The Petroleum Services Association of Canada (PSAC) has helped raise more than $12 million for the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) over 22 years of presenting the annual Stars & Spurs Gala. The longest-standing, largest fundraiser of its kind in Alberta, this year’s gala, held Jan 23 at the BMO Centre, raised more than half a million dollars.
“The partnership between PSAC and STARS has been built on perseverance, teamwork and generosity of spirit,” said Andrea Robertson, president and CEO of STARS. “We are so thankful and humbled by the support we have received from the petroleum industry during these difficult economic times. When you see a red helicopter in the sky, know that your support has helped STARS continue to fly the emergency room to critically ill and injured people and provide care for workers in the oil and gas industry across Alberta.”
Canada’s oil and natural gas industry opened their wallets and their hearts to make the gala an enormous success. “Once again, the generosity of the oilfield services sector and their customers, the producers, shines through in 2016,” observed president and CEO of PSAC, Mark Salkeld. “Even when the energy industry is experiencing tough times, everyone comes out for a great night of western fun, entertainment and generosity.”
More than 800 guests attended this year’s gala that featured dinner, a performance by CCMA Award winner Jason Blaine, raffles, live and silent auctions, dancing and the chance to network, all with the help of guest emcee Dave Kelly. In these lean times, it’s encouraging indeed that five industry packages in the live auction garnered $178,000  with the most popular silent auction item, a guitar signed by the Rolling Stones, snagging $3,900.
Critically ill and injured people still need STARS every day despite the challenging economy. Unfortunately, the need for critical care will always arise, regardless of the economic situation.
STARS has brought the emergency room to over 30,000 critically ill and injured Albertans for the last 30 years. Their experienced doctors, nurses and paramedics have used their critical care expertise to fly over 1,800 patients in approximately 270 communities last year in Alberta and Eastern B.C. STARS helicopters are more than an ambulance in the air; they are a sophisticated medical environment with trained personnel brought directly to the patient, be it at the side of the road or at a small rural hospital. Since its inception in 1985, STARS has continued to rely heavily on the support of the community to keep providing the very best in critical care.

 Pictured, from left, at the Petroleum Services Association of Canada (PSAC) presented STARS annual Stars & Spurs gala are Captain pilot Jen Thiel, STARS Very Important Patient (VIP) Stu Wilson and flight nurse Pat Jeffery

Among the hundreds of guests in attendance at the annual Stars & Spurs gala were, from left, Gerry Aquin, Elizabeth Aquin, senior vice-president, Petroleum Services Association of Canada, Interim Leader, Conservative Party of Canada Rona Ambrose, J.P. Veitch, Mary DeCruyenaere, Mark Salkeld, president and CEO, Petroleum Services Association of Canada, Tory Haynes, Trevor Haynes, gala co-chair, MLA Karen McPherson and emcee Dave Kelly.

 Pictured, from left, at the annual Stars & Spurs gala are Dr. Greg Powell, STARS founder, Kevin Neveu, president and CEO, Precision Drilling, Trish Neveu and Linda Powell, STARS ambassador and special advisor.

 The annual Stars and Spurs gala was an enormous success and featured headliner CCMA Award winner Jason Blaine. The gala has, since inception raised more than $12 million for the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS).

 Having a great time at the annual Stars and Spurs gala are partygoers with Gio Pena (left) and John Gorman, vice-president, Halliburton

 Joining CCMA Award Winner Jason Blaine (centre) at the annual Stars and Spurs gala are representatives from entertainment sponsor Black Diamond Group Limited.

He’s extremely talented. The best emcee there is. Charming beyond belief. A super nice guy. Funny. And good looking to boot. Ya, I hate him too. Kidding, of course. Dave Kelly is, beyond question, destined for (more) greatness. And I would suggest Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Falllon had best keep an eye in the rear-view mirror as if Kelly wants, he could easily host his own late-nite talk show.

Witness the lengthy standing ovation at the end of Kelly’s recent Dave Kelly Live show held at Theatre Junction Grand. Clever staging, Kelly’s spot-on musings about life and all it has to offer, killer band Michael Bernard Fitzgerald with Russell Broom and Andrew Ball, Mayor Naheed Nenshi’s Skype from New York City, Jim Button’s five favourite things bit and a guest appearance by Jann Arden left the SRO crowd begging for more.

Appreciative fans in attendance at the one-night-only show included: Bob and Julie Hamilton; the Calgary Zoo’s Trish Exton-Parder; better half of Kelly, wife Blythe Butler; Tracey Button; National Music Centre’s Jeni Piepgrass; Pengo Monitoring CEO Derek Krivak; e=mc2’s Kathy Randle; FIO Consulting’s Karen Hounjet; Calgary Arts Development president and CEO Patti Pon; ATB Financial managing director, community investment, Sandra Huculak; Calgary Meals on Wheels excutive director Janice Curtis; arts diva Kerry Miller; A Happier Mind founder Karen Judge; and RBC’s Jeff Boyd and his wife Michelle.

 Pictured at Dave Kelly Live Feb 17 at Theatre Junction Grand are, from left, e=mc2 Kathy Randle, Pengo Monitoring CEO Derek Krivak and Calgary Meals on Wheels executive director Janice Curtis.

Having a great time at Dave Kelly Live held Feb 17 at Theatre Junction Grand are, from left, arts diva Kerry Miller and A Happier Mind founder Karen Judge.

 Dave Kelly Live held Feb 17 at Theatre Junction Grand was an SRO success. Pictured at the post show reception is the killer band that provided the musical component. From left are Russell Broom, Michael Bernard Fitzgerald and Andrew Ball.

 Pictured, from left at the SRO Dave Kelly Live held Feb 17 at Theatre Junction Grand are National Music Centre’s Jeni Piepgrass, Calgary Arts Development president and CEO Patti Pon and ATB Financial managing director, community investment Sandra Huculak.

Chen Shuaifu, a noted feng shui master and longtime chairman of the China Fengshui Association, predicts the Year of the Fire Monkey- 2016 – could be unsettling indeed.  “We will see a big slide in the world economy,” he warns. “The global economic situation will be terrible and lots of companies will be bankrupted.” All is not doom and gloom however as Shuaifu predicts “It’s a good year for people to give birth and to look for love,” he says. “Babies born in the Year of the Monkey are regarded as very hardworking and lucky.” Chen expects good times ahead for anyone born in the Year of the Snake, Dragon, Sheep and Ox. Not so good for those born in the year of the Tiger, Rabbit, Dog and Pig. And who knew Donald Trump was born in the Year of the Dog while Hilary Clinton was born in the Year of the Pig?

Dire predictions were put aside as celebration took centre stage Feb 19 with more than 600 guests gathering at the Regency Palace Restaurant to usher in the Year of the Fire Monkey. Hosted by the Hong Kong Canada Business Association (HKCBA) Calgary Section, the SRO event featured a traditional ten-course meal and Lion Dance, musical performances by Canadian recording artist Jason Hastie and The Alibi and the awarding of scholarships to students from Mount Royal University and the University of Calgary.

Who was not in attendance would make a much shorter listing as seemingly everyone was in attendance including: HKCBA national chair Alexandria Sham; immediate past president Tim Onyett; Bonita Wong Paquette, president, HKCBA Calgary; Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto) director Kathy Chan and colleague Catherine Yuen, principal consultant, Western Canada; Chinatown District BRZ chair Danny Ng; Perma Insurance Agency owner Raymond Kan; Great Britain Consul General Tony Kay and his wife Michelle Htun-Kay; Wang Xinping, Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Calgary and his wife Lina Wang; Scotia Wealth Management’s Audrey Kwan and West Canadian CEO George Brookman; representing presenting sponsor, TD Canada Trust  branch manager Vency Chui with colleague Vicky Ji;  United States Consul General Thomas Palaia and his wife Sarah Palaia; China advisor Gary Mar and his wife Nancy Mar; Deloitte Managing Partner, Prairie Region, Chris Lee and his wife Tracy Lee; MRU president David Docherty and his wife Kris; Mayor Naheed Nenshi; Immigrant Services Calgary board chair Josephine Pon; and my fave politician, MLA Richard Gotfried and his wife Cathy.

