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Lead Trio of Actors return for 2010 Passion Play
Waldschmidt, Hildebrand and Randall return as Jesus, Matthew and Mary Magdalene
Stephen Waldschmidt (Jesus)
Tim Hildebrand (Matthew)
Mary Magdalene (Lennette Randall).
Drumheller, Alberta – “It’s been an amazing year so far for the Canadian Passion Play,”
says Artistic Director Randall Wiebe. “We’ve made a number of physical changes to the grounds and
infrastructure. We’ve also made substantial enhancements to the script as well as many of the scenes.
When you include Bill Hamm’s musical arrangements with the choir, it all adds up to what we believe
will be our best Passion Play performance ever. Thankfully, amidst all of these changes, we've kept our core
group of leading actors intact.”
"In 2009 we took a huge risk in showcasing two narrators Matthew (Saskatoon actor/playwright,
Tim Hildebrand) and Mary Magdalene (British/African actress Lennette Randall). Their performances
and audience feedback were exceptional, so we decided to repeat it again this year. Also returning
(his 3rd season) as Jesus is Strathmore’s Stephen Waldschmidt who has grown into his role with
an understanding and passion that is a joy to watch. We also welcome back to the fold, David Snider
who played Jesus in 2007. David who has played the lead role in several recent summer musicals
at Rosebud Theatre will portray Sadduk, one of the top Pharisees in Jerusalem. He will also be the
understudy for both Jesus and Matthew. David is a consummate professional actor who makes us
all better.”
Mary Magdalene (Lennette Randall)
"2010 is a special year for Passion Plays,” explains Wiebe. “Many North Americans will be travelling
to Oberammergau, Germany to see that version of the Passion Play. Oberammergau puts on a
wonderful play every 10 years. However, we have had many patrons tell us they have seen the
Oberammergau version and they prefer ours – because it is so authentic - visually and geographically.
That’s quite a compliment. And, what many people fail to realize is that we have created this amazing
play about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ every summer for the past 16 years. People in
Alberta, western Canada and North America don’t need to travel to Germany when they have the most
authentic Passion Play in their own back yard. The Canadian Badlands Passion Play includes some
200 actors and animals in a 30-acre natural badlands canyon bowl whose stark and dramatic geographical
surroundings and acoustics mirror those of ancient Israel. You just can't beat that combination for a
Passion Play.”
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Arts & Culture Visionary LaVerne Erickson
Receives Coveted Alto Ambassador Award
‘Big idea person’ receives award for his outstanding contributions to Alberta Tourism.
Rosebud, Alberta -- The Alberta Tourism (Alto) Awards Committee has named LaVerne
Erickson, founder of the Rosebud School of the Arts, Rosebud Theatre and the Canadian
Badlands Passion Play, as the recipient of the 2010 Alto Ambassador award for his
outstanding contributions to Alberta’s tourism industry. Erickson will receive his award
at the Alto Awards Gala, October 25, 2010 in conjunction with the 10th annual Travel
Alberta Industry Conference at The Fairmont Banff Springs.
LaVerne Erickson, founder of the Rosebud School of the Arts,
Rosebud Theatre and the Canadian Badlands Passion Play,
was named as the recipient of the 2010 Alto Ambassador award for
his outstanding contributions to Alberta’s tourism industry.
“Simply put, Rosebud Theatre, Rosebud School of the Arts and many other arts and
culture icons in the Alberta Badlands would not exist today without the vision,
passion and tenacity of LaVerne Erickson,” says Bob Davis, Executive Director of
Rosebud Theatre. “Through his unbridled enthusiasm and optimism, LaVerne has
attracted support and cooperation for ideas and dreams that have influenced thousands
of tourists in Alberta, building a legacy that will endure for generations to come.”
The 27th season of Rosebud Theatre is featuring Oliver! as its 2010 summer musical.
