THE PERSONALITY OF BUSINESS IN THE CAPITAL REGION

PM 40023292 2004

2005

THAT WAS THE DECEMBER THAT WAS with Mark & Marty “Penultimate director of the Citadel Theatre, “…the Courvoisier Collection Erté went state- Joe Shoctor loves his scotch. He asked the side to a telephone bidder for $10.000… bar at the Citadel to hold a bottle of Chivas Edmonton’s first Fine Wine & Art Auction, the hat a special night… Regal for him for opening nights. Three years brainchild of Irv Kipnes… raised an estimated I was at the Hotel Mac later, he’s still working on the same bottle.” gross of $130,000 and a net of $65 to when HIV Edmonton ~ Maureen Hemingway Movers and Shakers $70,000…” announced its 25th 1990 ~ A Classic Evening photo feature W Wanniversary plans. The highlight of the fundraiser for Edmonton Symphony and 2006 mid-November shindig was hearing “Anne Bilinske… the soft-spoken proprietor of Beth Shalom Synagogue Arson Restoration Michael Phair, former city councilor and Walt’s Klothes Kloset… offers the following: Fund 1997 now director of community relations at ‘Men who own their own tuxedos have better the UofA, tell the story of how the social lives.’” “Tracy Tremblay is a extraordinary doll artist. 2007 organization was formed. Edmonton’s ~ Lois Bridges Business Profile 1991 She creates doll-like sculptures of people first public case of AIDS was that of (Bryan Hall, Hugh Campbell, Ron Hodgson, Olympic swimmer Ross Armstrong. A “Art Jones… lauds Connie for her work as a Tom Mayson, Jack Agrios). She donates a group—including Bernard Dousse, Liz member of the Board of Governors of the piece to the NAIT Foundation Art Auction and Massiah, Dr. Larry Jewell and Tom Edmonton Realtors Foundation which is Cruise and the Festival of Trees.” committed to community service and ~ Muggsy Forbes Funny Pompous & Unfair Gale —gathered around Michael’s philanthropic activities.” 1998 kitchen table ~ Lois Bridges Entrepreneur of the Year— Connie Kennedy 1992 “Maureen Hemingway-Schloss… sets the stage, designs the scenery, provides stunning “When Children Sing… recording of Christmas props, and allows her guests to be the stars.” Classics by 44 members of the St. Albert ~ Marg Pullishy Dining-in for the Millennium Children’s Theatre is a terrific gift… a 1999 fundraising effort for the Friends of the St. Albert Children’s Theatre Society.” “December 7th: You could support the ~ Fred Keating Arts and Entertainment 1993 Children’s Health Foundation at their Snowflake Family Gala at the Shaw… lots of “The Effort Auction, now in its 26th year, is fun and all for a good cause.” THE society gathering… Alberta’s most ~ Eva Marie Clarke Calendar Cogitations 2000 successful one-night charity auction; this Bernard, Liz, Michael, year’s event grossed $160,000 in support of “The highlight of the Public Library Ball was 2008 Dr. Larry and Tom beneficiaries in the arts and health science when Stan Milner presented a cheque for $500 fields.” thousand… John Poole provided the project to figure out what to do about AIDS. ~ Faces photo feature 1994 with $50,000, which helped the library hit its They created the AIDS Network in 1986 target of $1,350,000.” to provide a system of support and “Caritas Chair Marilyn Kane hopes to see $3 ~ Muggsy Forbes Funny Pompous & Unfair advocacy. Now called HIV Edmonton, it million raised this year by the Hospital 2001 offers information on harm reduction, Foundation.” ~ Drake McHugh 2002 treatment information, a contemporary resource library, a toll-free phone line, Edmonton General Hospital 2003 100th Anniversary 1995 and volunteer training.

“750 of Edmonton community and business leaders came together to hear Barbara Bush, Larry King and Mike Duffy. The event raised funds for the Alzheimer Centre. Eva and Peter Pocklington dropped $5200 for a replica of the desk used by Larry King, and $2500 for the signed oil of the talk show host and Barbara Bush. Who else?” ~ Leaders Summit photo feature 1996

2 EDMONTONIANS DECEMBER 2009

Proof__1______PROOFED BY:______CHANGES MADE:______DATE:______The 25th year will feature various with good friend and Italian business o doubt you have seen “Broadcasters also receive approximately legacy projects. A permanent princess Teresa Spinelli. Marina the newspaper or television $350 million annually in simultaneous installation, such as a garden or a grove joined the Story Slam board given her ads over the past few months substitution; where they impose their of trees, will be created. “Something pedigree as a TV producer from regarding the friction between advertising over foreign signals showing green and living,” says Michael. As England where she told stories for the theNN television and cable industry in Canada. the same program.” King further states, “In well, there will be a special coffee BBC and all the major networks. When you have many friends on both addition, they currently get over $1 billion table book published. Here in Edmonton, the wordsmith sides of the issue, as I do, it’s really hard to annually in federal subsidies and grants and Award winning applied her discern who is right and who is wrong. transfer fees from cable and satellite photographers Dale Teresa and Marina craft to a In my opinion, both are right and both consumers such as: $467 million in federal Roth and Michelle book on are wrong... and the problem lies in highly tax credits, $200 million in provincial tax Ramberg have given smart and outdated CRTC regulations and a failure- credits, $350 million from the Canada their time and talent to sassy to-communicate issue. Media Fund, $102 million from the Local shoot the faces of Canadian Very simply, when cable started about 40 Programming Improvement Fund, and $10 HIV/AIDS in women, years ago, it cost around $8 a month for a million in Small Market Programming Edmonton. The Renegade few channels delivered either via cable or Fund. project will be led by Women of satellite. As time went on, several tiers “There is lots of money available to these Ted Kerr, the former Canada, were granted by the CRTC and most of broadcasters for local TV; their problems artist in residence or, and also those had different rules and fee structures. are not local TV,” he concludes. as HIV Edmonton penned a For example, TSN—arguably the most In discussing all the sides of this issue calls the position, best-seller successful cable channel in Canada—was with my broadcast peers, it ends up in a Artist in Red. By the most often subsidized by cable fees and allowed to sell long point-counterpoint issue. way, Ted was an read in the advertising. Many other channels were The thing they all do agree on? It’s a Edmontonians Sizzler in 2007. washroom, prevented from selling ads, or highly highly outdated agreement that needs The year of celebration will wind the Bathroom Book of Alberta Trivia. formatted to a specific audience. drastic review to work in to today’s media up with a gala that should be a dandy. Teresa, owner of the Italian Centre Over the years, more and more local/ structures. Years ago, my band—The Big stores, just returned from a trip to regional television channels were added, So how do we fix this? Hopefully with Breakfast Band—played a few HIV Silicon Valley where she and other and virtually all major CTV/Global/A long and very open CRTC hearings which Edmonton galas, then called the Edmonton business champs were Channel/CITY TV channels became are currently underway in Ottawa. Black and White Affair. If the 2010 entertained at Microsoft headquarters. available through what the industry called The TV and cable industries have not gala is anything like those, it should She’s still not sure why they were time-shifting subscriptions. been able to work out a mutually be quite the night. invited but she was impressed with Further to that, our 50-channel universe acceptable solution themselves. Both have all the gadgets of the future they got has expanded to 500 channels—even more radio, cell phone, Internet and other prime to play with. when you consider the music, and pay tiers businesses that also affect their bottom Marina recently left her life as senior where you can pay upwards of $55 to $60 lines. producer at Citytv, and has taken on a for one-time events like UFC or live At the outset of the hearings, the CRTC new role as director of business concerts. Monthly fees now probably chair chastised all of the players for their development at Donovan Creative average about $50. high profile attack ads on each other... Communications. Brave move… Suffice to say, the rules have not been stating that they had scared their own lucky firm. She’ll add her video, TV realigned significantly and, while the consumers. And more than once, he and PR expertise to the cable/satellite industry has become suggested that the two parties better get in creative team at the tremendously profitable, the local a room and work out a solution... that they Dale, Ted and Michelle award-winning, full- television industry is suffering from a might not like the way the CRTC handles it service marketing, severe decline in traditional advertising if they don’t settle the issue themselves. branding and revenues. Many of those dollars are As well, the federal government also Playing at Michael communications actually going directly to some of those weighed in and suggested it was quite Phair’s Kitchen’s Table company. specialty channels as well as web, possible it would “overrule” the CRTC event at The Mac were promotions and special events. should the Commission decide to grant the George Koufogiannakis Longtime The television industry is required to be networks’ request for fee payment. The and some of his superb Edmontonians people strong to provide local news feds fear the probable negative public musician friends. They columnist David coverage while the cable industry is, response to the decision if it meant they laid down some fine, Norwood was among according to the television people, taking would be paying the freight on this issue sweet and funky jazz George the recipients of the that product for free and charging you, the which will be decided just about the time grooves. The next day City of Edmonton Arts consumer, for the service. Canadians might go to the polls. George was off to & Culture Citation “We are no longer in a position to Speaking of the general public, we get Ottawa. He was Awards. He was the subsidize cable and satellite with the our say this month. The networks have nominated for “world founding chair of the provision of free signals,” says Lloyd Lewis, spoken… cable/satellite providers have solo artist of the year” at Edmonton Concert VP/GM of CTV Edmonton. “To put it into spoken… producers and distributors have the 2009 Canadian Folk Hall Foundation, the perspective, the regulations that govern our spoken: Now, you and I can voice our Music Awards. I recently group that led the industries have been in place since Ed opinions on this most complex scenario. mentioned his latest release charge for the Sullivan was on the air and they no longer Stay tuned. √ called Generations–Greek construction of the make any sense. This is why we say the Oud Jazz in this column. Winspear Centre model for our industry is broken. We have a Congratulations Geo for for Music and the product that is used heavily by the consumer, Marty Forbes is the recently retired VP and your outstanding work and installation of the but we can no longer monetize in today’s general manager of The Bear, EZRock and your nomination. When you Davison Organ. fragmented advertising world.” The TEAM 1260 Sports Radio. Contact David see George’s name for a gig in The consummate In fairness, I should point out that there [email protected] town, go see him. You won’t volunteer is known for are special taxes the cable industry does be disappointed. building bridges “between businesses, pay through CRTC licence agreements, and academic institutions, government those monies go into a Canadian NYE… Heard about a great New and the arts.” David served as the Programming Fund. However, they do not Year’s Eve event. Singer/songwriter president of Edmonton’s Fringe flow, cash wise, to the networks. James Murdoch will lead a crack Theatre Adventures and oversaw the Charles King, vice-president of group of musicians such as Anne redevelopment of the TransAlta Arts government affairs for Shaw Communi- Vriend and David Aide through a Barns. The Civic Buzz writer says he cations, explains, “CRTC regulations night of Rumours at the Havens was “overwhelmed” by the honour. √ require cable and satellite companies to Social Club. The Fleetwood Mac carry all local over-the-air broadcasts with album will be played from stem to Mark Scholz, owner of MES priority channel locations. The over-the-air stern by James’ band. Get your Communications Inc. offers a variety broadcasters earn revenues through the duckets now. of services including production, exclusive sale of local advertising. Cable creative and entertainment. For more and satellite companies then distribute a Marina Michaelides shared a bite information or to suggest a story high quality signal to 90 percent of and original stories during Story idea, email Canadian households yet receive nothing Slam night at the Blue Chair Cafe, [email protected] in return.

