The Calgary December 2011

FREE ReportingJournal on the people, issues, and events that shape our city

WORLD JUNIORS COMING TO TOWN Hockey Special: p. 15 - 20 POLITICS CALGARY VOICES FAMILY LIFE YOUTH MOVEMENT LACKING CHRISTMAS SPIRIT SISTERHOOD

Page 8 | PC youth leader faces Page 11 | Retail workers deal Page 21 | Twin sisters deal with exciting challenges with people at their worst cystic fibrosis together Inside the Calgary Journal...

Editor-in-Chief Print Kathryn McMackin

Editor-in-chief online Tessa Clayton

Assignment Editors Shane Flug Vanessa Gillard Matthew O’Connor

Photo Editors Derek Neumeier Derrick Newman

Our City Editors Laura Lushington Jenni O’Nyons

Calgary Voices Editor Thomi Olson

Environment/Money/ Politics Editor Steve Waldner

Healthy Living Editor Kim Wright

Technology/Living in Style/Books Editor

Photo: Jodi Egan/ Calgary Journal Stefan Strangman P. 26 | Heritage Park hosts their unique and increasingly popular Big Rock Interpretive Brewing Course. Family Life Allison Chorney OUR CITY ENVIRONMENT HEALTHY LIVING Things To Do Editor Community connection Breaking down barriers New tobacco labels Ashley Tymko Page 5 | How community Page 13 | One Calgary CEO breaks Page 25 | Shocking new warnings associations help new down the sterotype of what an to make their way onto cigarette Calgary Arts Editor neighbourhoods develop environmentalist really is packs Tatum Anderson Sports Editor POLITICS TECHNOLOGY CALGARY ARTS Bryce Forbes PC youth face challenge Drinking and dialing Local museum touchstone Supervising Editors Page 8 | The Progressive Page 14 | A look at how new Page 30 | Cantos music foundation Shauna Snow-Capparelli Sally Haney Conservative Youth of Alberta sees technology can save us from holds tours of famous instruments influx of members — but can they making the mistake of calling and from around the world Production Manager/ keep them? texting after a night out Advertising Brad Simm CALGARY VOICES FAMILY LIFE SPORTS ph: (403) 440-6946 Following daddy’s footsteps Produced by journalism students Off the road Let’s learn manglish | Former NHLers now at Mount Royal University, the Page 9 | How the loss of a Page 23 | Local matchmaker Page 35 teaching their daughters lessons in Calgary Journal is a community grandfather’s driver’s licence affects helps women communicate with hockey newspaper that reports on the him and his family opposite sex people, issues and events that shape our city. We are the proud winners of the 2010 Pacemaker award for North American newspaper excellence from the Associated Collegiate Press.

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2 December 2011 | calgaryjournal.ca Lighting up the world Local non-profit organization aims to make a big difference with just a little light bulb TANIS BROWN | [email protected]

rom a little white house nestled amongst the sky- scrapers of downtown Calgary, local non-profit F organization, Light Up The World, is attempting to conquer a hefty goal — to bring light to the roughly 1.4 billion people across the world who have no access to electricity. Working in remote villages in over 50 countries across the globe, Light Up The World and its partner organizations work with communities to implement a sustainable energy system using LED lights to brighten the homes, — and the lives — of local families. “Energy and light are a basic service, like water, that is integral in the daily lives of people,” said Ada Yee, the manager of Light Up The World’s regional office in Peru. Bright light now bursts from the 27,000 homes Light Up The World has touched — replacing the flickering candlelight and kerosene lamps that many families use in the absence of electricity, with solar-powered LED lighting systems. Just a simple change has proven to have huge effects on the community: boosting the economy, allowing for Photo courtesy of Christoph Schultz better educational opportunities and improving health — all while doing right by the environment, Yee said. A Guatemalan family stands outside their modest home after it has been fitted with electricity by “The technology exists to give a better quality and Light Up The World technicians. higher quantity of light in a safe, environmentally After the organization was officially formed in 2001, Working alongside the Light Up The World staff dur- friendly, efficient and cost-effective manner to coun- Light Up The World focused on the development of ing installation are community nominated technicians, tries that may possibly never have access to the type of hardware that could be brought into communities eas- who are taught to install, maintain and troubleshoot electricity that we are familiar with,” Yee said. ily, inexpensively and sustainably. problems that may arise with the lighting system after The organization got its start when Dave Irvine- Today —14 years since Irvine-Halliday’s eureka the organization has left. Halliday, a professor of electrical engineering at the Uni- moment occurred in Nepal — Light Up The World has “This is probably the most important sustainability versity of Calgary, stumbled across a dimly lit classroom expanded upon the professor’s original goal by acting element to our work, not only because the components in rural Nepal in 1997. Children could be seen hunched as an intermediary between the companies that make of the system are durable and last many years, but over books trying to study by candlelight, their eyes LED technology and the communities that express a because it also gives autonomy to the community and squinting as they struggled to read. need for it. control over their own resources,” Yee said. “The issue that he was trying to address was not the Careful consideration goes into the development of The role the technicians play in the community: fact that they didn’t have light, but that they were using an electrical system, as the organization analyzes the collecting payments, explaining installation, fixing kerosene, which is very polluting and still doesn’t pro- community’s resources, economic ca- problems that arise — all in the local duce a lot of light,” said Christoph Schultz, the organiza- pacity, culture and other social aspects language — is empowering, said Rob- tion’s program director. that may challenge the project’s suc- ert Beattie, who worked with Light Up Irvine-Halliday had heard about advances in technol- cessful implementation, Schultz said. The World in Guatemala last spring. ogy that made it possible for LEDs to be used for gen- “We try to work with communities The team finds enormous change in eral illumination instead of just indicator lights and saw and encourage them to be a part of the the communities when they check up this as a solution to the children’s problem, Schultz said. decision making process,” he said. on them years later said Schlutz. “If you just donate systems, it doesn’t work,” he “The technicians gain confidence in knowing they added. “If you don’t focus on training and building can work with the technology,” he said. ”Just seeing the systems that match what people are already using for light go on in their minds, in understanding and learn- energy and get people to make contributions to the ing is so rewarding. project themselves, it isn’t sustainable.” “In rural homes before the system, people were Llamas, alpacas, and sheep gave the Light Up The spending as much as 40 per cent of their income on World team a puzzling look at they pass through the light. You realize if you didn’t have to spend that much village in their four-by-four trucks, full to the brim with what you could do with that extra money.” the equipment needed to execute the installation, said Walking up the path towards a woman’s home in Yee. The local people greet the team warmly, their eyes Costa Rica, Schultz said he reflected on what Light Up widening as the gear is unloaded. The World had taught him personally. As bright light “We go into some areas where people have never illuminated the leaves on the banana trees that lined even seen electric light before,” Schultz says. “We ex- the path to the front door, Schultz said he appreciated plain the technology to them using analogies they can that, in many cases, access to electricity is exactly the understand — relating light to water.” difference between us here in Calgary and situations in If families decide to have the system implemented in other countries. their home, they are required to make small contribu- “Just think of everything that we do here with light. tions to help with installation. The remainder of the It’s really the technology that enables us to do what we costs are subsidized based on the communities needs do,” said Schultz. by funding the organization receives from donors, “There are a lot of reasons why this work is important, Photo courtesy of Christoph Schultz Schultz said. reasons that we here don’t even think about because Francisca Lorenzo, with her child, in their dimly “They are paying what they used to pay in candles to we have light. lit home as it is wired with a LED lighting system. pay off the system,” he added. “We take it for granted.” December 2011 | calgaryjournal.ca 3 Bringing ethical farming to urban Alberta Food council seeks to engage government in urban farming practices CONNOR BELL | [email protected] hile the defence of food is a trendy topic these days, “We firmly believe that local food equals local jobs,” foods right now and that’s a place where we want to see Wfew people are willing to step up on a local level to said Hughes, adding the group is committed to environ- government get involved, starting to create incentives,” seriously engage in pursuing an ethical, green agenda. mentalism as good business. he said. But, a new organization called the Alberta Food Policy Although the health and environmental benefits from With the City of Calgary being the largest landholder Council is doing exactly that. local, organic produce are known, the Alberta council in the city itself, Hughes said he feels a lot of that space Paul Hughes, an outspoken Calgary-based green activ- takes it further, by maintaining the economic gains to be could be better used for food. ist and one of the group’s main founders, said progres- had from small, urban gardens are too good to pass up. “There are literally thousands of acres of land that sive, sustainable farming is the name of the game. “We’re trying to tap into the research that’s already are just empty and would be suitable for this,” he said. been done, not reinvent the wheel,” added Hughes. “Just “Tax opportunities, employment and training go along take what’s out there and apply it in an Albertan context.” with that.” The Alberta council was partly established as a way Hughes said he wants the Alberta council to help local around the Calgary council, which fell to the wayside legislators to make it easier for small-scale technology after it was entangled in municipal bureaucracy during its such as greenhouses and new gardening methods, to extensive contact with various committees at the City of become available to more people in more places. Calgary, said Hughes. Hughes also said the council was at “If we can extract oil from the sand, I’m sure we can a standstill with its initiatives. start to advance the technology for extending growing Chelsea Pratchett, who helped with the Calgary Food seasons to six months,” said Hughes. Policy Council with Hughes in 2008, said she thinks the On their website, the council cites increased food secu- new council is definitely needed. rity and accessibility for urban centres as a key part of their “We need more people who are realistic about what policy, with assistance for small producers and farmers in we can accomplish as citizens and as a grassroots move- more rural areas. ment on a policy level,” she said. Urban agriculture isn’t the only thing the Alberta coun- Evan Woolley, communications advisor at the City of cil plans to tackle in the future. Hughes said it’s going so Calgary’s Office of Sustainability, said a committee is cur- far as to hire a researcher, whose job would involve “ex- rently making an assessment of the Calgary food system, panding the economic potential for local food systems” whose results will be taken to a municipal council next and helping the Alberta council create the arguments to spring. He stressed that the committee is made up of a support local initiatives. diverse cross system of people in the food system. While that position is open for now, there is still no Pratchett said she hopes the new council will remain shortage of help, said Hughes, as the group will rely light-footed, and “able to work with the province rather on other councils for initial support from the network Photo: Connor Bell/Calgary Journal than under the province.” of around 150 food policy councils throughout North Paul Hughes, a founder of the Alberta Food Hughes added the new council still plans on extensive America. Policy Council, said the province needs contact with municipal governments throughout Alberta. For more information on the Alberta Food Policy Coun- progressive, sustainable farming practices. “There just isn’t a lot of work out there for sustainable cil, visit albertafoodpolicycouncil.blogspot.com Aboriginal women’s program aims to explore

leadership roles ERICA POLLOCK | [email protected] arri-Lynn Paul was sitting at home with her newborn useful, Paul said. the only aboriginal person in the room. To have that Kbaby watching TV when she saw a commercial on “The relationships that I developed with the other comradery, it was amazing.” Aboriginal Peoples Television Network for a certificate women and with the mentors are something that I think program targeted at aboriginal women. is everlasting,” she said. “That was the highlight for me of She quickly scribbled down a phone number and web the whole program.” address, beginning her journey. Marie Delorme, a mentor in the program, said she “In my experience, I hadn’t heard a lot about any agreed with Paul. “I go on Facebook and I see everyone programs specifically targeting indigenous women in talking to each other, and they are keeping up this Canada,” Paul said. “This opportunity came along and I network that will sustain them for the rest of their lives,” fit the requirements and I jumped on it.“ she said. The program is called the Indigenous Women in Com- An opportunity like this is important because women munity Leadership Program and are often the movers and shakers in a com- is based out of the Coady Interna- munity, and the program allows women to tional Institute at St. Francis Xavier explore those leadership possibilities, said University in Nova Scotia. Sheila Isaac, the program manager. Imperial Oil Foundation and Paul added: “The experience helped me ExxonMobil Foundation fund the recognize some strengths in myself that I program. Each student receives a didn’t see before I went there. I know that full scholarship that includes tuition, travel, accommoda- my experience has led to these really great things in my tion and meals. life.” The program lasts for four months and, in this time, Also, the idea of having only indigenous women cre- Photo: Erica Pollock/Calgary Journal women receive campus training and create a project ates for a real sense of family and community, Paul said. that is uniquely their own, which they present at the end “You walk into the room and you know that people Karri-Lynn Paul and Marie Delorme reflected on of the program. just accept you,” she said. “I don’t get that anywhere — the skills taught in the Indigenous Women in But, it wasn’t just the hands-on experience that was especially at a higher level in academia. You are typically Community Leadership Program over coffee. 4 December 2011 | calgaryjournal.ca Building community associations from ground up LAURA LUSHINGTON | [email protected]

Photo: Laura Lushington/Calgary Journal Frederic Ghogomu, president of the Sky View Ranch Community Association, said money is one of the problems facing a young community association.

ith Calgary continuing to grow For Rocky Ridge and Royal Oak, the door to explain what the community Scott said new community associations outward, new subdivisions are main issue, said Scott, is the unfulfilled association started for and to encourage don’t usually own their own buildings and Wup on the outskirts of our city. promise by the developers of the commu- (residents) … to really get involved and must rely on local public spaces. And with new communities come new nity to build amenities such as pathways come with ideas with how we can help However, some developers are taking community associations. and green spaces. Although Scott said the community to grow.” note of this need. The new subdivisions There are 148 community associations they weren’t doing anything illegal, he One way both Ghogomu and Scott of Mahogany and Copperfield in the currently operating in Calgary, said Leslie stated many residents felt like they were said is an easy way for young community southeast have been developed with Evans, executive director of the Federation not getting the community they believed associations to gain members is to start a community associations in mind, provid- of Calgary Communities. they had bought their homes in. children’s soccer program. ing a home to the Marquis de Lorne This is high number considering the “We had an issue that brought a group Ghogomu said having a soccer pro- Community Association. Hopewell, the concept of a community association run of residents together for a common gram also helps to ensure the community developer who built both communi- by volunteers in the neighbourhood is purpose; to form an association so that we will succeed for years to come, because it ties, provided the community associa- unique to our city. Edmonton has com- had a voice,” he said. will “help these kids to be leaders of the tion with a building to use, said Leslie munity leagues, and municipalities run Once the community association was community tomorrow.” Haubrich, the president of the Marquis associations in the rest of Canada, but officially formed in 1997, Scott and his However, beginning a soccer program, de Lorne Community Association, who is Evans said the Calgary model is unheard fellow board members had to tackle two along with administrative and insurance also the sales co-ordinator for Hopewell. of anywhere else in the country. problems that face all new community needs, requires a financial commit- Haubrich goes on to say that Hopewell “They’re all independent, not-for-profit associations — finding volunteers and ment. A community association can be was instrumental in developing the com- organizations that are registered with the having enough money to operate. registered for only $50; however, the munity association, although the associa- Societies Act of Alberta,” said Evans about “The biggest challenge is to convince organizations require a few thousand tion is run by volunteers. Calgary community associations. people that they can make a difference,” dollars a year to operate. Nonetheless, the association still faces “They all have a similar mandate, but Scott said. In the case of the Rocky Ridge Royal the same problems that other communi- how they carry out their work is unique as “They are an integral part of the whole Oak Community Association, Scott said ties, which don’t have the help of develop- the communities are,” she added. (community) and without their assistance the founding members reached into ers, struggle with. When the communities of Rocky Ridge we may not be able to achieve that which their pockets to get the association go- “We do have our growing pains,” said and Royal Oak in northwest Calgary were they feel they have bought into — a sense ing. They later made a membership fee Haubrich. “It takes a lot of volunteer time. established in the mid ‘90s, Bill Scott saw of community. Without involvement, mandatory as part of the registration for It’s like a small business where you have to a need for a community association soon without an act of participation, things athletic programs. mother it and make it grow.” after he moved in. aren’t going to happen.” Sky View Ranch’s association, mean- But if the fact that Calgary has almost Describing himself as the “instigator,” This is difficult, he added, “especially while, relied on a donation from a local 150 communities proves anything, it’s Scott, along with four of his neighbours, in new communities, people are more dental clinic to run its soccer program this that the positives of having a community banded together to create the Rocky concerned with drapes and sodding their year, said Ghogomu. He said he hopes association greatly outweigh the time and Ridge Royal Oak Community Association. lawns than they are with anything else.” other businesses in the community will be effort it takes to create one. “I think, like in every new community, Reaching out to residents is also a able to help them continue with the soc- “They’re a place that you can walk to, there are issues that are not resolvable by main concern of Frederic Ghogomu, cer program as well as the financial means to meet your neighbours, to enjoy rec- one individual,” said Scott, who was the the president of the Sky View Ranch to add others. reational activities, to create a sense of president of the community association Community Association. Another issue facing new community belonging,” said Evans, of the Federa- for 10 years. With the group slightly more than a associations is where they can run their tion of Calgary Communities. “And they can only be successfully year old, Ghogomu said the association’s programs or hold meetings. Unlike those “I think they are the hubs for com- resolved by groups coming together.” board members are going “door-to- in more established neighbourhoods, munity life.”