Davis adds, “LaVerne’s career achievements started with the founding of Rosebud School of the Arts
(1973) from which the popular Rosebud Theatre was born in 1983. Using the model of Rosebud Theatre,
he went on to be a founding member of Vancouver Island’s premier classical theatre, The Chemainus
Festival Theatre (1993). Recognizing the unique topography of the badlands in Drumheller, LaVerne
pursued a dream for an outdoor venue to tell the story of the life of Christ by establishing the Canadian
Badlands Passion Play (1994). Encouraging cooperation between the Passion Play, Rosebud School of
the Arts and local school divisions he established the Canadian Badlands Performing Arts Summer School
in Drumheller, a credit-granting program for high school students. Later, LaVerne encouraged the use of
the infrastructure created by the Passion Play to host ‘Beethoven in the Badlands’, a partnership with the
Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, EnCana, and Drumheller Rotary Club. He was also instrumental in laying
the foundation for the establishment of the Canadian Badlands as an alternative tourism icon to the Canadian
Rockies, and now the Canadian Badlands Limited is a non-profit corporation of over 60 municipalities.”
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Chicken dancers converge at Blackfoot Crossing for World Championships
200 dancers expected to compete for prize money in five categories
Siksika, Alberta -- “We are expecting this month’s 3rd Annual World Chicken Dance Championships
to be our biggest and best ever,” says Shane Breaker, Blackfoot Crossing’s VP Marketing and
Public Relations. “We have five divisions that include Tiny Tot (under 6); Junior (7-12); Teen (13-17);
Adult (18-44) and Senior (45+). All participants (except Tiny Tot) will complete three rounds of
competition to determine a champion.”
Breaker noted that most of the intricately designed costumes are hand made by the competitors
and their family members. The dancing competition is judged by a seasoned group of Blackfoot
judges who will choose a winning competitor in each category based on the participant who has
accumulated the highest number of points in the final round. Judges award points based on five
key criteria.
1. Precision – Old style movements, trick dance, uniform must remain intact.
2. Timing/Rhythm – Feet should be continually moving to drum beat. Movement is essential. Bells must be worn.
3. Showmanship – Presentation to audience. Variation of moments.
4. Creativeness/Originality – Points are awarded for unique movements and originality of the outfit.
5. Time Limit – Must adhere to number of songs/dances required in each category in each round.
 
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Rosebud's Cassia Schramm
is "all boy" in Oliver!
MEDIchair Abbotsford Wins
National Franchisee of the Year Award
(l to r) Jason Clarke, owner of MEDIchair Abbotsford and MEDIchair Hope receives
prestigious 2009 Franchisee of the Year Award from Bas van Lankvelt, COO MEDIchair.
Abbotsford & Hope, BC & Calgary, Alberta – Mr. Bas van Lankvelt, COO, MEDIchair,
North America’s largest and fastest growing Home Medical Equipment (HME) franchise operation
is pleased to announce that Mr. Jason Clarke, owner of MEDIchair Abbotsford and MEDIchair Hope
has earned the company’s prestigious 2009 Franchisee of the Year Award.
“Winning this award requires an exceptional effort on the part of a franchisee who must integrate
outstanding business values and sales growth with MEDIchair’s core values of care, knowledge,
value and customer service excellence,” explains van Lankvelt. “Jason and his team in Abbotsford
and their recently opened Hope store exceeded expectations in every category among our 60+
franchisees across Canada. Even in a lacklustre economy in 2009, Jason increased sales by 30 percent.”
Twist Marketing Merges with Creative Intelligence
Ci principals become partners in Twist Marketing
Calgary's Creative Intelligence has merged with Twist Marketing. The combined company will operate under the Twist Marketing rand. Partners now include (l to r) Dean McKenzie (Director of Creative), Catherine Proulx (Managing Director), Roger Jewett (CEO), Melanie James (Director of Client Services) and Barry Anderson (Director of Strategy).
Calgary, Alberta – Ten months after moving to larger offices at Calgary’s Crossroads Market,
Twist Marketing is on the move again. This time it’s merging with Creative Intelligence (Ci), a
venerable Alberta marketing agency specializing in marketing, communications, branding and corporate culture development.
“We are very excited to be merging with an agency of Creative Intelligence’s stature,” says Roger Jewett,
Twist Marketing CEO. “Our strengths are complementary, our cultures and approach to marketing are very similar and the timing is ideal. We are in growth mode and this merger creates a very talented team and a broader scope of services to best serve our existing and future customers.”
