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Albertan receives Hall of Fame Award from Meeting & Event Planning Industry
Jean Silzer, Alberta’s first Certified Meeting Planner (CMP), receives Industry Builder Award
 Jean Silzer, President of Details Convention &
Event Management Inc. will be inducted into the Meeting & Incentive Travel Hall of Fame at a
ceremony in Toronto later this year.
Calgary, Alberta – It’s been 22 years since Jean Silzer left her teaching career to create
her own company (Details Convention & Event Management Inc.) and pursue her passion for meeting
and event planning. Now, she is being honoured by her peers and inducted into the Meeting & Incentive
Travel Hall of Fame with an Industry Builder Award. The award recognizes an individual planner or
supplier who has developed best practices, created professional guidelines, and/or who has built a product
or service that has improved the way the industry does business.
“It’s flattering to be recognized by my peers for my contribution to the professionalism and growth of
the event management industry in Canada,” says Jean Silzer, President, Details Convention & Event
Management. “I am especially proud that through our collective efforts, the industry has been able to
move from being thought of as ‘party planners’ to being recognized as strategic planners who are able
to create genuine, bottom-line results for organizations through well orchestrated events and conferences.”
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Please welcome TMAC Alberta Chapter's
newest industry member Maude Laliberté

A summer job at a Visitor Information Centre in Québec ignited Maude Laliberté's passion for tourism. After spending that summer helping people make the most of their holiday experience, Maude enrolled in an extensive two-year tourism program.
After earning her diploma from Collège Mérici (Quebec City), Maude worked in Germany as an ambassador in the Canadian Pavilion during Expo 2000. Upon returning to Canada, she was hired by the Canadian Tourism Commission in a variety of roles within the Europe/Latin American, E-marketing and Meetings & Conventions and Incentive Travel Teams.
In the fall of 2004, Maude accepted a position with Travel Alberta International as a Travel Media Relations Specialist. Fluent in both French and German, Maude focussed on the European and Quebec markets for Travel Alberta.
In the summer of 2009, Maude joined Tourism Calgary as Travel Media Relations Coordinator. In her new role, Maude facilitates travel media requests from international and domestic markets with a specific focus on regional markets.
Maude looks forward to her involvement with TMAC, Alberta Chapter and developing long and valuable relationships with its members. Maude can be reached at maudel@tourismcalgary.com.
 
The Tooth Fairy Lands in Calgary with 20,096 children’s toothbrushes Wish comes true with magical donation from Procter & Gamble (Germany)

CoraMarie Clark, founder of The Tooth Fairy Children’s Foundation stands in front of the 20,096 toothbrushes donated by Proctor & Gamble (Germany). The toothbrushes will be given to needy children worldwide.
Calgary, Alberta – Sometimes when you wish for something good to happen – it does.
A chance meeting between CoraMarie Clark (founder of The Tooth Fairy Children’s Foundation) and an
international representative of Procter and Gamble has led to a donation of 20,096 children’s toothbrushes.
“Since launching The Tooth Fairy Children’s Foundation, I’ve wanted to form an alliance with a
manufacturer that would donate toothbrushes,” says Clark. “This donation happened rather magically and
I am so grateful to Procter and Gamble for this amazing contribution to help international children in need.”
“Last week, 300 boxes of Oral-B toothbrushes arrived in Calgary from Germany in a huge cargo container.
It took my breath away to see all those boxes of toothbrushes. I am so grateful!”
Read Full Story


Dr. Mark Moyad, (University of Michigan Medical Centre), an expert on health related issues such as diets and vitamins is giving an engaging free public presentation in Calgary, Tuesday March 2, 2010 at Beth Tzedec Synagogue.

To see Dr. Moyad in action please click on the MyFoxCHicago.com morning show picture below

