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T H E P E R S O N A L I T Y O F B U S I N E S S I N T H E C A P I T A L R E G I O N

2 EDMONTONIANS DECEMBER 2008

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hen we think of Edmontonianswho give us our voice, one name shouldbe high on the list.

It’s Rod Phillips, Hockey Hall ofFame voice of the Edmonton Oilers on 630 CHED. Formore than 30 years, “He scooores!” has been music toour ears.

Rod recently got bencheddue to health issues thatprecluded flying. As aresult, he missed a bigOiler road swing. I caughtup with The Legend andrecorded his thoughts on hisremarkable career. In thespirit of the season, I sharehis reflections with his fans.

BIGGEST HIGHLIGHT:Winning the first Stanley Cupagainst the New YorkIslanders in 1984.Going into that series,the Oilers had lost 10straight games to theIslanders.

The next best wasthe Oilers three-gamesweep of the MontrealCanadiens in theplayoffs of 80-81—theOilers second year in theleague. It was after thatseries that we all knewthey were going to be agreat team.

PETER POCKLINGTON:Peter’s reputation as abusinessman obviously wasn’t very good at the end. Ihad a different perspective. I met him when he firstbought the Oilers in 1976 and found him to be a verynice guy, and very generous. Peter was a lot of fun at aparty and we had some great ones over the years. Ihaven’t seen him since he left Edmonton, and I do misshim. People should remember Peter is the guy that gotus an NHL franchise.

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

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

I know there is no such thing as a snipe. The entireteam gathered in a bush area near St. Albert. Twoplayers, Jarri Kurri and Andy Moog, dressed inorange-coloured overalls, with big brooms. They weresent to one end of the bush and told to scare them (thesnipes) to the other group on the other side. When they

got to the other side, the RCMP werewaiting. They arrested both ofthem and took them to the St.Albert jail. It was all a set up, butJarri and Andy didn’t know that.They were two very scared guys.We went and got them afterabout an hour behind bars.

BEST RULE CHANGE:Elimination of clutch and grabhockey after the ’04 lockout.

WORST RULE CHANGE:The instigator. I still hopethey will drop that rulesome day. It allows toomany guys to play tougher than theyreally are.

SMALLER NETS: The nets are big enough.The goaltenders equipment has to get smaller.

GLEN SATHER: He is probablyone of the wealthiest GMs inthe NHL. He was runningthree corporations whilerunning the Oilers during hismany years in Edmonton. Healso owns most of downtownBanff.

FAVOURITE NHL CITY:Boston is my favourite, butChicago is right behind.

Now that I have property inPhoenix, it’s my new number one.

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

THAT “OTHER FREAKED FLYER”: My claim tofame. I made Wayne Gretzky a bad flyer. He claimshe got nervous watching me on airplanes. I told him, ifthat is the case, don’t watch. We’re both better todaythan we were 20 years ago, but it is my only bond withthe Great One.

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

NHL EXPANSION: Winnipeg, Quebec City andHamilton should all be considered.

TOUGHEST OILER: DaveSemenko is at the top of thelist. Dave Brown isn’t farbehind.

NICEST GUY IN THE NHL:Wayne Gretzky was as gooda person as he was player.There have been a lot of greatguys over the years, but Gretzis my all time best.

BIGGEST GOOF: Sean Averyis what old guys like myselfcall a punk.

ROAD FUN: Bob Stauffer doesn’t share his dessert—and, he has never met one he didn’t like.

HOW DO YOU BECOME THE NEXT ROD PHILLIPS:Practice… practice… practice… and then practicesome more. I was blessed with six years in the WHAand that got me ready for the NHL.

HOW MUCH LONGER: I am year-to-year now. Mycontract expires at the end of the season. I will talkwith the Oilers in the summer.

Rod started broadcasting the Oilers games in 1973 andis now approaching an amazing 3400 games. This yearis his 36th season. Until he was grounded this fall, Rodhad missed only one game—truly a remarkable record.

Rod is married to Debby, who is the part-owner ofthe Delton vet clinic. Daughter Quinn works in thecommunications department at U of A, and son Devinis completing his last semester at UNLV.

A tremendous ambassador for our city, Rod isrecognized as one of the top play-by-play broadcastersin the NHL. If this is indeed his last year, allEdmontonians wish Rod and his family nothing but thebest in his golden years. √

Marty Forbes is VP and general manager of The Bear,EZRock and The TEAM 1260 Sports Radio. [email protected]

WWRod Phillips

with Muggsy, Marty & Mark

Glen Sather

Dave Semenko

1984 Stanley Cup Champs!1984 Stanley Cup Champs!

EDMONTONIANS DECEMBER 2008 3


ing dong… 4 am. Hockeypratice? No. Fire? No.

Up and away to YEG for the 96th GreyCup in Montreal, via Winnipeg and

Ottawa. Temp in Edmonton this morning not bad, nearzero. Winnipeg is -18 C… airport packed andconfusing. Edmontonian Marg Blaszkiewicz who isgoing to Ottawa with her daughter Krista, who isgetting the female athlete of the year award fromthe Canadian Forces. Early in the New Year, she’llbe heading to Afghanistan for a 10 month tour ofduty. Number one in the nation from Edmonton—nice. Congrats on her award and God Speed onher tour overseas. By the way, Mom Marg—anEskies’ fan—is having a difficult timedesciding who to cheer for inthe Grey Cup.

Finally arrive inMontreal. Join lawyerto the stars BurtSugarman and theone-and-only RougeAlain aboard his newCadillac to meet up withthe crew. Lookingforward to a good gameand the Spirit ofEdmonton breakfastSaturday morning. Now,who to cheer for? Calgary? Mercy me.Montreal? God forbid. They did beatus at home in ’02 so a little paybackvia the Stamps might suffice. But,root for Calgary? Settle for “may thebest team win.”

Saturday Nov. 22/08 –Late. The city ofMontreal thus far has put on a rock solidCoupe Grey event. But nobody does it betterthan the Spirit of Edmonton crew—what abreakfast! Always a sell-out and quite a mixof fans: I met a two-week old named Jacksonat his first Grey Cup and, four tables over, 88-year young George Hitzroth attending his63rd Cup.

The Winnipeg Police Pipes and Drums werea highlight. The dude decked out in his Tobacolours who won a signed Siddeeq ShabazzEsks 60th anniversary jersey had is sold before he gotto the bathroom. The Premier of Alberta gave animpromptu speech I’m remembering through osmosis.In his youth, Ed Stelmach was a tuba player and histeacher chewed a little Copahagen tobacco. When Ed

made a musical error, histeacher wouldplay the linecorrectly onEd’s tuba. ThenEd would haveget it right on hisfreshly“Copenhagened”tuba. Eeew.

The city wasrepresentedstrongly at theSpirit breakfast.The EdmontonFestival City RoadShow sponsored byTransAlta broughtthree top notchacts to the room:Firefly Theatredid its aerial

acro-batics... AtomicImprov’s DonovanWorkun and MarkMeer were verygood… and SouljahFyah—the band that isplaying in ChurchillSquare this New Yearseve—packed the dancefloor. It wasn’t even 10in the morning!

Every CFL/LCF team’s cheer squadperformed. The Rider pep band and SamanthaKing and the Sociables took it home—as thenoon hour struck. Lots of mugs—brimming

with our infamous Sluice Juice—werehoisted toward the ballroomceiling at Le Centre Sheraton. Ihave yet to get the recipe. Asalways, the committeedid a great job.

If you have never beento a Grey Cup, may Isuggest your first move is toget tickets to the Spirt ofEdmonton Breakfast and

enjoy some hospitality.

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

but it was rockinganyway. Halftimeshow? LennyKravitz in Torontowas very good; not so

much in Montreal. Getting a beer? It took one quarterof football to get a beer in Vancouver ’05… onecomplete half to get one in Toronto. Montreal? Thebest service I have seen at a Grey Cup in mymemory—and that can get fuzzy—but for sure sinceRegina in ’03.

Bittersweet congratulations to Calgary. Sorry Munt-ree-all. Ha. A good year for the EE. I hope the Esksmarch right into McMahon Stadium in ’09. take theCup out of the Stamps’ greeeeesy hands and bring itnorth. See you in Calgary… where the Spirit willprevail.

Can’t wait to get back to Montreal — a world classcity

Generosity… hats off to Graham Hicks fromthe Edmonton Sun. He uses his Hicks on Six column toraise awareness and dollars for many important causes.His annual Christmas Auction is amazing. It raisedover $335,000 this year for the United Way, CatholicSocial Services’ Sign of Hope, the Stollery Children’sHospital and the Edmonton Christmas Bureau. Huge.Of all the items that are on the block, there is a sectionof dinners with various personalities/media types etc. Iwould like to thank Teri Farkas for being the highestbidder on the package I helped put together. She andher guests are heading to dinner at Culina. They’vealready been to two shows—Buddy Guy and EarlScruggs—at Enmax Hall at the Winspear. As well, thegood people at Freehouse Wine & Spirits threw in avery special bottle of 18-year old Bruichladdich scotch,signed by the proprietor of the distillery. My personalthanks to everyone who answered my call: Culina forthe upcoming dining experience, Bryan Taylor ofKeystone Music for tickets… Freehouse for thescotch… and Peter Gerrie from the Winspear.

Finally, I joined Laura and Brian Finley, whobought a package during last year’s Chrisrmas Auction

at Ric’s Grill for a dinner.A most enjoyable eveningin a very nice restaurant.Brian and I have somehistory. The BigBreakfast televisioncrew, Brian and mygenerous supportershelped renovate a1913+ home nearCommonwealthStadium. We stripped

the house to the studs, andcompletely renovated it for the Edmonton

Community Land Trust. Brian did most of the workalong with some generous friends and local companies.The Findleys are very community-minded. You cancheck out what Brian worked on at this link:www.rewedmonton.ca/content_view2?content_id=130

Happy December and Seasons Greetings everyone.

Mark Scholz, owner of MES Communications Inc.offers a variety of services including production,creative and entertainment. For more information or tosuggest a story idea, [email protected]

DD

Brian and

Laura Finley

Burt Sugarman and

Rouge Alain

Marg Blaszkiewicz and daughter

Krista BlaskiewiczMarg Blaszkiewicz and daughter

Krista Blaskiewicz

Sista J with Souljah Fyah(Spirit of Edmonton Breakfast)

Spirit of Edmonton membersBruce Keltie & Glenn Duncan

George Hitzroth and friend

George Hitzroth and friend

Dancing before noon

Me with Spirit of Edmonton

Committee member Keith KeatingMe with Spirit of Edmonton

Committee member Keith Keating



FOUNDERDICK MacLEAN

DECEMBER 2008Vol. XIX

Published by 399620 Alberta Ltd. on the first day of eachmonth at C-100 Park Side Tower, 8920-100th StreetEdmonton AB CA T6E 4Y8. ©All rights reserved. Nopart of this publication may be reprinted or reproduced inany form without written permission from the publisher.

Manuscripts: must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Edmontonians is not responsible forunsolicited manuscripts.

All stories Copyright ©Edmontonians

Publications Mail Agreement No. 40023292Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to:Circulation DepartmentC-100 Park Side Tower, 8920-100th StreetEdmonton AB CA T6E 4Y8Email: [email protected]

SHARON MacLEANPublisher and Advertising Director

Telephone: 780.482.7000Fax: 780.488.9317

e-mail: [email protected]

INSIDEVOX POPMarty Forbes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Mark Scholz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3POLL STATIONHealth Foods/Banister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

VISIONARIESBruce Johnson/Gazin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5novaNAIT/Croucher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Briefs/Croucher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Social Media/Schwabe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

COVER STORYAppetizing/Berry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9NAIT Dynasty/Berry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

7TH ANNUAL SOCIAL CALENDARCompiled by Maria Jose Politti . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-18

BARB DETERSEditor

[email protected]

COLUMNISTSLinda Banister

John BerryLinda Bodo

Cheryl CroucherMarty Forbes

Muggsy ForbesBruce Hogle

Ryan JespersenDavid Norwood

Erin RaynerMark Scholz

Walter SchwabeNizar J. Somji

FEATURE WRITERSBarb DetersRick LauberGreg Gazin

Peter Drake McHughMaria Jose Politti

Marg. Pullishy

PHOTOGRAPHERSTerry Bourque

Barb DetersJack Ness

SPECIAL PROJECTSEdmontonians Transformers

Tom BradshawLes Brost

Steffany HanlenLarry Ohlhauser

GRAPHIC PRODUCTIONRage Studios Inc.