December 2011 | calgaryjournal.ca 5 New book explores YWCA’s relationship with Calgarians Effort to research and write new book a long journey says editor KARRY TAYLOR | [email protected]

from concept to publication. An inter- 1960s had a significant impact on both esting part of the book is the relation- the YWCA and Calgary. ship between the history of the YWCA “There were very strong parallels and of Calgary itself, said Tunstall. with what was happening with the “One of the main things we wanted women’s movement and social issues to do was document a chapter of in Calgary and how the YWCA was women’s history in Calgary,” she said. coping with the issue,” said Fanella. “This is an important social agency in For example, family violence came the history of Calgary as it focuses on into the spotlight in the 1980s and the women. That was why we wanted to YWCA became involved with the Sher- do this book.” riff King Home (a women’s shelter).” Fanella said her involvement in the TrailBlazing Women project left a great impression. Jakobsen wrote the first three chapters “What really hit home with me was

Photo: Karry Taylor/Calgary Journal and did a great deal of the primary how prevalent family violence was,” Antonella Fanella, left and Pernille Jakobsen co-authored “Creating research. Her work focused on the early she said. “Having grown up in Calgary, period of the YWCA — from 1907 to 1969. it was always something that was hid- Cornerstones: A History of the YWCA of Calgary.” She said as a historian, the material den and not talked about. hifting through a century worth of officially launched the book during a she worked with reinforced an image “I was struck by how it affected not official documents, handwritten public event held at Fort Calgary. she had of early 20th-century women, just the family but how it affects the Snotes, scrapbooks and old pho- The group received a grant from the not as stereotypical “do-gooders,” but as community.” tographs would be a daunting task on Calgary Foundation to do the centen- “intelligent and savvy business women, its own. Add to that a year and a half of nial project in 2009. They, along with who were out to promote the good of the A Book for All Readers compiling all the material, self-publishing the Calgary YWCA board decided that a women around them. The design of the book was crafted to a book based on it, and the end result is a history of the organization was in order. “There were lots of instances of them appeal to a wide audience said Tunstall. labour of love. asserting themselves and trying really “We wanted something that was “Creating Cornerstones: A History of A Big Project hard to make their objective known. Even accessible – that people could dip in the YWCA of Calgary” is a pictorial and Creating the book was no small under- in the period before they had the vote,” and out of,” she added. “It had to be written account of the YWCA of Calgary’s taking, said the book’s editor. she said. highly readable with lots of pictures, first 100 years, pioneering women’s and “We self-published, so that involved and yet a historical, women’s based children’s rights, in addition to tackling finding a book designer and making YWCA’s Work Reflects a record. issues such as domestic violence, health sure the layout was proper as well as Changing Society “We didn’t want it to be an aca- care and homelessness. acting as both fact-checker and editor,” Fanella, responsible for writing the fi- demic book. We didn’t want it to be Lee Tunstall, the book’s editor and said Tunstall. nal two chapters of the book covering full of footnotes, but it had to be project manager, along with authors The project, which got underway the period from 1970 to 2010, noted properly researched. And I think we Pernille Jakobsen and Antonella Fanella, in early 2010, took roughly 18 months the social changes that began in the found a pretty good balance.” From college dropouts to young entrepreneurs Brothers achieve success promoting electronic talent JAN ERIKA RECARRO | [email protected] he club is packed with people of all ages edging to- lifestyle,” which all Ink members have happily em- Richard said. “School is for some people, but not for us.” T ward the dance floor. Everyone is talking excitedly braced. The Zwarych brothers said this is a large part of Despite their quick success, their journey has not and sipping drinks as the sense of anticipation grows the reason that love what they do. been without a few uphill battles along the way, with within the venue. Every weekend consists of a party for them, some one of their biggest obstacles in the business being Then the beat drops. lasting as long as two to three days. their age. Suddenly the crowd erupts, hands rise high in the air “Half the time we’re in the crowd enjoying ourselves “No one takes you seriously at this age,” Patrick said. and hundreds of bodies move to the pulses as the DJ too,” said Brad Fernandez, a staff member and DJ for Ink “You’re perceived young, you’re perceived stupid,” starts his set. Promotions. added Richard. In amongst the crowd are two of Calgary’s young en- The party lifestyle has become their territory and In order to overcome this obstacle, the Zwarych trepreneurs, brothers Richard, 21, and Patrick Zwarych, something that they are well known for said the broth- brothers try to act “more responsible and mature,” add- 19, who took over Ink Promotions, an electronic promo- ers. But, they add it is the hard work that occurs during ing that it’s all about how you present yourself, whether tional group that brings in world-renowned talent and the weekdays that has allowed them to accomplish so it be in person, email or phone. throws events at some of Calgary’s top nightclubs. much. Regardless of any obstacles or struggles the Zwarych The brothers say that since they took ownership of “A huge thing for me and Patrick is the fact that a lot brothers have faced, their business venture into Ink Ink Promotions, the company has grown in success and of people think this comes really easy,” said the older Promotions has proven successful for them. popularity. In the past year alone they have hosted top Zwarych brother. ”Most of Ink is what you don’t see — The young entrepreneurs said they have many artists like Skrillex, Deadmau5 and Armin van Buuren, it’s what we do during the week to make it all happen.” plans for the new year. Though they are keeping and hosted a Halloween event known as Cemetery of The brothers share 50 per cent of the workload, put- future plans tightly under wraps, they have made Sound, which drew more than 5,000 attendees. ting in full-time hours from Monday to Friday. it very clear that they plan to continue with Ink They say they believe their achievements are largely Like some successful people in the world, both Promotions, as well as branch out into different due to the decision to run their company more like a Richard and Patrick Zwarych dropped out of university, business ventures. family than with a rigid hierarchial structure. where they were studying entrepreneurship and mar- “We’ll be here for a while. I don’t see us going “Everyone in Ink is all good friends. It’s not like they’re keting, respectively. anywhere. Why would we walk away from some- our promoters, like they work for us,” Patrick said. “I respect people who are going to school, but for us thing that we love?” Richard said. “We’re not going The nature of Ink Promotions is that of a “rock star we’re just doing our own thing and it’s working out,” to slow down.”

6 December 2011 | calgaryjournal.ca E-fare to debut this Handing over control summer of Calgary Transit? Not all transit users are convinced Decision expected spring 2012 electronic payment will be a success Aryn Guthrie | [email protected] Aryn Guthrie | [email protected] he City of Calgary is studying not an effective form,” Hamilton said. T the pros and cons of having an “They have nothing but politics trying independent commission governing to press for their pet projects.” Calgary’s transit system. TransLink in Vancouver is a transit The commission would mean that commission with representatives city council would have reduced con- from regional mayors and a separate trol over the governance of Calgary board of directors. Transit in hopes to better monitor “TransLink is a corporation held in complaints. the public trust; we encourage city A commission would hold more council to look at a system closer to authoritative power, unlike the TransLink,” Hamilton said. Calgary Transit established Customer Ald. Diane Colley-Urquhart said Advisory Group—a group based on in her notice of motion that “public volunteer input on how to improve transit is a high priority service for Photo: Aryn Guthrie/Calgary Journal customers transit experience. city council and Calgarians, with citi- Calgary Transit’s “Connect Smart Card” will reduce the need for individual Council will consider a recommen- zens identifying transit as one of the tickets and digging through pockets for coins to pay fares. dation from city bureaucrats in May most important and pressing issues algary Transit plans to implement how much you had on it.” 2012 to approve or disapprove the facing the city.” C a new way to pay for transit in Theresa Schroder, a communica- commission. In an October interview with the June 2012. tions strategist for Calgary Transit TransitCamp, a subdivision of Calgary Herald, Colley-Urquhart also The new electronic fare payment said they decided to implement the CivicCamp is a Calgary based transit said the commission should be a gov- system will allow consumers to pay system after careful research. advocacy group investigating issues erning body that reports to the city’s fares with the tap of a card. Essential- “We don’t have unlimited money, and concerns of Calgary Transit. Wil- transportation committee. ly, the system will act like a Calgary we wanted to gauge how successful it liam Hamilton, co-chair of Transit- “It’d be a smart move,” said Van- Transit gift card, deducting the fare was in other cities before we put it into Camp said the effectiveness depends essa Ladoucer, who relies on transit from the card’s balance. There will be Calgary,” she said. “We’ve looked into on the form. as her primary means of transporta- the option of disposable, pre-loaded cities all over the world, such as Van- “If they can come up with a solu- tion. “We need a group of people or re-loadable cards. tion that responds to the needs of whose job is to focus specifically on It will be called the “Connect Smart “We’ve looked Calgarians, then absolutely we want transit without the politics.” Card,” after Calgary Transit held a con- to be apart of a solution that works,” Anna Lakatous, a Calgary Transit test asking Calgarians to submit and into cities all over Hamilton said. rider of five years, agreed a commis- vote on a name. 0 Many cities, particularly in Eastern sion is a step in the right direction. But one eight-year rider of Calgary the world, such Canada, already have independent “I think (a Calgary Transit commis- Transit isn’t convinced this new system commissions, like the Toronto Transit sion) would be a good idea, as long will thrive. as Vancouver, Commission and the Montreal Transit as the service gets better. It would “I don’t think that the electronic Corp.; however, control differs in be able to make their own decisions fare payment will be successful,” said Saskatoon, Miami, regards to political and public input. instead of council making it for Gabrielle Nadon. “People who want that The Toronto Transit Commission them.” access to the train have other payments Madrid – it’s seemed consists of nine city councillors, ap- “We think it’s time for Calgary like students and youth with bus passes pointed by city council. The commis- Transit to grow up,” Hamilton said. and transit tickets. to have worked.” sion’s chair and vice chair are elected “They’ve been stuck at the kiddie “The system would only be targeted separately by the commission. table too long; it’s time for Calgary “The Toronto Transit Commission is Transit to govern itself.” at a small number of people; not having — Theresa Schroder, enough of a benefit. The only people communications strategist who might buy it are casual transit users, Calgary Transit people who go to the bar or a football game on a Friday night.” couver, Saskatoon, Miami, Madrid—it’s However, Victoria Lo, a transit user seemed to have worked.” for seven years, said she believes the Schroder said e-fares won’t be electronic system will prove useful. saving Calgary Transit money in the “If you just have to have the card on long run, stating they still have costs you and scan it, I think it’d be a great idea such as getting the cards printed. because it’s like the U-Pass (a sticker on According to a brochure from the City the ID cards of university students), and of Calgary, it will cost $7 million to it’s so convenient.,” she said. implement the new system. “I think people would rather the She added it is more to benefit card over the packets of train tickets,” passengers but the system will benefit she added. Calgary Transit by providing more data. Photo: Aryn Guthrie/Calgary Journal “You can reload the card, meaning less “The new system isn’t costing (riders) Some Calgary Transit riders said they hope an independent commission waste. The only problem I see with the more money than bus passes. It’s more will allow the system to run more effectively because it won’t be influenced card is that you’d have to keep track of of a convenience for transit users.” by politics. December 2011 | calgaryjournal.ca 7 New PC youth leader challenged to engage members Young people seeking alternate means of social engagement Steve Waldner | [email protected]

While the number of members is up, Legate said his biggest challenge is to find out “how to maintain (that level of membership). We want to keep them engaged and active, and we want to bring them into the next general election.” Keeping the young members of groups like the PC engaged in politics can prove to be quite a challenge — statistically, the young demographic is one that is becom- ing less politically engaged, said Lori Williams, a professor of political science at Mount Royal University. This is a trend Legate said is propagated both by the political parties and the youth themselves. “I don’t think political parties are necessarily all reaching out to incorporate more youth, and I also don’t think that youth are trying to get their voices heard through political parties,” Legate said. “I think they go through different means such as interest groups, petitions, protests rallies, and they don’t realize this is a really effective way to get

Photo courtesy of Progressive Conservative Youth of Alberta their voices heard.” Evan Legate stands with other members of the PYCA at their AGM. However, it’s oftentimes the overbearing nature of Clockwise from back: Shantel Beach, Evan Legate, Paul Keenan, Chris Carlile, Thomas Ockley political parties that deter youth from joining them, Williams said. wo-and-a-half months after the Progressive Con- the party sometimes lack — energy. “I think one of the reasons we are seeing a servative Party of Alberta elected a new leader and “The biggest thing is the hard work and the enthu- decline is there are other options for making a T premier of Alberta, another leader has been put siasm,” he said. “I know during the campaigns, we’re difference, other options for having an impact on into power in the party — not for the head of the group asked to do a lot of the ground work. We provide a society, other options that that aren’t as impli- itself, but rather a head of their youth. united voice (for the youth), and bring hard work, dedi- cated in the established flaws or problems that Evan Legate, a student at the University of Calgary cation, enthusiasm and energy.” exist,” she said. taking his master’s in political science, was named the However, it is keeping up this energy and enthusiasm “It’s almost like you’re joining an endless process new president of the Progressive Conservative Youth of that creates Legate’s greatest challenge. Following the when you go into formal politics, whereas if you’re Alberta in the group’s annual general meeting in Banff on leadership election at the end of September, the youth or- engaging in political issues outside of that, it’s some- Nov. 20. ganization saw a large influx of members — boosting its thing you can get accomplished on a short-term The 23-year-old, who has been involved with the group current numbers to over 1,000 — and while a good thing, basis or it can be something very concrete you can for the past year and a half, said there are a number of this has created new problems for the group, he said. attach your efforts and energy to.” reasons to be involved in the youth-wing of a party. “It’s a great way to have your voice heard within the party; it’s a great learning experience,” Legate said. “You learn how politics work.” As well, he said the party provides an opportunity to network and speak directly with the ministers and MLAs of the party, who Legate said are “really approachable.” One of those listening to the unified voices of the members of the PC youth group is Bill Smith, president of the Progressive Conservative Association of Alberta. “Every member of our party brings a different perspec- tive, and the youth perspective is helpful in a lot of ways, especially in that they are oftentimes really fresh ideas,” Smith said. As well, the party hasn’t ignored the youth’s penchant for the use of social media, he said. “They are bringing a lot of new things in terms of social media,” he said. “The knowledge and experience they have is really helping us as we develop our social media work.” Photo courtesy of Progressive Conservative Youth of Alberta Legate also said the members of his organization bring Legate became president of the Progressive Conservative Youth of Alberta at their annual general something else to the table that the general members of meeting in Banff on Nov. 20. 8 December 2011 | calgaryjournal.ca My grandfather’s rules of the road How a lifelong passion for driving ended abruptly with a checkmark on a medical form Tanis Brown | [email protected] riving along the highway, I glance over at A Passion for the man who has been there for me my driving Dentire life, my grandfather Adrian. I remem- My grandfather fell in ber riding in the passenger seat of his old Pontiac love with driving at a convertible as a little girl with a big grin plastered young age. Growing on my face. Telling jokes and pointing out interest- up on a farm in Hythe, ing sights as we cruised along, there was never a Alta., his father taught dull moment with him behind the wheel. him to drive at just 10 Today, the drive is much less exciting. At age 83, years old. His father it’s my grandfather who occupies the passenger gave him a driver’s test seat. Laughter replaced by silence, he stares blankly at home and deemed out the car window, the smiles drained from his him ready to be behind aging face as I pull into the parking lot of the local the wheel when he was grocery store. able to accelerate and A little more than a year ago, a checkmark on a brake without spilling a medical form had my grandfather sitting nervously, glass of water that was waiting in a room full of “hooligans” ­— his term for sitting on the floor of anyone under the age of 25 ­— to retake his driver’s their standard-trans- test. mission car. Little did he know, the short drive he had taken “In those days, get- just moments before would be his last. ting your licence was as Slouching over in disappointment after receiving simple as getting your the news he had failed the test, he faced the reality parents permission,” my that he had just lost the right to drive. grandfather said. “You Photo: Tanis Brown/ Calgary Journal just went into town, Adrian Hawthorne posing for a picture on one of his last trips down to Arizona. gave them a dollar and you got your licence.” He purchased his first car — a forest green 1932 A lost licence, a loss of independence Chevrolet Roadster — from his father for $50. It was a It was no surprise that my grandfather came home big change from the horse he used to ride school. with a checkmark on his medical form ­­­— requiring “I know I put more miles on my dad’s car then he him to undergo another driver’s test. His doctor ever did,” bragged my grandfather. had clued in to what the rest of my family had In his 20s, my grandfather worked on the rigs, known for months; my grandfather was too old to pinching pennies to fund his road trip habit. He be driving. would head south with little more than a road map “He just did not pay attention the way he used and the clothes on his back. to,” my mom said. “It wasn’t safe, but I didn’t have My grandfather retired in 1988 — after a the heart to tell him, we just tried to avoid giving whirlwind of cars. He finally had the time, and the him the opportunity to drive.” freedom to do the kind of driving he had always Without consulting us, my grandfather drove dreamed of. himself to a small office that administered road After many winters spent travelling across the tests. Annoyed at the inconvenience, he was United States, he and my grandmother fell in love confident he would pass the test. When it came to with desert landscapes and eventually landed in a driving, failure was not in his vocabulary. retirement trailer park in Arizona. When I’d visit my “Most old people have lived all their lives driving grandfather, he would take me for desert drives for that same way, and the tester just doesn’t see that,” hours. I would have been about eight at the time, complained my grandfather. but I have never seen him as happy as he was then. Disappointment and embarrassment gave way The sun glistening on his sandy grey hair, a huge to anger as he exchanged a few choice words with smile caused his crow’s feet around his eyes to the man who told him he had failed. I really believe deepen that much further. that man broke my grandfather’s heart when he did In 2005, my grandfather’s world changed forever. what none of the rest of us could do. Photo: Tanis Brown/ Calgary Journal “If I couldn’t drive the way I wanted to, I wasn’t Brown’s grandfather leaning on the hood of a car He unsafely drove through an intersection, earning his pickup a nice dent. This was when my grand- going to drive at all,” declared my grandfather. on his parent’s farm in Hythe, Alberta in 1953. mother began to doubt my grandfather’s ability With the realization that his life behind the “I just drove the way I had always driven, but the to drive. For the first time in 18 years, they did not wheel was over, the realization that he was get- rules have changed dramatically,” said my grand- make their annual trip to Arizona. ting older began to sink it. It’s clear to us all that father. For a while, my grandfather hoped that he could the loss of his licence was about much more then My mom and I stepped up to the plate, taking change my grandmother’s mind, but eventually not having a way to get around: it was a loss of my grandparents wherever they needed to go. he gave up and sold his beloved truck and trailer. independence, a loss of his dignity and a loss of Eventually, my grandmother stopped worrying I don’t think he has ever been the same since he his zest for life. about getting the necessities and we thought the watched it drive away. The realization that his While he still struggles to accept what has hap- situation had been resolved. It was not until a few adventure was over was hard to swallow. pened, we try to help him deal with the emotional months later that we realized the challenges were Settling in behind the wheel of a more modest challenges as best we can. These days, it’s rare much greater. Grand Marquis, my grandfather molded into your that I catch a glimpse of the man who used to “He used to be a very outgoing, talkative, engag- typical 76-year-old man and became notice- explore the desert with me by his side. It’s a sad ing man,” my mom told me. “Now he is silent, ably grumpier. He complained about how much fact to face, but I treasure those short drives to disengaged with the world around him and just not society had changed — the rules of the road in the grocery store once a week with him, just as he interested in the things he used to love.” particular. treasured driving with all of us. December 2011 | calgaryjournal.ca 9 Sex! Do I have your attention?

Calgary journalist reflects on her experience on the sex beat Vanessa Gillard | [email protected] ex sells — or so they say — and I should know into account the studies I have read, the supposed that more and more people were engaging in this as I’ve been pushing it for free for almost a year myths surrounding the idea and what might make my type of sex and I felt it was worth doing some re- S and a half. In addition to being a senior editor readers uncomfortable about it. When I know where search to chronicle the safest way of doing so. In do- with the Calgary Journal community news organi- the discomfort lies I can then have some fun with it. ing said research, I found that people, young people zation, I am also an arts editor, journalist and sex This way I have tried to make these often-weighty in particular, were not doing their homework and columnist for the complimentary student paper, the subjects a little lighter and easier to comprehend. I try just going for it. In some cases this had catastrophic Reflector, at Mount Royal University. to extend my sense of humour to invite people into consequences, and so I wrote the dos and don’ts. From the first article I have focused on topics that my head and become involved in my experience in My friends and fellow students offered the usual most people crinkle their noses at, but in doing re- discovering where I am being led in my research. chuckled compliments, which I gladly drank in. They search on these topics I often find compelling stories also mentioned they had actually heard random and facts that have made these columns not only students talking about it. Well, this was exactly the interesting, but often pretty entertaining. Twenty- “My aim is to enlighten reaction I had hoped for, but then I realized that some issues in and I still enjoy not only covering this writing about this backdoor business had probably important subject area for the sexually active demo- people and, ideally, make caused readers to suspect I was happily engaging in graphic, but also for making students choke on their the act because I comfortably wrote about it. Tim Hortons or leer at me curiously as I happen by. At them a little more comfort- I was suddenly the girl who probably took it in the least I’m assuming that’s the reason for the leering — bum. is there something on my face? able with how they feel I think it took me about as long to get over this I recall staying up late Sunday nights to listen to a as it did to realize it, and I guess that’s the catch. I call-in radio show called “Sunday Night Sex Show,” about their most human can’t write about things people don’t even want to hosted by Sue Johanson. I remember her kind but talk about and say “eeeeew!” My aim is to enlighten gravelly voice often espousing frank and even sar- curiosities and urges” people and, ideally, make them a little more com- castic responses to callers’ questions, which, when I fortable with how they feel about their most human was 12, seemed to be the most outrageous questions curiosities and urges. ever. It was like having a direct line to a world I wasn’t Basically, I am expecting the reader to be an adult A student once told me that as a result of my ar- supposed to know anything about. and as such, be interested in these very adult topics. ticle about female ejaculation she and her boyfriend A few years ago, I recall reading the student Creating a reaction to your writing is a great way had been able to have a conversation about the newspaper’s first sex columnists’ pieces with interest. to attract an audience but you have to be ready article that led to another about their sex life. She Although I was amused by their musings on dating to defend the editorial choices you make as well. explained that they realized some things they may and awkward dorm encounters, I couldn’t help but My approach and reasoning has always been that I not have been willing to discuss beforehand and imagine taking a different approach to a topic that write poignantly without pulling any punches, while they now felt more comfortable with their sexual seemed to beg for something more in depth. also writing with accuracy and integrity. I hope to practices. This has been the ultimate reward for me. I felt simply chronicling one’s own experience, engage my audience while entertaining them. Writing about sex has taught me about human although entertaining and easy to relate to, was miss- I believe the first time I actually began noticing beings. We all crave belonging and in doing so may ing an element of research that could answer some people ogling me as I passed in the hallways of MRU ignore the most natural questions about ourselves. questions instead of creating more. was after a piece I had written entitled “Taking the The word taboo has become taboo for me, and Now, when writing about a particular topic for train to brown town,” in which I addressed the topic I hope that as my column evolves maybe some my column, like say female ejaculation, I try to take of anal sex. Someone had brought it to my attention reader’s notions about sexuality may too.