EDMONTONIANS DECEMBER 2009 3

Proof__1______PROOFED BY:______CHANGES MADE:______DATE:______CELEBRATING PollPoll 20YEARS STATION With Linda Banister

FOUNDER s winter sets in, many Edmontonians dream of traveling south to exchange the ice and snow DICK MacLEAN for the sun and the sand. However, this year’s top newsmakers are sure to influence the Vol. XX DECEMBER 2009 No. 12 choices of many eager adventurers. For this month’s Poll Station, we asked Edmontonians whether security concerns, the global H1N1 scare, or the continuing economic downturn has SHARON MacLEAN A Ahad an influence on their travel plans. Publisher and Advertising Director Telephone: 780.482.7000 Fax: 780.488.9317 e-mail: [email protected] HAVE YOU TRAVELED OUTSIDE HAS THE ECONOMIC RECESSION edmontonians.com CANADA IN THE PAST YEAR? AFFECTED YOUR TRAVEL PLANS? INSIDE CELEBRATING 20 YEARS ...... 2 VOX POP Mark Scholz ...... 2 Marty Forbes ...... 3 55% POLL STATION 35% Travel/Banister ...... 4

8TH ANNUAL Percent Percent SOCIAL CALENDAR ...... 5-6, 8-10 21% COVER STORY 21% Swedish Jewellers 60th/Barlott ...... 7 17% 15% VISIONARIES 7% Haines/Gazin ...... 11 Prion Research/Croucher ...... 12 Reported they Reported they Reported they Reported they Indicated that financial Indicated that Canadian Indicated that travelled with travelled with travelled alone travelled with a constraints affected dollar affected their unemployment affected Briefs/Croucher ...... 12 family members friends travel group their travel plans travel plans their travel plans Social Media 101/Schwabe ...... 14 Calendar ...... 13 To begin the survey, respondents were asked whether they, or someone One-third of respondents (34 percent) indicated the global PHOTO FEATURE in their household, had traveled outside Canada within the past year. economic recession has had an effect on their travel plans. Of Holger Petersen/CKUA Party ...... 15 More than half (58 percent) of all respondents reported they had, while these respondents, financial constraints (35 percent) and reduced 42 percent indicated they had not. Those who traveled outside of income due to unemployment (15 percent) were most frequently BARB DETERS Canada most frequently indicated they went with family (55 percent) or mentioned as ways in which the economic recession has affected Editor friends (21 percent). Of the remaining 24 percent, seven percent left the travel. Twenty-one percent of total respondents also indicated the [email protected] country with a travel group, while the remainder traveled alone (17 value of the Canadian dollar has affected their plans. When asked COLUMNISTS percent). how the value of the Loonie has impacted their travel plans, the Linda Banister strong dollar was most frequently mentioned as being a travel John Berry Linda Bodo DO YOU PLAN TO TRAVEL OUTSIDE incentive (38 percent), followed by exchange rates being a factor Les Brost CANADA IN THE NEXT YEAR? in general (24 percent). Marty Forbes Next, respondents were asked whether they or someone in their Finally, respondents were asked if any other factors have Bruce Hogle household is planning to travel outside of the country within the next impacted their travel plans. While 24 percent indicated no, nine David Norwood year. The majority (59 percent) indicated they are, while 39 percent percent cited being too busy, six percent mentioned the general Erin Rayner Mark Scholz are not, and two percent are unsure. expense of travel, five percent stated personal health issues, four Walter Schwabe Of those planning to travel abroad, 83 percent considered health percent indicated having young children, and three percent Nizar J. Somji issues (i.e. H1N1 virus) in destination countries an important referred to their age as other factors that have impacted their FEATURE WRITERS consideration when making their travel plans. Seventy-seven percent travel plans. √ Caroline Barlott of those planning to travel also considered security issues (i.e. political Cheryl Croucher unrest, crime, etc.) an important factor when deciding whether or not Barb Deters to travel. Monthly Poll Station Online Question Greg Gazin Visit www.edmontonians.com to register your opinion Marg. Pullishy WHERE DO YOU GET INFORMATION? PHOTOGRAPHERS When asked where they would turn for information about passports, Want a question included in the Edmontonians Poll? Terry Bourque Cheryl Croucher travel visas, currency rates, and other related issues before leaving on Contact Linda at 780.451.4444 or e-mail Tracy Kolenchuk their trip, the majority of respondents reported they would use the [email protected]. Rocco Macri Internet (59 percent). Respondents also frequently said they would use SPECIAL PROJECTS the Government of Canada website (17 percent), a travel agent or Linda Banister is a certified management consultant and the owner of Edmontonians Transformers agency (15 percent), AMA Travel Services (nine percent), Banister Research and Consulting Inc., a full service provider of Tom Bradshaw newspapers/TV (seven percent), or find out by word of mouth (five market research and program evaluation services. Les Brost percent). Visit www.banister.ab.ca. Steffany Hanlen Dr. Larry Ohlhauser

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The body can get overloaded with toxins because it cannot keep up with the filtration process. The more toxins in the body, the more lymphatic fluid increases to protect cells.

You force out toxins. Once the toxins are gone, the lymphatic fluid decreases and you lose inches. It is not water loss—rather, an exchange Al Rysko of Swedish Jewellers of minerals for toxins. Photo by Rocco Macri That’s a Wrap! Published by 399620 Alberta Ltd. on the first day of each month at C-100 Park Side Tower, 8920-100th Street Call Linda Perras Edmonton AB CA T6E 4Y8. ©All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reprinted or reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. at Suddenly Slimmer Day Spa Manuscripts: must be accompanied by a stamped, self- addressed envelope. Edmontonians is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts. 780.459.3444 All stories Copyright ©Edmontonians Publications Mail Agreement No. 40023292 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: pedicures. manicures. facials. aroma therapy message Circulation Department C-100 Park Side Tower, 8920-100th Street Edmonton AB CA T6E 4Y8 Email: [email protected] www.suddenlyslimmerdayspa.com

4 EDMONTONIANS DECEMBER 2009

Proof__1______PROOFED BY:______CHANGES MADE:______DATE:______8TH ANNUAL SOCIAL CALENDAR Compiled by Maria Jose Politti ine... dance... donate. Edmontonians love to have a great time happy to support the efforts of thousands of volunteers who contribute to while making a difference to others in the Capital Region. Every the vibrancy of our community. year, millions of dollars are raised in support of charity and not- The Edmontonians Annual Social Calendar has become a staple DDfor-profit societies. In the current economic climate, the reference for individual and corporate patrons who plan their participation continued support and generosity of patrons is more important than ever. and support of causes, as well as organizers who want to avoid conflicting Edmontonians proudly provides its readers with the most dates for their fundraising events. comprehensive guide to galas and balls with receptions, silent and live Keep the print version on hand… and make a habit of checking auctions, dinners, entertainment and dancing… charitable events that Edmontonians new and improved on-line calendar for additions and support health and research, education, the arts and social programs. revisions, or to submit updates or new events using our on-line form. Whether they are black tie and ball gown or high-end casual chic, we are Enjoy yourselves and keep on giving. √

celebrate and become engaged in the silent auction at the Edmonton december 2009 work of the Stollery Children’s Hospital HAPPY NEW YEAR!! Petroleum Club. Tickets: $50 each or Foundation. $400 table of eight. Faculty of Arts Winter Solstice 3 Contact Jolene Johnson 780.431.5437 january 2010 Contact Lynn McCaw at 780.492.5617. & Silent Auction or [email protected] Visit www.nursing.ualberta.ca Join us at the Faculty Club for this Visit www.stollerykids.com New Year’s Day Levee 1 splendid cocktail reception between Join the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, Back to Basics Charity Dinner TBA 5:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. An The 10th Annual 11 the Honourable Norman Kwong, at Enjoy a traditional Italian meal at this opportunity to mingle, sip on a glass of Copper Jackets Luncheon Government House in this traditional fundraising dinner in support of a local wine and bid on one-of-a kind silent Hosted again at the Shaw Conference celebration of the New Year. The annual charity. Sorrentino’s Downtown. auction items. Centre, there will be live and silent New Year’s Day Levee is open Friday Call 780.474.6466 for tickets. Visit www.christmasbureau.ca for updates auctions during lunch, with all afternoon to the public for light Visit www.sorrentinos.com proceeds going to the Christmas refreshments and tours of Government Realtors® Association 4 Bureau. Come and take part in this House. Sturgeon Hospital Foundation 23 of Edmonton and Realtors® lively event. Tickets are $100 per For information call: 780.427.7243. Friend Raiser Gala Community Foundation Christmas person (a $75-tax receipt will be Visit www.lieutenantgovernor.ab.ca for 18th annual fundraiser gala to benefit Luncheon issued). Contact Lindsay at updates and event times patient care programs and equipment Realtors and guests are invited to join 780.409.5889 for tickets at the Sturgeon Community Hospital. together to raise funds for the (must be purchased in advance). From Tears to Laughter 12 Enjoy a four- course gourmet meal with Edmonton Realtors’ Charitable Visit www.christmasbureau.ca Franklin Fund presents From Tears to complimentary dinner wine, live and Foundation at Northlands Agricom. Laughter, a comedy night featuring silent auctions followed by a dance Santa’s Auction provides a wonderful Christmas Bureau Breakfast 17 “Comedy’s New Rock Star” Sugar Sammy. band. Held at the Sutton Place Hotel, array of live and silent auction items, The 28th Annual FMC Christmas Enmax Hall at Winspear Centre. Tickets the event is black tie optional. plus a Holiday Raffle, 50/50 Draw and Bureau Breakfast sponsored by Fraser $55-$65 by phone 780.428.1414 Tickets: $160. Diamond Mine. Contact Jill Didow at Milner Casgrain LLP, Sobeys and the or on-line www.winspear.com. Contact Katrina Black 780.418.7361. Visit 780.453.9343 for more information. Westin Hotel takes place from 7:00 Visit www.franklinfoundation.ca for more www.sturgeonhospitalfoundation.org Visit www.ereb.com and follow the a.m. to 8:30 a.m. The tradition of details. links. sharing continues with this annual One! International 23 favourite. Visit www.christmasbureau.ca 15th Annual Law Show 15-16 Poverty Relief Rock for Santa Charity Concert 5 or contact Jenn Muir 780.423.7385. This annual variety show is created, 2nd Annual Gala Fundraiser A group of rock bands have joined written, performed and produced by law One! International Poverty Relief which together to bring a huge event to The Edmonton International 31 students. Law Show 2010 will be donating helps to alleviate poverty through Pawnshop on Whyte Ave. Catch some New Year‘s Eve Gala all proceeds from ticket sales and the education in the slums of Mumbai was of Alberta’s best independent acts and A spectacular evening of entertainment silent auction to the Alberta Council of founded by Tania Splichen, a native of help feed families at Christmas. in support of Doctors without Borders. Women’s Shelters. The Law Show is a Sherwood Park. Bhinder Sajam of Omni Contact [email protected] for more The Edmonton Marriot Grand Ballroom. recipient of the U of A Governor’s Awards TV will emcee. Gourmet Indian dinner, details about acts, tickets and the Tickets $140. Call 780.486.9506 or of Distinction which recognizes individuals silent auction, door prizes and dance. proceeds. [email protected] Visit www.edgala.com and groups who make outstanding Art display by students from the One! for more details. contributions to the community. International schools. Held at Meridian Share the Spirit Open House 6 Myer Horowitz Theatre. Tickets: Banquet & Conference Centre. Tickets Celebrate the holiday season with Latin New Year’s Eve 31 $14/person Friday; $17/person Saturday. $50 ($25 tax receipt). Contact Marilyn friends and supporters of Pilgrims The 10th annual extravaganza features Visit www.ualberta.ca/-lawshow/ Spilchen 780.467.6254 or Julie Hawkins Hospice at the Christmas Open House live entertainment, DJs, and salsa or contact [email protected] 780.458.6509, or visit and Annual Cookie Trot. show. This family event is held at the www.one-international.com Visit www.pilgrimshospice.ca Delta Edmonton South Hotel. Tickets at 5th Annual Luncheon 19 tixonthesquare.ca $80 for dinner, for Public Health 2010 SOCIAL Snowflake Gala 2009 7 dance and party favours and must be Join the U of A Faculty of Nursing in The Shaw Conference Centre will be CALENDAR purchased by December 26. support of this fundraiser for the Continued on page 6 transformed into a winter wonderland Dance only $35. Visit Nursing Chair in Public Health. Learn as 1500 guests from across the www.morenoproductions.com. more about new approaches to health community come together to support, Contact Bayron at 780.691.0835. care as you enjoy this luncheon and