To all our friends in the Chinese community, Gong Hey Fat Choy.

 Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto) director Kathy Chan (left) and colleague Catherine Yuen (principal consultant, Western Canada) were among the hundreds of guests in attendance at The Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (HKCBA) Annual Chinese New Year Gala held Feb 19 at Regency Palace Restaurant.

 Raymond Kan (left) and Chinatown Business District BRZ chair Danny Ng cut a dapper swath at The Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (HKCBA) Annual Chinese New Year Gala held Feb 19 at Regency Palace Restaurant.

 Scotia Wealth Management advisor Audrey Kwan and West Canadian CEO George Brookman pose for the lens at The Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (HKCBA) Annual Chinese New Year Gala held Feb 19 at Regency Palace Restaurant.

 Representing presenting sponsor TD Canada Trust at The Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (HKCBA) Annual Chinese New Year Gala held Feb 19 at Regency Palace Restaurant are account manager Vicky Ji (left) and branch manager Vency Chui.

 Among the VIP’s in attendance at The Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (HKCBA) Annual Chinese New Year Gala held Feb 19 at Regency Palace Restaurant were Immigrant Services Calgary board chair Josephine Pon, Great Britain Consul General Tony Kay and his wife Michelle Htun-Kay.

 MRU president David Docherty and his wife Kris were among those who attended The Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (HKCBA) Annual Chinese New Year Gala held Feb 19 at Regency Palace Restaurant.

United States Consul General Thomas Palaia and his wife Sarah had a wonderful time at The Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (HKCBA) Annual Chinese New Year Gala held Feb 19 at Regency Palace Restaurant.

 Pictured, from left, at The Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (HKCBA) Annual Chinese New Year Gala held Feb 19 at Regency Palace Restaurant are China advisor Gary Mar and his wife Nancy with Lina Wang and her husband People’s Republic of China Consul General Wang Xinping.

 Chris Lee, Deloitte managing partner, Prairie region and his wife Tracy Lee were among the hundreds of guests in attendance at The Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (HKCBA) Annual Chinese New Year Gala held Feb 19 at Regency Palace Restaurant.

 Pictured, from left, at The Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (HKCBA) Annual Chinese New Year Gala held Feb 19 at Regency Palace Restaurant are People’s Republic of China Consul General Wang Xinping and his wife Lina with Mayor Nenshi.

Love the cause. Hated the movie. Were I a film critic, such would be my review of the recent private screening  of Zoolander No. 2 in support of Providence Children’s Centre. Providence operate six preschools across the city that offer educational and therapeutic services to children with disabilities aged 19 months to 6 years. In addition, Providence offers early assessment and treatment services to young children through partnerships with childcare facilities and independent schools across the city.

A select group of philanthropically-minded souls paid $20 each and gathered Feb 24 at the Westhills Cineplex to strut their stuff on the red carpet and show their support for Providence. That the event was hosted by Black Hills Estate Winery added to the evening’s cache as guests gathered post movie at National to compare notes and sip a glass or two of Black Hills’ divine nectar.

Among those in attendance this night were: Black Hills president Glenn Fawcett and his wife Kym Fawcett (and here, I must salute the Fawcett’s on donating a selection of Black Hills wine from their own personal collection for raffle this night); Providence’s  Neil Sandstrom, Diane DeHekker, Maureen O’Connor, Shelley Diederichs and her daughter Lauren Diederichs; Black Hills investor Vince Walker doing his best Mugatu impersonation; East Kootney Land Corporation’s Otis Regatoni and Shelagh Cherak; and Brian and Heather Fenske.

 Heather and Brian Fenske were among guests in attendance at the private screening of Zoolander 2 Feb 24 at Westhills. The event, hosted by Black Hills Estate Winery, raised funds for Providence- a therapeutic and educational preschool for children with disabilities.

 Channeling their inner Blue Steel at the private screening of Zoolander 2 Feb 24 at Westhills are East Kootney Land Corporation’s Otis Regatoni and Shelagh Cherak. The premiere, hosted by Black Hills Estate Winery, raised funds for Providence- a therapeutic and educational preschool for children with disabilities.

 Channeling his inner Mugatu at the private screening of Zoolander 2 Feb 24 at Westhills is Black Hills Estate Winery’s Vince Walker. The event hosted by Black Hills Estate Winery, raised funds for Providence- a therapeutic and educational preschool for children with disabilities.

 Channeling his inner Blue Steel at the private screening of Zoolander 2 Feb 24 at Westhills is Providence’s Neil Sandstrom.

 Pictured, from left, at the private screening of Zoolander 2 Feb 24 at Westhills are Shelley Diederichs, Providence resource development officer Diane DeHekker and Lauren Diederichs.

It had been years since your faithful social scribe attended and covered one of the best events there is-Decidedly Jazz Danceworks (DJD) Black & White Ball. Scheduling conflicts and the like will do that.

So what a treat to take in this year’s ball held Mar 5 at the Fairmont Palliser.  And my ‘performance’ all those years ago must have been memorable indeed as many of the ‘old guard’ asked why I didn’t dress up as a nun….again. Ah yes. Lots of liquid courage and a pal who can throw out a dare better than most saw your faithful social scribe don a habit and the rest, as they say, is history. Thankfully, maturity does come with age, so a simple black jacket, white shirt and trousers were this year’s attire.

Highlights of the ball were numerous including: performances by the DJD Company; a dance contest; fabulous silent auction items; fortune tellers; and fantastic music courtesy Penguins on Broadway and DJ Fine Note Sound & Social.

Take a well deserved bow ball co-chairs Evan Wilson and Kate Royer and your tireless volunteer committee. Kudos as well to major sponsors Richardson GMP, Mawer, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, Global Calgary and PWC.

Guests having a wonderful time this night included:  DJD head-turners Catherine Hayward, Julia Cosentino and Natasha Korney; Richardson GMP’s Don McPherson and his wife Anne McPherson; Mambo Productions’ Alexandria Sell and David Erne; DJD artistic director Kimberley Cooper, executive director Kathi Sundstrom and board president Erin Waite; Alberta Minister of Culture and Tourism, Ricardo Miranda with colleagues Jamie Kleinsteuber and Kathleen Ganley; Counc. Evan Wooley; Osler’s Jeremy Barretto; Dialog’s Rob Adamson; Bill and Franca DeJong; and DJD divas Rachel Canfield, Tori English, Olivia Mazurek and Meika English.

 Pictured, from left, at Decidedly Jazz Danceworks’ (DJD) Black and While Ball held Mar 5 at the Fairmont Palliser are DJD’s Catherine Hayward, Julia Cosentino and Natasha Korney.

 Pictured at Decidedly Jazz Danceworks’ (DJD) Black and While Ball held Mar 5 at the Fairmont Palliser are Richardson GMP’s Don McPherson and his wife Anne McPherson. Richardson was one of the invaluable sponsors of the must-attend ball.

Mambo Productions’ Alexandria Sell and David Erne show how it’s done at Decidedly Jazz Danceworks’ (DJD) Black and While Ball held Mar 5 at the Fairmont Palliser.

 Pictured, from left, at Decidedly Jazz Danceworks’ (DJD) Black and While Ball held Mar 5 at the Fairmont Palliser are Osler’s Jeremy Barretto, ball co-chair Kate Royer and Sherritt Greene’s Alex Mann.

 Among the dignitaries in attendance at Decidedly Jazz Danceworks’ (DJD) Black and While Ball held Mar 5 at the Fairmont Palliser are, from left, MLA Jamie Kleinsteuber, MLA Kathleen Ganley, Culture and Tourism Minister Ricardo Miranda and Counc. Evan Wooley.

 Pictured, from left, at Decidedly Jazz Danceworks’ (DJD) Black and While Ball held Mar 5 at the Fairmont Palliser are DJD executive director Kathi Sundstrom, Dialog’s Rob Adamson and DJD board chair Erin Waite.

 Looking lovely indeed at Decidedly Jazz Danceworks’ (DJD) Black and While Ball held Mar 5 at the Fairmont Palliser are, from left, DJD divas Rachel Canfield, Tori English, Olivia Mazurek and Meika English.

