Calgary Citizen Newsletter Feb. 29

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Good morning !

Psssst. Did you know that the 2024 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games are being hosted right here in Calgary, this week? Check it out at WinSport, where fans can catch the action in eight sports; five-pin bowling, alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, curling, figure-skating, floor hockey, snowshoeing, and speedskating.

On Saturday, cheer on the medalists as they receive their awards on the podium at the Safeway Champions Celebration at Olympic Plaza from 10am-1pm with free pancake breakfast, fun prize giveaways, on-ice performances, and more.

And since it’s Feb. 29, happy birthday leap year babies!

Krista Sylvester, Managing Editor

👀 In today's edition:

• Spreading love and kindness with soup

• Bye, bye bus traps

• The Beach Boys era comes alive on stage

Today’s read time: Approx 4 minutes

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WORTH KNOWING

Today: High 10C, Low -13C. See the 7-day forecast.

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

Soup Sisters are delivering kindness and warmth, one soup at a time

For these “sisters”, it’s all about spreading love and generosity through the simple kindness of delivering a nourishing bowl of soup, every day. But on March 3 that’s even more special for Calgary’s Soup Sisters, who are encouraging Calgarians to join them in celebrating the National Day of Soup it Forward by delivering warmth to friends, family, neighbours, and anyone in need of a Hug in a Bowl.

National Soup it Forward Day is commemorated every year on the same day to urge people to spread love and generosity through the simple kindness of delivering a nourishing bowl of soup. “At Soup Sisters we believe that soup is the universal comfort food and has the power to change someone's day,” says founder and CEO Sharon Hapton. “At Soup Sisters, we ‘soup it forward’ with comforting #hugsinabowl all year round.”

Since the launch of the organization right here in Calgary on March 3, 2009, Soup Sisters have delivered over four million servings of delicious soup nationwide, with the resolve that soup is the universal comfort food and has the power to change someone's day.

This year also happens to coincide with Soup Sisters’ 15th anniversary, a special milestone in their hearts. “Soup Sisters has grown in amazing ways over the years through the support of the community who understand the kindness in a simple gesture that offers nourish and nurture,” Hapton says. “Since [the pandemic], we have been operating Canada’s first Soup Bank that delivers freshly made and delicious soup to thousands of people nationwide.”

Now the group operates a hybrid model of community soup-making events and Soup Bank large kettle production to provide wholesome and inclusive meals while making a significant impact on alleviating food inequity and food insecurity.

In addition to enjoying and spreading love through soup on Sunday, Calgarians can also share their go-to soup on social media with the Soup Sisters community by using #HuginaBowl and #SoupitForward.

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Need to know

🚗 Bye-bye pesky bus traps: The city is ditching those notoriously problematic traffic devices.

🏫 'Just devastating': Over-capacity schools creating problems for Calgary families who have to go elsewhere.

🏗️ A man was sent to hospital after a construction-site incident caused a crane accident.

🔑 'Life-changing': A lucky Calgary family receives their keys to the Stampede Lotteries Rotary Dream Home.

💸 Federal employees are set to rally in Calgary over its troubled pay system.

♻️ Calgary has a new recycling plant just outside of city limits set to accept 55,000 tonnes of recycling per year.

🚑 An idea to help prevent ice-related hospital visits was sparked when this doctor followed his gut feeling.

💰 The Calgary Chamber of Commerce set out its initiatives ahead of Alberta's budget reveal. An airport train and housing are among Calgary’s funding requests for the provincial budget.

🚓 Police are investigating an early morning shooting that sent a man to hospital in life-threatening condition.

Jubilations’ latest brings audiences to the beach to the backdrop of the music of The Beach Boys era

It's time to go back to the ’60s and relive that decade’s good vibrations with Jubilations dinner theatre's latest, The Beach Boys of Summer. Audiences are transported back to summer 1969 with a show that celebrates the iconic Beach Boys and their timeless sound—as well as other classic songs from that era. Actor Joe Greer brings the character of Sloop to life on stage, a free spirit hippie who is living the summer beach dream. In between gigs, Greer is similar to his character in that he is a “free spirit dude” who is always looking for his next project. You can get your tickets here. We chatted with Greer about his latest role.

What can audiences expect from this production?

Sixty eight tons of imported Californian sand! Just kidding. You will get a definite beach vibe though, a "good vibration", as it were. From the moment people walk in, they are whisked away to sunny Mission Beach near San Diego. You'll feel surrounded by sun, surfboards, flower prints, baggy shorts, and a VW love van. Of course you'll hear a bunch of Beach Boy classics as well as other well known songs. Lots of dancing, great food, and a lot of people hanging 10 and having a great time.

How familiar were you with that era?

The ’60s are always fun because I don't have any clear memory of it so a lot of it comes from the viewpoint of popular culture. Watching some old beach movies from that era was a delight because they firmly have their tongue in their cheeks and it gives us permission to go over the top. Plus the music is fantastic.

How would you describe your character Sloop?

Sloop is a free spirit dude! He is the old hippie who lives in a VW van on the beach. He is the 'un-official' lifeguard of Mission Beach and sees himself more as a life coach. He lives and breathes surfing and is known as the best surfing coach around. I see him as very spiritual, laid back, super kind but easily distracted.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 Pigeon Hole: From small plates such as charred cabbage to hearty meals like the slow-roasted duck legs, this is the spot for fine dining, bold flavours, and an unforgettable dinner out.

🍴 Loophole Coffee Bar: This downtown cozy coffee spot by day turns into a live music hotspot at night. The best part is it’s fully licensed and for all ages.

🍴 Juree's Thai Place: For those seeking an authentic Thai flavour, Juree’s offers an intimate dining experience in a relaxed atmosphere and is great for a quick lunch or a formal dinner.

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

Local specials

💸 Poppy Barley Warehouse Sale: On Saturday and Sunday, shop for a variety of past-season styles, last units and imperfect items for up to 70% off in this first-ever Calgary Warehouse Sale. Tickets for reserved shopping time slots start at $3 with all the proceeds going towards the empowerment and education of girls on financial literacy and entrepreneurship.

💸 King Eddy Hockey Happy Hour: For all the pre-game brews and bites, hit up Hockey Happy Hour at the King Eddy, located just a five-minute walk from the Saddledome where there are extra specials on hockey game days, such as $8 Banded Peak.

💸 Canadian Brewhouse Tomahawk Steak Night: On Saturday only, the Harvest Hills Canadian Brewhouse is offering a juicy 32 oz. on-the-bone Tomahawk rib steak served with mouth-watering sides and their famous steak sauce for $60. Must purchase tickets ahead of time.

Have a promo suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

Things to do

🎟️ Jacob Samuel comedy: Jacob Samuel is a stand-up comic, cartoonist, and writer known for his clever and insightful comedy. Jacob has taped multiple national TV performances and has wowed audiences at comedy festivals. On Friday and Saturday at Yuk Yuks.

🎟️ Harlem Globetrotters: Snap your tickets up for this basketball on steroids event with the Harlem Globetrotters. Catch the world’s favourite basketball team on March 9 at the Dome.

🎟️ Food & Nutrition for Cancer Treatment & Recovery Mar 14 & 21: Are you faced with eating challenges due to swallowing difficulty, taste changes, or dry mouth caused by your cancer treatment? Learn tips for regaining health through good nutrition with survivors like you. Plan to attend both sessions. Questions? Call 587-747-0260.*

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