Local groups recieve grants from the Provincial Government

Community investment grant recipient
Fort McMurray Historical Society ($125,000 - Community Facility Enhancement Program):
The society’s mandate is to preserve and maintain the Wood Buffalo region’s history by encouraging collection and preservation of artifacts, documents, buildings and sites. Grant funding will help renovate the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) Building to compliment the RBC Foundation-sponsored educational program, Moving North.

Community investment grants aid Fort McMurray and area youth, recreation and local history projects
The Alberta government is supporting eight community-based projects that will provide services to youth, enhance recreational opportunities for all ages, and help preserve the rich history of the Fort McMurray area.

Funding will be provided through the Government of Alberta’s Community Initiatives Program (CIP) and Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP).

More than $425,000 will be shared by seven organizations:
Fort McMurray Historical Society - $125,000 (CFEP)
Anzac Li’l Lakers Family Resource Centre - $25,000 (CIP) and $73,392 (CIP)
Fort McMurray Public School District No. 2833- $30,997 (CIP)
Wood Buffalo Safe/Healthy Community Network - $9,462 (CIP)
Amateur Radio Club - $26,348 (CIP)
HUB Family Resource Centre - $11,665 (CIP)
MacDonald Island Park Corporation - $125,000 (CFEP)

“The community spirit that we see in Fort McMurray, Anzac and across the Wood Buffalo region generates an energy all its own,” said Lindsay Blackett, Minister of Culture and Community Spirit. “These nonprofit, volunteer organizations are directing that energy toward the building of safe, healthy and inclusive communities and supporting projects that epitomize the good work of Alberta’s community investment grant programs.”

The Community Initiatives Program provides funds to empower local citizens and community groups to work together in response to local needs. The Community Facility Enhancement Program assists nonprofit organizations throughout the province to plan, upgrade and develop community-use facilities and places to enhance community life and well-being.

“Our nonprofit and volunteer organizations are in the best position to identify and find ways to meet the needs of the community,” said Jeff Johnson, MLA for Athabasca-Redwater. “Investing in these organizations and the work they are doing benefits all Albertans.”

The Alberta government is working to build a better Alberta by fostering economic growth, strengthening health and education systems, investing in infrastructure, supporting safe and strong communities, and ensuring a clean and healthy environment.


Media inquiries may be directed to:
Parker Hogan, Communications
Alberta Culture and Community Spirit
780-427-6530
Cell: 780-914-2869
To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.

Culture Days unveils plans

Here is a little blurb from the Creative City Network newsletter that I received this morning. Check the bottom of the post for links to more sites that covered this announcement.

Culture Days unveils plans for second annual Canada-wide celebration of arts and culture
"[May.9] marks the launch of the second annual Culture Days campaign - a collaborative, grassroots Canada-wide movement to raise the awareness, accessibility, participation and engagement of all Canadians in the arts and cultural life of their communities… the second free Culture Days event weekend will take place in every province and territory, simultaneously on September 30, October 1 and 2, 2011 and is expected to see hundreds of communities take part with more than 300 activity organizers in 122 cities and towns already having pre-registered across the country. The cross-Canada celebration represents the largest-ever collective public participation campaign undertaken by the arts and cultural community in this country. The inaugural Culture Days celebration was held in September 2010 over three days in more than 700 Canadian cities and towns of all sizes. 'The enthusiastic response and widespread participation that the inaugural Culture Days event garnered in communities across the country highlights that arts and culture play a very meaningful role for millions of Canadians,' said Antoni Cimolino, Chair of Culture Days' national Steering Committee and General Director of Stratford Shakespeare Festival. 'This year promises to further showcase and celebrate the vast and diverse artistic and cultural talent that contributes to the vitality of our communities.'"


See also:

• CNW, May 9, 2011 weblink
• Culture Days returns for second year', The Globe and Mail'  weblink
• 'Vancouver artists, performers spread word about Canada-wide festival', Vancouver Sun weblink

2011 Artist In Residency Participants

The roster for the 2011, Fort McMurray based program has been announced as follows:

• Lucie Bause
• Kriza Borromeo
• Carli Gaudet
• Megan Green
• Paul Neiman

 To see profile pages for each artist, which include biographical information and examples of their work, you can visit the Municipal site by clicking here.