http://www.myfoxchicago.com:80/dpp/good_day/dr-mark-moyad-visits-the-studio
If you wish to interview Dr. Moyad and/or attend our free public presentation,
please contact Neil Bousquet directly. (403) 256-8834 prwizard@prwizard.ca
“Fad diets and dietary supplements What Works and What’s Worthless?”
PCCN Calgary sponsors free public presentation from Dr. Mark Moyad Tuesday, March 2nd at 7:30PM at Beth Tzedec Synagogue
Calgary, Alberta -- Daily, we are bombarded by the latest news on a vitamin supplement or diet that will dramatically improve our health. How does one separate fact from fad?
"Taking a common sense and often light-hearted approach to the research and myriad of health information today, Dr. Mark Moyad exposes the many half-truths and misinformation and helps to develop a plan to improve personal
immune health and wellness," says Bob Shiell President PCCN Calgary (formerly Prostaid Calgary)
Dr. Moyad, is the Phil F. Jenkins Director of Preventive & Alternative Medicine at the University of Michigan Medical Center, and a practicing physician. Dr. Moyad is known for his no holds barred presentation style that is
both educational and humorous.
PCCN Calgary is pleased to offer this free presentation to healthcare support groups and the general public.
There is also free display space available for healthcare support groups. Please contact Karen Whiteman, Executive Director of PCCN Calgary to register. karen.whiteman@pccncalgary.org or (403) 455-1916.
While admission to this event is free, PCCN Calgary is urging all participants to make a cash and/or food donation to the Calgary Food Bank. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early (doors open at 6:30 PM). Seating is limited to
the first 1,400 people. First come, first seated, no reservations, no pre-registration. Limited free parking.
What: Dr. Mark Moyad (University of Michigan Medical Centre)
“Fad diets and dietary supplements What Works and What’s Worthless?”
When: 7:30 PM, Tuesday, March 2 2010 (Doors open @ 6:30 PM)
Where: Beth Tzedec Synagogue, 1325 Glenmore Trail SW www.bethtzedec.ca
Who/Why: Healthcare support groups and general public
Admission: Free on first come basis. 1400 seats
Read Full Story
 Alberta Chapter
TMAC Alberta Chapter's
newest industry member Lara Hurrell
Lara Hurrell is a Travel Media Relations Specialist for The Americas at Travel Alberta. This new position is a change in direction for Lara
who made the switch after spending fifteen years as a broadcaster
in Western Canada.
Lara is a familiar face in Calgary after spending ten years at Shaw TV as its news anchor as well as senior reporter. Prior to working at Shaw,
Lara was a reporter with CBC Radio. She also worked for Baton/CTV in Saskatchewan as the province's first female videographer.
Originally from Vancouver, Lara has made Calgary her home for eleven years. She has a passion for travel and is enjoying combining her love of travel and media expertise with her new role at Travel Alberta.

 Alberta Chapter
. TMAC Alberta Chapter's hard working Board of Directors took time out for a group photo at the February Mix 'n Mingle at Calgary's IL Sogo restaurant. (L to r) Andrew Hempstead, (Summerthought Publishing); Kristin Link (Stoney Nakoda Resort and Casino); Jennifer Santos, (Canadian Rockey Mountain Resorts); Susan Mate, (Travel Writer); Jessica Harcombe Fleming, (Bellstar Hotels & Resorts); and Debra Cummings, (Travel Writer). Missing is Anastasia Martin-Stilwell (Travel Alberta).
 

LUX Restaurant Group adds Chiasso Coffee Cafés to mix
Third wave coffee company delivers complete coffee experience with launch of two downtown Calgary cafés
Calgary, Alberta – The LUX Restaurant Group, (that includes Flatiron Restaurant & Bar and Kayne’s Restaurants), is pleased to announce that it is adding the Chiasso Coffee Company cafés to its fast growing roster of restaurant properties. Chiasso, a chain of third wave coffee cafés, will also serve fresh baked breads and pastries as well as homemade soups, sandwiches, and other hot food. LUX will open two Chiasso cafés in Calgary before the end of summer.
“We believe coffee connects people,” says Adam Drybrough, a partner at LUX Restaurant Group. “Chiasso is an ideal addition to our existing restaurant family. We will open two Calgary cafés. One will be located at Jamieson Place, 302 - 4th Ave. SW (between the Westin and International Hotels). The second Chiasso Coffee café will be on the ground floor of Centennial Place 520- 3rd Ave. SW, (Eau Claire district).”

Read Full Story
 Hockey Dad off to Olympics

ROSEBUD ALBERTA CELEBRATES ITS THEATRE by Megan Kopp, Travel Writer
After becoming a near-ghost town in the early 1970s, the tiny Canadian prairie village of Rosebud discovered theatre as a stepping stone out of the past by creating a globally-recognized theatre training school and professional theatre that attracts 40,000 visitors annually to its dramas and musicals 10 months of the year.
 Megan Kopp tells this inspiring story.
Read Full Story


Twist Marketing creates “Guaranteed Rugged” brand for Lillooet, BC
Community branding specialists tap District of Lillooet’s (pronounced lil-oo-wet) authentic mountain experiences to develop truly rugged brand strategy

Calgary, Alberta – “We have created a brand strategy for the District of Lillooet that stands out from the clutter,” says Catherine Proulx, Managing Director of Twist Marketing. “The new ‘Guaranteed Rugged’ theme captures Lillooet’s authentic mountain lifestyle and the untamed experiences to be found in the surrounding wilderness.”

