Books, brunch and more this Mother's Day

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Good morning !

Although the weather has been nice and will continue to be this week, most of us are on the same page. Winter gear is packed away, but still at easy reach was the most popular answer in last week’s poll. Along with the most popular poll comment—”this is Calgary after all!”

Have you packed away all your winter gear now? 

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Yup everything is packed away, I'm ready for the warmer weather! (17%)

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 I've put it away, but it's still at easy reach in case we get a cold snap. (52%)

🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ No way, still too early. (31%)

This week is a big one with Mother’s Day on Sunday. We’ve got a couple things you can do with Mom in today’s edition, along with the rest of the city’s top news stories.

👀 In today's edition:

• Calgary Reads Big Book Sale is here

• Police chief resigns

• Mother’s Day events

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WORTH KNOWING

☀️ ⛅️ ⛈️ ❄️ Today: High 18C, Low 5C. See the 7-day forecast.

🚗 Driving today? Check the current traffic situation, and find the city’s traffic report and road closures.

⚠️ Here’s the current smoke forecast / check Calgary wildfire and fire restrictions and the Alberta Wildfire Dashboard.

QUICK POLL

The Calgary Reads book sale is hitting the shelves this week

The 21st annual Calgary Reads Big Book Sale has wrapped up its 10 days of book donations and is gearing up for its 10 days of gently-used book shopping that will kick off May 9 at the Calgary Curling Club. This year, it’s all about highlighting Canadian authors.

“We always have a lot of the new Canadian novels that are popular because they were featured in Canada Reads or the Giller Prize, but we also have so many of those classics that maybe you always meant to read and just never got around to it,” says Shirley McIntyre, lead of the sale’s fiction section.

Organizers expect to have more than 200,000 books donated this year. Last year, there were more than 14,000 book lovers who purchased books raising $570,000 to support early literacy initiatives such as Book Bank, YW Calgary, Families Matter, Can Learn and the Learning Disabilities Association.

“What a difference we can make in ensuring more children can read by Grade 3 and experience the joy of having their very own books,” says Steacy Pinney, chair of the Rotary Club Early Childhood Literacy Committee which stewards the book sale and distributes proceeds.

For those with a bookworm mom, be sure to make an appointment if you plan to take her during Mother’s Day weekend. May 9-11 are by appointment only, and once you’re done perusing and ready to purchase your new reads, there will be a $3-$5 event fee added to your order at checkout. From May 12-15 anyone can walk in, and those who wait until May 16-19 can take advantage of the buy-one-get-one deal, or fill a box for $20.

In terms of overall prices, most children’s books are $2 and most adult books are $4.

Related Story

Need to know

⚖️ Jury found Michael Adenyi guilty of first-degree murder in the death of Calgary fitness instructor Vanessa Ladoucer.

👮 Calgary Police Chief Mark Neufeld resigned after six years as head of the police force. The Calgary Police Commission has appointed Deputy Chief Katie McLellan as interim chief, effective immediately.

🏘️ Calgary city council will vote today on a bylaw change that would allow builders to proceed with a project while it’s before the Alberta Court of Appeal. One local resident is appealing a nine-unit row house on his neighbour’s land that may be able to continue building during the appeal process.

🚲️ Calgary Bike Swap wrapped its 14th—and last—edition this past weekend. The co-founders also announced they are retiring and are talking to local groups about taking over the event.

🚨 A driver who fled after Calgary police attempted a traffic stop for speeding then crashed into a Radisson home on Friday. The driver fled on foot, was stopped by police and taken into custody. He is now facing charges. The home has sustained significant structural damage but no injuries were reported.

🏒 Calgary Flames sign forward Matt Coronato to seven-year deal worth $45.5 million. The 22-year-old finished third on the Flames in both points and goals this year.

🎤 Calgary’s Comedy Monday Night has come to a close after 20 years. The open mic show called the downtown pub Modern Love its home and welcomed everyone from first-time comics to Hollywood stars.

🌲 Wildfire danger west of Calgary declared high on Friday, triggering restrictions in Calgary Forest Area. Fire advisories in place in Foothills, Rocky View and Wheatland and fire restrictions declared for Strathmore, Starland County and Willow Creek.

💗 Things to do on Mother’s Day this weekend such as visiting markets, going out for brunch or high tea, or going out for a run!

💐 Liars at a Funeral plays at ATP until Sunday. Don't miss the runaway hit comedy Louis Hobson calls, "A wildly funny evening of theatre!"*

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Where to eat and drink

🍴 Pio: This family-owned eatery has been serving up Peruvian dishes since 2012, including ceviche, anticuchos, picarones, and lomo saltado. For those not looking to leave the couch tonight, Pio also offers pick-up and delivery options.

🍴 Class Clown: This retro burger joint is located on 4th Street SW and brings diners burgers with creative names like the Donald McRonald and the Winnipeg Fat Boy. Once you’ve polished off your crinkle cut fries, a childhood throwback, slurp down a classic milkshake. Make sure you join the waitlist online to save your spot — Class Clown doesn’t take reservations.

Have a food or drink suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

Things to do

🎟️ Mother’s Day High Tea: With Mother’s Day quickly approaching, this event promises to help celebrate the mother figures in your life. A “playful” take on the classic high tea experience, this get-together will include a live pianist, the usual high tea nibbles, and the option of both a boozy brunch and a kids’ menu.

🎟️ Flavours & Finds Night Market: This free community event takes place on May 15 at cSPACE Marda Loop. Kicking off at 6 in the evening, this night market features a selection of local vendors selling handmade artisan goods, including ceramics, art prints, candles, jewelry, and unique gifts. Attendees can enjoy gluten-free and vegan snacks, spirit-free sips, and live demonstrations.

Have an event suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

That’s it!

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And before you go, we’d love to know…

We’ll see you back here on Tuesdays and Thursdays, same time, same place!