Placemaking is New, State-Wide Economic Development Strategy

The image and content below were taken from the Projects for Public Space Blog which I've featured on our blog before. Keep in mind this is only a snip-it of the full article, if you're keen to read more please visit their site for the full thing by clicking here.

Interest in the idea of Placemaking and Place-based Governance has been ‘percolating’ around the world during the past several years as people are looking for new models for economic growth and for creating place capital, the shared wealth that drives thriving communities.

One center of this ‘percolation’ is in Michigan where the new Governor, Rick Snyder, used the announcement of his first Special Message to the Michigan Legislature to demonstrate the important role that Placemaking could play in the state’s future.

Recognizing the successful efforts of various organizations including the Michigan Municipal League, The Michigan Land Use Institute, and the Michigan State University Land Policy Institute, the governor’s Director of Strategic Planning, Bill Rustem, helped craft a Special Message with an unprecedented focus on Placemaking at both the state and local levels:

The Governor’s Special Message on Community Development and Local Government Reforms to the Michigan State Legislature, March 21, 2011:

“Neighborhoods, cities and regions are awakening to the importance of ‘place’ in economic development. They are planning for a future that recognizes the critical importance of quality of life to attracting talent, entrepreneurship and encouraging local businesses. Competing for success in a global marketplace means creating places where workers, entrepreneurs, and businesses want to locate, invest and expand. This work has been described as a “sense of place” or “place-based economic development” or simply “placemaking.”

Economic development and community development are two sides of the same coin. A community without place amenities will have a difficult time attracting and retaining talented workers and entrepreneurs, or being attractive to business.

Each community contributes to the overall success of its region. People, companies and talent do not move to specific communities- they move to regions. Being globally competitive as a region requires understanding, mapping and pooling regional resources and assets. Local governments, the private sector, schools, higher education and nongovernmental and civic organizations must collaborate to make Michigan’s economic regions, and ultimately the state, competitive.”

According to Arnold Weinfeld, director of Strategic Initiatives and Federal Affairs at the Michigan Municipal League, “Placemaking is a positive approach to recreating our economies and communities for the 21st century.”

Dance and Hockey Workshops 2011

Simply click on the posters to see them in a larger format.

Calling All Alberta Visual Artists! - OPEN PHOTO 2011

Visual Alberta Arts Association invites all Alberta artists to submit still photographic images to OPEN PHOTO 2011; a juried photography exhibition at the Northern and Southern Jubilee Auditoriums. All subject matter, styles and techniques are welcome!

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at 11am.

Successful applicants will be notified by Friday, July 22, 2011. The honorable mentions and a selection of work from the first exhibition at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, Edmonton will go on to be displayed at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium in Calgary.

Edmonton Exhibition Dates: August 25 to October 2, 2011
Calgary Exhibition Dates: October 2011 (specific dates to be announced)

To download the required application form please visit: http://visualartsalberta.com/?page_id=17335

Submissions may be emailed to: visartaa@telusplanet.net or mailed or dropped off to:

Chris Carson, Executive Director
Visual Alberta Arts Association
780.421.1731/ VISARTAA@VISUALARTSALBERTA.COM
10215-115 Street, Edmonton, AB T5K 1M7

Funding Education Brown Bag Series

May 27 and June 1, 2011 from 12:00noon – 1:30pm

Located at the Redpoll Centre, #200 – 10010 Franklin Avenue, Fort McMurray
Bring your lunch and join other nonprofit organizations and societies to learn about the various funding streams and opportunities in our region.

Contact: network@nonprofitsectorlink.com to register in these free sessions.

Culture Network Meeting

Thursday June 2, 2011, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Located in the Fort McMurray Public Library, large meeting room

This is a new networking forum for groups and individuals within the Wood Buffalo arts and culture community.

Please contact brandi.gartner@woodbuffalo.ab.ca or click here to visit the Municipal website for  more information

SNAP Wood Buffalo Newspaper: Launch

SNAP Overview
SNAP Wood Buffalo is a FREE monthly print publication specializing in providing a "non-political" friendly and entertaining photographic view of living in the community. We cover everything including:

• Community Business Functions and Business Openings
• Charitable Events and Parties
• Sporting Events
• Festivals and Concerts
• People on the Street
• Parades and Carnivals
• The General Daily Life in the Community

There are always lots of pictures of smiling faces that you will recognize from the community - no fires, crime, traffic accidents, wars or politics. We also include an upcoming events calendar, jokes and quotes, recipes and horoscopes. Our newspaper will put you in touch with your community.


