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- Edmonton Newsletter (August 5th)
Edmonton Newsletter (August 5th)
Your news, upcoming events, AI art, historical facts and more!
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Welcome to The Edmonton Newsletter!
In today’s edition:
Businesses rallying around Jasper wildfire victims
Upcoming Edmonton Heritage festival
A deep dive into the life of Rudy Wiebe
And more…
Quote of the Week
“Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do.”
― Bruce Lee
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Edmonton Trivia
Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!
Which historic Edmonton theatre, opened in 1915, was the city's first luxurious movie palace?
A) The Garneau Theatre
B) The Winspear Centre
C) The Princess Theatre
D) The Citadel Theatre
Last Week's Trivia: Edmonton's "Festival City" nickname is due to its hosting how many festivals annually? Answer: C) Over 50
The Best Stories of the Week
💼Business
Businesses in Edmonton are rallying around Jasper wildfire victims. (link)
🏦Finance
Municipal construction continues to cause significant losses and frustrations for Stony Plain Road businesses. (link)
🏒Sports
Leon Draisaitl looking for an eight-year deal with the Edmonton Oilers, top team insider reports. (link)
Edmonton Oilers GM Making Leon Draisaitl Deal Top Priority. (link)
Upcoming Events
Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.
Sports
🏒 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup: Slovakia v. Sweden
Rogers Place Edmonton, AB
Monday August 5 | 12:00 PM | (more info)
🏒 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup: Sweden v. Canada
Rogers Place Edmonton, AB
Wednesday August 7 | 7:30 PM | (more info)
Concerts
🎉 Edmonton Heritage festival
Edmonton EXPO Centre - 7515 118 Ave, Edmonton,
August 5, 2024 | (more info)
Family
🎨 Kids Summer Camp 2024
Vteach | Out Of School - Cogito Learning & Tuition Centre | Edmonton,
Tuesday August 6 | (more info)
🌞 Summer Pre School Fun
St. Albert Family Resource Centre
Tuesday August 6th | (more info)
Image of the Week
Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.
This week, I typed in “Edmonton with a transportation system based on personal drones.” and this is what I got.
Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.
Edmonton History
1989: The opening of the Edmonton Space Science Centre.
In 1989, Edmonton celebrated the opening of the Edmonton Space Science Centre, later known as the TELUS World of Science, marking a significant addition to the city's cultural and educational landscape. This state-of-the-art facility was designed to ignite curiosity and inspire discovery in visitors of all ages, with a particular focus on the wonders of space and science. Through interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, and educational programs, the centre sought to make science accessible and engaging, fostering a deeper understanding of the universe and our place within it. Its opening was a testament to Edmonton's commitment to education, innovation, and the promotion of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields among the broader community.
The Edmonton Space Science Centre quickly became a beloved destination for families, students, and tourists, offering a unique blend of learning and entertainment. The facility's hands-on approach to science education, coupled with its dynamic programming and state-of-the-art facilities, including an observatory and IMAX theatre, provided visitors with an immersive experience that went beyond the traditional museum visit. The centre played a crucial role in sparking interest in science and technology, encouraging young minds to explore and question the world around them. It also served as a hub for community events, workshops, and lectures, bringing together scientists, educators, and the public to share in the excitement of discovery.
Over the years, the centre has continued to evolve, expanding its exhibits and programs to include a wider range of scientific fields and contemporary issues. Its role in Edmonton's educational and cultural community has grown, reinforcing the city's reputation as a center for innovation and learning. The opening of the Edmonton Space Science Centre in 1989 not only provided a space for exploration and education but also reflected the city's forward-looking spirit and its investment in the future of science and technology education. Today, the TELUS World of Science - Edmonton stands as a monument to the city's ongoing commitment to inspiring new generations of thinkers, explorers, and innovators.
Famous Edmontonians
Rudy Wiebe: The Formative Years (1934–1955)
Born in 1934 in Fairholme, Saskatchewan, Rudy Wiebe was raised in a Mennonite community, which profoundly influenced his worldview and later writings. His early life on the Canadian prairies instilled in him a deep connection to the land and its history, themes that would permeate his literary work. Wiebe's education at a Mennonite high school followed by his studies at the University of Alberta and the University of Tübingen in Germany provided him with a broad and diverse foundation for his future career as a writer.
Beginning of a Literary Journey (1955–1962)
After completing his education, Wiebe embarked on his literary career, exploring themes of faith, identity, and the complexities of human relationships with the land. His early works began to establish him as a voice for the Canadian prairies and the Mennonite community, drawing on his own experiences and extensive historical research to craft narratives that resonated with readers across Canada.
"Peace Shall Destroy Many" (1962–1970)
In 1962, Wiebe published his first novel, ""Peace Shall Destroy Many,"" set in a Mennonite community in Saskatchewan during World War II. The novel's exploration of the tensions between traditionalist and modernist viewpoints within the community sparked controversy but also garnered significant attention, establishing Wiebe as a significant Canadian literary figure.
Exploring Indigenous Histories and Rights (1970–1980)
Throughout the 1970s, Wiebe's work increasingly focused on the histories and rights of Indigenous peoples in Canada. His novel ""The Temptations of Big Bear"" (1973), which centers on the life of the Cree leader Big Bear, is particularly noted for its detailed research and sympathetic portrayal of Indigenous perspectives on Canadian history.
Connection to Edmonton (Throughout Career)
Wiebe's connection to Edmonton, where he spent much of his academic and writing career, deeply influenced his work. As a professor at the University of Alberta, he contributed significantly to the literary community in Edmonton, mentoring young writers and participating in the city's cultural life. Edmonton provided a backdrop for many of Wiebe's stories and a base from which he explored the broader landscapes and histories of the Canadian prairies.
Literary Awards and Recognition (1980–1990)
Wiebe's contributions to Canadian literature have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Governor General's Literary Award, which he won twice. These accolades reflect his profound impact on Canadian writing, particularly in his portrayal of prairie life, Indigenous history, and Mennonite heritage.
Later Works and Reflections (1990–2010)
In his later years, Wiebe continued to write and publish, exploring new themes and revisiting familiar ones with fresh insights. His work remained influential in Canadian literature, and he was regarded as an elder statesman of Canadian letters, respected for his deep ethical commitment and his exploration of complex historical and moral questions.
Legacy and Impact (2010–2020)
Rudy Wiebe's legacy in Canadian literature is characterized by his pioneering exploration of themes related to the Canadian prairies, Indigenous history, and Mennonite life. His extensive body of work has left an indelible mark on Canada's literary landscape, influencing generations of writers and readers alike.
Key Achievements
Published influential works that explore the Canadian prairies, Indigenous history, and Mennonite heritage.
Received numerous literary awards, including two Governor General's Literary Awards.
Served as a mentor and educator in Edmonton's literary community, shaping future generations of Canadian writers.
Rudy Wiebe's distinguished career as a Canadian author is marked by his profound contributions to literature, particularly his exploration of the prairies, Indigenous histories, and Mennonite culture. Through his extensive body of work, Wiebe has offered readers insights into complex and often overlooked aspects of Canadian history and identity. His legacy as a storyteller and educator continues to influence Canadian literature and the literary community in Edmonton and beyond.
Connect With Me
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-Matthew Larsen
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