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EDMONTONIANS DECEMBER 2006

here is an old joke about twoChinese fellows who were talking aboutcars. One fellow says, “I was hoping for aRinken and I got a Cataract.” Well… I got

two cataracts plus some good old fashioned glaucoma. I’m now legally blind—temporarily, anyway. I’ve spent

the past two months grounded: not able to work or drive.I’ve relied on Dr. Ollie, friends Al Bryant, Stan Smordin,George Reid of Dial Travel and others to chauffeur mearound town.

I have to say thanks to the doctors who did all thetechnical stuff. Firstly, my optometrist, Dr. Ben Doz,discovered the problem and sent me to Dr. MorleyKutzner who worked me in after hours because there wasconcern it might be cancer. It wasn’t… so off I went to Dr.R Casey—aka Mr. Glaucoma—at the Royal Alex EyeClinic. He’s been great, ridding both eyes of cataracts.

Being visually challenged has opened my eyes to thedifficulties other people face. Thankfully, I am not blind…but being unable to do all the things I usually do has beenfrustrating. Having to rely on other people is emotionallydraining. The last two months have been trying—I’ve beentrying to walk, trying to use my computer, trying to watchTV, trying to stay optimistic.

I may not know the outcome of the last operation bydeadline so I’ll let you know next month. Let’s hope I havea seeing–all Christmas.

Here’s a bit of an up-date on some of the eventsDr. Ollie and I have attended in the last few weeks.

We love the Concordia University College GrandeMasque Ball. The sold-out event raised $45,000. I also hada chance to chat with Harry Hole, there with wife Muriel,about his more than generous donation to the school. I thinkif you have that kind of money there’s no better place to putit than into education. Harry agrees, “It goes on working forlong after we’re all gone.” Amen to that.

One of my other favourites is the Employabilitiesannual Beans & Jeans fundraiser in mid-November. Itsold out once again—all 55 tables with 10 places each.This is one of the very best silent auctions… DannyHooper embarassed thousands of dollars out of a lot ofpeople. Thanks to Chuck and Linda Corvec of CanWest IT Solutions Ltd for the invitation. Chuck’scompany looks after all the computers and training aidsfor the Employabilities office. He was kind enough tocome over and fix my own computers when no one elsecould.

Bud and son David Salloum know how to host aninteresting evening. The Salloum Wealth ManagementGroup invited clients for a movie, finger food and a topnotch speaker. This year the speaker was a client: PatLaforge, president of the Oilers. Instead of the expectedrah-rah hockey speech, Pat talked about how involved theteam members, their significant others and employees arein the community. In fact, they’ve raised $3.5 million forthe many charities they support—everything from breastcancer to pee wee hockey schools. It’s nice to hear aboutthe humanitarian side of the club.

Congratulations to Associated Engineering.The Edmonton-based consulting engineering firm receivedthe Institution of Structural Engineers—IStructE—commendation award for the design of the City’sWhitemud Creek Arch Bridge Pedestrian Walkway. Ihaven’t had a chance to walk over it, but I will as soon as Ican see my way down there.

A few weeks ago, I attended the National WritersSymposium put on by the Edmonton chapter of theCanadian Association of Journalists—CAJ. There wereabout 100 wanna-be writers mingling with a bunch ofseasoned broadcasters and ink-stained scribes from the printbusiness.

The main speaker was Arthur Kent, now living inLondon, England but still one of Canada’s more famouswandering news reporters. He’s covered the Middle Eastmany times and, during the opening night social, I had achance to ask him how they could solve the war inAfghanistan. Quick as a journalist going for free food, hesaid, “Legalize heroin… that’s what it’s all about, money.Do that and it’ll be over, overnight.” Arthur was aninteresting guy to be around with tales to tell. Ditto for allthe speakers. It was gratifying to see student reportersscribbling and asking questions. Darn good ones too. Suncolumnist Kerry Diotte, who heads up the CAJ here, wasthe chair of the event.

A delectable way to enjoy dinner hosted by theItalian Chamber of Commerce is to have Italian foodaficionados at your table… someone like Joe and hismother Maria of Saccomanno’s Pizza, Pasta & Deli. Westarted the four-course spread, created by AntonellaCascione and Petroleum Club Chef Patrick Chaudet, withpetite onion pizza, an appetizer “unique to Puglia” said ourtable guide, Joe. Puglia is found in the south end of theItalian peninsula known as the “heel of the boot”. Next onthe menu was the orecchiette pasta in white sauce withrapini, a green vegetable. “It’s also good with liversausage,” suggested Joe. Maria found this dish too spicy asdid the Club’s general manager Ilario Re who came toCanada from Northern Italy where dishes are not so hot.

“You can travel 100 km in Italy and find totally differentrecipes,” noted Ilario. Even the bottled water differs amongregions. For example, Amore, brought in from Grimaldi byJoe Bernardo, is legendary for its low mineral content andkidney cleansing properties. And desert? “Hand preparedand labour intensive,” chuckled Ilario. “They startedpreparing on Saturday before the Monday dinner. Patrickwas quite nervous.”

Brava, Jonathan Butterworth and team from the ICC.The evening’s proceeds went to Edmonton’s school lunchprogram where 2300 children from 12 schools can fill thiertummies, thanks to Flavours of Italy.

Speaking of the Saccomanno’s, Maria and herhusband Frank make an appearance in Molly AnneWarring’s latest book. Lost Paradise, published this year,is the second in her trilogy after Paradise Acres. Molly

recounts how Frank moved from Ortona, Italy, to Canadaafter the war; he promised to return for Maria after he madesome dough and got himself established. You’ll the lovestory about Frank—a GQ man back in the day—dressed in“fine black Italian wool…white cotton shirt and black satinbow tie”—and his visits to the Trocadero Ballroom for awaltz and a tango. His mother had been an aristocrat and anelegant dancer in the old country. Do yourself a favour thisseason: Find Molly’s historical novels at the localindependent book shop. A good read.

Rob Christie of Magic 99 and Graham Hicks ofthe Sun put together what’s turning out to be a fun evening.The Art of Conversation is a great way to meet new people,talk to strangers without fear, and try a different restaurantevery month. Dr. Ollie and I attended the yak fest at TheSutton Place Hotel where I had a chance to converse withMelody Wilson of Concordia University College. GMRichard Wong laid on a spread of chocolate: fondues, achocolate fountain, and delicious crepes made-to-order.That night I became a non-practicing diabetic. There waseven a three piece group playing soft music in a corner.

When you get involved in something like the Art ofConversation, you notice there’s been another shift amongthe city’s finer eateries. Remember when The VintageRoom and The Carvery closed “for renovations” only toemerge as casual dining spots? “In the past, you had towear a jacket; if you came without, they provided you withone,” recalls hotelier Richard. “Today we call it cuisinenouveau where experience is important once again.” Thenew style requires customer service, quality products,comfortable environment, and attention to detail.

You can find all that at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. It’s onthe street side of the World Trade Centre. The place issumptuous: wood paneled rooms, high ceilings, 1800°flash-sizzled steaks that check out for $180 a pop.Edmonton is number 99 in the U.S. chain founded by RuthFertel, the woman who mortgaged her house in 1965 for$22,000 to buy a restaurant—against the advice of herlawyer and accountant. “You run a very fine hotel,” Ruthtold Richard in the late 1990s when she stayed at his hotelat Newport Beach.

The crowd and the ambience at Ruth’s Chris remindedme of those posh New York restaurants you see in themovies. A comfortable setting for GM Brian Welsh,formally of the Hotel Macdonald, and Front of HouseManager Adrian Francis. Before Abe Silverman droveme home, I conversed artfully with Ted Powers, BobHebert of Hillview Homes, and his very attractive wifeLinda, a former Klondike dancer. Also spotted artfullyconversing were Olympic-NHL-business performancecoach Steffany Hanlen, serial entrepreneur Eva MahBorsato, and new arrival on Edmonton’sdowntown chiropractor scene, handsomedoctor Brad Basaraba. ✔

Additional reporting by Edmontonians staff.Call Muggsy Forbes at 780.482.4545 or e-mail [email protected]

TT

FUNNYpompous & unfair

By Muggsy Forbes

See and be seen...wish I could, wish I might

EDMONTONIANS DECEMBER 2006 3


ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH NHL RULE CHANGES?

First we asked respondents how familiar theywere with changes implemented to the NHL as aresult of the league lock-out in 2004/2005.Sixteen percent said they were very familiar withthe changes implemented. A further 37 percentindicated they were somewhat familiar, while 45percent said they were not at all familiar.

Respondents were then presented with two ofthe more prominent changes. First, they wereasked about the shoot out. Almost half (48percent) said the shoot out has had a positiveimpact on the game. Only eight percent suggestedthe shoot out has had a negative impact. Morethan one-third of respondents (35 percent) wereunsure.

Next, respondents were asked to comment onthe impact the salary cap has had on the game.Over two-thirds (68 percent) felt this had apositive impact on the game, while 22 percentwere unsure.

Respondents were then asked whether theythought there were other changes that made thegame better. Over one-third (39 percent) said yes.These respondents were then asked what thosechanges were. The elimination of the two-linepass and a reduction in fighting were identified by

almost one-third (31 percent) of this group. Othermentions included a faster game (23 percent) andstricter refereeing (13 percent).

DO YOU PLAN TO ATTENDANY OILERS’ GAMES?Respondents were asked whether they hadpurchased tickets to the Oilers’ games this season.Four percent had purchased season tickets, twopercent had purchased mini-packs, and twopercent had purchased individual game ticketsalready. However, despite these smaller numbers,over one-third (37 percent) were planning onattending at least one game this season.

The 63 percent of respondents that had noplans to attend a game this season were askedfor their reasons. Forty-three percent said theexpense of attending the games was a mainreason, another 37 percent simply had nointerest in hockey, and 10 percent said theyprefer to watch the games on television in thecomfort of their homes.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS YEAR’S TEAM?Finally, respondents were asked to commenton this year’s version of the Oilers. On a scaleof 1 to 5 (with 1 being the lowest rating and 5the highest), almost half (45 percent) rated theteam as a 4 of 5. In fact, 17 percent predictedthe team will win the Stanley Cup, withanother 18 percent saying the team will makeit to the finals but not win.

Linda Banister is a certified managementconsultant and the owner of Banister Researchand Consulting Inc., a full service provider ofmarket research and program evaluation services.Want a question included in the EdmontoniansPoll? Contact Linda at 780.451.4444 or e-mail [email protected]. Visit www.banister.ab.ca.

STATIONdmontonians have always had a fondnessfor hockey. The entry of the Oilers intothe National Hockey League for the1979-1980 season was a dream come

true. The 2004-2005 year saw a hiatus in NHLhockey, coming back as a “new” NHL. In thismonth’s Poll Station, we asked people about thenew NHL and their predictions for this year’sEdmonton Oilers.

EEWith Linda Banister

PollPoll

FOUNDERDICK MacLEAN

DECEMBER 2006Vol. XVII

Published by 399620 Alberta Ltd. on the first day of eachmonth at 333, 10240 - 124 Street, Edmonton, Alberta,Canada T5N 3W6. ©All rights reserved. No part of thispublication may be reprinted or reproduced in any formwithout 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 Department333, 10240 - 124 StreetEdmonton, AB T5N 3W6Email: [email protected]

SHARON MacLEANPublisher and Advertising Director

Telephone: 780.482.7000Fax: 780.488.9317

e-mail: [email protected]

INSIDEFUNNY, POMPOUS AND UNFAIRSee and be seen/Forbes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

POLL STATIONNHL Changes/Banister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESSExport markets/Lockhart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

EDMONTONIAN IN EXILEPlus 15/Edmondson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

COVERBiggest ever/ Deters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Media Darlings/Deters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52007 Social Calendar/Blomert . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-11

MAKING MONEYThe magic number/Hiebert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

BIZINTELScience & Tech/Croucher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13BizIT/Michetti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Media Minute/Hogle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Civic Buzz/Norwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

LIVELY LIFESTYLESAbsolute Bodo/Bodo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15MenuMagic/Berry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

BARB DETERSEditor

[email protected]

COLUMNISTSLinda Banister

John BerryLinda Bodo

Cheryl CroucherJanet EdmondsonMuggsy Forbes

Ron HiebertBruce Hogle

Cheryl LockhartGreg Michetti

David NorwoodNizar J. Somji

FEATURE WRITERSBarb Deters

Peter Drake McHughMichael O’TooleMarg. Pullishy

PHOTOGRAPHERSTerry Bourque

Fred Katz

GRAPHIC PRODUCTIONRage Studios Inc.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Michetti Information Solutions Inc.

THIS MONTH’S COVER

Local, high profile media personalities support charities.

Fred Katz Photography

No. 12

1717YEARS

C E L E B R A T I N G

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16%

37%

45%

Said they werevery familiar with

the changes

Said they weresomewhat familiarwith the changes

Said they were notat all familiar with

the changes

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xpatriate government officials postedto Canadian embassies or trade offices abroadare required to travel home to explain whycompanies should consider doing business in

their appointed region. This fall brought two such visitorsto our city, Canada’s Ambassador to Germany, theHonourable Paul Dubois, and Wes Sawatzy, themanaging director of Alberta’s Japan Trade Office.Interestingly, each man had a similar story to tell, of anation that is slowly emerging from a dark economicsituation, often decades long, to become a more open,welcoming and prosperous place to do business.