THIS MONTH’S COVER

Chef Jack Leeat Culinary Olympics in Germany

Photo by Jack Ness

No. 12

1919YEARS

DO YOU USE OVER-THE-COUNTERNATURAL HEALTH PRODUCTS?

The survey began by asking respondents if they, or anyone intheir household, used over-the-counter natural health products,such as vitamins and herbs. Over three quarters of therespondents (78 percent) indicated they, or someone in theirhouseholds, used these products.

The 22 percent who did not use over the counter natural healthproducts were asked to indicate why not. Respondents mostfrequently mentioned that they did not believe it was necessary(59 percent), followed by natural health products being tooexpensive (14 percent).

Respondents who do use natural health products were thenasked how long they have been taking them. They indicated theyhave been using them for an average of 13 years, with 35 percentof them most frequently stating they have been using them formore than 10 years, followed by at least 10 years (20 percent).

WHICH NATURAL HEALTH PRODUCTSDO YOU USE AND HOW OFTEN?Respondents were then asked what types of natural healthproducts they use. Most frequently, they used multi-vitamins (65percent), followed by vitamin C (60 percent). Fewer respondentsmentioned Echinacea and Cold FX (35 percent and 29 percentrespectively), followed by ginseng (22 percent) and garlic tablets(16 percent).

When asked how often they use the various health products,respondents most frequently indicated they take multi-vitaminsand vitamin C, with 74 percent stating they take multi-vitaminsdaily and 30 percent reporting they take vitamin C daily. Forproducts such as Cold FX, respondents indicated they were mostlikely to use this product when they are about to get sick (35percent) or when they are sick (31 percent).

ARE YOU AWARE OF REGULATIONSAND DO YOU AGREE THEY ARE NEEDED?

Respondents were then told the federal government is currently in theprocess of changing the way it regulates natural health products andwere asked if they were aware of any Bills or regulations regardingthis issue. Forty percent indicated they were aware, with 18 percent ofthem being able to recall it by name: Bill C-51.

All respondents were then informed that these products are currentlyregulated under the Natural Health Product Regulations, and that thefederal government has proposed Bill C-51 to further ensure thatconsumers have access to only safe, effective and high qualityproducts.

After being provided with this information, respondents were askedto rate their level of agreement. Fifty-one percent were in highagreement with Bill C-51, most frequently stating the need forconsumer protection and quality control as their reason for agreement(73 percent). In contrast, 25 percent of respondents reported a lowlevel agreement with Bill C-51. When asked why they disagreed,respondents most frequently stated the federal government does notneed to be involved (64 percent). √

New to the Edmontonians website:Monthly Poll Station Online Question

Visit www.edmontonians.com to register your opinion

Want a question included in the Edmontonians Poll?Contact Linda at 780.451.4444 or e-mail

[email protected].

Linda Banister is a certified management consultant and the owner ofBanister Research and Consulting Inc., a full service provider ofmarket research and program evaluation services.Visit www.banister.ab.ca.

STATIONver the counter natural health products are supplements from natural sources used toprevent sickness or promote health that can be purchased without a prescription. Being inthe midst of cold and flu season, it’s not uncommon for the use of these supplements toincrease, however, many are also used on a regular basis. This month’s Poll Station asked

Edmontonians about their use of over the counter natural health products.

With Linda Banister

PollPoll

78%60%

40%22%

Perc

ent

Perc

ent

Said they or someone intheir household use

natural health products

Said they did not useover the counterhealth products

Said they were unawareof any regulations on

natural health products

Said they were aware ofregulations on natural

health products

18%Were able to

recall the bill wascalled Bill C-51

OO

C E L E B R A T I N G



emanti Corp. chairman and CEO, Bruce Johnson believes that computersshould conform to the user’s way of thinking and speaking rather than theother way around. It’s this type of thinking that took this 48-year oldentrepreneur to heights that many would only dream of.

It all began in 1992. Referring to Chad Frederick, his friend and now CFO and co-founder of Semanti, Johnson recalls, “I used to watch him doing a spreadsheet version of atax program every year trying to get it to line up and print on the Revenue Canada (tax)forms. I figured there must be a better way.”

The answer became the birth of WinTax Software Corporation, which Johnson andFrederick co-founded. And this was just the beginning. Within a year, WinTax wasacquired by Chipsoft, the makers of TurboTax which, at the time, was merging with Intuit,best known for its Quicken and QuickTax software.

Johnson became the president and CEO of the newly formed Intuit Canada. In 2000, headded the top role at Intuit, UK to his list of duties. His drive and vision catapulted the two-man team to 500 full-time and 200seasonal employees. The combinedrevenues of the operations rose to$115M annually. With his team, hebuilt Intuit Canada into thecategory leader in tax andpersonal finance software. Thecompany was named the #2Best Place to Work in Canadaby Maclean’s and The Globeand Mail.

“It’s been an exciting ride,”Johnson humbly confessed.But in December 2004, hedecided to slow the pace bystepping down and resigningfrom his positions. He remembersthinking, “I’ve been doing this for12 long hard years… time to get toknow the kids. So let’s take astab at retirement.”

He has no regrets.

It helped strengthen his family relationship. However, his retirement was short-lived. “Afterabout a year, I figured, I’m really not the lying-on-the-beach kind.”

Johnson began to scope out new opportunities. He attended a Venture Alberta Forum (anangel investor group), where Reg Cheramy, an Edmonton entrepreneur, was presenting aSocial Bookmarking application called “Zigtag”. It was designed to use some form of yetto be determined classification system to help bring order to the tags (descriptive labels)used for bookmarking. Johnson immediately imagined a whole realm of possibilities andapproached Cheramy.

“What intrigued me about this enough to discuss it further was that this might provide aframework under which a better search methodology might evolve.”

Johnson knew that with over a trillion web pages and more added every minute, it wasgetting harder for people to find what they were looking for, often having to adjust theirsearch terms three or four times. And, even then, they still have to sift through seeminglyendless results because search engines search for words not for meaning.

Inspired, Johnson put a new team together in 2006, and formed Zigtag Inc. Theybelieved that “tagging” to mark web pages was the solution.

“It was a bit of a long and winding road, having had a bit of a false start.” Zigtag would be a social bookmarking tool, like del.icio.us—the difference

being that the tags would be semantic with definitions attached. This way,people could tag things by what they really mean rather than by just what they

say.“In theory,” he added, “It would help disambiguate tags like NY, NYC,

New York, Big Apple. People would know it was the same concept.”But eventually, Johnson realized that semantic tagging wasn’t really aproblem for people and the market for those who wanted to tag pages

was not significant. “Even del.icio.us, the 800-pound gorilla onlyhas three million users—very small by Internet standards.

Semantic search, not tagging, was really what Johnson’steam wanted to do in the first place. That is, zero in on the

meaning at the time of the search, and search that way,rather than tag bookmarks after the fact.

After retooling and rethinking in mid-2008, thecompany was renamed Semanti Corp. to reflect thechange in direction. SemantiFind, a free browser utilitythat works along-side your search engine (Google,Yahoo and MSN Search), was launched inSeptember. It allows you to select the definition of

the term you want to use. Take “Big Apple”, forexample. SemantiFind will search through its

SSBy Greg Gazin

Continued on page 8

Johnson’sJOURNEY

From taxes to tags to Ontology

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

chieving Cockburn’s stellar heights couldbe what the Northern Alberta Institute ofTechnology hopes to achieve through thetransformation of its Applied Research

department.The program is now called novaNAIT. Heading up

the new novaNAIT Centre for Applied Research andTechnology Transfer is Stuart Cullum.

He is just a few weeks on the job, but brings awealth of experience to the director’s position. Anative of Three Hills, Alberta, his career as a highschool teacher was short circuited when he completedan MBA and started working in the University ofAlberta’s technology transfer office. Then, after abrief stint in management at Canadian Airlines, hespent seven years with WestLink Innovation Centrewhere he rose to vice-president of businessdevelopment.

The next move took him to AVAC, an early stageinvestment company for agriculture-relatedinnovations. Says Cullum of his time at AVAC, “Thatgave me again a broad spectrum of experiencerelating to early stage opportunities. I got to see some

interesting companies. I got to understand the needsof companies and some of the pitfalls and landminesthat those companies could hit along the innovationpathway. That gave me an interesting perspective intowhat I am doing now.”

The novaNAIT Centre supports applied research,enterprise development and commercialization,offering a comprehensive package to nurtureinvention from concept to prototype to marketableproduct. This is facilitated through the ShellManufacturing Centre and the Duncan McNeillCentre for Innovation—both already on campus.And, there’s a host of students in technicalprograms who can help out along the way.

Building strong business fundamentals is animportant focus for Cullum. “We want to see thesecompanies in two to three years graduate on a strongfooting, so not only have they advanced theircompany from a technical perspective but alsoadvanced their company in terms of the businessfundamentals. So they have marketing plans, properfinancial plans so they get funding, propermanagement teams so they attract again funding,because that is a key piece for that.”

That’s where the Duncan McNeill Centre forInnovation comes in. This NAIT incubator for startupcompanies has just graduated its first client.

“This is really rewarding,“ says Cullum. “Thecompany is called EMS Entertainment. It’sessentially a game board concept that was designedfor the training of emergency medical personnel. It’sreally an example of a copyright-based invention. Thecompany has just left DMCI and is on a strongfooting. There’s more sales right now than it can fill.And that’s one of the challenges: making sure thecompany can actually meet the demand that has beencreated for its product.”

Another client involved with the novaNAITincubation program is InnovEquity. Cullum describesthe young inventor/entrepreneurs behind thecompany: “They brought to us an idea around



he static orbuzz youhearsometimes

on the phone is causedby harmonics thattransfer between powerand telephone lines.

Harmonics, likepower surges andblackouts, create manycostly problems forutility companies andtheir customers. Buthelp is on the way,thanks to the researchof Dr. Wilsun Xu, aUniversity of Albertaprofessor in theelectrical and computerengineering department.

Alberta’s utilitycompanies have joinedforces with iCORE (theInformatics Circle ofResearch Excellence)and NSERC (theNatural Sciences andEngineering ResearchCouncil of Canada) tosupport Dr. Xu with anindustrial research chairin power quality.

One of his projects is the development of sophisticated sensors to predictand fix power problems. He explains, “We place sensors in the power system.The sensors pick up localized information, but collectively they tell us thesource of the disturbances and the conditions of the power system. The keyquestion is how you interpret the data.”

Dr. Xu says this technology will also prevent expensive shutdowns inindustries that depend on reliable power to run sensitive processes in theirmills and factories. ~ Cheryl Croucher

Visit www.icore.ca for more information,

By Cheryl Croucher

AA

novaNAIT...a hedge against pitfalls & landmines

There’s a line in an earlyBruce Cockburn song:

“When the sun goesnova, and the world

turns over….”

TT Dr. Wilsun Xu

Ex-static

hen the first human genome was sequenced, it took several years andhundreds of millions of dollars to complete the task.

But faster computers and cheaper processes are changing thatscenario. And it’s this change in technology that makes possible a newinitiative to undertake a mass analysis of plant genomes.

Dr. Gane Wong, the new iCORE Chair in Biosystems Informatics at the University ofAlberta, will lead a joint international venture between the Government of Alberta,Musea Ventures and the Beijing Genomics Institute.