“Our merger with Twist Marketing provides us with additional strategic, interactive and creative resources,” explains Dean McKenzie, President, Creative Intelligence. “We’ve always been impressed with the quality of thinking at Twist so this seemed to be a natural fit for us. The talent, experience and depth of our combined teams will enable us to deliver the absolute best quality work and service to our present, as well as potential clients.”
Calgary Tooth Fairy Gets Wish
Neighbours March 11, 2010
Sometimes when you wish for something -- it happens!
Following a chance meeting between CoraMarie Clark (founder of The Tooth Fairy
Children's Foundation) and an international representative for Procter and Gamble
-- there was a magical outcome -- a donation of more than 20,000 children's toothbrushes.
"Since launching The Tooth Fairy Children's Foundation www.toothfairykids.org,I've tried
relentlessly to form an alliance with a manufacturer that would donate toothbrushes," says Clark.
"Then suddenly, 'poof', I received word that Procter and Gamble in Germany was sending
us 300 boxes of Oral-B toothbrushes for children in need. I couldn't believe it at first, until
the boxes arrived -- it was a magical moment."
 
Clark, an MBA grad who was recently selected for Global TV's Woman of Vision series is
a busy speaker, author and consultant to the Canadian dental industry.
Sometime in 2010 she'll be taking an international trip to deliver the toothbrushes.
To date, she has received requests from children's' groups in Haiti, Ecuador, Guatemala
and Ethiopia.
In 2008, Clark distributed 4,000 toothbrushes and provided hands-on dental education to
kids in more than 20 villages in Kenya.
That mission solidified Clark's mission to secure more toothbrushes.
"The vision for my Foundation is very high -- to provide every child worldwide with a
toothbrush, oral hygiene education and access to dental care," explains Clark.
"Any funds we raise go toward providing oral health care, dental supplies, education,
and hygiene services for children in need."
© Copyright (c) The Calgary Herald
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Alberta Chapter
Calgary Herald Travel Editor Lisa Monforton
Please welcome TMAC Alberta Chapter's
newest media member LISA MONFORTON
Lisa Monforton dreams of living in a Parisian apartment in the 10th arrondissement,
fluent enough to barter with the local fishmonger and order a raspberry torte correctly.
Until that day comes, she remains content as Travel Editor at The Calgary Herald,
where she has worked for the past seven years. In total, Lisa has worked at four
Canadian daily newspapers in her 25-year journalism career, including The Windsor Star,
Hamilton Spectator and St. Catharines Standard.
Her duties have included editor of entertainment, features and lifestyles publications.
She has been published in several magazines and many newspapers across the country.
When Lisa is not writing, editing, or putting together the Herald’s travel section, she enjoys
hiking or cycling in summer and skiing in winter, and, of course, travelling whenever she can.
Please join us in welcoming Lisa Monforton to the TMAC Alberta Chapter!
Sincerely,
TMAC Alberta Chapter, Co-Chairs, Membership Committee
up! magazine Editor Debra Cummings
TMAC Alberta Chapter President Debra Cummings
is new Editor of up! magazine
up! magazine, WestJet's official in-flight publication produced by RedPoint Media Group,
is proud to announce Debra Cummings as the new editor effective August 16, 2010.
Debra is a well-known travel writer and editor whose award-winning background includes
being the editor of the Calgary Herald Travel section for five years, travel editor with Sears
Travel and tripeze.com for three years, an editor/writer with Travel Alberta for two years
and most recently as a freelance editor, writer and consultant for the past three years.
She has also taught journalism at Mount Royal University and had regular radio spots on
CBC for six years covering the travel industry. In addition, she is an experienced and
enthusiastic traveller.
"We are pleased to welcome Debra Cummings in the role of editor for up! magazine,"
said Richard Bartrem, WestJet's Vice-President of Communications and Community Relations.
"Our guests appreciate our award-winning magazine and we look forward to working
with Debra to bring our guests unique and engaging travel stories."
or Mobile: (403) 397-7611
On behalf of the BOD of the TMAC Alberta Chapter, congratulations Debra!
TMAC Alberta Chapter, Co-Chair, Membership Committee
20 Pickpockets Steal Spotlight on Rosebud Stage
Rosebud ‘wrangler’ hired to herd kids for summer production of Oliver!