Photo: Jorden Dixon/Calgary Journal Vanessa Gillard aims to not only educate but entertain readers on the topic of sex and all of its intricacies. 10 December 2011 | calgaryjournal.ca No Christmas spirit here Retail worker sees loss of holiday cheer over the years

Thomi Olson | [email protected] can hear the rattle of the glass door moment happened a few years ago behind me. I look to see a woman while I was helping a woman shop for Istanding at the door with a wild glint a present for her son. She was demand- in her eyes. She shakes the door handle ing, impatient and clearly stressed with the ferocity of a bartender prepar- out; it was Dec. 23 after all. I had finally ing a martini. helped her find the perfect shirt for her I look down at my watch. It can’t dear boy and started to ring through possibly be time to open the store, can her purchase. Thinking I was about to it? The woman has made direct eye have a satisfied customer leave the contact; there is no escaping her now. store, she started to argue the actual Her toe has started a methodical tap price of the shirt. The transaction was against the freshly-mopped floor. The cancelled, due to the fact that she wild glint in her eye has morphed into took the shirt, threw it at my face and pure impatience. I slink reluctantly over stormed out of the store. Being hit in to the door and slowly unlock it, await- the eyeball by a clothing security tag ing my impending doom. should be covered under the Worker’s “It’s about time you opened the Compensation Act. doors, I’ve been waiting forever,” she Deloitte, a Canadian service firm that Illustration courtesy of Kyra Macpherson says. I force a smile and say good morn- provides advisory services for audit, tax, Shopping during the holiday season is no picnic but working retail ing through clenched teeth. I hear a consulting and financial needs, conducted can be far worse. Christmas song playing softly through- an online survey with 2,258 Canadians loves to share. One of his most recent I had successfully outsmarted the door, out the mall. Santa’s Village is in the this past September. Deloitte was curious stories happened while he was ringing my coffee went tumbling down onto the midst of being set up, awaiting all the to see how the instability of our economy through a couple at the sporting goods floor. While staring blankly at the disaster starry-eyed children. would impact Canadians’ holiday shop- store he now works for. His store was I had created, a gentleman —­­­­ a term that Holiday season is officially here. It’s ping this year. having a promotion where if the customer should only be used if earned — walked the happiest time of the year, unless The results showed that 55 per cent of spent a certain amount of money, they by and smiled sympathetically. Five min- you work retail. those surveyed plan to spend the same would receive a gift card in return. Jordan, utes later he was knocking on the door, This will mark my fifth year working amount of money they did last season. being the ever-helpful employee, men- with a fresh coffee in hand for me. I talked the Christmas Only five per cent tioned the promotion to the couple. The about him and his kind act for weeks. season as a plan on spending one woman pointed at Jordan, looked I dare anyone to say they enjoy shop- retail employee. “Sometimes all it more money this him in the eyes and simply said, “You, you ping during the holidays. The lineups are I’ve folded so year. Half of respon- shut up!” way too long and most stores look like many pairs of takes is one smile or dents plan on using a “Now our whole store goes around a clothing bomb has exploded all over denim and cozy budget while doing pointing and saying, ‘You, you shut up!’” them. But please try to remember that sweaters over one ‘thank you’ from their holiday shop- Jordan said, laughing hysterically. the 16-year-old kid ringing your purchase the years that ping; the median Humor is most definitely the best through is just that, a kid. This is most only Dustin a customer to make budget was reported defense against some of the discourte- likely their first job and they’re just as Hoffman’s as $477 per house- ous and impatient Grinches that may overwhelmed and stressed out as you character in the their day.” hold. Roughly 45 per walk through the mall doors this year. are. Sometimes all it takes is one smile or movie “Rain cent said they will do Sometimes all you can do is laugh at one “thank you” from a customer to make Main” would be their shopping online the absurdity of people and thankfully their day. The Golden Rule approach is able to count the exact number. this year. remember the holiday season only lasts a all it takes to have a positive experience Retail during the holiday season It appears that, even with the increas- couple of months. between a sales associate and customer. can only be described as a jungle-like ing popularity of online shopping and our However, it isn’t always bad in the retail Treat them with kindness and they will do environment. I’ve seen customers fight inconsistent economy, shopping centers world. A few years ago I was working a the same. viciously over a T-shirt with the same throughout Canada will still be flooded particularly stressful and bleary-eyed 5 So, when Dec. 23 rolls around and fervor as two wild animals. I’ve had with people looking for that perfect gift a.m. shift. I took a quick break to run and you are doing your last minute Christ- people bargain and barter prices at the this holiday season. grab coffees for my manager and I. On my mas shopping, please bring your till, switching price tags with the cun- An old co-worker and good friend return, I was juggling two coffees in one patience and compassion. At the end of ningness of jungle cat of mine, Jordan Wheeler, has a massive hand while trying to unlock the door to the day, we all just want to be home on My most memorable customer cache of holiday horror stories that he the store with the other. Just as I thought the holidays.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Calgary Journal letters to the editor policy: RE:The world needs Good Samaritans The Calgary Journal welcomes letters as a form of dialogue from and with com- Hi there, munity members. All letters to the editor must be 250 words or fewer, and must be I just wanted to tell you that I really enjoyed your article “The world needs Good signed (anonymous letters will not be accepted). Full contact information (name, Samaritans.” The idea of compassion and how to inspire people to act has been address, phone number) must be included. something on my heart for sometime. I find that people are so proud to call Calgary All letters will be reviewed, although space constraints may mean that we are not one of the great volunteer cities, however I don’t think we are a very compassionate able to publish all submissions. We reserve the right to edit all letters for grammar, one. We may write a cheque or volunteer now and then, but when people are in true style, length, factual accuracy and legal considerations; we will, however, make need around us, I feel our compassion is lacking. I found your story very interesting every effort to preserve the essence of all arguments. since just a couple weeks ago I wrote a blog piece about this very topic with a focus on rewarding people for showing support/compassion for someone in need. We will not print any letters which may be considered slanderous, racist or other- Anyway, thanks again for the inspiration! wise offensive or in poor taste. Letters can be sent to: [email protected] Dan Johns

December 2011 | calgaryjournal.ca 11 Being Santa

Jolly old St. Nick reflects on some of his favourite memories Thomi Olson | [email protected] he holiday season is upon us. Christ- Tell me about the most unique/inter- Tmas trees are up, presents are stowed esting person you’ve had sit on your away and holiday parties are in full swing. lap. It’s simultaneously a joyous and chaotic I feel very lucky to be able to meet so time of year. We can only imagine what many people. One thing I love is that it’s this season is like for good ol’ St. Nick. The not just people who celebrate Christmas bearded fellow took some time out from who come to visit. I’ve met people from his visits with children at Chinook Centre every country and background over the to share some of his more memorable years and I love learning about what they moments and guests with the Calgary like to do at this time of year. There have Journal. been some local celebrities that have vis- ited too. Bernard Callebaut always brings What are some of the most memorable his family for a photo and a visit. Arlene moments you’ve had as Dickenson from “Dragon’s Santa? Den” has visited. But my most There are so many it’s hard to important visitors are all the count them all. One thing’s children because they are the for sure though, it’s a real reason I do this every year. privilege to hear some of the things that the children say. Off the top What does a pre-Christmas day for of my head though, one child asked for a Santa involve? dollhouse and some hot dogs, because I usually arrive at Chinook Centre around sometimes she gets hungry. Another 9 a.m. The roof of the building is quite child asked if I gave toys to the dinosaurs large, so there’s a lot of space for me to back in dinosaur times. I asked one little land. The reindeer spend their time up boy last year if he wanted a candy cane there, and the elves take turns feeding and he said, “No thanks, I’ve already had them and making sure they have enough breakfast.” Last year I discovered that a lot to keep them entertained all day. I visit of people are using Twitter. So I started an them on my lunch and dinner breaks as account called, The Santa Diaries, that you well. I don’t leave until the store closes. I’ll can follow on Twitter or Facebook. I try be there every day from Nov. 25, right up to post some of the funny and adorable until Christmas Eve. things that I hear.

Photo courtesy of iStockphoto Santa’s responses have been edited for length No mask to hide behind A chance to view homelessness on Calgary streets offers a glimpse into humanity JAMES WILT | [email protected] he evening should have unfolded predictably. Two They sit on a bench in a darkened park on Seventh our conversation; she is considered a mom to many of Tjournalism students would follow an ex-homeless Avenue where they used to sleep. “We’ve been through the street kids. Gary reminds the camera that jobs are man named Gary as he “toured” Calgarians around the a lot together,” Susan says, as she reminisces on the the key to getting the younger generation out of the places he used to eat, sleep and drink. The result would past. They were homeless together for almost a decade. shelters. Getting work was a major key for him to realize be a minute-long video clip to serve as a heart-warming During that time, they slept on the streets together, his possible future, he says. reminder that there is hope for ending homelessness. drank and picked bottles together, and paid $2 each As the four of us meander back to the starting point At least three people were expected to attend the for admission at the Moviedome so they could snag a of the evening, Bryan and I converse. We conclude tour that night. But when no one showed up to go on couple more hours of rest. that there’s no news story here. The irony in this case is the tour, Bryan — my partner — and I are suddenly The couple now live in an apartment, but are strug- that homelessness isn’t new at all. The City of Calgary faced with the prospect of having no story. We stand gling to pay the subsidized rent. Gary works warehouse says there were 4,060 homeless counted in in 2008, a despondently in the near-zero temperature, surrounded jobs through a temp agency, and the two of them number that has grown about 10 times since 1992. But by camera equipment. continue to pick bottles to subsidize the bills. the experiences of Gary and Susan aren’t an easy thing As we take shelter inside the office of Homeless A man in a blue jacket and green backpack walks into to shake from the mind. Awareness Calgary, which was the organization running the scene as if he is cued. Susan immediately recognizes The following days provide an opportunity to process the tour, we realized there is a second guide prepared him and calls out. They casually banter for a couple of the events of that Friday night. Sure, there isn’t a break- to show us around town. Her name is Susan, and it turns minutes. He yells at the camera, “I’m homeless and I’m ing news story here. CBC and the Calgary Herald aren’t out that she’s the wife of Gary. Both Susan and Gary aware of it,” before wandering away. going to assign reporters to cover the lives of Gary and have requested their full names not be used in fear of it The man — whose weathered face suggests an age Susan. But something more meaningful happened affecting their search for full-time jobs. Her short black far older than the 47 years he claims — returns within that night. Bryan and I were given the opportunity to hair and motherly face stand in perfect juxtaposition to minutes. He carefully gives Susan a $20 bill. The couple glimpse the lives of two extraordinary individuals who her husband’s messy gray hair and pencil moustache. briefly protests the gift, but relinquish the argument. would typically be dismissed by society. The four of us wander the streets. Susan trails behind Firm hugs are exchanged and the man again departs. The smallest acts — the constant holding of hands, with me and tells of how she met Gary in the Royal “See, there are good people out there,” Gary says. the occasional puffs on the cigarette, the generous Canadian Legion. The one opposite the Centre Street “We’ve known him for a long time. It hurts my heart.” donation from the homeless man — all point towards a train station. She was a bartender, he a patron. Neither The couple’s lives have reflected a similar generosity unrecognized humanity. Amidst the homeless, there are was homeless at the time. That was 11 years ago. The in the years since they’ve been off the streets. Susan few disguises. What replaces the masquerades that the tales began to flow. constantly advocates against youth homelessness in wealthy can afford to wear is rawness and grace. 12 December 2011 | calgaryjournal.ca For the love of the Earth Calgary entrepreneur dedicates himself to participating in green industry April Lamb | [email protected]

Photo: April Lamb/Calgary Journal Balaban leads a meeting with his team of executives, many of who credit him for inspiring them.

hen considering the idea of an “environ- To this end, Balaban identified wind power as his A Bright Future mentalist,” it’s not often that the first thing next entrepreneurial conquest, and founded Green- Greengate has been highly ambitious in getting its W that comes to mind is a high-powered CEO gate Power. He said he felt developing wind-energy development projects underway. The company has sitting in his downtown office, sipping projects would be the best way for him introduced wind energy to areas that never consid- coffee and running meetings, but one to become more involved in the green ered it before, and is slated to begin construction Calgary businessman is challenging the industry. on its first two projects in the next coming months. stereotype. “I think what we’re doing now is the Once completed, the company’s Blackspring Ridge Dan Balaban may not regard himself ultimate environmental business by 300-megawatt wind farm, which will be located 50 as an environmentalist, but his passion developing kilometres north of Lethbridge, is predicted to be for renewable resources has been a guiding light for his wind energy projects that are going to have a real the largest of its kind in Canada. entrepreneurial endeavours over the last decade. intangible impact on our environmental performance,” “With these two projects, we’re going to be Balaban, who first and foremost considers himself a Balaban said. increasing the amount of wind energy installed businessman, lives in an environmentally friendly home in Alberta by 50 per cent,” Balaban said. “I look and is the CEO and founder of Greengate Power, a highly Inspiring Leadership forward to an exciting, and hopefully much cleaner ambitious wind-power company based out of Calgary. At the age of 37 Balaban has already founded three sepa- future.” rate companies and sold two of Early Success them for substantial amounts of His father, who runs a junior oil and gas company, was money. He was named by Avenue always interested in renewable energy, and Balaban said Magazine as one of Calgary’s top it was his father who sparked his own interest in it. 40 under 40 in 2009, and named Balaban has had a successful career as an entrepre- one of Alberta’s 50 Most Influential neur. He graduated from the University of Toronto with People in 2010 by Alberta Venture a degree in computer science and began his career at magazine. Believe in a connection? Ernst & Young, followed by PricewaterhouseCoopers — While he may be young, his suc- two professional-service firms. cess is inspiring and influencing It was from these experiences that he learned how to those who have been in Calgary’s manage his own company, and with this knowledge he business world for a much longer The first program of its kind in western founded Roughneck.ca Inc. — now Zedi Inc. — in 1999. time. Canada to receive full government At the time, he was 24. Greengate’s vice-president of approval, Grant MacEwan University’s The company achieved a fair amount of success, stakeholder relations, Dan Tocher, Acupuncture program reflects the highest becoming “the leading provider of oil and gas opera- said: ”Dan (Balaban)’s been a great standards of competency and practice. tions management software for Canada’s oil and gas mentor, even though he’s 10 years industry,” Balaban said. younger than me. He’s taught me Three years of comprehensive study in It was through his software company’s management a lot about business, and taught acupuncture and Traditional Chinese of greenhouse gas reporting that Balaban got a taste for me a lot about perseverance.” Medicine prepares you to become a working in the green industry. Deekay Fox, the manager of Registered Acupuncturist. After selling his first company for more than $5 mil- marketing and communications lion, he moved on to real estate ventures, dealing with at Greengate, has known Balaban Heal mind, body and spirit. energy efficient projects and buildings. for years, meeting him when he was the owner of Roughneck.ca Going Green Inc. “He’s a friend, a mentor, my However, he was still looking for a more avid way to boss — and he’s amazing,” she Acupuncture | Diploma www.MacEwan.ca/acupuncture participate in the green industry. said.

December 2011 | calgaryjournal.ca 13 Stopping the drunk dial? ESRB Rating New phone technologies help us save face after a wild night out Search app: Just

CHRISTINE RAMOS | [email protected] ou wake up. Your tongue feels like sandpaper in time for scraping the roof of your mouth. The taste of Y tequila lingers in between molars and gums. The first couple rounds are still intact, but after that seventh shot, what happened? Christmas But when your phone shows that you called your ex, or other such characters who you’ve said no more Guide tells parents if games than two words to in the last year, then what? The “drunk dial” or “drunk text” — the alcohol- are ‘naughty or nice’ induced phone call or text message that can leave you, the sender, in a stupor because you might not Michael Chan | [email protected] remember — can be a prevalent social phenomenon. or parents, this holiday season has been made Despite everything, you cannot recall even picking up a little easier. While standing in the dreaded the phone. F video game section, wondering if the game they But the record remains, whether it’s in the call log are holding onto is appropriate for their child, or the text messaging history. they can now get their answers by simply asking Breanne Pierce, 25, a baking and pastry arts student their phone. at Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, says The Entertainment Software Rating Board, also she’d rather call than text after having too much to known as ESRB, has released an updated version drink. of their free award-winning mobile app, just in “At least afterwards there’s no record. It’s their time to help with the Christmas shopping. word against yours … with texting, they can show Photo: Christine Ramos/ Calgary Journal The app allows users to look at in-depth their friends or it’s still there,” she says. Drunk? Wait until the morning to make that reviews and ratings released by ESRB, by either Pierce recalls — via someone else’s memory — a phone call or send that text. taking a photo of the cover or typing the game’s night where she tapped at her phone repeatedly, name on their smartphones. The latest update saying aloud “pick me up, pick me up,” hoping that and Twitter posts in one fell swoop. now allows users to simply say the name of a title would be enough to send the message after several Sometimes, even the act of operating one’s phone to access reviews. martinis. while drunk may stunt the sender from sending out “Some parents don’t let their 13-year-old play New mobile technologies, like Apple’s new iPhone a message. teen-rated games because of a little sword slash- 4S with it’s Siri feature, could have understood her Of course, there’s always good old self-control. ing,” says Karen Sproul, the owner of Video Game and sent the message to her friend without the need Fourth-year University of Calgary student, Sean Traders of Canada, located in Calgary. “This is a to mash buttons. McDonough, says there have been many times he has neat app to help parents who want a little more The Apple website says you can “ask Siri to written long, seemingly well written texts to his ex- information.” do things just by talking the way you talk. Siri girlfriend after a few drinks but held off sending them. ESRB is the self-regulatory body that was estab- understands what you say, knows what you mean “... I was like ‘No. You’ve done this before. Wait lished by the Entertainment Software Association and even talks back.” until the morning.’ And, sure enough, the next in 1994. The ESRB is responsible for ratings hand- Whether it’s drunken tweeting, texting, morning I see them and think ‘thank god I didn’t ed out to all computer and video games, which Facebooking or calling — social media has responded send this,’” he says. consumers see on the packaging of products. with a suite of applications that seek to curb the Psychologist Janet Miller says the kind of self- “Rating summaries offer a comprehensive and embarrassment factor of communicating when under awareness needed to install the applications and detailed description of the types of content a the influence. then use them is commendable. parent would want to know about before making The iPhone and Android app, Don’t Dial, offers its “You would hope that could also lead to creating that final decision to buy a game,“ ESRB president subscribers the opportunity to block contacts or even your own boundaries,” she says. “Boundaries to your Patricia Vance, said in a press release. “Putting program a “designated dialer” for the evening. The own behavior to keep yourself safe, not compromise that level of detail into parents hands where latter allows you to hand your phone over to a friend yourself, or sell yourself short.” they often need it most — in the store — is what and has them input a password only they can unlock. Miller says because alcohol is a depressant, it makes our mobile app such a valuable resource.” So, if after last call at the bar you feel like calling disengages parts of your brain that are normally Terry Wood, who was in Wal-Mart looking at your ex or dialing that guy you love but never talk to, responsible for self-control, making you more prone a game for his son, usually does his research you must clear it with your designated dialer first. to acting on impulse. at home prior to purchasing a video game. But The Bad Decision Blocker is another app that “Physiologically, when you are drinking, you are Wood was pleasantly surprised by the app, while disables us from engaging in drunken calling and more likely to do things that you might want to do using it on games he didn’t get to read about. texting. By temporarily making selected contacts anyway,” she says. “But that piece of you that would “This is a great app for parents who don’t have unavailable, the app blocks you from communicating second guess it, is depressed.” time to research at home but have smartphones in your drunken state with those whose contact Whether it’s leaving your phone at home, they can use,” says Wood. “It’s pretty handy.” information you’ve made inaccessible. installing a new application, or using self-control, In April, the ESRB mobile app won a Parents’ Mail Goggles is Google’s response to preventing the battle against drunk dialing seems to persist. Gold Choice Award. It is an award given to the the author of drunken emails from actually sending For many drunk dialers, the next morning best material for children: books, toys, music and them. involved more than a headache — moral hangovers storytelling, magazines, software, videogames, “Mail you send late night on the weekends may be can be common. television and websites. useful, but you may regret it the next morning,” says However, Miller says these moral hangovers can The app allows users to access information to the Google website. be a good thing. more than 20,000 game titles. ESRB’s database “Solve some simple math problems and you’re “If you did something that got you off rails, then consists of nearly all games released since July good to go. Otherwise, get a good night’s sleep and your moral hangover will help to get you back on 2008. Parents should expect to be able to find the try again in the morning,” the website continues. track — which is a great and beautiful thing for your rating for the holiday season’s most sought after There’s also the Last Night Never Happened app, a psycho/social development,” says Miller. titles. “morning-after” app that deletes multiple Facebook 14 December 2011 | calgaryjournal.ca CHASING THE DREAM

ecember 26 is when the Dfuture stars come out to play. It marks the start of the World Junior Hockey Championship — this year held in Calgary and Edmonton.