Dr. Wong’s team will undertake the immense task of sequencing the genomes for1,000 plant species, something that promises huge genetic spin-offs. “The intention is totransform some of the information there into various bio-products… ranging anywherefrom medicine—because, for example, most of the medicines we take are plantderived—but also [to] the other extreme: We’re talking biofuels. In the intermediate, wecan talk green chemistry, aquaculture and bioplastics. There are many products that wemake from plants…that could be improved. Or, we can invent new products if we havebetter control of the biology.”

Alberta Advanced Education and Technology is contributing $1.5 million and MuseaVentures from the United States $500,000 toward the Alberta Thousand Plant Initiative.

A physicist turned biologist, Dr. Wong says the project will require the collaboration ofscientists across many disciplines including biology, medicine, mathematics andcomputer science.

Dr. Wong holds a joint appointment in biological sciences in the U of A faculties ofmedicine and dentistry. He is also associate director of the Beijing Genomics Instituteand a guest professor in the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Other partners in the Alberta1000 Plants Initiative include the Alberta Agricultural Research Institute, GenomeAlberta and iCORE. ~ Cheryl Croucher

Learn more about the project at www.icore.ca

Dr. Gane Wong

WWSequencing genomes…

the 1000-plant initiativeSequencing genomes…

the 1000-plant initiative

BRIEFS



automated construction. The concept is that stickbuilding homes is an inefficient way of buildingstructures. So they’ve actually designed a machineto produce panels—wall panels, roof panels, floorpanels—that are completely finished with wiringand duct work.“

Cullum explains that novaNAIT helpedInnovEquity in developing drawings and the firstscale prototype of the machine at the ShellManufacturing Centre. “The prototype gave them avisual and it enabled this company to attract overhalf a million dollars of funding. They are now inthe process of shoring up another $1.5 million ininvestment and grant funding as a result of that.”

Cullum refers to the prototype developmentprogram as one of novaNAIT’s flagship programs.“What it does is provide companies the opportunityto come in and work, build up their projects to thepoint where they are able to take something to thenext stage… whether it be a physical prototype ormarkup drawings. What that does is enable them toeither take it to a strategic partner for funding, orgenerate additional support or partnerships.”

Thanks to the work started by Peggy MacTavish,a previous director of NAIT’sOffice of AppliedResearch,novaNAIT isnow NSERCgrant eligible.According toCullum, this“…gives us theability to generateNSERC fundingfor differentprojects. NAIT wasone of the earlycolleges or technicalinstitutions to create eligibility for those grants. Sowe’re viewed as a leader in that.”

NSERC, the Natural Sciences andEngineering Research Council, is thepremier funding agency for scientificresearch in Canada.

One of Cullum’s pet projects is theestablishment of industry sponsored chairs in

applied research. He describes NAIT’s approach toapplied research as industry driven. “We’re looking atthe needs of industry and trying to find solutions forthose needs and issues.

“The idea is that we have industry sponsors out therewith specific areas of research they would like addressed.So we will be facilitating that research by bringing onworld class researchers.” They will have labs, currentlyunder renovation, at NAIT’s St. Albert campus.

One partnership that excites Cullum is thedevelopment of a Boreal Reclamation Centre in PeaceRiver Country. In the past, when energy and loggingcompanies would finish with a landing site, they wouldsimply plant crested wheat grass or other fast growingbut non-native species. But new provincial regulationsrequire better practices.

“This Boreal Reclamation Centre will help researchin this area so they can develop not only new optimalspecies to revegetate, but also practices for revegetationso we’re not disturbing the land more than we have to.So that’s really exciting. That’s an example of the kindof applied research novaNAIT is supporting.”

Faculty are also encouraged to participate in theapplied research program, perhaps by taking sabbaticalsto focus on developing their own ideas and inventions.

As if all this isn’t enough. Cullum is also helping toorganize the 2009 conference for CABI, the CanadianAssociation of Business Incubation. This will bring 200people from across Canada to Edmonton andnovaNAIT will be the host.

“It will be a really good opportunity for Edmonton toshowcase what it has to offer in terms of innovationand commercialization. But it will also give novaNAITan opportunity to showcase what we’re trying to dowithin this.community.” √

www.nait.ca

To hear Cheryl’s conversation with Stuart Cullum, visitwww.innovationanthology.com

Cheryl Croucher hosts Innovation Anthology which isbroadcast on CKUA Radio at 7:58 am and 4:58 pmTuesdays and Thursday. Or download the podcasts atwww.innovationanthologyy.com

Join the

edmontoniansvisionaries.wordpress.comhave your say online at

CONVERSATIONhe new hero in the fight against mad cow and chronic wasting diseasecould very well be the tiny zebra fish.

Popular as pets, zebra fish are proving useful in the lab, just like fruitflies and transgenic mice. They reproduce quickly and their genes are

easy to manipulate.Dr. Ted Allison, who is developing a zebra fish model for use in his work with the

Alberta Prion Research Institute, explains, “The main purposes are to try to definethe normal role of the prion protein in a healthy brain and compare that to what theprotein is doing in a diseased brain. Because zebra fish have a lot of advantages as amodel, we’re able to modify the genes easily. We’re able to knock down geneexpression or make transgenic fish genes to increase expression. This means we canalter proteins that we expect to be related to prion protein and interact with prionprotein.”

According to Dr. Allison, a new genetic phenotype has emerged. When prionprotein levels are knocked down in zebra fish, their brains fail to develop properly.This phenotype does not persist in mice. The discovery is an important step towardbetter understanding of prion function.

Dr. Allison is an assistant professor in biological sciences at the University ofAlberta. He is also a researcher with the Alberta Prion Research Institute and the Uof A’s Centre for Prions and Prion Folding Diseases. ~ Cheryl Croucher

TT

Zebra Fish& prion research

Dr. Ted Allison

Stuart Cullum

$14.6 million Shell Manufacturing Centre



BUSY EDMONTON TECH COMMUNITY Edmonton has many cool things going forit, including a strong and rapidly growingtech community. I recently took in mysecond DemoCamp4 Edmonton. It’s alocal get-together, spearheaded by CamLinke, designed to allow folks to showoff their latest software creations.

I came across some innovative Web 2.0applications. For example, Orange DoorIdealab showed off a mobile surveysoftware that works on the iPhone—perfect for street team events.

This was the first time DemoCamp hashad a formal sponsor with the honourgoing to Peter Urban of Smibs.com, abrand new Web 2.0 business developmentapplication and social network.

I don’t think the strength of our techculture gets nearly enough exposure.DemoCamp4 was the largest thus far withapproximately 150 attendees. The word isspreading as I found out when I happenedto sit beside Aaron Jones who flew infrom Regina to present The History Booksthat night.

If you want to see bleeding-edgetechnology in action, DemoCamp is justone place locally where you’ll find theaction.

This past month has been exceptionallybusy and having said that, I accepted aninvitation from Sarah Edwards, directorof ICE 2008, the 26th annual CIPSEdmonton Tech Conference to a BellCanada sponsored dinner.

Before the great food at Madison’s Grillin the Unionbank Inn hit the tables, Iasked Danielle Kondruk, marketingcoordinator for Bell Canada, if Bell wasinto social media. Kondruk said thecompany hasn’t ventured much into thesocial web externally as the organizationis taking a “wait and see approach.”

Internally, she said, they have a blog inplace for communicating to staff out here

in the west about what’s going on withtop line execs within the organization, butthat’s about it for now.

Overall, the event was well attended bylocal CIOs and tech execs from acrossvarious industries and government. I hadan interesting chat with Glen Sustrik, adirector with Alberta Finance, who saidthat he sees the younger generation ofemployees using Facebook as “aneffective communications tool.”

Sustrik also said that Alberta Finance islooking at “tools such as Facebook interms of recruitment and retention, withsecurity most definitely at the top of thepriority list.” No formal social media planis in place for the department, but thediscussion is most certainly ongoing.

TWEETUP & MEETUPFun times at the Edmonton Tweetup forlocal Twitterati at Devlin’s on Whyte. Thisis for those locals on Twitter.com, a verypopular micro-blogging site. The event isput on by blogger Mack Male for folkswho like to stay in touch on a regular basis.

By the way, you can follow me on Twitterby searching @fusedlogic.

Finally, I hosted the second ever SocialWeb Meetup at Inside and Out Naturally inSt. Albert. There were about 20 attendeeswho got to participate in a live webcastnews show by Paul Ney and EvanAdnams of somethingtv.net fame. Checkout their weekly podcast as they give youthe news like no one else can.

Does the Greater Edmonton Region have astrong tech community? You bet, we’ve gotsome of the best there is and now you knowhow to find them:• www.twitter.com/fusedlogic• www.meetup.com/The-Social-Web-

Meetup/• www.edmontontweetup.wik.is/• www.smibs.com

Walter Schwabe is the Chief EvolutionOfficer of fusedlogic inc., a social mediastrategy firm and Alberta company since2000. You can learn more atwww.fusedlogic.com

December to February Imagining Science Art Exhibit, Book Launch and PanelDiscussionsGE3LS Alberta teamArt Gallery of Albertawww.festivalofideas.ca/imagining-science.cfm

December 2Science Café: - Polar Science: Thinning Ice and Climate Change Presented by Alberta Ingenuity and Telus World of Science6:30 to 8:30 pm Good Earth Café 8623 – 112 Streethttp://www.odyssium.com/new.html#Special

December 2Nutraceuticals Networking EventPresented by BioAlberta and ECAT 4:30 to 8:30 pmRoyal Glenora Clubwww.bioalberta.com

December 4BusinessLink Brown Bag SessionInternet Security with David Papp,Microtek Corporation12 noon to 1:00 pm#100, 10237 – 104 Streetwww.canadabusiness.ca/alberta

December 6SET: Science,Engineering andTechnology Conference for High School GirlsSponsored by WISEST 780-492-77749:00 am to 4:00 pmU of A Campus: Gunning/LemieuxChemistry Centre CE4-43www.wisest.ualberta.ca

December 11BusinessLink Brown Bag SessionCommunications Plan: ConnectingYou to ClientsPresenter: Toni Guffei, Ratio Marketing 12 noon to 1:00 pm#100, 10237 – 104 Street www.canadabusiness.ca/alberta

December 16THECIS Christmas SocialGuest Speaker Doug Horner, Minister of Advanced Education andTechnologyThe New Architecture of the AlbertaInnovation System6:00 to 9:00 pmRoyal Glenora Clubhttp://www.thecis.ca/

December 20 opensArt of the Brick with Lego Sculptor Nathan SawayaPresented by ARC, APEGGA and UMATelus World of Science www.telusworldofscience.com

February 8-10Bio Partnering: North AmericaSupported by Canadian TradeCommissioner In Vancouver at the Westin BayshoreResortwww.biopartnering.com/home/home/section.htm

On the HORIZONDECEMBER

FEBRUARY

101with Walter SchwabemediamediaSocial

Ontology—a geeky term for a dictionaryand thesaurus combined—and return manydefinitions, including a comic bookpublisher, a dance form and a reference toNew York. Selecting the definition youneed results in less guesswork and morerelevant information being returned toyou.

While the Ontology is fairlyexhaustive—it contains more than eightmillion terms—Johnson realizes there areso many more possibilities, like brandnames and new terms that pop up everyday. He wants to open the Ontology to thepublic, using a vetting process likeWikipedia, allowing people to use theirown vernacular. A French version and onebased on pictogram languages also arepossibilities.

Semanti’s business model is simple:Create the simplest, quickest and mostintuitive way for people to find the exactinformation they need. With the relevancyof the results, advertising can be bettertargeted.

Semanti has eight active employees andis headquartered at the AdvancedTechnology Centre within the EdmontonResearch Park. And, while the companyhas been self-funded to

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

SemantiFind was showcased to potentialpartners at the Banff Venture Forum inOctober, as well as to a number of localand international venture capitalists.