Proulx and her community branding team developed the new Lillooet brand after visiting the community, talking with its residents and leaders, and analyzing the mountain experiences offered by nearby communities such as Whistler.
Read Full Story


Twist Marketing creates new logo & branding for Town of Cochrane Mosaic horse and cowboy become town’s visual identity

Calgary, Alberta -- The Town of Cochrane has unveiled its new mosaic horse logo and arketing strategy, created by Twist Marketing. The new strategy aimed at target marketing Cochrane to new residents, businesses and visitors includes a mosaic horse and cowboy as the Town’s new visual identity. The new look will be used by the Town’s Communications, Economic Development and Human Resources Divisions to position Cochrane as the place to be for future economic growth and development.
“The Cochrane brand is built from considerable public consultation in key processes like the Cochrane Sustainability Plan, and focuses on addressing population pressures by seeking activity that builds a better, not just bigger community,” explains Catherine Proulx, Managing Director, Twist Marketing. “The visual identity, brand strategy, and marketing direction honour Cochrane’s heritage while recognizing contemporary challenges and opportunities.”
Read Full Story
 
 Calgary Sun ENT December 13, 2009

PCCN-Calgary (formerly Prostaid Calgary) turns 15 in 2010 From a start-up support group for Calgary men in 1995, Prostaid Calgary has evolved into a leading Canadian men’s health organization that provides the latest online educational resources for all aspects of prostate cancer
Read full story
Photo courtesy of Susan Mate
 PR Wizard gives back to the local communities in which it operates by supporting community-based organizations like Wood's Homes.

Alberta Chapter
Please welcome TMAC Alberta Chapter's
newest media member Debbie Olsen
Debbie Olsen is a Lacombe, Alberta-based freelance writer who has been writing
professionally for a little more than ten years.
She writes regular travel columns for the Red Deer Advocate and the Calgary Herald
and has written freelance articles on travel, food, health, science, and agriculture for
newspapers and magazines in both Canada and the United States. She has also
contributed to six Fodor’s guidebooks on Canada and the Canadian Rockies.
Debbie has a diverse background that enriches her life and her writing. She has a
BSc. in medical laboratory science and works part time in a microbiology research lab.
She is also the mom of four energetic kids and is a real foodie who loves trying out
new recipes and restaurants.
Debbie hopes to meet new friends through TMAC and gain more writing opportunities,
industry and media contacts and professional development opportunities.
Please join us in welcoming Debbie Olsen to our growing Alberta membership as a media member!
You can reach Debbie at the following co-ordinates:
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 Calgary native Cari Russell plays multiple roles as a State Trooper, Police Sergeant, Undertaker and Old Man in Rosebud production of We Won't Pay, We Won't Pay!
Cari Russell is a 2007 graduate of the Rosebud School of the Art's Acting Programme. Since graduating she has primarily worked for Trickster Theatre, a Calgary-based physical theatre company for children. This past summer Cari was in Fort MacLeod at the Empress Theatre, as a summer resident artist performing, teaching, and as a tour guide for the beautiful 98-year-old historical building. Past theatre credits for Rosebud Theatre include:The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, St.Nick's Magical Mystical Mystery Tour, Trying, Rosebud on the Air.

 click below for Brett Bousquet - hitting video January 2010

Brett Bousquet is thriving in Senior year at Pacific University both on and off the field.

Bousquet is ready for his senior year on the diamond and in the classroom at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon. Following graduation with an Exercise Science degree, Bousquet, an academic scholar, plans to enter grad school for Physical Therapy.
A versatile infielder/outfielder, Bousquet plays SS, 2nd, 3rd and OF.
Photos courtesy of Jim Rowland





 Photos courtesy of Jim Rowland
COMING SOON
 Alberta Chapter

TMAC Alberta Chapter's
newest industry member Gail Quinn - Barbados Tourism

Gail Quinn has been in the Travel Business since 1979. She has held a variety
of positions ranging from sales and management to marketing, promotions and training.
She grew up on prairies with dreams of seeing the world and experiencing
its many great adventures. So far, Gail has travelled to six of its seven continents.
Gail began working with the Barbados Tourism Authority in November, 2008
and describes her Marketing Representative position as her perfect job.
“Barbados is a special destination with its fabulous beaches, natural beauty, opportunity
for adventure and its kind and vibrant people," explains Quinn.
Gail looks forward to her involvement with TMAC, (Alberta Chapter) and
to meeting all of its members.
Merchant Banker, Meridian Canada strengthens Vancouver office
Local businessman with international expertise named as Managing Director