Ambassador Dubois was the guest of Walter Ahlischand the German Canadian Business Association ofAlberta. He spoke to approximately 60 guests after dinnerat the German Canadian Cultural Centre. Many of thosein attendance were recent immigrants to Canada or hadstrong family and business ties to Germany. It was thatgroup the Ambassador was addressing when he tried to“paint a picture of how full the glass is, not how empty itis,” referring to the pessimism many have felt aboutGermany’s prospects in recent years.

Germany remains the world’s third largest economyand its strength within the European Union cannot beunderstated. Of the EUs other 24-member states, onlyfour count the U.K. or France as their largest tradingpartner; Germany is the number one destination forexports among the other 20. This economic cloutprovides it with a significant voice in the EU and, as theAmbassador pointed out, Canada would be “street smartto recognize their weight at the EU table” when lobbyingon topics ranging from the environment to market access.

Dubois expounded on Canada’s multi-facetedrelationship with Germany. In the past—particularly priorto the fall of the Iron Curtain—the bond between our twonations focused on security and defence, with a strongNATO overtone. Over the years, it has broadened toinclude trade and investment and, more recently,educational exchanges. As it becomes more difficult forGerman students to obtain visas to the U.S., many arechoosing Canadian post-secondary institutions. Ourmulticultural and immigration policies have even becomemodels for Germany; particularly the 2005 ImmigrationAct. Lawmakers in that country examined manyimmigration models around the world, includingAustralia and the U.S., but ultimately decided to modeltheir policies on Canadian regulations surroundingimmigration, refugee seekers and integration.

What really struck me that evening was the extent ofCanada’s cultural ties to Germany. In the ambassador’s

words, “the glue to the relationship today is culture.”Canadiana is well received in Germany; there are over1,000 Canadian-authored books that have been

translated and published into German, 24Canadian theatre groups will tour thecountry this year, and almost every

night of the week one can attend aCanadian cultural event somewhere. These

events include visual arts, film, new media,dance and theatre and are almost always of a

contemporary nature.In fact, 3.. 2.. 1, co-written by Edmonton’s Chris

Craddock and Nathan Cuckow, is one such play that wasrecently translated into German with plans to stage theshow in Berlin in 2007. You wouldn’t think that a storyabout life, religion and homophobia in small town Albertawould put bums in seats in a foreign country but it isprecisely the type of story that is well received amongGerman theatre-goers… thankfully, it doesn’t perpetuate theCanadian stereotypes of mountains, Mounties and hockey.In the Q & A session following the Ambassador’s talk, onerecent arrival from Germany complained that Canada wasbasically the same as America and not at all what heexpected! I’d like to think that he just hasn’t had a chance tofully experience what Canada has to offer yet and will soonchange his mind.

The Sleeping Giant Awakens—No, Not ChinaThink Japan. Major exports from Alberta are commodities:canola seed and oil, pork, woodpulp, forages, wheat andcobalt. However, it is the prospect of opportunities ininformation and communications technology, advancedsciences and agri-food that attract attention.

Sawatsky acknowledged that the title of his presentation,The Sleeping Giant Re-awakens could be seen ascontroversial. After all, such grandiose exclamations areusually reserved for stories about China. But I completelyagree with Sawatsky—the Japanese economy is still twicethe size of China’s and Japanese citizens are among the

wealthiest people in the world. The economy is finallygrowing after 12 years of stagnation and this is not due togovernment intervention (public works spending has beensustaining GDP growth for years). It is being driven byprivate enterprise—businesses that are interested inpartnering with Canadian companies.

For regular readers of The Economist or otherinternational publications, the content of these presen-tations may not have been new but the context for Canadianbusinesses is what makes them valuable… and whyCanadian/Albertan representative offices are establishedoverseas. However, I sensed an element of frustration withDubois and Sawatsky (and have experienced it myself onoccasion), at the lack of real interest on behalf of Canadiancompanies in truly exploring these new markets and takingadvantage of the opportunities made available to them.Finding opportunities is the easy part, investing time andmoney in making them pay off is more difficult.

ALBERTA OIL TOOL RECOGNIZEDIt is probably safe to say that governmentofficials in Canadian trade offices abroad wish morecompanies approached international markets the wayAlberta Oil Tool has done: aggressively.

AOT’s export sales have jumped 129 percent in thepast three years with sales expected to reach $16.9million in 2006, earning high praise and recognitionfrom the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters.Recently, at the Canadian Innovation Awards inCalgary, AOT President Darryl Harrington acceptedthe Development of Export Sales award on behalf ofthe Edmonton-based company.

According to Jim Kosh, responsible for internationalsales and marketing, the key to AOT’s export success

has been “export strategies tailored to each individualcountry and company that our products are exportedto.” For example, in Venezuela, “AOT receivedfavourable status in the eyes of the PDVSA, the state-owned oil company, for the use of a Venezuelanemployee. This has resulted in the company being ableto claim over 50 percent of the eastern Venezuelanheavy oil market, and $26.7 million in sales since1997.” In other markets, it has used existingdistribution networks, thus minimizing its expenses.These distribution networks may be in place viadomestic customers who are doing business overseas,or they can be foreign partners. Regardless, AOT doesnot grant exclusive rights in a territory in order tomaintain flexibility and maximize market penetration.

Partnering with other Canadian companies has alsoproven to be a winning strategy. By putting together acomprehensive “package” with suppliers of othercomponents in artificial lift systems, all of a sudden AOT isselling a solution, rather than simply rods, valves andfittings—which is much more attractive to the buyer. Thesepackages are often created in response to foreign tenders,which request several components of the pumping system.Without these partnerships, AOT and the other supplierswould not be able to meet tender requirements.

Although AOT’s products can be found in 35countries—Kazakhstan, Albania, Venezuela and Chadare currently their largest markets—the company isn’ttaking it easy. Kosh emphasizes that exporting“remains one of our top focuses. There are only somany opportunities if we only sell domestically.”Exactly the point Dubois and Sawatskyemphasized as well. ✔

Cheryl Lockhart owns InternationalStrategies Ltd., specializing in export-related planning and marketing. E-mail: [email protected]

GREA

TER EDMONTON

INTERNATIONAL BUSINE

SS

By Cheryl Lockhart

EE

hen I was a young girl in Calgary, everySaturday my best friend Nora and I wouldtake our 50-cent allowances—enough fora plastic ring and a snack at Woolworths—

and go shopping downtown. We’d walk along 8th Avenuefrom The Bay to Eaton’s in any weather Calgary wouldthrow at us.

Moving back to Calgary almost 40 years later, I havediscovered the “Plus 15”, an intricate system of pedways andbridges connecting most of the buildings in the downtowncore. Now, I know Edmonton has a similar system, but theCity of Calgary has added a real show stopper. Its DevonianGardens* are right in the middle of downtown: 2.5 acres ofclimate-controlled garden—pathways, benches, fountains,sculptures, koi and turtle ponds, and a playground. Thisplace is paradise. It’s warm, it’s bright, and it smells likedamp earth—aromatherapy for a wistful gardener. There aremore than 20,000 plants in displays that change every threeweeks. Right now, the place is awash in Christmas cactus,kalanchoe, orchids and greenery.

I love the Muttart Conservatory in Edmonton. But, let’s

face it: If you don’t live in Cloverdale, how often do youdrive to the “pyramids”? Generally, when you have out-oftown guests, right? And when you do take visitors to see thislush conservatory, it costs $7.75 each to get in.

There are over 3,500 businesses in downtown Calgary,with more than 120,000 employees. These people can eattheir lunches in this oasis every day, for free. Throw inCalgarians who like to shop downtown, and the vacationersand business travelers who stay in city centre hotels, andyou’ve got a lot of people enjoying a little hint of the tropics,right in the middle of Calgary’s relentless winter.

In freezing temperatures, I have found heaven: a warmand peaceful retreat… with Holt Renfrew and the Gap justoutside the door.

Merry Christmas! ✔

*Alberta has two Devonian Gardens: the one donated to the city ofCalgary by ther Devonian Group of Charitable Foundations andCalford Properties, and the botanical garden west of Edmonton, whichwas name for the same Foundation after a significant donation. Itsfull name is The University of Alberta Devonian Botanic Garden.

Janet and Owen Edmondsonmoved to Calgary in July. Janet can be contacted [email protected]

Edmontonian Edmontonian IN EXILE

By Janet Edmondson

WW

Wes Sawatsky

Perrin Beatty, president and CEO of CME, with AOTpresident Darryl Harrington and Scott Shepherd of

Northstar Trade Finance.

EDMONTONIANS DECEMBER 2006 5


he bottom line? “I always get more than Igive out… it comes back 10-fold. I comeaway a better person every time.” So saysCarrrie Doll, CTV Edmonton news

anchor, regarding her involvement with charityfundraisers. It is a sentiment shared by her contemporariesin the media.

Edmonton is blessed with a strong contingent of popular‘emcees’ who generously take on causes and sharetheir talents to make charity galas memorable andentertaining for patrons and sponsors. They aremotivated by personal circumstances and corporatecommitment. Most of what they do is pro bonopublico—for the public good.

Edmontonians invited members of the broadcastmedia to participate in the 2007 Social Calendarfeature. They are representative of the local mediawho step-up to raise funds and awareness for sickchildren… for cancer research… for excellence insports… for inner city projects… for literacy.Whether they are involved in galas, golftournaments, runs for a cure or cook-offs, they aremotivated to make a difference.

Not surprisingly, CBC at Six sports host MarkConnolly often participates in sporting events andthen hosts the wrap-up banquet. “It comes with theterritory. I also work closely with the KinsmenClub—I’m a member—on the 65 Roses Dinner insupport of cystic fibrosis. But I’m really committedto… absolutely passionate about cancer relatedevents. Our family has been touched by cancer soit’s a personal commitment.”

Lynda Steele, co-anchor of Global News, believes

members of the media “have an obligation to give back.We’re in a position to raise the profile of charities. Mypreference is to work with smaller non-profitorganizations. I’m most committed to social causes:literacy and domestic violence. I’ve served as the honorarychair of the Bent Arrow Healing Society for the past twoyears—it’s doing positive, hopeful things for aboriginalchildren and their families.”

Former Big Breakfast host Mark Sholz now runs hisown company, MES Inc. which specializes in hosting,radio/TV productions and event management. He’s thenew Oilers in-house host for Aquila Productions and canbe heard oft-times on CKUA. “I’m doing a lot of corporateevents, but my personal commitment is to mental health(functions) and the Salvation Army.” In fact, Mark and hisfellow “Doughboys”—who have raised hundreds of

thousands of dollars running marathons for theSalvation Army—recently received the outstandingvolunteer ward from the Association of FundraisingProfessionals.

Magic 99 morning man Rob Christie returned toEdmonton from Toronto a year ago. He anticipates“2007 will be a lot busier now that I’m settled backin.” He serves on the Caritas Hospitals Foundation,exemplifying his interest in assisting health facilitiesthroughout the Capital Region, including the Stollery.“We draw on our own experiences and interests.Because my wife and I have two dogs, I also want tobecome involved with the Edmonton HumaneSociety.”

Doll is motivated to make a difference…particularly in her efforts on behalf of the StolleryChildren’s Hospital, the Alberta chapter of theCanadian Breast Cancer Foundation and the LoisHole Hospital for Women. Each has a specialmeaning to her, but of Lois Hole she says, “Shetouched my soul… inspired me to do what I could.”

Together with these other “media darlings” that is alot. Collectively, they have hosted close to 250 eventsin the past year—and that does make a hugedifference. ✔

he Edmonton social scene comesalive in December: out come thetiaras and tuxes as Edmontoniansdine and dance their way around

the charity circuit. In the next year—as in yearspast—millions of dollars will be raised insupport of charitable organizations and not-for-profit societies.

The annual Social Calendar provides readersof Edmontonians with a comprehensive guideto galas and balls with receptions, silentauctions, dinners, music and dancing…charitable events for health and research,education, the arts and social programs… blacktie and other high-end events.

In the beginning, it was mostly about thedance. Over the past five years, EdmontoniansSocial Calendar has evolved to encompass thelargest, most comprehensive list of fundraisingevents in the Capital Region. The 2002calendar carried a relatively scant 49 galas. Bycomparison, the 2007 calendar contains 123events on the following pages, and more than165 in the on-line version.

This growth can be attributed, in large part, tothe diligence of Elizabeth Blomert who isrelentless in her pursuit of up-to-date informationfrom the organizers. When she first accepted thechallenge of compiling the 2005 calendar, sherecalls, “I almost choked when I was told to get at

least 100 listings.” That was three calendars ago.Now, a lot of the contacts recognize her name, andshe’s met some face-to-face.

“So often, there is tremendous enthusiasmwhen the groups are contacted… they bendover backward to provide the information.Many of them phone back and thank me forincluding them in the calendar.

“It’s encouraging when Sun columnistGraham Hicks and others mention howvaluable the calendar is for planning.” Indeed,it is intended as a resource for leaders ofcommerce and the community to identify theirphilanthropic favourites, and to plan personaland corporate donations and attendance.Moreover, organizations like to check dates tosee if their event will be in conflict with otherfundraisers.

Elizabeth—no stranger to the fundraisingcircuit herself—admits that getting people tocall back is the most frustrating aspect of whatis otherwise a fun project. “After initialenthusiasm, people don’t always followthrough. It’s a shame, because this is a realcommunity service and free to theorganizations.

“But my faith was restored when I got acallback from a doctor—who took the timebetween surgeries—to confirm that I had thecorrect information for his fundraising project.”