Johnson is also active within theEdmonton community. He is chair of theboard of HeadCount Corporation, a retailtraffic/conversion analysis company, and adirector of TEC Edmonton, thetechnology commercialization jointventure between the University of Albertaand Edmonton Economic DevelopmentCorporation.

Born in Ontario, Johnson grew up inthe UK. Searching for a “good” schoolat 18, he selected the University ofAlberta where he enrolled inengineering, but changed disciplines.He graduated in 1983 with a Bachelorof Science in computing science. He

and his wife Shirley have two children.For 30 years, Johnson has been happy to

call Edmonton his own. “It has a greatcomputing school.. it’s a great place to raisea family and has a good quality of life.” √

Continued from page 5

Shirley & Bruce Johnson



The festive season means entertaining. Forthose of us who need inspiration,Edmontonians turned to the culinary delightscreated by Chef Jack Lee. The creations

earned the 24-year old a gold medal at the World CulinaryOlympics in Erfert, Germany.

Lee spent a year planning, prepping and testing… thendevoted every day of the last three weeks prior to departurefine-tuning his plates. And it paid off in spades.

“I couldn’t believe I had won. I was hoping for silver, butI bested that. After my dish was announced as the top dish,I thought okay. It took a few moments to realize that I hadwon.” Lee’s pan-seared quail breast with a spinach farceand berry sauce captured the gold, along with his buffetplatter for eight, and five other appetizers.

Our young chef has just been hired at Holt’s Café in HoltRenfrew in Manulife place. He says he’d like to get all ofhis papers, continue to compete and, maybe one day, gainmore experience by working abroad.

To give readers ideas for awesome appetizers andinspired plating, photos taken of Lee’s award winningdishes appear throughout the entire Social Calendar. ChefLee was kind enough to share one of his recipes.

PAN SEARED QUAIL WITH SPINACH FARCE1 Whole quail100g Spinach leaves To taste Salt & pepper (Single serving)

• Debone quail, reserve quail breast and leg meat. Removeskin of leg meat and fat.

• Lightly wilt spinach leaves then place in a food processerwith leg meat. Grind meat until it is a smooth paste.Season with salt and pepper.

• Separate skin on quail breast and reserve the skin. Spreada thin layer of spinach-meat mixture on top of the breastmeat then cover with the reserved skin.

• Pre-heat oven to 350˚F. Heat a small amount of oil in frypan. Sear skin side first until golden, then turn and lightlysear the other side.

• Remove quail breast and bake in oven for 8 minutes oruntil it is cooked.

• Serve sith Saskatoon berry sauce.

SASKATOON BERRY SAUCE1 cup chicken stock1 small sprig fresh thyme2 tbsp balsamic vinegar 1/4 cup Saskatoon berries (or blueberries)1/2 Tbs sugarTo taste salt and pepper

• Simmer chicken stock with thyme until 1/4of its volume. Add vinegar and Saskatoonberries and simmer for about 5 minutes.Taste and adjust seasoning, if is too sourmore sugar may be added at this point. • Remove thyme and add salt and pepperto taste.

Recognizing that most of us don’t have thetalent to match the incredible edibles thattook Chef Lee months of preparation, Istrongly recommend dazzling your guests

with any number of holiday appetizers fromthe ATCO Blue Flame Kitchen: Order your copy of theHoliday Collection of recipes by calling 780.420.1010 ortoll free 1.800.840.3393. Here are a couple of myfavourites—easy to prepare but ever so tasty.

BACON AND CRAB DIP8 oz. cream cheese (room temperature)1/2 Cup light sour cream1 tsp. prepared horseradish1/8 tsp cayenne pepper2 Tbs. thinly sliced green onion1 tin crabmeat, drained, rinsed and flaked1/4 Cup crumbled cooked bacon

• Beat together with an electric mixer on medium speedthe cream cheese, sour cream, horseradish andcayenne pepper until blended.

• Stir in crabmeat and bacon. Transfer to a serving dishand refrigerate for at least one hour or up to 24 hours.

• Sprinkle with green onion. Serve with toastedbaguettes, crackers or celery sticks.

• Makes about 1 and 1/2 cups.

APRICOT AND ALMOND RUMAKI48 dried apricots48 whole toasted almonds16 bacon slices cut crosswise into thirds.

• Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. • Using the tip of a narrow, thin-bladed knife, cut a pocket

in the side of each apricot. Place an almond in eachpocket and wrap each stuffed apricot with a slice ofbacon. Secure with a toothpick.

• Place on a rack in the prepared pan. Bake at 400˚F for 20to 25 minutes or until bacon is crisp.

• Serve with Apricot Sauce.• Note: Cooked Rumaki will keep one month in the freezer.

APRICOT SAUCE1/4 Cup sieved apricot jam2 Tbs. soy sauce1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper1/8 tsp. ground ginger

• Combine all ingredients until blended. Transfer to aserving dish.

• Refrigerate a least one hour or up to two days.• Yield: 3/4 cup

Merry Christmas from my kitchen to yours. √

By John Berry

Chef Jack Lee..the devil is in the details

TT

Pan Seared Quailwith Spinach Farce

Photos by Jack Ness

Chef Lee in the NAIT kitchenPhoto by Terry Bourque



december 2008BrightNights Winter UntilFamily Festival Jan 4Ooh and aah at the fantasy festival oflights at BrightNights at Hawrelak Park,Churchill Square and Alberta Legislaturegrounds. Proceeds from BrightNights helpthe Edmonton Chamber of CommerceEndowment Fund for Children in Need,benefiting E4C’s Edmonton’s SchoolLunch Program. Food Bank donations arewelcomed at all venues.Contact 780.426.4620 or visitwww.edmontonchamber.com

Realtors® Association 5of Edmonton and Realtors®Community FoundationChristmas LuncheonRealtors and guests are invited to jointogether to raise funds for the EdmontonRealtor’s Charitable Foundation atNorthlands Agricom. Tickets $50 (plusGST). Enjoy a special luncheon and liveentertainment. Visit www.ereb.com andfollow the links. Contact Lixmila Serrano780.453.9350

Winter Wonderland 5Christmas GalaSponsored by Edmonton Chamber ofCommerce and Edmonton Event Centre.Smaller businesses come together to form

one big Christmas shindig. The PowderBlues Band will undoubtedly keep thedance floor hopping with their uniqueblend of swing. Guests will enjoy a classicyuletide dinner buffet. Location, EdmontonEvent Centre.Tickets $89 members; $99 non-membersContact Melissa Kelly 780-426-4620 [email protected] www.edmontonchamber.com

High Tea Saturday 6 & 20 Enjoy Christmas High Tea at The ArbourRestaurant in the Rutherford House. Youwill be delighted with a three course menucompleted with positively yummy sconesand raspberry butter. What a perfect wayto spend a winter day with your friendsand family. Reservations required.Contact 780.422.2697

The Holly Ball 7 Proceeds raised at the 2008 Holly Ball willgo toward building and preserving thepermanent collection at the Art Gallery ofAlberta. Featuring a champagne reception,dinner and live music, this is a black tieevent. Tickets and more event informationwill be available atwww.artgalleryalberta.com or contact780.422.6223

Share the Spirit Open House 7Celebrate the holiday season with friendsand supporters of Pilgrims Hospice. This

afternoon gathering features lunch, andwreath and craft sales.Contact 780.413.9801 for details

Snowflake Gala 2008 8The annual Snowflake Gala, presented byDon and Marina Ghermezian, is afundraiser for priority needs at the StolleryChildren’s Hospital. Children and parentsalike will don their finest attire to dine,dance and donate in a winter wonderland.Shaw Conference Centre. This eventregularly sells out so be sure to get yourtickets early. Visit www.stollerykids.com

Christmas Tea & Tales 11This Christmas season, storyteller MarjorieRussell returns to present a charmingcollection of yuletide tales. Join theFriends of Rutherford House Society forthis family-friendly event/fundraiser. Heldat historic Rutherford House. Ttickets: $15($13 members).Visit www.rutherfordhouse.ca or contact780.422.2697.

Christmas Bureau Breakfast 16Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP, Sobeys andThe Westin sponsor the 27th AnnualChristmas Bureau Breakfast to raise fundsfor festive meals for less fortunateEdmontonians at Christmas. Held at TheWestin. Tickets: $65.Visit www.christmasbureau.ca or contactJenn Muir 780.423.7385.

Latin New Year’s Eve 31The 9th annual extravaganza featureslive entertainment, DJs and salsa show.This family event is held at the DeltaEdmonton South Hotel. Tickets attixonthesquare.ca: $80 for dinner,dance and party favours and must bepurchased by December 26th. Danceonly: $35.Visit www.morenoproductions.com orcontact Bayron at 780.691.0835.

Festival Place 31New Year’s Eve PartyRing in 2009 at the huge Festival PlaceNew Year’s Eve Party. Live dance musicand great dinner are included in the$75 ticket price. You’ll also enjoywatching the fireworks display overBroadmoor Lake.Visit www.festivalplace.ab.ca or contactGavin Farmer 780.464.2852.

New Year’s Eve Dinner & Dance 31Revellers will ring in the New Year withgourmet German food and dance intothe wee hours with live music.Sponsored by the German CanadianCultural Association, the gala will beheld at the German Canadian CulturalCentre. Visit www.gcca.ca for updates.Contact Sherry at 780.466.4000

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

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7TH ANNUAL SOCIAL CALENDARine… dance… donate! Edmontonians love to have a greattime while generously making a difference to others inthe Capital Region. The social scene gets better everyyear as millions of dollars are raised to support charites

and not-for-profit societies. Edmontonians proudly provides its readers with the most

comprehensive guide to galas and balls with receptions, silent andlive auctions, dinners, entertainment and dancing… charitable eventsthat support health and research, education, the arts and socialprograms. Whether they are black tie and ball gown or high-end

casual chic, we are happy to support the efforts of thousands ofvolunteers who contribute to the vibrancy of our community.

The Edmontonians Annual Social Calendar has become a staplereference for individual and corporate patrons who plan theirparticipation and support of causes, as well as organizers who wantto avoid conflicting dates for their fundraising events.

Keep the print version on hand… and make a habit of checkingEdmontonians new and improved on-line calendar for additions andrevisions, or to submit updates or new events using our on-line form.

Enjoy yourselves and keep on giving. √

DD



january 2009New Year’s Day Levee 1Join the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta,the Honourable Norman Kwong, atGovernment House in this traditionalcelebration of the New Year. The annualNew Year’s Day Levee is open to the publicfrom 2-4 pm for light refreshments andtours of Government House.Contact 780.427.7243.

Ice on Whyte Festival 15-25Grab your toques and celebrate winter bybringing the family to Old Strathcona. TheIce on Whyte Festival will feature an icecastle, ice and snow slides, an ice maze,evening and weekend entertainment. Visitwww.iceonwhyte.ca for event locations.Contact Shirley Lowe 780.437.4182.

14th Annual Law Show 16-17Law Show is an annual variety show whichis created, written, performed andproduced by law students. All proceedsfrom ticket sales and the silent auction goto the Alberta Council of Women’sShelters. The Law Show is a recipient ofthe U of A Governor’s Awards ofDistinction which recognizes individualsand groups who make outstandingcontributions to the community. MyerHorowitz Theatre. Tickets: $13/personFriday; $16/person Saturday.Visit www.ualberta.ca/-lawshow/ or [email protected]

4th Annual Luncheon 20for Public HealthJoin the U of A Faculty of Nursing insupport of this fundraiser for the NursingChair in Public Health. Learn more aboutnew approaches to health care as youenjoy this Greek gourmet luncheon andsilent auction at the Fantasyland Hotel(Chianti Room) W.E.M. Tickets: $50 eachor $400 table of eight.Contact Lynn McCaw 780.492.5617.Visit www.nursing.ualberta.ca

Back to Basics Charity Dinner TBAEnjoy a traditional Italian meal at thisfundraising dinner in support of the Autism

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

Fork It Over 30The Rotary Club of Edmonton Mayfield andCompassion House Foundation team upfor this dinner in support of Sorrentino’sCompassion House. Delta EdmontonSouth Hotel. Tickets: $75.Visit www.compassionhouse.org andwww.mayfieldrotary.shawbiz.ca.Contact 780.425.7224.

