it did acknowledge the concerns of residents around traffic and parking, and recommended a number of possible mitigation strategies, like lower speed limits and tighter parking restrictions. But residents who turned out Monday said that, even though the counts were only done a couple of months, the traffic situation has worsened in the neighbourhood since the new Costco location opened in Erin Ridge North in late October and Stage 3 of Ray Gibbon Drive opened in November. “I know for a fact that, since that Costco went in, the traffic is way, way more than it was before. ... It’s a disaster. Something terrible is going to happen there,” said Sandy Scott, who lives in the area and crosses Erin Ridge

Sandy Scott Erin Ridge resident

Photo: GLENN COOK, St. Albert Leader

Erin Ridge resident Bill Van Hoof addresses the crowd of about 40 people that attended an open house on a traffic and parking study in the neighbourhood, which was held at King of Kings Lutheran Church on Monday evening. Drive to work at the Sturgeon Community Hospital every day. Scott also mentioned that the hospital was recently involved in future planning sessions, and expansion plans could make the parking and traffic situations even worse. “There’s going to be a twostorey structure going up where the helicopter pad is, and the helicopter pad is going to go on top of it,” she told the open house.

“It’s just a matter of when they get the money. ... You’re going to force more traffic on that road, because there are going to be more employees. And that road cannot handle it.” Representatives from Bunt and Associates said they weren’t aware of such plans when the study was done. Other residents pointed out that the study didn’t take into account important factors, like a small

close just off Erin Ridge Drive that is directly across from the school site and is used by many cars as a place to turn around. “We already have issues waiting to get in or out of our close — major issues getting out of our close,” said Laurine Sanderson, who lives in one of the six houses on that close. “In the winter, it’s even worse.” Questions were also raised about the study’s assumption that

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90 per cent of students would be bussed to the school, with many residents believing more students would drive to school instead and parking would spill out onto residential streets. Some also weren’t confident that any changes or restrictions implemented would be properly enforced based on their current experience. Conseil Scolaire du CentreNord superintendent Henri Lemire was in attendance Monday, though, and said that, for the past three years, well over 90 per cent of students attending École Alexandre-Taché were taking buses to school. For other residents, though, the refrain was the same as it was when they brought their concerns to the previous city council in August. “I’m not against a francophone school being in St. Albert, but I think it’s the wrong site,” said Erwin Simon, who has lived on Essex Close for 23 years. “All this study shows us is that this traffic issue is not going to get better. We want those students to be safe.” The team from Bunt and Associates will take the feedback they gathered Monday, as well as from emails from citizens, and work on a new version of the report, which they expect to have ready sometime in January.

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RCMP corral truck thief

GLENN COOK

Photo: GLENN COOK, St. Albert Leader

St. Albert Leader

Giving back(packs) Members of St. Albert Community Information and Volunteer Centre’s SOARing youth volunteer program sort winter clothes for their Giving Back(Packs) program that were donated from local schools. In total, they collected and filled 55 backpacks, half of which will go toward Youth Empowerment and Support Services (YESS) in Edmonton and half to the St. Albert Food Bank and Community Village.

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St. Albert RCMP have laid five criminal charges against one man after they helped track down a stolen vehicle last week. At around 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 4, local RCMP were asked by the Edmonton Police Service to assist in the pursuit of a stolen truck that been involved in incidents in Edmonton throughout the day. Unmarked EPS vehicles were tracking the truck with the assistance of the Air-1 helicopter when the truck began travelling at dangerous speeds. Eventually, the truck left the road and crashed into a backyard fence near Grosvenor Boulevard and Gordon Crescent. Air-1 crews directed St. Albert RCMP to the scene of the crash, where the male driver and a female passenger

had fled on foot in opposite directions. The man was arrested as he was exiting a nearby home that he had just broken into. Nobody was home at the time of the break-in. The woman was located and arrested a few blocks from the crash. She was released from custody and charges against her are still pending. Meanwhile, St. Albert RCMP charged the male driver, 29-year-old Cole Symons of Whitecourt: • possession of stolen property; • dangerous operation of a motor vehicle; • flight from police; • break and enter; and • failing to stop at the scene of an accident. Symons was held in custody and made his first appearance in St. Albert provincial court on Monday.

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Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013

Museum expansion axed in budget debate

size, a 5,000 square-foot museum with free admission is a very large demonstration of our commitment to culture, the arts and our City councillors got out their knives on heritage,” said Coun. Sheena Hughes, who put Tuesday, and a major heritage project was one forward the motion to unfund the expansion. of the biggest items on the chopping block. “This is an unnecessary expansion.” After hearing “During the (election) presentations from campaign, we all had an “I didn’t hear various City of St. Albert opportunity to hear from departments and outside about what was anyone talk about a residents agencies over the past important to them, and museum expansion.” I’ll be honest, I didn’t couple of weeks, council began debating motions hear anyone talk about Tim Osborne and making decisions on a museum expansion,” City councillor the 2014 municipal budget added Coun. Tim on Tuesday afternoon. Osborne. And one big-ticket item to get the axe was a Councillors Wes Brodhead and Gilles proposed $2.5-million expansion of the Musée Prefontaine, along with Mayor Nolan Crouse, Heritage Museum, which was moved from voted to keep the project in the budget. funded to unfunded in the municipal capital “I think this is a killshot, and I’m not budget by a vote of 4-3. prepared to go there,” Crouse said. “What we “The museum is already 5,000 square need to be able to do is demonstrate in some feet. It’s substantial; it’s a lot of open space, fashion that the history of our community is which could be redistributed … For a city our important and should be showcased.”

GLENN COOK St. Albert Leader

Another project that was unfunded Tuesday was the proposed community support centre, which would have housed a new facility for the St. Albert 50+ Club and other community groups. However, since the 50+ Club has since been taken out of the project, councillors felt there wasn’t enough merit to moving forward. “It’s become kind of a dog’s breakfast. Everyone’s put their two cents in as to what they want this building to be … I don’t think this project is manageable at all anymore,” Coun. Cam MacKay said. Meanwhile, council also voted 4-3 to move funding for transit SmartCards ahead one year into 2014, with one-third of the $1.8-million project coming from the City and the other two-thirds coming from provincial GreenTrip grants. Crouse — who made the motion — said that, although the City

hasn’t locked down the GreenTrip funding yet, this move would demonstrate to the City of Edmonton and to Strathcona County that St. Albert is serious about moving ahead with a regional SmartCard fare system. “It’s a leap of faith,” the mayor said about the GreenTrip funding. As most of the items council dealt with Tuesday were in the municipal capital budget, they did not affect the proposed residential property tax increase of 2.1 per cent — they only affected how much of the City’s capital envelope would be spent.

RCMP on lookout for sexual assault suspect GLENN COOK St. Albert Leader

St. Albert RCMP are sounding the alarm after an alleged sexual assault in the city. At approximately 10 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 6, police say that a woman who works at Fountain Park Recreation Centre on Cunningham Road was walking toward her car after work, which was parked in the complex’s parking lot when she was assaulted. A male suspect grabbed the woman, pulled her against a car and started kissing her. She was able to struggle free of the man’s grip, get in her car and drive away. The suspect is described as a Caucasian male in his late 20s, about six feet tall, with green eyes, brown hair and a full beard. Anyone with any information on this crime is asked to call the St. Albert RCMP

detachment at 780-458-7700 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. RCMP are also reminding residents to practice personal safety techniques, no matter the time of day. They encourage employees to walk to their cars in groups of two or more, and to be vigilant about people who are seen loitering around vehicles. If there are suspicious people loitering around parking lots, don’t hesitate to call the St. Albert RCMP detachment at 780-4587700.

BAR ASSAULT Meanwhile, St. Albert RCMP are also on the lookout for a suspect in an assault at a local bar. At around 1:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 1, police were called to The Beer Hunter on St. Albert Trail after a report of an altercation between two men.

A 26-year-old Edmonton resident was getting ready to leave the bar and approached a woman he knew to see if she wanted a ride home. However, a man who was sitting with the woman proceeded to hit the first man in the face with a glass, cutting his face and requiring him to receive several stitches. The male suspect and two friends left the bar right after the incident happened. The man who was assaulted told police he didn’t know any of the three in this group and had never interacted with them before. The suspect is described as a young Asian man with a small build and tattoos on his right arm. He was wearing a black cap at the time. His friends were both Caucasian males, tall and with a medium build. Anyone with any information on this crime is asked to call the St. Albert RCMP detachment at 780-458-7700 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Courtesy St. Albert RCMP

St. Albert RCMP are looking for the man depicted in this composite sketch in relation to an alleged sexual assault near Fountain Park Recreation Centre on Nov. 6.

Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013

Cold puts freeze on Kinettes donations

expected another 50 to 70 to come in this week, but donations are down almost 20 per cent compared to Cold weather over the 2012. DONATION weekend put the freeze on The biggest needs right now, DROP-OFF donations for the St. Albert she added, are gifts for kids LOCATIONS Kinettes’ annual aged 13 to 17, as well as some of Christmas hamper the basics. campaign, but “Chunky soup, peanut butter, • Save On Foods organizers are canned meats, hot cereals, cold hoping people cereals — those seem to be the big • Enjoy Center will still come ones,” Bedry said. • Paul Kane through and warm Cash donations can be made at High School the hearts of less Fire Hall No. 3 on Giroux • Curves fortunate families Road or mailed to the this holiday season. Kinettes (P.O. Box • ATB Financial The campaign’s 65064 Mission Hill • St. Albert Centre biggest event — Fill-A-Bus, Plaza, St. Albert, which is put on by St. Albert AB, T8N 5Y3), while • City of St. Albert Transit drivers at grocery donations of food Business Centre and department and new, unwrapped • Allstate stores across the toys can be dropped Insurance city — took place off at one of several • RBC on Saturday, locations in the city. • St. Albert Place but with Those donation boxes will • TD Canada Trust temperatures be collected by Thursday, Dec. (North) hovering 12, except for the one at the Enjoy • Winners around Centre, which will be available –30 C all day, right up until the hampers • AMA donations came are delivered, as that’s in slower than where the sorting and • Laugh & Learn molasses in that kind packing of hampers is • Riverside Honda of weather. taking place. • R.S. Fowler “It was so cold, and we were Delivery of the Jr. High only there until 5 p.m., hampers is scheduled and we started seeing for Dec. 14 and 15. • SACHS people coming out A bit of good news • Realty of their homes for the campaign, though, Executives Masters and show up is that they have plenty of • Bellerose Composite at the (stores) volunteers to help with sorting High School more around the and packing at the Enjoy Centre. • Discover Hearing 3 p.m. range,” But Bedry said they do need drivers • The Bookstore said campaign to help deliver hampers this weekend. on Perron St. co-ordinator Kim “We don’t really schedule for them. Bedry. “I think They can just show up and we’ll give you that’s why it was so a family to deliver to,” she said. down.” Anyone who wants to help out with As of Monday, the Kinettes already driving can call Bedry at 780-340-8076 or had 186 referrals for hampers, and Bedry email stalbertkinettes@gmail.com.

GLENN COOK St. Albert Leader

Photo: JESSE KUSHNERYK, St. Albert Leader

(L-R) Cathie Borle of PW Transit, St. Albert Kinettes vice-president Kathy Van Vulpen, general member Ben Van Vulpen and transit driver Richard Roscoe show off a few of the donations made during the Fill-A-Bus event on Saturday. The Kinettes could use a few more donations, though, for their annual Christmas hamper campaign.

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Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013

OPINION

WHERE IS THIS?

A tough pill to swallow

Here’s a photo of a building or landmark around St. Albert. Can you figure out where it is?

or those who were actually interested in providing information and constructive feedback, Monday’s open house on the traffic and parking study in Erin Ridge subdivision was an excellent, well-run exercise. But for those who were only interested by Glenn Cook in simply railing against having a school in their backyard yet again, they likely got little out of it. And they will likely get little out of the rest of the process going forward. About 40 people were at King of Kings Lutheran Church on Monday evening as the engineering firm Bunt and Associates came out to hear what people had to say on the study they had conducted — what they liked, what they didn’t like, how they could make it better. For the most part, it was a very productive evening. The engineers gave a lot of insight into how the study was put together. And the residents gave the engineers a lot to think about as they went back to the drawing board, information about how much worse they felt the situation had become since the Costco location in Erin Ridge North had opened. Of course, though, there were those folks who are still dead set against the school at all, the folks who — no matter how many figures are thrown at them — still say things like, “We’re not against a francophone school in St. Albert; we just don’t want it at this site!” Unfortunately, the reality is that the school site is pretty much set in stone. The provincial government has sent out the request for proposals, and they can’t go changing it now. To do so could delay the francophone school and, along with it, the new elementary school for which St. Albert Public Schools has fought long and hard. Things may change a little — plans may shift slightly or a few parking stalls may be added — but a school is almost certain to be built there, like it or not. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but the sooner people accept this, the sooner we can move on to making some productive changes in the area that will benefit everyone.

EDITORIAL

Last Week: St. Albert Alliance Church

Food Bank thankful for all your support

he St. Albert Food Bank and Community Village is so fortunate to enjoy such generous community support. We thank you for the ongoing assistance and donations throughout the year, but we are always amazed and so grateful for that special support at Christmas. We would not be where or who we are without you, and our more than 100 dedicated volunteers. The Christmas season is always busier than usual. We will be preparing and distributing upwards of 150 Christmas hampers with the help of our partners the St. Albert Rotary Club and Salvation Army. The Salvation Army Toy Store provides our clients the opportunity to pick out appropriate gifts for their children. On Dec. 19, we will hold the third annual

Suzan

KRECSY St. Albert Food Bank My City Community Christmas Banquet at the Village site for the first time, and we look forward to hosting more than 90 clients. The St. Albert Food Bank is marking its 30th anniversary in 2014! From humble beginnings in the basement of the St. Albert Parish, it has grown with the community and now annually serves more than 600 local families. Introduced in 2009, the Community Village changed the way we do business by supporting our vulnerable clients with a ‘hand-up’ rather than a ‘hand-out.’ This approach

Publisher: Rob LeLacheur rob@stalbertleader.com

Editor: Glenn Cook

glenn@stalbertleader.com

Client Services: Michelle Barstad michelle@stalbertleader.com

seeks to address the underlying issues that brought them to our door, and encourages them to find solutions, regain their independence and achieve a brighter future for their families. The stories are touching. Direct referrals to other agencies and groups in the area ensures our clients receive the right ‘package’ of services needed. Through local partnerships, and completion of the CV renovation, 16 programs have evolved and operate on site. The Community Village also offer shower and laundry facilities for local homeless clients. Our Community Kitchen, under the direction of a dedicated group of volunteers, teaches safe cooking practices and general cooking skills. A new neighbourhood initiative with FCSS created the Cultural

Delivery concerns? Email us at delivery@stalbertleader.com All claims of errors in advertisements must be received in writing by the publisher within 5 days after the first publication. Liability for errors or failure to publish is limited to the amount paid for the space occupied. The opinions expressed within publication are not necessarily those of the St. Albert Leader or RJ Lolly Media. Material published may not be copied or reproduced without the express written consent of the publisher.

Kitchen, which brought recent immigrants and contract workers into the kitchen to share recipes and cooking from their native country. The evenings have fostered a sense of community and support for people who had previously felt isolated. In January, a chef will begin a series of special cooking events that will be open to the general public. All donations are gratefully appreciated, and can be dropped off at the Food Bank (50 Bellerose Dr.) on Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., or any St. Albert grocery store. Our wish list can be found on our Food Bank website at www. stalbertfb.com From all of us to all of you, thank you so much. We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Owned and operated by

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Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013

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sure would be nice if you could put your school bus number in an app and it would tell you where it is on -31 days... smart city? #StAlbert

absolutely loving this crisp fresh bright #StAlbert morning! #50ShadesOfWhite

@TimHortons #StAlbert drive through just treated me to coffee on the house! what a nice surprise on a freezing cold day. #Thankyou

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re: “Fitzgerald’s star shines at awards” (dec. 5, 2013)

Congratulations to my niece Katie, we are very proud of you !!!

with a greeting like this on the door i’m already glad i am here! @ dayspainting supplies #StAlbert #ShopLocal

— Michael Fitzgerald

— @Shopstalbert1st

WEB POLL How many Christmas concerts do you plan on taking in this holiday season?

she’s minus-32 in St. Albert aB at the moment. rock, paper, scissors for who brings in the mail.

red downy. #StAlbert #winter #bird #woodpecker #nature — @montymiff

— @SportsnetSpec

thanks to the guy @McDonalds who saved my son’s hot cakes! #goodsave #stalbert

colder in #stalbert than the north Pole! can we just all stay home today?? i’ll make lots of christmas baking!!! Brrrr

“You can’t buy happiness but you can buy local and that’s practically the same thing” see you december 18 for the next #stalbert #cashmob

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ST. ALBERT TRANSIT 2013 HOLIDAY SCHEDULE SUNDAY

MONDAY 22

Regular Sunday service

29 Regular Sunday service

TUESDAY 23

WEDNESDAY 24

THURSDAY 25

Modified weekday service Modified weekday service No service

Modified weekday service Modified weekday service plus FREE New Year’s Eve service after 6 p.m.