5th Annual Social Calendar

TTBy Barb Deters

The Media Darlings

TT

Biggest Ever

By Barb Deters

Mark Sholz, Mark Connolly,Rob Christie, Lynda Steeleand Carrie Doll.

Elizabeth Blomert

Photo by Terry BourqueFr

ed K

atz

Phot

ogra

phy

2007 Social CalendarComplete listing of more than 165 galas and events sponsored by registered charities, socialand cultural societies/business/professional organizations and other not-for-profit groups.

• update & add 2007 events • register your 2008 gala

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january 20072ND Annual Luncheon 16for Public HealthAlooooha! Join the U of A Faculty ofNursing in support of this fundraiser forthe Nursing Chair in Public Health.Delta Centre Suite Hotel. Tickets: $50.Put on your best Hawaiian shirt ormuumuu and hula your way to learnmore about new approaches to primaryhealth care.Contact Fiona Wilson 492.9171

Fork it Over 26The Rotary Club of Edmonton Mayfield andthe Compassion House Foundation teamup for this dinner, featuring Lynda Steeleand Danny Hooper who will auction offexotic dinner packages in support ofSorrentino’s Compassion House. DeltaEdmonton South Hotel. Visit www.compassionhouse.org andwww.mayfieldrotarty.shawbiz.ca. Contact Wendi Danbrook 425.7224 andLorne Wight at 468.8850.

february 2007Chamber Ball 2It’s being billed as the House of Copper and Blues at the ShawConference Centre. The EdmontonChamber of Commerce Ball featuresThe Blues Brothers (Dan Ackroyd andJim Belushi), and honours theEdmonton Investors Group, owners ofthe Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club.Tribute to outgoing Chair Jackson vonder Ohe and inauguration of GregChristenson as 2007 Chair. Visit www.edmontonchamber.com for aticket order form, or call 426.4620

Bids for Kids Dinner, 2Auction and DanceRaising funds for the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubsof Edmonton summer camps is the focusof this event, sponsored by the PublicSchool Administrators Association.Northlands Agricom. Visit www.psaa.caContact Nancy Petersen 479.0155

Chocolate Affair 3The 7th Annual Chocolate Affair Gala willsupport enhanced patient care andexciting new research at the GlenroseRehabilitation Hospital. Guests will enjoyan elegant evening filled with deliciousBernard Callebaut chocolate. Black tie witha military-ball theme. Fairmont HotelMacdonald. Tickets: $300. Visit www.glenrosefoundation.com Contact the Glenrose RehabilitationHospital Foundation Office 735.6024

11th Annual Western Mardi Gras 3Support the Chrysalis CharitableFoundation to raise funds for program andservice enhancements for persons withdisabilities. The evening features a buffetdinner and dance and silent and liveauctions hosted by Danny Hooper.Northlands Agricom. Western dress.Tickets:$60 or a table of 10 for $600.Visit www.chrysalis.ab.ca Contact Laurie Balfour 482.0337

Johann Strauss Ball 3This formal event celebrates the JohannStrauss Foundation scholarships foradvanced music studies in Austria. It is anelegant evening of flowing ball gowns,black tie and immaculate uniforms in theViennese style. The Westin Hotel. Tickets:$200. Visit www.johannstrauss.caContact Dale or Brenda Dahl 467-8984

Improv on the Ave 9The first annual fundraiser for DECSAFlavour Budzzz training program featuresan evening of fine food and improvisationby Rapid Fire Theatre. DECSA is anemployment counseling service for peoplewith chronic and persistent mental illnesswanting to gain employment in the foodservices industry. Alberta AvenueCommunity Hall. Tickets : $60.00. Visit www.decsa.comContact Doug Thompson 378.0586

2nd Annual Chocolate Festival 10The evening features a silent auction and awine tasting with expert William Bincoletto.Sponsored by the Learning DisabilitiesAssociation of Alberta – Edmonton Chapterto raise awareness of persons withlearning disabilities and their supportsystems. The Sutton Place Hotel. Tickets:$50.00. Visit www.ldaa-ec.netContact 466.1011

Chinese New Year Banquet 10A fundraiser for the 25th anniversary ofthe Chinese Bilingual Program, thisevening will feature a traditional 10-coursemeal; non-stop entertainment and luckyred pockets from the Chinese god ofwealth. Join dignitaries to celebrate theYear of the Pig. Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Visit www.ecbea.orgContact Stephen Tsang

Sturgeon Hospital Foundation 10Friend Raiser Gala15th annual fundraiser gala to benefitpatient care programs and equipment atthe Sturgeon Community Hospital. Four-course gourmet meal with complimentarydinner wine, live and silent auctions,followed by a dance band. Black tieoptional. Crowne Plaza-Chateau Lacombe.Tickets: $150.Contact [email protected]

Have a Heart Dinner 10Edmonton Glenora Rotary Club holds thisannual fundraiser gala for communityprojects in education, andfor children andwomen in need. Fairmont HotelMacdonald. Tickets: $150. Contact Gail Forre 970.5256

Beaded Journeys 15Join host Mayor Stephen Mandel and theKids with Cancer Society for the 2ndannual Beaded Journeys gala. Held inconjunction with International ChildhoodCancer Awareness Day to raise funds andcreate awareness of the strength andcourage of children who battle cancer andtheir inspirational spirit. Fairmont HotelMacdonald. Black tie. Tickets: $250. Visit www.kidswithcancer.caContact Val Figliuzzi 496.2459

United Way 2006 Awards 15of DistinctionThis special gala recognizes the achieve-ments of our community’s 2006 UnitedWay campaign. Individuals, organizationsand corporations are acknowledged fortheir contributions to the success of theannual campaign. Shaw ConferenceCentre. Tickets: $80 Visit www.unitedthisistheway.comContact Lynn Funk 990.1000

6th Annual Laughing for Cancer 18Who’s laughing now? You will be at this6th annual event to raise funds for theCross Cancer Institute. Join Andrew Groseand his gang of Edmonton comedians asthey giggle and guffaw at Yuk Yuks.

2007 SOCIAL CALENDAR

december 2006EREB Christmas Luncheon/ 8ERCF Santa’s Silent AuctionThe Edmonton Real Estate Board invitesits realtors and guests to join together toraise funds for the Edmonton Realtor’sChari-table Foundation. NorthlandsAgriCom. Tickets: $45. Enjoy a specialluncheon and great top-10 bandentertainment.

Visit www.ereb.com and follow the links. Contact Lixmila Serrano 453.9350

The Holly Ball 8Come home for an old fashionedChristmas at the Art Gallery of Alberta.Enjoy a champagne reception and dinner,catered by the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald,at this festive evening to benefit the AGANew Vision Capital Campaign. Live musicby Bobby Cairns & the Eclectics. Tickets:$300. Contact 422.6223 to reserve.

Snowflake Gala 11The annual Snowflake Gala, presented byDon and Marina Ghermezian, is a fund-raiser for equipment for 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.comContact Stollery Children’s HospitalFoundation 433.5437

25th Annual 19Christmas Bureau BreakfastFraser Milner Casgrain LLP, Sobeys andThe Westin sponsor the 25th AnnualChristmas Bureau Breakfast to raise fundsfor festive meals for less fortunateEdmontonians at Christmas. The Westin.Tickets: $60 ($50 tax receipt is issued).Visit www.christmasbureau.edmonton.ab.ca/e.htmContact P. Daryl Wilson, Q.C 970.5261 orJenn Muir 423.7385

Mark Sholz...brings humour and

zaniness to the podium

Compiled by Elizabeth Blomert with photos by Fred Katz Photography

7EDMONTONIANS DECEMBER 2006


Features a three-hour live auction, silentauction and the show.Visit www.laughingforcancer.comContact 780.481.YUKS

Edmonton MotorShow 28Precious Metal GalaSponsored by the Edmonton MotorDealer’s Association, this lively eveningfeatures a themed reception—food,beverages and an open bar—withentertainment. Funds raised go towardscholarships at NAIT for apprenticeshipprograms. Northlands Agricom. Tickets:$125 or $105 per ticket for a grouppurchase. Visit www.emda.cars.comContact Bob Vilas 423.2401

march 2007Turning the Tables 1Alzheimer Benefit DinnerJoin the Alzheimer Society of Alberta andNorthwest Territories for this semi-formalevening to benefit research, education andsupport services. Guests will be pamperedand entertained by “honourary waiters”vying for the title of “Waiter of the Night”as they earn donations in the form of tips.Dinner, entertainment, auctions andraffles. Crowne Plaza-Chateau Lacombe.Tickets: $150, or $1350 per table.Visit www.alzheimer.ab.ca Contact Chad Kultgen 488.2266 ext 225

Dessert Gala 2007 2The Canadian Red Cross presents adessert lover’s extravaganza at theHighlands Golf Club. Sample sweet treatsto delight any palate. Enjoy an evening ofentertainment, prize draws, a silentauction and more. Hear how Red Cross ishelping to prevent violence and abuse inour community. Tickets: $50. Visit www.redcross.ca Contact The Red Cross 423.2680

SS Benefit NAIT Cruise 3to United Arab EmiratesThe 19th annual gala dinner and auctionsupports NAIT and is by invitation only.Contact June Brooker at 471.8408

An Evening with Artists… 3This auction is a fundraiser for ProfilesPublic Art Gallery, Arts and HeritageFoundation of St. Albert. St. Albert Place.Tickets: $20, include a glass of wine andrefreshments. Visit www.artsheritage.ca Contact Heidi at 460-4310

2007 California Wine Fair 7300 wines to sample. Incredible edibles.All included with the cost of your ticket.Adding to your wine cellar? Choosing winewith dinner? Come and talk to the experts.Presented by the California Wine Instituteand benefiting the Citadel Theatre. ShawConference Centre. Tickets available at theCitadel Theatre Box Office.Visit www.citadeltheatre.comContact 425.1820

The Next Big Thing 8Enjoy this gala auction and fundraiser insupport of the hundreds of young andemerging professional artists nurtured byTheatre Network and the Syncrude NextGeneration Arts Festival. The Next BigThing is full of one-of-a-kind entertainmentand gift packages! Sponsored by theTheatre Network/Live at the Roxy. TheSutton Place Hotel. Tickets: $150. Visit www.theatrenetwork.ca Contact Paul Manuel 453.2440

The Red Carpet Affair 8This gala fundraiser in support of theCanadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta)features Rick Hansen, winner of the 2007Christopher Reeve Award, on the 20thanniversary of his ride through Edmontonas he neared the completion of the Man inMotion World Tour. The event also includesother community recognitions, a fullcourse dinner, live and silent auctions.Tickets: $175. Visit www.canparaplegic.org/abContact 424.6312

Epicurean Experience— 8it’s not hospital foodHelp support the Lois Hole Hospital forWomen and celebrate InternationalWomen’s Day. Make a contribution to thenew hospital by ordering the lunch ordinner special at participating restaurants.The Lois Hole Hospital for Women willprovide leading edge research, educationand clinical care. For a list of participatingrestaurants visit www.loisholehospital.comContact Joan Paton 735.5804

STARS Gala – A Night in London 10Be dazzled as the Shaw Conference Centreis transformed into the streets of London.This unique evening abroad includes achampagne reception with “Elton John”, afour-course themed dinner and anexceptional live and silent auction inTrafalgar Square. Dance the night away toa live British beat! Tickets: $200.

Contact Kim Hill at 447.5492 [email protected]

Yellow Ribbon Gala TBASilent Auction and DinnerThis prestigious event features a dinnerand silent auction to support theprograms and events offered by theEdmonton Garrison Military FamilyResource Centre.Visit www.mfrcedmonton.comContact Moira Smith 973-4011 ext 6330

Small and Mighty Celebration 17Join the Kids with Cancer Society andthe Make-A-Wish Foundation at thissemi-formal event organized by parentsof children with cancer. Funds raisedsupport the many programs andservices offered to children with cancerand their families. St. Basil’s CulturalCentre. Tickets: $50 for adults; $15 forkids 3 - 12 and free for children underthree.Visit www.kidswithcancer.caContact Carol 475.0364 or Amy 433.7341

Green & White Gala 15for Prostate Cancer ResearchIn celebration of St. Patrick’s Day,money raised will go to Prostate CancerResearch Foundation of Canada. ShawConference Centre. Formal-attire.Tickets: $250; tables of eight availablefor $2,000.Visit www.prostatecancer.caContact Katherine Hampton1.888.255.0333 ext. 234

St. Albert Rotary Club 16Annual Dinner and AuctionThis fundraiser for local and internationalprograms will be held at the Italian CulturalClub. Tickets: $90. Visit www.stalbertrotary.comContact Doug Campbell 418.0678

Global Woman of Vision 1612th Annual LuncheonGlobal Television brings this sell-outevent to The Westin to honourinspirational women in the Edmontoncommunity. Bursaries are presented toyoung women in post-secondaryeducation so that they may further theirown visions. Keynote speakers are theWoman of Vision recipients who sharetheir special challenges, triumphs andrewards. Tickets: $40 plus GST.Contact Lisa Pasin 701.5451.

april 2007All Eyes on the Boreal 13Dinner & AuctionSupport Ducks Unlimited, Canada’sleading wetland conservation group at thisgala dinner with live and silent auction.Funds support the preservation andconservation of wetlands. FantasylandHotel. Visit www.ducks.ca for up-dates.Contact Marty van Sloun at 780.444.2363

La Soirée Gastronomique 13Let Culinary Team Alberta transport you tothe cafés of Paris with this gala of exquisitecuisine. Your senses will be beguiled withfive-star menus and fine wines fromaround the world. Enjoy the music, art anddrama of the bohemian left bank. ShawConference Centre, Hall D. Tickets: $200(TBC). Visit www.culinaryteamalberta.ca Contact Bonnie Malouin 428.1045

Lynda Steele...believes smaller organizations

need her help more than highly publicized events



Kids Kottage Breakfast TBAKids Kottage provides 24-hour care forchildren at risk of abuse, in a safe, warmenvironment for up to 72 hours free ofcharge. Help support Edmonton’s onlycrisis care nursery. Shaw ConferenceCentre. Visit www.kidskottage.org for up-dates.Contact Pam Miller at 448.2545

6th Annual Champions 21for 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 have live entertainment and beemceed by Danny Hooper. SawmillBanquet Centre Tickets: $125 or table ofeight for $800.Contact 460.8798.