Burns Supper & Ceilidh 31Scots wha ha’e… The Clan MacNaughtonPipe Band presents its annual tribute tothe memory of Robbie Burns, Scotland’smost loved and famous poet. The eveningfeatures a traditional haggis. Dinner attireor black tie preferred. Tickets: $38.Contact Stewart Russell 780.987.5261 orBonnie Ewasyshyn 780.461.9574. Visitwww.geocities.com/macnaughtonpipeband

february 2009

Karneval “Viva Las Vegas” 7Join the Blauen Funken Mardi GrasAssociation at the German CanadianCultural Centre for this spectacular LasVegas evening—go back to the days whenthe Rat Pack ruled and Vegas was aplayground for adults. Prizes for bestcostume, a floor show and dance.Visit www.blauenfunkenen-edmonton.comfor details. Contact Will Moellering780.485.2526 for tickets.

Sturgeon Hospital Foundation 7Friend Raiser Gala17th annual fundraiser gala to benefitpatient care programs and equipment atthe Sturgeon Community Hospital. Enjoy afour-course gourmet meal withcomplimentary dinner wine, live and silentauctions followed by a dance band.

Crowne Plaza-Chateau Lacombe. Black tieoptional. Tickets: $150.Contact Katrina Black 780.418.7361.Visit www.sturgeonhospitalfoundation.org

Chocolate Affair 7All proceeds from the 9th AnnualChocolate Affair Gala will support thecreation of The Courage Centre—a hub fornew rehabilitation equipment andtechnology at the Glenrose RehabilitationHospital. This black tie event will be heldat the Shaw Conference Centre, Hall D.Tickets: $300.Visit www.glenrosefoundation.com.Contact 780.735.6024.

12th Annual Valentine’s Gala – 11Celebrating Love through the AgesThis black tie event at the Fairmont HotelMacdonald is a fundraiser in support ofAlzheimer’s care at Capital Care facilities.Tickets: $350. Visit www.capitalcare.net/foundation formore information. Contact Tim Haak780.448.2414.

Johann Strauss Ball 14This formal evening celebrates the JohannStrauss Foundation scholarships forAlbertans seeking advanced music studiesin Austria. It is an elegant evening ofpageantry featuring Viennese music, diningand dancing. The Westin Hotel. Dress isformal: floor length ball gown, black tie oruniform and decorations.Visit www.johannstrauss.ca. Contact Daleor Brenda Dahl 780.467.8984.

Laughing for Cancer 15Who’s Laughing now? You will be at this9th annual event to raise fund for theCross Cancer Institute. Join Andrew Groseand his gang of Edmonton comedians asyou giggle and guffaw. Live auction and 10headline comedy acts. Location TBA.Tickets: $75 each; $500 for a table.Visit www.laughingforcancer.com fortickets Contact 780.908.2047 forinformation.

53 Ways to Leave Your Lover 21An anti-Valentine’s fundraiser in support ofLatitude 53 featuring music, silent auction

All taxes and fees are included. Four night minimum stay required. Available for new reservations only. Once confirmed, reservationscannot be changed or refunded. Offer based on availability and subject to change. Additional nights are available at current price.

All taxes and fees are included. Four night minimum stay required. Available for new reservations only. Once confirmed, reservationscannot be changed or refunded. Offer based on availability and subject to change. Additional nights are available at current price.

For more informationor to confirm your reservation,

The beauty of Oahu glows in its eclectic array of historical sites, attractions, cultures richin heritage, exotic cuisines and out door activities galore. The youngest island ‘Hawaii’sBig Island’ remains a vital touchstone for Hawaiian culture; visit Kilauea, the world’s mostactive volcano where you can explore lava tubes, and hiking trails. Kailua Kona offersquaint shops, great cuisine, kayaking, snorkeling and more.

RESORTS:Royal Kuhio or Fairway Villa Honolulu OahuSea Village or Sea Mountain Big Island

Pricing per night USD:Studio $85 * 1BR $110 * 2BR $125

Travel from April 1/09 to September 30/09

Book by January 19/09. Ask for discount code E25

2009 SOCIAL CALENDARCompiled by Maria Jose Politti Photos by Jack Ness

Jack Lee’s Buffet Platter for Eight—A SamplingTerrine of Pheasant with Wild Rice & Cranberry

Terrine of Elk, Wild Boar & VenisonLamb Loine with Miso Farce



and refreshments. Latitude 53Contemporary Visual Culture, 10248 –106 Street, 8pm – 2am. Visitwww.latitude53.org. call 780.423.5353or e-mail [email protected] for moreinformation.

Advertising Club of Edmonton 22ACE AwardsEdmonton’s advertising and designcommunity comes together to celebratethe year’s top creative work. ShawConference Center. Tickets: $95. ContactJoyce Byrne at [email protected].

The Edmonton Chamber 23Ball 2009 The Modern WestKevin Costner and his band, Modern West,are confirmed as the feature entertainers.The 2009 Chamber Ball gives thanks tooutgoing Chair Patrick Laforge andinaugurates the new Chair, Joanne Beaton.This year’s Northern Lights Awards willhonour Sandy Mactaggart andposthumously honour Jean de La Bruyere.Shaw Conference Centre. Tickets: $209plus GST. Visitwww.edmontonchamber.com for a ticketorder form. Contact Keith Persaud780.426.4620.

A Night to Treasure 27Edmonton Opera GalaAn evening of sumptuous food,breathtaking entertainment and plenty offun awaits when you attend one ofEdmonton’s premier events. Proceedshelp to bring world class opera toEdmontonians. Fairmont Hotel Macdonald.Tickets: $500. For more information, visitwww.edmontonopera.com or contactLaura Young at 780.424.4040 Ext. 233.

Sorrentino’s Annual TBALingerie LunchesPrevious attendees of this event haveraved about how much fun it isto raisefunds for selected charities. Sorrentino’sDowntown and Sorrentino’s South. Visitwww.sorrentinos.com for details. ContactSorrentino’s DT 780.424.7500 orSorrentino’s South 780.434.7607

march 200928th Annual Canadian 4Business Leader Award DinnerPresented by the University of AlbertaSchool of Business, this dinner celebratesHal Kvisle, president & CEO ofTransCanada Corporation, for his businessleadership, vision and community spirit.Shaw Conference Centre. Tickets: $175each. Visit www.business.ualberta.ca andfollow the link. Contact Susan Robertsonat 780.492.2348.

Bell Walk for Kids Help Phone 5The Bell Walk for Kids Help Phone is agreat way for Edmontonians of all ages tocollect pledges and then come togetherfor some exercise and awareness aboutcounselling services offered to children.Registration is at 9:30 am, the walk startsat 11 am at Rundle Park.Contact Sharon Edwards [email protected] www.kidshelpphone.ca/bellwalk

Red Carpet Affair 6This gala fundraiser in support of the

Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta)features an internationally acclaimedspeaker who is also presented with theannual Christopher Reeve Award. 2009will be an exceptionally exciting year!Why? Chantal Petitclerc won five goldmedals at the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing,bringing her career gold medal count to16. Shaw Conference Centre. ContactMarc Quinn at 424-6312 and visitwww.cpa-ab.org

Art & Entertainment Affair 2009 7Support the Black Gold Health Foundation

with this evening of fine art, fineentertainment and fine food. McLabCentre for the Performing Arts in Leduc.Funds raised enhance health services inthe Leduc Community Hospital and areapublic health centres. Contact LorrainePopik 780.980.4536.

SS Benefit NAIT Cruise 2009 7Discover the “Great Red Island” as the21st annual gala dinner and auction chartsa course for Madagascar. The SS BenefitNAIT Cruise raises funds to enhance thequality of technical education for morethan 85,000 students enrolled in NAIT’s250 certificate, diploma and four-yeardegree programs. By invitation only.For information, please contact MaggieMacDonald at 780.471.7827.

An Evening with Artists 7Profiles Public Art Gallery, and the Arts andHeritage Foundation of St. Albert presenttheir annual fundraiser to supporteducation programs for all ages. PlatinumCentre, St. Albert. Visitwww.artsheritage.ca.Contact 780.460.4310.

The Alzheimer Benefit Dinner TBAof Nations-Tropical Port of CallsEscape the winter blues and join theAlzheimer Society of Alberta andNorthwest Territories to supportAlzheimer research, education andsupport services. Enjoy a five-coursemeal of tropical delight. Celebrity waiterson “staff” to earn tips for research. Liveand silent auctions, plus comedyentertainment. The Crowne Plaza-Chateau Lacombe.Tickets: $150 or$1200 for a table of eight.Visit www.alzheimer.ab.ca or contactSylvie Keane at 780.4882266 ext 231

Spring Fling 19Get a head start on Spring! TheatreNetwork’s fresh and frolicking annualfundraiser is back—packed with engaginglive entertainment, strand-out selection oflavish auction items and a fabulous four-course meal. Bask in a special spring-likeatmosphere created at The Sutton PlaceHotel, while supporting Theatre Networklive at the Roxy. Sponsored by EPCOR.Tickets: $150.Visit www.theatrenetwork.ca.Contact 780.453.2440.

DanceSport Alberta TBAEdmonton FundraiserWatch some of this area’s best amateurdance competitors as DanceSport Albertaraises scholarships funds at Edmonton’sNorthern Lights classic ballroomcompetition. St. Johns Cultural Centre.Tickets: $20 (advance), $25 (door)Contact Theresa Jenkins 780.909.4332.

Jack Lee’s Sake Cured Wild Pacific Salmanwith Crayfish Herb Crustmixed lentils, hazelnut & grain compote



april 2009Mayor’s Celebration for the Arts TBAThis tribute to Edmonton’s world-classcreative community is produced by theProfessional Arts Coalition of Edmonton(PACE) and recognizes achievement in thearts at this annual event. Winspear Centre.Tickets: $15 to $200.Visit www.edmonton.ca orwww.pacedmonton.com for details

A Food for All Seasons Gala 16This gala features a delicious four-coursemeal, wine, live musical entertainment, akeynote speech, and both silent and liveauctions. This is an important fundraiserfor the Edmonton Food Bank and anopportunity to renew our dedication to itsmission. Dress is business formal. TheSutton Place Hotel. Tickets:$100 each;$750 for table of eight .Visit www.edmontonsfoodbank.com.Contact 780.425.2133.

Gala Rose Ball 17Celebrate the 87th anniversary of LesAmis Dance Club at this formal evening atthe Italian Culture Centre. Music by TheRomantics. Tickets: $110 per couple.Throughout the year, the club hostsseveral other dance events. Visitwww.clubweb.interbaun.com/~donk/lesamies.htm for more information. ContactRalph Westwood 780.963.6333 or PatriciaLobo 780.474.1337.

Walk in My Shoes 17The 14th annual auction and dinner insupport of the Pilgrim’s Hospice’s end-of-life care programs for caregivers andbereavement services will be emceed byDanny Hooper. The Sutton Place Hotel.Tickets:$150. Visit www.pilgrimshospice.ca.Contact 780.413.9801.

Edmonton Federation of 17-18Community Leagues58th Annual City Wide Talent ShowThis event provides music and danceperformance and competitionopportunities to talented youngEdmontonians from our city’s communityleagues. Held at the Stanley A. MilnerLibrary Downtown, the event is open tothe public at no cost. Registrationdeadline is February 6th. Visitwww.efcl.org for details. Contact JudithRichardson at [email protected] or780.473.2718.

Spring 2009 18-19Edmonton Woman’s ShowWhether you want to spend some qualitymother-daughter time or just enjoy a girl’sday out, this event is one you don’t wantto miss! Two full days of fun, fashion,giveaways and exciting guest speakers.Northlands AgriCom. Donations in supportof Lurana Shelter are welcomed.Visit www.edmontonshows.com for moreinformation. Contact Louise Reinich at780.490.0215.