Rosebud's "wrangler" Belinda Jackson
Rosebud, Alberta – Alberta is famous for its western traditions and the cowboy way – especially in rural
communities. Therefore, when someone speaks about a wrangler in Rosebud, it naturally conjures up images of a tough
cowboy, skilled in the art of rounding up cattle with horse and lasso. While she doesn’t require either, Belinda Jackson is
becoming very skilled at managing 20 pickpockets ranging in age from eight (8) to 15. Every performance of Oliver! requires
eight workhouse boys. It’s up to Jackson to co-ordinate their schedules and travel times from Calgary, Olds, Standard and
Strathmore with the performance dates and times of Oliver.
Making up more than half of the total cast in Oliver!, the 20 workhouse boys come from a
variety of communities that surround Rosebud including Calgary to the south, Olds to the
north and Hanna to the east. Eight workhouse boys are required for each performance of Oliver!
For Jackson, the task has been a challenge that she readily accepted. “I wasn’t really certain what I was getting
into, but I was confident I could handle it,” she says. “Overall, the kids have been wonderful to work with. They
certainly are an exuberant bunch, with a fair amount of excess energy. I like the fact that they are quick to learn
about blocking and music, and they listen well to instruction backstage. I'm looking forward to the challenges of
‘wrangling’ them for the duration of Oliver!.”
Artistic Director Morris Ertman has been impressed with Jackson’s handling of the youngsters as well as their
onstage performances. “The kids in this show have been absolutely fantastic - focused, committed and of course
utterly charming. There's an energy that children bring to a production that ignites both the rest of the cast and the
audience to create a truly unique experience. There is a brassy innocence about them that serves the story so
well. And they really do love the stage, which is the most infectious part of it all. Their joy and mischief is a
palpable treat in this production. Kids – you gotta love ‘em!”
Read Full Story
As published in City Light News (June 2010)
HE DID IT!
BSc. Exercise Science
Integrated Physiology
Pacific University
Named to Dean's List
for Spring 2010 with 3.7 GPA
Accepted into Doctorate
Physical Therapy Program
Pacific University
Brett "Doc" Bousquet with Sr. Research Project in background.
MEDIchair-CHATS (Newmarket) Wins ‘Best Dressed’ Store Award
Deborah Compton, Director of Operations for CHATS receives the 2009 Harry Mykolaishyn
Best Dressed Store Award from Bas van Lankvelt,COO MEDIchair. The award is presented
annually to the MEDIchair franchisee whose overall store layout, design, and presentation,
(as seen through the eyes of the customer), best exemplifies MEDIchair’s core values of
care, knowledge, value and customer service excellence.
Newmarket, ON and Calgary, Alberta – MEDIchair is pleased to announce that MEDIchair-CHATS
(Newmarket, Ontario) has been selected as the winner of the 2009 Harry Mykolaishyn
Best Dressed Store Award among the organization’s 60+ franchise stores across Canada. The award
is presented annually to the MEDIchair franchisee whose overall store layout, design, and presentation,
(as seen through the eyes of the customer), best exemplifies MEDIchair’s core values of care, knowledge,
value and customer service excellence.
“Deborah Compton and Susan Tarrant have done an outstanding job with the layout and design of their
new 4,800 square foot store,” says Bas van Lankvelt, MEDIchair’s COO. “They have optimized and
consolidated their floor space in to a one-stop retail shopping experience. The store’s ambience is akin
to a relaxed, home-like environment that is ideally suited to customers and caregivers as well as local
health care professionals such as Occupational Therapists.”
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MEDIchair appoints Hignett as Director,
Regional Support, Eastern Canada
Mr. Harry Hignett, appointed Director, Regional
Support – Eastern Canada, MEDIchair.
Etobicoke, ON, Calgary, Alberta (April 05, 2010) – Bas van Lankvelt, COO,
MEDIchair North America’s largest and fastest growing Home Medical
Equipment (HME) franchise operation, is pleased to announce the appointment
of Mr. Harry Hignett, as Director, Regional Support – Eastern Canada.
“We are pleased to have attracted such a seasoned HME professional to
work in concert with our franchisees,” explains van Lankvelt. “Harry’s
wealth of experience and knowledge of the HME market will be invaluable
to our franchise network in eastern Canada.”
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GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY
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
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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).
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 |