5th Annual Food 19for All Seasons GalaThis special evening features a deliciousfour-course meal, wine, live musicalentertainment, a keynote speech and bothsilent and live auctions. It is a majorfundraiser for the Edmonton Food Bank.The Sutton Place Hotel. Tickets: $75, or atable of eight for $600. Visit www.edmontonfoodbank.comContact 425.2133

Growing Dreams 27Enjoy two events in one day! The YouthEmergency Shelter Society’s LadiesGrowing Dreams Luncheon will be held atthe Shaw Conference Center duringAdministrative Professionals Week.Celebrate spring with a fashion show byEdmonton City Centre, the always crazymoney tunnel and a silent auction.In the evening, join YESS for a jeans-themed wacky evening at “Steppin’ Out”presented by Trailblazer RV. Featuresinclude performances by up-an-comersand a silent/live auction.Contact Crystaline at 468.7070.

Walk in My Shoes 20The 12th annual auction and dinner willbe emceed by Danny Hooper in support ofthe Pilgrims Hospice’s end-of-life care,programs for caregivers and bereavementservices. The Sutton Place Hotel. Tickets:$125. Visit www.pilgrimhospice.ca.Contact the Pilgrims Hospice Society at413.9801

Avenue of Hope Gala 27Bring hope to families of the inner city andto women and children fleeing domesticviolence by supporting this annual, semi-formal evening of good will, good food,and good fun. Enjoy the silent and liveauctions, entertainment, and movingpresentations. Italian Cultural CentreTickets: $75. Proceeds support C.A.P.Head Start and Lurana Shelter. Visitwww.atonementhome.com for moredetails and information about thePlayhouse Parade. Contact 422.7263.

Mad Hatter’s Gala 27The 22nd annual Mad Hatter’s Gala insupport scholarships and bursaries forGrant MacEwan College students. Wearyour finest evening attire and top it off witha mad hat! Shaw Conference Centre – HallD. Tickets: $300. Visit www.macewan.ca/madhattersContact Donna 497.4285

Spring Fantasy Fashion Show 28& LuncheonRaising funds to support the HOPE KIDS™youth program and the hope-focusedcounseling program are the goals of thisevent. Fantasyland Hotel. Tickets: $50.Visit www.ualberta.ca/hopeContact 492.1222

may 2007Esquao Awards 2007 – 3Angels Among UsThe Institute for the Advancement ofAboriginal Women brings the 12thAnnual Esquao Awards to theNorthlands Agricom. The awardshonour and recognize Aboriginalwomen for their accomplishments inmany different categories. Tickets:$150. Visit www.iaaw.ca Contact 479.8195 or 471.2167

Sorrentino’s Garlic Stomp 4The Cross Cancer Institute ProstateCancer Research Campaign, Lois HoleHospital for Women and Sorrentino’sCompassion House are thebeneficiaries of this annual dinner anddance. Shaw Conference Centre.Tickets: $250.Visit www.sorrentinos.comContact Stella Rago 474.6466

The RISE Awards 5The RISE Awards—RecognizingImmigrant Success and Excellence—dinner and silent auction are sponsoredby the Edmonton Mennonite Centre forNewcomers. The event celebratessuccessful immigrants and those whosupport their efforts. It also raisesfunds to support work with immigrantsto Edmonton and area. Palace Banquetand Conference Facility. Tickets: $80.For information or to nominate anaward recipient, visit www.emcn.ab.ca. Contact Jim Gurnett 423.9675

Sports Wall 10of Fame DinnerHeld annually, the dinner recognizesthe contributions and talents ofathletes, coaches and builders of sport.It is one of the most important ways inwhich the Green and Gold AthleticsSociety raises funds for scholarships tosupport high potential athletes. ShawConference Centre. Visit www.uofasportswalloffame.comContact Jocelyne Lambert 492.3893

Rt. Hon. Sir Winston S. Churchill 10Society Annual Memorial BanquetThe 43rd annual memorial banquet willfeature Professor Leslie C. Green,University Professor Emeritus who willfocus on the Indian National Army.Awards will be presented for highschool debate and speechcompetitions; cash awards to U of Astudents for history research and thenaming of this year’s Churchill CollegeScholarship recipient. Crown Plaza-Chateau Lacombe. Tickets: $125 ($50tax receipt); and $75 students (no tax receipt). Contact Chuck Marshall 467 7682 or e-mail [email protected]

CNIB Visions Luncheon 11Enjoy this mid-day business gala willfeature comedian Jim McNally.Sponsored by CNIB to support programsand services to help people with visionloss live, work, study and enjoy thethings that matter most. The Westin.Tickets: $100, or table of 10 for $900,including applicable tax receipt.Visit www.cnib.ca/divisions/albertaContact Harold Grace at 488.4871.

Mothers’ Day Luncheon 12This spring themed luncheoncelebrates family and raises awarenessof breast cancer. Sponsored by BMOFinancial Group in support of theCanadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

Fairmont HotelMacdonald. Tickets:prices TBA, but theluncheon sells out early. Visitwww.cbcf.org/prairiesnwt Contact 780.452.1166

Monopoly Mania 12Edmonton’s firstMonopoly Tournamentwill be held at theFaculty Club to raisefunds in support ofBoys’ & Girls’ Clubs ofEdmonton and SpinalCord Injury TreatmentCentre Society. Tickets;$150. Black tie. Visitwww.boysandgirls.ab.ca.Contact Jill Didow917.6662

Junior Achievement 16Alberta Business Hall of Fame2007 celebrates the 27th anniversaryof the Alberta Business Hall of Fame.This event honours business andcommunity leaders and is hosted byJunior Achievement of Northern Alberta& NWT. Shaw Conference Centre.Tickets: $250, or a table of 10 for$2,500.Visit www.janorthalberta.orgContact Jay Ball at 428.1421 ext 221

Earth Angels Unite– 25For the Love of Children GalaThe Kids Kottage Foundation hosts this7th annual gala ball to promote thehealth and well-being of children and toprevent child abuse. Fairmont HotelMacdonald. Tickets: $300. Visit www.kidskottage.org Contact Pam Miller at 448.2545

3rd Annual Stop & Smell TBAthe Flowers Dinner and Live AuctionThis spring gala includes a gourmetmeal, silent auction and a liveexperience-type auction full ofadventurous items that you can crossoff your Life List! All proceeds supportCMHA Edmonton Region programs andservices. Sutton Place Hotel. Visit www.cmha-edmonton.ab.caContact 414.6312.

Consular Ball 28The 27th Annual Edmonton ConsularBall is an elegant evening of gourmetfood, dancing, spirits and wine. Thisblack tie event is sponsored by theEdmonton Consular Corps, withproceeds supporting scholarships forthe University of Alberta’s InternationalStudies. Crowne Plaza-ChateauLacombe. Tickets: $195.00. Contact Linda Jackson at 415.5158 orJohn Szumlas, Honorary Consul of theRepublic of Poland, 415.5163

Bringing Home the Dream TBARaising funds for different cancerresearch and support groups is thefocus of this event—this year theAlberta Cancer Foundation is therecipient. The goal for 2007 is to raise$100,000. Held in the in-field of theEdmonton Northlands Horse Show.Details are still being finalized but willbe available when the website iscompleted.Contact Kate Watt (780) 231.9288

june 200721st Rotary Club 22Auction and Gala DinnerThe Rotary Club of Edmonton issponsoring its 21st annual themedevening to raise funds in support ofprojects in the inner city. The Westin. Visit www.edrotary.com for up-datesContact Sylvia Boyetchko 429.3256

Fort Edmonton Gala Dinner TBAThe Fort Edmonton Foundation willtake you on a trip back in time andhistory to raise funds to continue tobuild Fort Edmonton Park. Visit www.fortedmontonfoundation.org. Contact Naida Geisler at 496.6977 [email protected]

CASA for Kids Gala Event TBAHelp CASA and the CASA Foundationcelebrate their 15th anniversary byattending this dinner and auction insupport of infant, child and adolescentmental health. An extra special eveningwith live entertainment is being planned.Visit www.casaservices.org for updates.Contact Sasha Angus 415.0496

12th Annual Dreamspeakers 4-9International Aboriginal Film FestivalThis six day event is presented by theDreamspeakers Festival Society which

Rob Christie...takes emceeing to the nextlevel by playing auctioneer at

fundraisers



promotes and markets Aboriginalculture, art and heritage. Tickets: $20for the opening night reception withlimited seats available. The Walk ofHonour is scheduled for closing night,June 9. Visit www.dreamspeakers.orgfor updates and submissions of filminformation.Contact Doreen L. Cardinal or Helen Calahasen 378.9609

Theresea Comrie Luncheon TBAThis annual luncheon in memory ofTheresa Comrie and supported by BillComrie, celebrates communityvolunteerism and raises money for TheSupport Network, Edmonton ’s Crisisand 211 Centre.Visit www.thesupportnetwork.com

YWCA Edmonton’s 25th 14Tribute to Women of Distinction Awards GalaThis YWCA Edmonton fundraisersupports and celebrates women whomake a difference. The YW is acharitable humanitarian associationcelebrating 100 years of helpingwomen create a world of equality,opportunity and choice. NorthlandsAgricom. Tickets: $80.Visit www.ywcaofedmonton.orgContact Amber Niemeier 423.9922 ext 281

Mayor’s Evening for the Arts TBAThis celebration of Edmonton’s world-class creative community is held inconjunction with the Professional ArtsCoalition of Edmonton (PACE) whichrecognizes achievement in the arts atthis annual event. Winspear Centre.Tickets: $15 - $200. Visit www.edmonton.ca orwww.pacedmonton.com. Contact Brad Stromberg 496.8100.

3rd Annual Mayor’s Breakfast TBAThe St. Albert Youth Community Centre is the focus for this 3rd annualfundraiser. St. Albert Inn.Visit www.saycc.ca for updates.Contact Ed Bailey 418.0678

Flamenco Fire 16You will be transported to hot andsultry España as you experience thesoul and passion of flamenco dance.Part of the proceeds from ticket saleswill be donated to ArtStart, a programbringing the world of arts to Inner Citychildren. Tickets: $25 in advance, $30at the door.Contact Flavia Robles at 916.1665 [email protected]

The Council Gala – 22Play with Your MindThis gala evening of buffet dinner,dancing and silent and live auctionssupports the Art and Design in PublicPlaces Program which commissionspermanent works of art for Edmonton.The event also features the awarding ofscholarships to art and design students.Sponsored by Syncrude, The EdmontonBusiness Council for the Visual Arts,The Works International Visual ArtsSociety and DDB Canada. FairmontHotel Macdonald. Tickets: $150. Contact Linda Wedman at 426.2122 ext 222.

Fringe Theatre Adventures 26Annual CabaretThe Westbury Theatre – TransAlta ArtsBarns is the scene for this annual eventto raise funds for the Fringe Festivaland the family theatre seasonoperational costs. Participate in liveand silent auctions as you areentertained throughout the eveningwith theatrical and musical programs.Visit www.fringetheatreadventures.caContact Lori McConnell 448-9000.

july/august 2007Edmonton blazes during the hotsummer months with a different kind ofevent scene. There are myriad activitiesand festivals throughout the city: TheWorks International, a Taste ofEdmonton, Capital Ex, DreamSpeakers;Street Performers; FolkFest; CanadaDay, the Grand Prix, and the Fringe. Sotoss the tie or trade in the pumps forsneakers and sandals—it’s a casualkick back atmosphere with lots ofoutdoor sporting events and charity golftournaments, too.

Friends Midsummer Garden Party 25This sterling champagne event supportsthe Devonian Botanic Garden and isheld to thank the membership for theircontinuous support. For informationabout this and other events visitwww.discoveredmonton.com/devonian.Contact Antonella Bell at 987.0362.