EDMONTONIANS DECEMBER 2009 5

Proof__1______PROOFED BY:______CHANGES MADE:______DATE:______elegant black-tie evening begins with a Fashion week supports local designers, Continued from page 5 cocktail reception, followed by a four- march 2010 models and performers in a unique and course meal; each course is paired with entertaining art production. Don’t forget to different wines selected by a featured be creative in your dress – you’re part of Fork it Over 29 winemaker. Held at Fairmont Hotel Bennett Jones LLP 12 the show too. Tickets $20 at Trans Alta- The Rotary Club of Edmonton Mayfield and MacDonald. Tickets $350. Fundraising Breakfast Barns Box Office or tickets.fringetheatre.ca. the Compassion House Foundation team Call 780.448.2413 or Bennett Jones LLP raises funds for Zebra Visit www.edmontonfashionweek.com for up for this dinner in support of [email protected]. Child Protection Centre. Held at The Sutton more details Sorrentino’s Compassion House. Held at Visit www.capitalcare.net Place Hotel. Tickets $125. the Marriott Edmonton at River Cree Contact Carmelita Hallett at 780.917.5235 California Wine Fair 8 Resort. Ttickets are $75. Visit or [email protected] The Citadel Theatre presents the www.compassionhouse.org and Flavours of Portugal 10 Wine Tasting & Auction Fundraiser California Wine Fair featuring 350 wines www.mayfieldrotary.shawbiz.ca. The Alzheimer Benefit Dinner 12 accompanied by delectable appetizers—all Contact 780.425.7224 An epic wine tasting event! Come and join of Nations-Memories from Asia the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. Held included with the cost of your ticket. Escape the winter blues and join the Adding to your wine cellar? Choosing wine 2nd Annual KCP Winter Gala 29 at Winspear Centre. Tickets $125 per Alzheimer Society of Alberta and person (tax receipt issued for a portion of with dinner? Come and talk to the experts. The Kenya Ceramic Project is an exciting Northwest Territories at The Crowne Held at Shaw Conference Centre. international health pilot project, led by the price). Call Winspear Box Office Plaza for fun formal evening to support 780.428.1414 or 1.800.563.5081 for Tickets are $ 60+gst. Call 780.428.2134, University of Alberta students, that aims to research, education and services. Guests or visit www.citadeltheatre.com introduce innovative ceramic water filters tickets. Visit www.edmontonsynphony.com will enjoy a five-course Asian meal. for more details. . and high-efficiency wood-burning stoves to Celebrity waiters will be on “staff’ to earn A Food for All Seasons Gala 15 rural areas of Kenya. This black-tie gala is tips for research. Live and silent Have a Heart for Mental Health 11 The Food for All Seasons Spring Gala will at the University of Alberta Faculty Club. auctions, and comedy entertainment will feature a delicious four-course meal, wine, Tickets $80 early bird ticket price by Gala Dinner complete the evening. Tickets: $125, or The Canadian Mental Health Association live musical entertainment, a keynote December 1, 2009, $100 late-comer price $875 for a table of eight. speech, and silent and live auctions. An by January 15, 2009. – Edmonton Region will host its third Visit www.alzheimer.ab.ca or call annual fund raising gala dinner in important fundraiser for the Food Bank. Call Subir Sutradhar 780.935.9516 Visit 780.488.2266 Dress is business formal. Held at the www.kenyanceramics.org for more details. support of mental health. This is a non- gala gala with limited speeches, no Sutton Place Hotel, tickets are $100 per Art & Entertainment 13 person or table of eight, $750. auction and great prizes. Held at Bistecca Charity Affair Italian Steakhouse/Wine Bar. Visit www.edmontonsfoodbank.com Support the Black Gold Health or contact 780.425.2133 february 2010 Tickets: $150. Foundation with this evening of fine art, Visit www.cmha-edmonton.ab.ca. fine entertainment and fine food with a Walk in My Shoes 16 Contact Canadian Mental Health touch of class. Held at McLab Centre for Laughing for Cancer TBA Association 780.414.6300, info@cmha- The annual auction and dinner in support the Performing Arts in Leduc, funds of the Pilgrim’s Hospices’ end-of-life care Who’s laughing now? You will be at this edmonton.ab.ca raised are used to enhance health 10th annual event to raise funds for the programs for caregivers and bereavement Cross Cancer Institute. Join Graham Neil services. Visit www.pilgrimshospice.ca or and another all-star line-up of comedians contact the Pilgrims Hospice Society at from right here in Edmonton with special 780.413.9801 guests from across Canada. The evening includes live and silent auctions, and the Wild Elk Federation 17 comedy show. The new Laugh Shop on Annual Fundraising Dinner & Auctions Whyte. Tickets are $50 each at The Leduc & Greater Edmonton Area www.laughinqforcancer.com for tickets Chapter of the Wild Elk Federation will Contact 780.908.2047 for information. host its 5th Annual Fundraising Dinner & Auctions in support of elk and other wildlife. Contact the Wild Elk Federation Fiesta Mexicana Gala 6 for more information Join the Blauen Funken Mardi Gras www.wildelkfederation.ca 780.980.1600 Association at the German Canadian Cultural Centre for this gala costume Avenue of Hope Gala ball. Performances by the Blauen Funken 17 A first-class evening of dining and dancing and special guests. Prizes for best with live and silent auctions. Proceeds help costumes. Music provided by The support Lurana Shelter Society’s mission Bavarian Boogie Band. to provide a place of safety, opportunity Visit www.BlauenFunken–edmonton.com and promise for women and children or contact Will Moellering at 780.456.0941 impacted by domestic violence. Tickets: $100. Visit www.luranashelter.com. Annual Art Auction 6 Contact 780.422.7263 or Profiles Public Art Gallery, Arts and [email protected] Heritage Foundation of St. Albert presents its annual fundraiser An Evening with Sorrentino’s Garlic Stomp 17 Artists to support education programs for Each year a new recipient is selected as all ages. Held at Hole’s Greenhouse and the beneficiary of this annual dinner. Held Gardens, St. Albert. Edmonton Opera Gala 14 at the Shaw Conference Centre, Danny Visit www.artsheritage.ca. services at the Leduc Community Hooper will emcee the evening’s festivities. Contact 780.460.4310. An evening of sumptuous food, Hospital and area public Health Centres. breathtaking entertainment and plenty of Ticket price includes dinner, dance and Contact Lorraine Popik 780.980.4536. live entertainment. Johann Strauss Ball 6 fun are all part of one of Edmonton’s Visit www.blackgoldhealthfoundation.com premier events. Proceeds help to bring Visit www.sorrentinos.com or contact This formal evening celebrates the Johann Priya Bhasin 780.474.6466. Strauss Foundation scholarships for world class opera to Edmontonians. Held DanceSport Alberta Edmonton 13 Albertans seeking advanced music studies at the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. Fundraiser For more information, visit Spirit of Spring Fashion Show 18 in Austria. It is an elegant evening of Watch some of this area’s best amateur & Luncheon pageantry featuring Viennese music, dining www.edmontonopera.com or contact dance competitors as DanceSport Pat Rodenburg at 780.760.2698 Enjoy a fresh and exciting collection of and dancing. Held at the Crowne Plaza Alberta raises scholarship funds at fashions from some of Edmonton’s top Hotel. Tickets $225. Edmonton’s Northern Lights Classic 53 Ways to Leave Your Lover 20 boutiques with guest models from all Contact Maegan Kuehne 780.492.6580 or ballroom competition. Held at St. Johns walks of life, coming together to support [email protected]. A fun event with an anti-Valentine’s theme Cultural Centre. for the newly single, newly attached, or McDougall House Association. Fabulous Visit www.arts.ualberta.ca/ball Tickets are $20 (advance) or $25 (door). silent auction. Shaw Conference Centre anyone who wants to have a good time. Contact Theresa Jenkins 780.909.4332 Bid on and take home amazing original art Hall D. Tickets $70. Chocolate Affair Special 6 Contact Jayne Bawden at 780.498.6216 10th Anniversary Celebration from local and regional artists, enjoy 23rd Mayor’s Celebration 22 gourmet food and cocktails, and dance. or [email protected]. Proceeds from the 10th Annual Chocolate for the Arts Visit www.mcdougallhouse.com Affair Gala benefit The Courage Centre, a Fundraiser in support of operations and This tribute to Edmonton’s world-class programming at Latitude 53 Contemporary hub for new rehabilitation equipment and creative community is produced by the Mad Hatter’s Gala 24 technology at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Visual Culture, 10248 – 106 St. Tickets Professional Arts Coalition of Edmonton $10 members, $12 non-members. Visit – Silver Anniversary Hospital. This black tie event will be held (PACE) and recognizes achievement in the Hats off to the 25th annual Mad Hatter’s at the Shaw Conference Centre, Hall D. www.latitude53.org. Contact arts at this annual event. Winspear Centre. 780.423.5353 or [email protected]. Gala in support scholarships and bursaries Visit www.glenrosefoundation.com Tickets: $25 to $60; reception $125. for Grant MacEwan University students. or contact 780.735.6024 Call 780.428.1414. Roaring 20s theme – Mad Hats Mardi Gras Dinner & Dance 26 Visit www.pacedmonton.com for details. encouraged! Shaw Conference Centre Hall Mardi Gras Dinner Dance with Basic Black D. Tickets: $350. The Edmonton Chamber Ball 2009 6 & Pearls. Come join Les Amies Dance Spring Fling 25 Feature entertainment and ticket TBA at a Visit www.macewan.ca/madhatters.ca Club for incredible evenings of great dining Get a head start on Spring! Theatre Contact Bonnie 780.497.4285 future date. Held at Edmonton Northlands. and ballroom dancing at one of Network’s fresh and frolicking annual Visit www.edmontonchamber.com for Edmonton’s largest formal dance floors. fundraiser is packed with engaging live updates. Contact Melissa to reserve your Held at the Italian Cultural Centre and entertainment, stand-out selection of lavish tickets and/or tables of 10 at feature three course meals served auction items and a fabulous four-course may 2010 780.426.4620 homestyle or plate service with wine meal. Bask in a special spring-like available for purchase. Tickets $110 per atmosphere created at The Sutton Place Costello in Concert 7 couple. Contact Linda 780.642.9739. Hotel, while supporting Theatre Network Canadian Breast Cancer 1 Elvis Costello performs at the Winspear Visit www.lesamies.ca live at the Roxy. Sponsored by EPCOR. Foundation Mother’s Day Luncheon Centre for Music to benefit the Fort Tickets: $150. This annual event raises awareness for Edmonton Foundation. Visit www.theatrenetwork.ca. breast cancer and the role that the Edmonton Festival Ballet’s 28 Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – For tickets, contact 780.428.1414 or 25th Anniversary Gala Contact 780.453.2440. www.winspearcentre.com. Praires/NWT Region plays in creating a Come to celebrate our 25th Anniversary. future without breast cancer. Fairmont Visit www.fortedmontonfoundation.org Enjoy dance performance, reception, wine for updates. Hotel Macdonald. Get your tickets early— raffle, and auction. Guest Performance by this event sells out. Vanessa Lawson and Gael Lambiotte, april 2010 13th Annual Winemakers’ 10 Call 780.452.1166 or 1.866.302.2223. Edmonton contemporary dancers, and Visit www.cbcf.org/prairiesnwt Valentine’s Gala others. Arden Theatre. Tickets $25. Edmonton Fashion Week 1-8 This Gala raises money in support of Call 780.413.0985 or [email protected]. Kicking off the week is a semi-formal event Alzheimer’s care and education. This Visit www.efbdance.com for more info. at the TransAlta Arts Barns. Edmonton Continued on page 8