Afshin Ardalan, Managing Director, Meridian Canada Vancouver
Vancouver, BC & Calgary, AB (February 12, 2010) -- Meridian Canada today announced that Mr. Afshin Ardalan has been named Managing Director of the Vancouver and lower mainland Meridian office. His primary responsibility will be business development and client relationship management.
“We have operated a Meridian corporate finance office in Vancouver for the past fours years,” comments Keith Turner, President and CEO. “Today, we are excited to partner with Afshin to strengthen and lead this new Branch Office that will focus on new client development throughout the lower mainland. In Afshin we are very fortunate to attract a seasoned international business
executive who has practical, hands-on experience as a small business owner.”
The Meridian Vancouver office will focus its marketing and customer service efforts on companies in the $5 million to $250 million revenue range.
Read Full Story
Merchant Banker, Meridian Canada opens Edmonton office to service Northern Alberta Local businessman and Chartered Accountant E. Henry Boychuk named Managing Owner

E. Henry Boychuk, CA, Managing Owner, Meridian Edmonton
Edmonton & Calgary, Alberta -- Meridian Canada, a Western Canadian merchant
banking firm today announced the opening of its first independently owned office serving Edmonton and Northern Alberta. E. Henry Boychuk, a local businessman and Chartered Accountant will oversee all aspects of the Edmonton office as Managing Owner.
“This is a major step forward for Meridian’s aggressive expansion plans in North America,” says Keith Turner, Meridian’s President and CEO. “We are thrilled to have attracted such a consummate business professional and entrepreneur. Henry’s experience and credibility in the Edmonton business community will be significant assets as we market our broad-based services and access to capital to
entrepreneurial companies.”
Read Full Story



Lucid opens 3rd Flatiron Restaurant at Chinook Centre
Two-storey, 9500 sq. ft. restaurant with indoor/outdoor dining patio will create 200 jobs.
Calgary, Alberta – Following on the heels of the Lucid Group’s announcement
to introduce its premium-casual concept restaurant to Calgary’s trendy downtown Eau Claire
district (Centennial Place), the company is making another bold move. In December 2010, it will
open its third Flatiron Restaurant & Bar at the high profile and centrally located Chinook Centre.
“This is another important step in growing our Flatiron brand in western Canada,” says Adam Drybrough,
a partner with Lucid. “Chinook Centre is an important location for us. This Flatiron restaurant located
on two floors on the northeast corner of the mall fronting directly onto Macleod Trail will become our
flagship location. High traffic, high visibility and customer access from both the street and mall levels make it a desirable location for showcasing our premium casual restaurant concept.”
 Read Full Story
Canadians Playing Baseball click here 
Coming to Vancouver's Pacific Theatre Feb 17-27

 Babe Ruth Calgary hires technical director By Mario Toneguzzi, Calgary Herald

Miki Kawahara, 27, brings a wealth of baseball experience to his new job as Babe Ruth Calgary technical director. "My focus here is on development,'' said Kawahara, who was raised in Red Deer and played minor ball there. ''Obviously, a really high focus on the development of our athletes, but also the development of coaches.'' Photograph by: Christina Ryan, Calgary Herald
Although only 27 years old, Miki Kawahara has a long history of both playing and coaching baseball.
The new technical director for Babe Ruth Calgary has been tasked to oversee the development of the league - the first time it has hired a person specifically for this position.
And Kawahara brings a wealth of experience gained on the diamonds of Alberta, British Columbia and even Australia to his new role.
“My role here is development,” said Kawahara, who grew up in Red Deer and played his minor baseball there. “Obviously a really high focus on the development of our athletes but also the development of coaches, trying to make sure that what our coaches do throughout the association is a bit more consistent. What our players are learning from each coach is a bit consistent. And also just the development of programs. So taking our travel team program, making some adjustments there, changing that, trying to develop it a little bit better.”
Kawahara graduated with his degree in Human Kinetics from the University of British Columbia. While in college he was an academic All-Canadian playing for the Douglas College Royals and the UBC Thunderbirds as an outfielder.
After finishing his playing career, he remained in British Columbia until 2007. During that time he helped coach the Coquitlam Red Legs to back-to-back regional championships in the B.C. Junior Premier Baseball League. He was also a part of the coaching staff at West Coast Softball from 2002-2007. Over the past five years Kawahara has coached at the 2007 B.C. Provincial Camp, 2008 and 2009 Alberta Spring Training, 2008 and 2009 Canada Cup (Team Alberta, 17 and under), and the 2008 and 2009 Alberta Prospects (Head Coach).He’s also a certified strength and conditioning coach as well as a sport conditioning specialist.
Read Full Story
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 Accredited in Public Relations Contact Neil Bousquet APR today! email PRWIZARD www.prwizard.ca
of Lucy Van Pelt to life in a school of the arts show in Alberta The Guardian, PEI
Growing up on P.E.I., Carmen Belanger loved reading Peanuts, the comic strip by Charles Schulz, each Saturday in the colour comic section of The Guardian. She liked being an audience to the way the iconic characters interacted with each other in their daily life, learning lessons and teaching each other.
Fast forward to the last month of 2009 when the roles were reversed as she delighted audiences in her role as the character of Lucy Van Pelt for Rosebud School of the Arts’ production of You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown: The Broadway Musical.
“The show is based on a whole bunch of comic strips from Charlie Brown’s life. The director put the clips in such an order they represented a day in the life of the character,” says the second-year student, who landed a lead role in her theatrical debut, as well as worked on set and lighting design.