Wayne Gretzky, Eric Lindros, Sid- ney Crosby — all solidified their names over the years.

And for some Calgary Flames, wearing their home country colours was a childhood dream they were able to live out at the World Junior Hockey Championship.

15 December 2011 | calgaryjournal.ca World juniors brings back memories BRYCE FORBES | [email protected] or (Canadian) kids of the darkest times for Team wouldn’t be here today.” tany” during 1987’s games. ever with first-round draft pick, who play hockey ... it’s Canada at the world juniors, During his first tournament During their final round-robin and potential franchise player, “F a tradition to watch it being part of a seven-year gold- in 2008, it was Backlund who game, Canada was up on 4-2 Sven Bärtschi in the lineup. during Christmas,” said defence- medal drought. scored the game-winning goal, against the Russians when a Fans hope Bärtschi’s experi- man Jay Bouwmeester, who However, the players of the in overtime against Russia, to bench-clearing brawl broke out. ence in the world juniors will was one of only a handful of Calgary Flames have enough put Team Sweden in the gold The only way to stop the mad- make him a better player. Canadian players to have worn world juniors gold medals to go medal game against Canada. ness was to literally turn off the “When you are at that age and a Team Canada jersey for three around. However, he ended up losing lights. The game was cancelled get a chance to play against the consecutive years. Let’s start with Jarome Iginla. to Team Canada, earning a silver and both teams were disquali- best young people in the world, “To actually have the chance, Six days after he was traded medal — a scene that repeated fied from the competition. it helps,” Bouwmeester said. “It’s it’s the first time you get to from the Dallas Stars to the itself in 2009. In this year’s tourney, Flames definitely a step up from your represent your country, it’s a lot Flames in ‘96, he lit up opposing “The first loss was tough, it fans will likely be watching regular junior team competition, of fun,” said Bouwmeester. goaltenders in the tournament, was in overtime. But after that, Team Switzerland closer than so it’s all good in that sense.” However, the tournament scoring 12 points in six games. I knew I would probably have isn’t as popular overseas as it He was named the champion- another chance,” said Backlund, is in Canada. While the world ship’s best forward, leading the who finished with 14 points in juniors has practically become a way to a Team Canada gold 12 games over his two years in national celebration in Canada, medal. the championship. “After the during Bouwmeester’s three Two-thirds of the Flames second loss, you knew it was years he saw what it was like in coaching staff have won gold your last chance.” other countries — and it wasn’t as well. Head coach Brent Sutter As for Roman Horak, he pretty. picked up a pair at the helm of admitted his home country of “The ones I played in were the 2005 and 2006 teams, with Czech Republic didn’t perform all overseas, and once you get Flames’ assistant coach Craig well in his two years at the world over there — people are excited Hartsburg adding his own in juniors in 2010 and 2011. about watching it back home — 2007. “Every national team means but there it’s not a big deal, and Alex Tanguay and Cory Sarich a lot to you, and if it’s either there is no one at the games,” also lined up for Canada, with under-18 or under-20, it’s he said of the tournaments in Sarich winning gold in 1997. always a great experience,” Sweden, Russia and the Czech On the international side, he said, a member of back to Republic. “It’s kind of a weird two Flames players have played back seventh-place finishes. feeling.” in the world juniors twice — “I’m pretty sure it’s the same in The other unfortunate part Mikael Backlund and Roman Canada, but any chance you for him was the fact he never Horak. can wear the national jersey, it’s got a gold medal. “It means a lot,” said Backlund pretty great.” “I never won the tournament, of wearing the yellow and blue As for other Flames players, so that was always a sour feel- of his home country Sweden. Olli Jokinen won silver with for- ing,” he said. “Both years, I was struggling at mer teammate Niklas Hagman It’s not as though he didn’t home, and getting a chance to in 1998 with Team Finland. have his chances. He ended up play for Team Sweden, I was Miikka Kiprusoff, Matt Stajan with a pair of bronze medals in excited and happy. and Chris Butler were also part Photos courtesy of HHOF/IIHF, www.HockeyCanada.ca 2000 and 2001, finally bagging “It got me away from where of the world juniors at one time Jarome Iginla (top) is seen celebrating with his gold medal a silver in 2002 with a 5-4 loss I was struggling at home so it or another. after the 1996 tournament while Bouwmeester unleashes a against Team Russia — a year made me get my confidence Lastly, Flames legend Theo- shot against the Russians in one of his three tournaments. he was also named a tourna- back. After the tourney, I ren Fleury was part of the most Calgary Flames Jarome Iginla and Jay Bouwmeester (bot- ment all-star. went to Kelowna (to play for infamous world juniors ever tom) both were apart of Team Canada when they were These three years were some the WHL). If I didn’t do that I during the “Punch-up in Pies- teenagers.

Photos courtesy of HHOF/IIHF, www.HockeyCanada.ca December 2011 | calgaryjournal.ca 16 Young Swede looks to shine at WJHC Hitmen superstar paving road to NHL Derrick Newman | [email protected] American style of play has come with very “It’s a great opportunity for him to go few hiccups. and play at that level,” said Williamson, For instance, through the first two who might miss Rask for a handful of months of the WHL season, Rask leads the games during the world juniors. “The Hitmen in both goals and points. players, when they come back, are usually “The language barrier better players because they’ve isn’t the factor it is with a lot been pushed to a different pace.” of the European players,” Rask also competed in the 2011 Hitmen head coach Mike World Under-18 Hockey Champi- Williamson said. “Victor is onships in Belarus this past spring, a player that makes guys scoring five points in the tourney. around him better. However, the United States defeated Swe- “He’s got an unbelievable skill set. I den 4-3 in overtime to win the gold medal. think what’s going to really allow him to Despite the heartbreak, all his interna- be an impact player at the next level is tional experience should pave the way that he is strong on his skates.” for the talented Swede suiting up for the At 6-foot-2 and 194 lbs, Rask is on the Hurricanes on hockey’s biggest stage in Photo courtesy of Brad Watson short list of players being looked at to suit the not-so-distant future. Victor Rask is leading the Calgary Hitmen in scoring and will likely suit up up for Team Sweden in the upcoming “He’s a tremendously skilled player,” for Team Sweden in the upcoming 2012 world juniors. 2012 World Junior Hockey Championship, Hitmen teammate Jimmy Bubnick said. which is being held in Alberta for the first “He’s so good with the puck. He’s strong oughly 7,000 kilometres from home, Swede won’t soon forget. time since 1995. in the corners and he protects the puck RVictor Rask is well on his way to turn- In the meantime, Rask, originally from “It will be fun to play (in the tourna- well.” ing his dream of playing in the NHL into Leksand, Sweden — a small town north- ment),” Rask said. Team Sweden is “a really Coupled with Rask’s enviable on-ice a reality. west of Stockholm — moved to North good team, and there are really good talent, Williamson said it’s his dedication This past spring, the 18-year-old Rask America in the summer to play for the players back home in Sweden. It is tough to the game that could really take him to was drafted in the second round, 42nd WHL’s Calgary Hitmen. to make the team, but I’ll do my best.” another level. overall, by the Carolina Hurricanes in the In spite of a WHL schedule that is Williamson is equally excited for Rask “Victor wants to be a player and he NHL entry draft, and this fall had the op- roughly double the length of the Swedish to get the opportunity to compete on the wants to get better,” his bench boss portunity to compete in his first NHL train- men’s league Rask was competing in world stage, despite admitting the Hitmen said. “He’s willing to do extra off the ice ing camp,­ an experience the soft-spoken back home, his adjustment of the North would definitely miss his skill set. as well.” Bärtschi sparks the Flames prospect pool First-rounder ready to represent Switzerland at world juniors TPREVOR RESILOSKI | [email protected] algary Flames fans will likely be dledome faithful. Ckeeping a closer eye on Team “I want to show them what I can out Switzerland than usual Championships there,” he said. in Alberta this year. “They expect a lot from me, but I There is an easy explanation for this — expect a lot from myself, too.” Sven Bärtschi. With an aging core and little in The Flames’ 2011 first-round draft the prospect pipeline for the Flames, choice has been lighting up the WHL inhabitants of the Red Mile have plenty with the Portland Winterhawks, having to be excited about with a prospect like scored 39 points in only 17 games, and Bärtschi. will likely be suiting up for the Swiss at John Weisbrod, the Flames assistant the tournament. general manager, recognized the need “I’m really excited,” he said. “I’m really for fresh blood. “While we’ve gotten lucky that I’ve been drafted by Calgary some good role players and character and that the world juniors are in Calgary. guys, we haven’t been successful in “I didn’t get to play against the Hit- drafting skill. men,” he said — referring to a hip injury “Sven is a high-skill player and can that kept him out of the lineup when the play the game at an uptempo pace. One Winterhawks visited Calgary. “So it’ll be of the things that makes him so good is good to be back in Calgary for the world that he’s a high hockey sense guy.” Photo Courtesy of Bryan Heim/ Portland Winterhawks juniors.” All of this is good news for an NHL Flames prospect Sven Bärtschi will be lighting the lamp for Team Bärtschi remained grounded, yet opti- franchise that is lacking in solid top six Switzerland at the WJHC. mistic about Switzerland’s chances. talent — particularly when hated divi- teammate, and current New York Not bad for a sophomore playing his “I think our chances are really good. sion rivals Edmonton and Vancouver are Islanders forward Nino Niederreiter saw second year of North American hockey. It’s kind of tough for us because we’re full of homegrown talent. Both teams Bärtschi as someone who “gets along Coming off a fifth-place finish last such a small country,” he said. “It’s not have 10 or more draftees in their starting with everybody. He was a rookie last year year, the Swiss are in Group A for this like Canada where you have 60 players, lineup compared to Calgary’s four. and was very quiet. year’s tourney, meaning Bärtschi will be or more, to choose from. Beyond his skill set, Bärtschi seems to “I’m sure this year he’s starting to help suiting up in front of the Saddledome However, the Winterhawk is ex- possess a maturity not often found in out the younger guys,” Niederreiter said. fans. cited about playing in front of the Sad- younger players. Former Winterhawks

December 2011 | calgaryjournal.ca 17 2012 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship Team Canada Team USA Team Russia Team Sweden After five consecutive gold medals from 2005 to 2009, Team Canada was forced to settle Following their emotional victory in 2010, where they were able to upset the Canadi- The Russians were the kings of the comeback in 2011 after finishing a disappointing With only one gold medal in their entire WJHC history, the Swedes were heavily for silver the last two tournaments following back-to-back upsets in the final game. This ans in overtime in the gold medal game, the States disappointed on their home turf sixth-place in 2010. They tied Finland in the final minutes in the quarter-final game favoured in the past few tournaments to regain top spot, but lost in the finals in 2008 includes blowing a 3-0, second period lead to Russia last year. in Buffalo. After the Canadians were able to exact some feeling of revenge with a 4-1 before winning in overtime, tied Sweden in the final minutes in the semifinal game and 2009. They settled for bronze in 2010, and finished just out of medal contention victory in the semifinal game, the Americans picked up a bronze medal by doubling before winning in a shootout, and then erased a 3-0 second period deficit to upset in 2011 after losing to the Americans in the bronze medal game. However, the Canadians are still heavy favourites and will be looking to regain their up Sweden 4-2. the heavily favoured Canadians 5-3 in the final game to complete their unlikely trio gold standard this year, boasting a deep, talented roster to do so. Jaden Schwartz, of comebacks. It was their first championship since 2003. With most of their roster from last year now too old to be eligible to play, and highly Quinton Howden and Mark Visentin will be the only returnees from last year’s squad. Luckily for the Americans, one player who had a key role in the last two tourna- touted youngsters Adam Larsson and Gabriel Landeskog making the NHL this But 2011 first-rounders Jonathan Huberdeau, Ryan Strome, Mark Scheifele and Dougie ments will likely stand tall for the third kick of the can. Goaltender Jack Campbell was 2010 first-rounders Evgeny Kuznetsov and Vladimir Tarasenko led the way offensive- season, the Swedes are no longer favourites. However, the team will still be danger- Hamilton will be there to pick up the slack. named best goaltender of the tournament in 2011, and will be relied upon heavily ly last tournament and will be returning again this year, while dynamic 17 year olds ous as it consists primarily of players who have playing experience against much once again this year. On the front end, Medicine Hat Tigers forward Emerson Etem, a Nail Yakupov and Mikhail Grigorenko — two prospects vying for the first overall NHL older competition in the Swedish Elite League, including goaltending tandem Johan Returning behind the bench is Don Hay. Suprisingly, the WHL Vancouver Giant bench boss 2010 first-round draft choice (29th overall), has been tearing up the WHL this season draft selection in 2012 — will add more dangerous scoring depth. Gustafsson and Anton Forsberg. was the head coach last time the world juniors were in Alberta, picking up a gold medal in with an average of a goal per game. 1995 in Red Deer. Joining him are assistant coaches Ryan Huska from the Kelowna Rockets, The Russian team had a few extra games to come together, tying the Canadian Roger Ronnberg will be returning as head coach for his second straight year behind George Burnett of the Belleville Bulls and Scott Walker from the Guelph Storm. Dean Blais returns as head coach, the master when the Americans won gold in 2010. Hockey League all-stars 3-3 in six games in the Subway Super Series earlier this fall. the bench.

t’s that time of the year again. With Christmas over, the best junior hockey players Calgary Schedule from across the world come out to play. For the first time ever, the IIHF World Junior I Round robin: Quarter-finals: Hockey Championship will be held in Calgary and Edmonton. The only other time the Dec. 26, 3:30 p.m.: Latvia vs Sweden Jan. 2, 3 p.m.: Teams to be determined tourney was in Alberta was in Red Deer back in 1995. Jan. 2, 7 p.m.: Teams to be determined The tournament features the best players under the age of 20 from across the world. Dec. 26, 8 p.m.: Switzerland vs Russia For Team Canada, the majority of the team comes from the three junior hockey leagues Dec. 27, 8 p.m.: Slovakia vs Latvia Semifinals: in Canada (WHL, OHL, QMJHL), as well as college teams from the United States. Jan. 3, 3 p.m.: Teams to be determined Calgary will play host to the opening round games featuring Group B (Sweden, Dec. 28, 8 p.m.: Russia vs Slovakia 2007 Canada Russia USA Jan. 3, 7 p.m.: Teams to be determined Latvia, Russia, Switzerland and Slovakia). Unfortunately, that means Calgary will not see Dec. 28, 3:30 p.m.: Sweden vs Switzerland Team Canada until the quarter-finals at the earliest but is also host to the gold medal 2008 Canada Sweden Russia Fifth-place game: game. Dec. 29, 8 p.m.: Latvia vs Russia Jan. 4, 7 p.m.: Teams to be determined 2009 Canada Sweden Russia In Group A competition, Team Canada will battle the likes of the United States, Czech Dec. 30, 3:30 p.m.: Sweden vs Slovakia Republic, Finland and Denmark. Two games to watch out for are Canada against the Fins Dec. 30, 8 p.m.: Switzerland vs Latvia Bronze medal game: 2010 USA Canada Sweden on Boxing day and the New Year’s Eve clash against the highly touted United States. Jan. 5, 1:30 p.m.: Teams to be determined Check out the Calgary Journal’s coverage throughout the world juniors at Dec. 31, 3:30 p.m.: Slovakia vs Switzerland 2011 Russia Canada USA www.calgaryjournal.ca. Dec. 31, 8 p.m.: Russia vs Sweden Gold medal game: MOST GOALS BY A PLAYER IN MOST POINTS BY A CANADIAN IN ONE — Compiled by Bryce Forbes and Derek Neumeier (All games at the Saddledome) Jan. 5, 6 p.m.: Teams to be determined ONE TOURNAMENT TOURNAMENT 13 - Markus Naslund, SWE. 1993 18 - Dale McCourt (10 goals, 8 assists), 12 - Vladimir Ruzicka, CZE, ‘83 1977; Brayden Schenn (8 - 10), 2011 12 - Pavel Bure, USSR, ‘91 17 - Eric Lindros (6 - 11), ‘91; Wayne Gretzky (8 - 9), ‘78 MOST ASSISTS BY A PLAYER IN ONE TOURNAMENT ALL-TIME CANADIAN SCORING 24 - Peter Forsberg, SWE, 1993 LEADERS 14 - Esa Kesinen, FIN, ‘85 31 - Eric Lindros (12 - 19), 1990-92 14 - Doug Weight, USA, ‘91 26 - Brayden Schenn (12 - 14), 2010-11 24 - Jason Allison (6 - 18), 1994-95 MOST POINTS BY A PLAYER IN ONE TOURNAMENT MOST CONSECUTIVE GOLD MEDAL 31 - Forsberg, SWE (7 goals, 24 assists), VICTORIES 1993 5 - Canada 2005-2009 24 - Raimo Helminen, FIN (11 - 13) ‘84 5 - Canada 1993-1997 24 - Markus Naslund, SWE (13 - 11) ‘93 4 - USSR 1977-1980 Photos courtesy: HHOF/IIHF, www.HockeyCanada.ca Photos courtesy: HHOF/IIHF, www.HockeyCanada.ca

@edmpoker09: @calgaryjour- @susanne_99: @CalgaryJournal @CraigDrebit: @CalgaryJournal @m_kipta: World Juniors: It’s @csmarty99: @calgaryjournal “What do nal It means remembering the the 2008 WJs gave an amazing I’m probably the only guy in the most wonderful time of the it’s the real reason Canada FOLLOW US times I watch the tournament opportunity to see future stars #yyc that doesn’t care about yeeaarr! Love the Canada pride, takes 2 weeks off from school the World Juniors with my dad and brothers. of the greatest game in the the WJC. The Spengler Cup is a rivalry, and how it unites our and work. The best part of the #cancerwonagain world playing in my hometown much better tourney. nation! #go4gold holiday season! @CalgaryJournal mean to you?”