6 EDMONTONIANS DECEMBER 2009

Proof__1______PROOFED BY:______CHANGES MADE:______DATE:______COVER STORY

23-year old Kyle Persaud bejewelled in a quarter of a million dollars worth of diamonds from Swedish Jewellers Hearts on Fire series. The Edmontonian is a gerontology student at Mount Royal University in Calgary.

Swedish Jewellers owner Al Rysko tried on the $300,000 Rolex, a special order for an Edmonton client JustJust watchwatch me...me... BEATING THE ODDS in a downturn By Caroline Barlott Photos by Rocco Macri

here’s a lot of quiet money in this town,” amazing to serve these customers and know says Al Rysko. He should know. He’s that someday their children may become customers of my ““ waiting for a client to pick up his special- children.” order $300,000 Rolex. Rysko’s eldest daughter, 17-year old Carissa, is showing RyskoTT has been surrounded by watches and beautiful serious interest in becoming part of the family business our customers.” It takes a full year of exacting materials and jewels since the age of four. He’s now the owner of upon completing an international business degree from the production to complete one Rolex timepiece and to perfect Swedish Jewellers, which is currently celebrating its 60th University of Alberta. He’s is proud and excited by his the oscillator movement, the heartbeat of every Rolex. The year of operation. His dedication to perfection is reflected in daughter’s involvement. With five other daughters ranging store carries an impressive selection of Rolex watches, countless precisely cut and set precious stones that grace the in age from three to 14, he muses: “Perhaps, we’ll have six ranging in price from $5,000 to $60,000. store’s expansive downtown location in the historic Moser locations of Swedish Jewellers eventually.” Since its inception, the business has added nearly 50 Ryder Block. From her father, Carissa is learning the importance of renowned brands, with pieces reminiscent of the jewels that Swedish Jewellers is known for bringing the Rolex brand dedication and persistence through both the good and the bedeck Hollywood celebrities and adorn models on the to Edmonton in the early 1950s. In the late ’70s, Rysko’s bad times. As with any business, Rysko says, Swedish runways of New York and Paris. Along with carrying uncle, Ted, who had worked as a watchmaker, took over the Jewellers has experienced both economic highs and lows internationally recognized, prestigious brands like Hearts on business. And since that time, Rysko has been fascinated through the course of its 60 years in operation. However, Fire, Chopard and A-Link, known for their precisely-cut with the inner workings of watches; he started fixing clocks throughout it all, the business stayed strong, something he diamonds, the store creates custom designed pieces limited when he was 11 under the tutelage of both his uncle and credits to consumer attitude. only by the customer’s imagination. father, Anatoli. As a teenager, he worked with smaller time “Edmontonians have resilience.” Rysko recalls the early Rysko recalls a particularly stunning necklace, containing pieces and enjoyed “turning a dirty old watch into a new 1980s when Albertans were still reeling from the NEP- over 200 diamonds and a ruby centrepiece. The necklace masterpiece and seeing the joy on a customer’s face.” induced recession. “I was working with my dad and started was a gift from a husband to his wife in celebration of their After years of learning from his mentors, Rysko became a new retail store in a mall in 1983. I didn’t even feel the fortieth anniversary. He says it was an honour to be part of Swedish Jewellers’ owner in 1992 and expanded it three recession… those were our best years. By 1989, the store such a milestone in their lives. “They are a great couple times in three different locations, culminating in the current was debt-free, my house was paid off, and I treated myself and, since I’ve known them for several years, it was 10,000 square foot space. He’s gone from working with to a very expensive car.” amazing to create something to celebrate such an important small timepieces with 50 to 75 parts to complicated Rolex Recognizing that the Alberta retail sales figures are flat, occasion.” watches with upwards of 200 components. Rysko points to his August fiscal year-end figures. “We’re A business, according to Rysko, “needs to have balance; Over the years, Rysko has seen many repeat customers down one percent from last year… that’s pretty good. Our business owners should be dedicated to their craft and also whose children eventually became patrons as well. Some clients remain the force of power… they are extremely dedicated to customers and the community.” The company were just a few years old when they first accompanied their loyal.” is involved in numerous charities throughout the year. And, parents to the store and now, this second generation also Overall, he attributes Swedish Jewellers’ success and in honour of Swedish Jewellers’ milestone anniversary, he enjoys marking special occasions with a purchase from longevity to being dedicated to fine workmanship and donated a portion of November sales to children in need. Swedish Jewellers. “I am a third generation businessman personalized service. “Because I am a trained watchmaker, I “As a father, I have a kind heart towards children, especially and I’ve seen the generational transition with my customers. appreciate the quality of craftsmanship we produce here. since there are those in the world that are ignored or abused. The service we provide is more than just monetary. It’s The sense of pride that’s attached to the work is valued by So, it’s our endeavour to keep doing what we can.” √ EDMONTONIANS DECEMBER 2009 7

Proof__0______PROOFED BY:______CHANGES MADE:______DATE:______Yellow Ribbon Gala Dinner 15 Flamenco! 4 Edmonton Heritage Jul 31 Continued from page 6 and Silent Auction You will be transported to sultry España as Festival - Aug 2 The Officers’ Mess is the venue for this you experience the soul and passion of Servus Heritage Festival 2010 marks the Esquao Awards 2010 – 1 prestigious event in support of the flamenco dance. Part of the proceeds from 35th annual celebration of this premier Angels among Us Edmonton Garrison Military Family ticket sales will be donated to Crime three-day showcase of Canada’s vibrant The Institute for the Advancement of Resource Centre. It features a seven- Stoppers, a charity that works to ensure multicultural heritage, featuring 62 Aboriginal Women brings the 15th Annual course dinner and special guest speaker. safer communities. Tickets: $25 in pavilions representing over 80 cultures Esquao Awards to the Shaw Conference Funds raised support the programs and advance; $35 at the door. from all over the world. Come taste food, Centre. The awards honour and recognize services of the military community. Contact Flavia Robles at and enjoy entertainment and arts and Aboriginal women for their accomplish- Visit www.mfrcedmonton.com [email protected] or call crafts. Hawrelak Park. Contact Edmonton ments in many different categories. Contact Moira Smith 780.973.4011 780.916.1665. Heritage Festival Association at Tickets: $175. Call IAAW central office ext 6330. 780.488.3378. Visit www.heritage-festival.com 780.479.8195. Earth Angels Unite- for the Love 4 Visit www.iaaw.ca. Junior Achievement Alberta 20 Business Hall of Fame of Children Gala The 29th Edmonton 12-22 CNIB Visions Luncheon 6 2010 celebrates the 30th anniversary of The Kids Kottage Foundation hosts this International Fringe Theatre Festival Enjoy this mid-day business gala which will the Alberta Business Hall of Fame. This 11th annual black tie gala ball to This phenomenal alternative theatre fest is feature comedian Mike Bullard. This event event honours business and community promote the health and well-being of the largest and oldest in North America raises funds to support programs and leaders and is hosted by Junior children and to prevent child abuse. with over 1,200 shows and performances services that help people with vision loss Achievement of Northern Alberta & NWT. Held at the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, from over 200 theatrical companies in 27 live, work, study and enjoy the things that Shaw Conference Centre. tickets are $350. venues in historic Old Strathcona. matter most. Held at The Westin. Tickets Visit www.janorthalberta.org for details. Visit www.kidskottage.org. Visit www.fringetheatreadventures.ca for $100 each, or table of 10 for $900, Contact Jay Ball at 780 428 1421 ext 221 Contact Pam Miller at 780.448.2545 updates. including applicable tax receipt. Visit www.cnib.ca/divisions/alberta or Dance-A-Thon Fundraiser 29 Downtown with a Purpose, 19 contact Sharon McIntyre at 780.453.8333 Mile Zero Dance 25th Anniversary Season the 24th Annual Downtown Rotary 2009-2010. Club Gala september 2010 9th Annual Hervey Foundation TBA Visit www.milezerodance.com. The Rotary Club of Edmonton sponsors Dinner and Silent Auction Call 780.424.1573. its 24th Downtown with a Purpose Gala. The 9th Annual Hervey Foundation Dinner Funds raised will help new Canadian Denim Ducks Dinner TBA and Silent Auction will be held at the families from Africa integrate into the Sponsored by Ducks Unlimited Canada, Crestwood Curling Club. A casual, fun june 2010 fabric of Canadian life, and contribute as this gala dinner at the Crowne Plaza- filled evening featuring a buffet dinner. citizens in our community. The Sutton Chateau Lacombe will feature live and Tickets are $35. To purchase tickets, or Place Hotel. silent auctions in support of the donate to the silent auction, contact Homeless for a Night TBA Tickets $175 (tax receipt issued). preservation and conservation of wetlands. Marjorie at 780.963.4933. The Youth Emergency Shelter Society Visit www.edrotary.com/gala. Visit www.ducks.ca for updates. Visit www.herveycats.com for updates invites you to register online as a team or Contact Bonnie at 780.429.3256. Contact Tracy O’Neil 780.444.2354. Consular Ball 8 individually, collect pledges and then be The 30th Annual Edmonton Consular Ball “Homeless for a Night” at Telus Field. For Council for Visual Arts Gala 25 Edmonton Eskimo TBA is an elegant evening of gourmet food, one night in early June, you can This gala evening of buffet dinner, Women’s Dinner dancing, spirits and wine. This black tie experience an evening of enlightenment dancing, silent and live auctions supports A fun fund-raiser, the annual EE Women’s event is sponsored by the Edmonton about youth homelessness, take in some The Places, Art & Design in Public Places Dinner aims to increase women’s interest Consular Corps, with proceeds supporting great entertainment or just sit by the fire. Program which facilitates the acquisition in football and raise funds for a charitable scholarships for the University of Alberta’s Find out what life is like when you don’t and display of art and design in cause. Green and Gold Club at International Studies. Crowne Plaza- have a warm, comfortable home to go to. Edmonton. Scholarships are awarded to Commonwealth Stadium. Chateau Lacombe. Tickets: $220. For more information, to register, or make art and design students. Presented by The Visit www.esks.com for details. Contact Kristina Williams, Consul for a pledge to YESS, visit www.yess.org. Fairmont Hotel Macdonald; The Edmonton Contact [email protected]. Sweden, 780.886.2501. Contact Tracy Cumming at 780.468.7186 Business Council for Visual Arts and The ext 288. Works International Visual Arts Society. Canadian Liver Foundation’s Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. TBA Eternal Chopin 9 Masque Dreamspeakers International Tickets: $150 or $2900 for 20. Fundraising dinner with silent auction at 2-5 Slip on a mask and become a person of This four day event is presented by the Contact Linda Wedman at 780.426.2122 the Winspear Centre in Edmonton. The mystery at this semi-formal event as we Dreamspeakers Festival Society which ext 222. 200th birthday of one of history’s most un-masque the truth about liver diseases. educates and markets Aboriginal culture, notable pianists and composers, Fryderyk Held at Muttart Conservatory. Tickets $75 art and heritage. Tickets: $20 for the Chopin, is being celebrated by the Polish ($30 tax receipt). Funds raised go toward Opening Night, $7 for Film Screening, $75 Culture Society of Edmonton. The Society the Canadian Liver Foundation – Northern for Youth Day and $20 for Wrap Awards has taken a leadership role, working with july & august Alberta chapter’s programs and services Night. Visit www.dreamspeakers.org for the Polish consulate in Alberta in and to support liver research projects. updates and submissions of film preparation for this global event. www.liver.ca. Contact Carmen Boyko at information. Contact Doreen or Helen It’s festival time in the city. Charity focus Visit www.chopin2010.ca for updates. 780.444.1547; toll free 1.888.557.5516 780.378.9609. shifts to golfing, walking, running and (Northern Alberta only). Annual Book Awards Gala 14 biking for worthy causes. Check the on- The Alberta Book Publishing Awards YWCA Women of Distinction 3 line calendar at www.edmontonians.com celebrate excellence in publishing in Awards Gala and Silent Auction for summer events. Reflex Manufacturing TBA Alberta. The Edmonton Public Library, in Join some of the most accomplished 6th Annual Empty Bowls partnership with the Book Publishers women in Edmonton to celebrate their A Taste of Edmonton Jul 23 for WIN House Association of Alberta, has created a new achievements in style! Unique Festival - Aug 1 The Edmonton Women’s Shelter exists to Alberta book publishing award. The Alberta entertainment, delicious food and a luxury Dozen’s of Edmonton’s finest restaurants further non-violent relationships and Readers’ Choice Award will promote the silent auction top off this evening of create menus that allow all to sample their environments for women with and without works of Alberta authors and publishers, excitement and inspiration. Held at culinary delights over 10 days downtown, children. Empty Bowls is an important and encourage the reading public to Northlands Expo Centre Ballroom. Tickets with lots of live entertainment. Sir Winston fundraiser to advance that cause. Held at support literary works published in Alberta. are $95 (early bird). Call 780.423.9922 or Churchill Square. The Sutton Place Hotel, tickets are $25, or Tickets $65. go on-line at www.ywcaofedmonton.org for Contact Events Edmonton at $240 for a Full House table of 10. Visit Visit www.bookpublishers.ab.ca for more details or to nominate someone you 780.423.2822 or visit www.winhouse.org for updates. Contact details. know. www.eventsedmonton.ca Matt Baron 780.471.6709 ext 226