Grand Prix Edmonton Gala TBAVroom Vroom… Meet some of theGrand Prix drivers and see highperformance vehicles on display. Thisblack tie event and opening gala for theGrand Prix of Edmonton will raise fundsin support of a local charity.For updates visitwww.grandprixedmonton.com

Evening at the Mac 23Catholic Social Services hosts thisannual corporate friend raiser anddonor relations opportunity. FairmontHotel Macdonald. Tickets: $20, byinvitation only.Contact Marc Barylo 432.1137

september 2007Grandparents Award of Distinction 8Gala 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 grand-children. Funds from the dinner and silentauction support programs for seniors.Contact Bernadette Swan at 994.0669

Denim Ducks Dinner TBASponsored by Ducks Unlimited Canada,this gala dinner with live and silentauction supports the preservation andconservation of wetlands. Visit www.ducks.ca for updatesContact Marty van Sloun at 780.444.2363

5th Annual Dr. Helen Hays 16Sunflower LuncheonEach year a prominent speaker deliversa keynote address at this luncheon forthe Pilgrims Hospice Society. Proceedssupport Edmonton’s only freestandinghospice. Visit www.pilgrimshospice.ca Contact Cathrine Yuill at 413.9801

FEASTival of Fine Chefs 19The 19th annual ultimate experience inmulti-course gourmet dining: teams from25 establishments prepare Albertaproducts supplied by members of theAlberta Food Processors Association. Thisevent showcases the talents of apprenticechefs and Alberta foods and beverages tohelp raise funds for the Stan BallardApprenticeship Fund. Silent and randomauctions. Shaw Conference Centre. Ticketsgo on sale in the spring of 2007: $680.00for a table of eight purchased prior to June1, 2007. Visit www.afpa.comContact the AFPA at 780.444.2272 or 403.201.3657 ext. 21 or [email protected]

6th Annual Edmonton 21Meals on Wheels Celebrity Box SocialEnjoy a decadent chocolate dessert

buffet and bid on high profileEdmontonians in live and silentauctions. This fun event is alsosupported by local restaurants whodonate gift certificates for meals to thewinning bidders and their celebrityguests. Tickets: $50.00 in advance. Tofind out who is up for auction or toplace an advance bid, visitwww.mealsonwheelsedmonton.org Contact 429.2020

3rd Annual GE Empty Bowls 24for WIN HouseThe Edmonton Women’s Shelter existsto further non-violent relationships andenvironments for women with orwithout children. Luncheon and silentauction. The Sutton Place HotelTickets: $25, or $240 for a Full Housetable of 10.Visit www.winhouse.org for updates

10th Anniversary Harvest Gala TBAGrowing Alberta brings this celebrationof Alberta’s agriculture and foodindustry to Northlands. Funds areraised for student awards and youthactivities program and the GrowingAlberta Leadership Awards (GALAs)presentations. Tickets: $150. Visit www.growingalberta.com

october 2007Minerva Dinner 1The Minerva Foundation provides seed money to worthy local communityorganizations. Fairmont HotelMacdonald. Tickets: $200, and $100(student). Visit www.minervafoundation.ca. Contact Janet Howard [email protected]

Annual Gandhi Banquet 2The Mahatma Gandhi CanadianFoundation for World Peace celebratesthe birth of Mahatma Gandhi with atraditional vegetarian meal and athought-provoking address by a specialguest speaker. Delta Edmonton SouthHotel.Visit www.gandhi.ca Contact Krishan Joshee 434.5489

Edmonton Eskimo TBAFootball Club’s 44th Annual DinnerA celebration of the Edmonton Eskimosand their contributions to thecommunity. Individual tickets areavailable, or a full table of 10 includesone ticket for the player of your choice. Visit www.esks.com for updates.Contact Cathy Fiss 448.1525

A Celebration of Hope TBAOperation Esperanza Medical Mission toEcuador performs orthopaedic surgeryon poor people—hip and kneereplacement surgery on adults andcorrective surgery on children with clubfeet or dislocated hips and other severeorthopaedic problems. A silent auctionraises funds for the mission.Contact Thomas Greidanus 484.8051 orBruce Kemp 437.8130

Scarecrow Festival Hoe-Down 12The focus is on raising funds for theABC Head Start Program which workswith low-income families and pre-school children to achieve success inlearning and life. Northlands Agricom.Tickets: $65.00. Visit www.scarecrowfestival.orgContact Bernice Gordeyko 455.4983.

Lobster Lovers Feast 11Canadian Western Bank and Boys’ &Girls’ Clubs of Edmonton present the9th annual feast at the Italian CulturalCentre. Join many business andcommunity members for a succulentlobster dinner to raise funds to provide

Carrie Doll...has met kids at the

Stollery who have “facedunspeakable challenges.

But thanks to this amazingfacility, I know how it feels

to get a hug from a childwho says ‘I’m getting

better.’ There’s nothing more gratifying.”



healthy living programs to Inner Citykids. The evening will feature liveentertainment, live and silent auctions,raffles and draws. Visit www.boysandgirls.ab.ca. Contact Jill Didow at 917.6662

Dreamfest 2007 TBAHow would you like to join the EPS fora ride along? Be a soldier for a day orstage manage a performance at theCitadel Theatre? Fulfill your dreams atthis fundraising auction. Support theCharles Gale Centre in St. Albert inproviding community programs andservices. Tickets: approximately $35,or $250 for a table.Visit www.st-albert.info for updates.Contact Vivian Leland 459.6666

Rainbow Gala TBAThe 9th annual Rainbow Gala, fashionshow and auction raises funds to grantwishes to Alberta children with life-threatening or chronic illnesses.Presented by the Rainbow Society andthe United Nurses of Alberta.Fantasyland Hotel. Tickets: $50, or $450for a table of 10. Visit www.rainbowsociety.ab.ca Contact Carole Alves at 469.3306

Fashion with Compassion 16Edmonton’s premier fashion show insupport of Sorrentino’s CompassionHouse holds two fundraising events atthe Shaw Conference Centre on thisday: Tickets: luncheon, $75: galadinner, $175. Visit www.compassionhouse.org Contact 425.7224

Mental Health Break Gala Dinner 17Join the Mental Health Foundation inits effort to raise funds for programsand research. Fantasyland Hotel.Tickets: $100, or $700 for a table ofeight.Contact Barry Runnalls 448.2414

4th Annual Music in Motion TBAThis country music event raises moneyfor equipment and research programsfor Muscular Dystrophy Canada. Detailsare still be being finalized for 2007.Visit www.muscle.ca for event updatesand more information about thisillness. Contact Elizabeth Soucy455.8204

Borealis Bash 19The Northern Lights Rotary Club of

Edmonton hosts its 6th annual eveningof fundraising for local andinternational projects with an excellentdinner, dance, and silent auction.Italian Cultural Centre. E-mail [email protected] Robert Morris

TD Meloche Monnex presents 20Concordia’s 7th Annual Grande Masque Ball & AuctionExperience an evening of elegance andfine dining in support of ConcordiaUniversity College of Alberta. This isone of the must attend black tie eventsin Edmonton! Fairmont HotelMacdonald. Tickets: $275. Visitwww.concordia.ab.ca/alumni Contact Melody Wilson at 479.9232

Dancing for the Kids October TBAVote for local celebrities, with no priordance experience, as they are teamedwith professional dance instructors.The Sunrise Rotary Club sponsors thisoutstanding night of fun andexcitement to raise funds for the Kidswith Cancer Society and Rotary Clubactivities Tickets: $115 or $150. Visit www.kidswithcancer.ca for up-dates.Contact Val Figliuzzi 496.2459

Rodeo Round-Up Dinner TBAThis annual gala dinner with live andsilent auction is sponsored by DucksUnlimited Canada to support thepreservation and conservation ofwetlands. Edmonton Northlands.Tickets prices TBA. Visit www.ducks.ca for up-dates.Contact Marty van Sloun at 780.444.2363

Nina’s Cake Walk 24Watch 13 teams—a baker’s dozen—ofartists, chefs, local celebs and corporatesponsors battle to win the title at the 2ndannual Cake Walk. The Nina HaggertyCentre for the Arts supports a collective ofartists with developmental disabilities, apublic gallery, and free or low costcommunity art programs. The Sutton Place Hotel. Tickets: $50. Visit www.ninahaggertyart.caContact Wendy Hollo 474.7611

10th Annual ADF 27Black Tie Gala & AuctionThis gala and auction supports diabetesresearch in Alberta. It is sponsored by theAlberta Diabetes Foundation.Visit www.afdr.ab.caContact JoAnne Langner at 447.1497

Laugh for Life Gala TBAThey say laughter is the best medicineand you will get a huge dose of it atthis wacky evening in support of TheMustard Seed.Visit www.LaughforLife.ca for updates.Contact Craig Hutscal at 463.1189.

Rotary Club of Edmonton TBASouth and St. Joseph’s AuxiliaryHospital Dinner and AuctionRaising funds for the humanitarianwork of Rotary and St. Joseph’sAuxiliary Hospital is the reason tosupport this gala. Crowne Plaza-Chateau Lacombe. Visit www.stjosephs.ab.ca in mid-2007 for updatesContact Debra Frederick at 430.3443

november 2007Edmonton Ladies Dinner TBAThis is the 23rd annual fund raising dinner and auction, sponsored by DucksUnlimited Canada in support of wetlandspreservation and conservation. Eventlocation and ticket costs are TBA. Visitwww.ducks.ca for updates, and similarevents in Stony Plain, Sherwood Park, FortSaskatchewan, Beaumont, St. Albert,Spruce Grove, Leduc, Devon andArdrossan.Contact Marty van Sloun at 780.444.2363

Black Tie Bingo 2Under the “B” it’s black tie time!Formal rodeo wear is the standard forthis dinner, bingo and silent auction tosupport injured cowboys and theirfamilies. The event is sponsored by theCowboys Benevolent Foundation andwill be emceed by ever-popular host,Danny Hooper. The Westin. Ticket prices TBA.Contact Joanita Fernandes at 471.7111

17th Annual Chili Cook Off 2Call the Fire Department! We’ve got afive-alarmer here as contestants pair upwith media partners to compete for thetitle of “Best Chili” in Edmonton.Proceeds go to the Downtown BusinessAssociation’s charity of the year.Visit www.edmontondowntown.comContact Adrienne Stewart 426.8579

Edmonton Opera Gala 2007 TBABe part of the hottest event of theEdmonton Arts scene! Proceeds for thisgala go towards bringing world class operato Edmontonians.Visit www.edmontonopera.com forupdates.

St. Joseph’s College Gala TBAJoin the supporters of St. Joseph’sCollege, the Catholic College at theUniversity of Alberta, for a gala evening toraise funds for an Endowed Chair inBusiness Ethics.Visit www.stjosephscollege.caContact Maureen Sutherland 492.7681 ext 231

Wine Tasting Gala 3Kidney Foundation of Canada-NorthernAlberta & the Territories Branch presentsan evening at Lexus of Edmonton. Moneyraised will be used to fund research;provide education and support, andpromote access to high quality healthcare.Tickets: $45. Visit www.kidney.ab.ca Contact Kathleen Badry 451.6900

CFR Wine and Whiskey Dinner 8Slip into your favourite western wearand join the folks at Century Grill forthis fundraiser benefiting theEdmonton Rodeo Cowboys BenevolentFoundation. Held during the CFR, thiswill be a yeeehaw time for all! Visit www.centurygrill.comCall 431.0303.

Mark Connolly...knows too well that personal

loss is a strong motivator tomaking a difference—even in

a small way.

stock symbol: IEI

For more information, contact us at:

Tel: 780.424.7227

Email: [email protected]

or visit us on the Web at:

www.imperialequities.com

Sine ChadiPresident & CEO

-Mahatma Gandhi Canadian Foundation-Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories

-The Support Network Foundation-Network Activities Centre-Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada-Aga Khan Foundation of Canada-WIN House-Stollery Childrens Hospital

-Kid’s Help Phone-Camp Warwa-Glenrose Hospital Foundation-Edmonton Housing Trust Fund-STARS Foundation-Polish Heritage Society-Churchill Cup-La Salle-Edmonton Community Foundation

Imperial Equities is proud to have supported the following charities in 2006

Season’s greetingsA wonderful time ofthe year and a timeto reflect on ourcharitable giving.



Csardas Ball 10The 40th annual Csardas Ball is a blacktie/evening gown event to supportscholarships for the study of advancedmusic at the Kodály PedagogicalInstitute of Music in Kecskemet,Hungary. Sponsored by the HungarianSociety. Crowne Plaza-Chateau Lacombe. Tickets: $150. Contact Alex and Anna Szenthe at 464.4252.

Red Boots, Ballet and Bubbly 10Divine entertainment, fabulous people,mouth-watering food and an enticingsilent auction are all a part of thismajor fund-raiser in support ofShumka! Proceeds enable the dancecompany to continue developingdancers, music, costumes and stagepresentations to share with audienceslocally and around the world. Tickets: $100. Visit www.shumka.comContact Suzanna Brytan 455.9559

EmployAbilities Jeans & Beans 12Dinner, Dance, Live and Silent AuctionCome dressed in your favourite jeans forthis 10th annual howdy-pardner, money-raising, foot-stomping event in support ofincreased diversity in the workforce forindividuals with disabilities.Delta Edmonton South.Visit www.employabilities.ab.ca/fundraisingfor pictures and updates. Contact Irene Beaton at 423.4106

16th Denim & Diamonds TBAThe Juvenile Diabetes ResearchFoundation hosts this special evening toraise funds to find a cure for diabetes andits complications through the support ofresearch. A dazzling event with big nameentertainment.Visit www.jdrf.ca for updates.Contact [email protected]

7th Annual Comedy Show, TBASilent Auction & DinnerEnjoy a giggle, laugh or outright guffawduring this evening of fun andfundraising for the St. Albert YouthCommunity Centre. The St. AlbertKinsmen Club is the major sponsor.Visit www.saycc.ca for updates.Contact Ed Bailey 418.0678

The Black and White 17This black tie fundraiser is in supportof Sherwood Park’s Festival Place. Itprovides continued backing for childrenand adult programming, as well as thestage productions. Dinner, silent andlive auctions and a top band fordancing. Tickets: $125. Visit www.festivalplace.ab.ca for updates. Contact Gavin Farmer 464.2852

5th Annual SnowBall TBAMargo Schulte McKinnon is throwing aSnowBall, but you don’t have to duck!This glamorous cocktail party raisesfunds for the Cross Cancer Institute.Details are still being finalized so be sureto visit www.thesnowball.ca for updates. Contact Alberta Cancer Foundation432.8256

Garden Gala for TBASchizophrenia ResearchThis gala dinner, sponsored by theSchizophrenia Society Edmonton &Area and the Bebensee SchizophreniaResearch Unit, raises funds for researchat the BSRU at the University of Albertainto the mysteries of schizophrenia andmental illnesses.Visit www.ssa-edmonton.com for updates.Contact Tara Koehler 452.4661 [email protected]

Bent Arrow Traditional TBAHealing Society FundraiserThis evening of fun and entertainmentraises funds for Coyote Kids, OrendaHouse, and Rites of Passage JuniorHigh. Tickets: $75.00. Location TBA.Visit www.bentarrow.ca for updates. Contact Lovette Ferguson at 232.2807or 481.3451

An Evening of TBAEdwardian Elegance Guests will step back in time to enjoy aseven-course Edwardian meal served inthe style of the day. The eveningfeatures a program of etiquette andmusic from the era. Edwardian dress isencouraged. This is a fundraisinginitiative to increase awareness of theSociety by showcasing RutherfordHouse and its history.Contact Friend’s Society in ElizabethanII Style at 422.2697.