Regular readers of these pages know well I have often opined if you want an event to be a roaring success, best get the ladies to champion the cause.  One need look no further of this than the recent Women for Men’s Health Indoor Spin Fundraiser held Mar 5 at YYC Cycle Spin Studio in support of the Calgary Prostate Cancer Centre. Brainchild of the fabulous Dr. Shelley Spaner, the event saw scores of teams spin their hearts out-all the while raising more than $65,000 for the Centre. For a first-time event, such success is nothing short of astounding. Many thanks to all the sponsors who stepped up to the plate (bike?) and good on you sentiments go out to Spaner’s dedicated team of volunteers including: Linda MacNaughton; Kathleen Langner; Donna Spaner; Andrea Whyte;  Sarah Jesberger; Belinda Hochman; Eman Safadi; Evie Eshpeter; Jo-Ann Godenir; Jennifer Varzari; Kenda Swanson; Mandy Balak; Rachel West; Julie Hong;  Tamara Isbister; Tammy Calder; Annie Graham; Jennifer Lomas; and  YYC Cycle owner/motivator Andrew Obrecht. 

 Pictured at the inaugural Women for Men’s Health Indoor Spin Fundraiser held Mar 5 at YYC Spin Cycle are XO Treatment Room and committee member Annie Graham, avid ‘spinner’ David Joseph and Calgary Prostate Cancer Centre’s Linda MacNaughton. Nearly $70,000 was raised this night for the Centre.

 Pictured at the inaugural Women for Men’s Health Indoor Spin Fundraiser held Mar 5 at YYC Spin Cycle are Nicole Carruthers and Zak Miller representing sponsor Made Foods.

 All smiles at the inaugural Women for Men’s Health Indoor Spin Fundraiser held Mar 5 at YYC Spin Cycle are event chair Dr. Shelley Spaner and YYC Spin Cycle owner and motivator Andrew Obrecht.

After nearly 3,000 wrestling matches and hanging up his boots for retirement, Bret Hart took on the fight of his life against prostate cancer. Hart underwent Robotic prostatectomy on Feb 10 with renowned urologist Dr. Eric Hyndman at his side.

And the legendary wrestler chose to pay it forward by sharing his experience with media-and the world-at the Prostate Cancer Centre Mar 7.  Hart will work with the Centre to build awareness with men about the importance of early detection of a disease that affects one in eight men in Canada. That and Hart will help raise funds for the Centre through the sale of the exclusive Fight Bret Fight t-shirts. The Centre relies solely on donor dollars so Hart’s support is truly welcomed.

 Bret Hitman Hart and his wife Stephanie Washington-Hart are surrounded by fans and supporters Mar 7 at the Prostate Cancer Centre. Hart underwent Robotic prostatecomy on Feb 10. A percentage of the proceeds from the sale of the cool t-shirts the group is wearing will be donated to the Centre.

It simply doesn’t get any better than fashion supporting philanthropy. And when said pairings tie into the music buzz engulfing our fair city, two-thumbs up is the result.

Hundreds of invitees gathered at Holt Renfrew Mar 9 for a charitable shopping night that saw 10% of total sales being donated by Holts to MusiCounts, Canada’s music education charity associated with The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) and The JUNO Awards. Special guests and 2016 JUNO Award, Breakthrough Group of the Year nominees, Dear Rouge performed a live set  followed by a CD signing of their latest album, Black to Gold. Dear Rouge husband and wife team of Drew and Danielle McTaggart were both touring musicians under separate projects. They met while in their early touring days, and began dating, before getting married and starting Dear Rouge. The name of the duo is derived from the name of Danielle’s home town, Red Deer, Alberta.

In celebration of the JUNO’s in Calgary on April 3, Holt Renfrew will present the JUNO Red Carpet Lounge for talent and industry players to experience prior to the show.

Among the scores of guests sipping, shopping and noshing this night were: hostess with the mostess Holt Renfrew divisional vice-president and GM Deb Kerr with colleagues Tracy Logan, marketing manager and marketing coordinator Jaimie Cugnet; mode models’ Kelly Streit; Datywrap’s Norm Bogner and his wife Kim Bogner; fashionistas Katrina Olson-Mottahed, Franca DeJong, Jan Wittig and Cynthia Moore; MusiCounts’ Marie Desmarteau; Environcom director Cindy Yu; and mode models head turners Dora Wal, Nicole Abt, Kendall Gajek, Sarah Abt and Una Filipovic.

 Pictured at Amped for the Junos MusiCounts Charity Shopping Event held at Holt Renfrew Mar 9 are Holt Renfrew marketing coordinator Jaimie Cugnet (left) with marketing manager Tracy Logan. The fashionable and philanthropic evening featured a performance by 2016 Juno Nominee Dear Rouge.

 Pictured at Amped for the Junos MusiCounts Charity Shopping Event held at Holt Renfrew Mar 9 are mode models’ front row, from left Dora Wal, Nicole Abt and Kendall Gajek with back row, from left, Sarah Abt and Una Filipovic.

 Among the hundreds of guests in attendance at Amped for the Junos MusiCounts Charity Shopping Event held at Holt Renfrew Mar 9 were, from left, Kim and Norm Bogner with Katrina Olson-Mottahed.

 Pictured, from left, at Amped for the Junos MusiCounts Charity Shopping Event held at Holt Renfrew Mar 9 are Holt Renfrew’s Deb Kerr with Environcon Management director Cindy Yu and MusiCounts’ Marie Desmarteau. Ten per cent of all sales this night were donated to MusiCounts, a charity dedicated to keeping music alive in schools and communities across Canada.

Serendipity is a wonderful thing. Witness the outcomes from the 2016 Brooks Prostate Cancer Benefit raffle.

First prize of a 2016 Camaro from Shaganappi GM was won by Malcolm Albery-a long-time supporter of the Brooks Benefit. Albery chose to return the car and donate one third of the proceeds to the 19th annual Brooks Benefit taking place Jan 27,2017 at Hotel Arts.

Second prize of a 2016 Harley Davidson was won by long-time supporters Sheila’s Drapery’s Ted and Karen Knapik.

Karen also bid-and won-the silent auction item Head of the Pack at the 2016 benefit. The item sees the winner ride at the front of the parade during the Motorcycle Ride for Dad taking place in June. Karen had just finished taking her motorcycle driving course and hoped that some day she would be able to buy a bike. Karen will proudly lead the parade on her newly won Harley. How cool is that?

Third prize of two tickets anywhere WestJet flies was won by Kirk Hudson. Hudson won last year’s raffle prize of a 2015 Harley Davidson.

Serendipitous indeed on all three counts. It is with a heavy heart though that the 19th annual Brooks Benefit-themed Billy Horror Picture Show-will be our last hurrah. The event has raised more than $7.7 million since inception and with any luck, the final event will see us hit the $8 million mark.

Those of us of a certain age will remember the Virginia Slims commercial pronouncing “You’ve come a long way, baby.” The politically incorrect message-by today’s standards-was par for the course all those years ago. It is heartening that Justin Trudeau’s “Because it’s 2015” statement indicates the 21st century is all about inclusion and collaboration.

And collaboration was the resounding theme of the recent Canada’s Most Powerful Women Top 100 Leadership Summit and Awards Presentations held Mar 2 at The Westin. Scores of guests gathered for the afternoon summit and evening awards ceremony that featured: keynote addresses from Nicole Bourque-Bouchier-2015 Top 100 Award Winner and CEO, The Bouchier Group, Joanne Alexander, 2014 Top 100 Award Winner and executive vice-president and general counsel, Encana and Natalie Panek, 2014 Top 100 Award Winner and mission systems engineer, MDA Space Missions; welcome and opening remarks from WXN founder Pamela Jeffery and CEO Sherri Stevens; an interview with ATB Financial president and CEO Dave Mowat; and a panel discussion featuring moderator Cynthia Hansen, 2015 Top 100 Award Winner and senior vice-president, operations, Enbridge Liquid Pipelines and guests Dr. Jodi Abbott, 2015 Top 100 Award Winner and president and CEO, NorQuest College and Terri Harris, 2012 and 2014 Top 100 Award Winner and vice-president and partner, Harris Greenaway Communications.