2010 Social Calendar The Capital Region's most comprehensive listing of galas and fundraising events by registered charities, social and cultural societies, business and professional organizations, and other not-for-profit groups. Update & add 2010 events • Register your 2011 galas www.edmontonians.com

8 EDMONTONIANS DECEMBER 2009

Proof__2______PROOFED BY:______CHANGES MADE:______DATE:______Edmonton Meals on Wheels TBA support the Foundation. FEASTival of Fine Chefs TBA 8th Annual Celebrity Box Social www.glenrosefoundation.com. This is the 22nd annual ultimate october 2010 Canadian Western Bank and Edmonton Contact 780.735.6024 experience in multi-course gourmet Meals on Wheels present the 9th Annual dining where teams from 25 Celebrity Box Social. Enjoy a decadent Sizzling Twenty under 30 16 establishments prepare Alberta Fashion with Compassion TBA chocolate dessert buffet while bidding for Edmontonians and Lexus of Edmonton products supplied by members of the Edmonton’s premier fashion show in the company of high profile Edmontonians host the 6th annual hot soiree at the Alberta Food Processors Association. support of Sorrentino’s Compassion in live and silent auctions. This fun event dealership. Invited guests celebrate and The event showcases the talents of House holds two fundraising events at the is also supported by local restaurants that toast 20 individuals under the age of 30 apprentice chefs and Alberta foods and Shaw Conference Centre on this day— donate gift certificates for meals to the who have demonstrated true beverages to help raise funds for the luncheon and evening shows. winning bidders and their celebrity guests. entrepreneurial and community spirit. Stan Ballard Apprenticeship Fund. Visit www.compassionhouse.org for For more information visit Profiles are featured annually in the Silent and random auctions. updates. Contact 780.425.7224. www.mealsonwheelsedmonton.org. September issue of the magazine. Tickets go on sale in the spring. Call 780.429.2020 or Nomination forms are available at Visit www.afpa.com. [email protected] www.edmontonians.com and close on May Contact 780.444.2272 or Rodeo Round-Up Dinner TBA for tickets. 15th. This is one of Edmonton’s “IT” 403.201.3657 ext. 21 or email This annual gala dinner with live and silent parties! Contact [email protected]. [email protected]. auctions is sponsored by Ducks Unlimited Paws and Claws Gala TBA Canada to support the preservation and “Homes for Hounds” is a charity created conservation of wetlands. by Coventry Homes in support of the Visit www.ducks.ca for updates. Edmonton Humane Society. This event Contact Tracy O’Neil at 780.444.2354. raises funds and awareness for helpless animals in need. Evening consists of silent Minerva Dinner TBA auction, dinner and endless entertain- The Minerva Foundation’s mission is to ment. Visit edmontonhumanesociety.com assist the personal growth of individuals or www.coventry-homes.com for updates. and families by providing financial assistance to Edmonton-based charitable “Give the Gift” TBA organizations. The evening features an Dance for Life Gala entertaining and inspiring keynote speaker. Enjoy this fantastic fundraising dinner and Guests also hear success stories from past dance gala which will feature a sensational Foundation recipients who describe how dance showcase by several dance stars support from Minerva has changed their from across Canada including lives and enriched the community. performances in hip-hop, contemporary, Visit www.minervafoundation.ca. ballroom, Latin, belly dance, classical Indian dance, disco and much more. All funds raised at this event go The Kidney Edmonton Eskimo TBA Foundation of Canada, Northern Alberta & Football Club’s 47th Annual Dinner The Territories in support of raising A celebration of the Edmonton Eskimos awareness of organ and tissue donation. and their contributions to the community. Ticket reservations, log on to Individual tickets or tables of 10 are www.kidney.ab.ca. Contact Theresa available. With the purchase of a table of Jenkins at [email protected] or 10, you may request a player as your 10th 780.451.6900 x227 guest. Proceeds from the dinner go toward the Eskimo’s Champions in the Grandparents Award 11 Community programs. of Distinction Gala Banquet Visit www.esks.com for updates. and Silent Auction The Bernadette N. Swan Social Care 18th Annual Scarecrow Festival Foundation celebrates the contributions of TBA Exciting changes are in the works for the grandparents to family and society. It 2010 Scarecrow Festival… but we’re not recognizes individuals nominated for the telling you here. The focus still remains Award of Distinction by their grand- raising funds for the ABC Head Start children. Funds from the dinner and silent Program which works with low-income auction support programs for seniors. families and pre-school children to achieve Contact Bernadette Swan 780-761-0881or success in learning and life. Northlands [email protected]. AgriCom. Visit www.scarecrowfestival.org. Contact Bernice Gordeyko at Duncan & Craig Laurel Awards 13 780.484.3242. The 16th annual Laurel Awards recognize and reward creativity and innovation in not-for-profit organizations. Held at The Kyle Persaud shows off the $70,000 Tattoo collection, 13th Annual ADF Gala 16 Westin, tickets are available by invitation exclusive to Swedish Jewellers. She matched the pieces with a $30,000 Rolex. and AuctionA Night to Remember only. For information and nomination Support vital diabetes research at the forms, follow the link at www.dcllp.com. Alberta Diabetes Foundation’s ‘A Night to Contact Sol Rolingher 780.441.4310. Remember’ Gala and Auction at The Annual Dr. Helen Hays 17 Edmonton International Film TBA Westin Hotel. Join event sponsor, Colliers’ 5th Annual Courage Award 16 Sunflower Luncheon Festival – Opening Night Gala International, in raising necessary funds Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital and Each year a prominent speaker delivers a Opening Night Gala consists of a movie for research at the Alberta Diabetes Foundation presents this event to keynote address at this luncheon for the premiere and after-party with visiting Institute at the University of Alberta. recognize and award the courage of Pilgrims’ Hospice Society. Proceeds filmmakers and actors. This is the kick-off Visit adfgala.com for more information or Glenrose patients who have overcome support Edmonton’s only freestanding event to the EIFF - a nine-day feast of call Angela at 780.492.8702. great challenges in their determination to hospice. feature films, shorts and documentaries rebuild their lives. The evening also Visit www.pilgrimshospice.ca. from around the world. recognizes those remarkable donors who Contact 780.413.9801. Visit www.edmontonfilmfest.com. Continued on page 10