Kokopelli Dessert Concert TBAand Silent AuctionJoin the Kokopelli Choir Association in theWinspear Centre lobby for deliciousdesserts served with a generous helping ofgreat music. The evening includes a silentauction to raise funds for the choirs withsome of the proceeds going to the AfricanProjects Fund. Visit www.kokopellichoir.com for updates.Contact Scott Leithead 482.7649

Off Yer Head 2007 17Harcourt House presents its 6th annuallive and silent auctions to help fund itscultural programs. The event is aninteractive fundraiser in which local artists,celebrities, athletes and politicians havebeen asked to embellish and paint theirown ceramic pieces for sale at auction.Visit www.harcourthouse.ab.ca.Contact 780.426.4180.

3rd Annual Crime Stoppers 23Multi-Cultural GalaJoin Crime Stoppers Association ofEdmonton & Northern Alberta for its galafundraiser in support of safercommunities. This celebration includesentertainment from around the world plusdinner and desserts with a multi-culturalflavour. When we work together, we domake a difference. Tickets: $50 each or$450 for table of 10.Visit www.crimestoppers.ab.ca Contact Flavia Robles 421.1122

‘Twas the Night 20This 10th annual fundraiser promotes finecraft in Alberta. Proceeds go to the AlbertaCraft Council’s exhibition program. AlbertaCraft Council store, 10186 106 Street,Edmonton, Tickets: $20. Visit www.albertacraft.ab.caContact Nancy St. Hilaire at 488.6611 ext 234

Festival of Trees Gala Evening 28The Festival of Trees celebrates its 23rdanniversary with a gala dinner and auctionto support the University of AlbertaHospital. This black tie event is hosted bythe University Hospital Foundation. ShawConference Centre. By invitation only.Visit www.festivaloftrees.ab.caE-mail [email protected] or phone 407.2786

Poor Boy’s Lunch TBAIn 1994, CTV Edmonton established itsown registered charity, the GoodNeighbour Fund. The Fund has helpeda cross-section of Edmontonians whohave fallen on hard times. Details forthe 2007 event are still being finalized.Contact 483.3311

december 2007Snowflake Gala TBAThe annual Snowflake Gala, presentedby Don and Marina Ghermezian, is afundraiser for equipment for theStollery Children’s Hospital. Childrenand parents alike will don their finestattire to dine, dance and donate in awinter wonderland. Shaw ConferenceCentre. This event regularly sells out sobe sure to get your tickets early. Visit www.stollerykids.comContact Stollery Children’s HospitalFoundation 433.5437

EREB Christmas Luncheon/ 2ERCF Santa’s Silent AuctionThe Edmonton Real Estate Boardinvites its realtors and guests to jointogether to raise funds for theEdmonton Realtor’s CharitableFoundation. Northlands AgriCom.Tickets: $45. Visit www.ereb.com andfollow the links for updates. Contact Lixmila Serrano 453.9350

26th Annual TBA Christmas Bureau BreakfastFraser Milner Casgrain LLP, Sobeys andThe Westin sponsor the 26th AnnualChristmas Bureau Breakfast to raisefunds for festive meals for lessfortunate Edmontonians at Christmas.The Westin. Tickets: $60 (a $50 taxreceipt is issued). Visitwww.christmasbureau.edmonton.ab.ca/e.htmContact P. Daryl Wilson, Q.C 970.5261 or Jenn Muir 423.7385

Visit edmontonians.comfor monthly udates

and to register your 2008 gala!



MAKINGmoney

By Ron Hiebertave you ever been to a party where thegifts were stuffed inside a piñata? To getat them, you have to break the piñataopen with a stick. What makes it difficult

is being blindfolded and then spun around until youare totally disoriented. Retirement planning ismuch like this. The big prize is being able to spendthose golden years having the financial resources todo whatever you want. The problem is that thereare so many variables that have no certainty ofoutcome that you go through the process feeling ashelpless as a person trying to break the piñata.

There are many unanswerable questions. Howlong will you live? Will you be healthy or requireexpensive medical care? What rate of return willyour investments provide? What will the rate ofinflation be? Will taxes be higher or lower in thefuture? Are government programs like the CanadaPension Plan and Old Age Security reallysustainable with the large number of baby boomersmoving toward retirement?

DUSTING OFF THE PLANBecause life’s circumstances change, you have to makesure that your financial plan does as well. If your planis more than five years old, it is time to dust it off andmake sure that all the assumptions that were used todetermine how much income you would have and howlong the principal would last are still valid.

Two variables that have really changed since2000 are longevity projections and rate of returnexpectations on the portfolio itself. These bothdeserve special attention.

WE ARE LIVING LONGERTremendous advances in medical technology havedramatically increased our life expectancies.According to the Canadian Institute of Actuaries, aCanadian male who is 65 years of age today has a50 percent chance of living to 83, and a 25 percentchance of living to 89. A woman aged 65 has a 50-percent chance of reaching 86, and 25 percent oddsof making it to 92. For a couple who are both 65years of age, there is a 50-percent chance that oneperson will live to see 90, and 25 percent odds thatat least one of the two will live to be 94.

Because we as a nation are living longer, ourretirement plans need to be adjusted accordingly.

RATES OF RETURN HAVE CHANGEDBetween 1995 and 2000, according to the AndexChart I have on my wall, a balanced portfolio of 10percent cash, 30 percent Canadian bonds, 30percent Canadian stocks, 20 percent U.S. stocks,and 10 percent small cap U.S. stocks averaged anannual compound growth rate during that period of17.9 percent. Between 2000 and 2005 that sameportfolio has averaged only 4.9 percent per year.Over the past six years, the Dow Jones IndustrialAverage and the TSX Composite are just a littleabove the highs they reached in the first quarter of2000. The NASDAQ is still down 70 percent fromits old high, and the S&P 500 is off 30 percent.

The historical trend of the stock market is longperiods of outperformance are always followed bylong periods of underperformance. Regression tothe mean is a very real thing, so if you based yourassumptions on the monster returns that the marketgave you during the 1990s, it is time to revise yourplan. Over 50 years, the TSX Composite hasaveraged 10.5 percent per year. The ScotiaMcLeodLong Bond Index has averaged 7.7 percent per yearover the same period. A portfolio of 50 percentstock and 50 percent fixed income would haveaveraged 9.1 percent per year for the last 50 years.That is the average. If we are in for another fewyears of underperformance, you might want tothrottle those assumptions back even further to,say, seven or eight percent.

THE FOUR PERCENT SOLUTIONIf you live longer and your portfolio doesn’t earnas much, your retirement options are either to cutspending, go back to work, or reduce the amountthat you take out of your portfolio each year. Let’sfocus on option three.

Dick Young did a simulation for U.S. retireesbased on quitting work at 65 years of age andliving to 100. Assumptions included an asset mixof 50 percent equity and 50 percent bonds and thatthe rates of return equaled the long term averagesfor each asset class of 8.8 percent and 5.9 percentrespectively. He also factored inflation to be threepercent for the first 15 years of retirement, twopercent for the next 10 years and one percentthereafter. Based on these figures, if you were toleave all the capital in the portfolio to your

beneficiaries, a six-percent annual withdrawal ratewould only give you a 21-percent chance ofmaintaining the full principal to age 100. A five-percent annual withdrawal rate increased theprobability to 43 percent, and a four-percent drawincreased the odds of maintaining the entireprincipal to 70 percent. At three-percent, the oddsof holding onto all the principal increased to 91percent.

By consuming 80 percent of the principal duringretirement and maintaining 20 percent for thebeneficiaries, the odds of having enough money tomake it to the finish line increase dramatically.They are 29 percent with a draw of six percent, 56percent with an annual draw of five percent, 83percent with a four-percent draw, and 98 percentwhen the annual principal withdrawal is only threepercent.

Fidelity Investments did a Canadian study andcame up with essentially the same answer. It usedan example of a 65-year-old couple retiring in 1972with $500,000. The hypothetical portfolio had anasset split of 50 percent stocks, 35 percent bondsand 15 percent short-term investments. A six-percent withdrawal rate would have meant that theportfolio would be worth zero in 18 years. At afive-percent withdrawal rate, the portfolio wouldhave lasted 27 years before its principal wasexhausted, and at a four-percent draw, the portfoliowould have actually increased in value and thusprovided financial security for the couple for therest of their lives.

The point is that if you live longer and yourportfolio has a lower rate of return, the magicnumber seems to be around four percent. Nothingis certain with retirement planning, but this numberis probably a good place to start. ✔

Ron Hiebert, a director atScotiaMcLeod, teaches investmentclasses at Grant MacEwan College.The author of Wealth Building canbe heard weekdays at 7:34 am, onCFCW radio (790 AM). Contact himat 780.497.3215 [email protected]

HH

What’s the magic number?How much do I need to retire?

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I learned a new term this month—thanks to Peggy MacTavish. She’s thedirector of the new Office of IndustrialResearch at the Northern AlbertaInstitute of Technology.

The term is “the innovation chain”.Peggy’s mission is to establish NAIT asan important link in the innovation chainand that will be in the area of appliedresearch.

“Our research will differ from theuniversities in that we won’t beperforming basic research,” she explains.“Instead, we will work hand in handwith industry to produce the prototypes,the next level of industrial machinery,manufacturing processes… whateverindustry needs that is a pressing problemfor them.”

Delving into the realm of appliedresearch is something new for thistechnical school where for decades theemphasis has been on training trades-people and office workers. So whataccounts for the change?

“Technical institutes across Canadahave been lobbying the federal andprovincial governments for a number ofyears, as has industry, to have our

institutes participate in research. Wewant to take new advances to the state ofthe art, into commercialization, and outonto the street.”

Now that the lobbying has paid off,NAIT is free to apply for funding fromsources normally reserved for research

conducted at Canada’s universities. It iscurrently going through a review processwith NSERC—the Natural Sciences andEngineering Research Council of Canada.Passing the review pretty well opens thedoors to the other granting agencies.

NAIT is particularly interested inbecoming a leader in fuel cell techno-logy and sustainable energy. To that end,the school has brought on board a post-doctoral researcher from the Universityof Alberta who has a background inchemical engineering. As well, come

January 2007, there will be newlaboratories set up for NAITstudents to focus on fuel celldevelopment.

Peggy has adopted an open doorpolicy for her office. She wants tohear from anyone who is anentrepreneur or inventor, and fromcompanies large or small.

“We’ve had entrepreneurs comein off the street, one or two personcompanies. They present to us anidea or a piece of equipment or anew gizmo. They don’t have theexpertise themselves, but we do.We can help them develop thebusiness plan, figure out the nextsteps, where to find funding. Wecan even walk them right down thehall and produce the prototype. We

have that expertise in-house here atNAIT.”

New as it is, the Office of IndustrialResearch is already chalking up somesuccess stories.

“A company in the trucking industry

came to us needing a housing for anelectrical system. Within the hour, weunderstood what the project was, theindustry partner understood they hadcome to the right place, we producedthis housing for them within a week,”Peggy says with pride, adding that thenew technology was recently showcasedon Parliament Hill in Ottawa.

Another example involves a NAITtechnician who came forward with anidea for a new kind of torque tester. “Hehad been working on this on his own fora number of years and we were able tofacilitate this new technology within ourown organization.”

From the sounds of things, Peggy’salready well on her way to forgingNAIT’s link on the innovation chain.

For more information on the servicesoffered by NAIT’s Office of IndustrialResearch, contact Peggy MacTavish at780-378-6190 or e-mail [email protected]

iCORE, the Informatics Circle ofResearch Excellence, has launchedanother research chair at the Universityof Alberta, this one in the field ofmultimedia. What makes this one extraspecial is the humanity and socialconscience embodied in its establish-ment.

When computer scientist Dr. AnupBasu met businessman Gautam Rao ofCastle Rock Research, an educationaltools development company, the twomen discovered they had a commoninterest: Both were helping underprivi-leged children around the globe get aneducation.

Anup is particularly concerned aboutthe thousands of children who cannotattend school because of the disruptionand dislocation caused by wars and otherdisasters in the Middle East.