Salutations to the other 14 Alberta and Prairie-based award winners including: Debby Carreau,  CEO and founder,  Inspired HR; Allison Grafton, president,  Rockwood Custom Homes; Beth Hamilton-Keen, director, investment counselling, Mawer Investment Management; Gianna Manes, president and CEO,  ENMAX Corporation Group of Companies; Linda McCurdy, president  and CEO, K-Bro Linen Systems; Margaret McKenzie, corporate director, Bonavista Energy Corporation; Kirsten Poon, CEO, KP Consulting; Geeta Sankappanavar, president and CEO, Grafton Asset Management; and Helene Weir, president and CEO, YMCA Calgary.

Others in attendance at the event are pictured at right.

 Pictured, from left, at Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Calgary Leadership Summit and Awards held Mar 2 at The Westin are Lisa ‘Longball’ Vlooswyk, Alexander Proudfoot executive vice-president Marti Nuth and IBM’s Nancy Taipale.

 Pictured, from left, at Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Calgary Leadership Summit and Awards held Mar 2 at The Westin are Calgary honourees Beth Hamilton-Keen, director, investment counselling, Mawer Investment Management and Cynthia Hansen, senior vice-president, operations, Enbridge Liquids Pipelines.

 Pictured, from left, at Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Calgary Leadership Summit and Awards held Mar 2 at The Westin are Calgary honouree Dr. Jodi Abbott, president and CEO, NorQuest College and Caroline Johnson, Air Canada, manager, business development.

 Mayor Naheed Nenshi brought salutations from the City of Calgary to the Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Calgary Leadership Summit and Awards held Mar 2 at The Westin. Joining the Mayor is Enmax president and CEO Gianna Manes.

 Pictured, from left, at Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Calgary Leadership Summit and Awards held Mar 2 at The Westin are Women’s Executive Network’s Corie Kaftalovich with SureCall Contact Centers’ Marc and Desiree Bombenon.

 Pictured with reason to smile at Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Calgary Leadership Summit and Awards held Mar 2 at The Westin are Calgary honouree Allison Grafton, president, Rockwood Custom Homes and her proud daughter Abby Taillefer.

It simply does not get any better than pairing glorious music with beautiful new cars and trucks. Add in to the mix a substantial charitable component and you have the makings of a successful event. For 16 years, the Calgary Motor Dealers Association (CMDA) has hosted the Vehicles and Violins Gala in support of Calgary charities with 100% of the money raised going to the charities.  Since inception, more than $3.3 million has been raised. Charitable organizations as varied as Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre (AARC) and Alzheimer Society of Calgary to the Missing Children Society of Canada and the Prostate Cancer Institute of Calgary have shared in the event’s success.

And this year, proceeds from the 16th Annual Vehicles and Violins Gala held March 8 were shared equally between Fresh Start Recovery Centre, The Alex and Children’s Cottage Society. Since 1992, Fresh Start has provided housing, treatment and support for those recovering from the disease of addiction. Since 1996, Children’s Cottage has been dedicated to preventing harm and neglect to children through the Children’s Cottage Crisis Nursery-the only facility of its kind in Calgary providing a 24/7/365 safe haven for children. Since 1973, The Alex has provided services born from the belief that health is the complete state of physical, mental, emotional, social and economic well-being with its primary focus being youth programs.

Representatives from each of these invaluable charities were in attendance at the gala including: Fresh Start’s Craig Borgland, Stacey Petersen and Wayne Steer; Children’s Cottage CEO Patty Kilgallon; and The Alex CEO Shelley Heartwell. Others in attendance this night included: Postmedia regional vice-president, advertising sales, B.C. and Calgary Paul Batchelor; Ed Huculak, Calgary Herald/Calgary Sun director of sales; Calgary Herald/Calgary Sun media sales managers Laura Linnell, Warren Clunie and Sherrie Sawkey; Calgary Herald/Calgary Sun editor Jose Rodriguez with his wife Nichole Rodriguez and her father Allan Mulla; CMDA president Nate Clarke;  CMP Auto service manager Rob Miller and CMP Auto general manager Kyle Romeril; McManes Automotive vice-president, real estate, Rick Bowie and Gemalto’s Kim Caves; and Sterling Western Star Trucks Alberta dealer principal Cindy Clark.

 Pictured, from left, at An Evening of Vehicles and Violins Gala, the kick-off to the Calgary Auto and Truck Show, are Fresh Start Recovery Centre board chair Craig Borgland, executive director Stacey Petersen and fund development director Wayne Steer. Fresh Start was one of the three recipients of funds raised at the gala.

 Pictured at An Evening of Vehicles and Violins Gala, the kick-off to the Calgary Auto and Truck Show, is Shelley Heartwell, CEO of The Alex. The Alex was one of the three recipients of funds raised at the gala.

 All smiles at An Evening of Vehicles and Violins Gala, the kick-off to the Calgary Auto and Truck Show, is Children’s Cottage CEO Patty Kilgallon. Children’s Cottage was one of the three recipients of funds raised at the gala.

 CPO’s Roxanne Young was but one of the musicians playing at An Evening of Vehicles and Violins Gala, the kick-off to the Calgary Auto and Truck Show.

Pictured at An Evening of Vehicles and Violins Gala, the kick-off to the Calgary Auto and Truck Show are Postmedia regional vice-president, advertising sales, B.C. and Calgary Paul Batchelor with Ed Huculak, Calgary Herald/Calgary Sun director of sales.

 Pictured, from left, at An Evening of Vehicles and Violins Gala, the kick-off to the Calgary Auto and Truck Show are Calgary Herald/Calgary Sun media sales managers Laura Linnell, Warren Clunie and Sherrie Sawkey.

 Pictured, from left, at An Evening of Vehicles and Violins Gala, the kick-off to the Calgary Auto and Truck Show, are Calgary Herald/Calgary Sun editor Jose Rodriguez with his wife Nichole Rodriguez and her father Allan Mulla.

 Looking fabulous at An Evening of Vehicles and Violins Gala, the kick-off to the Calgary Auto and Truck Show, is Western Star Trucks Alberta dealer principal Cindy Clark.

 McManes Automotive vice-president, real estate, Rick Bowie and Gemalto’s Kim Caves were among the hundreds of guests in attendance at An Evening of Vehicles and Violins Gala, the kick-off to the Calgary Auto and Truck Show.

Tragically, Alberta has long had one of the highest rates of domestic violence in the country, with the problem certain to get worse during these challenging economic times.

Thank goodness then for the  Brenda Strafford Society for the Prevention of Domestic Violence- a second-stage shelter for women and their children who have fled domestic violence. The Centre offers a safe and secure environment. During their six-month stay at the centre, women and children are provided with programs and services in a supportive yet independent environment.

Brainchild of Dr. Barrie Strafford, the centre has helped scores of clients in its 20-year history. The native of Manchester, England, Strafford immigrated to Canada in the 1950s with his wife Brenda and the first of their four children. After Brenda’s tragic death in a motor vehicle accident in 1974, her widower began his 40-year quest as a philanthropist- donating time and treasure to myriad causes and overseeing his own through the Brenda Strafford Foundation- the centre’s umbrella organization.

Supporters of the centre gathered at Webster Galleries Mar 9 to raised funds for the centre and celebrate its 20th anniversary. That $52,000 was raised this night is wonderful news. Consider $25 will buy diapers and baby wipes for one week. Or that $250 will buy-for a woman in crisis-emergency assistance should she lose a phone or purse.

Among those in attendance this night were: Dr. Barrie Strafford; Brenda Strafford Society board chair Norma Jackson; executive director Eileen Bell with colleagues Sean French and Samuel Hayes; avid centre supporter Candice Pelletier; RBC Dominion Securities’ Erin Daniel and Leib Zeisler and his wife, Bettina Zeisler, past chair, Jewish Community Foundation; Herald colleague Val Fortney and her husband Robert Majamaa; Brooks and Dodd Consulting Inc.’s Tom Dodd; Mac’s Western Canada vice-president Bonnie Birollo with pals Chandra MacNeill and Tricia Deeprose; artist Kristen Carleton who created beautiful artworks for auction this night; Where Magazine’s Brian French; Dr. Stephen French; and Ward 6 Counc. Richard Pootmans who brought greetings and salutations to Dr. Strafford on behalf of the City of Calgary.