In the show, there were classic scenes of Charlie Brown visiting Lucy at the psychiatrist’s booth for advice after being forgotten on Valentine’s Day and Schroeder playing the piano while Lucy tries to flirt with him. Making the cartoon frames jump from the page to the stage took some extra consideration. “The set consisted of four huge panels that resembled a comic strip. So whenever we did a scene we stayed within one box. The panels were black and white and the costumes were big and bright-coloured, so when we built the set on the long and narrow stage and placed the costumed actors in front it really gave the illusion of a comic strip,” she says. For Belanger, the challenge of working within narrow confines also extended into her role as Lucy Van Pelt. “At first, I felt it was impossible to fill her shoes because people have known about Lucy for years. I wanted to meet the expectations of the audience members. I also wanted to keep the integrity of the author so I couldn’t take liberties (with her character) because of what was expected,” she says. But after researching the cranky cartoon diva, she put her fears away and had fun with it.   

After becoming a near-ghost town in the early 1970s, the tiny Canadian prairie village of Rosebud discovered theatre as a stepping stone out of the past by creating a globally-recognized theatre training school and professional theatre that attracts 40,000 visitors annually to its dramas and musicals 10 months of the year.
 Megan Kopp tells this inspiring story.
Read full story
   What's Happening at Prostate Cancer Canada Calgary Network (formerly Prostaid Calgary) in January 2010
MEDIA ADVISORY
Diet and Nutrition for Prostate Cancer Patients When: Tuesday January 12, 2010 @ 7:30 PM Where: Foothills Auditorium, Foothills Hospital, Calgary (1403 29 Street NW) Who: Samara Felesky-Hunt, R.D. (Registered Dietitian) and Nutritionist on Diet & Nutrition
What/Why: Diet and nutrition for Prostate Cancer patients. To discuss new topics about prostate cancer, network with fellow survivors and ask plenty of questions Admission: Free
Biographical Sketch Samara Felesky-Hunt B.Sc., R.D. Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist |
Samara Felesky-Hunt is a registered dietitian in private practice. She holds degrees in clinical nutrition and human biology from the University of Western Ontario. Since 1994, Samara has developed a successful nutrition consulting practice. She works with her clients at The Downtown Sports Clinics specializing in weight management, heart disease, intestinal concerns, vitamin supplementation and sports nutrition. Samara contracts her nutritional services to The Grace Hospital-Women's Health Resources and The Glencoe Club. Samara is well-known in corporate Calgary and the community, as a nutrition expert, nutrition educator and an accomplished speaker. . Samara is a co-author with the University of Calgary of two books, "Stress Mastery" and "Bridging Health Care with Self Care". Samara is a vision 2010 nominee for Dietitians of Canada |
  

Twist Marketing creates “Guaranteed Rugged” brand for Lillooet, BC
Community branding specialists tap District of Lillooet’s (pronounced lil-oo-wet) authentic mountain experiences to develop truly rugged brand strategy

Calgary, Alberta – “We have created a brand strategy for the District of Lillooet that stands out from the clutter,” says Catherine Proulx, Managing Director of Twist Marketing. “The new ‘Guaranteed Rugged’ theme captures Lillooet’s authentic mountain lifestyle and the untamed experiences to be found in the surrounding wilderness.” 
Proulx and her community branding team developed the new Lillooet brand after visiting the community, talking with its residents and leaders, and analyzing the mountain experiences offered by nearby communities such as Whistler.
Read Full Story
  