raising events nal organizations,

EDMONTONIANS DECEMBER 2009 9

Proof__1______PROOFED BY:______CHANGES MADE:______DATE:______research at the Glenrose offers hope for Voices for Hospice 6 Csardas Ball TBA Continued from page 6 an improved quality of life for those with Support the Pilgrims Hospice Society at the The 42th Annual Csardas Ball is a black disabilities and chronic conditions. Held at Winspear Centre for Music. Details for this tie/evening gown event to support the Shaw Conference Centre, Hall D. ASTech Awards Gala 22 benefit concert and art auction are scholarships for the study of advanced Visit www.glenrosefoundation.com for available at www.pilgrimshospice.ca. music at the Kodaly Pedagogical Institute ASTech recognizes Alberta’s most details. Contact 780.735.7912. important and influential leaders, Contact 780.413.9801. of Music in Kecskemet, Hungary. Sponsored by the Hungarian Society. innovators and contributors in the science Edmonton Ladies Dinner TBA and technology community. The evening Concordia’s 10th Annual 6 Crowne Plaza-Chateau Lacombe. This is the annual fund raising dinner and Grande Masque Gala Tickets: $180. Contact Gyongyi & Arpad features a gourmet dinner and awards auction, sponsored by Ducks Unlimited ceremony, sponsored by the ASTech Experience an evening of elegance and Csanyi at 780.457.2396. Canada in support of wetlands, fine dining in support of students and a Foundation. For more information, visit preservation and conservation. www.astech.ab.ca. Contact Bev Jones at distinctive education at Concordia The Fine Art of Schmoozy: TBA Visit www.ducks.ca for updates, and University College of Alberta. This is one of 403.220.9130 or [email protected] similar events in Stony Plain, Sherwood Live the Beautiful Night Edmonton’s must attend black tie events! The Fine Art of Schmoozy is a fun and Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Beaumont, St. Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. Laugh for Life Gala 23 Albert, Spruce Grove, Leduc, Devon and elegant evening featuring a silent art They say laughter is the best medicine and Visit www.concordia.ab.ca. auction, live music, and fabulous food and Ardrossan. Contact Katherine Hutton at 780.479.9247. you will get a huge dose of it at this wacky Contact Tracy O’Neil at 780.444.2354. drink. Bid on (and take home!) some evening with a well-known comedian. The amazing original art from local and event supports The Mustard Seed and Northern Lights Classic 6-7 regional artists and have a nibble on some World STONE Nina’s Cake Walk TBA Ballroom Dance Competition Candeo Housing Association. Held at Best described as a “fashion show for great gourmet food. Get into the Winspear Centre. Tickets: $32.Visit Attracting top Western Canadian dancers Schmoozy spirit, dress in your cocktail baked goods”, local celebrities, chefs, to Edmonton, the 7th annual Northern www.laughforlife.ca for updates. Contact sponsors and actors from the cast of Die finery at Latitude 53 Contemporary Visual Winspear Box office at 780.428.1414. Lights Classic Ballroom Dance competition Culture. Tickets $15 members, $20 non- Nasty team up to create fabulous cakes, will be held at the Polish Hall. Tickets are and then battle it out on the runway for members. Visit www.latitude53.org BMO Boolathon 24 $35 - $55. This event will undoubtedly Call 780.423.5353, [email protected] first place honours. The Nina Haggerty raise the profile of Edmonton’s ballroom for Kids Help Phone Centre for the Arts supports a collective of This is a fun and safe family Hallowe’en dance. Contact Theresa Jenkins artists with developmental disabilities and Sorrentino’s Annual Truffle event where everyone dresses up in 780.909.4332. TBA the on-site Stollery public gallery, as well and Wine Dinner costumes and bowls two games after Visit www.northernlightsclassic.ca as free and low cost community art Experience and exquisite truffle dinner having raised pledges in support of Kids programming. The Sutton Place Hotel. prepared by Sorrentino’s Corporate Chef Help Phone. There are prizes for best Christmas on the Square TBA Tickets: $75. Call Tix-on-the-Square at Sonny Sung. Sorrentino’s Downtown. costumes, and best team and individual Holiday Light Up 780.420.1757 or on-line at Tickets $100. Contact Priya Bhasin fundraisers. Proceeds support professional The Downtown Business Association and www.tixonthesquare.ca. 780.474.6466 or [email protected]. counselling service for kids in Edmonton City of Edmonton present the light up of Visit www.ninahaggertyart.ca. Visit www.sorrentinos.com for updates. and area and across Canada. Contact the massive Christmas tree in Sir Winston Churchill Square and amazing fireworks Lindsay Schalin at 403.645.4058 or e-mail Rocky Mountain Wine TBA show. Enjoy arts and crafts, mascots, National Philanthropy Day [email protected]. Visit & Food Festival 18 roving entertainment, shopping, activities Awards and Luncheon www.kidshelpphone.ca/boolathon. Educate and tempt your palate with with the Art Gallery of Alberta, live Join the Association of Fund Raising wonderful food and wine at this three-day performances on stage, and Santa Claus Professionals Edmonton and Area Chapter Nights of Artists 29-31 event. A portion of tickets sales will go himself. Spread the holiday cheer by to celebrate and acknowledge the 13th Annual Art and Music Festival toward creating scholarships for culinary bringing a donation for the Edmonton philanthropic achievements of our A three-day celebration of the arts students at NAIT. Food Bank or Santa’s Anonymous. community. Tickets: $65. Nominations for showcasing original art, music, dancing, Visit www.rockymountainwine.com for Visit www.edmontondowntown.com. the awards may be made at poetry and more. Guests can enjoy details. Contact 1.866.228.3555. cocktail galas, concerts and fashion shows Contact the Downtown Business www.afpedmonton.ca. Association at 780.424.4085. Contact Jen Panteluk 780.960.4188 or while browsing and purchasing artworks 20th Annual Chili Cook Off 5 from all over the province of Alberta. visit [email protected] In support of Rodeo Week Downtown, the Denim & Diamonds TBA Tickets available July 1st at Tix On The Downtown Business Association’s 20th Square: 780.420.1757. More info at Join the Juvenile Diabetes Research Annual Chili Cook Off is a tongue- Foundation as it hosts the 19th annual Twas the Night 26 www.NightofArtists.com or by calling scorching event to raise money for charity. This 13th annual fundraiser promotes fine 780.718.7635. Denim & Diamonds evening to raise funds This year, all monies collected will be to find a cure for diabetes and its craft in Alberta. Proceeds go to the Alberta donated to the Alberta Council of complications through the support of Craft Council’s 2011 exhibition program. Women’s Shelters. Come on out and see research. A dazzling event with big name Held at Alberta Craft Council. Tickets: $20. november 2010 the city’s hottest chili cookers whip up entertainment. Held at Shaw Conference Visit www.albertacraft.ab.ca. some of the best chili in the west. Enjoy Centre. Visit www.jdrf/ca for updates. Contact Nancy St. Hilaire at 780.488.6611 live western-style entertainment and loads Contact [email protected] ext 234. Spotlight on Research 1 of entertainment. Held at Scotia Place. Start the day off at this educational Tickets $2. Volunteer Recognition Gala TBA breakfast event. The Glenrose Visit www.edmontondowntown.com. The Edmonton Federation of Community Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation/Capital Contact: Downtown Business Association Leagues is rolling out the red carpet for december 2010 Health offers an opportunity to learn how 780.424.4085 neighbourhood volunteers. Each year we honour specific projects in communities Festival of Trees Gala Evening 1 around Edmonton at a successful The Festival of Trees celebrates its 26th recognition event. anniversary year with a gala dinner and Visit www.efcl.org for up-dates. auction to support the University of Alberta Hospital. This black tie event is hosted by Poor Boy’s Lunch TBA the University Hospital Foundation. Shaw In 1994, CTV Edmonton established its Conference Centre. By invitation only. own registered charity, the Good Visit www.festivaloftrees.ab.ca. Neighbour Fund. The Fund assists people E-mail [email protected] or contact in Edmonton and Northern Alberta who 780.407.2786. have fallen on hard times. The Poor Boys Lunch is the group’s major fundraising event. Visit www.goodneighbourfund.ca for Realtors® Association 3 details. Contact 780.486.9215. of Edmonton and Realtors® Community Foundation Christmas Homes for the Holidays TBA Luncheon Enjoy a viewing tour of private homes Realtors® and guests are invited to join dressed in their holiday best. Local together to raise funds for the Edmonton designers, florists and many volunteers will Realtors’ Charitable Foundation. join together to decorate “Homes for the Northlands Expo Centre – Hall E. Tickets: Holidays”. Funds raised will support Junior $60. Enjoy a special luncheon and live League of Edmonton and Kids Help Phone. entertainment. Visit www.homesfortheholidays.com for Visit www.ereb.com and follow the links. updates. Contact Lixmila Serrano 780.453.9350.

10 EDMONTONIANS DECEMBER 2009

Proof__0______PROOFED BY:______CHANGES MADE:______DATE:______The guy in the BLACK HAT is actually a white-hat HACKER

By Greg Gazin uring a recent educational presentation on And while his fedora is black, as is the rest of his we’re back to a shared medium. It’s easy to eavesdrop on wireless security to a group of IT signature attire, RenderMan is a white-hat hacker—one communications.” professionals at the Canadian Information of the good guys. Black-hat hackers are typically out for With readily available hardware—sniffers and analyzers Processing Society’s annual ICE personal or financial gain. and open source tools like Airpwn, Karma and DConferenceD in Edmonton, it didn’t take long for Brad Haines has a strong penchant for discovering and Metasploit—hackers can monitor, intercept and modify Haines to give the attendees what would amount to an reporting on systems vulnerabilities and ensuring that transmissions resulting in the loss and theft of data. This enlightening wake-up call. people are aware of them. His issue is with consultants’ includes private corporate information, personal info such “If your consultants say your system is secure, declarations that imply “secure from now on and as passwords, bank account and/or credit card numbers, and they’re lying.” His boldness caused even those busy forever”. While perhaps true at that moment, he’d prefer information leading to possible identity theft. texting on their Blackberrys to stop and take notice. they rephrase them as “vulnerabilities not yet found”. More than 25 percent of wireless networks in homes and Over a 50-minute period, Haines wowed delegates by Once a secure technology, WEP (Wired Equivalency offices are not even password protected. “Many are left at illustrating how insecure things really can be. Privacy) protocol can now be broken in 60 seconds. “And the (factory) default settings… unencrypted, unsecured, But Haines is not your average presenter. Often if you didn’t know about that transition,” Haines says, with an SSID (station ID) of Linksys.” Not only does this billed as a security expert or chief researcher at “you’d think it still was.” leave the access point vulnerable to attack, it presents an RenderLab.net, he’s also known as RenderMan. Wireless has changed the rules of the game. A network opportunity to an unscrupulous hacker to set up a trap when “I’m first and foremost a hacker… a security can physically be locked down, but adding wireless you take your wireless- and Bluetooth-enabled devices enthusiast and consummate geek who is curious and capability could be akin to using a megaphone to (laptop, PDA) outside to WiFi spots at cafes and airports. loves knowledge.” announce your presence to the world. “With wireless, Continued on page 14