The publication is photographically rich, free to consumers and strives to capture the life and entertainment, and the overall spirit in the community. We use a business model that emphasizes customer service and relationships, technology, marketing savvy and quality, thus delivering a product that is both cherished and well read by the consumers within our reach.


The paper is printed

Launch Event:
Thursday May 26 2011, 5-8pm
Location:The Kirschner Family Corporation Building
Address:10014 Main Street
Phone:780-792-9817
URL: http://www.snapwoodbuffalo.com/


Come and celebrate the Launch of Fort McMurray's newest newspaper. SNAP Wood Buffalo is a monthly FREE newspaper celebrating all that's great and good about our community. We cover the events that matter, the people who care, the occasions that mark our history. SNAP Wood Buffalo; we're here, and more importantly, we're here for you.

Starting the Week of May 30, 2011: Visual Arts Workshops!

Don't miss out on these great visual art learning opportunities. These workshops are starting next week with the first class for each medium on either June 1st (acrylic painting), 2nd (watercolour painting) or 4th (drawing) and registration is required. The classes are small so sign up quick to snag one of the 10 spots to learn the basics from great local artists. If you've always wanted to try watercolour, acrylic or drawing, or if you are feeling rusty and want to hone your skills give Get Creative Workshops a try.

Workshops available for registration:

• Acrylic Painting with Carmen Bilac: Wednesdays starting June 1st - June 22nd 6:00-8:00pm
• Watercolour Painting with Carol Breen: Thursdays starting June 2nd - June 23nd 6:00-8:00pm
• Drawing with Megan Green: Saturdays starting June 4th - June 25nd 12:30-2:30pm

All supplies will be provided to the class and are included in the price of the workshop. To register please use the contact information located on the bottom of the poster.

Heart of Wood Buffalo 2011: Ceremony and Call for Nominations

Call for Nominations!

Download the 2011 Heart of Wood Buffalo Leadership Awards Nomination Guidelines and Form by clicking here.

 Nomination deadline: June 1, 2011

The 'Heart of Wood Buffalo Leadership Awards' Ceremony - Celebrating Excellence in the Nonprofit Sector
Wood Buffalo is one of the best places to live, work and raise a family largely due to the strength in community leadership and the pride citizens feel for their community. The inaugural Awards celebration will honour the achievements of senior management, board volunteers, philanthropists and non-profit organizations that have embodied the spirit of capacity-building, community innovation and leadership.

Celebrate the amazing achievements of the Nonprofit sector! Nominate an outstanding community leader today and let them know how much you appreciate their energy, hard work and community impact!

Tuesday, June 21st, 7:00 pm
Keyano College, Recital Theatre, with special guest, Michael Jones.
Don't miss the inaugural ceremony and your chance to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the Nonprofit Sector -- the Heart of Wood Buffalo! For Award Ceremony tickets and more information, click here

Alberta Arms & Cartrige Collectiors Association

Alberta Arms & Cartridge Collectors Association will be having a show in town on May 27th, 28th. &  29th, 2011. The local show will be held at Frank Lacroix. For more information please call Frank Lacroix - 780-743-5804 or the AACCA via the contact info below.

This is a general Interest show. You will see firearms, antique & modern; military & related collectibles, western art; custom knife makers, gun smiths & gun makers, hunting wear & supplies, archery; sword & bayonets; collectors cartridges; & much much more.

Phone: 403-771-8348 - club information

Fax: 403-516-6079 - show contact

For General questions, unwanted firearms, militaria, related collectibles etc. Contact us by Email: holmbh@telusplanet.net

Urban Initiative: Todd Babiak's The Wall

I received the below information as part of the Edmonton Arts Council monthly electronic publication, Public Art Monthly. The article is titled 'Urban Initiative: Todd Babiak's The Wall' and it included the great video that I've also included below. To subscribe the the publication click here.

Last month, Edmonton Journal columnist Todd Babiak introduced a new project called Interventions, calling for people to submit ideas for 'beauty interventions' for Edmonton's urban spaces.