Twist Marketing creates new logo & branding for Town of Cochrane Mosaic horse and cowboy become town’s visual identity

Calgary, Alberta -- The Town of Cochrane has unveiled its new mosaic horse logo and arketing strategy, created by Twist Marketing. The new strategy aimed at target marketing Cochrane to new residents, businesses and visitors includes a mosaic horse and cowboy as the Town’s new visual identity. The new look will be used by the Town’s Communications, Economic Development and Human Resources Divisions to position Cochrane as the place to be for future economic growth and development.
“The Cochrane brand is built from considerable public consultation in key processes like the Cochrane Sustainability Plan, and focuses on addressing population pressures by seeking activity that builds a better, not just bigger community,” explains Catherine Proulx, Managing Director, Twist Marketing. “The visual identity, brand strategy, and marketing direction honour Cochrane’s heritage while recognizing contemporary challenges and opportunities.”
Read Full Story
  
 Calgary Sun ENT December 13, 2009
   
Rosebud announces Five-Show line-up for 2010 season  Morris Ertman, Artistic Director “Consider yourself home at Rosebud… all our new plays give us some kind of understanding of what it means to be home. Rosebud is considered by so many Albertans to be their theatre. They are charmed by our little valley and taken by the whole experience of Rosebud, crowned by theatre that connects to them in a personal and dynamic way.” Rosebud, Alberta – Today, Rosebud officially announced its 2010 line-up of five outstanding plays. This year’s theme “consider yourself home at Rosebud” will feature an Italian comedy, two British musicals and two South African dramas. The 2010 season kicks off March 12th with We Won’t Pay! We Won’t Pay!, a comedy by Dario Fo. “At Rosebud Theatre, we’ve always been about stories that connect to the soul of a human being,” says Artistic Director, Morris Ertman. “Our 2010 season was influenced in large part by the financial difficulties of this past year in the world. We wanted to explore stories that took the notion of hardship and turned it on its ear - saying that there is indeed a new tomorrow. There is hope.”

We Won’t Pay! We Won’t Pay (Comedy by Dario Fo - March 12 - May 15)
Italian housewives go crazy! Two housewives revolt against the high price of groceries. Their hapless husbands are swept up into the mad chaos of police inspectors, funeral directors and looming fatherhood. A crazy household story for the recession blues that leaves no comic stone unturned! “So, the season kicks off with We Won’t Pay! We Won’t Pay!, a story of what happens when people say ‘enough is enough’. It’s a crazy, madcap adventure of ‘not paying’ that puts the common person in the centre of a whacky revolution that invades the household. Somehow, we need to be able to laugh at our troubles every now and then. And in this play, we do that.” 
Oliver! (Musical by Lionel Bart - May 28 – August 23)
Consider yourself part of the family! Enter Victorian London’s underworld in the Charles Dickens classic about a young orphan forced from workhouse to street pickpocket to home – all of it filled with music that delights and inspires. Bring the whole family and “consider yourself at home!” “Then the summer, our flagship show, OLIVER! picks up the notion of “considering yourself at home”. It’s the story about a waifish Dickensian kid who has no home, and gets caught up in London’s underworld of pickpockets and thieves. Well, this is a musical about finding home. A youngster finds a home in the unlikeliest of places, and in true Dickensian fashion, finds his real lineage by the end of the story.”

Woza Albert! (Drama by Percy Mtwa, Mbongeni Ngema, and Barney Simon - July 2 – August 29) Played at Rosebud Studio Stage
And the beat goes on…Jesus is coming to apartheid South Africa, disrupting the rhythms of the community. Expectations and inspiration explode on stage with energy and delight. “Woza Albert! is all about the second coming of Jesus - to Apartheid South Africa - where home to many is a slum. But it is a show infused with a lively spirit of entertainment and humour.

The Road To Mecca (Drama by Athol Fugard - September 10 - October 23)
A life worth living. A free-spirited old woman fights to stay in her eccentrically decorated but dangerous home against the wishes of her unfriendly neighbours and well-intentioned friends. An inspiring story about living in the center of one’s life, no matter how little of it may be left. “The Road to Mecca is about an elderly woman trying to stay in her eccentric home, even though she almost burned it down one night.”  The Secret Garden (Musical by Jim Crabtree - November 5 – Dec 23)
Breaking through the frost. The beloved story of three children transformed by the miracle of emerging buds and flowers brings a Christmas garden to Rosebud. “The Secret Garden is about a girl placed in an unfamiliar home, and the magic she encounters in a garden that transforms her and everyone around her. There are happy endings that come out of the other side of times of despair! Life is actually good most of the time and we savour that goodness when we’ve had a bout of the bad!” Adds Ertman, “So, a variety of plays taken from all over the world take up the stage in Rosebud in 2010. And they’re all shows that give us some kind of understanding of what it means to be home. And I must say that Rosebud is considered by so many Albertans to be their theatre. They feel like they’re coming home when they drive into our little valley. I think that’s the backdrop against which our shows shine. People are charmed and taken by the whole experience of Rosebud, crowned by theatre that connects to them in a personal and dynamic way.” | Coming Soon 