Edmonton Coast Plaza Hotel 21presents the 2009 Power of HumanityCanadian Red Cross Dessert FundraiserExperience first-hand the inspirationalpower of the Red Cross as stories of thoseimpacted by Red Cross services andprograms are told. This year’s event willalso celebrate the Canadian Red Crosscentennial anniversary. Enjoy live music, avariety of hors d’oeurves and desserts—and make a financial contribution tosupport your local Red Cross. Visitwww.redcross.ca/cnar. Contact KimFalconer 780.702.4161.

Edmonton Fashion Week 24-30Kicking off the week is The Gala at CityHall—a semi-formal event to raise funds

for the Bissell Centre. Edmonton Fashionweek supports local designers, modelsand performers in a unique andentertaining art production. Shows held inChurchill Square. Don’t forget to becreative in your dress—you’re part of theshow, too. Tix on the Square. For details,visit www.edmontonfashionweek.com

Yellow Ribbon Gala Dinner 25and Silent AuctionThe Officers Mess is the venue for thisprestigious event in support of theEdmonton Garrison Military FamilyResource Centre. It features a seven-course dinner and special guest speaker.Funds raised support the programs andservices of the military community. Visitwww.mfrcedmonton.com. Contact MoiraSmith at 780.973.4011 ext 6330

Mad Hatter’s Gala 25The 24th annual Mad Hatter’s Gala insupport of scholarships and bursaries for

Grant MacEwan College students. Wearyour finest evening attire and top it off witha mad hat! Shaw conference Centre—HallD. Tickets: $300.Visit www.macewan.ca/madhatters.Contact Bonnie at 780.497.4285

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

Volunteer Citizen of the Year/ 2Leaders of TomorrowThe St. Albert Community Information andVolunteer Centre hosts this gala torecognize an individual, couple or groupwhose exceptional volunteerism hasenhanced the community. Location TBA.Tickets: approximately $20/person.Visit www.stalbertcivc.com for up-dates.Contact Vivian Leland 780.459.6666.

Avenue of Hope Gala 2Join us at this annual, semi-formalevening of good will, good food andgood fun to raise funds and friends insupport of the programs being providedby Lurana Shelter Society: shelter forwomen with or without children fleeingdomestic violence, drop-in Child CareProgram, and Youth Outreach Program.Italian Cultural Centre.Volunteers areneeded.Contact 780.422-7263.Visit www.atonementhome.com.

Hike for Hospice 3Support the Pilgrims Hospice Society at theWinspear Centre for Music. Details for thisbenefit concert and art auction areavailable at www.pilgrimshospice.ca.Contact 780.413.9801.

ABFI Annual Signature Event TBAThe Alberta Business Family Institute in theSchool of Business at the University ofAlberta will feature a prominent businessfamily to share their experiences. Anentertaining and informative evening thatallows the continued successes of familybusinesses everywhere. Visit www.abfi.caContact ABFI at 780.492.0234

CNIB Visions Luncheon 7Enjoy this mid-day business gala which willfeature comedian James Cunningham.This event raises funds to supportprograms and services that help peoplewith vision loss live, work, study and enjoythe things that matter most. The Westin.Tickets: $100 each, or table of 10 for$900, including applicable tax receipt.Visit www.cnib.ca/divisions/alberta.Contact Sharon McIntyre at 780.453.8333

Arts on the Block TBAReserve your tickets for the 11th annualArt Gallery of Alberta’s highly anticipatedsilent art auction. Proceeds benefit theGallery’s exhibitions and educationalprograms. Visit www.artgalleryalberta.com.Call 780.422.6223

CASA for Kids Spring Celebration 8The CASA Foundation is holding its 8thAnnual Kids Spring Celebration at theOasis Conference Centre. This fresh, funevent in support of children’s mentalhealth will include cocktails, dinner, uniquedoor prizes, raffles, and live and silentauctions. Special youth-focusedentertainment. Contact Giselle Gaboury,director of fund development at780.415.0496. Visit www.casaservices.org

Books2Eat Gala 8An evening of culinary and literary delightsin support of the Edmonton Public Library.Enjoy an exciting array of edible literarycreations, spectacular silent auctionpieces, delectable food, great music andwarm friendship. Money raised will ensurethe Edmonton Public Library continues toprovide vital programs and services.Tickets: $100. Contact Sheineen Nathoo at780.496.1856

Rt. Hon. Sir Winston S. Churchill TBASociety Annual Memorial BanquetThe 44th annual banquet features a guestspeaker. Awards will be presented for highschool debate and speech competitors;cash awards to U of A students for historyresearch, and the naming of this year’sChurchill College Scholarship recipient.Contact Chuck Marshall at 780.467.7682or e-mail [email protected]

Canadian Breast Cancer 9Foundation Mother’s Day LuncheonThis 11th annual event raises awarenessfor breast cancer and the role that the

2009 Social CalendarAnnual listing of more than 200 galas and events sponsored by registered charities, social

and cultural societies, business and professional organizations and other not-for-profit groups

• update & add 2009 events • register your 2010 gala

edmontonians.com

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Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation –Praires/NWT Region plays in creating afuture without breast cancer. FairmontHotel Macdonald. Get your tickets early –this event sells out! Call 780.452.1166.

Consular Ball 9The 29rd Annual Edmonton Consular Ballis an elegant evening of gourmet food,dancing, spirits and wine. This black tieevent is sponsored by the EdmontonConsular Corps, with proceeds supportingscholarships for the University of Alberta’sinternational studies. Crowne Plaza –Chateau Lacombe. Tickets: $195.Contact Bernd Reuscher, Honorary Consulof Germany, at 780.438.6138.

Rotary Club of Edmonton 9Dinner & AuctionThe Rotary Club of Edmonton sponsors its23rd Downtown with a Purpose Gala.Funds raised will help newly-arrivedfamilies from Africa integrate fully into thefabric of Canadian life, and contribute ascitizens in our community. The Westin.Tickets: $150 (tax receipt issued).Visit www.edrotary.com. Contact LovinaZwarich at 780.429.3256.

Junior Achievement Alberta 13Business Hall of Fame2009 celebrates the 29th anniversary ofthe Alberta Business Hall of Fame. Thisevent honours business and communityleaders, and is hosted by JuniorAchievement of Northern Alberta & NWT.Shaw Conference Centre.Visit www.janorthalberta.org for details orcontact 780.428.1421 ext 221.

Esquao Awards 2009 – 16Angels Among UsThe Institute for the Advancement ofAboriginal Women brings the 14th AnnualEsquao Awards to the Northlands AgriCom.The awards honour and recognizeAboriginal women for their accomplish-ments in many different categories.Tickets: $150. Visit www.iaaw.ca.

18th Annual Brain Injury 29Awareness Week Kick-Off BreakfastJoin NABIS—the Northern Alberta BrainInjury Society—for a wake-up breakfastand learning experience with a keynotespeaker. This event will bring attention tobrain injury and its effects and raise fundsto support the services provided to peopleaffected by brain injury. The WestinBallroom. Contact at Mary 780.479.1757.Visit www.nabis.ab.ca.

Earth Angels unite – 29For the Love of Children GalaThe Kids Kottage Foundation hosts this 9thannual black tie gala ball to promote thehealth and well-being of children and toprevent child abuse. Fairmont HotelMacdonald. Tickets: $300.Visit www.kidskottage.org. Contact PamMiller at 780.448.2545.

Taste of History 2009 – 29Bootlegger’s BallAt the Bootlegger’s Ball, you’ll experience

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

june 2009Homeless for a Night TBAFor one night in early June you will havethe opportunity to enjoy an evening ofenlightenment about youth homelessness,take in some great entertainment or justsit by the fire at Telus Field. In a small way,everyone will experience what life is likewhen you don’t have a warm, comfortablehome to go to. Register online as a teamor individually, and collect pledges for theYouth Emergency Shelter Society. Formore information, to register or to make apledge, visit www.yess.org. Contact LouiseHovelson at 780.468.7070.

Dreamspeakers International 1-6This four-day event is presented by theDreamspeakers Festival Society whicheducates and markets Aboriginal culture,art and heritage. Tickets $20 for theopening night reception with limited seatsavailable. Tickets for the wrap party andawards are invitation only. Visitwww.dreamspeakers.org for updates andsubmissions of film information. ContactStella Martin, Doreen Cardinal or HelenCalahasen at 780.378.9609.

15th Annual House 13-14& Garden TourCelebrate Alberta Ballet’s 42nd year bytouring spectacular homes and gardens insupport of Alberta Ballet programs. Ticketsgo on sale spring 2009.Visit www.albertaballet.com. Contact DianeHolmes at 780.428.6839 ext. 1.

Flamenco! 14You will be transported to sultry España asyou experience the soul and passion offlamenco dance. Part of the proceeds fromticket sales will be donated to CrimeStoppers, a charity that works to ensuresafer communities. Tickets: $25 inadvance; $35 at the door. Contact FlaviaRobles at [email protected] or call780.916.1665.

YWCA Women of Distinction 14Awards Gala and Silent AuctionJoin some of the most accomplishedwomen in Edmonton as we celebrate theirachievements in style. Unique entertain-ment. Delicious food and a luxury silentauction top off this evening of excitementand inspiration. Call 780.423.9922 or goon-line at www.ywcaofedmonton.org fordetails or to nominate someone you know.

2009 Emerald Awards 16The 18th annual Emerald Awardsrecognize and celebrate people andinitiatives that demonstrate environmentalexcellence. The 2009 event will be held atthe Citadel Shoctor Theatre.Tickets include a reception which followsthe awards ceremony. Visitwww.emeraldfoundation.ca for more

information. Contact 780.413.9629 [email protected].

Council for Visual Arts Gala 19This gala evening of buffet dinner, dancing,silent and live auctions supports ThePlaces, Art & Design in Public PlacesProgram which facilitates the acquisitionand display of art and design inEdmonton. Scholarships are awarded toart and design students. Presented by TheFairmont Hotel Macdonald; The EdmontonBusiness Council for Visual Arts and TheWorks International Visual Arts Society.Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. Tickets: $150or $2900 for 20. Contact Linda Wedmanat 780.426.2122 ext 222.

july & august 2009It’s festival time in the city. Charity focusshifts to golfing, walking, running andbiking for worthy causes. Check the on-linecalendar at www.edmontonians.com forsummer events.

september 2009Denim Ducks Dinner TBASponsored by Ducks Unlimited Canada,this gala dinner at the Crowne Plaza-Chateau Lacombe will feature live andsilent auctions in support of thepreservation and conservation of wetlands.Visit www.ducks.ca for updates.Contact Tracy O’Neil 780.444.2354.

Grandparents Award of Distinction 12Gala Banquet and Silent AuctionThe Bernadette N. Swan Social CareFoundation celebrates the contributions ofgrandparents to family and society. Itrecognizes individuals nominated for theaward of distinction by their grandchildren.Funds from the event support programsfor seniors. Contact Bernadette at780.994.0669.

Award of Courage 17Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital andFoundation presents this event torecognize and award the courage ofGlenrose patients who have overcomegreat challenges in their determination torebuild their lives. The evening alsorecognizes those remarkable donors whosupport the Foundation.Visit www.glenrosefoundation.com.Contact 780.735.6024.

Sizzling Twenty under 30! 17Edmontonians and Lexus of Edmontonhost the 5th annual hot soiree at thedealership. Invited guests celebrate andtoast 20 individuals under the age of 30who have demonstrated trueentrepreneurial and community spirit.Profiles are featured annually in theSeptember issue of the magazine.Nomination forms are available atwww.edmontonians.com and close on May31st. This is one of Edmonton’s “IT”parties. Contact [email protected].