"We're going to seek the wisdom of Edmonton architects, planners, designers, troublemakers and artists. But more importantly, we're seeking the wisdom of amateur urbanists like you. I'll take your ideas for "interventions" and publish them, broadcast them, spread them about -- help make them happen." writes Babiak. (Edmonton Journal, April 20, 2011)

Since that first article, he has received hundreds of e-mails from readers with ideas to beautify the city, some of which he has featured as letters of the day on his blog. And the ideas keep coming. Got something to add? Send it to Todd at interventions@edmontonjournal.com

http://blogs.edmontonjournal.com/category/news/that-internet-thing/

'Urban Initiative: Todd Babiak's The Wall'

Mr. Dakota House visits the Nistawayou Friendship Centre

Hello Everyone,

The Nistawayou Friendship centre are having a special visitor on May 20th at 2:30pm til 3:30pm. We are honored to have Mr. Dakota House who is a renown Canadian Aboriginal Actor from many film productions including North Of Sixty. Dr. Makere Stewart-Harawira PhD and Signatory to the United league of Indigenous Nations will also be accompanying Dakota on his visit. Please join us for an opportunity to meet both Dakota and Dr. Makere Stewart-Harawira and listen to their stories as they share their experience with us.

Thank you

Yvette Elmquist
Executive Director
executivedirector@shawcable.com
phone 780-743-8555
fax 780-791-4041Nistawoyou Associaton Friendship Centre


8310 Manning Avenue
Fort McMurray, Alberta
T9H 1W1

A follow up: Art students exhibition

Last saturday the Wood Buffalo Artists Forum had the official opening of yet another great exhibition at the MacDonald Island Community Gallery: the Art students exhibition.

Councillor Mike Allen was the speaker and guest of honour.

You can also check out the video by clicking on this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiaM9Y9Aqo4

Second Annual Métis Fest

Fort McMurray Métis Local 1935

Fort McMurray Métis Local 1935 is very pleased to announce that we will be hosting our Second Annual Métis Fest on Friday, May 27, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. We would like to invite you to take part.

The day will be filled with exciting and interesting Métis theme-based activities centered around:

• Cultural entertainment
• Interactive participation in cultural activities
• Games, arts & crafts
• Food and refreshments
• History
• Education & membership information

This will be a rain or shine event. There will be campfires, jigging, fiddling, moose calling, games and traditional Métis cuisine. Our line-up of entertainment will be outstanding with Master Métis fiddler John Arcand accompanied by Vickie Arcand. The Asham Stompers will dance their way into your hearts with a high energy jigging extravaganza. Dress comfortably for the occasion and the weather. Please park at the Sawridge Conference Centre and shuttle across to the Métis grounds.

Our goal is to engage youth and our community, both Métis and non aboriginal, so that our history is passed on to the next generation. We are anticipating you will be able to join us for a fun filled day rich in Métis culture, cuisine and games.

If you would like any additional information please contact 780-743-2659 or Carla Cooper, Events Coordinator at the following email address events1935@fortmcmurraymetis.org

Yours truly,

May-Britt Jensen-Jahelka

General Manager

Jimmy Rankin: Made Keyano Feel Like Home

Being from the East coast I try to take in any music I can from the home of my heart, Cape Breton. It was not to dissappoint last night. It was an intimate evening with Jimmy Rankin as he performed songs from his new album, "Forget About The World" and from his older albums. He even threw in a few Rankins songs which had the crowd toe tapping and partying like they were in a kitchen on the East coast.

There hasn't been many concerts I've attended that I feel that I have been removed and placed somewhere else, but I did last night. After a few songs I felt like I wasn't in Fort McMurray. I felt like I was in Cape Breton at the Savoy Theater. The energy of the crowd and the enthusiasm for such wonderful talent was heart warming to say the least. He even had an energetic guest dancer that truly showed us how Capers get a move on way up here in Alberta. The crowd danced, sang and truly were part of the performance. The show lasted over two hours and afterword he graciously signed autographs and got pictures with his fans. He may be hittin' the bigtime but he still is a small town Caper that doesn't forget his roots and he shows it through his kindness and enthusiasm for his fans.

Jimmy has just released his fourth solo album, "Forget About The World." He explained why he picked that title last night; he wanted his fans to forget about all the problems in the world for an hour or so and relax and from my experience it works. I would highly reccomend buying his new CD and escaping. As I am sure I can speak for your audience last night when I say, Thank You!!!