 Pictured, from left, at the 20th anniversary celebration of the Brenda Strafford Society for the Prevention of Domestic Violence held Mar 9 at Webster Galleries are Chandra MacNeill,Tricia Deeprose, Bonnie Birollo, Mac’s vice-president, Western Canada and artist Kristen Carleton. Mac’s is an invaluable supporter of the Society.

 Striking a pose for the lens at the 20th anniversary celebration of the Brenda Strafford Society for the Prevention of Domestic Violence held Mar 9 at Webster Galleries is artist Kristen Carleton. The event raised $52,000 thanks in part to the artwork Carleton created for auction this night.

 Pictured, from left, at the 20th anniversary celebration of the Brenda Strafford Society for the Prevention of Domestic Violence held Mar 9 at Webster Galleries are Bettina Zeisler, past chair, Jewish Community Foundation and her husband, Leib Zeisler, RBC Wealth Management vice-president and colleague Erin Daniel, associate advisor.

 Herald columnist Val Fortney and her husband Robert Majamaa (left) and Brooks and Dodd Consulting’s Tom Dodd (right) were among those who attended the 20th anniversary celebration of the Brenda Strafford Society for the Prevention of Domestic Violence held Mar 9 at Webster Galleries.

 It was a family affair at the 20th anniversary celebration of the Brenda Strafford Society for the Prevention of Domestic Violence held Mar 9 at Webster Galleries for brothers, from left, Brian French, Sean French and Dr. Stephen French.

 Pictured at the 20th anniversary celebration of the Brenda Strafford Society for the Prevention of Domestic Violence held Mar 9 at Webster Galleries are Samuel Hayes (left) and Ward 6 Counc. Richard Pootmans.

 Pictured at the 20th anniversary celebration of the Brenda Strafford Society for the Prevention of Domestic Violence held Mar 9 at Webster Galleries are Society executive director Eileen Bell (left) and avid supporter Candice Pelletier.

Your faithful social scribe was unsure as to which would be more exicting-meeting Canadian music icons or seeing the new National Music Centre (NMC)/Studio Bell for the first time. With all due respect to the likes of Burton Cummings, Buffy Sainte Marie and Tom Cochrane, as thrilling as it was to meet you and have the honour of snapping your picture, the Centre stole my heart. The $191 million facility-set to open to the public in July,  is ah-maaazing! The structure itself is truly a work of art, but when you add in the fact it is the new home to the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and that the 160,000 sq. ft. facility also features live music venues and bars, formal performance spaces, artists in residence, a radio station, one of North America’s most eclectic musical instrument collections, musical lessons and scholarship, one knows the Centre is destined to be the most recognized-and admired-facility in our fair city.

On  Apr. 1, NMC hosted two private JUNO events at Studio Bell, including the Chairman’s Reception presented by Live Nation Canada and the JUNO Welcome Reception presented by The East Village. That Canadian music legend and seven-time JUNO award-winner Burton Cummings was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame this night by adding his name plaque to a wall inside Studio Bell was the icing on the cake.

Industry heavyweights, politicians and avid NMC supporters in attendance at the receptions included: CARAS president and CEO Allan Reid; JUNO chairman Mark Cohon; NMC president and CEO Andrew Mosker and his wife Ingrid Mosker; invaluable NMC supporters Ron Mannix and Diane Deacon; National Arts Centre chair Adrian Burns and NMC director Greg Kane; U of C president Elizabeth Cannon with colleague, vice-president, development, Nuvyn Peters; Mayor Naheed Nenshi; Alberta Premier Rachel Notley and her husband Lou Arab; Alberta Minister of Finance Joe Ceci and his wife Christine; Paquin Entertainment president and CEO Gilles Paquin; NMC board chair Rob Braide; UTA’s Jack Ross; NMC board vice-chair Cam Crawford; Canadian Music Centre Prairie Regional director John Reid; legendary broadcaster and writer Larry LeBlanc; Randy Lennox, president, entertainment production and broadcasting, Bell Media; Holt Renfrew’s Deb Kerr and Tracy Logan; Alberta Culture and Tourism Minister Ricardo Miranda and chief of staff Lisa Blanchette; Saifer Media’s  Lorne Saifer; ATB Corporate Financial Services vice-president and head of sales’ Tim Gillespie; Whitehall chef/owner Neil McCue; At Large Communications’ Jason Krell; Hotel Arts’ Mark Wilson and his wife Kerry Wilson; legendary music producer Bob Ezrin; NMC’s Charlie Fischer and his wife Joanne Cuthbertson; The Tenors’ Clifton Murray; JUNO nominee and Order of Canada recipient Jens Lindemann and his wife Jennifer Snow; avid NMC supporters Marc and Desiree Bombenon with colleagues Bryce Reid and Zahira Bharmal; television personality Ben Mulroney; and my terrific handler this night, NMC’s Mary Kapusta.

 Pictured, from left, at the Chairman’s Reception held Apr 1 celebrating the Canadian Music Hall of Fame induction weekend held at the fabulous National Music Centre are Allan Reid, president and CEO. CARAS and Mark Cohon, chairman, Juno, Canadian Music Awards.

 Pictured at the Chairman’s Reception held Apr 1 in the fabulous National Music Centre are U of C vice-president, development Nuvyn Peters (left) and U of C president Elizabeth Cannon.

Among the several hundred guests in attendance at the Chairman’s Reception held Apr 1 celebrating the Canadian Music Hall of Fame induction weekend held at the fabulous National Music Centre were At Large Communications’ Jason Krell (left) and Whitehall chef/owner Neil McCue.

 Mayor Naheed Nenshi poses for the lens with television personality Ben Mulroney at the Chairman’s Reception held Apr 1 in the fabulous National Music Centre.

Pictured, from left, at the Chairman’s Reception held Apr 1 in the fabulous National Music Centre (NMC) are Cam Crawford, NMC board of directors vice-chair and ATB vice-president and head of sales, Tim Gillespie. The reception was the perfect way to kick-off Juno weekend in Calgary.

 Pictured, from left, at the Chairman’s Reception held Apr 1 in the fabulous National Music Centre (NMC) are avid NMC supporter Diane Deacon, Greg Kane, NMC director and Adrian Burns, National Arts Centre chair.

 Among the hundreds of guests who attended the Chairman’s Reception held Apr 1 in the fabulous National Music Centre (NMC) were Hotel Arts’ Mark Wilson and his wife Kerry Wilson.

Legendary musician, eight-time Juno Award winner, member of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and Order of Canada honouree Tom Cochrane was but one of the stars in attendance at the Chairman’s Reception held Apr 1 in the fabulous National Music Centre (NMC).

 Avid NMC supporter and philanthropist Charlie Fischer and his wife Joanne Cuthbertson pose for the lens at the Chairman’s Reception held Apr 1 in the fabulous National Music Centre (NMC).

 Alberta Premier Rachel Notley and Finance Minister Joe Ceci were on hand to represent the government at the Chairman’s Reception held Apr 1 in the fabulous National Music Centre (NMC). Calgary was a buzz of Juno activity all week with the celebrations culminating with the Juno Awards Apr 3 at the Saddledome.

 Alberta Premier Rachel Notley and her husband Lou Arab are pictured at the Chairman’s Reception held Apr 1 in the fabulous National Music Centre (NMC).

 Pictured, from left, at the Chairman’s Reception held Apr 1 in the fabulous new Canadian Music Hall of Fame at Studio Bell in the National Music Centre (NMC) are NMC president and CEO Andrew Mosker, legendary broadcaster and writer Larry LeBlanc, NMC board of directors chair Rob Braide, Paquin Entertainment Group president and CEO Gilles Paquin and Randy Lennox, president, entertainment production and broadcasting, Bell Media.

 Holt Renfrew’s Tracy Logan (left) and Deb Kerr were among the select group of guests in attendance at the Chairman’s Reception held Apr 1 in the fabulous new National Music Centre (NMC).