26 No service

1 No service

FRIDAY

SATURDAY 27

Modified weekday service Regular Saturday service

2 HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS Regular service resumes

Monday to Friday | 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. December 24 and December 31 | 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. December 25, 26 and January 1 | Office closed

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Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013 St. Albert Leader

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TUF task ahead for local fighters GLENN COOK St. Albert Leader

The going is about to get TUF for a pair of local mixed martial arts fighters. Middleweights Luke Harris and Sheldon Westcott, both of whom fight out of St. Albert, have been included in the cast for the new season of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF), a reality TV show that helps find the newest stars for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, the biggest MMA promotion in the world.

ESTCOTT SHELDON W

There is another twist, though, as Harris, Westcott and the other fighters on the show will also have national pride on the line. The new season of TUF is pitting a team of athletes from Canada against fighters from Australia. “If guys thought fighting in the toughest tournament on television was hard, imagine how they feel doing it with a whole country on their shoulders,” UFC president Dana White said in a press release. “These country vs. country seasons of The Ultimate Fighter are awesome because not only do these guys deal with living in a house with other fighters, training twice a day and putting everything on the line for their dream opportunity, but now it’s even more personal — it’s patriotic.” The Canadian team will be coached by UFC veteran Patrick “The Predator” Côté, who is originally from Rimouski, Que., and was runner-up on the fourth season of TUF in 2006. He has a professional MMA record of 20-8. Côté has trained in St. Albert before at the Hayabusa Training Centre in Campbell Business Park, which is owned by Harris. The Aussie contingent is led by Kyle Noke, a fighter out of Dubbo, New South Wales, with a pro record of 20-6-1. The two coaches will square off in the Octagon once the season has finished airing on TV. Harris is the elder statesman of the

Canadian team at 36 years old. At six-foot-two and 185 pounds, he has a professional MMA record of 10-2, with the latest win coming over Jasom Zentgraf at MFC 37: True Grit in Edmonton. Meanwhile, Westcott, 29, stands six-foot-one and 185 pounds, and has a record of 8-1. His only loss came in his first pro MMA bout, and his latest win came by knockout over Aaron Smhyr at Fivestar Fight League 5 in Yellowknife this past April. TUF Nations: Canada vs. Australia debuts on Fox Sports 1 in the United States and on Sportsnet 360 in Canada on Wednesday, Jan. 15. For more information on The Ultimate Fighter and the new cast, check out www.ufc. com/tuf.

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Fitzgerald’s star shines at awards lunch passions for volunteering and for travel. “In the past two weeks, we finally booked the trip, so now I’m just fundraising for it,” Katie Fitzgerald’s star was shining bright she said, noting she currently only has a last weekend. few hundred of the $6,000 she’ll need. The Grade 11 student at Paul Kane Fitzgerald found out that she had won the High School was one of six outstanding award last month, and said it was a shock volunteers from across the province for her. And seeing the accomplishments of recognized by the Alberta government the other award recipients was humbling. during the 2013 Stars of Alberta awards “They’re all really inspiring, too,” she ceremony, held at the Chateau Lacombe said. “It’s really awesome to be grouped hotel in downtown Edmonton the together with people like them.” afternoon of Thursday, Dec. 5, which was Another of Thursday’s recipients was also International Volunteer Day. Dr. David Hubert, who founded Habitat “It’s such an honour,” said Fitzgerald, 16. for Humanity Edmonton in 1990 — an “And to be grouped with organization that has these amazing people is since spread its wings so cool. It’s so awesome across the Capital Region to get this award, to be and built several homes recognized.” for families in St. Albert. Meanwhile, her In typical volunteer mother Alberta was fashion, though, Hubert Katie Fitzgerald overwhelmed with pride. deflected attention away Award winner “It’s the most from himself and onto incredible thing to have a his wife, Martha. daughter who does these incredible things,” “I’d like to recognize her enormously she said. “And then to have her receive gracious support when I left a senior job this award, it’s just — oh my goodness. with (Alberta) Advanced Education 28 Honestly, there’s just no words to describe years ago to chase dreams of trying to it.” make the world a better place,” he said. Fitzgerald has been instrumental in “It was Martha who did without. But establishing the St. Albert Community she supported me fully and never once Information and Volunteer Centre’s complained.” SOARing program for youth volunteers, Other recipients of Stars of Alberta and has been involved in initiatives awards Thursday included: through the BAM (Building Assets and • Sheliza Kassam of Calgary; Memories) youth group in St. Albert, Me • Al Jones of Airdrie; to We, Free the Children Canada, the • Theresa Nuthall of Wanham, a Second Chance Animal Rescue Society, the hamlet of less than 200 people about 100 Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and kilometres north of Grande Prairie; and Special Olympics, among others. • Idrees Khan of Calgary. “Just seeing the reaction on people’s faces Premier Alison Redford was at the when you go and help them, and the feeling awards ceremony, saying that the credit you get when you volunteer, it’s really extends beyond the award recipients to the awesome. That’s what keeps me going,” she families who support them. said. “We are a network of people. That’s why In fact, through Free the Children, we are successful as Albertans — because Fitzgerald is currently fundraising for a trip we care about each other and we want each to India next summer that will combine her other to succeed,” the premier said.

GLENN COOK St. Albert Leader

“It’s so awesome to get this award, to be recognized.”

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Redford shuffles cabinet ALLISON SALZ Sun Media News Services

Premier Alison Redford’s cabinet looked a bit different on Monday morning. Friday afternoon the premier announced a major shakeup of her ministerial team, and there were some notable moves in both directions. Dave Hancock has taken over the deputy premier post from Thomas Lukaszuk along with the Ministry of Innovation and Advanced Education. Lukaszuk will now take on the Ministry of Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour. Diana McQueen will oversee Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, moving on from her post as Energy Minister. Robin Campbell will take over Energy and will also be the Government House leader. Verlyn Olsen will remain the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, but he’s been awarded the added

responsibility of deputy House leader. Wayne Drysdale and Ric McIver did a direct swap — Drysdale will become Minister of Transportation and McIver will now be the Minister of Infrastructure. And despite tumultuous years in finance, education and health, Doug Horner, Jeff Johnson and Fred Horne will remain at their respective posts. Redford said the announcement shows a “strengthened ministerial team that will drive the next phase of the Building Alberta Plan.” “The next phase (will) focus on expanding our economy, driving innovation and working every day to create an even better quality of life for Albertans.” The last cabinet shakeup was last February, and critics thumbed their nose at the move, with Alberta Liberal leader Raj Sherman calling it a huge step back for women and visible minorities.

Opposition slams Tory cabinet moves CATHERINE GRIWKOWSKY Sun Media News Services

FORD ALISON RED

Alberta opposition members are slamming most of the government’s cabinet shuffle, but offering a small bit of praise. Premier Alison Redford made changes to the cabinet, leaving more MLAs in cabinet than private members. Wildrose leader Danielle Smith said the shuffle was a chance to change, but the premier stuck with the status quo. “The premier has decided to stick with her finance minister, despite presiding over a budget that he can’t balance, and her health minister, despite running system that he can’t fix,” Smith said. “The premier should have taken this opportunity to replace these ministers and appoint fresh faces with new perspectives to these important posts. By keeping the status quo in these positions, the premier has signalled that debt will continue to mount and wait times will continue to grow.” Smith, however, welcomed some change. “I am optimistic that the new deputy premier will bring some much-needed experience and professionalism to that position of leadership and I’m hopeful the new municipal affairs minister will strike a more co-operative, less combative tone with our towns, cities and municipal districts,” she said.

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Photos: IAN KUCERAK, Sun Media News Services

Jacqueline Foord, YWCA Edmonton executive director, announces government support for a new project to address the trafficking of women and girls in the Edmonton area on Saturday.

Holiday stuffing The Edmonton Oil Kings held their annual Teddy Bear Toss game on Friday night, with more than 10,000 stuffed animals raining down on the ice after Dysin Mayo scored at 15:20 of the first period against the Portland Winterhawks. Above: Oil Kings players make their way through the pile of bears, which were donated to Santas Anonymous. Below: Louie the Edmonton Oil Kings mascot sits in a pile of teddy bears in the back of a Ram truck.