18 December 2011 | calgaryjournal.ca 19 Volunteers keep World juniors forecasted tourney rolling to boost economy Event predicted to draw in over $80 million 700 Calgarians to help at world juniors in just 10 days Laura Lushington | [email protected] LISA TAYLOR | [email protected] hen the World Junior Hockey Cham- Jurewicz, who is also the media co-ordi- he World Junior Hockey Champion- He said the event generated over Wpionship hits Calgary on Boxing nator for the Calgary Stampeders, said he Tship is expected to bring all things $86 million in provincial economic Day, there will be more than just the fans will be leading a team of 45 volunteers to hockey to the province when they kick activity and attracted over 27,000 and players filling the rink. run audio and visual technologies, update off. What isn’t generally expected, how- visitors to Regina and Saskatoon. “The Hundreds of volunteers will work in the social media and input stat sheets. They ever, is all the money coming with it. 2010 junior championship became Saddledome over the 10 days of competi- will be the ones who make sure the 300 The popular event is predicted to one of the biggest events ever hosted tion. accredited journalists expected to cover bring a boost of over $80 million to in our province, from an economic They are each expected to put in about the tournament are well equipped to Alberta, said Tourism Calgary vice-presi- perspective,” he said. 30 hours of volunteer time working jobs report on the highlights to international dent Marco De Iaco. Not only does an event of this mag- from selling 50/50 tickets to helping with audiences. “This event will bring tremendous nitude bring in money, it also gives the the onsite medical team. Another hard-working volunteer is economic activity to its host cities — host province recognition and respect. “(Volunteers) are the backbone of put- Kathy Brennan, who said she has put dollars spent in hotels, in restaurants, in “When you have hosted one of these ting these large international events on,” in more than 480 hours of time as a co- shopping centres and in taxicabs,” De events, you can use this to build equity said Jenna Karpoff, events and services ordinator for the other volunteers since Iaco said. in your city brand as a community with manager at Hockey Canada. the spring. “Sport tourism is one of the fastest both the human and financial capacity “They’re the ones that have the great “When I first heard that Calgary had growing segments of the tourism indus- to successfully execute major events,” spirit that bring everything together in all gotten the bid for the world juniors, I was try,” he added. “A total of $3.4 billion is Brandt said. these tournaments. They’re the key that really excited,” said Brennan, an adminis- spent by domestic travellers alone on an At Jersey City locations in Calgary, fits into the puzzle.” trative assistant at Canada Safeway. annual basis in Canada for sport tourism. staff members are preparing for custom- Karpoff said around 1,800 people “I think it’s a whole event that takes De Iaco, who served on the commit- ers looking to buy the official Team applied online to be volunteers. 700 place that most of Canada gets excited tee that put in the successful bid for the Canada jerseys. The Hockey Canada people were chosen to work in Calgary about. So I went out and talked to a few games to be held in Alberta, said trying website said the jerseys will represent and another 400 more for the games in people to see if I could get involved. to host events such as the juniors is be- the blood, sweat and tears poured out Edmonton. “I absolutely love working with the coming much more competitive, as cities annually by Team Canada as it sets the After being chosen, volunteers each people and the volunteers.” are beginning to realize the benefits. gold standard around the world. had to pay a $50 registration fee to cover Brennan was also on the organizing “Cities and municipalities across the Jersey City CEO Wayne Renick said a criminal record check and the cost of committee for the 2009 Grey Cup and country are really starting to use sport- he’s expecting to see a big boost in uniforms. has also volunteered for the two past Tim ing events as opportunities to draw eco- sales. “Our sales will probably go up All of the volunteers live in or around Hortons Briers. nomic activity, to improve their quality over five or 10 times what they were last Calgary and Edmonton, said Karpoff. Originally from the United States, Bren- of life and to promote their destination year because of the games in Calgary,” International volunteers are usually not nan said she will nonetheless be cheering on a national or international stage.” he said. chosen, she added, because they try to loud and proud for the red and white. Not only will fans be watching from De Iaco said there are other positive give people who live in the area of the Her main job for the world juniors is to around the world on their televisions, effects from hosting the junior champi- tournament a chance to participate. ensure that each volunteer is matched to many visitors will be traveling to Calgary onship. “It has outstanding media cover- Fans of the games watching from a job they would excel at based on previ- to watch the games live. “We’re estimat- age and it offers an incredible commu- couches around the world may not even ous volunteer or workforce experience. ing that about 10,000 hotel rooms nity legacy — not only in the host cities realize the work volunteers will do for the “Not only are they going to be excited will be occupied during the Christmas and province, but across the country as international media descending on our about that area but they are also going to holidays,” De Iaco said. well,” he said. city. be extremely helpful,” she said. Todd Brandt, CEO of Tourism Saska- The World Junior Championship “The best way to describe the role is to “They are just so excited to be able to toon, said the 2010 junior championship league will play exhibition games lead- ensure that the media have everything help and to get to do something like this. was successful for his hometown two ing up the tournament in communities they need to do the job successfully,” said “And you meet so many great people years ago, and he has no doubt the across the province, including Brooks, Chris Jurewicz, a volunteer media coach that if you sat on the couch you wouldn’t same success will be seen in Calgary and Camrose, Lethbridge, Okotoks, Red Deer for the event. get to meet.” Edmonton. and Three Hills.

20 December 2011 | calgaryjournal.ca Sisterly support through chronic disease Twins diagnosed with cystic fibrosis say they’re not defined by disease Danielle Semrau | [email protected]

Photo: Danielle Semrau / Calgary Journal Simone, left, and Abby McFee say they are each other’s greatest support as they live with cystic fibrosis. isiting their hometown of Medi- CF would not live to see kindergarten. you, so you really have to take that into in high school who looked their age. cine Hat Alta., for the Remember- Today, half of all Canadians with the consideration when you’re going to They were 16, and I looked like I was 12 Vance Day long weekend, identi- illness will live into their forties and college or getting a job or something, years old. “ cal twins Abby and Simone McFee were beyond. because you have to let them know Psychologists are available for CF expected to carry out certain traditons. “I will tell someone that I have CF that out of nowhere you could sud- patients, many of whom find the disease One such tradition was an appearance and they seem to think that this is my denly be in the hospital,” Simone said. difficult to accept. However, neither at the Corona Tavern, a club whose al- final hour on this earth or that I only “You can’t foresee it at all.” Abby nor Simone have ever been to lure is really only understood by locals. have a year left to live or something,” Simone was in her first year of a psychologist. They help each other Abby and Simone ended the night Abby said. “People just don’t under- university when the H1N1 influenza through the difficult spots and said their at their family’s kitchen table, clutching stand that there are different levels of epidemic struck. Thousands rushed out bond is unbreakably strong. They are warm mugs of tea and discussing the severity.” to be vaccinated against the new strain more than CF patients or sisters – they events of the evening. It was the end of Both girls have moderate CF, and of influenza. Simone ended up being are best friends. another normal night for the two. From were diagnosed at ten months old after hospitalized with H1N1 for two weeks. “It is nice to have someone there the outside, they seem to be average Simone fell ill. Unable to keep food Simone credited Abby with keeping all the time who knows exactly 20-year-old women. down, Simone’s weight plummeted her emotionally sane while she was in what you’re going through, (who) However, the girls have cystic and the naturally vivacious toddler be- the hospital. even sometimes has the exact same fibrosis, commonly referred to as CF. came subdued and apathetic. Worried, “We called and texted each other problems as you,” Abby said. “And it’s A genetic disease, CF causes a thick her mom drove her the two and a half every day, and she pretty much held off just nice to have someone there who build-up of mucus in the lungs, diges- hours to Calgary. the tidal wave of complete isolation I understands.” tive system and other major organs of In Calgary, a “sweat test” was per- was feeling,” said Simone. In regards to her future, Simone its patients, making them prone to lung formed on Simone. Used to diagnose Now in her third year of university, acknowledged she will probably need infections and other illnesses. CF, this procedure tests the amount Simone said she still feels the effects of a lung transplant before she’s 30. How- In Canada, approximately one in of salt in an individual’s perspiration. the illness with a persistent cough and ever, for now her doctors are content every 25 individuals is a carrier of CF, Those with a high concentration of salt, unstable lung functioning — something with her current health. according to the Cystic Fibrosis Canada like Simone, are diagnosed with CF. monitored in CF patients. As Simone looks back at her experi- website. These carriers do not suffer Abby was tested soon after, and it was Illnesses and hospital stays are all too ence living with a chronic disease, she from the disease. However, if two car- found that she too had the disease. familiar to the girls. For the most part, offered a final piece of insight: “It’s riers have a child, there is a 25 per cent For some people, a sore throat or the they handle their disease in stride. How- taught me that you aren’t defined by chance the child will suffer from CF. flu is easily remedied by a steady diet of ever during high school — an inherently your physical maladies.” Both parents must pass on the defec- cough drops and chicken noodle soup. uncomfortable time for some — both She said she could easily let the “sick tive CF gene for the child to inherit the For the McFee girls, catching a cold or girls found that their disease presented girl” mentality sink in, “But I think that disease. coming down with the flu always has awkward challenges. I’m more of a person than my illness.” The website states that one in every the potential to turn into something “With CF usually comes the lovely Editor’s Note: Abby and Simone McFee 3,600 children born in Canada has CF. much worse. gift of delayed puberty,” Abby said. “So, are personal friends of reporter Danielle In the 1960s, most children born with “It’s just really easy to sneak up on I would be surrounded by classmates Semrau.

December 2011 | calgaryjournal.ca 21 Nurseries go ‘green’ Eco-friendly options for baby’s room ARIELLE BERZE | [email protected] xpectant parents have a lot to consider when prepar- newborn will come into contact with on a regular basis. She suggested parents focus on what their child E ing for their new bundle of joy. But concerns about Babies are more sensitive to different materials and needs, and build a budget for that. chemicals and keeping things “green” may be over- chemicals in products, she added. “I think there’s this big myth that going green is looked. Because babies are always close to the carpet, extra expensive, but in reality it’s not,” said Braker. “You see a When Amanda Barker became pregnant with her first care is needed if you plan on carpeting your nursery and bit of a price difference in certain things, but gener- child, she began to research the chemicals used in items when using fire retardants sprayed on carpeting, she said. ally it’s not that much more. Some things are even her newborn would be in contact with. She added there are sprays you can purchase in order cheaper.” “Skincare was a huge deal for me,” said Barker, owner to seal the chemical fumes into the carpet and suggested of the store Edamame Kids. “Even if it were labeled ‘for wool or other naturally fire-resistant carpets as an alterna- use with a baby,’ I would always use it on myself first for a tive. while before I would even consider trying it on her.” Mackie suggested parents also pay attention to the According to Ipsos.com, a market research company, bedding they plan on using for their newborn. as “green” awareness grows so does the number of She said a number of chemicals used in the manufac- Canadians willing to purchase natural products for both turing process of synthetic materials, and the pesticides themselves and their families. A 2010 poll by the com- and sprays used on cottons and other natural materials pany suggests 68 per cent of Canadians are making the create a “toxic soup,” which can be harmful to small switch to natural products — including household goods, children. personal care products, and organic foods and beverages. BUDGETING MAKING “GREEN” CHOICES Barker said while creating an eco-friendly home might Riva Mackie, owner of Riva’s Eco Store, said parents are sound difficult, time-consuming and expensive, many concerned about allergies and other illnesses such as parents are interested in making a difference in their autism and ADHD. child’s health and development. She added there are She said that by living a greener lifestyle and purchas- plenty of manufacturers taking the time to make green ing environmentally friendly, natural products, parents products and have these products certified by outside Illustration: Jack Simpson/ Calgary Journal can avoid toxic chemicals and allergens used in the bodies. manufacturing process of many carpets, clothing and “It’s easy to start over-buying items you don’t need that When planning a ”green” nursery experts suggest bedding. are really gimmicky,” she said. “In reality, in the first few parents pay close attention to materials used in Mackie said she believes the most important factors in months, a baby really doesn’t need a lot of stuff except bedding and carpeting, as these are areas babies preparing for a newborn are the material used in objects a the basics.” tend to be in close contact with much of the time. Dogs get a second chance at life Rescued dogs get a helping hand before finding a forever home JENNI O’NYONS | [email protected] “She was very shy and timid, and just sat in one spot,” said Babiak of Emma. However, when Emma met up with one of her puppies, Babiak said the older dog “came to life,” and appeared exhilarated to be reunited with her offspring. Mother and puppy are now happily together as that puppy’s owner soon ad- opted Emma too. Thanks to foster family volunteers like Babiak, the not-for-profit has a no-kill policy. According to the Pawsitive Match website, the organization has found per- manent homes for nearly 600 dogs this year. Most of the animals come from shelters in the United States and Mexico but, due to overcrowding, the dogs are relocated to Calgary. The dogs are rescued from the streets, abusive homes or puppy mills. Puppy mills are places dogs are raised for the sole purpose of breeding. The mills mean big profits for the people who run them, but often the breeding dogs are kept in “shockingly poor conditions,” according to the Human Society of the United States website. A puppy mill dog “lives his or her entire life in a small wire cage with no human companionship, toys or comfort,” stated the website. Photo courtesy of Tracy Babiak Babiak said she believes Calgary has become a “mecca for dog rescues” because “Rescue puppies are just as good as store bought (ones),” said Tracy there is no limit to the number of pets in a household as long as they are being well Babiak, seen here with her adopted dog, Mouse. cared for. ith all the good work North American animal rescue organizations do, is- Babiak appeared to take full advantage of this law — she owns five dogs and Wsues with overcrowding force some rescue stories to end in euthanasia. fosters up to three more at a time. Volunteers who foster dogs, make room in shelters while giving animals a sec- “The first foster is the worst,” she said. “You tend to get attached to the first one. ond chance until a permanent home is found. Most people end up adopting their first foster.” Tracy Babiak, president of Pawsitive Match Rescue Foundation, has fostered roughly Wayne Elliott has fostered 10 dogs in total and recently took on his first foster fifteen dogs in the past year and said she finds deep gratification in getting to know the through Pawsitive Match. dogs she cares for before they find a more permanent home. He said almost anyone is suited to fostering as it is easy to find a dog to suit One particular dog, a white Chihuahua named Emma, stands out in Babiak’s mind for every lifestyle. “We are an active family and we found a dog with plenty of bringing joy to her role with Pawsitive Match. The foundation rescued several dogs from energy,” he said. Los Angeles that might have otherwise been euthanized, and in that group were Emma All dogs have different personalities, but one virtue Elliott said is required when and her puppies. fostering a dog is patience. Upon arriving in Calgary, all of Emma’s puppies were adopted while Babiak fostered “The biggest thing for me is dogs get a chance at life outside of puppy Emma until a suitable home was found. mills,” said Elliott.

22 December 2011 | calgaryjournal.ca ‘Manglish’ aims to help Isolated grandma women decipher men Calgary matchmaker says ‘women need to gets ‘adopted’ for tell men exactly what they want’ JENICA FOSTER | [email protected] Christmas Program aims to increase interaction for seniors in need

Allison Chorney | [email protected] hen you enter the Falcon Ridge A 2007 report from Statistics Canada W home of Barbara (Pat) Pereira suggested that almost 10 per cent of you are met by the wonderful aroma seniors surveyed reported that they did of coconut milk and other exotic spices not have any close friends. In contrast, simmering away on the stove. only one per cent of individuals in the The 68-year-old grandmother of 18 25 - 54 age group reported this. may not be frivolous with her money Pereira used to spend her time but she loves to have people over to volunteering at an elementary school cook for. in her neighbourhood and with various “I try to make a lasting impression health organizations. — when I meet people I don’t consider “People are my most favourite them strangers,” said Pereira. thing,” she said, adding she used to Photo illustration: Derek Neumeier / Calgary Journal However, the visitors Pereira receives make trips to the mall just to strike up Manglish, or man English, is not strictly about learning to speak male but are few and far between. conversations with people and “cheer The mother of 11 children — six of them up.” is about women understanding what they want in a relationship, and then whom live in Calgary ­— has severe These days, however, she depends trying to communicate that to men. back problems, on her eldest daughter which have left “People are my Caroline Gonzalez, who f you take a trip to the self-help sec- precise terms what they want. It truly is her relatively arrived from Trinidad I tion of most bookstores, you’ll find all about what each individual wants out immobile. The most favourite in August, and will be sorts of titles that proclaim to decode of the relationship, she added. children she has returning home in Febru- the opposite sex. But could the issue be She suggested women use phrases in Calgary have thing.” ary. as simple as a language barrier? like,“I need you to listen. I need you to health and finan- “Before she was here One Calgary matchmaker certainly talk. I need your input.” cial problems of I had to get up even thinks so. And what’s her secret to The concept of expressing ourselves their own that — Barbara (Pat) Pereira, when I couldn’t manage,” effective communication with men? is the hardest part of manglish, MacIn- keep them from “adopted” grandma Pereira said, adding that Manglish. nis said. Most women think men should visiting her. she is tired most of the “Women begin to realize they don’t just know what women need, but she Pereira is housebound much of the time and in great pain from her back. want to be listening to everyone else’s said most men don’t get it. time, requiring the use of a walker and “Without her I don’t know what I’d love stories— they want to create their Daniel Claiter, 23, said he’s comfort- assisted transportation services when do,” she said. own,” said Elizabeth MacInnis, a life ed when a woman tells a man what she she does get the opportunity to get The Adopt a Grandparent program coach and matchmaker wants. He said it helps to out. started in 2008 as a holiday party for at Real Connections. avoid conflicts and inadver- “My radio is important,” she said of seniors but changed in 2010 to incor- She suggested women tently hurting her feelings. how she spends her time alone. “I lis- porate housebound seniors. This year’s learn manglish to help Hannah Kerbes, 20, spec- ten to the radio when I am downstairs, program is slated to help 250 seniors achieve their ideal ulated why many people are and upstairs I have the TV and I have but there is a potential to expand if lifestyle. She added, the reluctant to tell their partner the news.” there is enough of a response from practice will give women exactly what they want. Pereira is a recipient of this year’s donors. a greater understanding “History dictates women Adopt a Grandparent program from Sommer-Stevens said the organiza- of themselves and their goals. feel they might be ignored because of the Calgary Seniors’ Resource Society. tion tends to discourage gifts in kind Manglish, or man English, is not male dominance and patriarchal think- The program provides a personalized and instead asks for a $100 donation strictly about learning to speak male, ing,” she said. hamper filled with gifts and food to per senior. MacInnis said. It is about women under- With manglish, MacInnis said she low-income or significantly isolated “We can get so much more for our dol- standing what they want in a relation- tries to make women understand they seniors. lar than people do when they shop,” said ship, and then trying to communicate hold power in the relationship. Annastasia Sommer-Stevens from Sommer-Stevens. that to men. “A man can’t hold your hand unless Calgary Seniors’ Resource Society, Pereira said material things don’t Through client consultations, MacIn- you say okay,” she said. “He can’t kiss described the significantly isolated as bother her much but she could use a nis said she has each woman analyze you unless you say yes. But who do people who receive social contact no good winter jacket. the relationships of people close to we as women give all the power to? more than once a week. “I wish on Christmas Day I could be up them, visualize how a potential man Them.” Sommer-Stevens said the isolation and healthy, and be able to move around will fit into their lifestyle, and describe Manglish, she said, is about taking could lead to illness, injury, depression without much pain,” she added. the story they want to tell when they control of your own life, and recipro- and victimization by fraudsters. She is not sure why she was selected are 90 years old. cating your needs and wants to a man. The hampers are delivered to recipi- as a recipient but suggests her faith has As for speaking to men, she said, “For me it was really important ents by volunteers who then stay and something to do with it. “There are no specific words that you that a woman not sit and wait to be visit. “Perhaps it’s God’s doing. I don’t know use. It has to come from you.” happy, but to create her own happy,” “The main part of the program is really how many people believe in God but I She said women need to tell men in MacInnis said. about that visit,” said Sommer-Stevens. do. It’s my main sustenance.” December 2011 | calgaryjournal.ca 23 Calgarians sharpen fencing skills in ‘physical chess’ match Sword fighting makes for fun fitness for all ages GUILLERMO BARRAZA | [email protected]