INTELINTELcience &Tech

with Cheryl CroucherSBizBiz

According to the late ErmaBombeck, “When you look like yourpassport photo, it’s time to go home.”Actually, that’s the title of her very popular1991 book, but anybody who has covered alot of miles in a short period of time knowsexactly what she means—including me.

I left Edmonton at 7 AM on Monday,October 9th and returned Saturday, October14th at 6 PM. In those six days, I covereda major Symantec press event in NewYork City, followed by an intensive two-day session at Hewlett-Packard’s DublinInkjet Manufacturing Operation in Ireland.

The Symantec event was directly acrossEast 42nd Street from the main entrance toGrand Central Station in Manhattan, in aterrific looking historical building nowoperated by the Cipriani restaurant chain.Complete with ornate columns and marblefloor mosaic architecture, this formerBowery Savings Bank was built so well, itwas never broken into in its 85-year history.

Perhaps this example of super-securitywas the subtle message SymantecChairman and CEO John Thompson wastrying to send to his audience at Security2.0, the name of this media “vision” event.

In addition to bringing out a line of newconsumer products and showing thecorporate direction for 2007, Thompsonand his crew addressed the growing issueof security outside the local personalcomputer.

“At its heart is the realization that thebattleground for security is no longer justthe device—as it used to be in Security1.0—but rather it’s shifted to the inform-ation and interactions,” said Thompson inhis keynote. In other words, the web is thebig security risk—not the desktop.

Symantec is trying extremely hard tochange its image from being known as an“antivirus” company to a full blown,Internet security firm. After all, viruses are

old news and we haven’t seen a good onefor a few years now.

“Phishing, identity theft, malicioususers—these are the new threats,” addsThompson. “Criminal elements are goingafter what’s truly valuable in this day-and-age information.”

He is, of course, correct. More than ever,consumers are doing on-line banking andon-line purchasing with credit cardtransactions. Symantec’s Internet Security

Threat Report, points out how home userswere the most targeted group online,representing 86 percent of all attacks in thefirst half of 2006. However, other recentstudies show that fear of identity theft hasstopped 53 percent of Internet users fromgiving personal information to websites and14 percent from paying their bills online.

Norton Confidential Online EditionOn the consumer product line, there’sNorton Confidential Online Edition,which will be available next year. It willprovide web browsing protection, andconfidential information managementand protection. Aimed at financialinstitutions, it also provides crime wareprotection and anti-phishing protectionvia website authentication to helpcustomers safely conduct onlinetransactions. For example, in July of this

year, TD Canada Trust launched anearlier version of Norton ConfidentialOnline Edition called Norton ConfidenceOnline, which has resulted in more than100,000 downloads of the tool.

Symantec Mail Security 8300 SeriesAnother announcement, this time for thecorporate sector is Symantec MailSecurity 8300 Series. Like earlierversions, it scans incoming and outgoing

e-mail for viruses and deals withspam… but now, it takes it a step furtherby scanning and filtering predefined keywords and expressions; includingattachments. For example, if somebodyin the accounting department isregularly e-mailing confidentialfinancial company documents to anunauthorized third party, the systemflags it and notifies the systemadministrator or company president ofany irregularities.

DIMO—THE DUBLIN INKJETMANUFACTURING OPERATIONOn Tuesday night, October 10, it wasoff to JFK airport where I took anovernight Delta flight to Dublin,arriving at 11 AM the next day. Thefollowing day we were off to DIMO, theHewlett-Packard Dublin Inkjet

Manufacturing Operation. The facility,located about 30 minutes out of the city,is where HP manufactures inkjetcartridges for its deskjet printers.

Inkjet Cartridges—The SkinnyWe all feel printer cartridges cost morethan they should. However, rememberthat research and development, 7,000printing patents, top level scientists anda first-rate manufacturing facility likeDIMO all cost money.

Not surprisingly, the obvious take-away from the DIMO event was todemonstrate the superior quality of theinkjet process over the cartridge re-manufacturers or re-fillers. Knownaffectionately at HP as the “remans,”these cartridge cloners simply sellregular ink in a variety of schemes butmostly as do-it-yourself packages,where a syringe-like tube is used toinject inexpensive ink into an empty HPprinter cartridge. Problem is, HP wantsyou to believe that you get what youpay for: they say remans ink doesn’tprint nearly as well in terms of quality,speed and durability as the real thing.

Business is probably better than usualfor HP these days. The stock price isnudging $40 and the company isextending its lead from the competitionpack in several sectors. Last month,both Gartner Inc. and IDC had HPpassing Dell as the world’s leader inpersonal computer shipments during Q3;with a 16.3 percent share of the globalmarket versus 16.1 percent for Dell.

At the time of this writing, HP had notyet announced the results of its Octoberyear-end but all signs point to a verysolid corporate year end. ✔

Gregory B. Michetti of theAlberta-based systemsintegration firm MichettiInformation Solutions, Inc.can be reached viawww.michetti.com

izIT 101with Greg MichettiB

Continued on page 14

Peggy MacTavish

Six days on the roadNew York City - SymantecDublin - Hewlett-Packard



The year-end retirement of Edmonton JournalPublisher Linda Hughes once again brings intofocus the increasing amount of visionary leadershipbeing provided by Alberta women in journalism aswell as in other professions. Ms Hughes proved thatas Southam’s first female editor-in-chief andpublisher.

Also proving her mettle is Sharon MacLean, whosucceeded her late husband Dick as publisher ofEdmontonians, which, assisted by Editor BarbDeters, continues to make its mark here. The sameholds true for Inez Scheideman, publisher of boththe Stony Plain Reporter and Spruce GroveExaminer.

On the electronic side, Daphne Kuehn of CFRNbroke down huge barriers as the first female anchorin Alberta and one of the few in Canada in 1980.Ditto for Marg. Pullishy, host for 25 years of thatstation’s Wednesday’s Child feature whichsuccessfully found homes for unadoptable disabledchildren.

In politics, Helen Hunley of Rocky MountainHouse was our first female Lieutenant Governor…and who will ever forget the second one, ourbeloved Lois Hole. The federal Liberal misfortunesin the last election can’t be blamed on Edmonton’sAnne McLellan, then Deputy Prime Minister. Shewas as effective as Alberta Deputy Premier ShirleyMcClellan has been.

In medicine, Stollery Children’s Hospital PresidentDianne Young has earned many accolades for heraccomplishments. The same for University HospitalFoundation President Myrna Fyfe, and renownedUniversity Hospital physician Dr. Ruth Collins-Nakai, Canadian Medical Association past president.

In education, the U of A’s first female president,Dr. Indira Samarasekera, is making her mark inthat field. The same is true in the care of our needy,as exemplified by Elle Gibson of the Bissell Centre,Marjorie Bencz of the Edmonton Food Bank, PatGarrett of WINGS—Women in Need GrowingStronger, Anne Smith of the United Way, WendyBatty of the Christmas Bureau, and Barrie Brownof the Good Neighbour Fund.

In law, the Chief Justice of Alberta, ourprovince’s No. 1 judiciary position, is the Hon.Catherine Fraser. Recently appointed ChiefJudge for the provincial court is Gail Vickery.

In the world of music, Anne Burrows, totallyblind from birth, is one of the finest musicteachers in the world. In the Aboriginal culture,we’re fortunate to have women like MurielStanley Venne, president and founder of theInstitute for the Advancement of AboriginalWomen.

And let’s not forget the people who, quitesimply, care enough to make a difference—exemplified by Erin James who—with hubbyDave—raised seven wonderful children, openedtheir hearts and home to four more adoptedchildren, and are now waiting for two more viainternational adoptions.

This is an opportune time to thank Ms Hughes,these other exceptional women, and the countlessmore throughout Alberta and Canada, who work sodiligently to make this a better province and land.In these troubling times, with increasing violenceat home and abroad, with punks of all ages takinglives for no justifiable reason, theseladies show us how to make theworld a better place, day by day. ✔

Bruce Hogle is the former news directorat CFRN TV and recently retired head ofthe Alberta Press Council.

edia Minutewith Bruce HogleMThe goal of his research is to develop better and

cheaper delivery systems for online distance learningprograms. Cell-phones could play a very big role ingetting these children into the “virtual classroom”.

So impressed was Gautam Rao, his company will give$100,000 a year to iCORE to support this research. Andthat is how Dr. Anup Basu’s new position came to beknown as the iCORE/Gautum Rao Industry ResearchChair in Multimedia – Advanced Digital Media forEducation.

Recently, I had the honour of participating in theFaculty of Arts Visiting Committee at the Universityof Alberta. It has hosted the daylong event since 1992,inviting leaders of the community to comment onissues of concern to the university. Dean Daniel Wolf,with the help of chair Sol Rolingher of Duncan &Craig LLP, led us through a day focused on thisyear’s theme: citizenship.

You might wonder where a liberal arts education fitswith today’s push for training in the hard sciences andhigh tech. As the Dean pointed out, most of the peoplegoing into other faculties started out in arts orsciences. And the need for people who can thinkcritically and across disciplines will never go away.

There is a tremendous amount of useful researchgenerated by the Faculty of Arts that informs today’spublic concerns, as demonstrated by the workpresented by some of the recipients of the 2006 RogerS. Smith Undergraduate Researcher Awards.

The research of Danielle Taschereau-Mamers andMeena Gupta invoked news imagery, and what theycalled the lost art of contemplation to explorecompassion and obligation in global citizenship. KailaSimoneau, a student in anthropology, combed throughtranscripts of the Berger Inquiry as part of herinvestigation into how today’s aboriginal people viewindustrial development in their region.

As I told Daniel at the end of the day, here I am, ajournalist focused on science and innovation, andwhat’s my educational background? University ofAlberta, Bachelor of Arts, with specializations inpolitical science and sociology. ✔

Cheryl Croucher is an Edmontonbroadcast journalist and host ofInnovation Alberta. You can hear theprogram on CKUA Radio Tuesdays at8pm or download it when you visitwww. innovationalberta.com

Continued from page 13

There is nothing like being away for a month togive you a fresh perspective on the affairs of our city. Ispent October in England, visiting the Cotswolds, theYorkshire Dales, the Lake District, and ended with a weekin London. I remain amazed that a country so smallgeographically, and yet so populous compared withCanada, can have so much green space, so many pastorallandscapes, and areas just as empty as parts of Canada.Among other things, my wife and I did a walking tour ofthe Cotswolds, officially (and in our view) an “area ofoutstanding beauty” northwest of London. We hiked alongcountry roads, across fields, through forests and throughtiny villages. The distances between villages and townsseemed to be vast when we walked admittedly indirectpathways between each (our pedometers routinelyregistered between 12 and 14 miles each day), but turnedout to be only a few miles apart when we took a bus tripthrough the region a few days later. It just goes to show thatlooks can be deceiving – lush countryside and smallvillages co-existing peacefully.

Some solid parallels to Edmonton’s core revitalizationexist in England, too. The City of Manchester, the third-largest urban region in the UK, became the first “industrial”city in the world in the 19th Century. While generallythriving, it retained much of its gritty image through the endof the 20th Century. Its rejuvenation began, ironically, asthe result of a massive IRA bomb blast in the city centre inJune 1996, the largest bomb to be detonated on British soilin that conflict. While the blast caused no deaths, it didinjure more than 200 people and severely damaged thecentral core of the city. The subsequent reconstructionspurred a massive investment in infrastructure, themagnitude of which was showcased with the successful2002 Commonwealth Games, and a number of millenniumprojects.

The population of Manchester’s inner city was less thanEdmonton’s—only 900 people—in 1991. It is now 16,000and is expected to rise to 30,000 by 2016. The 47-storeyBeetham Tower, the tallest residential structure in the UK,

has just been completed, and plans are underway for 40-and 60-storey residential towers. In all, more than 10,000residential units—including townhomes and low-risebuildings—are currently under construction in centralManchester; a further 12,300 have been granted planningpermission. City officials estimate that more than 25,000jobs are being created and businesses, mainly in thefinancial and legal sectors, are growing.

This is not to say that Manchester doesn’t have itsproblems. It has one of the highest crime rates in the UK,and its gang-related problems show little sign of waning.But the city core stands as one of the best examples ofrejuvenation in the UK, if not Europe, and it is also a goodexample of what Edmonton could well become as itsgrowth continues, especially with concepts such as JasperAvenue East.

EEDC’s Connect2Edmonton—C2E—continuesto grow. With more than 600 members in nine countries, ithas become one of the best means of learning andinforming about what’s happening in Edmonton, sharingideas about the city, commenting on current topics,introducing new ones, and promoting the city’s manyattributes. You can vent there too.

C2E’s latest contest, “Great Ideas for a GreaterEdmonton,” ran in October and November, and the resultsshould be available about the same time this columnappears. As EEDC Director of Communications Kenn Burput it to me, “This concept is really without precedent as it’san attempt to gather up ideas from everyone who caresabout Edmonton, big and small, that could improve ourcommunity. Perhaps most importantly, there will be aprocess with C2E volunteers to prioritize the top-10 ideas totransform our region from good to great.” The list shouldbe interesting and likely constructive; and one of the peoplewho contributed to the list will be rewarded with a trip fortwo from Edmonton to London Heathrow, with AirCanada’s non-stop service between the two cities. If youhaven’t checked out C2E, it’s definitely worth a visit:www.connect2edmonton.ca/

I suppose it’s understandable that large-scaleurban redevelopment is almost always controversial.