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Edmonton Meals on Wheels 188th Annual Celebrity Box SocialCanadian Western Bank and EdmontonMeals on Wheels present the 8th AnnualCelebrity Box Social. Enjoy a decadentchocolate dessert buffet while bidding forthe company of high profile Edmontoniansin live and silent auctions. This fun eventis also supported by local restaurants whodonate gift certificates for meals to thewinning bidders and their celebrity guests.Tickets: $75 in advance. For moreinformation visitwww.mealsonwheelsedmonton.org or call780.429.2020

Canadian Liver Foundation’s TBAMasqueSlip on a mask and become a person ofmystery at this semi-formal event as weun-masque the truth about liver diseases.Funds raised go toward the Canadian LiverFoundation–Northern Alberta chapter’sprograms and services, and to supportliver research projects. Visit www.liver.ca.Contact Carmen Boyko at 780.444.1547.

7th Annual Dr. Helen Hays TBASunflower LuncheonEach year a prominent speaker delivers akeynote address at this luncheon for thePilgrim’s Hospice Society. Proceedssupport Edmonton’s only freestandinghospice. Tickets: $90.Visit www.pilgrimshospice.ca.Contact 780.413.9801.

Duncan & Craig Laurel Awards 21The 15th annual Laurel Awards recognizeand reward creativity and innovation innot-for-profit organizations. The Westin. Byinvitation only. For information andnomination forms, follow the link atwww.dcllp.com. Contact Sol Rolingher780.441.4310.

Edmonton Fashion Week 22-28See and be seen at Edmonton’s ownFashion Week. Enjoy imaginative designsby local artists and The Gala at City Hall insupport of the Bissell Centre. Let your owncreativity show in your dress – anythinggoes! Tix on the Square.Visit www.edmontonfashionweek.com.

Edmonton Eskimo TBAWomen’s DinnerA fun fund-raiser, the 3rd annual EEWomen’s Dinner aims to increasewomen’s interest in football and raisefunds for a charitable cause. Green andGold Club at Commonwealth Stadium.Visit www.esks.com for details. [email protected].

FEASTival of Fine Chefs 23This is the 21st annual ultimate experiencein multi-course gourmet dining whereteams from 25 establishments prepareAlberta products supplied by members ofthe Alberta Food Processors Association.The event showcases the talents ofapprentice chefs and Alberta foods andbeverages to help raise funds for the StanBallard Apprenticeship Fund. Silent and

random auctions. Shaw ConferenceCentre. Tickets go on sale in the spring of2009. Visit www.afpa.com. Contact780.444.2272 or 403.201.3657 ext. 21or email [email protected].

Edmonton international 25Film Festival – Opening Night GalaOpening Night Gala consists of a moviepremiere and after-party with visitingfilmmakers and actors. This is the kick-offevent to the EIFF—a nine-day feast offeature films, shorts and documentariesfrom around the world. Tickets: $25.Contact Kerrie Long at 780.423.0844.Visit www.edmontonfilmfest.com.

october 2009Minerva Dinner TBAThe Minerva Foundation’s mission is toassist the personal growth of individualsand families by providing financialassistance to Edmonton-based charitableorganizations. The evening features anentertaining and inspiring keynote speaker.Guests also hear success stories from pastFoundation recipients who describe howsupport from Minerva has changed theirlives and enriched the community.Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. Visitwww.minervafoundation.ca.

Edmonton Eskimo TBAFootball Club’s 46th Annual DinnerA celebration of the Edmonton Eskimosand their contributions to the community.Individual tickets or tables of 10 areavailable. With the purchase of a table of10, you may request a player as your 10thguest. Proceeds from the dinner gotowards the Eskimo’s Champions in the

Community programs.Visit www.esks.com for updates.Contact Cathy Fiss 780.448.1525.

17th Annual 12-14Scarecrow FestivalExciting changes are in the works for the2009 Scarecrow Festival… but we’re nottelling you here. The focus still remainsraising funds for the ABC Head StartProgram which works with low-incomefamilies and pre-school children to achievesuccess in learning and life. NorthlandsAgriCom. Visit www.scarecrowfestival.org.Contact Bernice Gordeyko at780.484.3242.

Voices for Hospice 17Support the Pilgrims Hospice Society at theWinspear Centre for Music. Details for thisbenefit concert and art auction areavailable at www.pilgrimshospice.caContact 780.413.9801

Fashion with Compassion TBAEdmonton’s premier fashion show insupport of Sorrentino’s Compassion Households two fundraising events at the ShawConference Centre on this day: Tickets:luncheon, $85, gala dinner, $200.Visit www.compassionhouse.org.Contact 780.425.7224 ext 234.

A Night to Remember 17ADF Gala and AuctionSponsored by the Alberta DiabetesFoundation, proceeds from the evening’sevents are directed toward world classresearch at the Alberta Diabetes Instituteat the University of Alberta. The Westin.Tickets: $275 or $2,500 for a table of 10.Visit www.afdr.ab.ca. Contact IreneCasavant at 780-492-9541.

Fall 2009 Edmonton 17-18Woman’s ShowWhether you want to spend some qualitymother-daughter time or just enjoy a girl’sday out, this event is one you don’t wantto miss. Two full days of fun, fashion,giveaways and exciting guest speakers.Northlands AgriCom. Donations in supportof Lurana Shelter are welcomed.Visitwww.edmontonshows.com for moreinformation. Contact Louise Reinich at780.490.0215.

Edmonton Fire Fighters TBAGala DinnerFunds raised at this event for MuscularDystrophy Canada go toward providingequipment and support services forpeople with neuromuscular disorders.Tickets include a dinner, dance andbachelor auction. Each lady receives giftsand merchandise. Visit www.muscle.ca.Contact Jo-ann Burton 780.489.6322ext 25.

CAFE Gala TBAThis gala dinner brings families in businesstogether to connect with peers andresources. Sponsored by the CanadianAssociation of Family Enterprise, this is anopportunity to introduce families to CAFEand to share their successes andchallenges.Visit www.cafecanada.ca/edmonton for updates. Contact AnitaLehmann at 780.484.4484.

Rodeo Round-Up Dinner TBAThis annual gala dinner with live and silentauctions is sponsored by Ducks UnlimitedCanada to support the preservation andconservation of wetlands.Visit www.ducks.ca for updates.Contact Tracy O’Neil at 780.444.2354.

Concordia’s 9th Annual 24Grand Masque GalaExperience an evening of elegance andfine dining in support of ConcordiaUniversity College of Alberta. This is one ofEdmonton’s must-attend black tie events.Fairmont Hotel Macdonald.Visit www.concordia.ab.ca/alumni.Contact Katherine Hutton at 780.479.9247.

Laugh for Life Gala 24They say laughter is the best medicine andyou will get a huge dose of it at this wackyevening with Comedian Anita Renfroe(more than 10 million YouTube hits) insupport of The Mustard Seed and CandeoHousing Association. Winspear Centre.Tickets: $35 advance, $40 door ifavailable. Visit www.laughforlife.ca forupdates. Contact Craig Hutscal at780.463.1189.

BMO Boolathon 228for Kids Help PhoneThis is a fun and safe family Hallowe’enevent where everyone dresses up incostumes and bowls two games afterhaving raised pledges in support of KidsHelp Phone. There are prizes for bestcostumes, and best team and individualfundraisers. Proceeds support professional

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counselling service for kids in Edmontonand area and across Canada. ContactSharon Edwards at 403.645.4086 or e-mail [email protected] www.kidshelpphone.ca/boolathon.

Nights of Artists 13th Annual29-31Art and Music FestivalA three-day celebration of the artsshowcasing original art, music, dancing,poetry and more. Guests can enjoycocktail galas, concerts and fashion showswhile browsing and purchasing artworksfrom all over the province of Alberta.Tickets Available July 1st at Tix On TheSquare: 780-420-1757. More info atwww.NightofArtists.com or by calling780.718.7635.

Oktoberfest to Rocktoberfest 31Admission includes a traditional Bavarianfeast, music and entertainment… and thenthe Shaw Conference Centre erupts withrock music at midnight. George Kash willemcee the evening’s festivities. FeaturingThe Blackforest Band and theRocktoberfest headliner will be a CanadianBand. Visit www.ggca.ca for more info.

november 2009World STONE Nina’s Cake Walk 2Best described as a “fashion show forbaked goods”, local celebrities, chefs,sponsors and artists team up to create 12fabulous cakes, and then battle it out onthe runway for first place honours. TheNina Haggerty Centre for the Arts supportsa collective of artists with developmentaldisabilities and the on-site Stollery publicgallery, as well as free and low costcommunity art programming. The SuttonPlace Hotel. Tickets: $75. Call Tix-on-the-Square at 780.420.1757 or on-line atwww.tixonthesquare.ca.Visit www.ninahaggertyart.ca.

Rocky Mountain 5-7Wine & Food FestivalEducate and tempt your palate withwonderful food and wine at this three-dayevent. A portion of tickets sales will gotowards creating scholarships for culinarystudents at NAIT. Shaw Conference Centre.Visit www.rockymountainwine.com fordetails. Contact 1.866.228.3555.

ASTech Awards Gala 6The ASTech Awards Gala is held inEdmonton every second year. The 20th

Anniversary will be held in Calgary. ASTechrecognizes Alberta’s most important andinfluential leaders, innovators andcontributors in the science and technologycommunity. The evening features agourmet dinner and awards ceremony. It issponsored by the ASTech Foundation. Formore information, visit www.astech.ab.ca.Contact Bev Jones at 1.403.220.9130; ore-mail [email protected].

19th Annual Chili Cook Off 6Call the Fire Department. We’ve got a five-alarmer here as contestants pair up with

media partners to compete for the title of“Ultimate Chili” in Edmonton. Proceeds goto the Downtown Business Association’scharity of the year.Visit www.edmontondowntown.com.Contact the Downtown BusinessAssociation at 780.424.4085.

Spotlight on Research 6Start the day off at this educationalbreakfast event. The GlenroseRehabilitation Hospital Foundation/CapitalHealth offers an opportunity to learn howresearch at the Glenrose offers hope for

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

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

Northern Lights Classic 7-8Ballroom Dance CompetitionAttracting top Western Canadian dancersto Edmonton, the 6th annual NorthernLights Classic Ballroom Dance competitionwill be held at the Polish Hall. Tickets: $35to $55. This event will undoubtedly raisethe profile of Edmonton’s ballroom dance!Contact Theresa Jenkins at 780.909.4332.

Denim & Diamonds TBAJoin the Juvenile Diabetes ResearchFoundation as it hosts the 17th annualDenim & Diamonds evening to raise funds

to find a cure for diabetes and itscomplications through the support ofresearch. A dazzling event with big nameentertainment. Visit www.jdrf/ca forupdates. Contact [email protected].

Poor Boy’s Lunch TBAIn 1994, CTV Edmonton established itsown registered charity, the GoodNeighbour Fund. The Fund assists peoplein Edmonton and Northern Alberta whohave fallen on hard times. The Poor BoysLunch is the group’s major fundraisingevent. Visit www.goodneighbourfund.ca fordetails as they become available. Contact780.486.9215.

National Philanthropy Day 12Awards and LuncheonJoin the Association of Fund RaisingProfessionals Edmonton and Area Chapterto celebrate and acknowledge thephilanthropic achievements of ourcommunity. Tickets: $65.Nominations for the awards may be madeat www.afpedmonton.ca. Contact ChristyHoltby at 780.960.4188 [email protected].

8th Annual Champions 14for Children Dinner & AuctionSponsored by the Rotary Club ofEdmonton Northeast, this evening featuresa tribute to local “champions” who havemade significant contributions to thebetterment of children’s lives. The eventwill be emceed by Danny Hooper andfeature entertainment. Sawmill BanquetCentre. Tickets $125 or table of 8 for$800. Contact 780.460.8798

Prinzenproklamation 2009 14Join the Blauen Funken Mardi GrasAssociation at the German CanadianCultural Centre for this spectacular eveningof traditional German Carnival—a seasonkicked off with the crowning of the Princeand Princess. Floor show and dance areincluded in the ticket price.Visit www.blauenfunken-edmonton.comfor details. Contact Will Moering at780.485.2526.