Spike in human trafficking speaks to awareness: expert

“The tentacles of human trafficking reach far out into many other phenomenon.” ACT helps about 4,000 people each year A 500 per cent increase in identified who require “tremendously complex” human trafficking victims is putting a strain services that can include psychological help, on ACT Alberta. shelter, food and medicine, and sometimes Five times more victims were referred to flights back home. the anti-trafficking coalition in 2012 versus Burkhart says Alberta is leading Canada’s 2011, according to executive director Andrea response to human trafficking as the first Burkhart. province to have a co-ordinated nonShe says the statistic is not necessarily a governmental response to the issue. ACT negative one, however, but that it speaks to a works with nonprofit organizations like major increase in awareness. CEASE (the Centre to End All Sexual “I wouldn’t analyze that as we have more Exploitation), as well as law enforcement victims now than we’ve ever had. I would and policy makers. analyze that as in, we have more awareness, Edmonton is one of three cities to receive we have more shared understanding of what the grant, and the only one in Western this issue is,” she said. Canada. ACT (The Action “The whole country Coalition on Human is learning how to do Trafficking Alberta this work, and we are Association) received frequently looked at a $200,000 grant from as a replicable model,” the federal government Burkhart said. Andrea Burkhart Saturday to fund its She hopes the funds ACT Alberta Community Planning to will help streamline Prevent and Reduce Sex services for trafficking Trafficking in Edmonton project over two victims and ultimately contribute to years. eliminating the problem altogether. Burkhart said the “hugely significant” “Decades in the future, or perhaps even grant will help ACT create a community sooner, we’re anticipating that Edmonton action plan, starting with a safety audit will be a city free of sex trafficking,” she said. that will examine who is impacted by sex The grant comes as the federal trafficking in Edmonton. government marks 16 Days of Activism “Prostitution, sexual exploitation, Against Gender Violence from Nov. homelessness, poverty, etc., there are a 25 to Dec. 10, which started with the number of interconnected issues, as you International Day for the Elimination of would find in any work related to violence Violence Against Women. It also includes against women,” she said, adding labour and Canada’s National Day of Remembrance migration issues tie in as well. Some ACT and Action on Violence Against Women clients have been trafficked via the Internet, (Dec. 6) and International Human Rights through dating or escort websites. Day (Dec. 10).

KEVIN MAIMANN Sun Media News Services

“The tentacles of human trafficking reach far out.”

Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013

ENTERTAINMENT

Writer-in-residence raring to go Nominations for

GLENN COOK St. Albert Leader

Libraries lit the fuse to Margaret Macpherson’s literary career, and now she’s hoping to create that same creative spark in other aspiring writers. It was announced last week that Macpherson would be the 2014 regional writer-in-residence for the Metro Foundation — a consortium of libraries across the Capital Region — meaning she would be spending from mid-August to the end of 2014 at the St. Albert Public Library, helping local writers polish their stories while working on her own. Macpherson grew up in the Northwest Territories in the 1960s and ’70s, where there was no television, so she turned to books to feed her creativity. “Libraries saved my life,” she said. “Growing up in a place of real darkness, it was the library that was my lifeline to the rest of the world,” she added. “I was an avid reader, and I read voraciously; I consumed all the books in that little library all the time. I believe that libraries — particularly for people who feel isolated — I see them as little burning fires in the darkness.” Macpherson will also spend time based out of the Sherwood Park and Fort Saskatchewan libraries. Jason Lee Norman was named the writerin-residence for the Edmonton Public Library for the entire year. The pair are representative of so many other writers and creative people in the Edmonton area, and Macpherson has a theory about why the city is a hub for creativity. “It’s winter, man. I’m quite serious,” she said. “When we are cocooned and in that hibernation mode, we have to go inside ourselves. And from that plumbing of our own depths, our stories,

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Margaret Macpherson is the 2014 regional writer-in-residence for the Metro Foundation. our memories, out of that often come plays and novels and all kinds of creative (works).” Macpherson started her career in radio and print journalism, and eventually earned a master’s degree in creative writing from the University of British Columbia before settling in Edmonton, adding the titles of instructor, lecturer and community facilitator to her resumé. She has written both fiction and non-fiction titles over her career. Her non-fiction titles include Outlaws and Lawmen of the West — Volume 1, Outlaws of the Canadian West, Silk Spices and Glory: In Search of the Northwest Passage and Nellie McClung: Voice for the Voiceless. Her fiction works include Perilous Departures, Released and Body Trade. But Macpherson said that she’s very excited to take on her new role. “It’s a challenge and an affirmation for me,” he said. “It’s a very exciting opportunity for me, not only to focus

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on some of my own work, but more importantly — and I honestly believe it’s more important — to get out into the community and invite people to bring their stuff. You often learn so much more from others, from helping other people, from reading and looking at their work.” This is the second year of the writersin-residence program for the Metro Foundation, and Macpherson is following in the footsteps of Natasha Deen, who served as the regional writerin-residence in 2013. “Natasha is a vibrant and awesome communicator, but possibly more upto-speed on social media than I am, but I’ve published more than she has,” Macpherson said. “We bring different things to the role. I seriously believe the library’s been very careful about picking people who offer different gifts to St. Albert and environs. Natasha was a great first writer-in-residence, and I hope to be a great second writer-in-residence.” Although she now lives in south Edmonton, Macpherson used to work at a newspaper in St. Albert, and is familiar with Morinville and other communities in the area. “It’s a wonderful venue to work out of because it’s central. I think, working in the region, I’ll be dealing possibly more with people who are more suburban and don’t have much contact with the larger writing community,” she said. “The most important thing for me,” she added, “is to be really accessible. I’m not some la-de-da person; I’ve really learned the trade from the ground up.” The new writers-in-residence were officially welcomed at a celebration on Tuesday evening at the Stanley A. Milner Library in Edmonton. For more information on the writersin-residence program, visit www. metrowir.com.

arts gala open

GLENN COOK St. Albert Leader

It’s time to recognize the best the St. Albert arts community has to offer. The City of St. Albert has put out the call for nominations for the 2014 Mayor’s Arts Awards, recognizing some of the individuals, groups and businesses that have helped raise the community’s profile in Canada’s arts scene. “St. Albert, as the Botanical Arts City, is a community that embodies the passion and creativity of the arts,” Mayor Nolan Crouse said in a press release. “These awards showcase artists who have a strong connection to our community, who share their creative expression, and help ensure the long-term vibrancy and sustainability of St. Albert’s arts and culture heritage.” The awards will be handed out during the 2014 Mayor’s Celebration of the Arts Gala, scheduled for March 14, with eight categories: • Emerging Artist; • Excellence in Arts Teaching; • Community Arts Group; • Corporate Patron of the Arts; • Youth Artist; • Established Artist; • Arts Leadership; and • Lifetime Achievement in the Arts. A complete description of each category can be found at www.stalbert.ca/mayors-arts-gala. Winners will receive an original work of art by a local artists and — except for Corporate Patron of the Arts — a $1,000 cash prize. Any individual, organization, business or family member may submit a nomination; artists can also nominate themselves. Nominees must have a significant connection to St. Albert. Deadline for nominations is Friday, Jan. 17.

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Game face Broadcaster and author Grant Lawrence reads form his book The Lonely End of the Rink during a visit to the St. Albert Public Library on Sunday afternoon.

Brass band hopes concert will be a ding-dong-dandy

GLENN COOK St. Albert Leader

A local ensemble is hoping their upcoming Christmas concert is a ding-dong-dandy. This Saturday evening, the Mission Hill Brass Band presents “A Ding-Dong Christmas” at the St. Albert United Church, bringing the rich tradition of a full British brass band to the stage with a little bit of help from vocalist Ellen Doty. The featured piece will be a performance of “Ding Dong Merrily on High,” from which the theme of the concert was taken. “It has more of a modern upbeat feeling to it,” said the band’s musical director, A. Daniel Skepple, Jr. “And that’s what I could up with the title (of the show).” Other selections for the concert include both traditional and contemporary Christmas favourites like “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Sleigh Ride,” and “Carol of the Bells.” This is the band’s ninth season, and Skepple said he has been trying to keep things fresh over the four concerts they’ve played this year. “We now have an executive in place, which has taken a lot of my administrative responsibilities away — thank goodness. Now I can just concentrate on music,” he said. “This year, I wouldn’t say there’s been more pressure on the band, but we’re tyring to facilitate some improvement. The band plays really well, but ... we’re trying to come up with fresh music for every concert.” “The thought is that we want to keep things fresh so that our loyal people who come and listen to us aren’t hearing the same pieces.” Meanwhile, Doty and her band join the Mission Hill Brass from Calgary, bringing

jazz stylings influenced the likes of Nat King Cole and Ella Fitzgerald with her. Skepple has known Doty for six or seven years, when she played on the women’s basketball team at The King’s University College in Edmonton and Skepple was the men’s coach. “It’s exciting because she’s established herself. She’s up and coming,” he said. “She’s just new on the scene, but she’s trying to make a career for herself.” Doty released her latest seven-song EP, That’s Love, in April, which followed up her first full-length CD that was relased in August 2012. “It’s a fresh sound, a little more jazzy than we do,” Skepple said, adding that guests like Doty let the band take a little break during the show and lets them soak in the music. The Mission Hill Brass Band was first formed in 2005 by Skepple and Dr. Gordon Russell. Since then, it has grown from 12 members — “Three of the 12 were my kids,” Skepple said — to a full complement of 28. “We made a commitment, Gordon and I, to having as many young faces in the band at key positions (as possible),” Skepple said. “We have a philosophy of having a young person per section, and that’s sometimes a challenge in terms of the lower end of the band. ... But we’re trying to maintain that dynamic of young players.” “A Ding-Dong Christmas” takes place on Saturday at 7 p.m. at St. Albert United Church (20 Green Grove Dr.). Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for youth in advance from band members, or $15 for adults and $10 for youth at the door. Kids under 10 get in free. For more information on the Mission Hill Brass Band, visit www.missionhillbrass.ca.