he sword is a simple weapon, a long piece of reading “The Spiderwick Chronicles.” The book series metal with a handle and a pointed end. By it- features a character that fences. T self it seems almost harmless — a collectable, a Since then she has moved on to become one of forgotten artifact in a museum, a novelty from a store. the elite young fencers in Canada, recently taking But when most add the image of a sword to the first place in a national competition. But putting aside right character, the mind reels with swashbuckling the championships and the gold medal, she said she tales of thrusting, lunging and parrying action by fences for the love of the sport. sword fighters through the ages — from the Muske- “I love it. I think I’m somewhat addicted to fencing,” teers to Luke Skywalker. Golubev says with a laugh. “It’s just amazing. People On oposite ends of Calgary, two young local ladies think it’s just sword fighting and it could be danger- grab their weapons of choice, lower their masks and ous, but there is a lot more to it when you get into it.” fence to stay fit. Fencing competitions are fought with one of Miranda Tingle, 13, of the Fencing Academy of three types of swords. The foil is the lightest of the Calgary, has been training for a year and a half. In an weapons and the area where you can strike a point email interview, she says she not only does she find is limited to the torso of the opponent. The épée is a it fun and exciting, but also a challenging workout heavier sword with a bigger protection for the hand with movements that her body had to become ac- and the target area is the entire body. Finally, the customed to. saber is the heaviest of the three and derived from a “I feel it mostly in my upper arms and my right cavalry sword, the target area for point is the torso wrist,” Tingle says. “When I first started fencing I felt and the head. a lot of stress in my legs, but that has mostly gone The rules are different depending on the type of away.” weapon used for the fight, the fighter must be able Tingle looks forward to Wednesday nights when to out-manoeuvre their opponent to score points. she can pick up her sword and let off some steam. Coach Peter Drevenka has been training in fenc- “It releases all the tension I have built up,” Tingle ing for more than 20 years. He brought his talents Photo: Guillermo Barraza/Calgary Journal wrote in an email. “Fencing is the highlight of my from Hungary to the Epic Fencing Club, and helps Maria Golubev practices her moves with a fellow week, and I wouldn’t give it up for anything.” both young and more mature fencers reach their Another young fencer, 14-year-old Maria Golubev, potential. student. has been training for three years at the Epic Fencing Drevenka says fencing not only trains your body legs and your arms, so you have to think a lot, you Club in Calgary’s northeast. to stay physically fit, but also sharpens your mind have to anticipate a lot.” She says it was popular culture that attracted her to to help with making quick decisions. Drevenka says the co-ordination of your body fencing in the first place. “Fencing is called — by other words — physical and your mind is important to be a good fencer. She says she decided to look into fencing after chess,” Drevenka says. “It’s a mind game using your Visually, a fighter can be seen lunging and stretch- ing to strike a hit, this focuses greatly on leg strength and flexibility but is not limited to pure brute power. “You exercise your legs in general,” Drevenka says. “You have to work on the feet, is what we say. You set up the distance by your feet and legs.” “The entire body moves, you have to have good balance so you need strong abs, but,” Drevenka points to his head, “you need this first.” Drevenka says the club encourages people to perform other exercises to help with their fenc- ing. He says yoga and running help a lot, as you need the stamina to keep on your toes the entire bout. The class also incorporates plenty of moving around to help with agility and flexibility. “We do lots of agility exercises, jumping over hurdles, onto benches,” Dreveka says. “You can do any kind of sport alongside fencing.” Both Tingle and Golubev say fencing is now a permanent part of their life. Because of it they say they have sharpened their skills, gained more flexibility in their legs, bettered their balance and become heroes of their own stories. “I absolutely love learning new things, new moves, new ways to fence,” Tingle says. “For me, at Photo: Guillermo Barraza/Calgary Journal Peter Drevenka watches as his students practice lunging at the Epic Fencing Club. least, it’s my sport of preference.”

24 December 2011 | calgaryjournal.ca Shocking cigarette warnings on the way Government imposes tough new labels on tobacco industry products CELESTE DE MUELENAERE | [email protected] Even with warning labels already Health Canada spokesperson Jacinthe found on cigarette packages, the David. tobacco industry is still a multi-million “The older warnings were still work- dollar a year industry — or as Webb ing but weren’t as effective anymore,” calls it, “a recession-proof industry.” she says. “We had done some research According to a Health Canada and it showed that people were get- website, there are currently 565,250 ting immune to them.” smokers in Alberta alone and about Research done by Health Canada in 3,000 Albertans die every year from 2007 showed that 52 per cent of adult tobacco use. smokers reported that the warning The biggest change imposed by the labels had been effective in increasing act requires 75 per cent of cigarette their desire to quit, getting them to and cigar packages to feature one of attempt to quit, or smoke less. 16 new graphic images. While this suggests warning labels “These types of pictures are an can be an effective preventative tool, accurate health outcome of tobacco Canadian psychologist, Rosalyn Golf- Photo courtesy of the Edmonton Journal use,” Webb says. “No matter how hor- man, warns that people can turn a Health Canada hopes these new warning labels will encourage smokers to rific the images may appear to some blind eye when it interferes with their butt out and kick the habit for good. people, it’s the truth.” desires. Naomi Grant, a professor of psychol- “I would probably think that the writ- picture is worth a thousand words At that time, warning labels featured ogy at Mount Royal University, says ten text has been somewhat helpful, so — at least that is what the Cana- illustrations and text highlighting the A images can be more effective than the visual should help too,” says Golf- dian government is counting on. most common illnesses and effects of text for grabbing people’s attention. man. “But again, from a psychological Beginning next year, cigarette packs smoking. “The purpose of the visual images is point of view, if people want to do it, will be a lot more jarring as they’ll fea- This year, the Harper government to create fear,” Grant says. “And then they are just going to ignore it. People ture graphic photos and stern messag- pushed forward the tobacco products hopefully that fear will change their are very good at tuning out and deny- es about the dangers of tobacco use. labeling regulations act. Canadian attitudes and then in turn their behav- ing if they don’t want to know.” For example, one label includes a Cancer Society spokeswoman Ange- iour,” Grant says. Tobacco manufacturers and import- photograph of anti-smoking crusader line Webb says that this time around These pictures will no longer be ers have until March 2012 to comply Barbra Tarbox on her deathbed. the images on cigarette products will illustrations that list the health risks with the new labeling criteria, while The first attempt by the govern- depict “the truth of tobacco use.” of smoking in words, but testimonials retailers have until June 2012 to ment to bring public awareness to the And the truth is that “tobacco use is — actual pictures of people suffering ensure all packages on their shelves risks and health issues associated with the leading cause of cancer death,” she from smoking-related illnesses, says meet the new tobacco act regulations. tobacco use was enforced in 2000. adds. Blood donations not only option Blood, platelets and plasma also needed by Canadian Blood Services VERENA ISAK | [email protected] ucille Sawatsky has a hobby that saves years old and in good general health, blood can Canadian Blood Services. L people’s lives — she is a regular blood donor be donated every 56 days. When her brother passed away in September at Canadian Blood Services in Calgary and has 2009, she said she figured that she had to take his been named Canada’s top female blood donor by Safety comes first place donating. Since April 2011, she has regularly the organization. Once the blood or its components are donated, donated blood plasma. The 70-year-old woman has donated blood, or the donation is tested for transmittable diseases “It’s free. It doesn’t cost you anything other than parts of it, 893 times. By the end of the year, she such as HIV-1 and HIV-2, syphilis, hepatitis B and your time,” Ward said. will hit 900 donations. C. Donors are also screened before they donate People are able to specifically donate blood “It is just something to do,”she said. “Everybody blood to ensure no diseases are transmitted plasma. A machine on site extracts the plasma needs it,” she said. through the donations. and returns the rest of the blood to the donor. When she is on a new medication, she always The Canadian Blood Services website says This process takes 35 to 45 minutes and your body checks if it is safe for her to donate blood. not everybody is eligible to donate blood. For replaces the plasma within three days, making it Sawatsky started donating blood in the 1960s example, people who have been in a malaria risk possible to donate plasma every week. when volunteers knocked at her door looking zone must wait one year before donating blood. Printed material from Canadian Blood Services for donors. She is now a regular donor and never They can, however, still donate platelets, plasma shows that plasma is essential for circulation and misses an appointment. or red cells. supports the immune system. Plasma also controls “Even when I was working, my bosses never “Donate before your holidays, before you go excessive bleeding. minded that I took off one hour,” Sawatsky said. away,” said Winn Rathbun of Canadian Blood Donors are also able to specifically donate Services. platelets. This process takes 50 to 75 minutes. Who can donate? “To avoid risk, one might not be eligible to Although the body replaces the platelets within a Printed material from Canadian Blood Services donate blood because of their sexual activities,” few hours, it is only possible to donate them every says the need for blood is very high, as there is no Rathbun said. 14 days. substitute for human blood. It says approximately “We single out people who can’t trace their Kevin Driscoll has been a regular platelet and every minute of every day, blood is needed for activities,” she adds. plasma donor for about 20 years. A father of four, medical purposes. It adds that because the shelf he says he takes the time to donate about every life of blood is very short, it must be used within What can be donated? week or two. “It’s an easy way to make a differ- five days. Frances Ward started donating blood in the 1970s ence to help,” Driscoll said. “A way for me to be a First-time donors must be between 17 and 71 and also volunteers as a donor ambassador for part of the community. This makes me feel good.” December 2011 | calgaryjournal.ca 25 Home brewing popularity Dance class seeks to bring ‘sexy’ growing in Calgary back to Calgary moms JODI EGAN | [email protected] Kian Sumalpong | [email protected] eritage Park, typically known for its Beer aside, the money-saving n Sunday mornings at the Alberta H pioneer village, colourful carousel aspect of home brewing holds can O Ballet, women from the ages of ride, horse drawn wagon rides and its be alluring for some. Long estimated 30 to 60 occupy a dance studio where steamboat on the Glenmore Reservoir, the price of brewing your own beer they learn sassy cabaret dance routines. has another program that’s equally worked out to about “a buck a When dancing, the women perform popular — a home brewing course. bottle.” with strong stances and poses as they Known as Big Rock Interpretive Though money can be a factor, involve props such as: chairs, hats and Brewing, the course at Heritage Park Yule said brewers keep the hobby canes. They pair their routines with has been at capacity since it began alive for the craft of it. fierce facial expressions as they admire three years ago, said instructor Alan “It’s rewarding when your buddies themselves in the surrounding mirrors. Yule. He said these full classes are evi- are over and they love your beer,” he The beginner Pink Sugar Dance class, dent of the growing interest of home said. offered by DanceOgraphy, is for ladies brewing in Calgary. Yule said one possible reason 16 and older. Along with cabaret, Juli- Yule has been brewing in Calgary for the growth in home brewing is anna Enciu, the creator and instructor professionally for 17 years. He started the lax import laws in Alberta. This of DanceOgraphy, teaches numerous out as a humble home brewer in Hali- gives consumers enough choice to other dance styles such as jazz, salsa, fax, N.S., while attending university — satisfy their creative appetite for ex- hip-hop and funk. before a wealth of knowledge became otic beers, but not enough local and “Once you have kids you don’t feel available on the Internet about home unique beers that brew lovers crave. sexy,” said Enciu, thinking about her brewing. “There are more imports for Sunday dance class which mostly Now, information on home brewing Calgary and Edmonton than any consists of mothers. She recalled how can be found a variety of ways, said other major center of Canada,” Yule some of her students started the class Yule. said. “There’s tons of choice in liquor with what she calls a “closed off body “Look up some literature, talk to stores: imported beers from Europe, and mind.” guys who are brewing already and the United States, South America and Enciu’s goal is to keep people up and get advice from the guys in the Africa.” moving instead of being insecure and homebrew stores in terms of recipes Long agreed: “There’s more craft not knowing where to begin. Starting is ingredients and techniques,” he beer recently out on the market. the hardest thing to do, she said. advised. (People) realizing there’s a lot of dif- “When you add a sexy, feel good But the best way to improve and ferent styles and tastes they have ac- component in dance class, people are hone recipes is to speak to fellow cess to and they want to play around going to want to come back because brewers, said Yule. “Home brewers with it.” they like how they feel,” Enciu said. are their own little culture,” said Though Alberta laws on imported “That renewed confidence helps Clare Stanfield, an executive member brews may be more relaxed than within my marriage. My husband is so Photo: Kian Sumalpong/ Calgary Journal of the Cowtown Yeast Wranglers — other provinces, Long said that happy to see me going every week. Marilyn Tarkan says she would love located at the Wild Rose Brewery. opening a craft brewery in Alberta is He’s excited because I’m excited,” said This culture has been growing strong difficult, and this might contribute to Marilyn Tarkan, a student at Pink Sugar to dance with Pink Sugar Dance for in the Yeast Wranglers club since its Alberta’s staggering low number of Dance. as long as possible. creation in 2007. The club now has 170 local craft breweries. A part-time preschool teacher and a for a year-end showcase. registered members with more non- “It could just be harder to get all full-time mother of two, Tarkan spoke Three different dance styles were members attending every month. the licenses to start one up from of the importance of having stamina performed one after the other, with Rob Long, another home brewer scratch,” he said. when she is home with her family. the women uniformly dressed in black turned professional, thinks the reason For more information on the Big A weekly dance class gives Tarkan a outfits with tuxedo-printed shirts. They for growth is very simple: “People Rock Interpretive Brewing course, refreshing sense of zest, she said. wore their usual black hats to perform a want the beer.” visit: www.heritagepark.ca “I think it’s important to be a good stylized jazz, disco and Latin dance. model for our children. I can try some- “That’s an amazing treat she has — thing new and I can learn it so that I to work with a group and taking on a can connect with them when they’re new challenge,” said Tarkan. learning so many new things in life,” Feeling exhilarated from the per- Tarkan said, smiling at her six-year-old formance and experiencing a sense of daughter Meltem Tarkan. camaraderie with the other women, Tarkan’s daughter sometimes joins Tarkan said she was inspired and the rest of the ladies and learns their courageously performed solo for a choreography for fun. The mother and variety show held at her work at Soci- daughter duo occasionally enjoy prac- ety for Treatment of Autism. Showing ticing the dance routines at home. her talent to her colleagues, Tarkan Tarkan said she and Meltem both performed a disco dance routine to enjoy Enciu as an instructor. Enciu is Andrea True Connection’s “More, More, a “bundle of positive energy,” Mari- More,” a choreography she learned lyn Tarkan said, adding that Enciu’s from Enciu’s class. motivating personality is the reason Tarkan said that her readiness to why she has been dancing with the perform again is due to Enciu’s push company for two years. and the possibilities that opened up to Photo: Jodi Egan/ Calgary Journal With Enciu’s confidence-boosting all the women in her class. Alan Yule, instructor for the home brewing course at Heritage Park, says attitude, the majority of the class — For more information, visit: www. you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars to become a home brewer, including Tarkan —some performed at pinksugardance.com cooking pots and stovetops will do the trick. the University of Calgary two years ago 26 December 2011 | calgaryjournal.ca Spread the good cheer 14 ways to volunteer and help out in your community over the holidays JENNI O’NYONS | [email protected] ecember is the month people 2. Adopt-A-Family with CUPS, or 8. Bell ringer for the Salvation Army 13. Host an Alex Community Health put more thought into Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter The Salvation Army bell ringers are Centre Christmas event Dvolunteering and there are Play the role of Santa Claus by making synonymous with Christmas and as a Dec. 19-23 plenty of opportunities to do so. The Christmas special for a family down volunteer, you will accept donations The Alex Community Health Centre is 2009 Volunteer Calgary Annual Report on their luck. Your family, a group of and spread holiday cheer. According looking for a group of volunteers to said Calgarians spend an average of friends or your work colleagues can to the Salvation Army, by supervising help host a Christmas event for their 138 hours a year volunteering. donate gifts or funds to a designated a kettle for three hours, you can raise clients at the Family Clinic. Help serve One such Calgarian is Ashley family. enough funds to help provide a needy snacks and welcome the centre’s Thompson, 22, who has been For more information phone: CUPS family of four with a Christmas of their clients. volunteering at the Calgary Homeless 403-671-6564 or Calgary Women’s very own. For more information phone: 4 Foundation for the past Emergency Shelter For more information phone: 03-513-7405 two years. 403-539-5126 403-410-1122 Thompson said she 14. Amble with Angus for Calgary thinks helping out in one’s 3. “Run Santa Run” for The 9. Join the campers at Easter Seals Inter-Faith Food Bank community is an important Third Academy Camp Horizon Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m., Eau Claire Market, part of being a citizen. Dec. 17, Eau Claire Market Volunteer at the Christmas camp for Brave the cold in five-km fun-run in “You need to make change to Lose yourself in a sea of Santas adults with disabilities. Assist the support of the Food Bank’s Children’s help ignite real social change and completing a fun five- or 10-km run, or campers and join them in activities Milk Program. If you don’t feel like volunteering is a great way to do this,” one-km walk. All participants will dress like baking, arts and crafts, carolling, running, volunteers are also needed she said. in Santa suits, which will be included in theatre, and outdoor activities. help runners sign in. “It makes me feel proud that there the cost of registration. Proceeds go to For more information phone: For mor information phone: are people who are here because they the Third Academy, a non-profit private 403-949-3818 ext.28 403-263-8384 genuinely want to make a difference,” special needs school. Thompson added. For more information visit: 10. Once Upon a Christmas at Although she finds volunteering www.thirdacademy.ca Heritage Park rewarding, Thompson said she tries to Nov. 19-Dec. 18 focus more on the people she wants to 4. Christmas wrapping with Meals on Work alongside Santa and his reindeer. help rather than focusing on her own Wheels Volunteers will help with children’s feelings. Dec. 8-11 and 16-24, Westbrook Mall crafts and activities, gingerbread Thompson recommended Perfect your wrapping technique by decorating — hospitality and lunch is volunteering and said she thinks a volunteering for Meals on Wheels gift- provided. major roadblock for most Calgarians wrapping service. There is $2 minimum For more information phone: are time constraints. cost to have a gift wrapped. 403-268-8517 “A great starting place for anyone For more information phone: who is interested in any form of 403-243-2834 11. No Crib for a Bed NeighbourLink volunteerism is volunteercalgary. Calgary ab.ca, you can choose from various 5. Santa’s Secret Service Dec. 19 organizations and various time slots Bring joy to isolated seniors who may Join the program that recognizes many that fit your personal schedule,” she be alone during the holidays. As a babies born to Calgary families go said. Secret Santa volunteer, you can donate without cribs to sleep in. Organize a For good reasons — be it Christmas gifts, or deliver and sort presents. group to run No Crib for A Bed drives, spirit, gratefulness for one’s own good For more information phone: filling a crib with items that babies fortune, to meet new people or have 403-257-8339 would need like mattresses, bumper spare time to kill over the holiday pads, sheets, blankets, formula, diapers, season — there are numerous options 6. Be a Snow Angel wipes and toiletries. for those wishing to lend a helping Shovelling snow can be the perfect For more information phone: hand. workout to keep the holiday pounds 403-538-7314 The following list is a guide to 14 at bay. You can help by volunteering volunteer opportunities in the city: to shovel for a Calgarian in need of 12. Cram the Van with Calgary assistance or adopt a driveway for the Humane Society 1. Operation Santa Claus with whole season. Dec. 10, Calgary Humane Society Canadian Forces Personnel and For more information phone: Help fill two vans with Christmas Family Support Services 403-735-2433 presents for animals and enjoy Send cards and gifts to Canadian the free food and drink provided troops to brighten up their holidays. 7. Volunteer your musical talent for at the event. Some suggested items include: the Salvation Army For more information hats, T-shirts, travel alarm clocks, Nov. 18-Dec. 24. phone: 403-205-4455 travel games,CDs, CD players, pens, Share your singing skills and perform watches, sweat bands, key rings, hard alongside traditional donation kettles candy in factory sealed bags, drink around Calgary. You will have the crystals, mints, hand cream and hand chance to perform Christmas carols care products, brushes and combs, or your own tunes at various places shampoos. around the city. For more information visit: For more information phone: www.cfpsa.com 403-410-1122

