Paratroopers story in Western Sentinel

My coverage of paratroopers with Third Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (3 PPCLI) was published in the current edition of the Western Sentinel military newspaper. This is very rewarding, especially since I was the editor/ photojournalist of the Sentinel from 2008 to 2013, and had the privilege of covering numerous military events across Western Canada.

My story featured in the January 21 edition is about 3 PPCLI paratroopers jumping into CFB Wainwright last December.  I made a 4-minute video that you can view by clicking this link l and also posted photos on my gallery.   The purpose of that exercise was to capture a bridge held by simulated enemy forces while also preparing for arctic training conditions.

Early this morning, those same paratroopers flew on three Hercules aircraft from Edmonton to Resolute Bay, Nunavut. They are participating in Exercise Arctic Ram, a large-scale activity involving about 2,500 troops, local Inuit residents and members of the Canadian Rangers.

The training mission scenario is to recover a mock satellite that crashed near Resolute Bay. The overall objective is to train soldiers in Arctic survival and navigation in a barren area where there are no trees or other natural shelter.  One of the challenges includes the weather that can plunge to -50°C with the wind chill – not to mention occasional whiteout conditions.

Arctic Ram takes place from Feb. 12 to 20, and is part of Canada’s Arctic sovereignty plan so the military is ready if called upon for emergency response in the far north.

Published in Edmonton Senior newspaper!

Happy to provide my photojournalism services for Edmonton Senior newspaper.  They published one of my photos on their cover page of the February 2016 edition.  I covered a story about the Winter Wonderland gala on Jan. 19 in Touchmark at Wedgewood retirement community in southwest Edmonton.  You’ll find my story and other photos on page 3.

Oh wait, there’s more!  In keeping with everyone’s New Years health resolutions, I featured the Prescription To Get Active program.  Organized by the Primary Care Network across Alberta, it involves doctors prescribing physical activity to improve health and prevent disease.  That story is on page 20, and worth the read to find out more about this free program.

And finally, my favourite:  “The Sages of the Local Stage” appears on page 23.  I had the pleasure of meeting some very cool people (young and young at heart) doing their weekly rehearsal.  They meet every Thursday afternoon at SAGE (Seniors Association of Greater Edmonton) located downtown across the street from city hall.  If you’re looking for a lively seniors activity, this could be it.

Here’s the caption for my cover photo:  “Touchmark at Wedgewood resident Geoffrey Ironside and Joan Drake (the facility Life Enrichment/ Wellness Director) enjoy the Winter Wonderland Gala.

I should mention that Edmonton Senior newspaper is free and available in newsstands at most large grocery stores, for example:  Safeway.  

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

France honours local WW2 veterans

Several veterans of the Second World War were presented with medals of the Legion of Honour during a formal ceremony on Feb. 8 in the Alberta Legislature Building Rotunda. The event that began at 4 p.m. was hosted by Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Robert Wanner. After speeches by elected officials, Jean-Christophe Fleury, French Consul General based in Vancouver, commenced with the medal presentations.

More than 100 family members and guests assembled in the rotunda to witness the ceremony and take pictures. During his speech, Mr. Fleury gave a heartfelt message of thanks on behalf of the French people and their government.  He explained the Legion d’Honneur is the highest decoration that France can bestow, and is the equivalent to the Order of Canada. © Grant Cree photo

To see more photos of this remarkable event, visit my online gallery.

Finalist for Event Awards

Wow!  I’m truly honoured and humbled to be selected as one of three finalists for the category Best Supplier – Event Photographer in the Edmonton Event Awards gala taking place on Feb. 25 at the Royal Alberta Museum.  Many thanks to my clients (you know who you are!) who took the time to write some very flattering reference letters.   Much appreciated. 

“We have been overwhelmed with the response from our events community and the number of submissions received,” the event organizers told me in an email I received earlier today. “Scoring has now been completed and we are ready to announce the short-list for each category.”

This promises to be a fun evening with many high-voltage people, and that’s what I love about covering events! 

For the full list of finalists, visit: www.eventawards.ca

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

Discover China

Last October I was part of a Chamber of Commerce trade mission to China.  Here’s my 3-minute video and online gallery of our 10-day trek that began in Beijing and wrapped up in Shanghai.  You’ll see a few highlights from our very busy schedule that was organized by a world-class tour company: Citslinc International Inc. 

We stayed in 5-star hotels, dined on LOTS of delicious Chinese food and saw glimpses of everyday life.  And I must say that you just haven’t lived until you’ve haggled with local street vendors!  Our tour guide told us a favourite saying:  “No shop, no happy.  No bargain, no fun.”  In fact, two friendly and knowledgeable English speaking guides were available from dawn until dusk to provide fascinating insights for the visitors.

Some of the places you’ll see in this video are The Great Wall, a pearl factory, and Tiananmen Square in Beijing.  Activities included a canal ride in Suzhou and visits to The Lingering Garden, a Buddhist Pagoda and the world famous Dragon Well tea factory.  The tour wrapped up at Shanghai, a massive city that never sleeps.

The Chambers of Commerce across Canada want to help businesses develop trade links with China, and cultural tours are one way to achieve that goal.  The intent is to foster personal relationships that local business people can continue after they return home.  

© Grant Cree photo.

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

Boat tours were among the variety of activities during the Chamber of Commerce tour to China.