Legendary musician Buffy Sainte Marie (centre) poses for a photo with Alberta Culture and Tourism chief of staff Lisa Blanchette (left) and Alberta Culture and Tourism Minister Ricardo Miranda at the Chairman’s Reception held Apr 1 in the fabulous new National Music Centre (NMC).

 Pictured, from left, at the Chairman’s and Welcome Receptions held Apr 1 in Studio Bell, home of the fabulous new National Music Centre (NMC) are UTA’s Jack Ross, Ingrid Mosker and her husband NMC president and CEO Andrew Mosker.

 The Tenors’ Clifton Murray (left) pictured with legendary musician Burton Cummings at the Chairman’s and Welcome Receptions held Apr 1 in Studio Bell, home of the fabulous new National Music Centre (NMC). Burton was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame this night while the Tenors performed part of the tribute to Cummings at the Juno Awards held Apr 3 at Saddledome.

Order of Canada recipient and Juno Award nominee Jens Lindemann and his wife Jennifer Snow had a great time at the Chairman’s and Welcome Receptions held Apr 1 in Studio Bell, home of the fabulous new National Music Centre (NMC).

 Pictured at the Welcome Reception held Apr 1 in Studio Bell, home of the fabulous new National Music Centre (NMC) are NMC supporters Marc and Desiree Bombenon.

Pictured at the Welcome Reception held Apr 1 in Studio Bell, home of the fabulous new National Music Centre (NMC) are SureCall Contact Center’s Bryce Reid and Zahira Bharmal.

Your faithful social scribe has a confession to make. I am far from technologically savvy. Whenever my iPhone or laptop act up, the first call I make is to my 8-year old great niece. And Siri? What’s that? Imagine then how impressed this technological cave man was at the MakeFashion 4.0 Gala held Apr 2 at Telus Spark. The show featured a team of 48 artists, designers and engineers from Calgary, Toronto, Seattle, San Franciso and Japan celebrating the convergence and future of fashion and technology.

From interactive garments to EEG headsets, laser cut fabric to 3D printed gowns, the show was a  feast for the eyes and the imagination. Who knew suits of the future will be equipped with invisible conveniences like a phone charger, wireless business card, phone finder and wireless charging built in? Or that twenty something girls can sport feminine party dresses where the wearers are able to compete in a video game played out on the opposite person’s garment? Pity the poor lad who tries to strike up a conversation with either lass.

Cool indeed was the mantra this night as never-before seen fashions were featured on the runway. Two thumbs up to: artistic director Catherine Larose; event director Maria Hoover; marketing director Chelsea Klukas; technology director and MakeFashion CEO Shannon Hoover; and video director Paul Spenard. And take a bow sentiments go out to: backstage manager Matt Laprairie; DJ Paul Sanders; stage manager Wil Knoll; videography assistant Melanie Baker; lead make up artist Ivonne Arsenault; and lead hair stylist Jason Mellor.

Guests and a selection of the amazing creations showcased this night are pictured at right.

 Pictured at the return of MakeFashion held at Telus Spark Science Centre Apr 2 are MakeFashion co-founders Maria and Shannon Hoover. The show featured fashion-tech designers and engineers from around the world.

 More than 47 artists, designers and engineers from Calgary, Toronto, Seattle, San Francisco and Japan created amazing technology-inspired fashion for MakeFashion held at Telus Spark Science Centre Apr 2. Picture are but two of the amazing looks featured this night.

 Perhaps not an outfit you will see every day, pictured is but one of the over-the-top designs featured on the runway at MakeFashion held at Telus Spark Science Centre Apr 2.

 More than 47 artists, designers and engineers from Calgary, Toronto, Seattle, San Francisco and Japan created amazing technology-inspired fashion for MakeFashion held at Telus Spark Science Centre Apr 2. Picture are but three of the amazing looks featured this night.

 More than 47 artists, designers and engineers from Calgary, Toronto, Seattle, San Francisco and Japan created amazing technology-inspired fashion for MakeFashion held at Telus Spark Science Centre Apr 2. Picture is one the show-stopping looks featured on the runway this night.

 More than 47 artists, designers and engineers from Calgary, Toronto, Seattle, San Francisco and Japan created amazing technology-inspired fashion for MakeFashion held at Telus Spark Science Centre Apr 2. Picture is one the show-stopping looks featured on the runway this night.

 More than 47 artists, designers and engineers from Calgary, Toronto, Seattle, San Francisco and Japan created amazing technology-inspired fashion for MakeFashion held at Telus Spark Science Centre Apr 2. Picture is one the show-stopping looks featured on the runway this night.

 David and Tanye Claggett were among the several hundred guests who attended MakeFashion held at Telus Spark Science Centre Apr 2.

 Alejandra De Abrev Pereira and Alvaro Garcia pose for the lens at MakeFashion held at Telus Spark Science Centre Apr 2. The fashion show featured technology inspired fashions.

Volunteers are the roots of strong communities. And National Volunteer Week-Apr 10-16, was all about saluting those who give so generously of their time. Calgary’s Prostate Cancer Centre owes much of its success to the more  than 70 volunteers who ensure the centre is the best of its kind in the country. The Centre does not receive any government funding and relies solely on donor dollars-and volunteerism to keep its doors open.

Consider that the volunteers on the Information Desk at the Centre assisted more than 11,000 patients through 1,000 hours. Or that the volunteers in the Resource Centre helped 3,418 patients by spending 1,172 hours sharing their stories.  Or that the volunteers on the Man Van spent 1,046 hours PSA testing 3,240 men on the city van. An additional 282 hours were spent working special events, providing community presentations and telephoning donors to thank them for their gifts of treasure.

And giving thanks was what the Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast held in The Founder’s Room at Heritage Park Apr 13 was all about.  Your faithful social scribe had the pleasure of delivering opening remarks while guest speaker Dr. Shelley Spaner spoke eloquently as to the importance of volunteerism. Special honors were given this morning to: 200-hour Information Desk volunteers Carolyn Miller and Fran Copithorne; 300-hour Man Van volunteer John Maruszeczka; and five-years of service volunteer Ross Hunter.

All smiles at the Prostate Cancer Centre (PCC) Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast held Apr 13 in the Founder’s Room at Heritage Park are Fran Copthorne (left) and Carolyn Miller. These invaluable volunteers have donated more than 200 hours each at the the PCC Information Desk.

Pictured, from left, at the Prostate Cancer Centre (PCC) Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast held Apr 13 in the Founder’s Room at Heritage Park are PCC staff and breakfast organizers Linda MacNaughton, Shannon de Vall and Kathleen Langer.

In a stunning ‘pay it forward’ move, Katie Ohe and Harry Kiyooka – two nationally and internationally renowned
Calgary-based artists, art educators, and founders of KOAC/Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre +
Sculpture Park- and two of the most delightful people you will ever have the pleasure of meeting,  transferred their incredible acreage and assets to KO Arts Centre Society of Calgary. The 20-acre parcel with its unique eco-system and breath-taking view of the majestic Rocky Mountains, the house and studios, a rich art collection – which includes
not only their works, but also artwork by other prominent Canadian and international
artists – and their extensive library and archives,  were gifted for the benefit of the communities of Springbank, the City of Calgary, and neighboring districts. The goal is to create a world-class, interactive, visual arts institution for the research, education, promotion and exhibition of the best in contemporary Canadian and
international art. This dynamic couple also established- and donated an endowment fund in support of KOAC’s future operations and creative exhibition/art educational programming.

Scores of art aficionados, collectors and community-minded souls gathered at Hotel Arts Apr 8 to support the KOAC Art Pavilion Fundraising Gala and Art Auction. The who is who in the art-world attended-and donated works for auction-evidence of the high regard in which Ohe and Kiyooka are held. Having the likes of Bret “Hitman’ Hart as honorary gala chair and community leader Sandra LeBlanc as event committee chair ensured the event was an SRO success and raised an impressive $130,000. Top selling works this night included: Ohe’s “Monsoon”; Kiyooka’s “Medieval Red”; Ron Moppett’s “Eight Days a Week”; Chris Cran’s “Copper Woman”; and Mark Dicey’s  “Untitled 2278”.