  
TWIST MARKETING IS FAST -- FAST GROWING
Twist Marketing named one of the fastest growing companies in Alberta Alberta Venture ranks company as 18th fastest growing company with revenue under $20 million  Twist Marketing's Roger Jewett and Catherine Proulx
Calgary, Alberta (January 11, 2010) – Twist Marketing was named Alberta’s 18th fastest growing company, with annual revenues less than $20 million, by Alberta Venture Magazine. The Fast 50 List is published annually by Alberta Venture in partnership with KPMG and recognizes growth oriented businesses in Alberta. In selecting the top 25 fastest growing companies with revenue under $20 million, KPMG tabulates growth in revenue, assets, earnings and seven other categories over a three-year period. “This recognition is a result of the hard work and dedication of the Twist Marketing team and loyal and happy customers,” says Twist Marketing Managing Director, Catherine Proulx. “We are proud of this milestone for our growing company,” adds Twist Marketing CEO Roger Jewett. “We look forward to continued growth in 2010.” Jewett explained that the selection criteria for the annual Fast 50 list – Alberta’s Fast Growth Champions - is based on company growth over the most recent three-year period. Rankings were based on points awarded by an independent assessment panel in 10 specific categories that included growth in sales, assets, net earnings, number of employees, diversification, research & development, employee incentives, marketing, capital expenditures and working capital. Read Full Story
www.twistmarketing.com
   
PCCN-Calgary (formerly Prostaid Calgary) turns 15 in 2010
From a start-up support group for Calgary men in 1995, Prostaid Calgary has evolved into a leading Canadian men’s health organization that provides the latest online educational resources for all aspects of prostate cancer
Read full story
  

Alberta Chapter Please welcome TMAC Alberta Chapter's newest media member Debbie Olsen
Debbie Olsen is a Lacombe, Alberta-based freelance writer who has been writing professionally for a little more than ten years. She writes regular travel columns for the Red Deer Advocate and the Calgary Herald and has written freelance articles on travel, food, health, science, and agriculture for newspapers and magazines in both Canada and the United States. She has also contributed to six Fodor’s guidebooks on Canada and the Canadian Rockies. Debbie has a diverse background that enriches her life and her writing. She has a BSc. in medical laboratory science and works part time in a microbiology research lab. She is also the mom of four energetic kids and is a real foodie who loves trying out new recipes and restaurants. Debbie hopes to meet new friends through TMAC and gain more writing opportunities, industry and media contacts and professional development opportunities. Please join us in welcoming Debbie Olsen to our growing Alberta membership as a media member! You can reach Debbie at the following co-ordinates:
Lord Christopher Monckton Chief Policy Advisor Science and Public Policy Institute
MORE GORE.... Note To Al Gore - Polar Bear Populations are NOT Shrinking! They are increasing!  
Al Gore - Not Evil - Just Wrong

Watch movie trailer on YouTube
MORE GORE.... When questioned by an environmental journalist about errors in his movie, Al Gore had the journalist removed (with force) from the meeting without answering the question.
Watch Al Gore Not Evil - Just WRONG on YouTube
 
GORE 'N GREENPEACE - are you listening?
 'The great global warming scare is over sputtering in fits and starts to a whimpering end'
  Photo courtesy of Susan Mate
 PR Wizard gives back to the local communities in which it operates by supporting community-based organizations like Wood's Homes.