Free Webinars on: Art & Cultural Management, Education and Team Building 2011

Make time for learning by participating in these free May webinars from ACE Communities that will grow you as a community leader.

ARTS SMARTS IN SMALL COMMUNITIES (Janet Naclia and Panel), Tuesday, May 17th, 20111:15 - 2:30 pm
Who says a small community can't benefit from the impact of arts, culture, and heritage activities. Interact with leaders from a number of small communities who are leading the way in terms of becoming more creative communities.

EDUCATIONAL ALTERNATIVES IN RURAL ALBERTA (Carol Ohler), Thursday, May 19, 20119:30 - 11:00 am
Schools are a key link to community viability in rural Alberta but many public and high schools are at risk of closing. Are you interested in generating some solutions to educational challenges in your small rural community? Is there an advantage to being part of a network of rural communities who support one another? ACE leader and Coach Carol Ohler will facilitate a dialogue about rural school closure challenges and what you can do to educate your community's youth for the 21st Century.

EFFECTIVE IDEAS AND ACTIVITIES FOR TEAM BUILDING (Barb Pedersen), Wednesday, May 25, 2011 9:30 - 11:00 am
Are you looking for ideas and activities that will facilitate a deeper understanding between teams of co-workers and/or volunteers (especially as new summer staff begin)? Do you want to enhance team performance, pride, and a spirit of cooperation and of helping out one another? This webinar will help you get started with practical tools and resources for strengthening your team.

To register for any of these free webinars (all are welcome), email Montana Snell at msnell@aceleaders.ca and more information will follow.

To unsubscribe from this listserv click this link.
http://crm.arpaonline.ca/index.php?q=civicrm/mailing/optout&reset=1&jid=125&qid=17940&h=7fb0dded54ff7f9e

Public Library: Online Language Learning System

Fort McMurray Public Library is pleased to announce the introduction of a powerful new online language learning system. Library members have free unlimited access to learn over 70 languages.

Byki, short for “Before You Know It,” is a rapid learning system employing spaced interval repetition. The Byki learning method takes users through a series of simple steps to memorize words and phrases in a new language, including their meanings and proper pronunciation, in the shortest possible time.

Available for learning over 70 languages, library patrons are able to access the Byki Online system from inside or outside of the library, via the web browser on Windows and Mac computers. Users will have a variety of high quality learning options that build listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills. Byki includes Advanced Pronunciation Analysis to help users perfect their pronunciation skills. Individual progress tracking and assessment tests help identify areas for improvement and move users in the right direction.

In addition to Byki Online’s advanced learning tools, users will have access to an array of online language and cultural resources including one click access to Facebook and Twitter language communities as well as Byki language Blogs featuring a collection of articles covering the language and the culture that surrounds it. Byki Online is designed to be very low maintenance and easy to use.

Details on Byki Online may be found at http://www.fmpl.ca/ For more information about how to use this great new and free service, please speak with Help Desk staff at the library.

Get Creative: Visual Arts Workshops 2011

 Workshops available for registration:

• Acrylic Painting with Carmen Bilac: Wednesdays starting May 25th to June 15th, 2011 6:00-8:00pm
• Watercolour Painting with Carol Breen: Thursdays starting May 26th to June 16th, 2011 6:00-8:00pm
• Drawing with Megan Green: Saturdays starting May 28th to June 18th, 2011 12:30-2:30pm

 
All supplies will be provided to the class and are included in the price of the workshop.

Student Exhibition Opening: MacDonald Island Community Art Gallery

A message from: Ana Maria Mendez-Barks, Cultural Coordinator with Mac Donald Island Park Corporation.Mike Allen, Councillor, Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo will be opening the Exhibition.


You are invited to the Student Art Exhibition on Saturday 14th at 7pm at Suncor Community Leisure Centre MacDonald Island Park (Second floor).

Thanks for your support to the Art Students.

Polynesian Dance presents Celebrate Spring - With Aloha!

Come and celebrate spring with Aloha! Our Keiki (Children) and Wahine (Ladies) have been working hard all year to perform some dances from Hawaii and Tahiti.