December 2011 | calgaryjournal.ca 27 DECEMBER 15, 2011 - JANUARY 15, 2012

Caspa (18+) “Guys & Dolls” Community Events Dec. 28, Starlite Room, 9 p.m. Jan. 10-15, Craigie Hall - University of Calgary Bangladesh Heritage Fair For tickets visit www.primeboxoffice.com For tickets visit: http://tickets.pumphousetheatre.ca Dec. 23-25, Hyatt Regency Calgary, 700 Centre St. SE Visit: http://bcaoc.ca Headstones (18+) “UBUNTU: The Cape Town Project” Dec. 30, Century Casino, 8 p.m. Jan. 11-15, Max Bell Theatre Free Public Skate For tickets visit: www.ticketmaster.ca For tickets visit: www.epcorcentre.org Dec. 26, Most city arenas except Leisure Centres, 1 - 2:30 p.m. Honeymoon Suite and Prism (18+) Comedy Winter CARnival at Heritage Park Dec. 31, Deerfoot Inn & Casino, 9:30 p.m. Matt Billon Dec. 27-Jan. 8, Gasoline Alley Museum, 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. For tickets visit: www.ticketmaster.ca Dec. 15-17, The Blackfoot Inn Free with admission Visit www.thelaughshopcalgary.com Kim Mitchell (18+) Hockey Day in Calgary Dec. 31, Deerfoot Inn & Casino, 11 p.m. Chris Molineux Jan. 1, Olympic Plaza - 228 8 Ave SE, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. For tickets visit: www.ticketmaster.ca Dec. 15-17, Elbow River Casino Visit: http://www.cocnmp.com/recreation/index.php Visit: www.yukyuks.com Elvis Tribute: Dinner and Show (18+) Calgary Motorcycle Show Jan. 5, Deerfoot Inn & Casino, 5 p.m. Stan Thomson For tickets visit: www.ticketmaster.ca Jan. 6-8, BMO Centre at Stampede Park, 12 - 5 p.m. Dec. 29-30, Elbow River Casino Visit: http://www.calgarymotorcycleshow.ca Visit: www.yukyuks.com The Jim Cuddy Band with Doug Paisley Homexpo Jan. 14, Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, 8 p.m. Micetro Impro For tickets visit: www.ticketmaster.ca Jan. 13-15, BMO Centre at Stampede Park Dec. 30, Loose Moose Theatre, 8 p.m. Visit: www.showswork.com Call: 403-265-5682 Mother Mother (18+) Chestermere Winter Festival Jan. 13, The Gateway, 8 p.m. New Year’s Eve Special Double Feature For tickets visit www.ticketmaster.ca Jan. 14, Chestermere Lake with Andrew Grose and John Wing Jr. Visit: www.chestermerefestivals.ca Dec. 31, The Blackfoot Inn, 7 p.m. Movie Masterpieces: Visit: www.thelaughshopcalgary.com The Classics of John Williams Entertainment Jan. 13 & 14, Jack Singer Concert Hall, 8 p.m. Music For tickets visit: www.cpo-live.com Sports Arnej with Detox vs. Yula and Meltdown (18+) Calgary Hitmen vs. Regina Pats Platinum Blonde (18+) Dec. 16, Flames Central, 9 p.m. Dec. 16, Scotiabank Saddledome, 7 p.m. Jan. 14, Deerfoot Inn & Casino, 9:30 p.m. For tickets visit www.unionevents.com For tickets visit: www.ticketmaster.ca For tickets visit: www.ticketmaster.ca Corpus Christi Male Chorale World Juniors Pre-Tournament - Dec. 19, Jack Singer Concert Hall, 7:30 p.m. Theatre Canada vs. Finland Dinner Theatre: “Tony and Tina’s Wedding” For tickets, send email to: [email protected] Dec. 19, Scotiabank Saddledome, 7 p.m. Dec. 15-17, The Wedding Pavillion, 6:30 p.m. For tickets visit: www.ticketmaster.ca Cosmic Gate (18+) For tickets visit: www.ticketmaster.ca Dec. 26, Flames Central, 9 p.m. The Mac’s Midget Tournament “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” For tickets visit: www.unionevents.com Jan. 1, Scotiabank Saddledome, 6 p.m. Dec. 27-Jan. 1, Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium For tickets visit: www.ticketmaster.ca Brian Setzer’s Rockabilly Riot (18+) For tickets visit: www.ticketmaster.ca Dec. 28, Flames Central, 7 p.m. Freestyle Skiing Canadian Series For tickets visit: www.primeboxoffice.com Jan. 4-8, Canada Olympic Park Visit: www.winsportcanada.ca

Men’s Hockey - Mount Royal University Cougars vs. Grant MacEwan University Griffins Jan. 13, Flames Community Arenas, 7:30 - 10:30 p.m. Tickets at the door

Calgary Hitmen vs. Edmonton Oil Kings Jan. 15, Scotiabank Saddledome, 2 p.m. For tickets visit: www.ticketmaster.ca All-Ages New Year’s Eve Zoo Year’s Eve Dec. 31, Calgary Zoo, 6-9 p.m. For tickets visit: www.calgaryzoo.org

Citytv New Year’s Eve Bash! Dec. 31, Olympic Plaza - 228 8 Ave SE, 9:30 p.m. - 12 a.m. Free, drop-in event

Lions’ Festival of Lights Dec. 31, Confederation Park, 7 p.m. - 12 a.m.

Photo courtesy of Joan Marcus and NETworks Presentations Free, drop-in event Emily Behny, left, plays as Belle and Dane Agostinis plays as Beast in the Broadway musical of the Disney classic, “Beauty and the Beast” at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium Dec. 27 - Jan. 1.

28 December 2011 | calgaryjournal.ca Days of Christmas

Photo: Pauline Wyntjes/ Calgary Journal Photo: Kim Wright/ Calgary Journal Alberta Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” at the Jubilee Auditorium. Rudolph and his friends are coming to town soon. Bragg Creek Spirit of Christmas Sing-Along Messiah “George Canyon’s Country Family Fun Dec. 3 - 17, Bragg Creek, Dec. 11, Jack Singer Concert Hall, Christmas” 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. 2 p.m. Dec. 20, Jack Singer Concert Hall, Christmas in the Country at Kay- For tickets visit: www.visitbraggcreek. For tickets visit: www.cpo-live.com 8 p.m. ben Farms com For tickets visit: www.cpo-live.com Nov. 16 - Dec. 17, Kayben Farms, “A Child’s Christmas” 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Jeunesse Classique Ballet’s “The Dec. 18, Jack Singer Concert Hall, For tickets visit: www.kayben.com Nutcracker” 2:30 p.m. Crafts Dec. 10 &11, 16 & 17, Vertigo Theatre For tickets visit: www.calgarycivicsym- Festival of Crafts Once Upon a Christmas Heritage & U of C theatre, phony.com Dec. 1 - 4, BMO Centre Park 2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Visit: www.festivalofcrafts.ca Nov. 19 - Dec. 18, Heritage Park, For tickets visit: www.jcbs.ca For the grown ups 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. 19th Annual Douglasdale Craft For tickets visit: www.heritagepark.ca Alberta Ballet presents The Nut- ‘Twas the Moon of Wintertime Show cracker Dec. 12, The Ranchmen’s Club, Dec. 10, Douglasdale community, Bumbles Big Christmas Adven- Dec. 16 - 24, Jubilee Auditorium, 6 p.m. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. ture 1:30 p.m. & 7 p.m. For tickets visit: www.mealsonwheels. For more information visit: www.cal- Nov. 25 - Dec. 18, Easterbrook Theatre, For tickets visit: www.jubileeaudito- com garycraftsales.com 12 p.m., 3:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. rium.com For tickets visit: www.storybooktheatre. “Christmas with John McDer- Market Collective org Music mott” Dec. 11 & 12, 18 & 19, Anthill building, Dec. 15, Jack Singer Concert Hall Kensington, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Zoolights “A Traditional Christmas” For tickets visit: www.epcorcentre.org Visit: www.marketcollective.ca Nov. 25 to Jan. 27, Calgary Zoo, Dec. 7, 8, and 10, Grace Presbyterian 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Church, “A Perfectly Frank Christmas” For tickets visit: www.calgaryzoo.com 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. Calgary Jazz Orchestra Food For tickets visit: www.cpo-live.com Dec. 18, River Park Church, Celebrating Christmas the Medi- 7 p.m. “Last Christmas” terranean way For tickets visit: www.calgaryjaz- Nov. 28 to Dec. 23, TransCanada “Fiddle Fantasia” Dec. 6, 12 & 14, Mimo Restaurant, Dec. 9 & 10, Leacock Theatre, zorchestra.com Stage, 12:10 p.m., 6:10 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. For tickets visit: www.lunchboxtheatre. Visit: www.vineanddine.ca For tickets visit: www.calgaryfiddlers. com “Music for a Winter Evening” com Corpus Christi Male Chorale Christmas food & wine pairings Dec. 19, Jack Singer Concert Hall, “A Christmas Carol” Dec. 10, Cochrane, 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. “Hark the Glad Sound!” 7 p.m. Dec. 1 - Dec. 24, Theatre Calgary, For more information visit: www.vine- Dec. 10, Knox United Church, 7:30 pm For tickets visit: www.corpuschristi- 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. stonewine.com For tickets visit: www.calgarygirlschoir. For tickets visit: www.thearecalgary. malechorale.com com com

December 2011 | calgaryjournal.ca 29 Local music museum touchstone for Calgary culture Cantos foundation looks to surprise and educate all ages Vanessa Gillard | [email protected] ff of busy 11th Avenue S.E., in finished. The King Eddy, a historic blues the historic sandstone building venue on Ninth Avenue S.E., will be in- O that houses the Cantos Music corporated into the new building, in an Foundation, a piano’s keys are plinking effort to restored it to its former glory. somewhere up the winding cast-iron The centre will harbor a number of col- staircase. lections in addition to the Cantos Music Further up, behind bolted doors and a Collection, including the Canadian lone security guard, there are treasures Music Hall of Fame Collection in part- that few Calgarians have seen: a white nership with the Canadian Academy of standup piano that Elton John once Recording Arts and Sciences. belted it out on, an organ the likes Cantos also rents out venues for of which Dr. Seuss would perhaps performances of all kinds; Stephen ogle, and an instrument you can play Van Kampen played a show with his without even touching it, among many band Savk at Cantos to raise money others. for a relief effort in Somalia. He said he The Cantos Music Foundation is a thinks that Cantos is an important part repository of all things music, but more of Calgary’s cultural climate. specifically things with keyboards. It’s “To me Cantos is an island of free an amalgamation of two local organi- culture that exists in a sometimes zations that came together in 2003, the culturally cold city, which has been Photo courtesy of the Cantos Music Foundation Cantos Music Museum and Triumphant getting warmer, I admit,” he says. “It is The white standup piano that Elton John composed his first five album’s Foundation. a reminder of the small and dedicated on is featured with the Cantos collection. The organization encompasses group of Calgarians that are committed The tour — at $10 for adults and of the collection were a barrel organ education programs for kindergarten to music, the arts, and in my case, the $8 for students and seniors — was an that one might see in pre-world-war through post-secondary, to community artists.” hour and a half and there was far more era Europe being cranked by an organ outreach initiatives like using music to Beginning the tour of the collection to see. grinder while a monkey came around lure out memories for those suffer- of all things keyboard and keyboard One of the most engaging and with a cup to collect coins. The white ing with Alzheimer’s. The umbrella related, Borkowska noted that those unique aspects of the tour is its very upright piano that Elton John wrote his of Cantos also houses a magnificent on display now are only 200 of the 700 hands on. The interpreter plays many first five albums on, signed by the star collection of musical artifacts and pieces that the foundation has in its of the instruments that they showcase. and all, was an impressive bit of rock ‘n’ instruments. collection, while the new facilities will Borkowska played beautifully and en- roll history. And a 1920s electronic in- This impressive collection can be be adequate to showcase things like couraged goers to feel the grain of the strument called a theremin, which uses viewed by the public, with tours that the Rolling Stones’ mobile wood, crank the handle of a two metal antennae to conduct sound take place twice a week. studio, which at this point contraption or sing along to from the players hands depending on Kasia Borkowska, interpreter and sits unseen somewhere in “Strawberry Fields Forever.” how close or far away they are. guide of the Cantos collection, said the Bearspaw. The group moved fluidly There’s a section that encapsulates foundation’s mandate is really pretty The tour exhibits the along listening to Borkows- the great European piano-makers and simple. Cantos collection in a loose ka’s knowledgeable ex- another that chronicles the electronic “It’s a place that amplifies the love, timeline framework and planations, gingerly moving between keyboard evolution featuring early the sharing and the understanding of everywhere one looks, from floor to history, context and music theory for synthesizers that have cords of all music,” Borkowska said. “It transcends ceiling, there are instruments on vari- the layman. As she played a jaunty bit shades coming and going from vari- social and economic boundaries.” ous shelves at multiple levels. Accordi- on one of the earliest examples of a ous sockets in a confusing rainbow It’s hoped that in coming years, the ons, clavichords, wax cylinder players, grand piano ­­— with mother of pearl spectrum of early technology. When collection will reach an even bigger you name it. Many of the instruments and turtle shell keys — her enthusiasm switched on by Borkowska and hum- audience. The foundation is scheduled are more than 500 years old. was apparent and contagious. ming busily, some emited noises to move to a new location, the National At first the visual bounty is a little Soon the onlookers came to one of one might recognize from the 1970s Music Centre, in 2014 when the East much to take in with so many deep co- the more unbelievable instruments, disco era or even the “Seinfeld” theme Village redevelopment is slated to be lours and textures, keys and hammers. which had a deceivingly simple name: song. An ARP 2500, lit up with a flick, the theatre organ. This beast of a gizmo played the cheerful theme from “Close could easily fill a large-sized bedroom Encounters of the Third Kind,” and is and looks like something inspired by the very machine that the song was Dr. Seuss. The organ was used in silent composed on. movie theatres and was the source Zach Howie, a production student of the cacophonous soundtracks that who was on the tour, said he particu- were played to accentuate the slapstick larly liked the synthesizers and the action. The goers were invited to sit in theatre organ, and that Cantos is a sign front of the organ’s various append- of things to come in Calgary. ages — xylophones, drums, pipes, bells “I don’t see a lot of musical culture in and whistles — as it filled with air the Calgary, but it’s nice to see that this is room filled with a high pitched screech here,” said Howie. “It’s nice to see that until the instrument was seemingly it’s growing but I don’t think that it’s pumped up enough to run. Borkowska big in this city — yet.” played “Entry of the Gladiators” — bet- With the Cantos Music Foundation ter known as the circus theme song poised to expand its resources, collec- — and the full effect was dazzling: the tion of artifacts and programs into the true opposite of Dolby Digital. new 110,000-square-foot building, the Photo courtesy of the Cantos Music Foundation Though there are certainly too many city’s cultural landscape will certainly The actual ARP 2500 that the theme from “Close Encounters of the Third to mention, some of the highlights look different in the near future. Kind” was written on is very interesting to look at.

30 December 2011 | calgaryjournal.ca Continued crusade for public art spaces Calgary Arts Development champions the arts as a crucial component to a successful city APRIL IP | [email protected] rom visual artists to photographers and performers, more and more local artists are Fchampioning the need for additional public art spaces in our city. It’s no secret that many artist studios and creation spaces are limited and high-priced in Calgary. “Artists need an affordable and appropriate place to create and show their work,” said Deeter Schurig, art space initiatives co-ordinator at Calgary Arts Development. “More often than not it is very difficult for new artists to find these spaces,” he added. Schurig is responsible for the development of art spaces — both long term and short term. Effectively, Calgary Arts Development has partnered with Calgary Photo courtesy of Calgary Arts Development Seafood Market Studios is available for artists to rent out studio space. Municipal Land Corporation to secure affordable studio, performance and gallery spaces for artists. fill a gap in the needs of artists but they continually approximately 40,000 sq. ft. in size. Rock said this The Seafood Market is one such location found provide a fresh beginning for people.” location will have many different uses, providing to host artists. Located in Calgary’s East Village, the Calgary Arts Development came as a result of an space for an arts office, as well as cultural and social building is slated for demolition sometime next year. arts policy the city had adopted in 2004, said founder spaces. “Rather than having a building sit idly, we are and CEO Terry Rock. As for projects on the horizon, Rock said: “The making use of that building for art,” Schurig said. “I had been working with the city as a consultant, downtown core is the cultural cluster. This is where Calgary Arts Development has recently signed and essentially the plan was to create this the iconic and flagship buildings like Glenbow another six-month agreement with the municipal organization and help Calgary develop key art Museum are — however, we are looking to expand corporation to extend this term before its destruction. initiatives,” Rock said. cultural arts to all areas of the city.” “We have close to 50 artists there right now, and Calgary city council agreed with Rock’s vision He added that one of the predominant projects the space is projected to be in use until this spring,” on needed art spaces. In a blog post citing under development is The Art and Cultural Centre on he said. ImagineCalgary (a sustainability plan for Calgary’s International Avenue in the northeast. “Everyone from musicians and designers, to future development) Rock said it is imperative to “Besides libraries and churches, there are no art photographers, theatre groups and film shoots are allocate public dollars to continue building Calgary as spaces in northeast Calgary currently,” Rock said. “This working there.” “a great place to make a great living a great place to is a great addition and a priority for us.” One of the top goals for Calgary Arts Development make life.” Calgary Folk Festival Hall, Mount Royal University is to ensure affordable prices for all artists. Fees for One of the organization’s key projects is the Conservatory and The Nickel Arts Museum are also spaces are generally made to be manageable for their purchase of the King Edward School in Marda Loop. projects currently underway. These locations will be income range. “This is our first major project to be kept in the utilized as gallery and performance spaces for artists. “Typically, where it may cost $60 per-square-foot public realm hopefully for the next 100 years,” Rock Rock said he is enthused Calgarians have — artists may end up paying a dollar per-square-foot,” said. shown such awareness on these initiatives. Art Schurig said. Rock added they are very close to finalizing the advocates who are interested in investing in Local artist Eric Moschpopedis said: “I have long purchase agreement for the school. cultural space can find more information at www. been a fan of temporary spaces. I don’t think they just The building is a historic sandstone school, calgaryartsdevelopment.com.