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Lilly back with a bang JIM SLOTEK Sun Media News Services

When Evangeline Lilly wants off the grid, she really goes off the grid. Publicly retired, the former Lost star has been living quietly in Hawaii with her boyfriend, film crewmember Norman Kali and their son, when director Peter Jackson went looking for her to play an elf in the latest Hobbit instalment The Desolation of Smaug. “It had been at least five years since I’d even taken a meeting,” the actress says. “When Peter was trying to find me, he couldn’t. Someone on the production team coincidentally used to work with my partner. So he got a text saying, ‘Peter Jackson’s trying to get ahold of Evangeline. Could you get her to pick up the phone?’” A childhood fan of The Hobbit, she was excited at the call, but nervous at the notion of playing a character not from any of the Tolkien books — Tauriel, a wood elf and lethal leader of the Elvin guard. “And I was like, ‘Maybe it’s a bad idea. The fans will have my head.’” And sure enough, “There are forums that are rife with angry discussion,” she says on a promotional visit to Toronto. “I kind of like it. It’s fun that people are so passionate about Tolkien’s work, that there’s great controversy over this small addition.” Photo: Sun Media News Services Her rationale, that a strong female Peter Jackson, director of The Hobbit trilogy, character in The Hobbit was needed, “is managed to coax Evangeline Lilly (above) out actually in Tolkien’s defence. He was writing of retirement by offering her a strong female at a time when it wasn’t wrong to exclude character in The Desolation of Smaug. women from your stories. Today it is. So I “A lot of people were like, ‘I don’t think Peter made the right choice.” understand why this young woman who Lilly did have one stipulation — no love triangles (after years being the woman in the has this opportunity handed to her would turn her nose up to it. But just because middle between Sawyer and Jack on Lost). something appears to be ideal from the That turned into a broken promise. In outside that doesn’t mean it is from the The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug, inside. Tauriel finds herself attracted to Kili (Aidan “Lost was an incredible slog. I am proud as Turner), part of the company of dwarves hell to have been a part of it, but it was not a that has set out with Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) to reclaim the Kingdom of Erebor labour of love, it was just a labour. And fame wasn’t the end goal for from the dragon Smaug. me. It came to a person This ticks off fellow “( ) was not a who wasn’t necessarily archer Legolas (Orlando looking for it.” Bloom), who has a thing labour of love; it Lilly is in talks for for her as well. was just a labour.” a drama that could Lilly reports they’d film in the spring, but filmed the second and Evangeline Lilly isn’t ready to declare third films in the Hobbit Actor her “retirement” over. trilogy (part three comes She’s been putting her out next Christmas), energies into a children’s book series The “without a hint of a love triangle. Squickerwonkers. “But the studio had watched the films Lilly, who grew up in Abbotsford, B.C., cut together and everybody decided the sold her first 1,000 copies at this year’s ambiguous nature of Tauriel’s relationship Comic-Con, and is close to signing a to Legolas was not as impactful as it needed publishing deal. to be.” Already pretty good numbers for a book Lilly says she was used to criticism even by a Canadian, we tell her. “I’m a best-selling before she crossed the Tolkien fans. For some reason, she says, her retirement rubbed Canadian author now,” she says with a laugh. people the wrong way.

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Frozen topples Hunger Games at box office

SUN MEDIA NEWS SERVICES – Walt Disney Co’s animated princess fairy tale Frozen heated up movie box office charts in the United States and Canada, displacing dystopian thriller The Hunger Games: Catching Fire as the top-earning film. Frozen sold $31.6 million worth of tickets from Friday through Sunday during its second weekend in theaters to top domestic movie charts, while Catching Fire earned $27 million, according to studio estimates from Rentrak. The weekend’s only new nationwide release, crime thriller Out of the Furnace,

took a distant third place with $5.3 million. Global sales for Frozen, a solid holiday season hit, climbed to $190 million through Sunday, Disney said. The 3D movie, inspired by The Snow Queen fairytale, features the voice of Kristen Bell as a Scandinavian princess intent on finding her sister, the Queen, who has the power to freeze anything with a touch and accidentally sets off a long winter that is destroying their kingdom. Catching Fire, the second of the Hunger Games films based on novels by Suzanne Collins, brought its global total to a massive

$673.4 million, according to distributor Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. The movie stars Jennifer Lawrence as heroine Katniss Everdeen, a skilled archer who provides hope for an oppressed society on the edge of rebellion. Lions Gate noted that the U.S. weather in recent days, with several winter storm systems in play, likely had an impact on box office results. Third-place film Out of the Furnace stars Christian Bale and Casey Affleck as brothers in a working-class Pennsylvania steel town. When one of the brothers disappears, the

other sets out to find him and enact revenge. Out of the Furnace was distributed by privately held Relativity Media and cost $22 million to make. Critics were split on the film. As of Saturday, the movie scored a 51 per cent positive rating among reviews collected on the Rotten Tomatoes website. Rounding out the charts, Marvel superhero sequel Thor: The Dark World, which stars Chris Hemsworth as the god of thunder, earned $4.7 million. Delivery Man, featuring Vince Vaughn as a sperm donor who fathers more than 500 children, finished fifth, grossing $3.8 million.

S T. A L B E R T R E A L E S T A T E M A R K E T R E P O R T AKINSDALE

Active Listings: 4

Sold Listings: 8

Average list price:

Average sale price:

Low $299,900 / High $395,000

Low $287,000 / High $390,500 Avg. days on market: 39

$348,925

$334,171

HERITAGE LAKES

OAKMONT Active Listings: 10

Average list price:

Average sale price:

Average list price:

Average sale price:

Low $379,900 / High $689,000

Low $358,000 / High $490,000 Avg. days on market: 46

Low $389,000 / High $1,950,000

Low $385,000 / High $870,000 Avg. days on market: 62

$463,585

$424,484

KINGSWOOD

BRAESIDE

Active Listings: 18

Average sale price:

Average list price:

Average sale price:

Low $292,900 / High $665,000

Low $282,000/ High $535,000 Avg. days on market: 45

Low $478,800 / High $2,499,000

Low $484,000 / High $690,000 Avg. days on market: 114

$987,077

ST. ALBERT ��

$556,333

LACOMBE PARK

DEER RIDGE

$541,625

Sold Listings: 3

Sold Listings: 12

Average list price:

$351,075

$920,460

$389,000

Active Listings: 4 $418,425

Sold Listings: 8

Sold Listings: 13

Active Listings: 7

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16 OAKLAND WAY

1370 sq.ft. Bilevel, 3 Beds, 2.5 Baths.

PINEVIEW

Active Listings: 9

Sold Listings: 18

Active Listings: 21

Sold Listings: 23

Active Listings: 3

Sold Listings: 5

Average list price:

Average sale price:

Average list price:

Average sale price:

Average list price:

Average sale price:

Low $327,500/ High $489,900

Low $313,649 / High $450,000 Avg. days on market: 36

Low $334,900 / High $1,198,800

Low $260,000 / High $775,000 Avg. days on market: 41

Low $437,500 / High $649,900

Low $340,000 / High $573,000 Avg. days on market: 40

$406,611

$385,947

$653,561

$413,826

MISSION

ERIN RIDGE Sold Listings: 28

Active Listings: 5

Average list price:

Average sale price:

Average list price:

Average sale price:

Low $409,900/ High $929,900

Low $382,500/ High $770,000 Avg. days on market: 49

Low $324,900 / High $529,500

Low $260,000 / High $368,500 Avg. days on market: 18

$519,621

$396,840

Sold Listings: 7 $335,500

NORTH RIDGE

FOREST LAWN *150 Days Back

Sold Listings: 5

Active Listings: 20

Sold Listings: 14

Average list price:

Average sale price:

Average list price:

Average sale price:

Low $348,500 / High $399,000

Low $342,000 / High $399,900 Avg. days on market: 28

Low $409,900 / High $1,095,000

Low $345,000 / High $743,000 Avg. days on market: 52

$367,880

GRANDIN Active Listings: 11

Sold Listings: 14

Average list price:

Average sale price:

Low $309,900 / High $459,000

Low $310,000 / High $493,000 Avg. days on market: 38

$391,976

$369,214

$575,830

$508,750

Sold Listings: 8

Average list price:

Average sale price:

Low $669,000 / High $669,000

Low $307,500 / High $390,000 Avg. days on market: 24

$669,000

Active Listings: 6

ST. ALBERT ��

33 NATALIA WAY

Active Listings: 1

$340,687

WOODLANDS

$559,000

2900 sq.ft. Bungalow, 3 Beds, 2.5 Baths.