EDMONTONIANS DECEMBER 2009 11

Proof__1______PROOFED BY:______CHANGES MADE:______DATE:______Unfolding the mystery of misfolding PRIONS By Cheryl Croucher ust mention the term prion and you’ll draw a blank from sheep to cows and, sadly, to humans. In humans, it is This year, I have had the opportunity to interview some look from most people. But say mad cow, and called Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease. of these scientists, thanks to a journalism award from the you’ll get a reaction. In May 2003, Canada’s first official case of mad cow Canadian Institutes for Health Research. Mad cows have spongy brains. They fall over. or BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy) popped up What I find remarkable is the breadth of their research JJ And, if you eat their parts, you might get the on a farm in Alberta. Overnight trade borders closed, projects and the advancements they are making here. What disease, too. That’s what most people remember of stifling a $4.1 billion dollar a year beef export business. started with one mad cow in Alberta has evolved into an the mad cow crisis that swept Britain in the late 1980s. While barely a dozen mad cows have appeared in the intriguing investigation of a host of neurodegenerative Thousands of cattle were destroyed before the epidemic ensuing years, the BSE crisis here cost billions in lost diseases that impact all of us. was contained. trade and lost jobs. Two of the many talented researchers working in this The culprit turned out to be cattle feed which contained The Alberta government responded with a $35 million area are Dr. David Westaway and Dr. David Wishart. Both ground up sheep offal contaminated with scrapies, a fund to support research into BSE and prion related are professors at the University of Alberta, although Dr. neurodegenerative disease of sheep. diseases through Alberta Ingenuity and the Alberta Prion Westaway arrived from Britain via the University of Scientists eventually figured out misfolded prions were Research Institute. The federal government poured Toronto. He is director of the Centre for Prions and Protein behind the infection that had crossed the species barrier support into PRIONet, a member of the Network of Folding Diseases. Centres of Excellence. The University of Alberta set up Dr. Wishart is a bio-informatics specialist and he was the the Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases. lead scientist on the Human Metabolome Project. He Over the past few years, the scientists involved with describes prions as “small proteins that we all have. They’re these groups have collaborated on some of the most in every living organism as far as we can tell, from yeast all BRIEFS important prion research in the world. the way to humans.” Jim Herbers

NEW MITE SPECIES TEC DISCOVERED— Edmonton GRIZZLY Searches BEARS for New of the Soil World CEO he Alberta Biodiversity over 100 new species to Canada that Monitoring Institute has we’ve identified and well over 30 new Pamela Freeman laid out a grid of 1656 species to the world.” points across the entire These mites are microscopic, but ow that David Cox has left continue to expand our programs and province,TT with each point 20 don’t let their diminutive size fool you. TEC Edmonton for a new services that reach out to the kilometres apart. The data collected Herbers explains, “Some of them are post at Radient entrepreneurial community... for those from these sites gives scientists a like the grizzly bears of the soil world. Technologies, TEC who have a technology who wish to measure of the changing state of They go around and they’re predators. NNEdmonton is looking for a develop a company, and that can also biodiversity in Alberta. Many of them are frugivores. Many of new CEO to take his place. interact effectively with our University When ABMI researchers collect them eat fungus and mushrooms. And And, according to Pamela Freeman, community.” samples from these sites, they check then there are a number of other species the interim CEO, TEC Edmonton is Freeman says TEC Edmonton is for various kinds of flora and fauna in that live in the soil that break down the looking for a very special leader. “That continuing to build on three very the water, in the trees, on the ground, soil organic matter, making sure that it’s person would have experience working in successful years under Cox’s leadership. and in the soil. And it’s not uncommon turned over and that the nutrients are the private sector… public markets, New programs include TEC Source which to discover new species. available for plants to use.” private markets, to raise capital for provides free consults to technology based Of particular interest are mites, tiny These new species of mites were companies… and will also have a very companies. And there’s the new regional invertebrates that play a big role in identified for the ABMI when strong and effective way of working with alliance which sees five Edmonton maintaining the health of our soils. scientists at the Royal Alberta our research community. So we have incubators collaborating to provide “one- Jim Herbers, director for Museum analyzed soil samples retained a recruitment firm to help us find stop shopping” for entrepreneurs and information for the ABMI, says,“We’re collected from the grid points. √ someone who can help take TEC inventors. √ very proud to report that there are well ~ Cheryl Croucher Edmonton to the next level where we ~ Cheryl Croucher

12 EDMONTONIANS DECEMBER 2009

Proof__1______PROOFED BY:______CHANGES MADE:______DATE:______The exact purpose of prions is not known, although they “The positive and negative charges interact with the water molecules. Sometimes when proteins start folding into the are thought to play a protective role. The normal or cellular molecule and the protein molecule stays under control. It’s right shape, they get stuck, so along comes a chaperone to prion protein is harmless. But sometimes things go wrong. basically dissolved in water and everything is fine and smooth it out so it goes into the right shape. This is well “Occasionally, if the protein has been mutated or if some dandy. But, in the context of disease, the proteins start to known in the science of cell biology for proteins inside the external agent modifies the prion protein, it changes shape. assemble into aggregates and very often this aggregation cell. Once it changes shape, it starts doing something bad. It property is somehow linked to the fact that the non-water Says Westaway, “The field of chaperones is well known actually starts self-assembling into what are loving part of the molecule gets turned inside out. So, in in the science of cell biology for proteins inside the cell. called fibrils. And these fibrils chemical jargon, the hydrophobic parts of the molecule, But prion disease is a bit more cutting edge because it start filling up brain cells, instead of being hidden inside, come to the outside. The seems there may well be chaperone-type activity involved leading to brain cell hydrophobic parts of a molecule like to interact with in the wrong way, in helping a good protein go bad. Some death,” explains Dr. the hydrophobic parts of other molecules. So you start of the crucial events of refolding or misfolding may not be Wishart. to get an assembly where the contact between the going on inside the cell. In fact, they may be going on His most recent work molecules is a bit more like an oily interface that outside the cell. This is an important frontier that will bear uses a variety of techniques, pushes water out of the way.” close scrutiny in the coming years.” including nuclear magnetic This initiates a domino effect where the proteins A student in Westaway’s lab, Joe Watts, confirmed that resonance spectroscopy, build up on one another. this protein exists. It is quite abundant in the brain and has a mass spectronomy and In his lab, Dr. lot of features similar to normal prion proteins. circular dichroism, to observe Wishart has been “We think that shadoo may be part of a family of the prion protein at an atomic exploring how the molecules on the surface of brain cells that help brain cells scale. The point is to observe prion converts or deal with damage,” Dr. Westaway explains. “We have the folding process in real time misfolds and has looked at what happens to the shadoo protein in an animal and hopefully find a way to identified that the tail that has a prion disease and we were very surprised to get a stop it. end of the molecule very simple answer: that the shadoo protein starts to “Prions are naturally helical, Dr. David Wisehart seems to be the part disappear when animals are replicating prions. It is what we meaning they look like a bunch that gets disrupted or call a tracer. We didn’t expect to make this discovery but, of springs stuck together. But, unfolded first. somehow when the protein is disappearing, it’s telling you when they misfold,” Dr. Wishart says, “they turn from a “It aggregates first that prions are replicating.” helical protein to something that’s called a beta strand or a in what we call dimers He goes on to speculate that in a disease state, the shadoo sheet. And the beta sheet is in a sense a bunch of ribbons. or pairs, then in proteins are being cannibalized by what he calls chopping And, in fact, silk is an example of a fibre that is made up tetramers or sets of proteins known as proteases. These get rid of proteins that almost exclusively of beta sheets. So when prions go from four and then, are no longer needed by the body. What triggers the sudden the helical to a beta sheet, they say that they convert or Dr. David Westaway ultimately, in octamers, attack warrants further investigation. they misfold. This is something that proteins will often or groups of eight So what is it that brings home all this talk about how do. Normally, the body gets rid of them but, in the case of molecules. These prions fold? prions, when they misfold, they aggregate and they actually aggregates are all hung together near the back end from last Catching Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease from a mad become toxic.” to about 70 residues. So they produce this insoluable, cow is still a very rare event. The odds in Canada are one in It’s this aggregation the gives rise to the term tightly massed core that can’t be cut… that can’t be broken a million. However, there are other protein folding diseases “infectious”. A chain reaction starts and cannot be stopped. down. Then these octamers eventually start forming fibrils that are all too common: Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Lou According to Dr. Westaway, a normal prion or protein is or threads.” Gehrig’s Disease. a solo operator. As such, the outside of the molecule is Dr. Wishart goes on to say that it appears the tetramer The research of Westaway and Wishart goes a long way covered with chemical charges that like water. and octamer, the groups of four and eight proteins, become toward informing discovery on this front. highly toxic and form the A provocative article, published in the journal Nature in principle seed that leads to early 2009, suggests that normal prion proteins, thought to Boewer Besseling infection. be the protectors of nerve cells, are involved in the killing of It’s an exciting discovery brain cells. It appears the misfolded protein aggregates that that opens up the door to cause Alzheimer’s bind to the normal prion proteins to developing a means of initiate the killing. Wheat Straw stopping the misfolding Dr. Westaway is adamant. “We’ll check that out, and process. other labs will check that and very likely some important Panel Board Dr. Westaway suggests that new knowledge will come out of looking at those ideas once you define the with a fine tooth comb.” √ Houses misfolding process in molecular terms, “then you www.prionresearch.ca can create an anti-molecule www.prionet.canada.ca for China’s to stop it from happening. It’s www.prioncentre.ca what is called smart therapy.” Over in his lab at the To hear more on prion research, visit Centre for Prions and Protein www.innovationanthology.com EARTHQUAKE Folding Diseases, Dr. Westaway has uncovered at Cheryl Croucher hosts Innovation least two important pieces to Anthology which is broadcast on the prion puzzle. These are CKUA Radio at 7:58 am and 4:58 pm ZONE chaperone and shadoo Tuesdays and Thursdays. Or download proteins. the podcasts at Chaperones are helper www.innovationanthologyy.com ew homes in China’s there is a big possibility that it just cracks earthquake zone will now be because it is not flexible, and it comes made from wheat straw down. Unfortunately, that happened a lot On the instead of bricks and cement. last year during the earthquake. And this HORIZON NNA Dutch company has licenced light gauge steel is more flexible, so it technology developed by the Alberta can withstand an earthquake much better Research Council to make wheat straw than concrete and bricks. And together DECEMBER panel board—OSSB or oriented straw with our OSSB, which we can use like a December 3 December 15 strandboard—for the Chinese market. bracing element, it stands better in The Business Link novaNAIT Innovation Speakers Series According to architect Boewer earthquakes than what they have right Brown Bag Session Incubate Your Business for Success Besseling of Panel Board Holdings, the now.” E-Commerce Applications 12 – 1 pm wheat straw panels are superior for this The wheat straw panel boards also Suite 100, 10237-104 Street www.novanait.ca earthquake zone since they are framed offer an environmental break for China. 12-1 pm with light gauge steel. ARC’s forest products technologist www.canadabusiness.ab.ca/brownbag.cfm February 25 TEC VenturePrize Says Besseling, “First of all, the Wayne Wasylciw says the OSSB panel December 3 Business Plan Competition buildings are all made out of concrete and boards make use of straw that in China ACAMP Seminar bricks. And the quality of these bricks would otherwise be burned. They also Deadline for Fast Growth Competition and concrete is a little bit less than what save agricultural land from being dug up Health and Medical Compete for over $150,000 in prizes Alberta Research Council Auditorium www.tecedmonton.com we are used to in Europe and also in for clay to make bricks. √ 8 am to 5 pm Canada. So if there is an earthquake, ~ Cheryl Croucher RSVP to [email protected]

