Calgary Citizen Newsletter Thursday March 14

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Good morning !

Do you enjoy scavenger hunts? Check this one out; on Sunday, March 24, AccessNow is launching MapMission Day—the world’s largest accessibility mapping effort in history, including a community activation in Calgary. It’s like an accessibility scavenger hunt that brings people together to rate the accessibility of spaces and places in real time using the AccessNow app. Visit the link for more info!

Krista Sylvester, Managing Editor

👀 In today's edition:

• Meet your business match

• Haitian-Calgarians in fear

• A second chance at love

Today’s read time: Approx. 4 minutes

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WORTH KNOWING

🌧️ Today: High 8C, Low 3C. See the 7-day forecast.

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

Free mentorship initiative for grassroots businesses is like speed-dating for entrepreneurs

“Speed dating for entrepreneurs.” That’s how a new pilot initiative dubbed the Business Link Mentor Program is being described as it aims to support grassroots small Alberta businesses, including retailers, mom-and-pop shops, consultants, and sole proprietors.

“Starting a business can be daunting, especially for grassroots small businesses, Indigenous entrepreneurs, and newcomers,” explains executive director, Paul Cataford. “Having experienced mentors provides a support system where new business owners can turn for guidance, advice, and reassurance.”

Each mentee is paired with a mentor whose expertise and experience align closely with the mentee's business needs and goals, hence the speed dating reference. The program connects aspiring business owners with experienced entrepreneurs, facilitating a dynamic and non-judgmental exchange of expertise and insights.

Cataford says there is also an option to switch mentors if desired.

The program kicks off with an initial 30-minute intake meeting followed by a focused 90-minute session. To be eligible, businesses must be Alberta-based and in operation for less than a year or in the initial stages of developing a business plan. Business Link is also calling on experienced entrepreneurs to join as mentors.

Related Story

Need to know

💔 'It's really, really bad': Haitian-Canadians in Calgary worry for families, friends as violence back home unfolds.

💸 Police have charged a bookkeeper who allegedly embezzled approximately $400,000 while on the job.

🍸 ‘Hail, Caesar!’: Calgary woman launches campaign to change National Caesar Day.

👓 How a local business is using smart glasses to make unique POV cooking tutorials.

❄️ City moves toward faster snow clearing and fines for improper snow shovelling.

🗳️ Trudeau pushes back about the carbon tax hike as the prime minister has a face-to-face meeting with Premier Smith.

👷 Big, bold and beautiful: the expanded BMO Centre is almost ready to go.

🤒 Okotoks at the centre of rising whooping cough cases in the Calgary area.

🌲 Calgary is looking at preserving the city's tree canopy and it could include rules to prevent cutting down trees on private land.

🏫 Bored kids? Calgary's Child Magazine is here to help! Calgary’s Child Magazine’s free weekly newsletter is packed with family-friendly activities, local events, excursions & giveaways. Sign up here.

Stage West explores what happens when a divorcee and a widow try a second chance at love

Stage West’s Chapter Two is a semi-autobiographical play about Neil Simons’ relationship with his second wife in this quick-paced comedic yet heartwarming journey of what it means to overcome hesitation on the rebound. Without giving too much away, one is a widow and one is a divorcee and both are relatable. We spoke with lead actors Kristi Woods (KW) and David Silvestri (DS) to get their perspectives on how audiences will relate to this production.

How do you relate to your character and their experiences?

KW: Jennie is a strong female character and she is quick and funny. I am a strong-willed person myself and I’d like to think I’m just as quick and funny in real life as she is. When I started reading the role I automatically felt like I was already Jennie. I also relate to how quickly Jennie falls for George. I certainly knew very fast in my relationship. I knew the moment I saw my husband before we even met that I was going to marry him.

DS: There's a lot of George in me. The way he approaches love, how neurotic he can be, and how passionate he can be. He's a writer, and he's creative, caring, and loyal. These are all characteristics I like to think I possess, so I can have a better grasp of who he is. That said, these traits that I share with George that help me relate to him also help me navigate through traits I don't share with him, and I'm able to have a better understanding of them, and in turn of him.

In what ways will audiences relate to your character?

KW: Jennie goes through quite the character arc in this show. You get to see many sides of her. I think the audience will find a place where they can relate to her in some way. Whether it’s at the beginning of the awkward fun phone calls, the nervous flirty first meeting, and sweet loving date with George, or as the devastating challenges unfold and she finds the strength to voice her wants and needs. There is a relatable moment for everyone.

DS: Like all of the characters in the show, George is written in a real and honest way. I think anyone in the audience who has experienced loss of any kind and has tried to navigate through that loss or a new love, will relate to George. But these characters are written so well that I feel everyone in the audience will find something to identify with or relate to.

Any love advice?

KW: My love advice is to be with someone who makes you laugh and treats you with kindness. Someone you can’t imagine experiencing life without (both the good and the bad). Someone you “choose” to love every single day no matter what.

DS: Love comes when you're not searching for it. However, love alone is nothing without patience, work, and being able to see yourself in that person. Love isn't easy but its rewards are infinite. So never give up on it.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 Sammie Cafe: Brunch, sandwiches, and so much more at this quaint Marda Loop cafe that hits all the right spots.

🍴 The Wednesday Room: In this sophisticated lounge inspired by the ’60s, indulge in a variety of cocktails and a refined lunch and dinner menu.

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

Local specials

💸 Calgary Choir Free Taster Session: This all-inclusive, non-auditioned, adult rock and pop choir experience is offering free taster sessions to anyone 18+ regardless of previous choir experience.

💸 Trop: Stop in for weekend brunch at Trop and indulge in $5 caesars and $6 mimosas from 11am to 2pm.

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

Things to do

🎟️ Mirror Mirror: This innovative immersive art experience created by Moment Factory at CF Chinook Centre has been extended until April 14 after overwhelming demand. Discover the magic yourself.

🎟️ Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra: This world premiere of a new Violin Concerto by acclaimed Belize-born British composer Errollyn Wallen takes over the Jack Singer on Friday and Saturday.

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

READER PIC

That’s it! Thanks for reading. If you have a hot story tip you want to share, feel free to reply back anytime. We’ll see you back here on Tuesday, same time, same place!

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