At 1,026 Deer Ridge has the most 15-24 year olds in the city

STURGEON HEIGHTS

Active Listings: 0 $372,440

$444,880

Did you u kn now?

Active Listings: 30 $617,247

$515,766

�� ®

780.995.0555 (direct) 780.458.8300 www.samelais.ca

Sold Listings: 8

Average list price:

Average sale price:

Low $359,900 / High $468,900

Low $361,000 / High $586,500 Avg. days on market: 52

$418,450

$425,500

*The above area market averages represent the trailing 3-month averages, except where otherwise indicated, of single-family homes only as of the Friday prior to publication week. Data is provided by CRAIG PILGRIM of RE/MAX Real Estate (St. Albert), member of the Real Estate Association of Edmonton. Data does not include condos, townhomes or apartments, and does not differentiate between styles of homes. All efforts are made to ensure data is accurate for information purposes, but please consult a licensed real estate agent for additional market information.*Did you know source: City of St. Albert website, St. Albert 2012 Census

Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013

HEALTH

Transplant blitz at U of A CATHERINE GRIWKOWSKY Sun Media News Services

Surgeons were busy saving lives in a organ transplantation blitz earlier this year. The University of Alberta hospital broke its record, with 30 organ transplants performed between Sept. 29 and Oct. 8 — more than is normally done in a month. One of those lives was Vern Foreman’s. The 58-year-old man was in dire need of a new liver after contracting hepatitis C in his youth and going through liver cancer twice. While Foreman could take care of responsibilities day to day, he had no energy left over for things he loved. “I was tired all the time,” Foreman said. He got the call on a Saturday that he was on the list and in the early hours of Oct. 1, he was undergoing surgery. He’s thankful for the gift the donor gave and encourages others to save lives. “I feel like I have to live for two now,” he said with a smile. In a typical month, the hospital will do 20 and 25 organ transplants in a month at the University hospital and the Photo: PERRY MAH, Sun Media News Services Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute. Karen Elgert with Human Organ Procurement Exchange (HOPE) looks out over the But in the 10-day stretch teams worked University of Alberta Hospital as it announced a record 10 days for organ transplants. on three lung, two heart, eight liver, five While a decreased number of strokes An important aspect is ensuring the islet, one kidney/pancreas and 11 kidney family is aware that once a person no and traumatic brain injuries is good transplants from nine dead donors and longer has blood flowing to the brain news, it makes the message of organ three living donors. they have no chance of recovery. The donation more important, he said. For Three years ago, while Sandy Walshkidneys and livers, AHS has worked to idea can be difficult when the family Schuurman’s husband Ron Schuurman increase living donations. member may appear to be alive. was on the elliptical, he fell backwards “It’s been a challenge for donations; “Because of House and ER (TV shows) due to a cerebral aneurism and died. His and all of that, they are really wanting our donor numbers have fallen,” uncle had a liver transplant 20 years ago to be sure that everything that can been Kneteman said. “It means we have to and a friend who died of a brain injury be especially vigilant not to miss any done has been done,” Elgert said. was also an organ donor. Given the type opportunities.” Families are told of person Ron was, it After consent is given by the family, general details about made sense. who benefited from transplant services is notified. Then Schuurman said her the donation. suitability of organs after testing is husband was a family determined. Loved ones man, who coached Then a list of donors is prioritized who haven’t had a soccer on his son’s conversation about by sickest and by antigen match. Once team. Vern Foreman priority is established, the operation organ and tissue The family received Organ recipient donation are fearful of must be booked, staff must be made letters from the available, lab tests must be completed making a choice they woman who got his and then the operation occurs. might regret, she said. lungs and a man who got his liver. “When they know, that gives the Following the surgery there is aftercare “It was breathtaking,” she said. “It’s ranging from five days to three weeks on family so much peace and they are so wonderful and I would encourage average. fired up and so gung ho and so excited,” recipients to do that.” Elgert said. Kneteman said Bill 207, the Human The Human Organ Procurement The excitement helps Dr. Norman Tissue and Organ Donation Amendment Exchange program walked the family Kneteman who is a liver transplant Act, will have a single agency to help cothrough the process. ordinate donations and make consenting Karen Elgert, HOPE co-ordinator, said surgeon and the zone clinical section chief for transplant services with Alberta for donation available when drivers HOPE is there to answer questions and Health Services. renew their licence. learn more about the family member.

“I feel like I have to live for two now.”

Family thankful for blood donors PAMELA ROTH Sun Media News Services

When Cathy Crowell and her husband Greg look at their six-year-old daughter Hosanna, it’s hard to believe she was once on the brink of death. The couple had been living in southwest China doing humanitarian work for only 10 days when they found out about Hosanna at an orphanage through a friend. She was 13 months old and weighed less than eight pounds. “She was just skin and bones. It just tore my heart out,” said Cathy, who brought the girl home to their apartment in China and began the quest to find out what was wrong. The couple sent photos of Hosanna to doctors they knew around the world, hoping somebody would be able to help. A Chinese doctor responded and conducted special blood tests, which revealed the little girl had Beta Thalassemia Major (BTM) — a condition where red blood cells can’t adequately carry oxygen molecules through the body, leaving her oxygen starved with no will to live. Hosanna started undergoing blood transfusions that essentially brought her back to life and turned her into the energetic young girl she is today. So far she’s had 126 transfusions and will need them every three weeks for the rest of her life — which is why her parents and Canadian Blood Services are asking Canadians to roll up their sleeves. “I’m really amazed at how some blood donations and blood transfusions can change someone’s life like that. I don’t really know how to put it into words,” said Greg, who moved back to Edmonton with his family after two-and-a-half years in China. “It’s very fulfilling to see the difference in her life from day one to now. She’s really a normal little girl.” This week, Canadian Blood Services is launching its annual holiday miracle campaign. The goal is to collect 75,000 blood donations nationally, including more than 11,000 donations in Alberta. Karen Tolonen began donating blood regularly after 1990 when her husband needed a blood donation. With the help of corporate challenges at work, it’s now become a part of her routine. “It’s something I needed to do,” she said. “I’ve seen the need with family and friends. We’ve been on the receiving end, now I have to give back.”

Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013

The man behind Sid the Kid CARY CASTAGNA

Photo: Sun Media News Services

Sun Media News Services

Sidney Crosby was already a highly touted prospect when Andy O’Brien met him 13 years ago at an elite hockey school in P.E.I. “He was introduced to me as the best 13-year-old hockey player in the world,” O’Brien recalls in a one-on-one interview during a recent Reebok media event in Toronto. “A lot of people were rolling their eyes back then because it’s like, ‘Oh, we’ve heard this before.’” But O’Brien, just starting out as a strength and conditioning coach at the time and a guest presenter at the hockey school that Crosby just happened to be attending, was immediately impressed with the kid from Cole Harbour, N.S. “What was interesting for me is he was a guy that saw the ice really well, but he wasn’t a guy that tried to use his hands to make a lot of plays — like he used his body and he was physical and he was aggressive and he kinda had this alpha male characteristic,” he explains, noting Crosby’s physical play was a bit of a departure from that of past hockey superstars. “Typically, when you think of a skilled player, you think of guys with just really good hands, like a good shot. … It’s like you’re either skilled or you’re a hardworking, grinder-type guy. That was the tradition.” But Crosby was a mix of both. And that’s what amazed O’Brien. Perhaps more amazing, however, was that the teen sensation had already accurately pinpointed his weaknesses — and he was more than willing to work on them. Among them, Crosby was a “lumbering” skater, O’Brien remembers. “He was this bright young kid that recognized at a young age that speed didn’t come naturally