Other artists attending and/or donating work included: Derek Besant and his wife Alexandra Haeseker;  Martina MacDonald Bleriot; Dave Casey; Lawrence Christmas; Adrian Cooke; Linda Craddock; Helena Hadala; Seka Owen;  Honsun Chu with his wife Vivian Chu; Peter Deacon; Jim Etzkorn; Dale Kirschenman; Brent Laycock with his wife Kathy Laycock; Walter May; Robert Pierce; Greg Pyra; Greg Robb with his wife Lynn Robb; Reinhard Skoracki with his wife Margit Skoracki; Judy Ueda and her husband Minoru Ueda; Verna Vogel; John Will with his wife Mary Shannon Will; Simon Wong;  Bill Rodgers and his wife Mireille Perron; and Frances Thomas.

Other guests in attendance are pictured at right.

 Cathy Askin (left) and Carmen Hunchak were among the more than 350 guests in attendance at the Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre (KOAC) Art Pavilion Fundraising Gala held Apr 8 at Hotel Arts.

 Honorary chairs of the Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre (KOAC) Art Pavilion Fundraising Gala held Apr 8 at Hotel Arts Sandra LeBlanc and Bret (Hitman) Hart should be proud indeed as the SRO event raised $130,000 for the final design and construction of the KOAC.

 Pictured, from left, at Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre (KOAC) Art Pavilion Fundraising Gala and Art Auction held Apr 8 at Hotel Arts are U of C professor emeritus Nick Roukes, cookbook author Julie Roukes and gala committee member Jacek Malec. The SRO event raised $130,000 for the final design and construction of the KOAC.

 Pictured at Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre (KOAC) Art Pavilion Fundraising Gala and Art Auction held Apr 8 at Hotel Arts are committee member Michael Rae with artist Linda Craddock.

 Legendary artist John Will and Shyla Wolf, committee member and assistant director of the Herringer Kiss Gallery were among the more than 350 guests in attendance at Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre (KOAC) Art Pavilion Fundraising Gala and Art Auction held Apr 8 at Hotel Arts.

 Artist Martina MacDonald Bleriot joins Bob Morrell, KOAC board member at Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre (KOAC) Art Pavilion Fundraising Gala and Art Auction held Apr 8 at Hotel Arts.

 All smiles at Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre (KOAC) Art Pavilion Fundraising Gala and Art Auction held Apr 8 at Hotel Arts are Contemporary Calgary director and CEO Pierre Arpin (left) and Trepanier Baer Gallery principle Yves Trepanier.

 Pictured, from left, at Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre (KOAC) Art Pavilion Fundraising Gala and Art Auction held Apr 8 at Hotel Arts are sculptor John Andrekson, Swerve editor Bruce Weir and BMO Nesbitt Burns’ Jim Andrekson.

 Among the several hundred guests in attendance at Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre (KOAC) Art Pavilion Fundraising Gala and Art Auction held Apr 8 at Hotel Arts were ACAD board member Susan Thomas (left) and Martens Group’s Sharon Martens.

Art and the law may-at first blush-seem to be rather disparate. But thanks to the foresight of Robert Calvert, Q.C., partner at DLA Piper, and Peter Deacon, professor of art at the University of Calgary, more than 600 original works of art by students graduating from the Department of Art at the U of C have been exhibited-and many sold- through DLA Piper’s annual Art & Martini reception. With the support of Ann Calvert, professor and
senior advisor to the Provost, and professors of art Bill Laing and Gerald Hushlak, the event has seen more than $60,000 worth or art sold to private collectors. These proceeds often times have helped budding artists with their tuition fees and the purchase of supplies. Further, many of the artists have received commissions following the reception.

Several hundred members of  Calgary’s art and business communities came together for a memorable
evening under the stars at the 9th annual Art & Martini reception held Apr 6 in the Winter Garden at Jamieson Place. More than 40 pieces of original art by students graduating from the Department of Art at
the University of Calgary were available for purchase this night.

Among those in attendance were: DLA Piper’s Heather Treacy, Q.C., Roy Hudson, Sharilyn Nagina, Robert Seidel, Q.C., James Bancroft, Q.C., Brian Yaworski, Q.C., Patrick Roche, Laura Safran, Q.C., Jennifer Arndt and Catherine Kay; CPO president and CEO Paul Dornian; MNP’s Charmaine Toms, Greg Draper and Bailey Rivard; The Counsel Network’s Sameera Sereda and Akash Bir; Calliou Group’s Tracy Campbell and Kevin De Carteret; Park Energy Law partner Mark Gerlitz; Mayor Nenshi’s Chief of Staff Chima Nkemdirim; Calgary Board of Education’s Greg Francis and Kelly-Ann Fenney; and artists Marina Di Maio, Mahwish Ahmed and Andrea Rizzuti.

Calgary’s art and business communities joined forces for a memorable evening under the stars at the 9th annual Art & Martini reception hosted by DLA Piper (Canada) LLP on Apr 6. Pictured, from left, are Calgary Philharmonic president and CEO Paul Dornian, DLA Piper partner Sharilyn Nagina, MNP General Counsel Charmaine Toms and Heather Treacy, Q.C.

Toasting the success of the 9th annual Art & Martini reception hosted by DLA Piper (Canada) LLP on Apr 6 are The Counsel Network’s Sameera Sereda and Akash Bir. More than 40 pieces of original art by students from the Department of Art at U of C were available for purchase this night.

 Calliou Group’s Tracy Campbell and Kevin De Carteret were among the more than 300 guests who attended the 9th annual Art & Martini reception hosted by DLA Piper (Canada) LLP on Apr 6 in the Winter Garden at Jamieson Place.

 Among the more than 300 guests in attendance at the 9th annual Art & Martini reception hosted by DLA Piper (Canada) LLP on Apr 6 in the Winter Garden at Jamieson Place were, from left, DLA Piper associates Jennifer Arndt and Catherine Kay, U of C’s Dr. Ann Calvert and Laura Safran, Q.C. More than 40 pieces of original art by students graduating from the Department of Art at the U of C were available for purchase this night.

 Among the more than 300 guests in attendance at the 9th annual Art & Martini reception hosted by DLA Piper (Canada) LLP on Apr 6 in the Winter Garden at Jamieson Place were, from left, DLA Piper’s Jim Bancroft, Q.C., Mayor Nenshi’s Chief of Staff Chima Nkemdirim and Robert Seidel, Q.C.

Pictured, from left, at the 9th annual Art & Martini reception hosted by DLA Piper (Canada) LLP on Apr 6 in the Winter Garden at Jamieson Place are Calgary Board of Education’s (CBE) Greg Francis, Bailey Rivard, Kelly-Ann Fenney and MNP’s Greg Draper.

 Pictured, from left, at the 9th annual Art & Martini reception hosted by DLA Piper (Canada) LLP on Apr 6 in the Winter Garden at Jamieson Place are U of C, Faculty of Arts professor Bill Laing with U of C graduating artists Marina Di Maio, Mahwish Ahmed and Andrea Rizzuti.

Pictured at the DLA Piper hosted event are DLA Piper’s Patrick Roche (left) and Park Energy Law partner Mark Gerlitz.

Hockey stars and fans gathered at the Westin Apr 15 to kick off the 2016 Gordie Howe C.A.R.E.S. Pro-Am Hockey Tournament weekend. Special guests the likes of Paul Henderson, Clark Gillies, Dennis Hull and Yvan Cournoyer added greatly to the event’s cache, but it was the mandate of the event that created such phenomenal support. Proceeds from the tournament will be directed to the soon-to-be-built Gordie Howe Centre for Dementia Care in Fish Creek Park Manor Village. The centre will focus on providing support to Southern Albertans to help educate caregivers and research leading edge initiatives that will assist in mitigating the impact of dementia and Alzheimer disease. The latter took my grandmother, aunt and beloved mom, and I can tell you first hand, it is a disease that I would not wish on anyone- or any family.

Gordie Howe C.A.R.E.S. chairman and Brookfield Residential senior vice-president Allan Klassen knows well of the disease as it took his father. Klassen chose to use the heart-wrenching experience to better the care-and understanding-for those who suffer from dementia and Alzheimer’s. Last year’s tournament raised an impressive $450,000- bringing the cumulative raised since inception to more than $2.5 million. 