EDMONTONIANS DECEMBER 2009 13

Proof__1______PROOFED BY:______CHANGES MADE:______DATE:______ow to effectively gain entry into web… but it’s certainly good news for their the social media ecosystem as competitors who are consuming the social it continues to grow in media Kool-Aid by the litre. That gap will Hrelevancy is top of mind for continue to widen especially in areas of Hmany, not only here in the Edmonton area brand awareness, loyalty, customer support but around Alberta and the rest of the and rapport. World. 2010 will be the year many alter Experience suggests that concrete social behaviors by integrating certain social web media performance can only happen once practices into overall business processes the organization has truly committed. Up to across the enterprise resulting in a “social now, there has been considerable experi- calibration” of the corporate culture. mentation and that’s to be expected. Veterans of at least one social media However, for measurable conversions to campaign will refine their approach as the take place, an enterprise-wide commitment realization that social influence is reliant on Social or social calibration must take place. certain sustainable actions. In other words, Ultimately, I believe 2010 will be a year there’s an understanding of the difference of recovery, modest growth and prosperity. between being a blogger and being a Social calibration should allow leaders who blogger with influence—which means that mediamedia have a foothold within the social web social media integration into the 2010 with Walter Schwabe (Twitter account and Facebook fan page) to marketing and communications plan accelerate and deepen relationships with happens at the outset rather than as an add- 101 customers. In other words, if your organi- on later. This change in process should drive zation has been building social media support for internal policy development and credibility and customer love throughout a a concerted effort to build social capacity. 2010 tough 2009, the next year will most likely Also, as decision-makers come on board, The Year of Social Calibration require management teams to be better I see more I.T. departments benefiting. The prepared to support future initiatives with enterprise remains protected while I.T. strengthened in terms of data privacy and and get ready for more city run contests, more than just budget, they’ll need to enables social technologies behind their security… so the cloud will continue to data mash-ups, and location aware services support with a will to engage. firewall by using open API authorization influence collaborative innovations such as based widgets. I’d like to wish all my readers, clients, the code like “OAuth” as appropriate. This Google Wave for all to use. Maintaining consumer trust by way of fusedlogic team, family and friends a success may also inspire the enterprise to As well, we’ll likely see more govern- social influence will remain a central goal fantastic Christmas and New Year’s pursue internal social media solutions ments, (primarily municipal) embrace behind social media performance metrics. celebration. √ related to human resources, such as “open data” policies and concepts. And why Reputation 2.0 and the ever present need for employee retention, training, communi- not? Citizens are willing to contribute and active brand management online becomes a Walter Schwabe is the Chief Evolution cations and knowledge capture. even provide services for free. Participation reality for more decision-makers in 2010. Officer of fusedlogic inc., a social media Additionally, look for more organizations in this area will continue to rise as access to That said, this isn’t good news for lagging strategy firm and Alberta company since to embrace “cloud computing.” Despite still public data truly becomes public. For more executives still employing the big plan of 2000. You can learn more at suffering from a bit of hype, trust has been info on the open data topic visit eaves.ca shutting down all access to the social www.fusedlogic.com

Continued from page 11 Getting attacked can be as simple as devices in the room and within range of under because they used a crappy “We need guys like him to make the turning on your laptop. If your own his equipment. product and didn’t know better. How do public totally aware… someone to find SSID matches a possible rogue, then Haines interest in network security you expect a guy who sells popsicles to these vulnerabilities. We have to work in your computer may automatically started at W.P. Wagner High School in know about security? It’s not his this environment,” says Rusnak. connect. “Windows likes to auto- South East Edmonton, where computer business focus.” Interestingly, on a trip to the House of matically connect to recent networks it’s teacher Don McDonald gave him the He’s also motivated as a user of these Parliament a few days after his Gatineau seen before.” task of keeping their classroom network products who doesn’t want his data speech, RenderMan was singled out of a Haines can’t stress it enough: There is running. hijacked—possibly by some people he tour group and asked to check his cell no authentication process for free WiFi “It was the most hostile network on knows. phone and briefcase. at hotels and gyms, for example, making the planet. Teachers weren’t always Haines speaks frequently at hacker “I’m thinking that announcing my it hard to determine if it’s real or fake. around; Kids wanted to play games and security conferences. Just prior to intentions at the conference probably led The transmission could be routed during school hours.” He learned to ICE, he exposed wireless vulnerabilities someone to call ahead… and making the through an intermediary and all your thrive on the constant challenge of from a hacker’s perspective at Cyber Ottawa Citzen’s front page probably data would be exposed. having to find new solutions to lock Security Protection Strategies 2009, didn’t help at all.” “Even with a secure login, the login things down in an ever-changing hosted by the Conference Board of Despite obvious temptations, Haines may be encrypted but not the session.” environment. “It was a classic cat and Canada in Gatineau, Quebec. says he’s never been in trouble, but Haines shows the audience a picture mouse game.” He pointed out, “There are things you admits he finds the bad guys much more of a suspicious looking van with “Free But it wasn’t until he attended his first have not even thought of yet that already interesting. “The Joker always seems to Candy” painted across it. “Users like DEF CON, the world’s largest under- exist and can bite you. Be much more enjoy what he was doing for a living. free WiFi. Who wouldn’t? What’s ground hacking conference in 1999 diligent and proactive because Batman always seems depressed.” advertised is not necessarily what’s where he says he met the most something that was secure last night, Haines prefers to be the spy. inside.” embracing community of like-minded now isn’t.” “People don’t like what I do, but I do And it’s not just the network people, that he realized he was not alone Revealing a picture of a circuit with nothing illegal. If anything weird connection. Accessing a malicious site on his quest. 0.2mm wide solder points, Haines happens, I better keep my nose clean. I could cause you to get viruses, install He’s now 30, “but going on 18”. reminds that hackers who are also driven would automatically be one of the usual spyware, and make modifications to RenderMan fills his days working with by curiosity will find value in the most suspects.” your system. Browser exploits—codes his clients to advise them on securing innocuous of things—like hacking Strangely enough, Haines’ business that take advantage of bugs in your their digital assets. He fills his nights through the memory of Nintendo DSi. card is a Joker from a deck of cards with browser—could also cause unexpected finding new ways to subvert technology “If someone is willing to solder through his info stamped on it. results. to do things it was never meant to do. a microscope to play video games, how “At a conference, it stands out.” √ “Once you’re on someone’s site, Haines prefers to work with small- much effort do you think is going into you’ve given them a conduit to access and medium-sized enterprises, smaller something with money?” your system,” concurs Ed Rusnak, CEO departments and professional services He preaches diligence about security Greg Gazin, “The of ENC Security Systems and creator of companies, acting as a resource for even if you think it doesn’t have Gadget Guy,” is a EncryptStick (featured in Edmontonians, performance tuning and network anything to do with what you’re doing. serial entrepreneur, November 2009). “When you leave the security audits. “They can’t afford the “You could be selling ice cream, but freelance technology site, you could also be taking the big guys and often don’t know they need you’re processing money… you’re of columnist, small infections and Trojans back with you to advice. Often their network expert is the interest to someone.” business speaker, an your secure network.” son’s friend’s brother who happens to Regardless of his audience, Haines avid Podcaster and “How many of you will regret using have a computer… so he’s their IT guy insists he’s not trying to scare them but producer of the free WiFi here?” Haines asked and this is a clinic.” rather shake things up so they don’t Toastcaster.com. Greg conference participants. At the end of his For Haines, it’s also a social obligation become complacent by creating can be reached at session—to make his point—he revealed and a soft spot for the Mom and Pop awareness that “the Emperor has no 780.424.1881, gadgetgreg.com or that he had scanned all wireless enabled enterprises. “Businesses shouldn’t go clothes”. [email protected]

14 EDMONTONIANS DECEMBER 2009

Proof__1______PROOFED BY:______CHANGES MADE:______DATE:______ne of the worst Larry Reese and Bob Hunka were part of the Procol Harum Ron Rault of The Rault Brothers. concert performed in the ’70s with the Edmonton Symphony things about “ Orchestra. Hunka was assistant GM of the ESO for that epic gig living in Toronto before taking his career on the road to Nashville where he is not having managed Dolly Parton’s music publishing companies… and to O CKUA,” Los Angeles to run Monument Records— the original label of quipped Richard Flohil. He Roy Orbison, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson and Kris Kristoferson, made the trip to celebrate and subsequent label for the Dixie Chicks. Stony Plain Records founder No slouch himself, Reese heads the motion picture arts Holger Petersen’s anniversary program at Red Deer College. He toured North America in Jesus party, titled 40 Years of Natch’l Christ Superstar and opened for Procol Harum. He’s worked in Blues. The party was hosted movies alongside Clint Eastwood, James Caan, Heath Ledger by CKUA Radio last month at and Gene Hackman, to name a few acting luminaries. Cook County Saloon. CKUA plays alternative Donnie Walsh-front man for the music, folk, rock, jazz and Dave Babcock of Jump Down Child Blues Band and classical music, courtesy of the musical muse for Dan Ackroyd’s station’s network of 17 Blues Brothers transmitters. Canada’s first educational and public radio started broadcasting in 1927 from the University of Alberta Photos by Tracy Kolenchuk and went online in 1996. Mayor Stephen Mandel Listeners are fiercely loyal; congratulates Holger Petersen. they went to bat for the station when it was suspended suddenly in 1994. Fans rallied and created a foundation to help keep the radio and their favourite programming on air. CKUA is where many listeners first heard the likes of k.d. lang, Corb Lund, Tegan and Sara, the Polyjesters and Rob Edwards from Wendy McNeill. In an Internet Victoria with Ken Regan, “Blues fans know real music when they world that promotes citizen general manager of CKUA. hear it,” notes music scribe Peter North, journalism, everyone from Edwards performed with The shown here with Phyllis Wooley who is not farmers to politicians to Royal Family that morphed in the music business. scientists and business leaders into Troyka with Rumor (Ron) have had their say on CKUA. Lukaweitski and Michael Joe Louis Walker, Richards on drums. Grammy award-winning Psychedelic, baby. Rolling Blues Artist Stone reviewed Troyka in its 1970 issue #58. Edwards is still looking for a copy and for the whereabouts of Richards.

Harold Wollin hosts the Story Slam monthly at his Blue Chair eatery with Jack Worthington Hagerman, CKUA Lionel “Mac” McKernan. station manager from 1955 to 1974, with former CKUA Board Chair Bud Steen. “Nobody loves music and radio more than Jack,” according to Peter North.

Former CKUA board member Linda Hall and Brian Dunsmore. You gotta believe these two Hall started the charming Home have hatched serious plans Routes concert series in her living together over the years. Holger room last year: world-class musicians, Petersen and PR veteran known and unknown, perform in Richard Flohil who came West private homes throughout Western to emcee his friend’s evening. Canada. Royal LePage realtor and sponsor Frank Bawden (right) with Brenda Lizotte and Frank Klemen who produces the annual Nite of Blues that funds SIRENS (Support to Individuals at Risk in Everyone’s Neighbourhood Society).

Petersen with his black- haired beauty, “partner and soul mate, Anne Green” who’s been with the Banff-Calgary International WordFest since it launched 14 years ago.

“I remember Holger from Bonnie Doon High School… used to sit in front of me,” recalled the not-really retired radio mogul and Edmontonians scribe Marty Forbes with wife Kim. “He hasn’t changed.”

EDMONTONIANS DECEMBER 2009 15

Proof__1______PROOFED BY:______CHANGES MADE:______DATE:______16 EDMONTONIANS DECEMBER 2009

Proof__1______PROOFED BY:______CHANGES MADE:______DATE:______