Sidney Crosby (left) and strength and conditioning coach Andy O’Brien. to him and that his skating and speed were what he needed to work on because that was the direction the game was going in. I thought he had tremendous foresight as a young guy to make that recognition.” The teacher and student, whose philosophies jived perfectly, ended up hitting it off at the hockey school. Crosby told his parents about O’Brien. And a short time later, Crosby signed on as the strength and conditioning coach’s sole client. Their first summer together, they trained three times a day in six-hour chunks. Crosby’s working-class parents would drop him off at O’Brien’s Halifax residence at 8 a.m. His mom would pick him up around 2 p.m., after she was finished work. “We spent quite a bit of time together,” O’Brien says. “It was really fortunate. I wish I had that much time with every young athlete that I start with nowadays.” During his training sessions with Crosby, the focus was on proper technique in order to minimize the risk of injury. “And during breaks, we would eat together and I would teach him all about physiology, the names of the muscles and the philosophy behind what we were doing,” O’Brien notes. “It was an opportunity for me when I was younger to really key in on one young

guy that had a lot of talent and was very motivated.” Building on that solid foundation, the two have continued to work together — mostly during the summer months — while rising to the tops of their respective professions. These days, O’Brien, 35, is considered a world-class strength and conditioning coach. His stable of high-performance athletes includes American swimmer Dara Torres, Canadian hockey player Hayley Wickenheiser and Canadian figure skater Patrick Chan. Now based in Calgary with a training business in Toronto, O’Brien has also worked with players with the Florida Panthers, Miami Dolphins and New York Yankees. On his LinkedIn profile, O’Brien dubs himself as a “human performance specialist.” And on his Twitter account, along with the title of “strength and conditioning coach,” O’Brien lists himself as a “sport science expert.” It’s no exaggeration. The business of training athletes has evolved into a science. And O’Brien has certainly helped lead that. “Philosophically, I always try to be really specific,” he says. “It’s not just about getting them fit. It’s about trying to figure out what makes them perform.”

Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013

Alberta boys to get HPV vaccine support the inclusion of boys in the HPV immunization program, a move that will help prevent cancers, symptoms and, Boys will now play catch-up in getting ultimately, deaths. We commend the a cancer-preventing shot. Government of Alberta on its decision.” While girls in Grade 5 have had the HPV has also been blamed for anal, HPV-fighting vaccine Gardasil since 2008 nasal and oral cancer, with 100 per cent in a school-wide immunization program, of oropharyngeal head and neck cancers boys will start to be included next fall. in men under 40 caused by HPV. Boys from Grade 5 to 9 will receive the In 2012, males were recommended to vaccine in September — 32,000 Grade get the vaccine. 5 students and 15,000 The cancer-preventing Grade 9 boys. vaccine hasn’t been Gardasil, a vaccine without controversy. touting protection In 2006 when the against four strains of shot was approved, human papilloma virus critics questioned why — including two which the vaccine was pushed account for 70 per cent through without longDr. Joan Robinson of cervical cancer — was term studies. University of Alberta approved in 2006. Those getting the At the time, it was vaccine are still low in given the green light for females ages numbers. For the free in school program, nine to 26. 61 per cent have received the voluntary “Research suggests that immunizing vaccine, which requires parental consent. both boys and girls against HPV will Several Catholic school districts in mean better protection for everyone,” Alberta refused the vaccine. Edmonton said Dr. Joan Robinson, infectious Catholic Schools said the vaccine is diseases pediatrician with the University a health issue, not a faith issue and of Alberta. welcomed the vaccine, leaving the “Pediatric infectious disease physicians decision up to parents and guardians.

CATHERINE GRIWKOWSKY St. Albert Leader

“(This) will mean better protection for everyone.”

Photo: PERRY MAH, Sun Media News Services

Dr. John Talbot, chief medical officer of health for Alberta Health Services, speaks to reporters at the Cross Cancer Institute last week to announce boys will soon receive the HPV vaccine.

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FUN & GAMES

KNOW?

by Margie E. Burke

20 24 28

60 66

DOWN 1 Wild guess 2 Mystical glow 3 Heron's cousin 4 Weighed down 5 Stallone nickname 6 Muss, as hair 7 Fairytale starter 8 Nerve ending 9 Baseball stat 10 Not all there 11 Edit menu option 12 Pack away 13 Saddle feature 21 Word after stage or screen 23 Hoarded 25 Software buyer, usually 27 Brief break 28 Like Steve Urkel's voice 29 Past plump 30 Comical tribute 32 Reject rudely 33 Bit of info 34 Make good 35 Saudi Arabia's neighbor

Italian physicist Guglielmo Marconi sends the first radio transmission — simply the letter ‘S’ in Morse code — across the Atlantic Ocean.

DEC. 13, 1983

53 58

This week in history and celebrity birthdays

52 55

Milestones

37 ___ we there yet? 39 Beaver's project 42 Tofu source (var.) 45 Type of milk 47 Cheesy sandwich 50 Musical span 52 Full of passion 54 Rodeo rope

55 Out of the woods 56 Auspices 57 Haul in 59 X or Y, in geometry 61 Familiar with 62 ____ and void 63 Where Paris took Helen 65 Terrible age? 66 Movie backdrop

The Detroit Pistons beat the Denver Nuggets 186-184 in triple overtime — still the highestscoring game in NBA history.

DEC. 14, 1799

George Washington, the first president of the United States, dies of acute laryngitis in Mt. Vernon, Va., at the age of 67.

DEC. 15, 2001

The Leaning Tower of Pisa reopens to tourists after experts spent 11 years and $27 million to fortify the building without eliminating its famous lean.

DEC. 16, 1977

Saturday Night Fever, the movie that launched disco fever and John Travolta’s acting career, opens in theatres.

Answer to Last Week's Crossword S H I N

W A D E

A L O E

C L A S H

A O R T A

N O M A D

R I M E

E L A N

G L U T

G O L D M I N E R W A I V E

C A L F U U M N E T D E S T E I R D T E E R



O M B C V E R L A W A B I L A N P R I C T O O T H U N A E R I D R N A I L E R E O S R D T E S T A R A T E E V E R D E W Y

R I D G E R E D C A R P E T

E V I L

P I N E

E D G E

C A C A O

U S U R P

P E R K Y

T A M E

U N I X

P E R T

Polar bear males can weigh more than 1,500 lbs. But when they are born, they weigh only two pounds. (discovery.com)

DEC. 17, 1843

Charles Dickens’s classic story A Christmas Carol is published for the first time.

DEC. 18, 1946

Director Steven Spielberg — who helmed such blockbusters as Jaws, E.T: The ExtraTerrestrial, Schindler’s List and Saving Private Ryan — is born in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Edited by Margie E. Burke

Difficulty : Medium

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DEC. 12, 1945

25 31

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HOW TO SOLVE:        Answer to Last Week's Sudoku

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• Spot the Difference? •

DID YOU

There are five differences between these two photos. Can you spot them all?

ACROSS 1 Wind catcher 5 Save for later 10 Heavy drinker 14 Orchestral heavyweight 15 Solitary sort 16 Unfooled by 17 Desertlike 18 State flower of New Mexico 19 Febreze target 20 Headquartered 22 Get the picture 23 Prominent 24 Yuletide song 26 Hunter's quarry 28 Hide-hair link 31 Ragtime dance 33 Doris or Dennis 36 Part of a conductor's cry 38 Write a check for later 40 Blacken 41 Take unrightfully 43 Molecular bit 44 Taxing job? 46 Not susceptible 48 Do-over, in tennis 49 Type of speaker 51 Restroom sign 52 Former Italian money 53 Con's quarters 55 Fluid with antibodies 58 Dracula, at times 60 Talk smack to 64 Cruise film, "Rock of ____" 65 28th state and a Michener title 67 Boot attachment 68 Italian auto maker 69 Relinquish rights 70 "Star Wars" captain 71 TV sports award 72 Beginning 73 Kind of child

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        

        

        

        

        

        

Photo: IAN KUCERAK, Sun Media News Services

Members of the Edmonton Oil Kings pick up the toys tossed on the ice at Rexall Place Friday during their annual Teddy Bear Toss.

��

        

ANSWERS: 1. Cuff of jersey changed to green; 2. Stuffed animal changed to yellow; 3. ‘Oil’ removed from sign in rafters; 4. WHL logo removed from jersey; 5. Sticker removed from helmet.

The Weekly Crossword

Cultural Services

��

29 Answers online at stalbertleader.com

Compiled by Leader staff

PRINCESS

IN THE STANDS

ACROSS

PROF. DONKEY’S DICTIONARY

WHAT IF?

Kids Krossword CHRISTMAS CAROLS

THE BOO BIRDS

HOYLE & GUS

Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013

3) Deck the halls with boughs of this DOWN 4) He’s coming to town 5) ____ to the World 1) Two eyes made out of coal 6) O, German for ‘Christmas tree’ 2) Go tell it on this 7) Good king 5) All the way 9) In a pear tree 7) Dreaming of this colour Christmas 11) Away in a ____ 8) Roasting on an open fire 14) Little ____ Boy 10) ____ Night 15) Silver ____ 12) The First ____ 16) We ____ Kings 13) Red-nosed reindeer

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Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013

BUSINESS Policy changes give boost to breweries

DOLLAR

KATIE SCHNEIDER

Up 0.34

Sun Media News Services

Photo: GLENN COOK, St. Albert Leader

Jill Bulmer (left) and daughter Kelsey, owners of Cerulean Boutique in downtown St. Albert, has made the shift from sellers to designers with the launch of their own clothing line, Prairie.

