Judy Liddle is in the right of the photo and on the left is Judy's sister and in the centre is MC for the evening Cornel MendesPhoto Len Chan
By Len Chan The Afro News Calgary : A Fundraiser for Hope Centre Orphanage of Trinidad was held May 7 at Winston Heights Community Centre and was well attended and strong support for the Orphanage. Co-ordinated by Judy Liddle the fundraiser included a silent auction.TV draw,50/50 and for ticket holders a chance for the door prizes. Hope Centre Orphanage is in San Fernando,Trinidad at 47-53 Pointe-a-Pierre Rd.and all monies received by Judy Liddle is taken directly to Hope Orphanage and Judy has been co-ordinating the Fundraiser for 5 years now.Judy originally from Trinidad along with help from family and friends knowing that the support gives hope to those children less fortunate and a renewed chance to improve their lives especially at a young age. Over the 5 years and success, Judy was blessed with the; problem of looking for a larger hall and also of importance was obtaining sponsorship support. Information on Hope Centre Orphanage fax is 868-657-9630. Hope Centre was established in 1986 and is a charitable non-profit organization for abused and abandoned children. For anyone wanting info Judy can be contacted at 403-827-6826 Supporters and volunteers included non-Caribbeans and this shows that many are united when it comes to support and its an enrichment for many that they have made a difference.
Gary Martin Left and Sam Lay(Right) Black History Month Calgary
By Len Chan The Afro News Calgary
The Black History Foundation of Canada during Black History Month was pleased to have brought in Blues Hall of Famer Sam Lay. Sam Lay was born in 1935 and began as a Drummer in Cleveland and in1954 working with the Moon Dog Combo, In 1959 in Chicago he worked with the Legendary Little Walter. Sam Lay backed up Bob Dylan at the historic 1965 Newport Folk Festival when Dylan first introduced Electric -Rock to the Folk Crowd. He went on to record with Dylan on Highway 61 Revisited..
Lay was also the original Drummer for the James Cotton Blues Band. Lay was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1992 and was recently inducted into the Jazz Hall of Fame in Los Angeles and the Rock Hall of Fame in Cleveland. His Accomplishments are too numerous to mention but reading the above is just part of his lifetime career. In Calgary Gary Martin of the Heavenly Blues Band and one of the Funk Bros. held a special Recognition Nite for Lay at the Crossroads Community Hall. A special Portrait was presented to Lay painted by Earl Klatzel, Internationally Acclaimed Painter.
During his stay in Calgary at the Cantos Music Foundation (Friends of the King Eddy) held a series of Workshops and for those attending the Awards Night was a Dream Come True to meet one of the Greatest in the Blues World. Lay was also the First person in 1965 to play the Blues at the King Eddy Hotel. His workshop was to learn what he is famous for King of the Shuffle.
Even at his age when entering the stage, one can see He is Young at Heart and great musicians such as Lay never lose that Golden Touch. Lay, in the Photo can be seen holding that Special Portrait of Himself while Funk Bros. Gary Martin of the Heavenly Blues Band wants a word from him after presenting Lay with the Special Painting of Himself.
Andrew Parker, Senior VP of Emirates Airline withTransportation and Infrastructure Minister Shirley Bond, announce results of a study at Robson Square.
Emirates Airline revealed findings of a study showing flights into Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary would bring an increase in tourism spend, taxes and jobs.
Emirates is currently restricted to a maximum of three flights per week to and from Canada.
The results are supported by Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Shirley Bond, who was joined by Andrew Parker, Senior VP of Emirates Airline today at Robson Square.
The study highlights the need for more progress on Open Skies agreements to remove barriers to international tourism and commerce.
Emirates have been seeking federal government approval to increase connections between Canada, the Middle East and Asia over the last 10 years.
A senior's information session Calgary left Debbie Belgrave Sybil Braganza Barb Biggs
By Len Chan The Afro News Calgary
A senior’s information session was held at the end of November at the Antigua & Barbuda Association Clubhouse to provide information to Seniors and to the 55 plus age group. Thousands every year are approaching that age bracket and often are not aware of the services available from the City of Calgary and the many organizations in the Province and City that cater to this age group. The information session was hosted by the City of Calgary Community & Neighbourhood Services with speakers Barb Biggs and Sybil Braganza. Co-ordinator is Debbie Belgrave Research Policy Analyst with the City of Calgary and those in attendance approaching the So Called Golden Years are not thrilled about the thought of reaching retirement. The major reasons would be Financial,Health Services,Transportation and for those who become disabled. Barb Biggs and Sybil Braganza both Social Workers with the City had the class follow the Seniors Directory of Services and hoped that Seniors would make use of the services available. Of note is the Kerby Centre Services such as Meals on Wheels, Kerby Centre Seniors Grocery Delivery and another popular program is called Snow Angels. The Snow Angels when their is lots of snow and cold temperatures encourages Neighbours or friends to shovel the sidewalk area where Seniors reside and unable to shovel their own walk way. Often Seniors if they fall on the ice and snow can sustain serious injuries and broken bones. The Snow Angels Program also allows an entry name for nomination for a Westjet Travel Voucher or Two Tickets to the Calgary Flames Game.