One man's journey back to good health Radiation therapy treated cancer with no long-term side-effects By Paul Brent, For Canwest News Service Bob Shiell, now the managing director of the Prostate Cancer Canada Network, was diagnosed with the disease at age 56 and has been cancer-free for five years. Photograph by: Christina Ryan, Canwest News Service It happened a dozen years ago, but Bob Shiell remembers getting the news he dreaded as if it were yesterday: "I get the phone call -- 'Bob, you've got prostate cancer.'" Knowing he had a family history of prostate cancer, Shiell had undergone a yearly prostate examination and tests of the prostate-specific antigen cancer marker since age 50. His PSA levels were high but still considered "normal" at 55, and a skeptical specialist told him not to worry after his family doctor thought he felt something during a digital exam. "In his words -- I can remember them so well -- 'Oh well, your doctor has really sensitive fingers, come back next year.'" The next year Shiell's PSA levels had gone from near-cancer territory of 3.9 nanograms per millilitre to likely cancer of 5.6 npm, and the specialist ordered a biopsy. Cancer was found in all six samples and his urologist ordered immediate surgery. "He told me I could probably expect to have incontinence and very likely that I would be impotent, and that I might need a follow-up course of radiation. "I was 56 years old and was unprepared to listen to any of that or do any of that," he said. Shiell turned to the Internet to research his condition, and spoke with other specialists and fellow prostate cancer patients. Shiell's search led him to a specialist in Seattle who pioneered a form of therapy called brachytherapy that utilizes tiny radioactive "seeds" about the size of a grain of rice that are injected directly into the prostate gland. "Because of my advanced stage, I ended up being on hormonal therapy for four months [and] I had 25 sessions with external beam radiation" to kill off any stray cancer cells that might be lurking near the prostate. He then returned to Seattle for brachytherapy. "I can tell you right now that my PSA is 0.02, has been for about five years, and I really don't suffer any side effects, so I'm a pretty happy camper." A prostate is something all men have but few think about until they get the devastating news that it has been invaded by cancer. Tucked away beneath the bladder and in front of the rectum, the prostate occupies a strategic niche: Positioned surrounding the upper part of the urethra, it controls the pathway that urine and semen take to the penis. In its healthy state similar in size and texture to a plum, the prostate produces seminal fluid and helps propel that fluid during a man's ejaculation. The prostate also produces the PSA that is released into semen and which is sometimes detectable in blood and serves as a marker for detecting prostate cancer. Use of PSA as a cancer marker divides the medical community. "It is a controversial test -- not every doctor agrees with doing PSAs," said Toronto general practitioner Kelvin Bernard, noting the test yields a high rate of false-positive results. A proponent of the PSA test, he recommends that male patients have a PSA test at age 50. If they are Afro-Canadian or have a family history of prostate cancer, he recommends PSA screening at age 40. "Personally I offer it to all of my patients and when I turn 40, I will have mine," said Bernard. Preserving sexual function was a key outcome for Shiell, something his first urologist was unwilling to guarantee. "I had asked him about nerve-sparing surgery where they try and preserve the nerves that are around the prostate gland to control erections," Shiell said. "He said 'No.' He was going to 'cut wide and cut deep.' I don't blame him, he was looking for a cure. He was interested in saving my life. I was interested in saving my life and also my quality of life." Today Shiell is managing director of the Prostate Cancer Canada Network, and plays a key role in helping the thousands of Canadian men diagnosed with prostate cancer each year. His network assists about 120 support groups for the disease across Canada, relaying survivor stories, the latest news on treatment and lining up expert speakers on the subject. Although its rates are comparable to breast cancer in women, prostate cancer receives far less attention and charitable support, perhaps due to men's reluctance until recently to talk about the disease. It is estimated that 25,500 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2009 and that 4,400 men will die of it this year, according to the Canadian Cancer Society. It is the most common cancer to afflict Canadian men -- a man stands a one-in-six chance of being diagnosed with prostate cancer. © Copyright (c) Canwest News Service
New automated valet parking system gives PARK2GO a competitive edge at Calgary airport By Neil Bousquet Every now and then a good news story comes out of adversity. Such was the case for PARK2GO, the only offsite valet parking and shuttle service at Calgary International Airport. During the very busy Christmas travel season in 2008, PARK2GO was literally overwhelmed with a deluge of unexpected customers at the same time that the airport experienced bitterly cold weather and record snowfall. “The system we had just couldn’t process the information we needed at a time when we were swamped with a rush of people in a hurry,” says PARK2GO’s General Manager George Garcia. “The freezing temperatures and unrelenting snowfall just made matters worse.”  PARK2GO's General Manager, George Garcia One might even call it a ‘perfect storm’. Not a good omen for a new business trying to compete with veteran parking services near Calgary International Airport. Garcia knew that in a service-based business like valet parking, you might not get a second chance if your customer doesn’t like your service the first time. What he did know is that he had to replace what he had. Somewhere, there had to be a high tech automated valet parking solution to meet his needs. When the Christmas rush subsided, Garcia began his search for a state-of-the-art valet parking system. He faced a daunting task when one considers that Calgary International is one of Canada’s busiest airports and services a fast growing city whose population just surged past a million people. Garcia also had to choose a system that would ensure the future growth of his company.
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