Sunday, May 15 at 7pm
All Seats: $10

Keyano Box Office is open Monday to Wednesday 12:30 pm to 4 pm, Thursday and Friday 12:30pm to 8pm, Saturday 11am to 4pm and an hour before a ticketed event. To purchase tickets call the box office at 780-791-4990 or buy online at www.keyano.ca/theatre

Spring Basket Auction 2011

Photographs of gift baskets for the library’s Spring Basket Auction are now available to view on the library’s Facebook page http://ht.ly/4QuSW

The basket auction will be accepting bids starting at 11am Saturday, May 14, 2011; all baskets will be displayed on the main floor of the library. Bidding will continue for the remainder of the day and again from noon to 4pm on Sunday during Spring Frenzy at the library.

Please join us on Sunday for our annual spring fundraiser; tickets can be purchased at the door upon entry. For admission, we request a non-perishable food item for donation to the Fort McMurray Food Bank. Tickets are $1 each, activities require one ticket (including food items) so you can determine the cost for your family to participate.

Choose from:

• Lady Bug tic tac toe
• Spin the bug wheel
• Bowl a bug
• Caterpillar Crawl
• Bug toss
• Hide a bug
• Dirt ‘n worms
• Cupcake decorating
• Hot Pizza and cold drink for lunch
• Snow Cones
• Photo Corner
• Face Painting
• And the free reading tent

Everyone will also have the opportunity to participate in the free prize draw! For more information, call the Children’s Help Desk at 780-743-7804.

Hope to see you, have a great week!

Festival Grand Concert 2011

Oilsands Rotary Music Festival presents Festival Grand Concert 2011

The Oilsands Rotary Music Festival is part of the Alberta Music Festival Association and the Federation of Canadian Music Festivals. Our purpose is to promote the appreciation of and participation in music and speech arts by young students up to the age of 28 in the local, provincial and national music festivals. Its primary intent is that the music performed be of a serious ("classic") nature, although other styles have been added for interest.

Saturday, May 14 at 7:30pm

All Seats: $20

Keyano Box Office is open Monday to Wednesday 12:30 pm to 4 pm, Thursday and Friday 12:30pm to 8pm, Saturday 11am to 4pm and an hour before a ticketed event. To purchase tickets call the box office at 780-791-4990 or buy online at www.keyano.ca/theatre

Full Circle Mentoring Program - seeking volunteers and staff

Full Circle Mentoring Program is an Aboriginal-based afterschool group program. It is a partnership between Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wood Buffalo, Compostite High School, Greely Road School, Dr. Clark School, Father Turcotte School, Child & Family Services and Youth Connections-YMCA. It is a multi-tiered program that includes 3 adult mentors, 9 Teen Mentors, and 27 mentees. The program is sponsored by Shell Canada 
Mission: "Working together to bring Aboriginal Culture into Full Circle through Mentorship"


This wonderful program is currently seeking volunteers for In School Mentors for Anzac , Fort McKay, Fort McMurray


More info see: www.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/woodbuffalo, and visit the programs tab.


They are also seeking someone who has a holistic knowledge of local aboriginal cultures to fill the position of Full Circle Mentoring Coordinator(aboriginal)

More Info: call 791-2447
Email: danielle.murgatroyd@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca

St. Martha's School Presents Willy Wonka Junior

Willy Wonka is a scumdidilyumptious musical guaranteed to delight everyone's sweet tooth! Ronald Dahl's timeless story of the world famous candy man and his quest to find an heir comes to live in this stage adaptation of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, which features the songs from the classic family film such as "The Candy Man", "Pure Imagination", "Oompa Loompa" and "I Want it Now". Let Willy Wonka Jr take you on a fantasy ride into the land of pure imagination.

Tuesday, May 10 at 7pm

Wednesday, May 11 at 7pm

All Seats: $10

Keyano Box Office is open Monday to Wednesday 12:30 pm to 4 pm, Thursday and Friday 12:30pm to 8pm, Saturday 11am to 4pm and an hour before a ticketed event. To purchase tickets call the box office at 780-791-4990 or buy online at www.keyano.ca/theatre

Capacity Building: Investing in not-for-profit effectiveness

11-May Capacity Building: Investing in not-for-profit effectiveness, Free webinar
11 am to 12:00 pm (MT) , Redpoll Centre, Fort McMurray


Contact Stacey at redpollcentre@fmunitedway.com or call 780-791-0077

Capacity building is about ensuring a not-for-profit organization has the fuel to keep its engines running. For funders, it means providing the right mix of resources to enable not-for-profits to operate at maximum capacity. For not-for-profits, it’s about educating everyone on the true costs of keeping their lights on and what they need to help them achieve their missions.

