Calgary Citizen Newsletter Tuesday Dec. 17

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Good morning !

We just want to let our readers know we will be taking a break over the holidays to rejuvenate and hit the new year with a little pep in our step! That means our last regular newsletter of the year will be on Thursday and our last Insider’s Edition will be on Saturday and then we will be back in the New Year on Tuesday Jan. 7. We can’t wait to take this time to relax with the family, reflect on the past year, and set some goals for 2025!

👀 In today's edition:

• Green Line plans unveiled

• Boom town Alberta

• Schools bombarded with threats

• Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

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WORTH KNOWING

❄️ Today: High -16C, Low -18C. See the 7-day forecast.

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

QUICK POLL

More Green Line drama as province unveils its plan, mayor says government is “grandstanding”

The province unveiled its plans for the new Green Line alignment and the biggest change is that it intends to go above ground downtown instead of underground. The province tapped engineering firm AECOM for the report.

As Global News reports, the plan eliminates a downtown tunnel that was projected to cost more than $1 billion. It also eliminates a station at Eau Claire, adds five additional stops, and takes an elevated path through downtown.

According to City News, the city wants the province to publicly release the 165-page completed report as municipal officials aren’t allowed to publicly share the details. The Beltline Neighbourhoods Association also called on the province to increase transparency.

Revisiting this story from 2022 to see how things turned out

Need to know

⛪️ ‘It’s a crime’: Vandals spray paint swastika on German Calgary couple’s Christmas display.

🏫 Schools in Calgary and other cities receive threats; police investigating but believe there's no danger.

💸 'Absolute make or break': Holidays are paramount for small businesses.

🏘️ Hang on, Acme! Calgary's population boom expected to spill over to small-town Alberta next.

🏗️ ‘I think Calgary will be extremely proud’: Final development permit approved for new event centre.

🚑️ 12-year-old boy hit by car, police urge witnesses to step up with information.

🧳 BC resident arrested at Calgary airport, charged with exportation of drugs allegedly found in his luggage.

🏈 Calgary Stampeders unveil overhauled coaching staff for 2025.

Enjoy the rise of the greatest girl groups with Stage West’s latest Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

It’s “girl power forever” during Stage West’s latest production, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. The era of the girl groups is front and centre during this production, with the stylish swingin’ sounds of the Andrews Sisters in the ’40s to the pop perfection of the Spice Girls in the ’90s. No matter the decade, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun features all of the dazzling dance moves, bold fashion choices, and chart-topping tunes that these girl groups are known for and have left an indelible mark on music history. We spoke with ensemble cast member Zoe Theodorou about what audiences can expect from this latest production, on now until Feb. 2.

Tell us a bit more about you, your background and your connection to the local theatre/dance scene.

I have been performing in Calgary for many years, at various events, and most recently at the Grandstand Show. Calgary is where I first started to sing—jazz at first, and then my own music as well as other styles including pop, R&B and even some Latin. Calgary gave me the platform and opportunity to perform globally. I have been a supporter of Calgary’s theatre and arts scene for years and I am thrilled to be performing at Stage West, which is my first foray into theatre.

What sets this show apart?

The incredibly talented cast and crew have made this one of my favourite musical experiences in my career. One thing that really sets Girls Just Wanna Have Fun apart from other performances is the love, support, and friendship this cast has for each other. What you see from us onstage—that connection, the fun—that is very real, which elevates our production to a different level. Audience members have stopped me after the show to tell me how this show made them feel and how much they loved it. As a performer, you cannot ask for anything more.

What audiences can expect from this show?

Audiences can expect a great time—like a concert of all your favourite artists playing all the hits you know and love, with songs that evoke great memories and good times.

What is your favourite song from the show that you perform and how familiar were you with the content of the show?

My personal favourite is the Heart set because I get to rock out and really show how powerful women are. I knew most of the songs—even the older ones—because they are woven into our culture through media, movies and TV. I have performed several of those songs at various gigs and events.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 First Street Market: Food Hall & Bar: This inner city food hall has superb chefs and local delights from tacos and pasta to cocktails and brunch. Save some money and check out the daily happy hour from 4-6pm.

🍴 Crystie's Coffee House and Bistro Inc.: Located on 194th Ave. SW, this friendly spot sources its beans from the farmers themselves in Costa Rica, Panama, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Burundi, Colombia, Bolivia, Kenya, and Ethiopia.

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

Things to do

🎟️ Jann Arden Christmas Tour: Calgary’s Jann Arden puts her unique spin on the classics you know and love at the Jack Singer Concert Hall on Dec. 19 and 20. Paired with funny and heartwarming stories of Christmases past, this is an evening you won’t want to miss.

🎟️ Alberta Ballet The Nutcracker: Celebrate the holidays with the timeless charm of Alberta Ballet's enchanting tradition until Dec. 24. Join Klara and her Nutcracker as they inspire everyone from the most seasoned ballet fan to the youngest guest in the crowd.

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 Thursday, same time, same place!