Calgary Citizen Newsletter Thursday Dec. 19

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Good morning !

This is our last regular newsletter of the year as we will be taking a holiday break to get some rest and spend time with family. Our last Insider’s Edition runs on Saturday and then we will be back in your inbox on Tuesday, Jan. 7. We wish you and your family happy holidays and a Happy New Year! PS: Don’t forget to check out our events newsletter that was sent out yesterday to see what’s happening over the next couple of weeks.

PSST! Are you still looking for a gift idea for a family member, friend or neighbour that loves Calgary? Well, we just released the option to buy a Calgary Citizen Insider membership as a gift for any special person in your life who values journalism—and deserves a year of access to our exclusive Saturday Insiders edition. All you do is go onto this page and click the little “gift” button above the membership options. Thanks for considering us!

👀 In today's edition:

• 110 cats surrendered

• Postal workers disappointed

• New Years need to knows

• Library unveils top books of 2024

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WORTH KNOWING

☁️ Today: High -7C, Low -9C. See the 7-day forecast.

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

QUICK POLL

The Calgary Humane Society has taken in 110 cats and kittens from one home in large scale surrender

In one of the largest feline intakes in recent years, the Calgary Humane Society (CHS) has taken in 110 cats and kittens following a large-scale surrender from a single residence in Calgary. This challenging influx of animals has sparked a call for community support as the shelter works to provide the care and attention the animals desperately need.

“We are doing everything we can to get these cats back to a healthy state and into loving homes as soon as possible,” says Anna-Lee Fitzsimmons of the Calgary Humane Society. “However, the sheer number of animals we’ve taken in means our resources are stretched thin. We are reaching out to the community for help.”

Despite the difficult conditions they were living in, most of the cats are in relatively good and affiliative health. The veterinary team has already begun administering immediate medical care and the team is working tirelessly to complete exams, administer treatments, and schedule spay and neuter surgeries for all 110 cats. The shelter is focused on having these cats ready for adoption or foster homes before the holidays.

“This situation highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership,” Fitzsimmons says, adding spaying and neutering are essential to preventing situations like this in the future. The massive intake has placed significant strain on the shelter's capacity and resources. To alleviate the pressure, CHS is calling for assistance in several key areas:

Foster homes: To help manage the overwhelming number of animals, CHS is urgently seeking temporary foster homes for both cats and dogs. Foster families provide a safe and loving environment while the animals await adoption.

Adoptions: Many of the cats are already available for adoption, and CHS is hosting a special adoption event to help find them forever homes. The event runs until Dec. 31 and includes discounted adoption fees.

Donations: Monetary donations will directly contribute to the costs of veterinary exams, surgeries, and general care for the cats and kittens.

For updates on the 110 cats, information on adoption events, or to learn more about how you can help, visit www.calgaryhumane.ca or follow CHS on social media.

Related Story

Need to know

📭️ Calgary’s postal workers say they are disappointed following back-to-work order.

🐕️ City council is considering a ban on stores selling dogs, cats and rabbits as city administration prepares a review for late 2025.

💸 City will be responsible for Green Line cost overruns and legal risk, province says.

👮‍♂️ Former police officer who was just charged with sexual assault dies by suicide, reports say. Meanwhile, another police officer is facing charges after he allegedly fired a Taser at a man twice during an incident.

💔 Mysterious death of woman found injured on a northeast pathway is officially ruled a homicide.

🔥 Crews respond to explosion and fire at encampment in SE Calgary industrial area.

🛍️ The busiest and quietest times for last-minute shopping in Calgary

📆 Calgary New Year’s 2025 transit, parking, and road closure need to know.

The Calgary Public Library unveils its 2024 books of the year as it turns the page to 2025

As chapter 2024 comes to an end, the Calgary Public Library is releasing its 2024 Books of the Year list as it celebrates the year’s best reads. This carefully curated collection is showcasing nine titles through three categories (adult, young adult and children’s.) We are sharing the top three adult reads and you can read the list yourself for the rest of the titles. Happy reading!

James by Percival Everett: This new take on the classic novel Huckleberry Finn, views the story through the eyes of the enslaved Jim. When he learns that he is to be sold to a man in New Orleans, and separated from his wife and children, Jim escapes to Jackson Island where he meets Huck Finn, who has faked his own death to escape his violent father. The two set off on an adventure, rafting down the Mississippi River.

I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue: Lonely and socially alienated at work, Jolene Smith vents her frustration with insufferable office culture by writing what she’s really thinking at the end of her emails in white, so that only she knows it’s there. Until one day, she forgets to white it out. HR discipline ensues, including new security measures on her computer which inadvertently allow her to read everyone’s messages.

Intermezzo by Sally Rooney: The story of two adult brothers, Peter and Ivan, as they come to terms with the loss of their father. The book alternates between the brothers’ perspectives as they navigate two seemingly very different lives, Peter as a lawyer and Ivan as a competitive chess player. It explores themes of family, relationships, memory, and grief in a thought-provoking read.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 Grizzly Paw’s Highway 40 Pale Ale: This new Grizzly Paw brew is exclusively available at the restaurants of Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge. Soft malt characteristics with citrus and floral hop notes.

🍴 Made by Marcus: If you’re looking for a last minute gift for the ice cream lover in your life, from now until Dec. 24, get 20% off gift cards with a minimum load of $30.

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

Things to do

🎟️ National Geographic Live with Andrés Ruzo: National Geographic Live with explorer Andrés Ruzo as he shares his remarkable encounters with the underworld in stunning high-definition photo and video from the field. On Jan. 26 and 27 at the Arts Commons.

🎟️ Aroma Cafe at 33: This spot is hosting a special Christmas dinner with Mexican flavour on Dec. 21 and anyone who uses the code CASAMEXICOMEMBERS will get a 20% discount.

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

From our readers

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We’ll see you back here on Tuesday, Jan. 7, same time, same place!