The PricewaterhouseCoopers Canada Foundation’s latest discussion paper, Capacity Building: Investing in not-for-profit effectiveness, reveals a disconnect between how we describe capacity building and the actions that corporations could be taking to help address it. We challenge corporations and not-for-profits to put themselves in each others’ shoes and speak candidly about the ways they can work better together.

The HR Council is pleased to partner with the PricewaterhouseCoopers Foundation to present this free webinar.

Full Moon Café: May 14th, 2011

The Full Moon Café continues it's 7th Season on: Saturday, May 14th at 7:30 p.m.

This session will be featuring: local singer/ songwriter Selena Moss. Check out Selena's material here: www.reverbnation.com/selenamoss

The FMC is held at the Lions Park Clubhouse in the Lions Park, across from the downtown fire-house. All acoustic musicians, poets, photographers, dancers, visual and performing artists are welcome to share their talents. Admission is a suggested donation of $5. All ages welcome! Coffee house atmosphere.

Confirmed Full Moon Café Dates: June 18th - Featuring the Maher Family and Musical Friends

Call Solange at 780.791-5355 for more details or to make arrangements to display art or to present a dance. http://www.fullmooncaf.blogspot.com/

Deadline Extension: NorthWord Magazine

The deadline to submit works for the upcoming edition of NorthWord magazine has been extended to May 15, 2011.

The local publication is seeking short stories or excerpts from current projects, fiction or non-fiction (3000 words maximum), verse of no more than 50 lines, along with anything surprising, original, evocative, or inventive - the theme for all submission is 'light'.

Submission address is northword@hushmail.com

Open Studio: RMWB Program feature

Open Studio is a art centered program that has been taking place at the Haxton Centre for almost two years. The program is hosted every Tuesday night from 5pm – 8pm. Originally the time slot was provided so that local artists and art enthusiast would have a place to work on their practice or discuss art related topics. Contemporary reading materials were provided as were high quality art easels and occasionally materials for specific projects. In the recent month RMWB programmers have introduces medium specific workshops to expand on the program.

Here are a few words from the program leader, Lisa Laviolette:

We have been bringing in artists to teach different mediums and in the last few months participants have learned techniques in print making, live figure drawing, charcoal drawing, ink painting, photo transfers, acrylic color theory and painting. All materials are provided and once participants are instructed in the technique they have time to evoke their own creativity and utilize their artistic skills to create a project of their own. If participants are not interested in the technique being taught they are also welcome to use the studio space and time to bring in their own projects and work on them.

In the upcoming weeks we will continue using acrylic paint and working on a mixed media project, as well as learning how to create different textures using different mediums. We will also be learning portraiture within the next couple months as well as digital landscape photography. I am hoping to bring in an artist to instruct first nations art, as well as oil painting within the next couple of months.

So if your an art enthusiast or a local artist look for a place to connect with your peers - check out the Haxton Centre on Tuesday nights between 5 - 8pm. For more information click here to be taken to the RMWB Program's page.

Status of the Artist in Canada

I was looking into Art and Cultural conferences taking place in Canada and in my research I came across an amazing site - Canadian Conference of the Arts. This site isn't focused on conferences but rather it's mission is provide a "national forum for the arts and cultural community in Canada. It provides research, analysis and consultations on public policies affecting the arts and the Canadian cultural institutions and industries. The CCA fosters informed public debate on policy issues and seeks to advance the cultural rights of Canadians." To learn more about this amazing site click here. Or check it out under the National Resource list on the right side of the blog.

As I looked through the site I found the resource tab. Here they had listed some wonderful articles and reports.

Here is a link to one that I think will interest local artists, its titled 'Status of the Artist in Canada'. Take a look at it and let me know what you think!

Cheers,

Connor

Volunteer Opportunity: Model Eastern Cultural Clothing

Local designer and business woman, Uzma Syde is asking for help from local women who are interested in volunteering their time to model her designs. This is her first local fashion show and she is looking for community support. She is trying to organize an exhibition and a Fashion Show sometime in June here in Fort McMurray.