Guests spotted at the kick-off luncheon included: Perry Berezan; Dave Ellett; Jamie Macoun; Lanny McDonald; Dana Murzyn; Joel Otto; Mark Napier; Charlie Simmer; Sylvain Turgeon; Tim Watters; Dennis Polonich; Al Coates; Gord Sherven; Manor Village Life Centers’ Dr. Garth Mann; Marty Howe, son of legendary hockey great Gordie Howe; Varsity Chrysler Dodge Jeep president Gord Moors; past tournament chair Frank King; and Power Play Consulting’s Leslie Gallacher.

Highlights of the weekend-long event were numerous, but this prayer Klassen read at the luncheon really brought the message home.

Do not ask me to remember,

Don’t try to make me understand.

Let me rest and know you’re with me,

Kiss my cheek and hold my hand.

I’m so confused beyond your concept,

I am so sad and sick and lost.

All I know is that I need you,

To be with me at all cost.

So do not lose your patience with me,

Do not scold or curse or cry.

I can’t help the way I’m acting,

Can’t try be different though I try.

Just remember that I need you,

That the best of me is gone.

Please don’t fail to stand beside me,

Love me ‘til my life is gone.

 Pictured, from left, at the Gordie Howes C.A.R.E.S. Luncheon held Apr 15 at the Westin Calgary are NHL alumnus Charlie Simmer and special guest Clark Gillies.

 Pictured, from left, at the Gordie Howes C.A.R.E.S. Luncheon held Apr 15 at the Westin Calgary are NHL alumni Mark Napier and Sylvain Turgeon.

 Pictured, from left, at the Gordie Howes C.A.R.E.S. Luncheon held Apr 15 at the Westin Calgary are NHL alumni Tim Watters. Dennis Polonich and Dave Ellett.

 Pictured posing with the Canada Cup at the Gordie Howes C.A.R.E.S. Luncheon held Apr 15 at the Westin Calgary is hockey great and special guest Dennis Hull.

 Pictured, from left, at the Gordie Howes C.A.R.E.S. Luncheon held Apr 15 at the Westin Calgary are hockey greats Paul Henderson, Jamie Macoun and Lanny McDonald.

 Pictured, from left, at the Gordie Howes C.A.R.E.S. Luncheon held Apr 15 at the Westin Calgary are Al Coates and Gord Sherven.

 Among the hundreds of guests in attendance at the Gordie Howes C.A.R.E.S. Luncheon held Apr 15 at the Westin Calgary were NHL alumni Joel Otto (left) and Dana Murzyn.

 Pictured at the Gordie Howes C.A.R.E.S. Luncheon held Apr 15 at the Westin Calgary NHL alumnus Martin Gelinas and event committee member, Power Play Consulting’s Leslie Gallacher.

 Pictured at the Gordie Howes C.A.R.E.S. Luncheon held Apr 15 at the Westin Calgary NHL are event chair Allan Klassen (left) and past chair Frank King. King was presented with the prestigious red jacket this day for his years of service to the event.

 Pictured at the Gordie Howes C.A.R.E.S. Luncheon held Apr 15 at the Westin Calgary NHL are Manor Village Life Centers’ Dr. Garth Mann and Marty Howe, son of legendary hockey great Gordie Howe.

An exceptionally mild winter coupled with unseasonably hot temperatures has created one of the earliest springs we have seen for a long time.

Lilacs are in bloom. Profusion crabs and Nanking cherry bushes are almost finished their show.  Many coniferous trees are showing signs of stress — a plethora of cones is a sure sign. Horticulturalists are predicting a season of rampant black spot on purple leaf plum trees. Bees appear to be understandably confused. The scourge of dandelions look to have come and gone already.  Pity those who suffer from allergies as this season could be a doozy. And it’s dry, dry, dry.

As glorious as the early spring has been for outdoor barbecues and sunset walks, it could prove challenging for the garden as the season progresses. Probably the best thing one can do now is deep soaking trees and shrubs. Watering should be done early in the morning-not in the heat of the day. A soaker hose or a simple garden hose on low will produce the best results. Trees should be watered at the drip line (the outermost branches) and not right at the trunk. Lawns as well are in need of moisture and it should go without saying that an oscillating sprinkler hitting more of the driveway and sidewalk rather than the lawn is just plain dumb-and wasteful. It is the perfect time to aerate lawns but remember to water well after doing so.

If parts of your garden are still damp — on the north side, for example, don’t be tempted to work the soil. When the soil dries out, it will be as hard as concrete. Bone dry parts of the garden should be watered well and covered with mulch to preserve moisture.

The rule of thumb when it comes to planting annuals is wait until the May long weekend. In rural areas, the first of June is usually the chosen date. It is perhaps too early to plant up containers with annuals, except pansies. I’ve had pansies on my terrace since April 1 and other than errant deer making a meal of the blooms, the plants are quite happy and will remain so until the hot days of August. Tempting as it may be to plant begonias and sweet potato vine, it’s best to wait as it is too early and temperatures in the low single digits — or heaven forbid, below zero, will kill the plants. It is not too early, however, to directly sow sweet pea seeds into the garden. In fact, this could have been done a few weeks ago as sweet peas like cool evenings and cool soil.

Now if you absolutely cannot wait to plant up containers, remember container design should have a thriller, a spiller and a filler.  Thriller is the focal point — usually the largest of the plant materials. Good choices include: dracaena (spikes); canna lily; any type of ‘tree’ standard-rose for example; even Japanese Maple. Spiller, as the name implies, refers to trailing plants. Lobelia, ivy, bacopa, asparagus fern, petunia, million bells, silver licorice, vinca vine and nasturtium all are great spillers. Fillers run the gamut from tried and true geranium and dusty miller to marigold, ageratum, osteospermum and begonia. Make sure when combining plants that they all have the same requirements in terms of light level. Plants that thrive in full sun are not a great combination with plants that like shade. Harden off annuals before planting. This means acclimatize them to outdoor conditions by placing annuals outside for longer periods of time each day.

So here’s to a gardening season full of joy. And let’s just pray that this unusual weather doesn’t create (more) havoc.

A sure sign spring is here (was here?) is the blooming of Kaufmanniana tulips. These lovelies will multiple year after year and do not need any special treatment.

 Purple leaf plum trees are sending out a plethora of suckers this year. This could be as a result of an exceptionally dry winter combined with pruning of the tree last year. Suckers are best cut off below the surface of the soil although they will keep coming back so diligence is the answer.

 It’s too early to plant containers now. The May long-weekend is historically the best time. Silk flowers-although not for everyone-can make a great substitute while waiting for the real thing. This container features two of the three most important elements: a thriller and a filler. A spiller is not incorporated into this container.

A rather chilly and damp afternoon certainly didn’t dampen the enthusiasm for the launch of Thomsons Restaurant at the Hyatt Regency new spring menu, cocktails and wine selections. That this day-May 5, happened to coincide with the 16 year anniversary of the opening of the luxury hotel was no coincidence. Your faithful social scribe has had the distinct pleasure of attending myriad galas and events at the Hyatt over the years. But I must admit, I was rather shocked that it had been 16 years since the opening night gala of the Hyatt. Where does the time go?

Sublime samplings prepared by executive chef David Flegel and chef de cuisine Rebecca House were served under the watchful eye of Hyatt GM Amy Johnson who is back in our fair city after a stint with Hyatt in Chicago. Assistant food and beverage manager Denny Grosclaude was also on deck with day-one Hyatt staff Nick Makropoulos and Tracy Burton. Willow Park Wines and Spirits’ Michael Bigattini was also in attendance sharing samplings of the entirely re-worked wine list.

 Pictured at the media launch of Thomsons’ new spring menu held May 5 are Nick Makropoulos and Tracy Burton. This day happened to coincide with the 16-year anniversary of the opening of the Hyatt Regency, Calgary. Makropoulos and Burton have been working at the luxury hotel since day one.

 Pictured at the media launch of Thomsons’ new spring menu held May 5 are Willow Park Wines & Spirits’ Michael Bigattini (left) and Hyatt Regency assistant food and beverage manager Denny Grosclaude.