Majority of those attending were Jamaicans and Analyst Debbie
ZAMBC’ s First Independence Day Celebration– A Huge Success!
Finally! A sigh of relief and pride washed over many BC Zambians on October 24, 2009 as their countless days of planning, meetings and negotiating came to fruition. That evening, the newly formed association of Zambians living in British Columbia (ZAMBC) celebrated a momentous occasion when it launched its first official event in honour of Zambia’s 45th Independence anniversary. As part of its mandate, the association intends to encourage, to promote and to maintain the rich cultural heritage of Zambia, as well as to foster greater communication ties between Zambians living in BC and those living abroad. The executive body comprises of the: Chairperson Andy Mtambo, Vice Chairperson Mary Chibinda, Treasurer Sitwala Muhongo, Vice Treasurer Lillian Mukanzo, Secretary Ireen Chibinga, Vice Secretary Sau Ngosi, Trustees, Saul Phiri and Angela Malyo.
The event not only saw a delightful turn-out of persons from the Zambian community but the myriad of other nationalities that were represented could hardly have gone unnoticed. Highly represented and not to be left out were a number of Zimbabwean and Mozambican families who would have wanted it no other way.
The evening started out with the singing of the Zambian national anthem and an opening prayer. Then it was followed by an awe-inspiring and informative presentation by the younger Zambian generation who showcased Zambia – its beauty, its secrets and much of its rich oral and cultural traditions. Additionally, as part of the entertainment package, a slide show organized and produced by a group of exuberant teenagers took us into the lives and homes of a number of the Zambian families living in BC. Then finally, the moment that everyone was waiting for arrived – the food! Oh what joy! The unique attribute of this occasion was that the food was not prepared by a hired caterer, but by the Zambian women folk who poured their hearts and souls into providing a host of delicious and mouth-watering dishes from which it was terribly difficult to only choose a few. So most of us just had a bit of everything! The opening of the dance floor by Louis Kabwe culminated the evening’s celebration. Attendees danced until they were wet and even so, they never stopped until the clock struck 2:00am.
The organizing committee wishes to thank all the participants, including those who were not able to be present, attendees and volunteers who helped to make the event the success that it was. Special thanks go to our Zimbabwean and Mozambican brothers and sisters who came out to support us in large numbers. The committee also wishes to thank Salem’s Beauty Supplies and Touch of Africa for their generous gift donations.
Door Prize Winner and on the right is Pres. of Calgary Antigua & Barbuda Assoc. Claude Spencer
The Antigua & Barbuda 28th Anniversary of Independence Celebration
By Len Chan The Afro News Calgary
The Antigua & Barbuda Association of Calgary celebrated the 28th Anniversary of Independence of Antigua & Barbuda with a Dinner and Dance at Crossroads Community Hall Nov. 7. The Hall was fully attended and most important was the top notch Buffet under the direction of Clarence Williams. President of the Assoc. is Claude Spencer and during the opening speech Claude thanked all of his Executive Members and Volunteers for making this a special evening. The Association has their own Building and has also donated to a number of needy organizations. They also have provided scholarships to their young people who are attending Post Secondary and also a number of their members are part of the Mas Making group known as Sykotik Mas. Special guest was Constable Lawrence Cross who is from the Calgary Police Diversity Unit for the Caribbean and America’s. Entertainment from Diversity Dance Group and the Band for the evening was Explosion Band and Kic Up Sound.