She is looking for the following criteria for her volunteers: 
Female models between 18 to 25 year old
She needs at least 10 volunteers (so tell your friends, or volunteer together)

Time commitment:

There will be a get-together and rehearsal two days prior to the event
4-5 hours the day of the event.

For more information please contact:

Uzma Syed: 780-880-8855

Kindergarten Open House

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Mother and Daughter Retreat

Hello Everyone,

Please join RMWB Programs on Saturday, May 7th from 1:00pm to 6:00pm at Composite High School to celebrate Mother’s Day at the Mother and Daughter Retreat. Spend a day and reconnect with that special person in your life. This fun filled retreat will include a variety of bonding activities such, Zumba, a mother daughter cooking class with a gourmet chef, a life coaching session, how well do you know your mother or daughter trivia, and DIY workshops. The cost of the event is $15 for mother and daughter and is being offered to individuals 13 years and older. Pre-registration is required for this event, so please contact RMWB Programs at 780.799.1144 to register.

Spoil your mom with the perfect Mother’s Day gift!

Thank you,

Jillian Smith
Recreation Program Leader
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
P. 780.799.1144

imPULSE Theatre presents Boygroove

BOYGROOVE is a musical that explores the rise and fall of Canada's favorite boy-band "BoyGroove". The auditions, the rehearsing, the ego explosion that comes from fame and the eventual power hungry downward spiral. You know these boys, Jon the "bad boy" from Queens, Kevin the business motivated leader, Andrew the environmental activist, and the very Christian Lance always...on his knees - praying. These boys will leave you humming inappropriate tunes such as "You Make My Hips Buck" and the squeal inducing love ballad "Pushin' and Rockin'". Written by the critically acclaimed Edmonton playwright Chris Craddock and accompanied by music written by Aaron Macri, this fast paced, crude, and side-splitting look at the harsh realities of the music industry.

Thursday, May 5 at 7:30pm
Friday, May 6 at 7:30pm
Saturday, May 7 at 2pm  and 7:30pm

Adults: $20
Students & Seniors: $15

Arts and Culture Network Meeting

You are invited to a networking meeting for Arts and Culture Agencies. This meeting is based on feedback from local stakeholders in the area of arts and culture, that we need to come together as a group to share our ideas. We hope this will be the first occurrence of what will become a regular gathering of voices from the Arts and Culture communities in our region.

The future of this network meeting will provide a local forum to discuss ideas, events, challenges and solutions for arts and culture in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. Participants can bring information and share how their group is engaging the arts, history and culture of this region to help unify our communities and grow our cultural understandings.

The inaugural meeting offers the opportunity for participants to meet to identify a framework, goals and process for creating a sustainable network of cultural agencies.

• Date: Thursday May 5, 2011
• Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
• Location: Lynn Bryant Conference Room - Main Floor, Provincial Building (9915 Franklin Avenue).

For more information or to R.S.V.P. , please contact:

Brandi Gartner, Culture Coordinator with the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Telephone: 780.743.7994 Email: Brandi.gartner@woodbuffalo.ab.ca

JAMMIN' FOR JAPAN

The Social Justice Committee at Father Mercredi is hosting JAMMIN' FOR JAPAN, a Relief Fundraiser for Japan on May 5th at 7pm. The event will feature students and members of the community performing their talents to spread a message of hope. All members of the community are invited to attend. Admission is $10 and there will also be a concession with drinks and baked goods. All proceeds will be donated towards Relief efforts. The event will feature aspects of Japanese culture which 3 of our Japanese exchange students have helped the Social Justice Committee incorporate including, handmade origami, Japanese Calligraphy, candy and sweets sent directly from Japan and wishes and prayers for the people of Japan written on Japanese flags.

Last year the Social Justice Committee organized a similar event to provide relief for Haiti "Hope for Haiti". This event was a huge success and raised thousands of dollars for Haiti Relief. We hope this event will have similar success and be a wonderful evening for Students, Father Mercredi Staff and members of the community to come together and spread a little hope.

Please forward this invite to all your friends, family and co-workers to help in our efforts to host a truly successful community relief effort.

For more info please check out the Father Mercredi Social Justice facebook page, or contact Eithne Pierre  at: ep2891@fmcsd.ab.ca