Clothing store owners branch out into own line

GLENN COOK St. Albert Leader

A trio of ladies from a St. Albert boutique are making the shift from sellers to designers with the launch of their own clothing line. Kelsey Bulmer and her mother Jill, owners of Cerulean Boutique on St. Joseph Street, have teamed up with one of their employees, Julia Shore, to launch Prairie, their new line of tank tops and other wardrobe staples designed with St. Albert’s climate in mind. “It’s what Cerulean felt was missing in the market,” Kelsey said. Right now, Prairie is only offering tank tops, which are offered in seasonal colours and are made out of a nylon-spandex blend. But Kelsey hopes to see their line expand in the future. “We often find that the brands that we buy are too light for our winters, as well as for our summers,” she said. “We are designing with the prairie lifestyle in mind.” Offering their own clothes was

something Kelsey said she and her mom had in mind from the time they opened their doors.

“We are designing with the prairie lifestyle in mind.” Kelsey Bulmer Cerulean Boutique “It was always in the back of our minds from when we got started,” Kelsey said. “When we started to buy, we realized there was a bit of a need in the market. And the fact that Julia jumped onboard with us, we were inspired to, sooner rather than later, create our own collection.” The clothes are manufactured in Los Angeles, and Kelsey said they’ve built a great relationship with their manufacturer. “We came back here, drew up what we wanted, and sent them our desires. Then they create a sample, and we move forward

after we choose the colour and the fabric type,” she said. And they plan to take that relationship forward into the future as they expand the line. “We hope to be able to expand into more great-fitting basic pieces that are able to bind your wardrobe together,” Kelsey said, adding that they may also look at expanding into other stores, but for now, the line is exclusive to their store. Cerulean Boutique is located at 12 St. Joseph St. and can be reached by phone at 780-459-2583, or visit www. ceruleanboutique.com.

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Alberta beer lovers have reason to toast new booze policy in the province, a local craft brewer says. Thanks to changes to policies, it will be easier for licensed manufacturers such as breweries, wineries and distilleries to get up and running in the province, which could spark the trend of nano-brewing in Alberta. Following a review and consultation with stakeholders, the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC) is, effective immediately, eliminating the minimum production capacity requirements to make it easier to begin a manufacturing business. Until now, manufacturers had to produce a minimum capacity — 5,000 hectolitres a year for brewers and 2,500 hectolitres a year for wineries and distilleries, said AGLC spokeswoman Tatjana Laskovic. “The AGLC did hear from quite a few stakeholders that this is actually making it hard to start a business ... and eliminating minimum production capacity requirements would allow Albertans to start up a manufacturing business or would allow current manufacturers to pursue other business opportunities,” she said. The moved was welcomed by some in Alberta’s craft beer industry, including Graham Sherman, co-founder of Calgary’s Tool Shed Brewing Company. “I never would have guessed they would have done it, but they have,” he said. “It shows the AGLC is thinking about breweries like Tool Shed.” Sherman and his co-founder Jeff Orr had to partner with B.C.’s Dead Frog Brewery to get their beer to market and were looking at a significant financial investment, potentially millions of dollars, to start operations in Alberta. While they will have to continue the partnership with Dead Frog while they get operations up and running in Calgary, Sherman said he was excited at the prospect of having “total control over new products and research and development.” “It’s tough to do from a province away,” he said. With the minimum requirements removed, Sherman says Albertans can expect a host of homebrewers turning pro. “I can think of at least five guys who have talked extensively about going down that road but stopped because of the cost involved,” he said.

94.30 US

Pierre Hebert

780-459-7786 www.bermontrealty.com

Guy Hebert

Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013

Protect yourself online

LINDA WHITE Sun Media News Services

For many Canadian shoppers, the convenience, safety and security of online shopping is an attractive alternative to busy malls and packed parking lots. Cyber scrooges are well aware of the increase in online shopping, underscoring the importance of protecting money and personal data. “Fraud can take many forms, such as identity theft, fake e-mails or websites that trick consumers into providing personal financial information and anyone can be a victim,” says Julie Hauser, spokesman for the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (fcacacfc.gc.ca). Before clicking ‘purchase,’ shoppers should take a few steps to protect their personal information and guard against online fraud, beginning with secure Internet rather than public Wi-Fi. “When consumers use unsecured public Wi-Fi hotspots, it’s like leaving your car doors unlocked,” says Hauser. “You make yourself an easier target for thieves.” You may involuntarily give cybercriminals access to your personal information, including e-mails and passwords, and provide fraudsters with an easy way to access your financial information, including card numbers and passwords. Keep the season merry with these tips: 1. Guard any files on your computer that contain financial information by protecting them with passwords. 2. Always check for the lock symbol in the browser window and for the “https” at the beginning of the web address (the ‘s’ stands for ‘secured’). 3. Don’t save passwords on your computer or create an online profile with your credit card information. 4. Turn on your firewall and run up-todate anti-virus software and anti-adware before entering banking information on your computer. 5. Turn off file sharing and printer sharing. 6. Don’t allow cookies or pop-ups and set

Photo: Sun Media News Services

Decloaking your sales pitch non-profit organization that has great programs for developmentally disabled children and adults. These cards are made Fans of Star Trek know that when the by clients at the center and come eight to star ship Enterprise is threatened, Captain a package. Would you like to know the Kirk’s first response is to raise price?” shields. It’s exactly the same The script then diverged response your clients have when to one of the following you pitch them on purchasing a three scripts, on a random new product or service. assignment: On some level, your prospects • Script 1 – Disrupt then view you as a threat, at least at Re-Frame: The researcher the beginning of a relationship. would say: “This package of Their defense shields are raised, cards sells for 300 pennies.” Kurian and the key messages of your After a two-second pause, she Tharakan pitch, if they can get through would continue, “That’s $3. It’s a Consultant at all, are filtered through a bargain.” thick screen of suspicion. When • Script 2 – Price Only: The someone is faced with doing something researcher simply stated that the price of new, whose risks of execution and the package was $3. outcome are unknown, the safest course • Script 3 – Re-frame Only: The of action is to say “no.” By saying “no,” researcher stated that the price of the they remain protected in the status quo. package was $3, and then, after a twoHow can you penetrate your client’s second pause added, “It’s a bargain.” defense shields to ensure your message The results speak to the enormous gets through? Use the Disrupt Then power of such techniques as disruption Reframe (DTR) technique. and reframing. With Script 1, 65 per A paper published in the Journal of cent of prospects bought the cards, while Personality and Social Psychology in with Scripts 2 and 3, only 35 per cent of 1999 detailed a study conducted by prospects chose to buy. psychologists Barbara Price Davis and In Script 1, by stating the price in terms Eric S. Knowles. Two research assistants of pennies the researcher was able to were sent door-to-door to sell Christmas slightly disrupt the prospect’s thought cards in several neighborhoods in a small pattern. They then went on to re-frame city. The people they approached were the price as “a bargain.” Taken together, told that the profits from the cards were to this produced an outcome almost twice as benefit a local home for developmentally powerful as any other offer. challenged children and adults, whose Your prospect’s defense shields are residents actually drew the pictures for always present. By crafting a message that the package of eight holiday cards. gets them out of their established thought When the homeowner answered patterns you will have a greater ability to the door the researchers would use the influence them. following script: “I would like to show you some cards Kurian Tharakan is a sales and made by clients of the Richardson Center. marketing consultant, speaker and Are you familiar with the Richardson facilitator, and a senior member of the Center? Then you know that it is a business strategy firm Acton Consulting.

KURIAN THARAKAN Special to the Leader

your browser to block dangerous sites or warn you if a site is considered a high risk. 7. Turn on enhanced security on your Internet browser, personal e-mail and social networking sites. Within the program or site, search for the term ‘enhanced security’ for help in adjusting your security settings. 8. When logging into a network access point, make sure the name is correct to avoid getting tricked into visiting a fake site set up to steal your information. 9. Change your passwords as soon as you’re on a secure Internet connection. It’s a good habit to change your passwords on a regular basis and to have different passwords for different applications such as e-mail, online banking and social networking sites. 10. If you are using a public or shared computer, be sure to erase the history and temporary Internet files before you leave. “Because people share or expose their personal information online on a daily basis — sometimes on purpose but other times without meaning to — and since it is far easier for hackers to access information on the Internet, consumers need to be mindful of the risks associated with online shopping to ensure that they take the appropriate measures to protect their personal information,” Hauser says.

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32 Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013

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