Strong contenders at Edmonton Garrison

A team of soldiers with Second Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, hurry hard during a curling game on Jan. 27 that was part of Exercise Strong Contender at Edmonton Garrison. They were participating in the annual five-day sports tournament that involved 1,082 troops in 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (1 CMBG) from across Western Canada. Other activities included ice and ball hockey, basketball, volleyball, powerlifting and tactical athletics.

Strong Contender builds fitness, teamwork and esprit de corps – while everyone else at the Garrison stopped by periodically at each venue to cheer the competitors.  Despite all the laughter and fun, this tournament is also high-readiness training for 1 CMBG troops to deploy anywhere in the world.

To see more photos, visit the 1 CMBG Flickr gallery

Soldiers with 2 PPCLI hurry hard during a curling game on Jan. 27 at Edmonton Garrison.

New program for military members taking medical release

 The Edmonton Garrison Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) officially announced on Jan. 21 the launch of a Veteran Family Program. The Edmonton MFRC is one of seven locations chosen for this four-year pilot project to provide medically-released Veterans and their families with support for two years from the date of release.

“When Canadian Armed Forces member makes the transition from active service to the veteran status, their family indeed does too,” said Denise Kantor, Veteran Family Coordinator with the local MFRC.  She was speaking to a gathering of military members, MFRC staff and news media.

Denise Kantor, Veteran Family Coordinator with Edmonton Garrison Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) announces the launch of the Veteran Family Program on Jan. 21 during a news conference in the local MFRC.

“Releasing from the Canadian Armed Forces can be challenging for members and their families, but even more so, when the release is a result of a medical condition,” said Kantor. She noted the pilot project will support approximately 1,200 Canadian

military members who release each year as well as 700 military spouses and 900 children impacted by their release.

Veteran Family Pilot Program services include enhanced information and referral services, transition programs and access to intervention support.

 This program will be delivered by the Edmonton MFRC in partnership with Veterans Affairs Canada and Military Family Services.

Kantor concluded the announcement with an invitation to medically releasing veterans and their families to attend a workshop to discuss the topic of transition to civilian life. “The workshop will be followed by a forum where participants will have the opportunity to offer their feedback on the programs and services that they may find helpful for a smooth transition,” said Kantor. “Their feedback will also help shape The veteran family pilot project.”

Edmonton Garrison MFRC provides military families with support, resources, programs and services to meet the unique challenges of military life.  For more information on the MFRC, visit: http://www.familyforce.ca/sites/edmonton/EN/Pages/default.aspx

© Grant Cree photo.  

Almost Jazz performs for seniors

Musicians with the Almost Jazz band performed for more than 70 seniors on Jan. 19 at Touchmark at Wedgewood retirement community in Edmonton.  They were participating in the Winter Wonderland Gala as a way to beat the winter blahs.  The musicians performed a lively variety of popular songs from the 1940s onward to the delight of all. 

© Grant Cree photos.

Residents of Touchmark at Wedgwood enjoy live entertainment by Almost Jazz during the Winter Wonderland Gala.

Entertainers with Almost Jazz belt out the tunes during the Winter Wonderland gala on Jan. 19 for seniors.

Almost Jazz trumpet player Stephen Fong performs 'Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy' for residents of Techmark at Wedgwood. on Jan. 19 during the Winter Wonderland Gala.

Chamber of Commerce Chair’s Dinner

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the 2016 Chair’s Dinner at the St. Albert Inn.  More than 170 guests witnessed Mayor Nolan Crouse conduct the swearing in ceremony of Ken Macrae (as Chair) and Brian Bachynski (as 1^st Vice-Chair).

The evening highlight was the swearing in and signing ceremony presided by St. Albert Mayor Nolan Crouse (right) who oversaw Ken Macrae (left) installed as the 2016 Chair and Brian Bachynski (centre) as 1st Vice-Chair.

It was -31 outside, but everyone was warmly greeted in the Heritage Room. Upon arrival, each guest was given a complimentary glass of champagne and a passport. The event theme was “Around the World with the Macraes”, which featured five areas set up to honour the travels of the Macrae family: North America, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia. Each of the five areas had fun activities to help everyone experience a virtual trip around the world.

To make it seem like a real travel experience, participants handed over their passports to friendly hosts at each activity booth.  After the passport was given a “custom stamp”, the fun began.  Activities included a funny money casino, a Cuban dance team teaching basic salsa steps and a flair bartender mesmerizing guests with their skills at whipping up a South American cocktail.  Other stops were a Chinese knot-tying and clay art activity and a sommelier teaching the fine art of wine drinking.

Immediately following the delicious buffet dinner, the Hong De Cultural & Athletic Association performed with traditional Chinese drums and two dragons that interacted with laughing guests.  It seemed everyone had their smart phones out to snap pictures!

Master of Ceremonies John Farlinger (a former CFL champ) introduced three local elected officials, each who spoke briefly.  They were Member of Parliament Michael Cooper, MLA Marie Renaud, MLA Trevor Horne and Mayor Nolan Crouse.  Without any further ado, Mayor Crouse, wearing his chain of office, called the two new Chamber chairs to the stage.  He conducted the swearing in ceremony that included the two new Chairs reading aloud their oaths of office.

Moments later, Curtis Labelle & Friends performed a lively rendition of “There’s No Business Like Show Business”, and other popular songs – much to the delight of audience members.  Mayor Crouse took to the stage again worked his tongue twisting magic as auctioneer of a painting finished moments before by local artist Lewis Lavoie.  The impressive work depicts Perron Street in downtown St. Albert. 

After much applause, everyone carried on with their virtual global trek by visiting the five activity areas.   Congratulations to the event organizers and sponsors for hosting such a terrific evening!

Grant Cree is an Edmonton-based photojournalist specializing in photo and video event coverage to help clients connect with their audiences. www.grantcree.ca  780-940-3228

St. Albert artist lovingly applies finishing touches to his masterpiece depicting Perron Street.

Members of the Hong De Cultural & Athletic Association perform.

Guests at the 2016 Chamber Chair event.

Master of Ceremonies John Farlinger (left) holds the painting finished moments earlier by St. Albert artist Lewis Lavoie (right) which was later auctioned off by Mayor Nolan Crouse.