Edmonton historian Tony Cashman publishes new book

Popular local historian Tony Cashman has a new book out.

A book launch for When Edmonton Was Young, published by the University of Alberta Press, took place recently at Audrey’s Books.

The book features stories about a budding metropolis that stayed stuck in the bud stage for half a century.

Born in 1923, Cashman grew up in Edmonton and, after flying on bombers during World War II, enjoyed a 20-year career in radio. A series of his CJCA broadcasts appeared in print as The Edmonton Story in 1956. Fifteen more books on Alberta topics followed.

When Edmonton Was Young is "a warm authentic portrait of Edmonton as it was, and in many ways, still is."

For information call 780-492-3662 or see www.uap.ualberta.ca.

Senior Star

Des Atkins, 76, is Edmonton’s Senior Star.

Atkins received the honour for his rendition of Ave Maria at the talent competition finals June 17 at the Central Lions Seniors Centre.

This is the third annual Senior Star competition, a national event produced by Chartwell Seniors Homes.

A video of Atkins’ performance will be judged, along with those of other regional first-place Senior Star winners from across the country, to determine who will move on to the national Senior Star competition in Toronto this October.

The winner of the national competition will go away with a $5,000 trip package.

Driving angels

Drivers who make a difference in seniors’ lives will be recognized and thanked through the Driving Angel program, launched in June by the Alberta Motor Association, the City of Edmonton and the Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council. The program also encourages others in the community to provide rides to seniors.

Seniors who wish to nominate someone who has provided transportation for them can register their Driving Angel by visiting the Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council website at www.seniorscouncil.net.

A driver can be a volunteer such as a neighbour, friend or family member who takes seniors to medical appointments, essential services or social or recreational activities. Once the name has been registered, the nominator will receive a Driving Angel pin and certificate to personally present to their angel.

World War II memories

The federal government recently announced funding for the Dominion Institute's Memory Project: Stories of the Second World War. The project will create a definitive record of Canada's participation in the Second World War through thousands of first-person accounts by veterans.

"More than a million Canadians served in World War II, and, on June 6, we remember D-Day, when 15,000 Canadians stormed Juno beach,” said James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage. “This project will ensure their sacrifice will not be forgotten."

Federal funding totalling $2.6 million will be used to build the Memory Project Digital Archive, an interactive website that stores the precious memories of individual Canadian veterans so that future generations can learn about and understand their sacrifices. The Archive will contain veterans' stories and important World War II artifacts.

Fighting prostate cancer

More than $1 million was raised across Canada during nine Safeway Father’s Day Walk/Runs for prostate cancer.

The walk/runs were held in Edmonton, Calgary, Halifax, Kamloops, London, Regina, Toronto, Vancouver and Victoria. This year 6,508 Canadians participated, topping the 3,954 that participated in 2008.

In total the runs raised $1,150,000 for prostate cancer research, topping the $916,000 raised at the runs in 2008.