Century Park, for example, faced open hostility fromsome people because of its size. Yet once approved, its firstresidential phase, One Century Park, sold out in six hours,and I expect that the second phase, Regent at Century Park,will more-or-less follow suit. What I find puzzling,however, is the opposition to a proposed development thatwill be esthetically harmonious and significantly superior towhat currently exists on the site. I’m referring to theHumanity Projects’ proposal for western edge ofGlenora—the area bounded by Stony Plain Road on thesouth, 103 Avenue on the north, 140 Street on the east, and142 Street on the west.

The project, sitting on 4.1 acres of land, the majority ofwhich is currently commercial or vacant (and yes, a coupleof single-family homes are on the site as well), willcombine residences with commercial services as well aspark space with a formal garden and water feature. Morespecifically it would feature five slim, rounded towers ofdescending heights (18 to 10 storeys)—up to 255 condounits, 75 brownstone townhomes, main floor retail andsecond floor professional offices, a park with formalgarden and central water feature, pedestrian mews,widened sidewalks and an entrance plaza, rooftop gardens,full landscaping, and public art. The renderings I haveseen indicate that the project encompasses conspicuouslyupscale architecture by Brinsmead Ziola Kennedy, whichalso is responsible for the distinctive and visually pleasingOmega and Icon condos downtown, among other projects.The tallest tower, at 18 floors, is no higher than theexisting Crescent Place just east of the site; it wasconstructed in 1968.

I do understand that change can sometimes be difficult toembrace. But when that change is a demonstrableimprovement on something that currently exists, it shouldbe welcomed. Edmonton is in fact agrowing city, not just in terms of itspopulation but also in sophistication. Thisproject, in my view, reflects that. I trulyhope it goes ahead. ✔

David Norwood is a freelancewriter/editor. [email protected]

ivic Buzzwith David NorwoodC

Mancheter Exchanges SquareMancheter Exchanges Square

Brimstead Ziola Kennedy rendering of Humanity ProjectsBrimstead Ziola Kennedy rendering of Humanity Projects



y mother started my collection ofnutcrackers in the early 1980s. Forseveral years, she amassed a woodenarmy of soldiers, hunters and monarchs

from among the gingerbread, mulled wine and roastedalmond vendors at the markets of Germany. Since, myassembly has grown to a population of more than 30—eachis a study of superb detailing. From multiple layers oflacquer over bold brushstrokes, to a rustic oil rub overpastel water colours, these figurines are as individual aspeople. I routinely rouse them from a year long slumber toperform the duty of welcoming the festive season andcharming guests with big toothy grins.

CRACKdownThe original nutcracker was a rock. But as civilizationadvanced, so did the implements used for extracting meatfrom nuts. By the Renaissance, nutcrackers had becomeworks of art. According to German folklore, nutcrackerswere given as keepsakes to bring luck and protect homes.Legend says that a nutcracker represented power andstrength, serving like a trusty dog. A fierce protector, thenutcracker bared its teeth to evil spirits while acting as amessenger of good luck and goodwill.

The first nutcracker wood carvings—used as souvenirs,gifts or religious figures—date to the 11th Century. Theearliest were simple and utilitarian, but eventually evolvedinto beautifully crafted brass and carved wood art forms inthe 15th and 16th Centuries. In the German regions ofSonneberg and Erzgebirge, the Ore Mountains were richwith mineral deposits. Many villagers worked in mines, butcarved during winter when the mines were closed. Whenmineral deposits expired, miners turned their pastime into afull-time craft.

Eventually, the one-of-a-kind figures in the form ofsoldiers and kings became a symbol of the region and soldall over Europe. The lathe revolutionized commercialproduction—automation meant mass output of turned pine,

beech and alder wood figurines. In1872 ,Wilhelm Füchtner createdmultiple nutcrackers of the samedesign and began the age of large-scale cracker development andmarketing. Soon, other makersfollowed suit. Two of the mostfamous companies, Steinbach andChristian Ulbricht, continue to thisday with distinctive style variations,creating collectors’ items thatdemand premium prices.

During the18th Century the term Nussknacker appearedin the first dictionary of High German by the BrothersGrimm. The definition: Often in form of a misshaped littleman, in whose mouth the nut, by means of a lever or screw,is cracked open. Monks, police, political leaders and evenNapoleon were recreated as nutcrackers to amuse people,but king and soldier figures were the most popular. Theyalso served as inspiration for the famous 1816 E.T.Ammadeus Hoffmann’s fairy tale, Nussknacker undMausekönig—The Nutcracker and Mouse King. This novelbecame the basis for Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite,which debuted as a ballet in St. Petersburg in 1892. Themillennial year 2000 marked 108 years of the performanceof the ballet. Locally, you can enjoy A Jazzy NutcrackerSuite at the Arden Theatre on December 14th, or thetradional ballet at the Jube from December 15th to 17th.

NUTriciousNuts have formed a major part of man’s diet for nearly780,000 years. A nut was placed in the depression of astone, then hit it with another called the “hammer stone”.Over the centuries, uses for nuts evolved. The shelled nutswere eaten whole or ground with mortar and pestle to makeflour, or a nut butter. Shells were used to fuel fires thatwould cook the nutmeats and render congealed fat forsubsequent cooking.

The oldest walnut fragments—dated from 50,000 BC—were discovered in Iraq. Greeks and Romans were fond ofwalnuts and used them for oil or powdered them to thickenfoods. Thanks to the Spanish Franciscan Fathers whobrought walnuts to California in the 18th Century, the statenow produces much of the world’s supply.

Remains of pecans found in archeological excavations inTexas date back to 6100 BC. Native only to North America,the pecan has been discovered in or near river beds, whereit was a staple in the diets of both natives and early settlers.

We all link the macadamia nut toHawaii, but it actually originated in therain forests of Australia. Brought toHawaii in the late 19th Century, theislands are one of the world’s primarysuppliers today.

Historians say that almonds,mentioned in the Old Testament of theBible, were among the earliestcultivated foods. They were broughtback by the Crusaders returning fromthe Holy Lands in the 11th and 13th

Centuries. Arabian marzipan is a sweet paste candy madefrom ground almonds.

The hazelnut or filbert is also known as the Cobb orSpanish nut. The name filbert comes from St. Philibert, a7th century Frankish abbot, and the nut usually ripens on St.Philiberts day, August 29th. The word hazel comes from anold English word for hood, or bonnet. Introduced toAmerica by a shipment of seeds in 1629, the nut growsprimarily in Oregon and Washington, which produces aboutthree percent of the world’s supply.

The cashew is native to Brazil, but has been widelycultivated in Indian and Africa since the 16th Century.Cashews always come to us shelled because between theouter and inner shells, there is caustic oil. The outer shelland oil are burned or roasted off after which the nut isboiled or roasted again to remove the inner shell.

The brazil nut is native to South America. The nuts areactually large seeds with 15 to 30 arranged in a podweighing four to six pounds. When ripe, it can hit theground with such force that it could kill a mere mortal.Natives split the pods with machetes to remove the seeds.The first reference to the brazil nut dates to 1569 when aSpanish colonial officer collected thousands to feed histroops.

The peanut is not really a nut but a goober… a memberof the pea family. Peanuts originated in South Americawhere Indians had used them over 2000 years. Spanish andPortuguese slave traders introduced them to Africa andEurope, and the slaves in turn brought them to the U.S.Once regarded as a food for the poor, the peanut gainedpopularity in the 20th Century when the demand for peanutoil, roasted and salted peanuts, and peanut butter escalated.

Now call in the wooden army and get cracking. ✔

Contact Linda Bodo at [email protected] or visit absolutebodo.com.

with Linda Bodo

LIVELYlifestyles

MM

NUTCRACKER–sweet!



A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Fred tossed in bed; he couldn’t sleep.Something was bothering him but hecouldn’t put his finger on what it was.Aware of a presence in his room, he asked,“Who’s there?” It was the ghost ofChristmas past who was showing him ascene from not so long ago.

“What am I looking at? Why’s that manso sad? When was this?” Fred asked. “It is1982, the NEP is upon us and fortuneshave been lost. That man owned a highlysuccessful company just like yours.Overnight it all disappeared, taken awayby circumstances beyond his control. Hehad borrowed to finance his rapidexpansion…the banks moved in rightaway.”

“Oh look there’s me,” exclaimed Fred.I’m with my accountant. Look at all thatprofit! I’ll get a big bonus this year andsomething extra special for my wife thisChristmas.” “Your partner wants you tosell,” said the ghost of Christmas present.“He believes the time is right, coming off acareer year. The future looks bright andthere is still money around looking forquality companies.” “What does heknow?” replied Fred. Next year will beeven better for us. The patch is boomingand there’s no end in sight. If he wants tosell so badly I’ll buy him out.”

“Who are you?” “I am the ghost ofChristmas yet to come.” “Is that me sittingon a bus?” asked Fred. “Where is myBenz? I look so old and sad. Why am Igetting off there? Where is my beautifulhome? That dilapidated place can’t bemine! What happened? I used to be sohappy and surrounded by beautiful things,where has it all gone?” “It is not very farin the future,” replied the ghost. “You wona bid on the biggest job in your company’shistory. Of course you didn’t realize thatno one else submitted a bid. You couldn’tget enough workers to complete thecontract; you missed a bank payment andit seized some of your equipment. Thingsjust got worse; buying out your partnerleft you with too much debt to survive.Personal guarantees were the last straw;you lost your house and car. I see you gota Christmas card from your old partner.He’s in Paris with his wife; they both lookvery happy and content.”

Nothing lasts forever. It may be time foryou to re-evaluate your future. Please e-mail [email protected] or call780.441.6793 to explore your options.

To each and every one of you a HappyHoliday Season and a prosperous 2007!

with Stephen W. Kent, CA(780) 448-9099

ACQUISITIONS, DIVESTITURES &

CORPORATE FINANCE

rining a piece of meat today is most definitely afar cry from its original use as a way to preservemeat in ancient times. Long before refrigeration,curing, brining and smoking were ways to

preserve food. That’s why I was a bit taken aback when myeditor, Barb Deters—who loves to try crazy new things in thekitchen—asked me if I was going to brine my turkey thisChristmas.

“It’s so tender and juicy, it will just blow your socks off!It’s pure magic!”

The more I thought about it, the more appealing itsounded. A brine is actually a very salty marinade. Mostcommercial brines have roughly 20 percent salinity. This isequivalent to approximately one pound of salt per gallon ofwater. A lot of the modern home recipes cut back on the saltand add sugar. And this is where the fun begins. It’s what youadd to your brine that makes it distinctly yours.

Many dry salt cures contain sugar, herbs and spices.Nothing in my rule book that says you can’t embellish yourliquid brine: Consider adding rosemary, garlic, onion,peppercorns, hot chili flakes, bay leaves, juniper berries,ginger, cinnamon, cloves, brown sugar, honey or molasses.The key here is to experiment and follow your own tastebuds.

While it’s in the brine, the meat cells absorb the liquiddeep into the meat, along with all of the wonderful flavoursyou’ve added. So the meat has an incredible flavourthroughout… moisture is locked in so it’s unlikely to dry out.Meat usually can loose up to 30 percent of its weight duringcooking. Brining the meat can reduce that to 15 percent.

The amount of time required to properly brine your meator fish depends on the weight of the item. Shrimp or fillets,for example, should only be brined for half an hour. A largeturkey should be left for several hours, or even overnight.Because the bird will be left in the brine for a longer period, alittle less salt may be used.

Place the turkey in a non-reactive container. Barb uses alarge plastic pail, double-lined with garbage bags. After thebird is submerged in the brine, she ties the bags tightly.Please note: Brining must be done in the refrigerator or coldstorage area, one that won’t freeze or rise above 4° C.

Discard the brine after use, and thoroughly rinse yourturkey before cooking.

“The results, John, are out of this world,” Barb gushes.“Oh my God… the taste, you won’t believe it! You’ll neverhave to worry about dry turkey meat again.”

Barb is such a huge fan of brining, many of her meats arenow prepared this way. I can’t wait to try it out thisChristmas.

BARB’S BRINE1 cup sea or Kosher salt1 cup dark brown sugar1 gallon cold water—enough to cover

Mix all ingredients together in a pail or large non-reactivecontainer.

Submerge your turkey completely.Store in a cold place overnight 4°C or cooler.Rinse thoroughly, discard brine, and cook your turkey as

you normally would.

Chef’s Note: Add 2-3 sprigs of fresh rosemary, thyme and aleaf or two of sage to give your bird a real festive kick.

GRANDMA BERRY’S UPPER CANADA STUFFING1 large loaf of Italian or sour dough bread1/2 cup butter melted, plus 3 Tbs. 1 medium-sized purple onion, diced1 apple, cored, peeled and diced6 large white button mushrooms, diced3 celery sticks, diced1/4 cup slivered almonds or walnuts1/4 cup raisins2 cloves fresh garlic, diced fine3-4 Tbs. poultry seasoningCanned turkey broth

Rip or cube bread into large mixing bowl.Sauté onion, celery, mushrooms and garlic in 3 Tbs. of

butter until onion is translucent.Pour over top of bread, with all of the other ingredients

except poultry seasoning and broth. Mix well.Add poultry seasoning to taste. Mix well.Pour 1/2 to 3/4 cup turkey broth over mixture.Stuff the cavity of your turkey. Scoop out when bird is

done and enjoy!

Visit edmontonians.com for Chef John’s Turkey Tips andreceipes for Smokey Mountain Potatoes and broccoliCasserole.

Contact Chef John Berry at [email protected]

BB

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Have a Brine time this Christmas!

with Chef John Berry

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Season’s Greetings from

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