Photo courtesy of Calgary Arts Development Calgary Arts Development is working on purchasing the King Edward School in Marda Loop. The 40,000 sq. ft. building would be used for art studios and cultural or social spaces. December 2011 | calgaryjournal.ca 31 Calgary arts community to receive a poet laureate Council looks to inspire creativity through poetry TATUM ANDERSON | [email protected] manager for Calgary Arts Development. “We are look- ing forward to the wide array of nominations that can come from the arts community.” A Poet Laureate Showcase will be held on March 1 in the theatre of the Calgary Public Library’s downtown branch. The four to six short-listed nominees will pres- ent a reading or spoken-word performance, and will also have the opportunity to discuss the position of being the poet laureate. They will also talk about the potential contributions they can make to Calgary and the arts community. The position is funded by the Poet Laureate Ambas- sadors, which are: The Calgary Foundation, Calgary Chamber of Commerce, First Calgary Financial, First Energy Capital Corp., TransCanada Corp. and an anony- mous donor. Many council members were in support of having a poet laureate as it passed 13-2 for the vote in council, Mayor Naheed Nenshi was among the supporters. “I think that these things actually really do matter…. It helps us think of better ways to tell our story. And tell- ing our story has value in and of itself,” said Nenshi.

Poem to the Editor: The Calgary Journal asked readers to write their own poems detailing what they think having a poet laureate for Calgary means to them. Here’s the best response received, as selected by our Photo illustration: Tatum Anderson/Calgary Journal editors. Calgary will soon get its first Poet Laureate in January. Nomination deadline is Jan. 10, 2012. algary will soon have its first poet laureate, who spoken-word artist. As well, they must be a current will be an advocate for artists in the city. Arts in resident of Calgary, demonstrate an established career Laurels from the Loom C Calgary seem to be getting much more atten- through their body of work, or have made significant tion from city council, with the funding to follow. contributions to their community regardless of length my city is sewn from the fabric of countless breaths Calgary is one of the few major cities that does of career. our poet chooses a few or many tugs them from the tapestry not currently have a poet laureate, which has been Duties of the position also include: and weaves them into a harmony of ones becoming described as a position that can make a significant dif- • Composing and presenting poems for official City one ference in the arts scene. of Calgary occasions “Poet laureates nourish the • Making public appear- every fibre of every thread is distinct and every quality of life of a city, enhanc- “It helps us think of bet- ances as the Calgary poet lau- thread part of a pattern ing economic and social reate and as an ambassador the monochrome and subtle impacts,” said Kerry Long- ter ways to tell our story. to other cities or countries the lustrous and wan pre, chair of the volunteer • Making public presenta- the fulsome and slight selection committee. “They And telling our story has tions of their work at least promote and encourage cul- twice a year every exhalation fills a space and every space holds tural identity and bring poetry value in and of itself.” • Sitting on the selection a multitude to citizens in a way that can committee for the succeed- joy and fear and love and all their colours inspire them. I can’t wait to ­—Naheed Nenshi. ing Calgary poet laureate. all of our colours dive into this selection for our Mayor of Calgary The poet laureate will re- city,” Longpre added. ceive an annual honorarium every stitch a story The poet laureate is a position created to be a of $10,000. and each story a light representative for artists to the citizens of Calgary. The The poet laureate position will be managed by Cal- painting a city for all of us laureate will hold a two- to three-year term. They will gary Arts Development, but is considered a municipal upon clouds of the same great sky create literary works that represent the local landscape position. and/or civic identity of citizens. Longpre said there has been a lot of interest from a poet that’s all of ours and mine Within the city, projects are in the works to create all sides, as the initial suggestion was brought up by a sees my potential in you more spaces for artists to participate, Longpre said. She private citizen writing to city council. The council has and our relevance in me added that having an advocate representing artists also been discussing this topic on and off over the last follows suit with these plans. three years, she said. —Jordan Baylon, The nomination deadline is Jan. 10, and entries can “We have had a lot of interest from the public inquir- Calgary Arts Development. 2011-11-22 be in the form of self-nominations. The nominees must ing about the position but so far we don’t have any be professionally published, presented literary or a nominations,” said JoAnn Reynolds, communications

32 December 2011 | calgaryjournal.ca Not just a hobby

Workshop seeks to give aboriginal youth more than a canvas Hannah Kost | [email protected] he Urban Society for Aboriginal “Seeing this studio and being around him, they’re extremely creative and need a beyond thankful for this experience. I T Youth, known as USAY, is offering it made me want to be an artist again. He venue for it. They need an outlet. So the don’t ever want to buy canvases again, I aboriginal teenagers a useful skill with helped give me that motivation because Urban Society of Aboriginal Youth is try- want to make my own. It made me want its latest endeavor: a lesson in canvas he’s positive. He’s patient and he’s funny. ing to give them that.” to be an artist. That’s what I’m meant to stretching. He lives his life the way he wants to live Batista has touched on something be. It’s who I am.” Designed to encourage youth artists his life. It’s inspiring.” echoed by program manager Paris: the on a budget and allow them to sell their Batista’s studio is full of his work — importance and influence of art in the work, the Canvas Building Workshop intricate oil paintings washed in gold and aboriginal community. Program teaches its students to build silver. The building is hushed, the wood “Art has been something that’s rec- quality canvases from found materials. In floor scuffed and colour-stained. The ognized as an essential component to a addition, it allows pupils to channel their quiet of the space is of great contrast to lot of the aboriginal cultures in Canada,” skills and consider painting as something Batista himself, who is lively, engaging said Paris. “The youth really seem to more than a leisurely pursuit. and quick. learn through art, and they all have an “I think it provides them the opportu- “The really cool thing about the interest in it, a lot of them do. If you apply nity to see art as more than just a hobby,” program is that they come in the studio, a component that has an art aspect to it said Rachel Paris, the program manager. they see a working artist, they get fed,” when they’re learning, they seem to be a “If they can learn to the next level, to said Batista. “I show them how to buy and lot more interested.” actually make a career out of it instead of repair damaged goods, and I show them The workshop, which is held monthly it just being something they do in their how to build professional-level canvases for about five students at a time, is in- spare time, I think that it’s contributing out of raw materials. And when they walk tended to provide artists with the means to the culture of Calgary and economic out of here, they get to keep them. Like, to create, but is not a painting class — ­­ development. We try to encourage them 10 canvases each.” what the students choose to do with the to become part of society by becoming a Batista said another worthwhile com- canvases is entirely up to them. legitimate artist.” ponent of the class is simply exposure to a But, according to Dick, USAY’s work- USAY asked working artist, Brian (Bun- successful artist. shop has given its young artists some- ny) Batista, 33, to lead the workshop from “The whole time they’re not just build- thing beyond the canvases: support. his downtown studio. Former students of ing, they’re learning how to succeed at “It made me feel that people cared the program like Katie Dick, 20, are quick art,” said Batista. “I’ve found over the last about us, and they wanted to get us Photo: Hannah Kost/Calgary Journal to credit him with sparking their interest. five or six years that aboriginals — and involved,” said Dick. “The whole session Brian Batista secures the corners of “He was pretty amazing,” said Dick. this is with a very select audience — was great. I love the people there. I am a newly stretched canvas. Couple says they keep love for orchestra alive Pair has held season tickets to the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra since the ‘70s Danielle Semrau | [email protected] mild-mannered couple, the two moved At the start of their relationship with to Calgary in 1967. Since then, they have CPO, the orchestra performed at the held season tickets at one point or an- Jubilee Auditorium. In 1985, CPO moved other to many of the major arts establish- into Jack Singer Concert Hall at the Epcor ments in the city, from Theatre Calgary Centre for the Performing Arts. Alice and Alberta Theatre Projects, to Alberta fondly remembers the very first concert Ballet and Calgary Opera. However, it is the two saw at the concert hall. the philharmonic that their heart truly It was quite memorable, she says, belongs to. adding she enjoys the first concert of The two have had season tickets to any season because everybody sings the CPO since the ‘70s. national anthem. The combination of the At one point in time, the couple held orchestra playing and everybody singing season tickets to four different arts estab- is, she says, incredibly exciting. lishments in the city. It is perhaps the energy that keeps the “We actually had a hard time keeping couple going back time and again, year up with all of them,” Alice says. “And after year. As time wears on, the memo- then we’ve gradually decreased them to ries of many of the shows fade, with the point that we go to the occasional only the strongest of the performances theater, and the occasional event at the standing out. Photo: Danielle Semrau/Calgary Journal Alice and Bob Thomas look over a program for the CPO. The Thomases Jubilee. We’ve restricted it primarily to the This year, the couple says that the first philharmonic, because I think Bob enjoys show was quite incredible. have held season tickets to CPO since the mid ‘70s. those a lot more than any of them.” “It was the tribute to 9/11 and they n a crisp late-autumn evening, Bob first concert so many years ago had been. Bob and Alice see four performances had the (John) Adams piece, which was O and Alice Thomas sit across from “I think it was Mahler,” Bob says. annually, and both agree it is important specially written for 9/11,” Alice says. “And one another in their living room discuss- “That’s right — it was a Mahler,” Alice for their quality of life to participate in the then that finished off with Beethoven’s ing the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, agrees. “It was quite an excitement about arts regularly. ‘Ninth Symphony.’ That first — that known as the CPO, and the first CPO that whole event, as there is when there is The two originally purchased tickets Adams piece — was just amazing with performance they attended at the Jack the first concert of the season.” back in the 1970s because of Bob’s the sounds and the lighting. They just did Singer Concert Hall. The Thomas couple, who are both interest in classical music. Alice says with a magnificent job with that. And of course Bob and Alice reminisce about that first in their seventies, can be described as a fond laugh that Bob “chooses the con- Beethoven’s ‘Ninth Symphony’ is one of performance, trying to recall what that nothing short of art enthusiasts. A quiet, certs and I go along.” the most beloved pieces around.”

December 2011 | calgaryjournal.ca 33 Young tennis talent out in the cold Lack of indoor courts makes it hard for Calgary players to practice in winter Shannon Galley | [email protected] or accomplished tennis player Harrison said his goal for this Harrison Scott, finding time and an year is to make it to the top three F open indoor court to practice in in U16s in Canada so he can qualify Calgary is a difficult balancing act. for the Junior Davis Cup, which will “Last year, Harrison had to train at be held in Mexico in May 2012. three different clubs to get court times,” Going to a top U.S. school to said his mother Barb Scott. play tennis and to get an education Harrison,14, is currently ranked No.1 is where Harrison said he would in U14s and U16s in Alberta, No. 2 in like to be in a few years time. That U14s in Canada, and No. 9 in U16s in way, he said, he can compete with Canada. the best in the United States and Both Harrison and his mother said Europe. Schools in Canada just it’s nearly impossible to get court time don’t offer the same opportunities, — public or private — because of the he said. demand in the city, noting that Calgary Harrison started playing tennis has just one indoor public facility, The when he was three, and his two sis- Tennis Academy. Located in the com- ters currently attend school in the munity of North Glenmore Park, the U.S. to play tennis. Playing tennis is venue holds 10 courts. something Harrison and his family By comparison, Toronto has more do together. than 40 indoor tennis facilities with mul- “It’s a sport for life,” Harrison tiple courts in each, according to www. said. ilovetennis.ca, which locates public One of Harrison’s coaches, Jeff and private tennis facilities across the Spiers, the community develop- country. ment co-ordinator for Tennis She would like to see indoor courts Alberta, has been fighting for more in the cities new recreation centres to Photo: Shannon Galley/Calgary journal indoor tennis courts in the city. alleviate some of the demand. Nationally ranked tennis player Harrison Scott has trouble finding “Harrison has had tremendous “In an ideal place he’d be just training adequate facilities to perfect his craft. success over the last year,” Spiers at the one tennis club,” she said. said. ing his opponent three sets to one. The U14 team Harrison competes not only in U14, but also “His success is even more impressive when you finished ninth. in U16 and U18 age groups, and had numerous consider the fact that Harrison is at a major disad- He said his favourite moment in tennis was his accomplishments in 2011 including attending the vantage compared to children from other parts of win the in the semi-finals of the indoor U14 nation- International Tennis Federation’s World Junior the country who have access to more court time. als. This win guaranteed him a spot on the team Tennis Championship in the Czech Republic. Dur- “Juniors from Calgary do not have the same ac- picked to go to the international world juniors ing the tourney, Harrison won his only match of cess to court time because of the lack of facilities tournament in Europe. the tournament against a player from Italy, beat- here in Calgary.” Hockey Calgary’s Respect in Sport program sees first review DEJA LEONARD | [email protected] istory was made one year ago program, members of the hockey es, players and their parents through From 1,400 surveys completed, the H when Hockey Calgary imple- community say the ideas supported the Timbits program and says that it researchers were able to gather some mented the Respect in Sport program in this program have been around for is something to celebrate. quantitative data. — the first of its kind in Canada. much longer. He adds coaches have learned how She said the study showed almost One parent from each family, and to best facilitate the skill develop- 50 per cent of parents who re- every coach, was forced to com- Where it all starts ment of their players — which is a sponded feel they are better able to plete an online course on respect in Timbits hockey for players ages five great step up from the past. create realistic expectations for their hockey. and six is celebrating its tenth year He sees players go from wobbly children, thanks to the program. Only Cam Bell, a coach for over seven with Hockey Calgary. kneed beginners to powerful striders 22 per cent disagreed. years, describes the focus of Respect The Timbits Operators Manual on the ice. Weible refers to Hockey Calgary in in Sport as, “ensuring that everyone says the philosophy of Timbits is to Moreover, he says he believes that noting that the goal of the Respect has the utmost respect for other play- run a skill-based program that does because Timbits is a program that is in Sport program isn’t to change the ers, other coaches, the officials and not focus on winning, but rather on focused on fun and creating a posi- two per cent who don’t act respect- all of our family members that enjoy creating safe and fun environments tive environment for everyone at the fully, but it is to empower and edu- watching our young kids play.” for kids to learn the “FUNdamentals” rink, it keeps people coming back. cate the other 98 percent. Respect in Sport is implemented of hockey. This year, the team plans to ask if through a one-hour online course “It begins here,” says Todd Millar, Research Results parents who have already completed that provides parents with informa- president of Hockey Calgary. Julie Weible, a Mount Royal Universi- the course have gone back to use it, tion on how they naturally influence Bell, who had three sons go ty professor, is the lead researcher in while providing a different survey for their child, how they affect their through the Timbits program, says a three-year study on the perceived new hockey parents. child’s enjoyment in the sport, and that Respect in Sport really mirrors effectiveness of the Respect in Sport tools to evaluate their behavior. what the Timbits program has been parent program and says that, after Editor’s Note: All findings in the research Although it is Hockey Calgary’s doing for years. completing 85 interviews, the results results are unpublished second year with the Respect in Sport He has seen development in coach- are “primarily positive.”

34 December 2011 | calgaryjournal.ca Like father, like daughter Ex-NHLers take to the ice to teach their little girls a thing or two about hockey CHRISTINE RAMOS | [email protected] “My dad didn’t push me into playing hockey,” Cas- sandra said. “However, he was very encouraging when I decided to play. The fact that he played pro and played in the Olympics really inspired me to follow in his footsteps. I hope to one day play for my country.” The women’s gold medal win in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah, sparked Cassandra’s desire to play hockey. “She said, ‘Daddy, we want to play hockey now,’” recalled Claude after Cassandra and her friends watchied the gold medal game at the Olympics. The next year, Claude and his wife enrolled Cassan- dra into a hockey camp. With pride, he remembered his daughter’s prog- ress. “She had a tough time skating with the stick and the puck, and then, all of a sudden, towards the end of the camp she was flying.” Despite such humble hockey beginnings, Cassan- dra is now being sought out by various colleges and universities on both sides of the border — including Harvard and Yale. But her hockey career all began with her father as coach. “I never thought I was going to be into coaching at all,” he said. “She joined a local team and they had no coaches. They said ‘Would you like to coach?’ and I

Photo: Bryce Forbes/Calgary Journal said, ‘Well, if I’m going to be there every time I may as Following his NHL career, Kevin Haller has moved onto coaching his daughter Madison on the ice. well coach.’” Vilgrain coached his daughter throughout her lame it on genetics. Or maybe it’s being Cana- girls to learn more than just how to optimize a power bantam career. dian. play or improve one’s forecheck. Now following in her father’s footsteps, Cassandra B In either case, some girls are picking up “Our big speech at the beginning of the year was is on the roster for the 2011 U18 Canadian National hockey sticks and seeking daddy’s advice on how to ‘we can have fun without being disrespectful,’” Kevin Women’s team as she works toward her gold medal perfect their slap shots. said. dreams. Lucky for these girls, their fathers don’t just dabble There is a no-swearing policy in the Bruins’ change And while Claude may no longer be behind the in the sport — these dads have played pro, whether room. The girls are mindful of what kind of music bench, he’s always in the stands cheering her on. it was gunning for the Stanley Cup or a gold medal in they’re listening to and what kind of movies they’re “I miss it. But I will always have him to go to for the Olympics. watching, Kevin said. advice. He is always there when I need him,” Cassan- These former NHLers, now fathers, are taking their He has also made a no-rookie rule for his team to dra said. talents to the arena of girls hockey. From Timbit to counter possible fractions among team members. This peewee and onward, these daddies are coaching their means there is no distinction on the team between THE IRONY daughters the finer art of Canada’s unofficial sport. newbies and veteran players. Terry Johnson, Kaela and Nicole Johnson “We’re against cliques,” said Kevin, who coaches Terry Johnson played for the Calgary Flames when DEFENSIVE DUO teenage girls. “We want everybody to associate with they made their first run to the Stanley Cup finals in Kevin and Madison Haller everybody. That’s the type of atmosphere we want to 1986, ultimately losing to the Montreal Canadiens. “I’m in a situation where I’ve played, so I have some- create. His priorities have shifted over the years, from thing to give back. But the No. 1 reason is to be a part “That carries onto the ice. When everyone’s having hockey to being the father of 11-year-old twins Kaela of my daughter’s life,” said Kevin Haller, who won a a good time and treating everybody as equal, and and Nicole Johnson. Stanley Cup with the Canadiens in 1993. having respect for everybody, you get more wins out He’s been coaching them since their Timbit-hockey Kevin coaches his 15-year-old daughter Madison of it.” days, when they were both five years old. Haller in the AAA midget girls hockey team, the Cal- Kevin’s methods are noted by his little girl. Though he and his wife tried to switch the girls from gary Bruins. “He’s the best coach anyone could have. I’m pretty hockey to ringette, “they expressed no interest in do- “This isn’t NHL hockey. But this is like my NHL right lucky,” she said. ing that,” Terry said. now and we are having a ball,” Haller said. “She has to say that or she’ll get in trouble,” her dad Hence, he’s coached his twins for the last six years. Throughout the eight years that Madison has replied with a laugh. It’s ironic that the former defenceman, who doled played, her father has stood behind from the bench, “I’m really lucky. It’s the truth,” Madison said quietly out his share of hits in his career is now concerned either as head or assistant coach. when her dad is turned away and can’t object to his about his girl’s first year of full-contact hockey. Madison started out figure skating, but around daughter’s praise. “The whole contact thing causes some apprehen- seven years old she decided she wanted to be part of sion for sure,” Johnson said. “I don’t think they’ll be a team sport and switched to hockey. OLYMPIC AIMS worried about taking penalties so much as getting “My father was content to let me figure skate if I Claude and Cassandra Vilgrain hurt themselves. They just don’t understand what wanted to, but I wanted to play hockey,” Madison said. Cassandra Vilgrain, 16, has Olympic aspirations, just could be coming at them.” Madison now mans the blueline on defence — her like her pops. Forgive Terry — he’s just being a father looking out father’s former position. Her father, Claude Vilgrain, played on the Canadian for his girls. “He’s been my role model and it’s been great,” she men’s hockey team in the 1988 Winter Olympics in “It’s a plus when you can enjoy doing something said. Calgary. He has also played for the Vancouver Canucks with your kids,” he said. “If your likes are the same as As head coach of the Bruins, Kevin said he wants the and the New Jersey Devils in an 89 game NHL career your kids, it’s a real plus.”

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