Third Left is Adejoke Taiwo Fashion Show co-ordinator along with her Models
By Len Chan The Afro News Calgary
The Nigerian Canadian Association of Calgary hosted its 16th Annual Gala Nite celebrating the 49th Anniversary of Independence for Nigeria. This event was held at the Thorncliffe Community Centre. The theme for 2009 was ” Strength In Diversity”. The President of the Nigerian Association is Dr. Samuel O Oluwadairo. The celebration always attracts a full house. With Nigeria being an oil producing Nation, many in attendance are employed in the energy sector. A lot of non-Nigerians over the years have been long time supporters and attend year after year. The Association also honored its past Executive and Trustees as well as doled out Scholarships to its young people who are or will be attending Post Secondary Institutions. Entertainment included performances by Amara Ubor Dance, Egwu Ubor Dance, Ikenga Masquerade and a Fashion Show by designer Adejoke Taiwo. Adejoke Taiwo, is a Fashion Buff behind the clothing line Alala a line that infuses African fabrics with contemporary design. She was also one of the contestants on Project Runway Canada and is a graduate of Ryerson University with a Bachelor of Fashion Degree. Alala is a noun in Native “Yoruba” Language of Nigeria and is defined as Dreamer. Adejoke also took part i the Oct 4-10 Alberta Fashion Week and her selection and exposure on Project Runway Canada shows just how talented this designer is. For the Nigerian Gala Fashion show, One can see the Nigerian style but also blended to North American needs for men and women. One can surmise that for professional workers, Adejoke’s designs can be worn for elegant office appearance and when the day is over the same fashion is like having ready made evening wear. For more information visit www.adejoke.com. For Humanitarian Charity the Nigerian Association also donated to INN FROM THE COLD to help organizations assist the homeless. The website for the Nigerian Association in Calgary is www.nigeriansincalgary.ca.
Akeem Haynes of Calgary wins the 17 years and under section with his Canada Summer Games victory in the 100m with his 10.47 (1.3). This high school student at Crescent Heights is ranked 10th in the world in the Youth division. He has a pending Canadian Youth record of 21.48 in the 200m. This was his first year of full sprint training after playing football.
Katie Reid
Katie Reid of Surrey, BC won the gold at the Canadian Youth Championships in the 400m and has a pb of 54.90. This grade 10 student at Earl Marriot Secondary took the bronze at the Canada Summer Games. This 16 year old Ocean Athletics speed star was edged by another runner of the same age, Carly Paracholski of Manitoba in Charlottetown but defeated her in Sherbrooke
Julie Labonté
Julie Labonté of Ste-Justine, QC won the Canada summer Games with her16.23m. She had set the Canadian Junior record as she won the 2009 Canadian Junior Championships with 16.39m. She also took the silver Medal at the Pan American Junior Championships in Trinidad. Last fall she was the winner of Eric E. Coy Memorial Trophy – Outstanding Junior Athlete of the Year as she won the gold medal in shot put at the Commonwealth Youth Games by throwing 15.02m.
The St. Lucia Calgary Cultural Association on Saturday Sept. 12 held their second Creole Days held at the St. Vincent & Grenadines Clubhouse.
The afternoon included Cultural Songs and Dancing and lots of light snacks along with its full plate lunch at a nominal cost.
The display gave a history of St. Lucia and the many battles between the French and British changing hands 7 times. The display showcased the Beauty of St. Lucia and the Island continues to be a favourite tourist area.
The Calgary St. Lucia Association also celebrate their annual Independence and for its members holds a number of social events and outings as well.
contact number for the St. Lucia Association is 403-217-1725
Left is Marvin Robinson Right is Jasan Pusey Photo By Shawn McLean
Calgary played host to the 40th Worldskills Competition Sept. 1-7 and welcomed the World.What is WorldSkills? WorldSkills is focused on Trades and Vocations and the competition was started in Spain in 1950.
It was held Annually, but with the onset of Global Markets and Investment, the International WordSkills Competition is now held once every two years in a different City and Country. In Calgary, the Competition included 900 competitors in 45 Trade Competitions.
Worldskills membership includes 51 Nations and the competition is like a major sporting event.Examples in the competition included Bricklaying,Electrical,Automotive,IT,WebDesign,Cooking,Aircraft Maintenance,Hair Styling and the list is too numerous to list.The ages of the competitors range from 17-22 and the medals are Gold,Silver and Bronze.
Over 1,000 delegates were also on hand with 30 languages and location of WorldSkills was at Stampede Park.
Frances Margaret Gordon was a good ESL teacher when she began her working life in Montreal. Soon, however, she was swept up in the developments and opportunities that characterized her times. She changed herMontreal.career and even the cities she lived in. All the while she followed the great heart she had for social services and social justice but knew her goals would come together once she also put her mind to law.
“The term social justice had not yet been formed, and the way into the work I wanted to do in developing social policy was through the practice of criminal law,” says Gordon. “In this particular arena we see most clearly what our society values, whether it be crimes against the person or property.”
