Calgary Citizen Newsletter Tuesday Feb. 11

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Good morning !

In honour of Heart Month in Canada and Valentine’s Day on Friday, First Aid Training Calgary is once again offering $25,000 worth of free CPR training to Albertans. Heart disease affects approximately 2.4 million Canadian adults, and is the second leading cause of death in Canada, yet only 18% of Canadians have been certified to perform CPR. This initiative is aimed at increasing bystander support during cardiac events because if performed immediately, CPR can double or triple the chance of survival from an out of hospital cardiac arrest. Registration opens on Feb. 18 at 10am. Since 2023, more than $35,000 in free training has been provided, and in 2024, registration was filled in less than three minutes. Take advantage of this free opportunity!

👀 In today's edition:

• Woman accused of embezzling veterans

• Bring missing dog “Bean” home

• Porch pirates out in full force

• Valentine's Day ideas for this weekend

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WORTH KNOWING

 ⛅️ Today: High -12C, Low -23C. See the 7-day forecast.

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

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Calgary woman accused of embezzling $67,000 from a Canadian veterans' group

A Calgary woman has been charged with fraud after allegedly embezzling more than $60,000 from the Alberta chapter of the Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans in Canada (ANAVETS). The alleged theft occurred between November 2022 and January 2024, while the woman served as the volunteer secretary for the organization.

The investigation began in January 2024 when staff from ANAVETS’ headquarters in Ottawa, Ont., attempted to process payments and money transfers using the Alberta chapter’s accounts. Suspicious activity arose after multiple failed attempts to complete transactions, prompting a review of the chapter’s financial records.

Following this review, an internal audit of the organization’s financial documents dating back to 2022 was conducted. The audit uncovered several concerning transactions, leading to the involvement of law enforcement. According to police, the woman, who had signing authority for the chapter’s finances, is believed to have embezzled a total of $66,900. The funds were transferred to Scotia Developments Inc., a business later discovered to be owned by the woman and her husband.

Cindy Biggs, 49, of Calgary, has been charged with one count of fraud over $5,000. She is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 27.

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Need to know

💔 “Bring Bean home” — that’s the plea from a family desperately searching for their missing seven-year-old Papillion Aussie Shepherd-cross who disappeared 10 days ago.

💥 ‘I thought they were just gone’: Comics returned after alleged Calgary storage theft.

💸 Calgary businesses are bracing for U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum, warning it could impact them significantly and lead to increased product prices.

📦️ Calgary police stress patience for ‘porch pirate’ victims, say crimes trend around Valentine’s Day.

💵 The Calgary Chamber of Commerce is echoing Ottawa’s message of tapping Canada’s economic potential.

🎒 Calgary schools struggling to fill staffing shortages with substitute teachers. Education support workers at some city schools will be heading to the polls this week for a strike vote.

❄️ A brutal, long-duration cold snap in Calgary is creating the coldest start to the month in 50 years.

🔥 The arson unit has been called out to help investigate a suspicious fire at a strip mall in the city’s northeast.

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Just in case you don’t have any Valentine’s Day ideas this year, here are a few you can consider

Whether you’re planning something last minute or just not quite sure what to do, we thought we would compile a few ideas to get you on your way for Valentine's Day on Friday. There’s a wide variety of things happening in Calgary, and here are a few ways you can celebrate your love this year.

Valentine's Day Dinner at The Lake House: Enjoy a specially curated 4-course set menu for $110 per person, with optional wine pairings for $60. Reservations are required.

Valentine's Day Dinner at Heritage Park: Dine in the Historic Gasoline Alley Museum with a menu from Selkirk featuring smoked tomato bisque, frisée and spinach salad, and a choice of main courses. Dinner is served from 5 to 9pm. Prices range from $50 to $57 per person.

'The Widowmaker' Valentine's Day Show: Attend a unique performance with a dark twist for Valentine's Day from Feb. 14 to 16 at Theatre 1308. Featuring an art exhibition, mocktail reception and a captivating stage show. Showtimes vary.

Valentine's Brunch at the Calgary Zoo: Enjoy a family-friendly brunch featuring gourmet and comfort breakfast favourites, with festive décor and romantic tunes on Feb. 16. From $33 to $59.

Exposure Photography Festival: For something a little more affordable, check out this photo exhibit after grabbing some ice cream. Check the schedule for more information. The best part is, it's free!

The YYC Hot Chocolate Fest: Keep it low-key and go on a hot chocolate adventure at a few of Calgary's participating spots. Have fun trying something new!

Please verify event details and availability with the organizers, as schedules and offerings may change.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 Yenny Delights: This quick-serve, Afro-Caribbean restaurant is known for its delicious jerk chicken and meat pies, or beef meat pies and curry goat. There are two locations to enjoy; one at Crossroads Market and one in Sunridge.

🍴 JADE Coffee Roasters: Have you tried this southeast coffee roaster yet? This local roaster offers organic, direct trade, and rainforest-certified coffee beans right to your door with free delivery for orders over $42.

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

Things to do

🎟️ The Great Skate: Join Hockey Helps the Homeless at its inaugural event at the WinSport Arena on Family Day Monday from 9am to 2pm. This family-friendly event is raising funds for the local charity Inn from the Cold and will help families experiencing homelessness on their path to stability.

🎟️ Tasty, Low Salt Cooking - February 27: Learn how to cook delicious dips and sauces with less salt in this FREE virtual cooking demo with Registered Dietitians from the South Health Campus Wellness Kitchen. Recipes included!*

*Sponsored Listing

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

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We’ll see you back here on Thursday, same time, same place!