Wine Tasting Gala TBAThe Kidney Foundation of Canada-Northern Alberta & the Territories Branchpresents an evening at Lexus ofEdmonton. It features musicalentertainment, live and silent auctions,hors d’oeuvres and scotch table. Moneyraised will be used to fund research;provide education and support, and

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promote access to high quality healthcarefor people with kidney disease.Tickets: $75. Visit www.kidney.ab.ca.Contact Sabrina Sperber 780.451.6900.

NorQuest College Foundation TBA7th Annual Fundraising BreakfastGuests are invited to this breakfast eventto hear NorQuest’s unique story. Thefundraising event supports studentprograms and enhancements to learning.Visit www.norquest.ca for more infor-mation about this growing downtownEdmonton college. Contact Kristin Tustian780.644.5922.

Csardas Ball TBAThe 42th Annual Csardas Ball is a blacktie/evening gown event to supportscholarships for the study of advancedmusic at the Kodaly Pedagogical Instituteof Music in Kecskemet, Hungary.Sponsored by the Hungarian Society.Crowne Plaza-Chateau Lacombe. Tickets:$150. Contact Alex and Anna Szenthe at780.464.4252.

The Fine Art of Schmoozy: TBALive the Beautiful NightA seasonal fundraiser in support ofLatitude 53 featuring live music, silentauction and refreshments. Latitude 53Contemporary Visual Culture 10248 – 106St., 8pm – 2 am. Visit www.latitude53.org.Call 780.423.5353 or [email protected] for moreinformation.

Edmonton Ladies Dinner 20This is the 25th annual fund raising dinnerand auction, sponsored by DucksUnlimited Canada in support of wetlands,preservation and conservation.Visit www.ducks.ca for updates, andsimilar events in Stony Plain, SherwoodPark, Fort Saskatchewan, Beaumont, St.Albert, Spruce Grove, Leduc, Devon andArdrossan. Contact Tracy O’Neil at780.444.2354.

5th Annual Crime Stoppers 20Multi-Cultural GalaJoin Crime Stoppers Association ofEdmonton & Northern Alberta for its galafundraiser in support of safercommunities. The evening includes afabulous meal, lively entertainment and adance. Crime Stoppers believes that everyperson deserves the right to live, work andplay without being victimized. Tickets: $65each or $600 for table of 10.Visit www.crimestoppers.ab.ca or contact780.421.1122.

BrightNights Winter Dec 20Family Festival – Jan 3Ooh and aah at the fantasy festival oflights at BrightNights at Hawrelak Park,Churchill Square and Alberta Legislaturegrounds. Profits from BrightNights help theEdmonton Chamber of CommerceEndowment Fund for Children in Need,benefiting E4C’s Edmonton’s SchoolLunch Program. Food Bank donations arewelcomed at all venues.Visit www.edmontonchamber.com.Contact 780.426.4620.

Going Once, Going Twice 21Art Auction & GalaThe Visual Arts Alberta and HarcourtHouse Arts Centre host this event to raisefunds to benefit education and exhibitionprograms. Hellenic Centre 10450 – 116Street, Edmonton. Tickets: $40 in advanceor $45 at the door.Visit www.visualartsalberta.com andwww.hartcourthouse.ab.ca.Contact the Executive Director VAAA at780.421.1731 or HH 780.426.4180

Shumka’s Red Boots, 21Ballet and Bubbly New Works Gala In celebration of 50 years of this culturalicon of Edmonton and Alberta, divineentertainment, fabulous people, mouth-watering food, jazzy music, and an enticingsilent auction will converge for aspectacular gala. A major fundraising eventfor the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers,

enabling the dance company to continueto represent Edmonton, Alberta andCanada around the world. Tickets: $100.Visit www.shumka.com. Contact SuzannaBrytan at 780.455.9559.

Festival of Trees Gala Evening 25The Festival of Trees celebrates its 25thanniversary year with a gala dinner andauction to support the University of AlbertaHospital. This black tie event is hosted bythe University Hospital Foundation. ShawConference Centre. By invitation only.Visit www.festivaloftrees.ab.ca. [email protected] or contact780.407.2786.

Twas the Night 27This 12th annual fundraiser promotes finecraft in Alberta. Proceeds go to the AlbertaCraft Council’s 2010 exhibition program.Held at Alberta Craft Council. Tickets: $20.Visit www.albertacraft.ab.ca. Contact NancySt. Hilaire at 780.488.6611 ext 234.

december 2009The Holly Ball TBAProceeds go toward building andpreserving the permanent collection at theArt Gallery of Alberta. Featuring achampagne reception, dinner and livemusic, this is a black tie event. Tickets andmore event information will be available atwww.artgalleryalberta.com or contact780.422.6223.

Derks Annual Black Tie TBA& Silent Auction PartyNow in its 29th year, Derks Formals &Menswear presents this gala event to raisemoney for the Edmonton Chamber ofCommerce Endowment Fund for Childrenin Need which benefits the Edmonton’sSchool Lunch Program, and collect foodfor the Edmonton Food Bank. Celebratethe spirit of the Christmas at this silentauction and fund raiser. World TradeCenter. Contact Sereena or Cyndi at780.433.4600.

Christmas Bureau Breakfast TBAFraser Milner Casgrain LLP, Sobeys andThe Westin sponsor the 28th AnnualChristmas Bureau Breakfast to raise fundsfor festive meals for less fortunateEdmontonians. Held at The Westin. Visitwww.christmasbureau.ca. Contact P. DarylWilson, Q.C at 780.423-7224 or Jenn Muir780.423.7385.

Realtors® Associationof Edmonton & Realtors® CommunityFoundation Christmas LuncheonRealtors and guests are invited to jointogether to raise funds for the EdmontonRealtor’s Charitable Foundation.Northlands Agricom. Tickets: $50 plusGST. Enjoy a special luncheon and liveentertainment. Visit www.ereb.com andfollow the links. Contact Lixmila Serrano780.453.9350.

Share the Spirit Open House 6Celebrate the holiday season with friendsand supporters of Pilgrims Hospice. Thisafternoon gathering will feature lunch, andwreath and craft sales.Contact 780.413.9801.

Snowflake Gala 2009 7The annual Snowflake Gala, presented byDon and Marina Ghermezian, is afundraiser for priority needs at the StolleryChildren’s Hospital. Children and parentsalike will don their finest attire to dine,dance and donate in a winter wonderland.Shaw Conference Centre. This eventregularly sells out so be sure to get yourtickets early. Visit www.stollerykids.com.

Latin New Year’s Eve 31The 10th annual extravaganza features liveentertainment, DJs, and salsa show. Thisfamily event is held at the Delta EdmontonSouth Hotel. Tickets at tixonthesquare.ca$80 for dinner, dance and party favoursand must be purchased by December 26.Dance only $35.Visit www.morenoproductions.com.Contact Bayron at 780.691.0835.

Jack Lee’s Escargot Trioescargot encroute, wild mushroom duxelles,

cream cheese & escargot mousse,escargot lollipop with tomato salsa,black olive tapenade garlic sauce

and parsley foam



magine for a moment that you havejust graduated from the CulinaryArts Program at NAIT. You, alongwith a handful of others, have beenselected to compete in the World

Culinary Olympics, held every four years,in Erfurt, Germany. You will be going upagainst some of the brightest and mosttalented competitors from around theglobe.

That’s what happened to 2007graduates Chris Tom-Kee, Jake Pelletierand Tang Pham; 2008 grad Jack Lee;current apprentice student Albert Kwok;and Norman Brownlee, acompetitor/coach and NAIT staff member.The chefs wereaccompanied bythree NAITstaffers teammanager VinodVarshney, andcoaches TroyLynburner and IanCampbell, as wellas support workerMargaret Andris, acurrent apprenticestudent.

What makesTeamNAIT’s medalhaul particularly impressive is thatmembers did not compete in a student orjunior chef category. They went head-to-head—plate-to-plate—against hundreds ofthe best chefs in the world. The judgesgave them no special considerations—their ages and years of experience were ofno consequence.

Lee won gold forhis buffet platterand six appetizers.Tom-Kee wongold for hisrestaurant platter,three courseluncheon menuand four entrees,while Pham wonsilver in the same

category. Pelletier andBrownlee both took bronze medals inpatisserie: four plated desserts, one platterof petit fours and a show piece.

According to Varshney, who is also chairof Culinary Arts and Apprentice Cooking, ittook a year and a half to prepare thestudents. Hard work and team work areparamount. He also credits Alberta’sproducts as an advantage. Varshney says it’s

a big plus in their winning equation. “Thefreshness, the quality of food has beenreceived exceptionally well.”

He beams, “I’m so very proud of Jackand all of the students. They worked hardand diligently. Hard work pays off. Theirsuccess is a result of this.”

Indeed. And, much of the credit has togo to Varshney and his team of instructor-coaches. Together, they have created aculinary dynasty in competition. Theycaptured four gold in the regionalcompetition in Calgary this year… fivegold at the nationals in Toronto along withthe best quality of art in Canada. At theWorld Culinary Olympics in 2004,TeamNAIT won two gold and two silvermedals. Add these to the mountain ofhardware collected over the past severalyears and it’s easy to see Team NAIT asan international tour de force.

“Our challenge ahead,” admitsVarshney, “is to maintain our winningstreak.” √

By John Berry

II

DynastyThe

that isTeamNAIT medalists:

Norman Brownlee, Jake Pelletier,Chris Tom-Kee, Jack Lee

and Tang Pham.

World Culinary Olympics

exhibition hall in Erfert, GermanyWorld Culinary Olympics

exhibition hall in Erfert, Germany

TeamNAIT

John Berry, Vinod Varshney and Jack LeePhoto by Terry Bourque

Photo by Jack Ness



“The budget should be balanced, the Treasuryshould be refilled, public debt should be

reduced, the arrogance of officialdom shouldbe tempered and controlled…lest Rome

become bankrupt. People must again learn towork, instead of living on public assistance”.

Attributed to Cicero - 55 BC

The more things change, the more theystay the same. We at PWC offer thefollowing advice on managing in adownturn.

• Take a closer look. The goal posts aremoving; understand the true picture notwhat you would like to believe. Look atwhat is driving your business; what youdo best and why. Understand how thebusiness is being impacted by thedownturn.

• Act decisively. With increased uncertaintyand volatility it is important to maketough decisions early. Focus relentlesslyon the key drivers of value and the keyrisks across the business. Don’t sit back

and wait; the winners will be those whoposition themselves to take advantage ofthe upturn.

• Cash is king. Ensure your finances andworking capital are in good order; protectyour liquidity. Monitor your performanceagainst financial and non-financialcovenants. Adopt a hands-on approachto cash management.

• Focus on what really matters. Evaluatewhich products, customers and channelscreate or destroy value. Revisit yourexisting investment programmes –consider what initiatives could you stopor defer.

• Manage your cost base. Go for targetedrather than across the board cuts. Reduceunnecessary complexity.

• Reliable management information isthe key. Decision making needs to bebased on facts; decisions need to bemade decisively and without delay.

• Plan for different scenarios. Winnersdemonstrate agility and flexibility; model

a range of financial, operational andworkforce scenarios.

• Recognise the value of your people.Retaining and motivating the best peopleis critical to your future.

• Take your stakeholders with you.Evaluate the likely impact of thedownturn on your stakeholders; makesure you understand their agendas.Perception is often reality so maintainregular and open dialogue.

• Take advantage of opportunities. Don’tstop innovating or investing in thoseareas of growth you need for a securefuture. Think beyond the next quarter.

Buying, selling or refinancing yourbusiness in the current marketplace is alsochallenging. We are here to help. Wecontinue to close many deals for buyersand sellers. If you need help pleasecontact me.

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

ACQUISITIONS, DIVESTITURES &

CORPORATE FINANCE

Managing in a downturn

edmontonians dec08

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