Calgary Citizen Newsletter Tuesday Oct. 31

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Good morning, there!

Those interested in the paranormal might be excited to learn that Alberta boasts the second-highest number of haunted locations within the country with 56 locations, according to a BonusFinder study. The study cited Calgary's former Grace Hospital, now known as the Riley Park Health Centre, as being home to a ghost believed to be Maudine Riley who is frequently seen cradling a child in the delivery room. Happy Halloween!

On that note, now that the snow is here to stay, we are hoping our readers can share their winter photos with us. Send them to [email protected] and we might share them in the newsletter.

- Krista Sylvester, Managing Editor

👀 In today's edition:

• Calgary woman spreads Halloween joy

• Table falls from 9th floor, narrowly misses pedestrian

• Sip up these tasty fall and winter drinks

Today’s read time: Approx. 4 minutes

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WORTH KNOWING

⛅ Today: High 5C, Low -5C. See the 7-day forecast.

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

⚠️ Here’s the current smoke forecast / check Calgary wildfire and fire restrictions and the Alberta Wildfire Dashboard.

Instead of Halloween fear, this Calgary woman happily spreads contagious Halloween joy

Tina Ruiz moved to Calgary from Europe as a young child and has since created a beautiful life full of volunteerism and community work. The 67-year-old great-grandmother is the proud author of 15 books and spent over 22 years working in TV, radio, and newspapers.

Her love for dressing up in costumes started during her second Canadian Halloween because it was a way for her to fit in.

“That was the year when I realized that on that one special night, all of us were equal. It didn't matter if I could speak another language, or if I was tall or short, rich or poor… I was equal,” she recalls fondly.

“That's why I love Halloween so much; we're all the same. This season has a way of bringing everyone together, whether it be in a pumpkin patch, at Calaway Park for Halloweekends, or the spooky things going on at Heritage Park. We're all there for the same reason—to have fun.

Ruiz, who belongs to Haunted Calgary, is especially thrilled when September hits each year because it gives her a chance to spread joy.

“I visit all the Halloween stores at least two times a week, and I decorate my home for my grandchildren and neighbours—inside and out. I'm told that this brings a quick smile to everyone who stops by to have a look.”

Her favourite costume is a witch but Ruiz says dressing up in almost anything makes her happy.

“I have many large buckets of costumes, accessories, wigs, and make-up that I have accumulated over the years, and I can switch outfits and personalities on a whim,” Ruiz says.

“Especially if it inspires someone to dress up, have fun, and you don't act your age. Even though I've been doing this for decades, I still become my happiest self during this time of year. “

Related Story

Need to know

😮 A falling table from the 9th floor of an apartment building narrowly missed a pedestrian below.

✈️ 'It's time for us to catch up to our industry peers': Air Canada pilots stage picket in Calgary.

🏗️ The city ordered the owner of the old Ogden Legion to demolish its derelict building due to safety concerns.

🥍 The Calgary women's lacrosse league was forced to cancel the season amid slumping participation.

🐟 Officials lifted outdoor water restrictions as cold weather is expected to reduce use. The low river levels have resulted in concentrated trout spawning locations.

🚓 The youth who killed Sgt. Andrew Harnett can now be publicly named after not appealing his sentence.

🏔️ 'Snowmazing' conditions lead to early openings for some southern Alberta ski hills.

👮 Police are alerting the public to the release of a high-risk offender back into the community.

🚰 Nearly 600 homes are affected by water main breaks in Calgary.

THE CALGARY GUIDE

Stay warm at these 9 local coffee shops serving seasonal beverages

Fall and winter are known as the seasons of knit sweaters, cozy blankets, and delicious seasonal coffee options! If you’re ready to trade in your pumpkin-spiced latte for something a little more Christmasy, we are sure these local spots will have you covered.

Monogram Coffee: With a warm environment and friendly staff, Monogram’s team will help you explore the world of its fun limited-edition seasonal drinks.

Higher Ground: Higher Ground’s organic coffee is top quality and there are always seasonal drinks to enjoy in the fall and winter.

Euphoria Café: A family-owned business that has grown to be a Canadian gem, Euphoria offers many seasonal drinks that will help get you into the season.

Café Gravity: Known for its exceptional coffee and pastry products (also well-selected wine, beer, and cheese) this café is the perfect late-year stop.

Rosso Coffee Roasters: Rosso has grown from a small local café to a classic and serves timeless coffee and seasonal sips for any time of the year.

 Caffé Beano: With over 30 years of serving Calgary, Caffé Beano is a local favourite with delicious baked goods and fabulous coffee to choose from.

Sought x Found: This local café spent years getting professionally trained in tasting, roasting, and brewing to pour the perfect cup of coffee any time of year.

Deville Coffee: Serving carefully crafted lattes and espresso drinks, Deville is the perfect stop for coffee enthusiasts when the weather gets cold and snowy.

Humble Coffee Roasters: Offering guests an easy and approachable coffee, try one of Humble’s delicious, yet simple flavours this winter season.

Things to do

🎟️ Central Public Library Birthday Bash: The downtown library is hosting its fifth birthday bash on Saturday with Indigenous drumming, dancing, a choir performance from the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus’ Tenors, giveaways, and more. Free!

🎟️ Free gallery exhibition: Arts Commons welcomes guests to enjoy free exhibitions featuring 17 local artists working in photography, textiles, videography, ceramics, paint on canvas, and mixed media.

🎟️ OHSOTO’KINO Recording Bursary program: The National Music Centre announced a new national call for submissions open to Indigenous musicians in Canada, including right here in Calgary. Apply by Jan. 7.

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

Where to eat & drink

🍴 Eau Claire Distillery: This local spot has unveiled a trio of whiskies just in time for the upcoming holiday season. These delectable seasonal offerings will be available at participating Alberta liquor stores this November.

🍴 TOUS les JOURS: A French-Asian bakery café chain offering more than 300 artisan pastries, gourmet cakes and desserts baked in-store daily has officially opened in Calgary as the first in Canada. Yum!

🍴 Pie Junkie: This popular local spot has launched its All-Butter Frozen Pie Crusts and scrumptious TV Dinners that Calgarians can take home for the family to enjoy some good ol’ grandma cooking.

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

Local specials

💸 Plaza Theatre: Students and seniors can enjoy discounted tickets at the Plaza Theatre in Kensington with students paying $9.99 and seniors paying $6.99.

💸 Hayden Block: Enjoy Hayden Block’s fine smoked meats at half price every day after 10pm. Mmmmm, we just can’t get enough!

💸 Kolachi BBQ & Grill: There are some new weekday combos at Kolachi BBQ & Grill like the crispy chicken burger, fries, and pop for $12.99 or the two chicken paratha rolls and pop for $22.99!

Know of any hot specials or deals? Message us and we might share it!

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

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