One. Calgary couple Sid and Bronia Cyngiser are nominated for Immigrant of Distinction award for telling stories about their experience to survive Holocaust. Now they are 80 and 88 years old, have spoken a few hundred times at schools, churches, conferences from Grand Prairie and Suffield to Yellowknife. Bronia admits that it can be difficult at times to relive her memories on such a frequent basis. But, still it’s worthwhile when, for example, once a teen came up to her and revealed that she had been contemplating suicide but changed her mind after hearing Bronia speak. “I felt good that I had made a difference”, Bronia says.  Sid adds that he and Bronia have successfully raised two children, and now have four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Congratulations, Sid and Bronia Cyngisers!

“Calgary Herald”, Thursday, February 28, 2013.

Watch movie : “The Pianist”

Two. Those who are suffering from SAD (Seasonal Affecting Disorder) at winter or fall days have more than an actual chemical imbalance, SAD affects the emotions that people experience. First and foremost, get moving. Whether you feel like it or not, gor for a walk or hit the gym. Daily activity alone can sometimes be enough to turn things around.Making sure you get enough daylight on your skin can also make a huge difference. Try to take your walk between 11 a.m. and 1 p. m., the brightest part of the day, and be sure to open the blinds to let the sunshine in. Yoga and meditation can shift people’s mindset away from the worry and the negative.

“The Calgary Herald”, Thursday, February 28, 2013.

Three. If you are looking for some genuine belly laughs, look no further than The Calgary HIgh School Theatrespots Championship, presented by the Improv Guild. This year, 12 high schools are participating. Teams of four receive challenges from competition referees, such as creating a scene that involves and audience member. The winning team gets a spot at this year’s Improv Festival along with the scholarship. The event takes place on March 7 to 9 at the Epcor Centre for the Performing Arts’ Engineered Air Theatre.

“The Calgary Herald”, Thursday, February 28, 2013.

Four. The Cantare Children’s Choir is asking all gentlemen, “Are you man enough to sing?” Participants will spend a day with Cantare artistic director Catherine Glaser-Climie, who will teach them the basics of vocal production and reading music during a one-day workshop on March 2. Participants also will learn a few songs, including arrangements of Yellow Bird, Drunken Sailor and a “beautiful setting” of the Lord Byron poem She Walks in the Beauty. Info: 403-685-1132.

“Calgary Herald”, Thursday, February 28, 2013.

Five. Calgary native Diana McIntosh will perform three original works as part of the ProArts@Noon Concert Series on March 6, March 7. McIntosh is a composer, pianist and theatrical performer who has written for the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and performed in locales as diverse as Carnegie Hall and Kenya. Her one-woman works combine live piano music, pre-recorded audio and spoken word.

Info: proartssociety.ca

“The Calgary Herald”, Thursday, February 28, 2013.